Majestic Mt. Pinatubo

I’m psyched to share my first hiking adventure with you. Yey! I’m no expert, so if you’re looking for pro-tips, you won’t find it here. But stay with me, I’m sure you can pick something useful—or not. Kidding!

Btw, this happened last February. Soooo..yeah.. Super late post! Guilty as charged! O.O

Going back to the topic. Make sure to do some preps, a few weeks before the actual trek. Go for a jog or run or cycle, anything that will help in increasing your endurance and in conditioning your muscles before an intensive activity.

Things you need (or the things I brought):

• 1L of water (our guide provided another 1L so that makes it 2L of water)
• Towel
• Sunglasses
• Cap
• Scarf
• Snacks (I brought jelly sticks—no judging please)
• Money (prepare small change—you need it when using the toilet)
• Slippers / extra clothes (change to something comfy after the hike)
• Toiletries (if you are want to take a bath after)
• Phone / Camera (you know why)

We started our ascension around 6 in the morning, so we were able to witness the sunrise on our way. Before the actual hike, we had to ride a 4×4 for around 2 hours or less to drop us at the starting point. The ride will be bumpy and dusty, this is where the sunglasses and scarf will come in handy.

We had a quick stop at this place they called Toblerone Hill (I guess because of the shape) to take some photos and selfies.

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Be prepared for a rough and rocky terrain. Do yourself a favour and make sure to wear durable shoes. And if you are planning to wear trekking sandals, do wear some socks. This will save your precious feet from blisters. Also, do not force yourself. Take your time and don’t get pressured by others’ progress. Better be safe than sorry. Take quick breaks and enjoy the view. Hiking is something that can de-stress you, so have fun and take it easy.

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The real challenge was the 30minute trek to the crater but it was worth it! The view was…beyond words to describe.

When we reached the crater, it was already drizzling so the view is quite gloomy. Rain or shine I think the scene will be breathtaking. Be the judge.

And as enticing as it is to jump into the water, swimming is prohibited. It was quite an experience and would love to go for more hiking trips. Hopefully anytime soon.

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The Bangkok Experience

I was dumbfounded by the richness of Thailand’s culture. They really did a good job with keeping their culture until this day.

Our first stop: Jim Thompson House

They have a souvenir shop where you can buy all sorts of products made with silk (scarves, bags, shirts, pouches and many more)

This wood was used in the past to transfer intricate designs to silk.

We also visited The Grand Palace and Wat Po (the famous Reclining Buddha) by riding the Chao Phraya River Cruise.

This is a good example of a photobomber. Ha ha

Some more shots inside the temple.

Wat Arun from a far.

Lunch like a royal family at Blue Elephant. Lol

Chicken Curry. Yum! ლ(´ڡ`ლ)

Of course, what’s a BKK experience without going to a night market.

MBK at night.

We also checked out the newly opened mall, Terminal 21. It’s a one floor-one concept shopping mall. The concept represents different market streets around the world. Each floor is decorated in to a well-known city streets such as Rome, Tokyo, Japan, Istanbul, etc. The toilets also differs depending on the country they represent—I checked every toilet. Lol

Artsy streets of Bangkok.

I can say, Suvarnabhumi Airport is one of the nicest airports I’ve been to.

’Til my next trip. ❤

Haven in the City

Being busy is now part of everybody’s life. But it was never wrong to stop and take a break. Let’s unwind and take a breather. Let’s visit Gardens by the Bay.

The Supertrees Grove.

You can walk around and see many fascinating stuff. Like this “floating” sculpture—Planet by Marc Quinn.

A close-up of the Canonball Tree.

If you don’t have anything to do at night, you really have to stay and wait for the light show (OCBC Garden Rhapsody.) It so surreal.

You should also visit the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest while waiting for the light show.

FLOWER DOME:

These flowers looks like fairies.

This flower is so cool. It’s leaves are grey and only the flowers have a colour. Looks photoshopped  but it’s not.

CLOUD FOREST:

Look at the rainbow

The highest part of CF

Btw, it’s cold inside the dome since they are mimicking the Cloud Forest.

If I have to choose between the two domes, I prefer the Cloud Forest just because it’s dope!

For more information about the Gardens by the Bay, visit their official site.

Lazarus Island

My sister bought a coupon to celebrate her birthday on a yacht at a cheap price. So, Riding on a yacht. Let’s crossed that out of my bucket list. And we’re heading to Lazarus Island as part of the package. Lazarus Island is one of the Southern islands in Singapore.

Our ride

The place is really serene and relaxing.

A panoramic view of the island.

Panoramic view of Lazarus Island

We had our dinner at the island as well. So it was dark already when we got back. It was quite an experience, an unforgettable one.

 

Coron, Nature’s Paradise

This entry is long overdue! I was supposed to post this months ago. So, my friends and I went to Coron, Philippines in mid of August.

If you are nature-lover slash beach lover slash island-hoppers slash divers or those sun-worshiping adventurer. Any of those description that fits you, you have to go here! I promise you won’t regret it.

Upon arriving from the airport, it took us about around 45 minutes to get to the city. We headed for Coron Village Lodge to leave our things before going around town. The lodge is pretty decent for a budget-friendly accommodation. My priority for lodging is that it is clean. The package we got includes 4D4N lodging with two breakfast plus 3-day tour for P6230/person or about 142USD. Aside from the occasional power and water shortage, everything else was good.

Day 1
We stroll around Coron Municipality before heading off to the sea port. We set out to climb Mt. Tapyas. A total of 700+ steps, which was really worth climbing when you reach the top and see the view.

Tricycle is the primary mode of transportation there which can accommodate up to 8 passengers

peak of Mt. Tapyas

At last!We made it. WOOHOO! Among our friends, the 4 of us were the first to reached the top.

Don’t forget to bring some water—you are going to need it. Or you can just from the vendors around the area. A bottle of water costs around P25. One of them took our photos at the peak of the mountain. He even asked us to pose like this. Too cheesy…

FYI, tapyas is a Cuyunon term which means “sliced from the whole.” According to the locals there, the Japanese used this mountain as a hiding place during the World War II. And when the Americans discovered it, they bombed it so a part was chipped off ergo the name Mt. Tapyas.

We dropped by Maquinit Hot Springs before having dinner. Unfortunately, I have no photos because I didn’t bring my camera with me, too scared to get it wet. You can go to this link for some info about it.

We had dinner at Bistro Coron. I suggest eating here when you’re in Coron. Their food is really nice. I ordered Mexican Chicken for P205.

Day 2

First stop, Dicantuman Beach. The island was somehow have an “exclusive” feel to it. There were no other tourists but us—it’s like having our own private island. LOL We took a swim first while waiting for our lunch which Kuya Butchoy, our guide, cooked.

Our lunch

What is an island-hopping without the famous coconut. The spoon Drew’s holding was made out of the coconut husk.

Exploring the island

And after having lunch, we’re off to the famous Kayangan Lake. It is one of the seven lakes in Coron and it is saide to be one of the cleanest lake in the Philippines. I don’t dare argue with that as the water is so clear that it’s like there’s no water at all. This place have that enchanted vibe to it. Like you can feel the place is somewhat magical. You’ll know what I’m saying when you go there. Definitely one of the best places I’ve been to.

Dinner at Manneken Pis Restaurant. My order was their homemade burger steak for P210. Nothing beats homemade patties.:)

We saw a newly opened coffee shop—Dad’s Coronzy Coffee and Tea. We took the liberty to try it out.

Day 3
We were not able to follow our itinerary because of the bad weather which included the Pass Island, Siete Pecados and Lusong Shipwreck. We had to spend the whole morning in another island called Banua-Atwayan.

Luckily, the rain stopped in the afternoon. So we’re able to got to Barracuda Lake. You first have to hike up and down before reaching the lake. The hike was nothing compared to Mt. Tapyas though. The water was as clear as the Kayangan Lake and the place was serene. After that we’re off to Marine Coral Garden. It was AMAZING! Like wow! Sadly, I don’t have an underwater camera so I can’t show you how beautiful the corals underwater was. Remember to visit this place when you go to Coron.

Last dinner in Coron is at Santino’s Grill. I forgot my things at the lodge. (What’s happening to me, I keep forgetting my camera!) Anyway, this restaurant is famous for their baby back ribs, and I now I know why. It is one of the BEST ribs I’ve tried! Falls of the bones kind of ribs. Yum!!

Day 4
Last day of our trip. We went to Sea Dive Restaurant for brunch. I got the Sea Dive Tapa plus French Toast. Before heading to the airport, we bought some souvenirs first. And of course some cashew nuts.

Hope to see you again Coron!!!