travel

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Puerto Princesa "Palawan's Wonder of Nature"

Marking the day at Puerto Princesa

Palawan is the best place in our country that we proud all over the world. The province offer beautiful beaches, animals, and natural wonder. The most famous tourist spot is the St. Paul Subterranean River National Park also called Underground River. In 2012 , the Puerto Princesa Underground River was officially confirmed chosen as one of the New7Seven Wonder of Nature. One week vacation at Palawan is not enough so i focus my travel at the city of Puerto Princesa. Going to Underground river is almost 2 hours van travel from the city proper.

Welcome to Underground River

Almost 30 minutes boat ride before you reach the Underground River. Just enjoy nyo lang po ang mga makapigil hiningang magagandang tanawin while riding on boat . After you reach the port of the Underground River isang napakagandang limestone formations ang sasalubong sa inyo. Limestone are built by nature for thousand of years.

Limestone formations at my background.

a few minutes walk from port makikita nyo na po ang entrance ng Underground River

Entrance of Under Ground River

Must bring: If you plan taking photography inside the cave just bring your own flashlight. Only one flashlight lang po ang meron sa boat and the frontman of boat hold the light(I am frontman) so that i don't have shot inside the cave.

Exploring inside the cave is very fun. Just prepared your self tumawa ng tumawa because most of the boat man bring a lot of joke thumbs up!

Exit of Underground River

After Exploring the Underground River for half day! There is a cottage that offer us eat all you can lunch kaya ok na din libre eh. include in our tour package. I highly recommend to try the Tamilok of Palawan for only PhP100.00 but if you buy it sa mga restaurant in the city almost PhP300.00 .

Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

From the city proper , 20 minutes ride tricycle going to Palawan Wild life Rescue and Conservatory Center. Expect most the the tricycle driver offer you different tour package for their sideline. Pero mababait naman po mga people sa Puerto Pricesa at magagalang even you party late at night tourist are safe.

Wildlife Center is the home of Palawan different endangered species of animals.

Palawan hornbill

Palawan Bearcat

Palawan Loro

Inside the Wildlife Center, there is crocodile farm also.

Crocodile Farm

Speaking of party, one of my recommended place to drink or unwind at night is TIKI bar.

TiKi Restobar

2nd day of our tour spend island hoping at Honda Bay Island. 45 minutes travel by van from the city proper. Each Island from Honda Bay offers different trills but the LuLi Island, Starfish Island, and Cowrie Island are all great for swimming and snorkeling.

Travel team going to Honda Bay

At Starfish Island

Starfish hunting

We spend our lunch at Starfish Island, our tour guide prepared very delicious and presentable lunch. (Galing gumawa ng food presentation).

Inihaw na Tilapia

Salted egg

Chop cucumber salad

Inihaw na Liempo

2nd stopover! The LuLi Island, is a short termed for "Lulubog-Lilitaw" which means sink and rise, which is what the island does.; at high tide the island disappears and low tide , it reappears. Luli Island is the best place for snorkeling activities.

Welcome to LuLi Island

At Luli Island

Playing Dragonball kame hame wave at Luli Island

Snorkeling and fish feeding at Luli Island

3rd stop! The Cowrie Island , is named after the small to large sea snail called cowrie (ung gamit sa sungka na shell). Cowrie Island is the home of banana boat adventures.

Welcome to Cowrie Island

Banana boat experience

Must try food: Don't back to Manila if you did not try this exotic food from Puerto Princesa, Crocodile Sisig and Tamilok

Crocodile Sisig

Tamilok or Sea worm

Travel Tips:

- 3days and 2nights is not enough to explore the Puerto Princesa extend up to 5 days.

- Bring underwater cam sayang lahat ng view underwater if you did not capture it.

- Bring Snorkeling gear.

- Don't make tour by your self only. I highly recommend accept the tour package from travel agency but choose the cheapest one.

- Plan your trip 1 month ahead because the Underground River have schedule and quota per day.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Dubai "Definitely Dubai"

My own shot of Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab also known as "Tower of Arabs" for the local Emarati people living in dubai. It has been called the only 7 star hotel in the world. This hotel is the most iconic symbol of Dubai. It build to resemble the sail of dhow, a type of arabian vessel long time ago.

Burj Al Arab

Did you know the Burj Al Arab controversy?

The Burj Al Arab was designed by British Architect Tom Wright. During the designing stage, the world was told that it was built as resemble sail. But some of the critics claiming that Mr. Wright designed the cross after he had a dream to have Christian influence in a Muslim country. Some of the leader in Dubai suggested to remove the cross like at the Burj Al Arab. But some expert said it is the backbone of the building and impossible to remove. Due to that controversy if you staying in Dubai you cannot see any of the back view photo of Burj Al Arab. (please see picture below for reference ).

Rare backview of Burj Al Arab

Critic said the World Largest Crusifix

photo source: www.thephotoforum.com

Burj Khalifa

After the Burj Al Arab the second most popular landmark in Dubai is Burj Khalifa. The Original name is Burj Dubai when constructing. But changed at the last minuet to honor Shiek Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nayan., the ruler of Abu Dhabi for bailing out the Dubai's bankrupt sovereign wealth fund with a $10 billion in 2009. Burj Khalifa hold the different wold records such as tallest freestanding structure in the world, the highest number of stories in the world, highest occupied floor in the world, and the highest service elevator in the world .

Burj Khalifa

Atlantis Dubai or lost city

Atlantis is located at the Palm Jumeriah, one of the luxury village in Dubai. It was the first resort to build in the island is themed on the myth of Atlantis of course with the arabian element. Inside the Atlantis there a big aquarium and resorts, According to Joey De Leon when I watch the Mel & Joey Dubai episode. The room rate per night at Atlantis is PhP 500,000.00 almost the price of brand new car .

Atlantis Dubai

Aquarium Inside Atlantis

Sea creature Art at ceiling of Atlantis

If you want to Experience that old and traditional Dubai try to explore the Dubai creek

Dubai creek

At Dubai creek

Must try: If you plan to visit Dubai don't ever forget to include to your itinerary the Dessert Safari tour.

Dessert Safari

Must try Food : Original and Authentic Shawarma, beef or chicken only. but expected the indian server prepare this shawarma without any gloves ..yummy!

Authentic Shawarma

My vintage shot of young Arab boy

Time to relax at Batuta Mall Dubai

Monday, September 1, 2014

Batu Caves "Hindus Cave"

Gold Lord Murugan of Hindu

Batu Caves is the most sacred place of Hindus in Malaysia. They consist of three caves and the smaller ones. Upon approaching the entrance of the cave. You have to climb 272 steps, which lead to you the religious and magnificent Batu caves.

Entrance view of the cave

Golden Statue of Lord Murugan is the Largest Hindu statue in the world.

Entrance view of Batu Cave

At your arrival they greeted you a lot of monkeys. They are going for you to get your food or any plastic that you bring. So take care for your belongings, they are number one thieves in the cave.