Throwback Thursday: My Unexpected Love for Luang Prabang

It was back in early 2012 when my ex-colleague and I randomly chatted how we both wanted to backpack around SouthEast Asia. He shared how he did it few years ago during his university gap year and how he still wanted to visit those places again. I, on the other hand, wanted to visit those I haven't been to.  

On our list was Hanoi Vietnam, Siem Reap Cambodia, Koh Samui Thailand, and Laos. We have to find a way how to travel to these places safely without sacrificing time and visit at least three on the list. During our search, we luckily found out that Bangkok Airways has a discovery airpass thing. This type of routing and booking allows you to choose international and domestic flights operated by Bangkok Airways and Lao Airlines within some of the SouthEast Asian countries/cities. All you have to do is plot out your desired route based on the routing schedule they have already set. Unfortunately, a flight departing from Singapore is not included in their routing. But don't fret, because lots of budget airlines fly out of Singapore to either Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and even Laos. Wherever you plan to start your trip from Singapore, that would be your starting point of the discovery airpass. Cool right?

Traveling to Hong Kong while pregnant

I was around 28 weeks pregnant when the husband and I decided to celebrate Christmas away from home. This was last year when we both can't go home to Cebu because I was anyway due to go home in mid January. We thought why not celebrate the occasion differently, something that we haven't done before. And the easiest choice was to travel somewhere cold and experience Christmas in another place.

Hong Kong was top on the list because firstly, its near Singapore and travel time is not that long. Secondly, its winter season in Hong Kong that means weather is very different in sunny Singapore. Thirdly, Cathay Pacific had an ongoing sale for a roundtrip ticket to HK for the Christmas season. How was that for a coincidence? I certainly did my happy dance :)

Traveling with a bump more so at 28 weeks was not easy especially with the bump like mine which looked like I was about to pop anytime :D So yes, it was huge! You have to first make sure that you get a go ahead (medical certificate) from your OB that you are safe to travel. Once that's settled, then prepare your body and mind for the flight. Don't expect too much priority will be given to you just because you are pregnant or else you will be disappointed and it will affect your mood. Keep an open mind and think that you will enjoy the trip inspite of the big ball you're carrying :) Bring your own tumbler/water bottle during the flight and have it filled up with water to keep you hydrated (we all know that preggers need water all the time). Bring your little pillow to add extra comfort to your seat. Non-budget airlines will provide you with one but I was glad I had my belly pillow with me. In all times, if you can, show off your belly to get that priority. Use it to your advantage because it's never easy to queue up in the airport or taxi stand :D

It's more FUN in the Philippines!

I have been working overseas for the past 6 years now. I usually go on vacation to my hometown, Cebu, twice or three times a year. However, these trips back home are usually short and quick. The longest I've stayed for vacation was 3 weeks and that was during our wedding in 2009.

I have always hoped I could have a longer vacation in the Philippines so I can visit the islands and beaches I love. If I had the time, we always do quick trips to nearby beaches and resorts for day use. And when I say nearby, its just within Cebu province.

My country is very rich in natural resources and known for its beautiful beaches and islands. We have a lot to offer and its shame that most of us locals have not been to most of these paradise. I have traveled to quite a few beaches in Southeast Asia but realized I have seen very less of my country. I envy my friends who have seen a lot of these places. But happy nonetheless that Filipinos are truly appreciating the beauty of what the Philippines has to offer to the world.

Now that I am in Cebu, I hope I could at least make a trip to some of my dream islands. I know I am here for delivery and can only travel once my little bun is older, but what the heck! I think it wouldn't hurt to get out of the house and spend a day or two under the sun. So while I dream away and wait for things to fall into place, let me share to you the beautiful islands and resorts I want to check out soon.

#1 Club Paradise, Coron Palawan - http://www.clubparadisepalawan.com/index.html

(image from google)

I haven't been to Coron, Palawan ever and this resort has been top of my list since last year. Although I don't mind staying in a less expensive resort but if we have the moolah, why not go all out?! Hehehe

#2 Amorita Resort, Panglao Bohol - http://www.amoritaresort.com/

(image from google)  

Unlike Coron, Panglao is not new to me. I have been to the island quite a few times since Bohol is just 45 minutes away from Cebu by ferry. But this new boutique resort is such a sight and I could not allow myself not to include it in my list. I have read raves about this place and its making me more excited.

#3 Tao Philippines Expedition, Palawan - http://www.taophilippines.com/

(image from Tao's facebook page)

I know this is not a resort but this group values the beauty of Palawan so much that they organized an expedition which connects El Nido and Coron. The trip is not a tour between these islands but sort of immersion to the place with the locals helping out and explorers will experience the local life. Check out more information in their website. 

#4 Fridays, Boracay Island - http://fridaysboracay.com/

(image from google)

The second time I was in Boracay was to celebrate our honeymoon. We really didn't have the time to explore the island due to our tight schedule. That is why the husband and I promised we will go back and explore the island big time and we will stay in this resort, which I fell in love the first time I saw it.

I can't wait to visit these beautiful places. Indeed, my country has a lot to offer in terms of tourism. It's more Fun in the Philippines!

Chiangmai Thailand on a tour package

It was our first time to join a tour package. I can't recall why I booked it in the first place when in fact we have been to Thailand quite a few times already :) I initially thought that the deal was a steal only to find out there were lots of hidden charges and flight schedules were limited. What a bummer! We didn't have a choice but to push through with the trip with additional expenses on weekend flights and tour guide fee, which by the way was not mentioned in the tour operator's T&C. Oh well!

I have never been a fan of tour packages however, they are sometimes helpful when you are traveling with family or with the big group. But if you travel with your partner or traveling alone, please avoid booking one. It's more fun exploring the place without any specific schedule.

Anyway, enough of my rants. Here's what was included in our 3 day itinerary, which only included 2 days touring. 

First stop was a Chinese restaurant. Photo above is a bird's nest soup. I figured that these tour operators partner with shops, restaurants and other small businesses to rip off money from tourists. Glad we only tried the soup which tasted okay.

They also brought us to other small shops like those selling honey and other herbal teas. We only tasted what was offered for free and never bought a thing :D

Then off to a temple on a mountain top. I am never a fan of temples so I got bored :) It was opposite for the husband.

The umbrella factory was quite a sight. They showed us how it was crafted and how locals benefit from such business. I love the colors!

Dinner was an authentic Chiangmai food. They brought us to a huge restaurant with local performers and other tourists on a tour package as well. We had sticky rice (which I love), pandan chicken and veggies. Its eat all you can with food served by the locals.

Second day was another tour day. First stop was the elephant show. Ironically, it was the first time I watched an elephant show in Thailand even if I've been to the country quite a lot :) They do have amazing tricks but I am always half hearted towards these gentle giants. Sorry.

Also visited an orchid sanctuary.

Lastly, we visited the famous long necked village. I've read sad stories about them thats why I hesitated taking lots of photos. Some say they're housed in that village by a rich government official and forced to wear traditional costumes to attract tourists. I am not really sure if its true but whether there's truth in it or none, they're still worth visiting.

Before heading back to our hotel, we requested the tour guide to bring us to the market to try their exotic foods - the insects :) They don't actually taste as bad as they look. They're quite tasty especially when dipped in vinegar.

The hub and I spent the last day walking around the nearby alleys and streets to discover off the beaten track attractions. Luckily, we managed to find a few.

Not-so Dreamy Dreamland Beach, Bali

My dear friend suggested that we check out this "supposedly" dreamy beach while at Nusa Dua, Bali. There was so much hype about this place, apparently, which made her gushed about it for our trip. So off we searched and booked a taxi to bring us to this much talked about beach area.

While on the way, I've read here that Dreamland beach is not-so dreamy at all. I did not believe at first because my friend mentioned, the area is really pretty and I will like it, however at the same time, I did not set my expectations high.

Unfortunately, the blog was indeed true. We arrived at the place packed with tourists, not the foreign tourists that we used to see in Bali but tourists on field trip buses mostly from Jakarta. I'm not saying that its a bad thing, what I'm saying is its something new to me. It was just very crowded for our relaxed get away and the beach area was not that impressive at all. But since, the husband and I are so used to unexpected circumstances, we tried to enjoy the place anyway.

Bali, Indonesia - second time around

This trip is quite opposite from the last time we were here in 2010. Our first trip was with friends and we spent our days learning how to surf and beach bumming in Kuta Beach and Padang-padang.

This time around, its just me, the husband and the beautiful beach of Nusa Dua. We stayed in the lovely resort of Courtyard by Marriott. We were lucky enough to receive a two night stay at this luxury hotel after attending a seminar at Marriot vacation club (which I highly recommend). Otherwise, without the voucher, we would not consider staying here. We are cheapos like that! :D However, if you want to relax, chill out and enjoy friendly service, this resort is worth checking. I personally love the interior of the lobby and the design of the rooms. It defined modern, chic and elegance.

Coz travel stories are meant to be shared...

YES! I have decided to reincarnate my almost dead blog :)

I realized I could not design a blog of my own and css codes are just too much for my little brain to handle  thus I am back to blogspot. Nevermind that I purchased a domain and tried to make my own travel website but to no avail. So I am back! :)

I promise to tell you stories about my recent travels and previous ones that I have yet to sort out photos :) I am soo lazy at this kind of thing, sorting out photos that is. Makes me miss the place all the more, yet it gives me a different kind of excitement.

For the next couple of days or months, I will share the awesome and not-so nice experiences we had while backpacking in Europe with my sister, the two weeks break I had (because I resigned from work) and backpacked to Bangkok, Laos and Koh Samui, the first time we joined a package tour in Chiang Mai Thailand, the relaxing/pampered trip we had in Melbourne and Sydney with my mum and my recent birthday trip to Bali. Looooong list! Expect an overload of photos soon. Watch this space! =)

Meantime, while I dissect words to post, enjoy my current favorite travel song ^_^





Btw, who knows how to edit my header so I can add a background photo in it? :D

Beach bumming in Bali, Indonesia

Long overdue post ahead... :D

I can't believe I forgot to write more about our Bali trip last year :D I've written about our first day but didn't bother to write about the rest of our trip. And it took me almost a year to remember to finally share our awesome experience in the island :D Pasensya tao lang! hihi

Bali is known for its long stretch of white sand beaches, surfing, scuba diving and recently became more famous because of the movie Eat, Pray, Love =) . This place has been one of my must-see places to visit and I was not disappointed during our entire trip last November 2010.


Since, we traveled during the off peak season, the usually crowded Kuta beach is fortunately quite.

Our major agenda on this trip was to just BEACH BUM and maybe try out surfing if we don't chicken out. Apparently, my friend Chris was already itching to try it and after watching her learn the tricks, I was convinced to try it out myself...even if I DO NOT know how to swim :)) Confidence and courage were my weapons :))) Luckily though, I survived and did a few stands while riding the waves. Awesome experience! Unfortunately, my actual surfing photos are not yet available for the viewing public, so enjoy the following for now :D

How we enjoyed the busy Ho Chi Minh City!

Last April, the husband and I backpacked to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for the first time. It was our first in the country and our first in a backpackers hostel.

We arrived around 9:00pm local time at the Tan Son Nhat Airport (thanks to Jetstar's Friday Sale) with so much anticipation of the place and the people. We booked our stay in a lovely and cheap Nguyen Kang Hostel located in District 1. They're clean, simple, decent and in a good location. Before we confirmed our trip, I made tentative reservation through email and their staff were all kind enough to reserved a place for us without any downpayment. They charged us 20usd per night (with simple breakfast) for a room with windows. However, if you are comfortable to stay in a room without windows, they charge 18usd. Not bad! And if you arrive in the evening, I suggest you request for airport pick up from your hostel because getting a cab from the airport is a bit difficult. For one, most locals do not speak English and two, they could overcharge you. Haggling with these cab drivers is pointless because you won't understand each other =) The airport pick up saves you the hassle of explaining the direction to the driver which will of course eventually saves your time. Our hostel charged 8usd to 14usd, depending on how late you arrive.

If you book in the same hostel, this creepy-looking alley will be your main entrance. Be not afraid! because on our last day, they painted the walls, light blue :D Notice the half-done wall paint? :P

We love Vietnamese food and we've read many good reviews of cafes and restaurants around the city. So on our first night, we immediately searched for one resto in our list. Apparently, the resto's location is a bit far from our hostel and since we were soo famished, we rummaged the first nice looking cafe we saw - Sasa Cafe (along District 1). They have the yummiest lime juice I've tasted so far!

Along this area, you will find many street food vendors, pubs and homeless old people sleeping in corners and shacks :(

The following days were spent getting-to-know-more-about-the-city, which was equivalent to bracing the summer heat and tired (but happy) feet =)

The post office where I dropped the postcards sent to our housemates <3

The Notredame Cathedral

The War Museum - where photos and stories broke my heart and made me feeling drained even after we left the place :( I did not bother to take photos because it was too painful to look at.  But I salute the brave photographers who risked their lives just to capture the dreadful scenes. If not for them, tourists and locals alike will not have an inch of idea what Vietnam was during the war.  Still a must visit!

Don't forget to try out their yummy iced coffee on the streets. I bet my life for you to try this one! :P

Okay, so this photo does not give justice on how interesting Ben Thanh Market was :) Ignore the facial expression and list the place on your itinerary. You will surely find a thing or two while strolling around the market. Try going there during the day and during the night, you will then know what I mean :)

This place is a must for dinner :D Quan An Ngon along Vo Van Tan Street. Delish and cheap Vietnamese food. Nice ambiance and friendly staffs =)

If you are on strict budget, the food stalls along the street is another option. Some of them looked unclean from the outside but in fairness, they do serve it clean. Still delicious and most importantly, cheap :D

And if you feel like splurging on your last lunch in the city, try out Lemongrass along District 1. It's a bit pricey but worth it, at least for us :)

Then check out artwork displays. Unfortunately, most of them were not real paintings.

And oh, if you're feeling a bit spontaneous or tired, you can try their bike tour. They have the most unusual bikes I've seen so far and most overpriced at that :P Be careful when checking the price, the drivers will convince you with their "have-pity-on-me-i-am-old" look :D Nevertheless, we tried it for an hour and ended up paying for two hours because the grandpa was too slow. Oh well, the fun was worth it anyway! Look at our happy faces :D

Can you guess how old the driver is? :)

The city is quite small so you only need a day to check out all the interesting places and still have time for shopping :) We were there for three days and had so much free time lazing around and finding off the beaten tracks. Our second day was spent on the Mekong River tour. Up on the next post.

Hope you find this post helpful =) My mind is now wandering around Southeast Asia and the many more countries I need to visit. Wander lusting mood for now!