I decided to roam the streets after my day tour. I’m so glad, I did.
Tag: solo travel
Ho Chi Minh City || Vietnam
This annual leave was supposed to be reserved for me and my husband’s second honeymoon in Maldives. Due to impractical prices of plane fares and expensive rates in Maldives we weren’t able to push through. Even an option of another Bangkok, Thailand escapade was nakakabutas bulsa. I gave him the option of going to Vietnam, but he still has some issues with the Vietnam War.
I asked his permission if I could go alone. He was apprehensive at first, but he trusted me and gave me permission. Thank you Seff, for letting me experience this opportunity. I love you very much. And because of this trip, I convinced him to comeback with me there. He was fascinated with my stories of their healthy food. *wink *wink*.
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
Malacca, Malaysia Part 2
More of Jonker Street sights…
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| This sign is just outside Jonker Street |
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| Father of Bodybuilders in Malaysia |
On my way to Melaka Sentral, the bus passed on a huge golden statue of Datuk Wira. He\’s still very active and prominent even at the age of 85.
Started my sightseeing trail from the Dutch Square by hiring a tricycle rickshaw. Bad move for me. But my pedicab driver is nice if I look at it on the bright side ( and I forgot his name…shoot!). Malacca is his bread and butter. Been working for 30 years as a rickshaw driver.
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| The Flamboyant Pedicabs – my own term for this colorful bunch. |
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| My Pedicab Driver |
Riverside Sights…
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| Too bad I wasn\’t able to avail of the Melaka River Cruise. I heard that the sunset-dusk-early evening ride are the best. You get to see everything at sunset then just enough to see the lights of the establishments in the evening. |
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| Maritime Museum |
Furthermore to the trail…
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| A Famosa Fortress |
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| Walking through here will lead you to the path going to St. Paul Church and other museums. |
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| From the inside. |
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| I\’m fascinated with these huge tablets with inscriptions and symbols. |
As I went down from the St.Paul church. The Malacca Sultanate Palace was open. So I grabbed the opportunity. I think the entrance fee is 1 RM.
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| I\’m happy I was given the chance to visit the Malacca. |
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| Church of St. Francis Xavier |
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| Till next time Malacca |
XOXO
No Travel Itinerary Is Always Perfect
Not all of my travels are perfect. More often, I have my own share of bloopers, getting lost, lost in translation, victim of rip-off and haggling fails. Nevertheless, it\’s all part of the adventure. Just always keep in mind to be cautious and safe. Don\’t do something that\’s mala-Locked Up Abroad. Make sure you familiarize yourself of the destination country\’s do\’s and don\’ts, laws, culture etc. so you won\’t get in trouble. Always have a Plan B ready if some of the places you want to go to is not feasible.
Enjoy and Travel!
Malacca, Malaysia Part 1
Malacca (Malay: Melaka) is the capital of the state of Malacca, on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Visiting Malacca is a unique experience with a rich historical and cultural background from previous Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. The city centre was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in July 2008, along with Georgetown, Penang. – SOURCE
I\’ve made this day trip to Malacca because if I waited for a friend to plan a trip there it will take forever. So another solo trip for the lakwatsera in me.
I can\’t pursue an overnight trip because I don\’t have a few days off from work. In my mind if I don\’t do it now, I won\’t be seeing Malacca in the next few years. So I booked a ticket online via easibook costs 45 SGD (2 way ticket). From Everton Park, I hailed a cab going to Golden Mile Complex in Beach Road. My bus going to Malaysia was Sri Maju. The ride was a pleasant one. A/C is working fine, reclining seats are comfortable. We\’re not allowed to use the TV and games console because I remember we just paid for coach seats. No problem with me, just as long as I have my iPod I\’ll be fine. The best part was there\’s only three passengers plus the driver. Yes!
After immigration clearance, you\’re set to Malacca. The trip is approximately 4 hours long including the mandatory stopovers. I find the duration of the trip fast. Fair enough for a big bus and no traffic along the road. But I\’m guessing if you have a private car you can reach Malacca 3 hours from SG (or less?).
Our last stop was Melaka Sentral. From there I searched for the Bus # 17 going to the Heritage Site. It\’s located in the front area of the shopping center. There are lots of people waiting for that bus when I came. Queuing is non-existent. You have to squeeze your way through the people, skin-to-skin. The bus was filled up, literally. I stayed at the back so it\’s not that crowded. I paid between 1-2 RM and you have to pay cash to the driver.
I heaved a sigh of relief when I saw this…I\’m on the right track! Yehey!
Bus #17 will stop at the Dutch Square near the fountain and clock tower. And off you go to explore the city!
I was able to come inside the church. Photo-taking is not allowed but the interiors are simple and the walls are mostly white. I\’m not quite sure what time the open and close from the public.
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| Christ Church is an 18th-century Anglican church in the city of Malacca, Malaysia. It is the oldest functioning Protestant church in Malaysia and is within the jurisdiction of the Lower Central Archdeaconry of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia. —Source |
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| Dutch Square |
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| Stadthuys was closed for it was undergoing renovation. |
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| Plaza Roundabout |
The Tourist Information Center is very accessible from the Dutch Square (you just need to cross the street). If you\’re a bit lost of where to go and what to do, just head to the center. There are computers with internet connection, brochures, booklets and some guidemaps.
For me, especially if you\’re on a budget the best thing to do: follow the Heritage Trail and walk all the way. It may look or sound far (when you ask for direction) but the TRUTH is major tourist spots are within walking distances (refer to the map above and see the yellow colored area).
I realized that I made an expensive mistake of trying-out the flamboyant pedicabs. While trekking through the city I was like \”Ang lalapit lang pala sana nilakad ko na lang.\”
The Dutch influence has definitely made a mark in this city.
To be continued…
XOXO
Rich Cervales Blog 