The Tourist: Singapore

Singapore is one of the friendliest and undeniably safest cities a solo tourist can visit and explore. Although thrice more expensive than its Asian neighbors, The Lion City is modernized, impeccable and well thought-out.  With Singaporeans’ eloquence in English language (with the renowned “lah” )and warm reception, it is effortless for the one who is traveling alone to get around.

Singapore and Solo (Part 1 of 2)

Arriving independently in Singapore from Malaysia via Tiger Airways early morning inclined me to walk around the organized and pleasant Changi Airport. From Budget Terminal, a free shuttle bus to Terminal 2 basement is readily available. First stop is McCafé to compose self, review the itinerary, perk up with a  classic Mocha frappé and make use of the free 10-minute internet to get in touch with my SG friends. My Blackberry was running low battery so I asked around for a charging station. The Coffee Bean Café has the only single outlet for charging, so I hurriedly seized a spot, ordered chocolate cupcake and precious bottled water, only to find out the café did not have the plug adaptor for British three-pin rectangular socket (230V/50Hz) for my charger.

From Changi Airport, I decided to take the Skytrain and change trains at Tarah Menah going to Orchard Station. Thanks to that gracious Singaporean guy who taught me how to dispense Single-trip tickets. The 30-minute trip costs almost $2 plus a refundable deposit of $1.  When staying in the city for longer period, obtaining an EZ-link card is wise for a hassle-free hop around the city.  It is similar with Hongkong’s Octopus card where it can be topped up in MRT stations, buses and convenience stores. Riding the MRT and blending in like the locals is preferred since it’s fast, convenient and easy on the pocket.

Orchard Road Shopping, Vivo City Dining and Universal Studios at Night

The Ion Orchard welcomed the shopaholic vibes in me as I get off from the train station. Topshop, Zara, Charles and Keith and many others became my best friends as I hang around and pass the time.  Shopping, people watching in Orchard Road, changing of outfits and food tripping kept me preoccupied. I was lucky to be joined by High School pals for kind company and enjoyed the rainy afternoon packed with good stories and sumptuous foods in stylish The King Louis restaurant in Vivo City.

               Later that night, we were joined by the nicest High School friend I know. It was indeed a mini-reunion.   We headed to Sentosa Island to visit Universal Studios for awesome fireworks display. The Sentosa Ticket Counter is located in the 3rd level of Vivo City Mall and ticket costs around $3.  A One Day Weekend Pass ticket to infamous Universal Studios is a$72 rip-off.  However, Hollywood After Hours with Lake Hollywood Spectacular show that charges $5 would suffice and just perfect for the night which is available only during Fridays and Saturdays.

        Aside from fantastic pyrotechnics display, the sight-seeing tour was incredible. Meeting USS characters, hopping around sights: Broadway and Hollywood, dining and USS shopping while the night is young is just fabulous. Better yet, sharing the enthusiasm of Universal Studios with great friends just got it even more enjoyable! 

A Trip to the Happiest Place on Earth: Disneyland!

"No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dreams that you wish will come true."
— Walt Disney

To set foot in Disneyland is a dream come true.  Who could forget: Meeting Mickey Mouse and other Disney Characters, trying the breath-taking rides, joining the Water Parade, shopping in Disney Stores, dancing like a little girl, the non-stop fun and fireworks!

The Disneyland trip is rekindling the inner child in me and experiencing the Walt Disney magic!

They say Disneyland is the "Happiest Place On Earth"...Obviously they've never been in your arms ♥ The happiest place on earth will always be with you.

My Ultimate Destination for 2011

Aside from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia trips scheduled this 2011, I am definitely eyeing  on one  dream Asian destination: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bagan, Myanmar.

I truly have deep fascination with incredible sunrise and sunset whether it's in highlands or in the beach. With my well-versed Mom knowing this enthrallment, she reminded me of a place that I once read and watched on travel documentaries where I could catch a beautiful glimpse and take an interesting photo of  magical dawn and dusk. I know I have to see the place with my very own eyes. I look forward to watching the sky change its colors over the tips of more than 7,000 ancient temples and pagodas that dot the horizon, which is considered as one of the most majestic scenes in the world.

Imagining the cold breeze on my face as we bicycle toward the ruins, climbing up a temple at dawn to get a perfect scenery of the rising sun, the sight of endless array of light reflecting on the thousands temples carpeting the ancient land– how can one resist with this kind of breathtaking experience?   I would love every second of it,  and the fact of simply being there with someone special would undeniably stay with me the most--- more than going home with a postcard of mesmerizing sunrise in  Myanmar.

*Photo courtesy of YYzdez

Fire Dancing in Boracay

Fire Dancing: A spectacular show in Boracay you should not miss!

A riot of light illuminates the night in the Island. Simply enchanting.

-Photo by Barbie Armie

Bohol's Treasure: Balicasag Island

Spending an early morning in Balicasag Island during a trip with my bestfriends in Bohol to catch a glimpse and take a photo of dolphins in their natural habitat . What a lovely view!

“Man has always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much…the wheel, New York, wars and so on…while all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man…for precisely the same reason.”
-Douglas Adams




Photo by Barbie Armie
Balicasag Island, Bohol

CDO Whitewater Rafting: Cagayan de Oro's Pride and The Next Level of Adrenaline-Packed Adventure

   With barely 3 hours of sleep subsequent to amazing CDO nightlife and to complete the CDO trip, we needed to jump off the bed with energy and sporty vibes at around 7:00 A.M. since KAGAY, the group scheduled to offer the Whitewater Rafting, was about to pick us up at 8:00 A.M. To my surprise, a jeepney with rafts at its top fetched us in the hotel. Their guides, with all smile, welcomed us aboard.  By all guts, we took the challenge: CDO Whitewater Rafting Adventure at its finest!

   First, we had a stopover at Divisoria to pick up some of the rafters. The guide was kind enough and allowed us to buy some breakfast in the nearby McDo. We needed to fill in our empty stomach for this exciting venture. When we hopped in the jeepney, with all astonishment, the two folks looked familiar and it seemed we already met them during our Camiguin trip. And we were right, the couple, Jay-Ar and Nhice were one of the lovely pairs we saw in White Island. Great!

  

   Kagay is one of Cagayan de Oro’s supreme whitewater rafting outfitters. It offers trips ranging from beginner’s course to advanced and expert courses throughout the year. With high hopes and exhilaration, we were about to experience the basic: Beginner’s Course that is comprised of 14 rapids and shall be completed in 3 hours. This course (Class 1-2) costs around Php 700 per head. This was definitely our first time to try this kind of water adventure. These two ladies never felt outnumbered as fellow adventurers were picked up at their locations since everybody offered golden friendship. The cheery group headed by Ruffa and the guys from Xavier/Searsolin lead by Sir Luther were all nice and warm! The trip to the disembarkation point of Cagayan River took about less than an hour from the city proper.

  

   Gazing at the Cagayan River, which separates CDO and Bukidnon, bestowed us pure adrenaline at a different level. After registration, personal belongings were turned over to the staff where everybody can get them in the finish point. Before proceeding to quest, we were given short briefing on paddling directions and correct positions, rafting basics, do’s and don’ts and capsizing. After demonstrating Forward Paddle, Stop, Back Paddle with our gear, floating vest and helmet.. off we go!

   Experiencing the first rapid made me lose my breath and my heart continuously pounding! I felt the rush of whitewater for the first time in the spectacular Cagayan de Oro River! At the same time, it was a moment to discover and unleash the thrill of nature at its wildest.

   Ahoo, Ahoo, Ahoo! HIGH FIVE!!!  Raise paddles! We survived! Finishing all the rapids was an accomplishment. The guide and the team did a marvelous job on making the rafting not only enjoyable but most significantly, safe and secured as we can be.

  

   The Beginner’s course was effortless! (Ahem! Now, talking like a pro.)  In contrast to common belief, it was really not necessary to put forth extra effort when paddling although one had to do so for teamwork and with respect to the other rafters. We were lucky we got the coolest rafting guide in the boat! We never had a dull moment with such a witty and humorous guy. Picture taking also was a good diversion.

   Almost all 14 rapids only lasted in mere seconds, giving extra time for calm waters in between where one can jump off the raft, take a dip, float and swim while enjoying the beautiful view. Passing by the caves, the stone formations, snake nest with real snakes resting on it had somehow added more enthusiasm to the journey.

   After the last rapid, the group had to get off the finish point wherein delectable set meals in nearby restaurant were served and the jeepney with all the stuff was waiting.

   It was fun-filled and must-try adventure that even non-sporty type of individuals like me could enjoy. The delightful thrill of crossing the rapids somehow  pushed me to the decision of trying Advanced Course the next time I set my foot to CDO with my friends and experience again the unbeatable water overdrive!

   I myself couldn’t believe I was fearless enough to do it. From hesitant to brave, from restless to excited. Joining the perfectly entertaining teams, the adventure was engaging, a really unforgettable part of my life!  ♥

Tips:

1. Cover most of your body against the sun’s harmful rays. Wear long sleeves and leggings for girls. Do not wear stripes (where I got my Madagascar tan lines! LOL) Apply sun block generously!

2. You may not bring your DSLR cameras. For safety of your gadgets, you can bring waterproof or point and shoot cameras. You can avail of Kagay photo service and one can pay and share the copy with everybody.

3. Kagay provides waterproof bags to be brought along the adventure where you can put your gadgets inside.

4. Shower rooms are provided. One can bring extra clothes, towel and toiletries.

5. Bring bottled mineral water. Or if somebody from the other boat can give you for free, why not? LOL

Kagay

021 Pres. Aguinaldo Street

Cagayan de Oro City

63 88 3104402; +639177122323

dankaamino@yahoo.com

Conquering My Fear in Bangkok

13th Day of June 2010: Mark this day. I conquered my fear of heights as I climbed up the soaring 260ft for Wat Arun. It is challenging to ascend a limited way up the very steep stairs of the main prang, which presents a magnificent view of the Chao Phraya River.

Temple of the Dawn, which stands at the west bank of the river and originally known as Wat Makok ("Olive Temple") was built in the days of Thailand's ancient capital Ayutthaya. Amidst its name (from Aruna, the Hindu god of the dawn), the greatest picturesque scenery of Wat Arun come at sunset with the sun setting behind it. This makes one of the best landmarks for the City of Angels: Bangkok. Dropping by coffee shops and food restaurants across the river before the spectacular sunset can make fine-looking shots from these viewpoints. Sunset is from 6pm - 7pm all year round in Bangkok. Wat Arun is open every day to public from 8.30am to 5.30pm. Entrance to the Wat is THB 50 and the ferry crossing goes as low as THB 2.

See you soon again, Wat Arun!

Asia's Sin City

Dear Macau Tower,

I will skywalk the next time I will see you..

Sincerly,

Me

   "Macau Tower is a remarkable landmark of Macau and one of the most advanced towers in the world. Not for anyone who has a fear of heights, this 338 meter-sky tower, can be the best place  for a breathtaking birds-eye view over the Macau Sin City."

For a day, I was a Paparazzi

Officially Missing Boracay... ♥

For a day, I was a Paparazzi

-Photo by Barbie Armie

CDO: The Nightlife: Must See + Do

After the mysterious yet fun Camiguin odyssey, we reached Cagayan de Oro in high spirits for just a span of 2 hours. Thanks to the convenience of Paras Seacat, which costs about P400 per person per way but cuts the travel time by half! This ferry travels daily from Bohol to Camiguin and finally to CDO.

We arrived in CDO at 6:30 P.M.  and immediately took the taxicab to Hotel Conchita. The hotel is just 3 minutes away from Macabalan Pier and just walking distance to market, surrounded by retail shops and food restaurants.

 Although accessible to Divisoria, I suggest it would be nicer if you stay in Limketkai Center like Mallberry or Pearlmont for convenience and safety since these latter are just near hangout places and only have to cross the streets to catch the scene.

It was Saturday night, the perfect time to try CDO Nightlife. Cagayan de Oro has a night panorama to compete with the Live band & Acoustic Bars, Clubs and KTV bars in metro areas of Manila. With that, we were bound to choose between Night Café and Limketkai. We asked the hotel staff what could be the best place for us to hang out and they gave us unanimous answer: Limketkai Center since it would be safer for dressed up damsels like us minus the royal guards.

Night Café is preeminent every Friday's and Saturday's from 6:00 P.M. to 2:00 AM where  stalls are built for shopping, dining and some music performances. If you’re not used meeting variety of crowds, then it may not be the best place to go. And there is what you call “The Site" in Limketkai Center, the Pride of Cagayan de Oro City, which is a superb spot to hangout, have a cozy dinner and coffee after. It's more like The Fort or Libis but Kagay-anon style.

 

Not wearing the typical high heels to match our party outfits did not lessen the poise. We headed to Rosario Arcade still in glam and strut our stuff to Candy's and Cafe Macumba in startling way, which were excellent venues to chill and chat with friends. However, we picked the one with best façade: Kyla’s Bistro!  The foods served were superior, which cuisines were tempting and served with cheese; and the prices of cocktails like Margarita were reasonable. The majority of the crowd was young and vibrant, which we belong.

 Kyla’s Bistro gave us the greatest ambiance: we proudly stayed in one of the artistic spheres outside the Bistro which can accommodate 12 to 15 people. This fine-looking spherical structure not only gave us a retro feel; but above all, the picturesque view was perfect for these two Manileñas to be the apple of the eyes for that night. Without exaggerating, the Kagay-anons  were one of the nicest folks we ever met. They offered not only their golden smiles, but also their friendship and approached us with their helping hands. The rest was a beautiful history. ♥