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.
<sup>(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):</sup>

<sup>(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"</sup> 
  

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

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

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.

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):

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)

Hongkong-Macau, A Tear Jerking Travel Experience

28th of November 2012, my most awaited day of 2012 has finally arrived. I woke up at around 2 in the morning. I felt, the moment I woke up, all the butterflies inside my stomach were too hyper that they wanted to go out. I left the house at around 3 am. Good thing, there are always taxis passing by in our location, so I had no problem going to the airport. 

I arrived at the airport around 3:30, did all the mandatory security checks and proceeded to the Travel Tax Section. After paying the travel tax, I went to the check -in counter (I web-checked in and already printed my boarding pass) for my luggage. Then I paid  the terminal fee and went straight to the immigration. In the booth, I just handed my passport, my return ticket and my company ID. 

Immigration Officer: Bakit sa Macau itong return flight mo?

Paruparo: Plano ko kasing mag side trip sa Macau. Isang ferry ride lang naman yan. (With conviction and confidence that I do really know how to go to Macau)

And the stamp has been inked to my passport. Weeee~

I arrived at the waiting area around 4:30 am. I had my breakfast (I brought bread and hazelnut spread), then tried to get some sleep. 5:15 and the gate was opened.

Goodbye Philippines, Hello Hongkong.

The flight sched was on time. Like what I always do: sleep mode in the plane. I woke up 20 mins before we landed. I completed my embarkation card and took note of to what belt my luggage will be in. 

Immigration officer (HK): How long will you stay in Hongkong?

Paruparo: 3 days sir.

Immigration officer (HK): 30 days?

Paruparo: No, 3 (with emphasis) days only. 

And another stamp has been inked to my passport. Hello Hongkong.... confirmed!

The weather in Hongkong is very relaxing. It feels like they have a centralized aircon at 17 degrees Celsius that morning.

I was intimidated by their airport, so huge and wonderfully done. I tried to read the signs but failed. So I just asked some directions from the receptionist (who is english speaking, and knows well). I grabbed some maps, bought Octopus Card, went out of the airport and Paruparo's Hongkong-Macau adventure has officially begun. 

Below is my 5 day-itinerary with budget (for 2 persons traveling together):

DAY 1 - HONGKONG

In my opinion:

a. MTR - Well designed and maintained. The best railway system I  have seen so far.

b. Dragon Hostel - Nice service, the room is ok for sleeping. small bathroom, but I don't mind since I am small also.

c. Nanlian Park - Worth visiting. I think the buildings near the park diminishes the serenity of the place and feeling that you are in ancient Hongkong.

d. Chi Lin Nunnery - Worth visiting

e. Sik Sik Yuen - Worth visiting

f.  1881 Heritage - Worth visiting  

g. Clock tower - Worth visiting

h. Avenue of stars - Worth visiting

i. Symphony of Lights - I was not impressed. Maybe because of the fog? I think the light show in SG is better.

j. Ladies Market - Be ready! Don't touch anything unless you are ready to fight. Hahaha! Kidding. Vendors in HK are more aggressive. So just be prepared. 

FOR MORE PICTURES:

Departure

Nanlian Park

Wong Tai Sin (Sik Sik Yuen Temple)

1881 Heritage

Clock Tower, Avenue of Stars

Symphony of Lights

DAY 2 - HONGKONG

In my opinion:

a. NgongPing - Worth Visiting. It is better to go to NgongPing in summer. Fog was my enemy that time.

b. Disneyland - This place has taken my heart away. I cried many times: when I was watching Flights of Fantasy, It's a small world and fireworks. It brought back all my childhood frustrations, how hard my childhood life was. The feeling of nostalgia hit me more than I can imagine. By the way, upon arrival, grab a map and time guide (to know the sched of the parade and other shows)

c. Disney Fireworks - Go in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at least 20 minutes before to find a perfect spot to watch the fireworks. 

FOR MORE PICTURES:

Ngong Ping

Hongkong Disneyland

Disney Stars

It's A Small World

Disney Fireworks
Disneyland Fireworks Video

DAY 3 - HONGKONG

In my opinion:

a. Avenue of Comic Stars - Optional place to visit

b. Kowloon Park - Optional place to visit

c. Time Square - Worth Visiting

d. HKCEC - Optional place to visit

e. Golden Bauhinia Square - Worth Visiting

f. Statue Square and HSBC Building - Worth Visiting

g. Madame Tussaude - Worth Visiting. (Visit at around 8 pm so there will be less number of tourists in the museum)

h. Sky Terrace/ The Peak - Worth Visiting (if not foggy)

FOR MORE PICTURES:

Kowloon Park

Avenue of Comic Stars

Causeway Bay

Wan Chai

Central District

Madame Tussaude/The Peak
Helpful Maps for Walking Tours

GOODBYE HONGKONG, HELLO MACAU (DAYS 4 and 5)

I woke up at 6 am that morning. Left the hostel at 7:00. Arrived at China Ferry terminal at 7:30. The terminal was crowded since it was a Saturday. Fortunately, I made it before my 8 am sailing sched. I just gave my passport to the immigration officer and yes, another stamp.

Hongkong to Macau is about an hour of ferry ride. Take bonamin an hour before. Sleep mode again. 

Arriving in Macau. I felt little scared since English is not widely used. After I filled up the embarkation card, I proceeded to the immigration officer. No question, he just stamped my passport.

ALL ABOUT MACAU

MACAU - HERITAGE SITES

This is my attempt to visit all the world heritage sites in Macau, but I failed. I only visited 19/25, for so many reasons. The most inevitable is I got lost, I lost my printed itinerary and lost my map. Good thing I found my way back.

In my opinion:

1. Ama Temple - Worth Visiting

2. Don Pedro V Theatre - Worth Visiting

3. Mandarin House - Worth Visiting

4. Moorish barracks - Optional place to visit

5. Sir Robert Ho Tung - Optional place to visit

6. St. Augustine Church - Worth Visiting

7. Leal Senado - Worth Visiting. Go early so the place won't be too crowded.

8. Senado Building - Worth Visiting

9. Lou Kau Mansion - Worth Visiting

10. Na Tsha Temple - Optional place to visit

11. St Paul's Ruins - Worth Visiting. Go early so the place won't be too crowded.

12. San Kai Vui Kun - Optional place to visit

13. St Dominic's Church - Worth Visiting

14. St Joseph Seminary - Optional place to visit

15. St Lawrence Church - Worth Visiting

16. St Anthony Church - Worth Visiting

17. Mount Fortress - Worth Visiting

18. Cathedra; - Worth Visiting

19. St Augustine Square - Worth Visiting

FOR MORE PICTURES:

Macau's World Heritage Sites

ROUTE OF DAY 4 WALKING TOUR

ROUTE OF DAY 5 WALKING TOUR

MACAU - SIN CITY

In my opinion:

1. Wynn Hotel - Worth Visiting

2. Venetian - Worth Visiting

3. City of Dreams - Worth Visiting

4. Galaxy - Worth Visiting

5. Sands - Optional place to visit

6. Macau Tower - Worth Visiting

7. Star World Hotel - Optional place to visit

8. Sheraton - Worth Visiting

9. Fisherman's Wharf - Worth visiting, I fell in love with this place. I love ancient architecture and art.

FOR MORE PICTURES:

City of Dreams

Venetian

Macau Tower

Other Hotels

Fisherman's Wharf

HONGKONG-MACAU FOODTRIP

Mcdo meals average price range is 22- 30 HKD.

Food Republic food prices range from 35- 50 HKD.

Macau food prices range from 35-100 HKD.

7-eleven in HK rice meals range from 14-20 HKD.

In my opinion:

a. Mcdo's in HK and Macau are far better than what we have in the Philippines. (Quality and service)

b. I found Egg Tarts in Macau, a bit ordinary. Maybe because I love sweets and I expected the tart sweet enough for my taste buds.

c. Macau beer is sweeter than our beer. 

d. Wanton noodles - Perfection.

e. Roasted duck - Heaven like our lechon.

f. 7-eleven food - Enough to satisfy a hungry man.

g. Dessert - too expensive for few slices of fruits.

FOR MORE PICTURES:

Food trip in HK and Macau

Accommodations in Hongkong and Macau  - see link.

Things you can buy in HK and Macau - see link.

PARUPARO'S NOTES AND OPINIONS:

1. It is weird to know that Iphone 5 are being sold in the streets of HK, like how street vendors in the Philippines sell vegetables.

2. HK people (or the batch of people I met during my travel) are more fierce than Filipinos. They do not care if you are taking pictures. If they want to pass by, they will pass. You are the one taking the picture, you should be the one to adjust and wait for him to pass. 

3. Macau people are kind and accommodating.

4. You can die in other country, while traveling. Be alert, always, HK drivers (or the batch of drivers I met during my travel) drive fast.  

5. This journey will kill your feet. So be prepared. After each day, I massaged my feet, put some salonpas, and took alaxan every night before sleeping.

6. Bring light weight shoes. Flats should be well cushioned. It is hard to have the feeling of walking barefooted.

7. Always bring your passport, especially in Macau. If you look younger than your age, always prepare your passport upon entering the casinos. 

8. Venetian Hotel has a luggage counter, free of charge.

9. You won't get hungry in Macau. Free tastes are everywhere, plus free  bottled water from casinos.

10. Use the hotels' shuttle service.

11. Your map will be your best friend. Use them well.

12. My deepest gratitude to my patient and understanding travel buddy - MO~

13. Total expenses for this trip, including airfare is 20,206 pesos.