Tra-Abel Guide to Ilocos Region

Ilocos is located on the most northwestern part of the Philippines. Plenty of tourists visit this region to learn and reminisce the rich history the place offers, home to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site - Vigan City, which boasts of Spanish-era mansions, the kalesa and cobblestone Crisologo Street. 

In addition to these historical treats, you can also find a century old lighthouse at Burgos and a century old baroque church at Paoay. 

Also, if one ventures beyond, Ilocos is home to stunning white sand beaches, enchanting caves and waterfalls, and exceptional rock formations. If these are not enough reasons for you to pack your bags and head to Ilocos now, then maybe the following reasons can make you. Ilocos is also where you can find the scenic Bangui windmills, the first in Southeast Asia, or surf the perfect waves of Pagudpud and partake into the adrenaline inducing adventures offered at Paoay sand dunes.

Tra-Abel Cambodia Trip: Pub Street and Night Market

I arrived at Cambodia late in the afternoon, so my first day in Siem Reap was spent checking in my hotel and checking out the town. During my 4 days 3 nights stay at Cambodia, I stayed at Mandalay Inn. It was an old budget hotel located in Psar Chaa Area near the Pub Street and Night Market where all the fun is.

After depositing my things at the hotel, I immediately went out to walk around the area and look for a place to eat dinner (this is my usual routine whenever I get to a new place). Some few turns and blocks away, I found myself in Pub Street and Night Market. 

It was a comprehensive collection of stalls and stores selling everything from handicrafts to gadgets, from fresh produce to authentic Khmer cuisines and other things a traveler needs. I made some few notes and memorized store names on which I would be going back to on my last day at Siem Reap to buy souvenir items.

Chasing Sunset at Phnom Krom Hilltop Temple

After a whole day tour of the outer circuit of Angkor Wat, I still have enough energy for a Cambodian sunset adventure. The famous locations for sunset viewing are Pre Rup and Angkor Wat. Since I just got back from Pre Rup, I decided to go to Angkor Wat to experience the sunset on this side of the planet. I hired a tuktuk to take me to Angkor Wat who is willing to wait for me and bring be back after dark or after the sun has completely set. We were a few meters away from the temple when I noticed the massive crowd in front of the temple. The driver told me that this was normal and he suggested if I want to try another site. At first, I was hesitant since I was alone and I don’t normally trust strangers (that’s what my mom taught me LOL). But without much of a choice, rather than squeezing my way through the crowd, I just agreed to the recommendation given by the tuktuk driver.

So off we went to this unheard name of the temple at the top of the hill. We drove past the pub street and night market, along the green rice fields until we reached the foot of a hill where a stairway can be found. It took us around 20 minutes and around 10 kilometers to get there. I was a little worried when we got there, since there were no traces of tourists in the area but mostly locals. The place reminded me of a secluded sitio or barangay in one of the remote provinces in the Philippines. The driver then told me to climb the stairway and follow the path to the hilltop where the temple is located.

Best Money Changers at Bangkok

Thailand’s currency is in Baht (B), the bills are denominated in One Thousand (1000), Five Hundred (500), One Hundred (100), Fifty (50) and Twenty (20) and the coins are in Ten (10), Five (5), Two (2) and One (1).

Should I bring USD? Peso? or Baht?????

In my case, I brought some Philippine Peso with me and majority of my money are in USD, which I bought in the Philippines.

I arrived in Bangkok with only US Dollars and Philippines Peso in my pocket. So my first order of business is to find a money changer with a reasonable exchange rates. According to Mr. Google, exchange rates at the airport are uniform with little or insignificant differences. But upon reading more from the internet, I learned that a specific money changer has more favorable rates than the others. It is located 3 floors from the arrival area; it is near the entrance to the Airport Rail Link. 

It's the green one on the left side!

The name of the Money Changer is Kasikorn Bank (Green in color). I only exchanged a hundred dollar since the rates offered outside is a lot favorable than those that can be found in the airport.

So where and what is the BEST Money Changer in Bangkok?

What: Super Rich Thailand

Super Rich (Thailand) Co. Ltd.

Super Rich Thailand near Big C at Ratchadamri is the best place for money exchange in Bangkok. The exchange rates are the best in the city. It has its own building and dominantly GREEN in color. The currency exchange process starts with taking a copy of the customer's passport. (Photocopy machine is available on the right side of the entrance). The customer is then asked to write his/her phone number on the passport copy and sent on to stand in one of the queues. At the counter, they will count the money in front of the customer (in original currency) and give a token to that customer and wait for his/her number to be called. The place is air conditioned, and cool drinking water is also available.

You can visit them from Monday to Friday, exchange hours is from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. They are also open during Saturdays and Public Holidays from 9:30 in the morning until 4:30 in the afternoon.

Where: Read below for the directions on how to get to Super Rich (Thailand), Ratchadamri

Getting to Super Rich Thailand is easy. You can either get down at Ratchadamri or Siam BTS stations. Ask someone for directions to Big C. It is walking distance from both stations but Siam is a bit closer. From Siam Station, Super Rich Thailand can be found before crossing the bridge going to Pratunam. Walk past Big C and at the next street, turn right and again ask someone for Super Rich Thailand. It is very close from there.

Important Note

On your way to Super Rich Thailand you will pass by the Super Rich (1965), it is also a money changer but it should not be mistaken for the real Super Rich Thailand. The Super Rich (1965) is dominantly orange in color and also offer better rates than the others but Super Rich Thailand is still the best!

Here is their exact address and contact information:

Super Rich (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

45-45/1 Soi Ratchadamri 1,

Ratchadamri, Patumwan, Bangkok

Tel No.: 02 254 4444

Website: www.superrichthailand.com

A Review of NapPak Hostel: The Perfect Place to Stay at Khao San Road

Months before my trip to Bangkok, I have been really busy finding the right accommodation. 

The reception area! Welcome to NapPark Hostel!

Here are the criteria I used in choosing what hotel/hostel I will be staying at.

Affordability. Travelling alone, affordability comes first in my list. The hostel needs to be budget friendly and should cater to the needs of a solo traveler.

Accessibility. My ideal location for a place to stay is it should be accessible from the major tourist sites, shopping districts and major transportation hub in the city.

Hospitality. When looking for a place to stay, I really look at how the crews and personnel accommodate their guest. Especially when you’re travelling solo and you don’t have anybody to depend on (talk to) but the staff at the hostel you’re staying at.

Other Factors. Since I am not a choosy person, other factors I consider (though not that important) are cleanliness, facilities, services offered (laundry and charter services) and ambience/vibe.

Dining and Shopping (More of Panic Buying and Eating) at Bangkok

Eating and shopping goes hand in hand! Especially at Bangkok where there is food available in every street and items can be bought at cheap prices. 

Shopping at Bangkok
Here is an illustration from Lonely Planet’s Southeast Asia on a Shoestring book for your reference:

Type of Business	Business Hours	Exceptions
Bars	6:00 PM until Midnight (officially)	Bars are close during elections and certain religious public holidays. Closing times vary.
Banks	9:30 AM – 3:30 PM, Mon to Fri	ATMs accessible for 24 hours
Clubs (discos)	8:00 AM – 2:00 AM	Clubs are close during elections and certain religious public holidays. Closing times vary.
Live music venues	6:00 PM – 1:00 AM	They are close during elections and certain religious public holidays. Closing times vary.
Restaurants	10:00 AM – 10:00 PM	Some restaurants specialize in morning meals and close by 3:00 PM
Stores	Local stores: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Department stores: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM	Sometimes they are close due to certain events (Protest).

Source: Lonely Planet - Southeast Asia on a Shoestring

Night Food Trip in Chinatown, Hua Lamphong

Chinatown is a famous location for a walk tour! Aside from the mouthwatering dimsums and Chinese cuisine there are lots of things to do there!

How to get there:

The easiest way to get to Chinatown is to take the MRT to Hua Lamphong Station - the last station for MRT from Bang Sue. Alternatively you can take bus number 113 or 99 from Siam Area, MBK and Pratunam. You can also try the Chao Phraya Express boat (stop at Ratchawong Pier and walk to Sampeng Lane or Yaowarat Road). Or If you are coming from other city, the train will be the perfect way to get to Chinatown (Stop at Hua Lamphong Train Station and cross the bridge to reach Chinatown). If all else fail, take a Taxi, or Tuk-Tuk, but do some calculation first and make sure to agree with a fixed price first, before boarding the tuktuk.

My trip to Chinatown happened on my 3rd night at Bangkok. I fetch my friend Ate Nika from her hotel near BTS Nana Station before going to Chinatown. I accidentally found her check-in status at facebook and offered to meet her for dinner. She’s with Agoda and currently attending seminar training from Agoda Head Office at Bangkok. 

Tra-Abel Guide on Getting Around Bangkok, Thailand

Finding Your Way From Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khao San Road

I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport with little knowledge about the transportation system of Bangkok. Based from the information I gathered from reading different travel blogs and sites, I only had a rough imagination of how I can get to my reserved accommodation near Khao San Road and it goes this way: Airport Rail Link-BTS Sukhumvit Line-BTS Silom Line-Chao Phraya River Express.

Just follow the signs and don't be afraid to ask and ask more!

Finding the Airport Rail Link was easy, there are signboards everywhere leading you to it. It was located two floors down from the arrival floor. Near the entrance of the rail link, there was a Kasikorn Money Changer which rate was a little bit higher than those located elsewhere in the airport (for the complete guide on money changers at Bangkok, click here)

The airport rail link looks deserted early in the morning, but don’t worry because there are guards and personnel roving around the station. I bought a ticket from Airport to Phaya Thai, the trip was really fast and stress free. The BTS Sukhumvit Line was a few walk away from the Phaya Thai Station of Airport Rail Link. I bought a ticket at a vending machine located at the entrance of BTS Phaya Thai Station. I rode the BTS Sukhumvit Line from Phaya Thai Station to Siam. There is an interchange at this station from BTS Sukhumvit line to  BTS Silom Line. From the Siam Station of BTS Silom Line, I bought a ticket to Saphan Taksin Station where the Chao Phraya River Express is located. Using the Chao Phraya River Express, I bought a ticket for the Tourist Boat going to N13 or Phra Arthit Pier where Khao San Area is just a walking distance.

If ever you find yourself lost, don’t hesitate to ask questions. The BTS personnel were really helpful as well as those personnel of Chao Phrya River Express.

Getting around

Bangkok, Thailand is notorious for its traffic especially during rush hours, but fear not because there are different modes of transportation available that can help you get around and visit popular tourist sites in Bangkok without getting stuck in middle of the traffic. 

Tra-Abel En Route: First Time Solo Wandering in a Foreign Land

Angkor Wat with Mr. What?

Early morning of February 11, 2014, I was at NAIA Terminal 3 preparing for my departure to Thailand. I was in front of this Miss Minchin (in Sara: A Little Princess) looking immigration personnel. She looks so strict with matching tight lips and eyebrows stretching as high as it can go (Ang iyong kilay na mapagmataas at laging namimintas!). I gave her my passport and she asked me the following questions:

Her:      Is this your first time to go out of the country?

Me:       Nope, this is my third time. It just so happen that I have renewed my passport recently.

Her:      Do you have your old passport with you?

Me:       [I handed her my old passport, I was lucky to have brought it with me]

Her:      What is your work? And how much do you earn?

Me:       Senior Internal Auditor, Php(!@#$%) monthly

Her:      Why are you travelling alone?

Me:       [I just smiled at her (but at the back of mind, I wanted to tell her “I was also asking myself the same                    question”)]

Her:      Why are you alone?

Me:       [I smiled at her again (I was about to sarcastically tell her “why don’t you come with me, so that I won’t                be alone. LOL”)] Hmmmm... I just want to try it.

Her:      [Stamped my passport and gave it back to me]

Me:       [Got my passport and left her without saying thank you]

Thoughts on Solo Backpacking: The 'Solo-Traveling-Jitters'

How I actually got into this craziness?

Sunday, February 9, 2014, it was past midnight (1:25AM), but here I am, still awake with plenty of thoughts running through my mind. This has been the case for a few days now. I am two days away from getting on that plane to Bangkok where this craziness was about to take me. I’ve been having sleepless nights, wondering what will or will not happen to me, thinking if should go or not go on this trip and weighing if this is the sane or insane thing to do. So how did I get into this mess?

Wondering where my next destination will be! Czary 101

Let me take you back on the day I booked the plane ticket. It was late night on July 12, 2013; I was a little groggy from the bottles of red horse (a local beer) I drank during my friend’s birthday celebration earlier that day. As usual, I went online to check my Facebook, Instagram and other social media accounts before going to bed. That was when I came upon the “piso fare” promo for all domestic and international flight of Cebu Pacific Air posted in their Facebook account. I randomly search for international flights bound to anywhere. I did not have any plans of purchasing a ticket anyway, since I have a scheduled trip to El Nido, Palawan on July 26, 2013. But when I checked the travel period; it was from January 1 to June 30, 2014. So on a second thought, the trip will not be happening in the near future and that will give me enough time to plan and save for my trip. I immediately booked a roundtrip ticket to Bangkok for 10 days thinking that the trip will be easy peasy since Thailand is a backpacker friendly country.

CARAGA Northeastern Mindanao – Surigao City: City of Island Adventure

For the second part of my CARAGA Northeastern Mindanao Tra-Abel trip, I visited Surigao City and Siargao Island, both are part of Surigao del Norte.  Surigao City is located at the Northeastern Tip of Mindanao and dubbed as the 'City of Island Adventures'. 

How to Get There:

By Land – Buses from Pasay City, Metro Manila have trips going to Surigao several times a week via Lipata Ferry Terminal. Daily bus trips from Butuan, Cagayan de Oro City or Davao City to Surigao City are also available at regular intervals.

By Sea – Passenger boats are available every day except Sundays from Cebu. Boats from Manila also have regular trips to Surigao.

By Air – Cebu Pacific Air flies daily from Cebu to Surigao every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday & vice versa. PALExpress (Philippine Airlines) likewise flies from Manila to Surigao every day except Wednesday and vice versa. Skyjet flies to Surigao from Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday and vice versa.  For more regular trips, you can fly to Butuan City or Davao City and from there take a bus to Surigao City.

Where to Stay:

Top 10 Destinations I've Been and Will Definitely Return To (Part 2)

6.   Bukidnon - can be found in the Northern Mindanao Region. I was given the chance to enjoy Bukidnon when I was assigned to audit a mining company in CDO. Our client was kind enough to take us on their weekend trip to Bukidnon. Here are the things I enjoyed most during my visit at Bukidon and I suggest you try them too when you get the chance to go there:

a. Zip line - the longest zip line in Asia if I'm not mistaken can be found in Dahilayan Park Adventure. Feel the cool breeze while feeling like superman is priceless and a unique experience when you do zip line.

b. Zorb & Other Fun Activities - Dahilayan park adventure has many fun activities to offer.


  

7.   Cagayan de Oro - CDO serves as the regional center and business hubs for the Northern Mindanao. As I said earlier, it was because of an audit engagement that I was able to tour CDO. But, what are weekends for if you don't get to explore the new place you're in. So, here are the things I enjoyed most during my visit at CDO and I suggest you try them too when you get the chance to go there:


a. White Water Rafting - CDO boast of its organized, fun and thrilling white water rafting. (Although when I was there, the water is not white at all, it turned brown due to the rainy seasons. But hey, it made it all the more enjoyable since the water is a little bit more rough, thus harder for rafting)

b. Limketkai - Walk around Limketkai at night or after office hours and enjoy the different local restaurants that offers a variety of food that can only be found there.



8.   Banaue, Ifugao -  It is where you can find the UNESCO World Heritage site Banaue Rice Terraces. Banaue is just 5 hours away from my home province Quirino but It was only in July 2012 that I was able to visit it. Nevertheless, I've been there thrice since my first visit (this only proves how captivated I was by its beauty). 

You can allot one day or half day if you only want to see famous rice terraces. But, aside from the magnificent view of the rice terraces, Banaue has a lot more to offer. You can spend your time sitting in a restaurant, sipping your tea/coffee while enjoying the view or you can hire a jeepney or a trike to tour you around. On the other hand, you can also try their hot springs and waterfalls, but this option will prolly take you a day or two.







9. La Union - This is where my family originated, more specifically at Aringay, La Union. La Union is the second of the three places I'm admittedly biased with (kekeke). My love for La Union was rekindled when we did our recent company outing at Shipside Resort, Poro. While La Union is plagued with many beach resorts, you can still have your serene and quiet beach experience since it is not your ordinary and famous touristy place.

10. Quirino - My home province, I am always proud of this little but massively beautiful province (ahem, can you taste the sugar coating? kekeke). Plenty of people, even Filipinos are ignorant of this province. Whenever I introduce myself and say I'm from Quirino Province, these are two popular responses I get from people: 1.) Where is that, with a big question mark on their faces and 2.) "ah iyong malapit sa Isabela." The province near Isabela. Here are my suggested places for you to visit if ever you get the chance to go there.

Aglipay Caves - You can start your trip to Quirino by visiting the most famous tourist activity & spot among locals - Spelunking at Aglipay Caves and Campsite.

Mt. Susong Dalaga & Nagbukol - Climb Mt. Susong Dalaga and  Nagbukel, both got their name based on their shape. Mt Susong Dalaga (Virgin's Breast) and Nagbukel (Round more like Bohol's chocolate hills with only one hill :D)

Dumabato Waterfalls - An eight level waterfall. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during rainy seasons to experience a grander and bigger fall.

And that's it, the top 10 destinations I've been and will definitely return to. I hope you enjoyed this entry! 

Top 10 Destinations I've Been and Will Definitely Return To (Part 1)

I started this blog to publish my future travels & trips but because they will not be happening in the near future (My first trip would be in July, so that's 15 days from now) allow me to share with you first the Top 10 destinations I've been.

Note: Since my passion for traveling was only awakened to its fullest recently, the destinations that will be mentioned here are not that grand, not the typical tourist destinations and are more of visits not travel (hahaha).

1.   Sagada, Mountain Province - I've been to Sagada twice, my first visit was in 2012 for a 3d2n tour and the second was a one day short trip in April 2013. Sagada is famous for its hanging coffins, magical caves and majestic waterfalls. I especially enjoyed my first visit since I was able to visit more of its attractions and of course I get to share the fun with my coolest friends. Here are the things that I enjoyed most during my visit at Sagada and I suggest you try them too when you get the chance to go there:

a. Spelunking - Sumaguing & Lumiang Cave Connection (It's a little bit challenging but its all worth it, trust me)
b. Trekking - Bomod-ok Falls (Big Falls - it's literally big especially on rainy days in the month of July)
c. Bonfire - Lake Danum (This is really cool, you get to play with the fire, scare each other by sharing ghost stories and a lot more)
d. Drinking Session and Mingling with the Locals (and Foreigners) - Kimchi Restaurant (During my recent visit, a foreigner flirted with me and kissed me on the cheek, I guess she's just drunk and having a good, really good time..^^)

2.   Hong Kong - The shopping district of Asia, this would have been so true if only I had the resources to shop 'til I drop keke. Like Sagada, I was able to visit Hong Kong twice. The first was in 2009, a trip to HK gift from my Mom for passing the CPA board exam and the second was in 2010 care of Cebu Pacific, a free round trip ticket voucher. (dont ask me the details how I got the free round trip ticket, its a long story keke.) Here are the things that I enjoyed most during my visit at HK and I suggest you try them too when you get the chance to go there:

a. Ocean Park HK -  marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park (The baby pandas were really cute, the cable car ride is exciting and the ticket price is cheaper compared to DL)
b. The Peak Tramway - the only way to really experience the beauty of HK. (The view of high-rise buildings especially at night is magnificent)
c. Shopping @ Mong Kok, Tsuen Wan & Tsim Sha Tsui - Affordable clothes, gadgets and many more. (I was able to shop some items, thanks to my aunt who lives @ HK for sponsoring me keke.)
d. HK Street Foods - a taste of authentic Chinese food at a cheaper price from the streets and stalls that can be found anywhere.

3.   Macau - is across HK to the east and just a ferry away, is best known as the "Monte Carlo of the Orient". A 2d1n side trip to Macau happened during my second visit to HK in 2010. Cost of living is a little bit expensive but thanks to my Mom, she sponsored all my expenses during the trip keke. Here are the things that I enjoyed most during my visit at Macau and I suggest you try them too when you get the chance to go there:
a. The Venetian Macau- the sixth largest building in the world by floor area and the largest casino in the world. (All the stores sell expensive stuffs nevertheless it has no entrance fee and the transportation is free keke)
b. Macau Tower - it offers the best view of Macau. (I was a little bit sad because I wasn't able to try the bungee jumping, AS IF!?)
c. Ruins of St. Paul's - a 16th century structure. (In my opinion it is best viewed at night, coz it glows keke)
d. Casino Hopping - Casinos are everywhere. (Thank God I'm already in legal age when we visited Macau and I get to try the slot machine and actually won 150 HK dollars keke)

4.   Boracay - a paradise island in the Philippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines or should I say a not-so-paradise island in the Philippines. Many tourists are disappointed with Boracay nowadays due to the  prevalent commercialism in the island, overly populated due to the influx of visitors, etc. But in my opinion, Boracay is still one of the places to be to beat the heat of summer. With its clear blue water, fine white sands and the never ending party for everyone! I mean Boracay is not the place when you're alone and you want a moment of solitude and peace but it is the best place to have the greatest party with your friends.

5.   Nueva Vizcaya - I know, this is not your ordinary tourist spot, and I'm a little bit biased with my decision to include this. This is where most of my relatives from my father's side are settled. But wait, that is not the only reason why I included this to my list. Recently, my brother discovered a virgin waterfalls from Kasibu, a municipality of Nueva Vizcaya and when we visited it, I fell in love with the place. The Edralin Falls is 30 minutes away from the town proper of Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya. It is the perfect place for family outings and barkada trippings because it's not crowded so you can have the place all for yourself (just like we did when we went there). However, Edralin Falls is not the only place to visit at Nueva Vizcaya, here are some of the places in NV that I recommend:

a. Edralin Falls - I dare you to take a plunge into the freezing cold water of Edralin Waterfalls. (Beat the freezing cold water by jumping 6-8 meters high using the ramp located at the tip of the waterfalls)
b. NV Capitol Plaza - The capitol plaza of Nueva Vizcaya is known as the "Luneta of the North", this is where you can interact with the locals. (Activities such as boating and biking can be found here)
c. Paraiso Tribu Vizcayano - A new attraction added to NV, an eco-tourism park where you can enjoy a lot of activities while becoming one with nature.

So there's the first part of the Top 10 destinations I've been and been meaning to return to in the near future. I hope you enjoyed this post and watch out for the Part 2. *(00)*