2015 Year in Review_ Dreams are made of

This is a compilation of my travel tales since the beginning of 2015.  I am grateful and will always be grateful to the Lord for giving me this chance to explore and experience the beauty of our country. I will continue my quest to finish all the 81 Provinces and share the adventures to everyone.

Kung ang EB ay may Batanes hanggang Jolo sa Kanta, si Blue Rider meron Batanes hanggang Tawi Tawi, isama na din ang Jolo :)

“Travel is like love, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.” — Pico Iyer

To my fellow traveler/backpacker, carry on! We are living our dreams...
To those who wanted to explore - you better start now and let your heart guide you.

Life is meant to be Lived, not to be Watched!  - The Blue Rider

Weekend Escape to Batam Island

If you are looking for a quick weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of Singapore, then Batam Island is the perfect destination. It is the answer to real beach, sun and sea for a few days or in my case just a day trip. Maybe not the best island vacation but it is so near and worth a weekend visit. It's just 45 minutes by ferry from Singapore.

May not have a great spectacular destination, it is a decent getaway for family and friends who are looking to have fun with watersports, eating fresh seafood, affordable shopping and massage centers. Aside from that, there are a few good spots for attractions too.

Malaysia on a Shoestring

Malaysia - the first ever international destination I landed. It was almost dark when I started boarding the Bus bound to Kuala Lumpur. It took me almost two hours before I reached my destination. 

Coming from the Philippines where I used to seeing left hand driven vehicles, it's quite amusing to see a reverse lane of cars and public transportation. I can get used to this though. It was a fine afternoon when we arrived but in the middle of the trip bound to Kuala Lumpur, the rain started to pour. It will be a wet walk along the streets of Kuala Lumpur tonight.

Right Hand Driven Bus bound to Kuala Lumpur

A week before the trip, I booked my accommodation at Step Inn Guest House. According to the reviews, this is quite accessible from the highway and across almost all spots especially the bus terminals and trains. Without hesitations, I clicked 'Confirm' Leave it to fate and experience of other travelers. 

The bus dropped me of as suggested in Pudu Sentral, I had to walk across to find the Hindu Temple where I can find the Guest House. It took me a while though to find it under a drizzling night. After some 20 minutes of walking, I finally found it. Thanks to the helpful GPS.

As expected, the guest house is very homey. Also, I would expect a Malaysian receptionist but to my surprise, the guy in charge the moment I arrived was a Polish. I realized that Step Inn is accepting interns in exchange for a place to stay in Kuala Lumpur, interesting! I forgot his name though but he was very welcoming.

He explained some of the house rules and we did a quick tour of the place wherein he showed the common place, dining and kitchen area and finally my room. 

He endorsed the key and off I go to freshen up and prepare myself to roam the streets with a little drizzle. 

My Home in Kuala Lumpur

A little exhausted from walking, paired with a hunger soul, I walked towards the temple to grab something to eat. I found one Indian Restaurant. The smell of the spices... yeah, welcome to Malaysia!

Kuala Lumpur is both a feast for the eyes and tummy. Being Malaysia's capital, it is not only packed with historic monuments but also a home to steel clad skyscrapers, lush parks and mega sized shopping malls with bustling street markets and trendy night spots.  Also, an essential part of the vibrant mix are the incense-wreathed, colorfully adorned mosques and temples of the country's Malay, Chinese and Indian communities.  

Found this spicy food near the Hindu Temple few steps away from Step Inn Guest House

After a spicy dinner at the Indian eatery nearby, I grabbed my bag and camera and started strolling the streets starting in Pudu Raya. I don't have any idea how to get to Petronas Towers, I just grabbed my Map and then off I go. The goal is to see the streets of Kuala Lumpur by foot and end the night with a photo taken with the Petronas Towers (one of the item listed in my 'must see places in the world')

Along with the Petronas Twin Towers, Menara KL Tower is easily Malaysia’s most recognizable and popular landmark. Constructed in 1994, the tower stands at 421 metres and effortlessly trumps the Petronas Twin Towers with the highest and most spectacular view of the city. This gleaming tower’s spindle-like apex is visible from almost anywhere in Kuala Lumpur. 

A wet night stroll along Pudu Raya Streets

Menara KL Tower as seen in Pudu Raya Streets

So near yet so far Menara KL Tower

Menara KL’s viewing deck is, at 276 metres, at least 100 metres higher than the Petronas Twin Towers’ Skybridge. I would love to see the city skyline at night but too many things to do and too little time. Another valid reason to go back to Kuala Lumpur. 

The goal for this night is to see the twin towers up close. The endless walking continues,I  passed by several streets, still struggling to see the towers the way I wanted. I will not settle for anything less, giving up is not an option nor taking a cab. hehehe!

The Blue Rider at The Petronas Twin Towers

 Yes, finally, after almost 2 hours of walking under the not so hard pouring rain. I got the chance to see the twins. It was beautiful, stunning and dazzling: yes it's a feast to my eyes.  This is the crown jewel of Kuala Lumpur. 

In this spot, the highlight is the twin towers but the streets is also lively because of this.

Building just across the Petronas Towers

From extraordinary sights that will captivate you, to exotic flavours to surprise your taste buds – Malaysia offers a full on sensorial experience. When you get here, it doesn’t just open your eyes, it manages to open up all your senses to different and new adventures. And trust us, your senses will be forever grateful.

The International Departure Experience

Exploring South East Asia is on the radar but I never expected to be given an opportunity to do one before this year comes to a close.

There's always a first time: traveling outside of the country can be easy, but for newbie like me, I have to learn the loops on how to go about the departing the Philippines.  With the immigration process, paying of travel taxes, etc.

So, it's my first time, I packed my things a week as usual to ensure that nothing well be left behind. I made a checklist and did a lot of research as well. Ignorance of the law excuses no one, and I don't wanna do an amazing race in order to catch my flight. I have learned that departing or check in process for international flight is very similar to domestic in many ways but there are also many differences. To start with, you need to be at the airport at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure time for international flights as opposed to one hour for domestic.  This will give you ample time for additional steps and paperwork that needs to be done before anyone can board.

I took an earlier time off to prep myself and get some rest before this milestone kicks off. It was a Tuesday when I finally said, "I am ready for this next level of adventure"

Came  Wednesday, I woke up early as the flight is scheduled to depart at 12 noon.  Since I am still not fully equipped on how to go about with this type of travel I arrived at the airport 8 in the morning. but still paranoid with the 'laglag-bala' scam, I made sure that my stuff were fully wrapped covering all possible holes (hehehe)

The check in counter is still close when I arrived, I had to wait close to an hour to start the process. Little did I know, that I can actually pay the travel tax in advance. (ting! one lesson learned)

After I checked in, I proceed to the terminal fee counter to pay. Next is clearance and stamp from the immigration office. I filled out an immigration card and line up for the departure stamp. Then the final baggage passage, another dilemma but thank God, nothing bad happened. One happy heart to finally depart the country and off to another level of adventure.

Malaysia - Singapore - Indonesia, here I come!

The flight is just nothing extraordinary, though I should admit,I would have prepared myself more. It's a 4-hour flight and I am starving on board, hehe! Nevertheless, it was a smooth ride. Touch down,  Kuala Lumpur past 5 in the afternoon. WELCOME TO MALAYSIA (Thank God)

Terrifying Fun in Sulu

The Province of Sulu in Mindanao has been on the news for years. It is a sad fact that this volcanic island paradise has been dubbed as danger zone, terror town, etc. To us travelers and aiming to complete the provinces in the Philippines, it is a dream destination.  It is a place boasting with jaw-droppig beaches, rugged mountain ranges and indigenous culture worthy of a visit.

All these are part of what Sulu can offer, above all, the generous and very hospitable local is something to look forward to. Seafood ranging from the famous Curacha, fishes that can only be found in Sulu sea and the delicious Sulu Coffee for breakfast will serve as a foretaste of our short adventure.

This is a reminder that with all the news you could hear and read online about the place such as Sulu, having experienced how accommodating and eager these people to show their homeland will surprise and enrich you in more ways than one.

Zamboanga Hermosa Festival 2015

Dubbed as the Asia’s Latin City, we are here once again in the colorful city of Zamboanga, it’s time to practice our Spanish accent. (hehe) Little did we know that the dates we’ve selected for this trip matches with the city’s festivity, I know we’re the lucky ones. If someone believed in travelling with a purpose and everything happens for a reason, I am one of them. Luckily we met one good soul, a local from the place who’s willing to show us around.
Every October the scenic city celebrates its grand annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival or the popularly knows as Fiesta Pilar.  The city welcomes thousands to the region's best and most extravagant celebration of the year.  The people of Zamaboanga passionately believe that the lady served as their unifying cultural and historical symbol. 
In tribute to her feast day, the city displays enthusiasm through live music and performances, street parades and wonderful regatta with of their famous vintas. 'Hermosa', which means beautiful, is an appropriate term for this visually dazzling event.

We just settle our stuff at Zamboanga Town Homes and then started our walking tour. There are some spots I missed during our first visit and since we still have the entire afternoon to roam around, might as well take advantage of it.
Took us 30 minutes to reach our first destination, Yakan Village. A 15-20 minutes jeepney ride from the city proper, you will be able to find the Yakan tribe vibrance through its tapestry. This tribe is another  Mindanao tribe that originally dwell in Basilan.  I can see the art of this tribe is different from ones I saw in Tawi Tawi through its patterns  and color combination.  It’s dominated by bright red, blue and yellow. Did I just say BLUE? Oh well, I got a wallet of course.

Just watching a weaver do her thing  intrigued me, I tried looking at how intricate the designs and of course how they actually do it. I don’t wanna mess up what she’s doing so I just pose like a pro. It’s very complicated just seeing how each of the thread needs to be weaved based on the pattern below.

Lunao Sulfur River Trek

Somewhere in the quaint and peaceful brgy in Bago City is a paradise in its raw state.  If you are tired on basking your skin in salty water of the beaches, you will find this place a little interesting to visit. Where virgin foresty trails and gushing sulfuric water is a scenery to behold, all you can hear is the splashes of water and chorus of birds. Welcome to Lunao Sulfur River.

Bago City is famous for water falls and upland resorts if you want to experience a cooler climate but doesn’t want to go farther from the Metro. Sitio Lunao is located some 15 kms away from Maao Public Market. One has to take more than an hour jeepney ride from Bacolod to get to Maao and take another 30 minutes tricycle ride from the market to Lunao proper . From there you can start walking to get to the jump off point, approximately 1.5kms with some unpaved roads but mostly uphill.  According to the locals, there are some tricycle that can take you to the jump off for Php 75.00 but maximum of 4 pax load.

We were so lucky that day since a DENR vehicle passed by, saving grace! That’s one hell of difficult walk and to think that we’re pressed with time.  Good thing the locals were very helpful in giving us directions until we reached Cuenca’s Farm (this is the jump off to our destination)

Cuenca's Residence

We approached the caretaker (forgot the name) and told him we wanted to go to the river and if he can possibly help us get someone to guide us. He was kind enough and offer us his relative to be our guide going to the river, falls and Jacuzzi.  While we’re waiting for our guide, we  spend the time taking pictures and enjoying the surroundings. Who wouldn’t?  We are overlooking some parts of Bago City, the pine trees surrounding us and most especially, I just love the cool winds blowing.

Perfect Jump Shots (Ian’s Cam)

30 minutes passed and we haven’t heard back from Kuya and we started to worry. So we decided to ask for some directions, realizing that the trail is a bit easy, we told Kuya to tell our guide to just follow. Kuya told us when we reached the Durian Farm there will be a fork in the road, the left side will take us to the river and the right to Jacuzzi. Just in time, our guide is already behind us when we reached the Durian Trees.

Trail Lined Up with Pine Trees

Durian Trees, it's my first time to see one, hihi!

We took the left road, this will lead us to the falls and the river pool. The trail is a bit slippery and moist due to scattered rains during the afternoon. Luck is on our side maybe because Mr Sun is smiling down on us that day. The 30-minute walk to the river, though uphill became tolerable with the help of the shades of the trees.

Hearing the rushing water seemed enticing, the smell of sulfur is already getting into my nerves and when we finally get a glimpsed of  the river, yey, achieved! Before going down we passed by some rockies with flowing water. Our guide said it’s safe to drink, yahoo…Finally, potable water! That expression and smile speaks for itself.

View from the Top

We went down, dropped our stuff and enjoyed the water. Compared to the sulfur spring of Mambukal, this river is cold. Oh well, water from the pool passed through several minutes before it reaches the part where we took pictures. Fair enough, let’s jump and enjoy!

Sulfur Smells Refreshing, hihi!

The current is too strong that we decided to stop and not go any further. The falls and sulfur source is few meters away from us but we have to cross the water. Well, we can still go back.  Seize the day

The cold water felt refreshing. No sleep but full of energy and smiles. That’s the beauty of nature, it will really take your stress away.

Enjoying the gushing water

After almost an hour of dipping, we decided to go to the Jacuzzi part. The trail going here is easier and shorter. Paved stairs will help you get in here effortless.

A short yet very enjoyable trek and swim in this one of a kind river.  Choose your own adventure, explore on your own pace and discover the unexploited beauty of the place.  Live in harmony of nature, choose the road less traveled, follow the off beat trail to see the wonders of nature – this is Lunao Sulfur River.

Tips:
Take a Jeep bound for Ma-ao (more than an hour from Bacolod City)
Take a Tricycle from Ma-ao Public Market – the orange one. They are color coded. Fare going to Lunao proper is Php 25.00/pax. There are tricycle that can take you to the jump off at Php 75.00/pax
If you have a private car, you may take it until Lunao proper. Only 4x4 or off road cars can be brought to the jump off .
Best time to start your trek in the morning so you have plenty of time to explore.
Make sure to get a local guide
Bring sunblock, insect repellent and clothes to protect your skill from the bushes
No Entrance fee, but your generosity will be appreciated.

Take care and have fun!

Lunao Sulfur River Trekking

Somewhere in the quaint and peaceful brgy in Bago City is a paradise in its raw state.  If you are tired on basking your skin in salty water of the beaches, you will find this place a little interesting to visit. Where virgin foresty trails and gushing sulfuric water is a scenery to behold, all you can hear is the splashes of water and chorus of birds. Welcome to Lunao Sulfur River.

Bago City is famous for water falls and upland resorts if you want to experience a cooler climate but doesn’t want to go farther from the Metro. Sitio Lunao is located some 15 kms away from Maao Public Market. One has to take more than an hour jeepney ride from Bacolod to get to Maao and take another 30 minutes tricycle ride from the market to Lunao proper . From there you can start walking to get to the jump off point, approximately 1.5kms with some unpaved roads but mostly uphill.  According to the locals, there are some tricycle that can take you to the jump off for Php 75.00 but maximum of 4 pax load.

We were so lucky that day since a DENR vehicle passed by, saving grace! That’s one hell of difficult walk and to think that we’re pressed with time.  Good thing the locals were very helpful in giving us directions until we reached Cuenca’s Farm (this is the jump off to our destination)

Cuenca’s Resthouse

 

We approached the caretaker (forgot the name) and told him we wanted to go to the river and if he can possibly help us get someone to guide us. He was kind enough and offer us his relative to be our guide going to the river, falls and Jacuzzi.  While we’re waiting for our guide, we  spend the time taking pictures and enjoying the surroundings. Who wouldn’t?  We are overlooking some parts of Bago City, the pine trees surrounding us and most especially, I just love the cool winds blowing.

Perfect Jump Shots (Ian’s Cam)

30 minutes passed and we haven’t heard back from Kuya and we started to worry. So we decided to ask for some directions, realizing that the trail is a bit easy, we told Kuya to tell our guide to just follow. Kuya told us when we reached the Durian Farm there will be a fork in the road, the left side will take us to the river and the right to Jacuzzi. Just in time, our guide is already behind us when we reached the Durian Trees.

Trail Lined Up with Pine Trees

The Durian Trees (my first time to see one, hehe!)

We took the left road, this will lead us to the falls and the river pool. The trail is a bit slippery and moist due to scattered rains during the afternoon. Luck is on our side maybe because Mr Sun is smiling down on us that day. The 30-minute walk to the river, though uphill became tolerable with the help of the shades of the trees.

Hearing the rushing water seemed enticing, the smell of sulfur is already getting into my nerves and when we finally get a glimpsed of  the river, yey, achieved! Before going down we passed by some rockies with flowing water. Our guide said it’s safe to drink, yahoo…Finally, potable water! That expression and smile speaks for itself.

 

We went down, dropped our stuff and enjoyed the water. Compared to the sulfur spring of Mambukal, this river is cold. Oh well, water from the pool passed through several minutes before it reaches the part where we took pictures. Fair enough, let’s jump and enjoy!

The current is too strong that we decided to stop and not go any further. The falls and sulfur source is few meters away from us but we have to cross the water. Well, we can still go back.  Seize the day

The cold water felt refreshing. No sleep but full of energy and smiles. That’s the beauty of nature, it will really take your stress away.

After almost an hour of dipping, we decided to go to the Jacuzzi part. The trail going here is easier and shorter. Paved stairs will help you get in here effortless.

A short yet very enjoyable trek and swim in this one of a kind river.  Choose your own adventure, explore on your own pace and discover the unexploited beauty of the place.  Live in harmony of nature, choose the road less traveled, follow the off beat trail to see the wonders of nature – this is Lunao Sulfur River.

 

Tips:

Take a Jeep bound for Ma-ao (more than an hour from Bacolod City)

Take a Tricycle from Ma-ao Public Market – the orange one. They are color coded. Fare going to Lunao proper is Php 25.00/pax. There are tricycle that can take you to the jump off at Php 75.00/pax

If you have a private car, you may take it until Lunao proper. Only 4x4 or off road cars can be brought to the jump off .

Best time to start your trek in the morning so you have plenty of time to explore.

Make sure to get a local guide

Bring sunblock, insect repellent and clothes to protect your skill from the bushes

No Entrance fee, but your generosity will be appreciated.

Take care and have fun!

 

Technorati Tags: Lunao Sulfur River,Maao-Bago City

Stunning Beauty of South Batan

A tour of South Batan marked my 4th day in this breath-taking province. Right after we jumped out of Faluwa from Sabtang, we officially started our South Batan trail. We started very early, actually. That is to avoid influx of tourists for each spots. Tour operation usually starts at 8 in the morning.  The South Batan Tour covers three towns in Batan Island:  Ivana, Uyungan and Mahatao.

Just across the port of Ivana, you can find San Jose de Obrero Church. Built in 1784 by Fr. Jose Fausto de Cuevas, it is the only church in Batanes with a separate bell tower constructed 30 years later. The present facade was built by Fr. Fabian Martin in 1866-1869. Located by the coastal area, it is here where Katipunero revolutionaries commanded by Capt. Perea landed on September 18, 1898 to liberate the province from the Spaniards.

If you want to grab something for breakfast, just beside the port, you can find the Honesty Coffee Shop. It is an unmanned refreshment store that has become famous worldwide for showcasing Ivatan’s honesty.  There is no standby seller, the owner rely on the honesty of its customers when paying for goods taken from the store. All you can find are signage of prices within the store.

At the back of the store, you will find these stones where you can write messages to the Ivantans.

Probably the most photographed Ivatan house – House of Dakay, it was built of lime and stone in 1887 and owned by Luisa Estrella who bequeatherd it to her favorite nephew, Jose “Dakay” Estrella.  A survivor of the destructive earthquake of September 13, 1918 which destroyed much of the town, its shutters and floor have never been changed and has retained much of its authentic look through the decades.

Next stop is the Spanish Bridge located just in the heart of the town of Ivana and was constructed during the Spanish period and still being used to date.

Next stop is the town of Uyungan. Extant of maytuab type of traditional houses still stand here. The town folks pioneered the drift net fishing for dibang (flying fish). This town is also the site of thriving palek industry.

Church in Uyungan Town

Song-song Ruins – remnants of an old settlement which were ravaged by tsunami in the 1950s. Residents were given homesteads in Mindanao under the Magsaysay resettlement program. Presently is a thriving coastal community again.

Itbud Idjang – This is a hilltop fortress where the early Ivatans climbed and defend themselves against invaders

Itbud Village – this is where the best tasting local wine called Palek comes from and where extant maytuab and sinadumparan houses still stand. It had the largest population on Batan’s southernmost part in the 18th century due to stable water supply spring and a well-fortified Idjang.

Itbud Church

National Museum – The repository of the rich ethnology, history and cultural heritage of Batanes and its people. It use to be an old Long-Range Aid to Navigation (LORAN) site constructed by the Americans.

Alapad Rock Formation – offers a captivating view of rolling hills and the vast expanse of the sea made popular by the movie “Hihintayin Kita sa Langit”

San Lorenzo Luis Chapel

Now we are approaching Mahatao town. Located six kilometers south of Basco, Mahatao is rich in culture, evident in the unearthed archeological sites dating back 1200-300 BC. This town is our last stop prior to going back to Basco. The best is yet to come.

Tayid Lighthouse from Afar, standing proudly amid the rolling hills of Mahatao

This place is my best spot in Batanes. We stayed here for no less than an hour. This, for me is Batanes, absolutely stunning.  Racuh a Payaman – christened by American tourists as Marlboro Country because of its contour, the endless rolling hills, wind-swept communal pastureland for cows, carabaos and horses are perfect sceneries for nature lovers and photographers. This is one of the places that where you can relax, and enjoy the most picture-perfect view  of the Tayid Lighthouse to the left and Mt Iraya to the right.

Tayid Lighthouse – erected in 2000, this colonial looking beacon offers a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, as well as other parts of Batan Island and its rugged mountains and cliffs facing the West Philippine Sea.

San Carlos Borromeo Church – Declared in 2001 by the National Museum and National Commission for Culture and the Arts as one of the 26 churches recognized as cultural icons because of their beauty and excellent state of preservation. It was built in 1873 by Fr. Cresencio Polo using limestone walling in baroque style and cogon roofing.

Within the church premise, you can find Batanes Blank Book Archive. I was really curious why it’s called Blank Book and when I get inside and saw the books placed on the shelf, they’re hardbound books with blank pages. The guests/tourists will be the one write and fill up the pages. That’s only when I realize the name behind it.

Spanish Lighthouse – situated just few kilometers from San Carlos Borromeo Church, it is composed of two vertical structures about 30 meters apart which were manually lighted with fire for local fisherman during the Spanish Colonial period.

Mahatao Boat Shelter – inaugurated in 2007, this shelter is built to protect  fishing and passenger vessels from damage caused by typhoons and other unfavorable weather conditions.  It resembles the canals of Europe with its clear turquoise water and calm scenery

Chawa View Deck – a perfect spot to enjoy sunset supposedly as it faces the West Philippine Sea. The view deck has more than 100 steps  down the adjacent cliff to fish, take pictures, or frolic in the water.

When the tour ended, the feeling is still surreal for me. Everything I see in all the places I have been to were truly beautiful and definitely worth it.  Still stunned with the breath taking places I have visited, I must say Batanes has truly captivated my heart.  I have covered all three inhabited islands, there’s one thing left to do. Climb Mt Iraya, and finally say, I have conquered Batanes.