Hike Climb Dive Puerto Galera

My views and understanding of Puerto Galera has changed when our team went there some few weeks ago. Some of my friends wouldn't recommend a trip to Galera because of the bumpy boat ride from Batangas pier to the island. And I was able to experience it when our team went to Galera for our Christmas 2014 trip. I enjoyed the ride though it's risky for those who are not as adventurous as me.

I was assigned to book our accommodation so I made it a point that it will be affordable for the team. Hotels near white beach are tempting but not budget friendly for us who are just going to stay there for a night. Good thing I've found one that has good value for money thru metrodeal.com. We stayed in Lucky Five Garden house- it is a residential house turned into a mini dorm. They have a free shuttle service to and from the guest house. I guess they partnered with Father & Son shipping lines, it's the company name of the boat we boarded from Batangas. The fee per person includes free breakfast for only Php600 but of course you'd get a discount if you travel by group.

@Lucky Five Garden house

We took advantage of one of their land tours and activities that they offered after lunch. Our group headed first to Tukuran Falls. The drive was quiet long but it's all worth it. I certainly enjoyed the hike as our tour guide made us walk for approximately 20 minutes (but I'm guessing 'twas more than 20) as we crossed 4 rivers and climbed through those big rocks just to see the very scenic Tukuran waterfalls. The experience took me down memory lane as I remembered my partner and I journey to Telaga Tujuh in Langkawi island four years ago. Our group also passed by at the hanging bridge and the Tamarraw falls on our way back and took some photos as souvenir.

The night life in the island is in what they called 'white beach'. It is the part of the island where you can see a lot of bars that offers their famous Mindoro sling. Lots of souvenir shops are also in white beach.

We had the best night after we exchanged gifts, bought some souvenirs and headed home tired but happy:-] Merry Christmas team!

Crossing one of the rivers going to Tukuran falls

Welcome to Tukuran falls-a hidden paradise!

My poster perfect photo of the trip. Do you agree?

Photo credits: Jonnathan Autor & Paula Navarro

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Boracay Beauties

Early morning views of the island

All prep and excited for Island hopping

The bowl of Lomi that we savoured before our flight back

June 18, 2014 marked my 2nd year in CVG. Since I got promoted first quarter of the year, I did have plans to celebrate it but never had in my mind to spend some days in Boracay. The trip to Boracay is an idea of one of my office mates who likes visiting Boracay every year. It also served as our mini team building because I traveled with some of my team mates.

We never used a travel agent but booked our own return air tickets online. We took the Manila-Kalibo-Manila flight thru AirAsia. The said airline also offers transfer package thru a local agency based in Kalibo (http://www.southwesttoursboracay.com) I recommend you take the package to avoid hassle specially when you travel during the night. There are lots of accommodations in Boracay especially in station 2 so you don't have to worry where to stay once you get there. Just simply book a flight, bring enough cash, carry a light weight bag with your shades and slippers on (oh! don't forget to bring your swimming stuff) then you're good to go. 

BORACAY? Since I've never been to Bora before why not give it a chance.

Like in many reviews and blogs I've read, it is true that the place is very commercialized but there's no question to how beautiful the island is. It's one of the best in the world as described in many travel and leisure magazines.

Some things you can do in Boracay (the Lingzi way):

1. Early morning walk or jogging. You'll appreciate the beach more in the morning when most of the tourists are still sleeping.
2. Island hopping is the less expensive group activity. Be friendly with the locals so you can haggle and get a good price.
3. Eat at Talipapa for fresh sea foods. It is right at Station 2 entrance.
4. Shop for souvenirs. Souvenir shops are anywhere in Boracay.
5. Sit down while sipping your favorite drink and watch the world go by...

'twas the day!

In my quest for unique travel photos...

I highly recommend Agoda for up to 70% discount on accommodations in Boracay

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Langkawi- truly a Jewel of Kedah

One of the best island to go in Malaysia is Langkawi. And the one thing that we liked about Langkawi? hmmm... watching the sunset every afternoon. Our favorite place to go to watch not just the sunset but also those planes flying in and out of the island is at Pantai Cenang beach.

During our one week stay, we chose to rent a motorbike or moped so it is easier for us to travel around the island and stop at any where we want to. We also tried different eating places everyday for variety and we found two wonderful shops to dine. One of them is the Artisans Pizza for pizza of course, ginger tea and they also serve a very nice breakfast. Our favorite dinner place is named Orkid Ria. They are both located in Pantai Cenang.

We also enjoyed the road trip to Gunung Raya, the Underwater World and when we took the cable car ride or what they call as sky cab to reached the air bridge at the top of Mt. Machinchang. We also experienced another segway ride like what we did in Singapore at the Oriental Village.

sunset at Pantai Cenang

 at Underwater World Langkawi

at the Air bridge

a sumptuous dinner at Orkid Ria..just one of them nights!

the breathtaking view of the islands from the air bridge..705 meters above sea level

Visit Taman Buaya or Crocodile farm and watch the Crocodile show

Four Seasons Langkawi..a paradise!

Have you been to Langkawi? Share your amazing story below.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Unforgettable Penang

One of the things you can do while in Bayview

One of the best place I've been to is Pulau Penang or simply PENANG. It is also a favorite island destination among tourists and the first island in Malaysia that I've ever visited.

I've been to Penang in two occassions. The first one was September 2009, just two weeks after the opening of Hard Rock hotel and Hard Rock Cafe Penang and the first week of December 2009. We stayed in Bayview beach hotel in Batu Ferringhi on our first visit. What's the best thing about Bayview? It's their lovely breakfast. I love their omelette. We also enjoyed strolling every night at the night market and dropped by at our favorite Long Beach hawker food center. We also dined in one of the most highly regarded restaurant called Batu Ferringhi Garden. In fact, it became our favorite restaurant.

at Batu Ferringhi

After a few days at the beach area, we've moved down town at Eastern and Oriental hotel. E&O was full of surprises that I would not also forget in my entire life. The hotel is very charming and classic with a friendly staff that made our stay more memorable. We walked around Georgetown the entire afternoon and left the hotel in the morning after a superb breakfast.

'Til I see you again E&O!

Our last stop was at the musical place Hard Rock hotel where we also had a night at the cafe dining and listening to a live band.

Hard Rock at night

I never knew there is such thing as 'teh tarik' (pulled tea) and ginger tea. Best served with a yummy pizza.

a very old temple in Georgetown

There so much to do in Penang yet so little time. We enjoyed our trips to the Spice Garden, Kik Lok Si temple (also my first time to see a very huge Buddha), a train ride to Bukit Bendera or Penang hill and our mini adventure around Georgetown. I would always love Penang for so many reasons.

Will post a separate story about Georgetown soon!