Monday, October 28, 2013

My Ever Dearest, Singapore

Singapore Suggested Itinerary with Budget



For maps, click here
For more pictures, click here
For Kuala Lumpur itinerary, click here
For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Penang itinerary, click here

Going the Distance, Penang

Penang is the second smallest Malaysian state in area after Perlis, and the eighth most populous. It is composed of two parts – Penang Island, where the seat of government is, and Seberang Perai (formerly Province Wellesley in English) on the Malay PeninsulaThe National Physical Plan of Malaysia envisages a Conurbation of George Town encompassing George Town and surrounding areas. The greater metropolitan area of Penang consists of highly urbanised Penang Island, Seberang Prai, Sungai PetaniKulim and the surrounding areas. With a population of approximately two million, it is the second largest metropolitan area in Malaysia after the Conurbation of Kuala Lumpur (Klang Valley).

Penang from Kuala Lumpur is approximately 12 hours by bus. Luckily, I found a cheap round-trip airfare (via www.airaisa.com) to and from Penang. Since my flight was early in the morning, I decided to stay overnight at LCCT. Sleeping at LCCT was not as good as sleeping at HKIA. So extra caution is needed. 

Penang Suggested Itinerary with Budget


Notes and Highlights

1. Penangites are warm and friendly people. Though many of them do not know how to speak English,  this does not hinder them to respond to lost tourists asking for some direction. 

2. Prepare exact amount when riding the bus. There's still no MTR/MRT in Penang/Georgetown, and so the bus is the best transport to use.

3. Georgetown is an old town. There are lots of old structures and houses. Even the hostel I have stayed in is a very old house. It's creepy, yes, but the place is homey and peaceful. 

4. At first, I was intimidated by the empty streets of Georgetown. It was raining that time, which might explain why they were empty. But soon after the rain stopped, I have seen lots of tourists, mostly Europeans, wandering around. 

5. Penang "PBB Teens" Story. When I found the signage "Muntri", I walked in and went straight to the receptionist. To be honest, he is damn cute "korean-looking" guy. So and so, I handed my passport and told him I booked through www.booking.com. As he was looking for my reservation, I interrupted him with too many questions, like: what is the fastest way going to the airport, where's the nearest money changer, etc. He was too kind to answer each of them. He went back looking for my reservation and asked me if I had printed it since he could not find my name on their list. I handed a copy and after looking at it, he gave me the cutest smile and told me, I entered the wrong guesthouse. It was Muntri House where I made a reservation and not Muntri Guesthouse. I just smiled and apologized then I walked away. But before I stepped out of the house, he called and told me: "Miss beautiful, would you mind if I ask you for a dinner tonight?" Guess what my response was? I said no. Haha! Suplada lang.

6. I expected too much from Penang. And so, I was kind of disappointed when I saw the city hall. It's not in a good condition, at all. 

7. If antiquity and history amaze one person, he will definitely enjoy Penang/Georgetown. 

For maps, click here
For more pictures, click here
For Kuala Lumpur itinerary, click here
For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Singapore itinerary, click here




Sunday, October 27, 2013

Magnificent Melaka

From KL, one may visit Melaka as a side trip, travel of which is approximately 3 hours by bus. Buses are stationed at Bandar Tasik Selatan, a very efficient and organized bus terminal. We had no problem in booking our tickets even if we bought them on the same day of travel. Nothing to worry as there are plenty of bus companies selling them. 

Melaka is a small town and tourist spots are close to each other, making it perfect to be explored by walking. What I enjoyed in Melaka are the cute tuk-tuks, and the feeling Melaka gave me as if I went back in time.  

Melaka Suggested Itinerary with Budget:


For maps, click here
For more pictures, click here
For Kuala Lumpur Itinerary, click here
For Penang Itinerary, click here
For Singapore Itinerary, click here

Culture-Shocking Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, sometimes abbreviated as K.L., is the federal capital and most populous city in MalaysiaRated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic center of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city. 
(reference and lifted from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuala_Lumpur)

Kuala Lumpur Suggested Itinerary with Budget:



Notes and Highlights

1. One thing I like in KL is that the sun sets around 7 to 8 pm, making days longer for roaming around the city. 

2. I will never, ever (if I will go back) trust Malaysian taxi drivers. Upon arrival at KL Sentral, we looked for the monorail as this would be our transport to our hostel. Unfortunately, we failed to locate the monorail station and so we decided to ask for some directions from the taxi drivers stationed  just outside KL Sentral. One of the drivers, seemingly sincere and kind, told us that the monorail is blocks and blocks away. Because we were too exhausted, plus we're carrying our luggage and it was already dark, we decided to ride his taxi for 35 ringgit (around 500 pesos). The next morning, since we were all energized, we tried finding the monorail station. To our surprise, it's just across the street from where we have asked the driver. 

3. Petronas is indeed a classic piece of architectural treasure. One should visit it at least twice, one during day and one at night. 

4. I was not mesmerized by Batu Cave. Maybe because I have seen caves in Cagayan which are better than it. Plus, I am afraid of monkeys.

5. Like Petronas, KL trip is not complete without visiting Putrajaya. I'd rather go back to Putra than to explore Batu Cave again. 

6. Putrajaya tours are provided by legit taxi drivers just outside Putrajaya Station. The tours vary per hour and per number of destination.

7. I did not enjoy Jalan Alor Street. Maybe because of three things: I was too exhausted; the place was too congested; We ate at a not so good restaurant. 

8. The KL transport system is good. At least better than Philippines'. The use of MRT is the best option to explore the city. The bus terminal in Bandar Tasik Selatan is indescribably organized and efficient.  

9. Sleeping at LCCT is permitted but do exercise extra caution. 

For maps, click here
For more pictures, click here
For Melaka itinerary, click here
For Penang itinerary, click here
For Singapore itinerary, click here

Sunday, September 15, 2013

Kota Kinabalu, Fluorishing City of Sabah

Kota Kinabalu [...], formerly known as Jesselton, is the capital of the state of Sabah, which is located in East Malaysia. [...] Kota Kinabalu is often known as KK within Malaysia and internationally. For the locals it is also known as Api-Api.
(Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kota_Kinabalu)

Most of the people who knew about my trip to KK asked me, what the hell will you do there? And I told them, I will go there to waste my money. 

And yes, I did waste my money. 

I felt like I have wasted my money, time and effort on this trip not because the place's dead but, I stayed within the city when there are more places to explore just few kilometers beyond the city. And why did I stay? My only reason: Lack of budget.   

With 7,000 pesos to spend, I have managed to go to this places (though I really really felt bad for not climbing Mt Kinabalu) and tasted these meals (food haven, indeed):


(From Left to right, top to bottom)
 
 1. Sunday market - It's like our typical "tianggian". Good place to buy pasalubong.

2. Metrojaya - Biggest shopping mall in KK (feeling ko). Our malls here are lot better though. Not that good place to shop, few choices, almost same price. 

3. City Mosque - Magnificent place, with all those chants and prayers which can be heard even outside the square. Should visit this. 

4-5. Pu Toh Tze Temple - I have seen temples in Hongkong and Macau, and I think this is not beyond par. Just Ok. 

6-8. Atkinsons Clock tower and just random places - It's just a clock. Not that tall, nothing special. 

9. Jesselton Point - The place is nice and organized. Pretty crowded but manageble. 

10. The islet of Poultry, Clay and Possess (Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi) - I cannot help but compare. I have been to Balicasag, Bohol here in the Philippines where I saw the most colorful schools of fish and corals. And so I guess, what I like about the place is how they have developed it into more tourist-friendly islets. No wow factor (sorry).

For food, well, I have enjoyed all the meals I had:

11. Sabah Milk tea - A must-try. The bitterness of the tea, the creaminess of milk and the sweetness of sugar (But I don't think it is plain sugar) blended perfectly.
12. Laksa - Best tasting laksa (to date). Not too spicy, not too much curry powder. Just right.
13. Takuyaki - I hate takuyaki, but this one's different. I learned to love them now. 
14. Shabu-shabu - Different taste. But still good. 
15.  ABC - Sabah's version of Gulaman ala halo halo. Sweet and refreshing. Simple yet addictive. A must try. 
16. Hainese cuisine. Good. Hongkong's version's still the best. 
17. Various....
18.  Buttered clams (yata) - Just ok. 
19. Spicy stingray - A must-try also. I love the spice and the softness of the stingray meat. 
20. Coconut pudding - Until now I am still wondering how they have made those. Hahaha! The gelatine melts in the mouth. The best healthy dessert, ever tasted. Winner!
21.  Beef and mushroom - The meat's tender, the sauce's nearly sweet, the mushroom's rightly cooked. 
22. Tom yum. Hurray! I love tom yum. My most favorite food in the world. I have not tasted authentic tom yum before, but this is incredibly delicious. The sour taste and the spice blended nicely. Better that the one from Singapore. (I am waiting for my Chiang Mai trip though and wishing for the best tom yum soup) 

For the budget and detailed itinerary:

And so, actual expenses exceeded by budget... sad.

We have stayed at Lavender Lodge, and the service was good. The wifi's working and the breakfast's okay. The location is very accessible to the tourist spots and restaurants. The bathrooms are clean and not crowded. The aircon's functioning well, and the bed and pillows are comfortable and clean. The staffs are friendly and accommodating.



For food trip pictures, click here 
For pictures of Lavender Lodge, click here
For KK Map, click here
For more pictures of KK City, click here
For more pictures of 3 Islets, click here
 

Definitely, I will go back to Sabah to defeat Mt Kinabalu!
  
Had a great time, 
"P" 
  

Sunday, August 11, 2013

Macau and Hong Kong, The Second Time Around

What would you do when you've gotten the chance to go back to a place you have already gone to? What would you do, when you've already seen all those places to see. What would you do when you're going there alone?

It was but a challenging experience, indeed. Though I thought, I will be wasting my money, time and effort, I just felt like I need to do it: To stay to a place with nothing to do, alone, and no single soul I know.

Unlike my other trips, this one was not planned (the way I plan things). I bought my plane ticket two months before the flight. So to date, this is the most expensive plane fare I have ever booked. What was I thinking that moment when I booked the flight? Nothing. I felt so hallow and that I felt like my soul is in need of the trip, that my sole was too hungry to stay stagnant. Wanderlust.

More than the expenses, what I will be sharing are the experiences, the people I have met, and the feelings I have felt during those days.

It was Friday, and I have already filed a half day leave for it. It was so irresponsible of me not to have foreign currency on that day and so I needed to pick up the HKDs that I have ordered from BDO. The exchange rate was not good, thus I exceeded my budget due to forex. 

I arrived at the airport at around 4 pm. My flight was 7:30 pm. After paying the travel tax, I sat down, and relaxed for a bit. Then, the first stranger approached me.

Ate (Big Sister):  Papunta ka sa Macau? (Are you going to Macau)?
P (Me): Opo, kayo po ba, papunta din kayo doon? (Yes, are you going there too)?
A: Oo, pabalik lang. Nagbakasyon lang. Ikaw, dun ka rin nagtatrabaho? (Yes, I am about to go back after a vacation. Are you working there too?)
P: Ay hindi po. Magbabakasyon lang po. (No, just to travel)
A: Ah, ikaw lang mag-isa? Ang tapang mo naman. Bukas na ata yung counter. Tara. (Are you going alone? You're brave! Come on, the counter might be open by now)

Realization: Nothing. It is just that I can, indeed, talk to strangers. :)

After checking in, I went straight to pay the terminal fee and fill out the Immigration mandatory form. Time to face an Immigration Officer:

IO: Are you going alone?
P: Yes. I want to go solo.
IO: Are you sure? But you have gone to Macau. Why are you flying back?
P: There are places I want to see that I have not seen yet.
IO: Are you sure? Are you going alone? Or will you meet someone when you arrive?
P: I told you, I am going alone. And I am not meeting anyone.
IO: Where will you stay?
P: At Sheraton

[...]

We talked for about 15 minutes or so, then, I intentionally raised my voice at some point, and that was the only time he put an ink to my passport. I did not get his surname to be broadcast here. But surely I have remembered his face. He was the second stranger.

Realization: Fight for your right. Be aggressive if necessary, especially when you know that you are on the right side. Always remember Darwin's "Survival of the fittest" theory. As far as I know, for Filipinos to be permitted to go out of our "dear" country, we do need only a return ticket, a passport (at least 6 months before expiration), and nothing more. But for assurance, a company ID should be brought.

The flight was delayed by an hour due to bad weather. There was nothing I could do but wait and just post some selfie pics. :)

On my waiting, I was bothered by the noise of the woman (the third stranger) who sat beside me. She was very irate talking to somebody over the phone. After hanging up, I approached her and asked what happened. She told me that she was sent to the holding room for at least 2 hours. She has no idea on what to do, since that was the first time she's going to leave the country. She was being questioned why she does not have any hotel bookings and that they accused her of having plans to stay illegally in Macau. Moreover, she's scared that she might be held by Macau immigration as well.

To uplift her spirit, I told her, there is nothing to worry. All those immigration officers (from other countries I have gone to) do is to look at our passports, check our return tickets and give us the stamps. She smiled after that, and felt relieved.

Realization: We can always be a blessing-in-disguise, only if we are sensitive to our neighbors. And that moment when we see other people smile because of what we say, a priceless and genuine happiness.

Since it was almost 8:30 pm and I woke up very early that day, I felt tired and just slept during the flight. 

Like what I have told to the third stranger, the immigration officer in Macau just looked at me and gave my passport the stamp.

I spent the night in Sheraton Hotel, and thanks to that fourth stranger who has booked the room for me. It costs me 500 HKD (around 2,500 pesos) to stay for a night. Good deal, I know! I also wondered how she did it, booking at a low rate (even lower than that of the 500 HKD), but I did not dare to ask. At first I thought, it was some kind of Mafia thing that she will framed me up for something, but then, I just trusted her. And thank God, she was genuine to her offer. 

Realization: Stop being too paranoid about cheap deals. Sometimes, they do exist. :)

After trying my luck at the casino and proving that I am not lucky in gambling, I walked around the vicinity, went from Sheraton to City of Dreams and to other nearby hotels. Around 2 in the morning, I went back to Sheraton and enjoyed my room. The room's huge, huge enough to make me feel that I am alone. I started imagining that my family was there with me to enjoy what I was experiencing. It was a lonely night. 

The following morning, I got up late. I planned to go swimming but it was freezing outside, probably due to rain showers. I just enjoyed the hot tub instead. 

I left the hotel around 9 in the morning, depositing my luggage to the luggage counter near the concierge. I bought a ferry ticket to Hong Kong first, then I went to Wynn Hotel to see the Tree of Prosperity. It was my first time to see something that brilliant. I was amazed and it left me mouth-opened the entire show. 

After the necessary visit to Lisboa and Wynn, I went to Leal Senado by bus (feeling like a resident). I did not go to the ruins again, since I have seen it before, and I am not a fan. I just bought some food to bring back to the Philippines, went back to the hotel to pick up my things and went to the ferry terminal. 

When I arrived at Yesinn, I was having trouble in carrying my luggage up to the second floor. A white gentleman, the fifth stranger, found me and offered me help. I just gave him a sweet and gentle "thanks" after. 

Realization: Chivalry is still alive. And European guys are not that choosy when it comes to helping. (Filipino guys, you exactly know what I am talking about)

I found my dorm room, livable enough. I shared it with mostly Asian girls, one is from Japan. I will never forget that sixth stranger, due to her genuine thoughtfulness. She lent her locker because mine was broken. 

Realization: Other people can trust you, offer you something even you have not given anything to them yet. 

I enjoyed the whole day shopping, walking, trying the century old tram, getting lost, and finding my way back. One of the things in my bucket list has been done without knowing it. Yehey!

During the trip, my favorite time of the day was when I sat to kill time in the hostel's lounge. There I had the chance to talk to other strangers. Listing down my realization:

To the Russian girls: you made me realize that Russians are really that H.O.T! To the french guys: playing "Set" card game (a mind game) is really fun especially when you need to drink whiskey when you lose. To that Canadian guy from Quebec: thanks for reminding me about my French Language class. It was fun to remember. And thanks for sharing your China trip and how you have talked about them enthusiastically. I'll take note of that. And to Meaw Naja, my new friend from Bangkok, I hope to see you in November when I visit Bangkok. Also, the more I hope you visit the Philippines. I can tour you around. 

I expected that my trip will end the moment I arrive at the airport. But there were still few people I have met. 

I intended to sleep in the airport that night. My phone was drying out of battery, so I decided to spent few hours in the charging station. There I have met my fellow Filipinos, stranded. They have overlooked their flight details. The not-so-good part was, they do not even have a credit card to book another flight back to the Philippines. Even worse, they couldn't contact their family since it was around midnight. The worst, they do not have anymore money to stay for another day. I could not help since I have already spent all my dollars as well. 

Realization: Read your flight details very carefully, even hundred of times. I still think of how they have gotten back here though. 

The last stranger I have met was a girl from Guangzhou. She was about to fly to New York to study Chemistry there for few months. And I was like, "You must be an intelligent student to be sent to New York!" We talked about few things (science mostly), of course, struggling due to language barrier. I found her very friendly and smart. She even gave me her email address, which I found unique since it is a numerical combination: Example: 887685@yahoo.com. Nice one!

Just to give my feedback, how good it was to sleep in HKIA: Good and comfortable. I slept at around 2 am and woke up at almost 6:30 am. My flight back to Manila was 7:30. Muntik na maiwan! :)

I never expected that this second travel to HK would be fun and memorable. 

Sharing my itinerary with budget: 




For Maps, here is the link
For more Pictures taken from Hong Kong, please see here.
For more Pictures taken from Macau, please see here

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Cebu, Between Heritage and Paradise

Cebu, as filipinos pronounce it as Sebu, is an island magnificently located to the east of Negros, west of Leyte and Bohol. Adding to its main island, are the smaller ones, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and Camotes Islands. 

Going back to history, Ferdinand Magellan, a spanish conqueror, together with Enrique as  his translator, came to Rajah Humabon of Cebu to persuade him and his natives to create an allegiance. As proof of friendship and peace, The Sto Nino, was given to Juana, the queen of the island. On the 14th of April, Magellan then erected the large wooden cross, of which until now can be seen.

June 8-10, 2013 (Saturday to Monday)

Itinerary with Budget for a group of 12:



P's Notes:

- Kamias shake is a must-try. Available at Zubuchon in One Mango. 
- Extreme adventure becomes more intense, thanks to the staff who are very persistent in convincing us to do those scary stunts
- Taxi drivers in Cebu allows only 4 passengers per taxi. 
- The Sumilon day tour cost is super worth it. It is inclusive of boat transfers, to and from the island, use of ALL facilities (Kayak, snorkeling gears, infinity pool, island trek) and also a very very delicious buffet lunch.
- Go for a trek in the island. It is a must. Wonderful scenery indeed.
-Sugbutel Dorm rooms are nice and comfy. 
-For the City tour, if you start early (before 10 am) go first to the Basilica. Fort San Pedro opens at 10 am. Do not expect much though. It is smaller than Manila's Fort Santiago. 
-I like CNT Lechon Cebu (400 pesos per kilo) than that of ZubuChon. 
- For pasalubong, go to Shamrock. 
- Visit Yap-Sandiego House. Almost 90% are more than hundred of years. And the funny thing is, the present owners are still using the house as a vacation house. Very nice.
- I thought the Magellan's cross is that same cross we see in post cards. What I have discovered is that, the original cross is actually inside that cross. Sigh*
- Cebuanos, they are the friendliest. Do not hesitate to ask for help. Speak in english as much as possible. They will still answer you in Cebuano dialect, though they will try to translate in Tagalog. What I like about them is that they do not take advantage if you are a tourist. They will give you the price as is. Even the taxi drivers, they will give you your change (Unlike in Manila, they always keep the change). 



For best of Cebu, click here
For Pictures from Sumilon, click here
Going extreme? Click here
For hundered years old house, click here
Cebu City Tour, click here

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Batangas, With Love

When you feel like you wanted to escape the busy life of the metro and just want to be a beach bum, the first place I can suggest is Batangas. From Anilao, Laiya and Calatagan, indeed their beaches are enough to achieve your sloth-ish goal.

After the 2-3 hours of driving (depending on city traffic), one can reach the remote, yet serene town of Mabini.

For direction:

Manila -> SLEX ->Sto Tomas ->Star Tollway ->exit at the end, passing Sambat, Malvar, Lipa and Ibaan.

Batangas Port -> Bauan Road Overpass ->Sta Rita ->San Pascual -> Bauan-Mabini Junction. ->

Mabini-Anilao Junction.

I chose to stay at a very remote private resort, which, the name of the resort I even barely remember. (Sign of aging?). I just stayed one night, and the next morning, drove off to Calatagan's Burot Beach.

From Mabini to Calatagan, it would normally be driven for an hour or so. On the way to Calatagan, you will be passing the beautiful heritage town of Taal.

Taal town reminds me of Vigan, with all those ancestral houses and  buildings. Fair enough to see Vigan's resemblance here.

Going to Burot Beach is a bit hard because of unpaved roads. Staying is worse. Imagine  a beach with no descent shower rooms and toilets. You can camp overnight or just be there for a day trip, costing 65 pesos per head. The place is vast enough to have a place to park your car. Good.

If you will ask me, Burot beach is worth the pain and inconvenience.


Click here for more pictures.












Sunday, April 14, 2013

Traveling North, Roadtrip from Manila to Aparri to Ilocos and Back

Indeed, getting out of town during Holy Week may include a lot of fun and guilt. When our Jesus was being condemned to death and I was enjoying myself the entire time, yes, I felt an unbearable guilt after. I suggest that you do the trip on ordinary "long weekends" and not during this important week. But then, here is how I spent my 2013 Holy Week:

DAY 1, THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

The trip started at around 5:00 am, but because of traffic jam, especially in the expressways (SCTEX and NLEX), it prolonged the travel time. Usually, travel time from Manila to Tuguegarao City is about 10-12 hours.

What can you expect with the road? Surprisingly, the pavements are good enough. Even the famous zigzag road in Santa Fe, I find them safe. You just have to be a little cautious.

Click here for the route of this trip.

Click here for pictures I have taken from the road to Tuguegarao City.

DAY 2, FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2013

Aparri, I have perfectly known it because of Eat Bulaga's opening song (Mula Aparri hanggang Jolo~ "From Aparri to Jolo"). I have never expected that a province would conceal such romantic countryside scenery. The original plan is to explore the beach of Anguib. Unfortunately, the road was closed due to improvements. Instead, I met Nangaramoan Beach. I found it, ordinary, yet unique because of some what, or I assume to be, baby corals along the shore. The waves are too big during that time, and I was a bit hesitant to plunge in due to worm-like sea creatures living on those baby corals. The sand is not that fine, though off white in color.

Click here for the route to Nangaramoan

Click here for pictures from Nangaramoan Beach

DAY 3, SATURDAY, MARCH 30, 2013

Relax day. Just spend time on a resort, bought some pasalubong. Slept early for the roadtrip the following day.

DAY 4-5, SUNDAY AND MONDAY, MARCH 31 TO APRIL 1, 2013

From Tuguegarao back to Manila, choosing the route passing through Ilocos is suicidal. But, like what Bella said, dying on the arms of the one you love, is a good way to go. Then, Ilocos, indeed, I have fallen in love.

Click here for the route from Tuguegaro City to Manila, passing Ilocos

Click here for pictures taken in Ilocos



Paruparo's highlights:

I love Bangui Windmills and the way they supply electricity for the town. Genius Marcos.

Scary in Grandpa's inn, room number 13. Someone or something uses the bathroom. Bring earplugs to ignore those not-so-ordinary roommates. Though I find the hotel staffs accommodating and very client-focused.

Below is the suggested itinerary and budget, (for 5 people traveling together):




Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Sending your Family and Friends to Boracay, The Cheapest way.

2 Years after I passed the board, I haven't had a chance to treat my entire family because of my sick foster father. In almost two years, I have dedicated all my salary to him and to our daily needs. Thank God, after all the blessings, I found the chance to treat them. 

I booked the plane ticket via Cebu Pacific (promo fare) almost a year ago. And since the ticket costs more than 10,000 pesos, I called to HSBC to convert such transaction into installment payment scheme. (My monthly amortization is less than 900 per month).

What I like about promo fares is that you will have the time to save for the expenses and plan for the cheapest but quality inns. Also, you will have that time to file for your leave.

Below are the expenses I have spent for a family outing held in Boracay, including 3 friends (excluding their airfare and hotel):


Few notes:

To go to bus station catering transportation to Caticlan, from La Esperanza Hotel, walk to your right. It's just few steps away.

For pasalubong, it is much cheaper in D Talipapa than in D Mall.

Free lunch was offered by Astoria. They asked for 2 hours though for their sales talk. Not bad, because the sun hurt during that time of day.

Those amount in purple font color are charged to my credit card and I called the bank to make it in installment scheme as well. 

Little patience for the lumot.

Jonah's fruit shake is a must-try.

I personally recommend La Esperanza Hotel and Villa Romero:




With all those expenses, sulit na sa happy memories:



See you again Boracay! (more pictures here)