Malaysia Trip Day 1: Setting foot in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Early 2014, I purchased a ticket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for 8 days from October 2 to 9 of the same year. However due to some unforeseen reasons, I was not able to proceed with my planned trip. Several days later, I was still feeling down and disappointed with the cancellation of that trip when an unexpected opportunity came – 5 days trip to Malaysia with my sister and a friend. So with only a few days to prepare, I was able to board the plane and spent 5 days of spontaneous travel around Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

On the morning before our departure, when I am supposed to double check my luggage and review our (unpolished) trip itinerary, I went to Quezon City for an important meeting. Right after that, my sister and I hurriedly hailed a taxi and endured an hour of traffic on our way to the airport. I thought that maybe, just maybe once we’re at the airport everything will be smooth sailing BUT to my dismay it was NOT.

We arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 (formerly known as Domestic Airport) an hour and a half before our expected time of departure. Enough time for us to check in for our flight, pay the Philippine travel tax and most importantly clear the Philippine Immigration. Let me tell you the tale of how hard Filipinos can take a vacation abroad. LOL.

My sister and I together with our friend, Anne approached the Philippine Immigration with all smiles. We went to different immigration personnel so I was quite worried about my sister since this was her first time to go out of the country. I just reminded her to answer truthfully and in a respectful manner. We were interviewed with the usual questions. Where are you going? What will you do there? How long are you planning to stay there? And the likes. Our friend cleared the immigration without much of explaining to do but never did I imagine that my sister and I will be detained for further questioning by another Philippine Immigration officer in a separate room. As far as I can remember, we have complete documentations to guarantee that we will be returning to the Philippines and not become some illegal alien on the country of our destination. We have a reserved accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, proof that I can shoulder my sister’s expenses for the duration of the trip, a return ticket back to the Philippines and other necessary documents.

Tra-Abel’s Top Things to Do at Ilocos Sur

Ilocos Sur is home to the recently named "New7Wonders Cities of the World" - Vigan City. That's enough reason for me to visit the province. A little surprise during my trip was the celebration of Vigan of its Longganisa Festival, which made my visit there more colorful! So without further ado, here are the Top Things to Do that I recommend to everyone planning to go to Ilocos Sur, Philippines!  

Immerse in Philippine History while walking around Calle Crisologo

Entrance Fee: Free

Tour Guide Fee:Not Required

Address:Crisologo St., Mestizo District, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur

Personal Rating: «««««

The biggest selling point of Ilocos Sur tourism is its heritage village with its center located at Calle Crisologo. It is a cobble-stoned street, lined with Spanish Era ancestral houses (with ancient tile roofs, massive hardwood floorings, balustrades and azoteas in varying Spanish, Mexican, and Chinese architectural styles), which led to Vigan's inscription in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Tra-Abel’s Top 10 Things to Do at Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte has always been part of my family’s list of places to go. We occasionally visit our relatives in Pasuquin and on top of that, some of the seminars and conventions I attended were held in Ilocos (Batac and Paoay). But that was 10 years ago. So when my high school friends came up with an idea to visit Ilocos Region in 2014, I immediately agreed.

Ilocos Norte is a province on the northern most part of the Philippines. It is famous as a local tourist destination where you can find a variety of tourist spots that offers different travel experiences.

Here are Tra-Abel’s top 10 things to do in Ilocos Norte:

1. Trek to the Refreshing Kabigan Falls

Entrance Fee: 20 per head

Tour Guide Fee: 100/group

Address: Barangay Balaoi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

Personal Rating: ««««¶

Kabigan Falls is an 87-feet tall waterfalls located in Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte. Having been to plenty of waterfalls in the Philippines, the main highlight is the scenery that greets every tourists on their way to the waterfalls. One has to cross a small river (or is it a creek?), walk along the side of green rice fields and trek through a lush virgin rainforest. Another exciting thing about the trek are the FOOD stalls selling varieties of local delicacies such as tupig, empanada, kakanin and other mouthwatering merienda. The food stalls are situated 500 meters apart, in such a way that they serve as a pit stop to catch your breath and replenish your energy. 

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.

Palaui Island Trip Day 3: Exploring the Island

On our last day at Palaui, my sister and I decided to just explore the island and trek to some of its hidden gems. We arranged from Nature Village for an island guide who will accompany us around the island. Ate Maricar was assigned to us. We told her that we want the see the nearest waterfalls and to trek to some of the islands nearby beaches.

Waking up with this beautiful view!

She then led the way along the shore until we reached a structure (a shed of some sort) that according to her was the place where the TV Survivor tribal council meetings were held. The hut was still in great shape, but is now plagued with hermit crabs. So that makes it Survivor, Palaui Island: Hermit Crab Edition. We took some pictures and played with the hermit crabs for a while (hermit crab racing) before we continued on with our trek.

Survivor Palaui Island!

We left the shore and went deeper into the island where we met the Aeta Community. Since we were there during the weekdays, we were given an opportunity to observe one of the Aeta children classes. There was only one classroom and about 20 students so it was not clear to us if they have grade levels. The teacher who was in front of the class was also an Aeta and she was teaching the kids about Mathematics. I guess counting was important to them since that would come in handy during trade and doing business with other communities.

Palaui Island Trip Day 2: Island Hopping Tour

My sister and I woke up early the next day to attend the INC Sunday morning worship service. After the service, we texted our boatman and hired a trike to San Vicente Port, where we will meet them. At the port, Manong Peralta was already waiting for us and we were introduced to our guide and boatmen for the Palaui Island Tour.

The first stop for our Palaui Island Tour was at Engano Cove.

The rocky part of the alluring Cape Engano Cove!

It was the starting point for the short hike to Cape Engano Lighthouse. Upon arriving at the cove, we were directed to a booth where we were required to hire a guide worth Php300.00. One guide is only good for 4 tourists. Much as I want not to hire a guide since the lighthouse is already visible from where we were standing. We decided against it because on a second thought, the guide fee will help the locals especially those whose only source of income is the budding tourism of the island.

The Batanes-esque feel of Palaui Island! 

Palaui Island Trip Day 1: Tra-Abel En Route - The Unplanned Trip

Palaui here I come!

Having been to many places around the Philippines and some to its neighboring countries, it was only in 2013 that I became aware of the beautiful and exotic Island of Palaui at Cagayan Valley (Region 2). Coming from the province of Quirino which shares the same region with Cagayan, Palaui is just a stone throw away. So when the opportunity came to travel to Palaui, I immediately boarded a bus to Tuguegarao City. Coming along with me to experience the beauty of this little island is my sister, who did not bother filing a leave from work. LOL.

The trip from Echague (located in Isabela Province where my grandparents live) to Tuguegarao City took around 3-4 hours. We arrived at the city around noon, where we withdrew cash to cover our expenses for the whole trip as there are no or limited ATMs at Santa Ana/Palaui.

After getting lunch and some rest, we hired a trike to get to the terminal where Santa Ana bound Van can be found. The first trip from Tuguegarao City to Santa leaves at 5:00 AM and the last trip leaves at 4:00 PM. The fare is around Php 200.00 and the travel time is around 3 to 4 hours.

We arrived at Santa Ana Poblacion around 5:00 PM. Santa Ana is a small town in Cagayan where both fishing and farming is the main source of income. The recent feature of Palaui Island in the two (2) seasons of Survivor (a television show) added tourism as another source of income for its people. So we were quite happy to help the community with our trip there. 

Tra-Abel Guide to Palaui Island, Cagayan

Cape Engano Lighthouse!

Palaui Island is located on the most northeastern tip of the Philippines in the province of Cagayan, where the last kilometer marker (642 km) up north of Luzon can be found. It is a small exotic island with a rich flora and fauna, home to the historic Cape Engano Lighthouse and surrounded by stunning and beautiful beaches and islets such as Anguib, Nangaramoan, Punta Verde, Crocodile Island and Dos Hermanas.

How to Get There

By Land

You can catch any bus from Manila bound to Cagayan (Tuguegarao City). There are a number of them both regular and air-conditioned. Here’s a list of the buses going to Cagayan Valley:

1. Victory Liner (From Pasay, Sampaloc and Cubao/Kamias Terminals)

2. GV Florida (From Sampaloc and Cubao Terminals)

3.  Five Star (From Cubao and Pasay Terminals)

4. Other buses with route Manila to Cagayan Valley: Auto Bus, Ballesteros Bus, Dagupan Bus (Most of the buses bound to Cagayan Valley can be found around Sampaloc and Cubao area)

From Tuguegarao City take a Van to Santa Ana Market/Poblacion. Approximate travel time is 2.5 to 4 hours. In Santa Ana Poblacion, you can opt to stay overnight in one of the budget hotels around the area or you can go directly to San Vicente Port by taking a tricycle. From the port area, you can hire a boat (see rates below) to Punta Verde or Anguib Beach where you can spend the night. This will actually depend on the time of your arrival at Santa Ana. For the tips on where to stay at Santa Ana, Punta Verde and Anguib please refer to the accommodations section of this post.

The uninhabited shorelines of Punta Verder in Palaui Island

Tra-Abel in the Year 2014

The year 2014 has ended, it’s that time of the year when companies’ trial balances are prepared to be closed and financial statements begin to take its form (optimistically speaking). Well for this blog, it’s time to reminisce and review the places I’ve been to for the past 12 months ended December 31, 2014.

I began blogging about my travels mid-2013, it jump started at El Nido, Palawan in July 2013, the place I’ve been dreaming of ever since I was a kid, and continued on with my work-cum-travel to the CARAGA Region in Mindanao. And the passion to travel still keeps burning. For the year 2014, I've set my goal to travel to 14 different places, both within and outside the Philippines. Fortunately, I made it to most of the places I've listed and some would have to wait this year 2015. So without further ado here are the Top 10 places Tra-Abel has set foot on in the year 2014.

In January 2014, I had to work and stay in the office (Lepanto, Benguet) without much time for travelling. It was all work and no play. I had to endure a month without travel to compensate for my planned 11 days backpacking trip which will be on February. Nevertheless, I was still busy with travel blogging and travel planning. So you see I’m kinda obsessed with traveling. Haha.

Comes the second month of the year, February. I have been excitedly anticipating for this month to come. Big travel plans for my first solo backpacking trip to Thailand and Cambodia. And here’s how it went:

Thailand (#starttheyearwithaBANG-kok)

 

This country holds a special place in my heart since it was where I first experienced solo traveling outside the Philippines. The plane ticket was purchased way ahead of time and the itinerary was planned months before the flight. It was for an 11 days solo backpacking trip to Thailand and Cambodia. I visited the usual tourist sites, stayed in Khao San Road, the backpacking mecca, tried different new food and met a lot of interesting people along the way. Being new to traveling alone in a foreign land, I was able to experience different kind of emotions. One moment I was happy and excited, while some moments I was afraid for my dear life and anxious for the uncertainties this travel entails. Still I was able to enjoy every moment, appreciate every experience and savor every day of this trip.  

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.

Tra-Abel Cambodia Trip Day 3: Temple Hopping at Angkor Wat - Inner/Small Circuit

“Excuse me! Can you please take a picture of me with the temple as the view?” politely asked by a stranger near me. I looked at her direction, instantly smiled and gladly took a picture of her. I was having second thought to ask her if she is a Filipino since her looks are more of the East Asian descent. But I gave it a shot, “Are you a Filipino?”

And that’s how our friendship started. In a far away land, where I know no one, never did I imagine that I would meet someone who I can share stories and go on a tour sharing beautiful travel experiences with each other.

It was my third day in Siem Reap when I decided to avail of the Tuktuk services of Mandalay Inn. The tuktuk driver whom I talked to during my first day at Siem Reap and paid US$10 in advance left me waiting in vain. It was a long story and I’m not even sure if I want to remember what happened during that time. Anyways, the supposedly 5:30AM start of my tour became 7:30 AM. Left with no choice but to hire a tuktuk from Mandalay Inn for US$12, which turned out to be a better alternative, I began my tour of Angkor Wat Inner Circuit. The US$ 12 tuktuk rental service includes unlimited supply of cold water (a necessity when visiting the temples at Angkor) and driver cum tourist guide.

Tra-abel Cambodia Trip Day 2: Temple Hopping at Angkor Wat - Outer/Grand Circuit

A beautiful view from Neak Poan

On my second day at Siem Reap, I purchased a US$12 tour ticket from Mandalay Inn and Tour. The tour agency is located in the premises of Mandalay Inn, where I was staying. The ticket is for a van tour on the Outer/Grand Circuit of Angkor Wat Archeological Park or those temples far from the main Angkor Wat. The tour includes an English speaking guide, unlimited supply of ice cold bottled water and of course a comfortable ride in a 16-seater air conditioned van.

As indicated in my receipt, the tour starts at 7:00 AM, so I woke up early and had a simple breakfast of chicken noodle soup which I ordered at Mandalay Inn. At exactly the agreed time, the van picked me up and I was welcomed by a Cambodian national inside the van. I was expecting a jam packed van so I was really surprised to only see the tourist guide inside and a middle aged Chinese tourist girl. I introduced myself to the group and told our guide that I still don’t have a visitor’s pass. He then assured me that we will get one later after picking up the rest of the group. Minutes later, we were joined by 2 Japanese girls, same age as mine. Unlike my short conversation with the Chinese girl, I instantly became friends with the Japanese girls not just because we’re of the same age but because they have been to the Philippines, specifically Cebu, where they studied for English.

A group picture before the tour ends!

Moments later, the van stopped at the ticket counter, where I bought my pass for US$40 good for 3 days. The process in buying ticket was simple and fast. After paying for your desired number of days to visit Angkor Wat, your picture will be taken and a visitor’s pass will then be issued to you with your picture on it.

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.

Tra-Abel Guide to Siem Reap, Cambodia

Cambodia, officially known as the Kingdom of Cambodia and once known as the Khmer Empire, is a country located in the southern portion of the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. Bordered by Thailand to the northwest, Laos to the northeast, Vietnam to the east, and the Gulf of Thailand to the southwest. (Source: Wikipedia)

The major tourist hub of Cambodia is Siem Reap while its capital is at Phnom Penh. The original plan for my 11 days backpacking tour around Southeast Asia was to spend 2 days at Siem Reap and 1 day at Phnom Phen before going to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Unfortunately due to time constraints and other factors, I decided to just spend 4 days and 3 nights at Siem Reap and go back to Bangkok,Thailand (Click here for a complete guide).

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

Border Crossing via the New Direct Bus from Thailand to Cambodia and vice versa

A few years ago, border crossing between Thailand and Cambodia was a real nightmare for tourists! Thanks to the direct bus plying Bangkok-Siem Reap, the border crossing got a lot easier and safer!

The New Direct Bus From Bangkok to Siem Reap (vice versa)!

The first step is to purchase your ticket.

There are two ways for you to do this. You can directly purchase tickets from Mochit Bus Terminal but remember to do it in advance for a safer bet and to ensure your seats. The alternative and more convenient way of purchasing a ticket is online through Thai Ticket Major. Between the two, I chose to book my ticket online through Thai Ticket Major weeks before my trip to Bangkok. This method is more convenient since my estimated time of departure to Siem Reap is the day after my arrival at Bangkok, hence, there might not be enough seats left for me if I personally purchase the ticket at Mochit. If you prefer to purchase your ticket online, like I did, here is the website where you can book ticket and process payments: http://www.thaiticketmajor.com/bus/index.

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