If you want some quiet time in a beach. Breakers Beach is the place to be. Literally, just over the fence from Coronado beach. No jumping over the fence is allowed though.
Tag: sojourns
Hongkong: Solo for the First 24 Hours
Repost and re-edit of pictures from my old blog.
I’m solo on my first 24 hours in HK. I was apprehensive at first but, I managed anyway. All the walking, reading of map/book and asking for direction helped me through my day. I also downloaded the MTR tourist app for directions to the tourist attractions (very reliable! and easy to understand). I had a good grip of my time since I decide for myself especially on when to leave or stay a place (that’s why I love solo travel).
I booked my accommodation with Roomorama. Cheaper than hotels and the owner was very accommodating. It was a typical flat that was very comfortable and homey.
Mongkok
Phuket, Thailand
The island of Phuket has long been misunderstood. Firstly, the ‘h’ is silent. Ahem. And secondly, Phuket doesn’t feel like an island at all. It’s so huge (the biggest in Thailand) that you rarely get the sense that you’re surrounded by water, which is probably the reason why the ‘Ko’ (meaning ‘island’) was dropped from its name. Dubbed the ‘pearl of the Andaman’ by marketing execs, this is Thailand’s original flavour of tailor-made fun in the sun. —LONELY PLANET
We visited Phuket on the second week of November 2011. Just in time for the Loi Krathong Festival.
I have to admit, the town is one busy place. It seems like everybody has their business to attend to. Just look at the traffic.
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| Traffic jam. This was around late in the evening. |
We arrived early in the afternoon via Air Asia. It was our first with them. The whole flight was a pleasant experience. A good sign of things to come, I spotted a rainbow during the flight. Cool!
//instagram.com/p/TiOMr
Upon arrival from the airport, we rented a taxi to take us to our Hotel. From there we decided to explore the Patong beach area. We used the hotel\’s shuttle service then off we go to the beach.
I like Patong beach for the shore\’s adequate proximity from buildings and establishments. Lots of space to roam, lounge and relax. It won\’t matter if the tide is high.
I didn\’t swim because the water looks murky. I\’m not sure if it was the time of the year when, sea water goes through a phase which gave it a brownish color. I was expecting clear blue water, white sand etc. We should\’ve visited Krabi instead (guess my research wasn\’t good enough).
There\’s lots of beach activities available like para-sailing, jet skiing etc. I\’m not sure about the prices and whether it\’s negotiable.
Nevertheless, we enjoyed the place with a romantic stroll.
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| The couple in this picture, NOT us. |
There are markets, food stalls, tour agencies, tailoring shops, spas, hotels etc. near the beach. There are lots of choice for recreation and eating. It\’s just a matter of choice. Prices varies according to beach proximity (my personal opinion). Prices are higher if establishments are near the beach.
For shopping and mid to up-scale dining, Jungceylon mall is a short distance walk from Bangla road. Fast food joints (KFC, Burger King), Starbucks, bistros, cafes and fancy restaurants they have it. ATM machines are available inside as well.
Good to Know Info:
- Many locals can speak English. Its easy to communicate especially when asking for directions.
- The tuk-tuk usually costs 200 Baht per tuk-tuk NOT per person. If you can get it lower than 200 Baht, well good for you.
- Shopping in Phuket is expensive. This is in comparison with what Bangkok shopping has to offer.
- Money changers are all-over the place. Not all establishments accepts credit cards. Better to have cash at all times.
This is Day 1 of Phuket. Will post Day 2 in a while.
XOXO
Wordless Wednesday- 15
OAWSP: Church Of St. Paul Ruins
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| Malacca, Malaysia |
Villa Escudero
I\’m happy that I was able to celebrate New Year 2013 with my family. This is one of the rare moment that we are all together. As a token of appreciation for my dad who covered my airfare, I decided to treat them to a day trip in Villa Escudero. The place is beautiful! You can literally be in two places at once because they lie in between the San Pablo, Laguna and Quezon province border.
I\’m not on my photo-taking mode so I left it in the hands of my sister. I just used my phone.
First stop: The pink church but museum in the inside.
Inside is a vast collection of ancient jars, artifacts, war memorials, costumes and a whole lot more.
They also have a wide array of traditional Filipino dresses from the Spanish till American Era
Spoons and Oxfords
I remember making one of the revolution flags when I in highschool
Aling Charing\’s playground. We just felt our inner child bursted out and we had fun riding the merry-go-round horses.
Up next: The ride going to the falls and buffet meal.
No pimpin\’ required for our ride.She\’s a cool albino carabao (water buffalo). She has a name BTW, Tisay. She\’s a bit camera shy.
We were serenaded by folk songs and OPM. The employees here are courteous, helpful and talented. I think they should be featured in Philippine Tourism ads.
We rode the muscle spasm-inducing bamboo raft. Balance, agility and patience are the key to keep yourself dry.
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| Siblinghood Bonding 🙂 |
I think the water is deep I doubt that anyone can swim there.They have adult and kiddie pools available. They have this jacuzzi type of pool as well, perfect for lounging. Don\’t expect any infinity pool. I have to tell you that the pools were clean and well-maintained.
And now the food…
They had me at Peanut Sauce. Really! I didn\’t know it\’s a good combination with salads and grilled fish. Sumptuous but healthy. A lot of food to choose from.
Check out their camera. They still use film. Old school = Cool
Ecosystem and mini hydroelectric power plant
Unique chandeliers
Like I said, the employees deserve a spot on Philippine Tourism ad. They are trained by Cultural Center of the Philippines. They promote our heritage by showcasing traditional dances and folk songs. They even have the bandurria ensemble.
This is the perfect place to go, especially for balikbayans. For my fellow expats, if you want your children to have a glimpse of our cultural background, this is one of the place to be.
I want to go back here and stay overnight the next time.
XOXO
Rich Cervales Blog 