Revisiting Brunei

Brunei Darussalam is located in Southeast Asia, on the north coast of Borneo. It used to be a powerful sultanate until it fell into the hands of the British in 1888. A century after, it regained its full independence and discovered crude oil in its very own land becoming one of the wealthiest countries in Asia.

I first visited Brunei 14 years ago after our exchange program in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. I still remember being mesmerized by the gold plated lamp posts, patterned tiled sidewalks, and the glistening palaces which I thought only existed in fairy tales. And of course, who could forget Jerudong Park, Brunei's own version of the Disneyland at that time, only even better because there was no entrance fees and the rides were for free (sadly, the park has not been maintained for so many years that most of the rides have already worn out or are already for sale)!

A lot of things have changed in Brunei but one thing still remains the same, it is still a very rich country with resources other than crude oil to help sustain it's population for the next years to come.

Here are some interesting things to note about the place:

1) No tinted cars windows are allowed except for the Royalties. And that when the Sultan's convoy passes by, everyone is expected not to slowdown, but to stop, as a sign of respect.
2) Gasoline is so cheap that it costs only 50 cents per liter (1 Brunei Dollar = 1 Singapore Dollar).
3) There are almost no cabs, buses or any form of public transportation. Almost, if not, everyone has cars. I was told that the government even gives vouchers for car purchases!
4) Government subsides for housing that residents can only pay as low as 500 dollars (some even lower) for a 3/4-bedroom flat. And all other household costs are not that expensive either.
5) Kampong Ayer, the older part of Bendar Seri Bengawan, is still an active community with houses still on stilts but with high-end cars parked on the shore (easily accessible through speedboats).

If you are going to Brunei for a visit, note that the places of interest are not very accessible to tourists as there are no means of going around except if you have friends/relatives over there, take the guided tours offered by the Brunei Tourism (they have booths at the airport) or arrange your trips with your hotel. Luckily for us, we have good family friends there which took us around.

Here are some photos from that recent trip. Just a note, Brunei is more than just the golden mosques and palaces. It also has rainforests/jungles, beaches and other natural attractions that we were not anymore able to explore given that we were only there for 2 days.

inside the Royal Regalia

a tribute to Brunei's first billion

Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

Learn more about Brunei

Melaka: Visiting the Land of the Forefathers

I have been wanting to travel to Melaka (Malacca) and La Familia's visit was a good excuse to set foot on what my father jokingly claims to be the land of our forefathers :) Melaka, once an important port in Asia, is dubbed as Malaysia's historical state with both the Dutch and Portuguese influence evident in it's culture, food and architecture. It is located on the southwestern coast of the Malay peninsula and just 4 hour bus ride away from Singapore (either via Delima or Singapore-Malacca Express).

one of the bus options to Melaka: Malacca-Singapore Express

We took the Delima Express at 830AM from Lavander/Bugis Junction in Singapore and arrived at Melaka Sentral at around 1PM. One way bus fare costs 20.80SGD and albeit the bus being a 40-seater coach, it was actually quite roomy and comfortable. No food was served but there was a 30 minute stop in Johor Bahru to allow the passengers to lunch on Malay dishes (food price ranges from 4RM-7RM) and to freshen up before continuing with the trip.

with La Familia at the entrance of the Historic Town

Once in Melaka Sentral, we took a cab (actually two cabs as there were five of us and they only allow four persons per cab) to Hotel Puri. Taxi fare in Melaka is not metered but is fixed at 15RM/cab from the central terminal to the historic town and 20RM/cab on return (as per hotel staff, fare to the central terminal from the historic center is more expensive due to the longer route the cabs follow on the way back).

Hotel Puri, Melaka

Hotel Puri is a quaint boutique hotel along Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock, right at the very heart of the historic town. It is walking distance to the famous landmarks such as the Christ Church, Jonker Street, Stadhuys, St Paul's, etc. I liked the interior of the hotel and it's old world charm despite it not having lifts (it is after all an old building which dates back to the Dutch and Portuguese rule).

inside Hotel Puri

I booked for a family room for 355++RM (310RM for the room with 2 queen size beds and 45RM for the extra bed) for the five of us. The room was a bit overrated given the photos at their website but it is clean and big. However, due to some unforeseen technical problems at the hotel (electricity and water supply went off with NO generator and ETA on when the problem would get fixed), we had no choice but to transfer to the other boutique hotel just across the street. I did not want us to spend countless hours waiting for them to fix the problem when we were only staying there for a night.

The other hotel, The Baba House, is newer compared to Hotel Puri. It doesn't have the old world charm that makes Hotel Puri so picture-perfect but it has lifts and generator and cheaper rooms rates! The manager of Hotel Puri kindly arranged two Superior rooms for us which was charged to their hotel (after all it wasn't our fault that they were having technical problems) and just charged us 188RM for the booking at Hotel Puri. Not bad considering that we got to save over 100RM!

cuddling outside the Baba House while waiting for our hired cab

Melaka is such a small town that you could tour it on foot (assuming you don't mind walking). Armed with a map from the hotel, we went off to check out The Baba and Nyonya Heritage House (entrance fee + tour = 8RM), Stadhuys, Christ Church, St Paul's Church, Jonker Walk, St Francis Xavier Church and various souvenir/antique shops. The town reminds me of Europe but with a distinct Asian twist. The canals and the string of old house along them is similar to that of Venice (minus the gondoliers and perhaps the stench of stagnant water). We were supposed to take an hour tour via their colorfully decorated rickshaws (20RM per rickshaw for 1 hour with driver cum tour guide included) but this was cut short due to heavy rains.

Christ Church, Melaka

colorful rickshaws

Venice of Asia

the houses along the canals

Just a note if you're traveling to Melaka: go there over the weekend (Friday included) as the small town comes alive at that time (with the night markets and the bustle of tourists). We went there on a weekday and there were a few tourists making going around the place easier and hassle-free but the thing is, most restaurants were closed and the town turned activity-free at the night that there was nothing much to do but to welcome slumber land.

Jonker Street on a Thursday morning

The next day, we headed back to Melaka Sentral to take the Transnasional Bus (28RM for a one way trip) to KLCCT for our flight to Brunei. I will post another entry for Brunei Darussalam after this. In the meantime, here are useful links/info should you wish to visit the land of my forefathers one of these days:

Hotel Puri Website
The Baba House Website
Melaka Trip Photos from Multiply
Hired Taxi (to go around Melaka Town):
Ismail : 013-3848214 or 0176577406

Enjoy!

Paradise in Malaysia

We were supposed to go to Bali. But then as our busy schedules would have it, we weren't able to book our hotel nor our flight. So upon a friend's recommendation, off we went to Perhentian Islands in Malaysia without exactly knowing what to expect when we get there.

Perhentian Islands is a group of islands at the north eastern side of the Malaysian peninsula. It is composed of Pulau Perhentian Kecil (the small island) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (the big island), both known for its diving spots and exquisite unadultered beauty.

a crude map of the islands

The Long Beach in Perhentian Kecil is a favorite among Europeans. It has a nice long stretch of white sandy shores and a variety of dining options within walking distance. It has the right amount of noise and buzz to keep the island alive especially at night.

Long Beach, Perhentian Kecil

Pulau Perhentian Besar on the other hand is the quieter, more laid back island frequented by locals. It provides a perfect solace for anyone who wants to get away from all the stress of the city life.

dusk at Perhentian Besar

From Singapore, we flew to Kuala Lumpur then from KL took another flight to Kota Bahru. From Kota Bahru, there was an hour ride to the sleepy town of Kuala Besut then finally a 30-minute speedboat ride to the islands. We stayed at Coral View Resort at Perhentian Besar for 3 nights. The resort was very laid back and comfortable, the chalets simple but clean and well maintained. Coral View Resort is not exactly a posh resort but for an island accommodation, the chalets are way, way better than our usual accommodations when we go surfing in Philippines :) I suggest though that you choose the sea view chalets to save you the walk to and from the beach. But if you and your group would want a more secluded and private chalet then the hill view ones would be okay (wouldn't take you 10 mins to get to the beach).

chalets at Coral View Resort, Perhentian Besar

Coral View also has an internet room which you can use for a minimum amount, a nice dining area (overlooking the sea) and very accommodating and friendly staff. We were forever requesting for anything and everything (extra towels, extra mattress, room relocations, etc) and the people there really found time to quickly attend to our needs (special thanks to Ayi and Faiz -- hope i spelled your names right :)).

dining at Coral View Resort

The restaurant does not have a wide variety of dishes to choose from but the food was good and you can easily explore the nearby resorts for other dining options. No alcoholic drinks are offered in restaurants across all resorts (except for some in Long Beach) as it is part of an Islamic state but you're welcome to bring your own drinks and have your usual night cap in your chalets.

It wasn't my usual beach or surfing trip but overall, it was an amazing experience -- I saw sharks, turtles, swordfishes, flying fishes and lots and lots of other fishes. I had a fun time swimming and exploring the islands via water taxis (I can't get over how beautiful it was to ride the water taxi in the stillness of the night with a blanket of stars for your light). I nearly had a heart attack while jumping off the lighthouse in the middle of the sea (it was the longest 12 second jump of my life when everything suddenly turned slowmo). I have met new friends who made the trip more fun.

with Nora, Sufi, Azah and Jill at Long Beach

with Faiz and the manager of Coral View Resort

But the highlight of it all was witnessing one of the most magnificent sunsets in all my years of traveling -- such a humbling experience to be in the midst of His grandeur.

sunset at Perhentian Islands

If you're interested, you might want to check out these sites

Coral View Resort

Information on Perhentian Islands

You may drop me a note too if you have questions, I'll find time to answer them :)

Finally, Boracay!

Pam, my bestfriend from high school, and I spent the November 1 - 4, 2007in Boracay. After years of planning to travel together, this was our first time to finally do it! And what made this trip even more fun was that it was also our first time in Boracay!

What did we do in Boracay? Check this out!

1) Did the 15 shots at Cocomangas. It was a blast trying out all the shots and having our names in their hall or fame!

2) Tried the shakes at Jonah's. We loved Mocha Rhum and Banana Vanilla Shakes!

3) Walked the long stretch of White Beach. It started out as an evening stroll but ended up as a search for the Cocomangas!

4) Went island hopping, went to the Crystal Cove caves and Puca island

5) Snorkeled

6) Watched the sunset thru a paraw

7) Had a tattoo (sun tattoo for me and a chinese character for pam) and had our hair braided (atleast pam's hair) while watching a fire dance right infront of us

8) Had a massage (although not a good one)

9) Went sea walking.. it was an amazing experience walking on the sea bed and having all the fishes swim around you!

10) Rented an ATV and toured the island.

11) Strolled thru D' Avenue

12) Sampled their restos and sat in some bars

13) Swam and got ourselves sunburned

14) Watched the sunrise (finally! after our failed attempts to wake up early!)

15) And of course, took hundreds of photos :)

Not a bad checklist for first timers huh? :)

Good Morning, Philippines!

I just love sunrise!

These are my best sunrise shots yet, taken on my way back from Bangkok with my IXUS 75. We were flying over our 7,107 islands at around 4AM last September 4.

early morning colors

flying across our 7107 islands!

That One Long Weekend in Thailand

Before my four-day trip to Thailand last Aug 31-Sept 3, I've made a list of the things that I want to do while we're there. That was my first ever Asian trip after more than 10 years (excluding stopovers during business trips) and Thailand being one of my dream countries in Asia, I'd like to maximize those precious four days.

I am proud to say that I have been able to accomplish 13 out of 16 of these items plus some other bonus activities like writing my name on a ceramic tile to be used for the reconstruction of the temple roof, dropping coins in 108 prayer bowls, offering incense and lotus flowers to a Buddha in Ayutthaya, and befriending some locals who helped us gain access to some of Thailand's best!).

Below was my list:

It was such a short trip given that there's so much to do in Bangkok alone. Next time I'm in Thailand, I want to do the following:

1) Watch a classical Thai masked dance at Sala Chalermkrung Theatre or a Thai cultural show at Siam Niramit
2) Take the Chao Phraya Cruise at night and see the temples at their lighted glory
3) Get an authentic Thai massage at Wat Pho
4) Watch the sunset/sunrise at Ayutthaya
5) Go to Phi Phi Le island where the movie, The Beach was filmed
6) Watch a Calypso Cabaret show and see performances of Thai "women" and see if this is better than Club Mwah's performaces =)
7) Watch Muay Thai tournaments
8) and then... Hop to Cambodia then Vietnam after enjoying Thailand one more time =)

Hopefully, I get to complete this new checklist by late next year. I know, it'll be even more amazing!

Una Vez Mas!

Sharing the photos from last weekend!

Meeting them again in Madrid after four long years....

the big bosses Gonzalo (Turin), Angel, Jose Maria (JM) comparing their tummies =)

at the airport with my good friend and former seatmate Goran (glad to see that smile in this photo)

with the serious(?) but fun JM

with Javi, Sylvia and the babies (Sammy and Irene) at Retiro Park

Meeting them the first in Manila and then in Madrid after two years...

catching up with Ivan at Fuenlabrada

visiting Tapi at home

Meeting them first virtually and then upclose and personal...

with my lovely hostess, Laura

with Mr Tall and Funny guy, Antonio

And of course meeting new friends in between glasses of sangria...

eating and drinking marathon with Angel, Sylvia, Laura, and Gonzalo

getting drunk with Goran, JM, Laura, Mery, Cristina, Rueben, Sheila, Antonio, Turin(front)

... and on my way to Munich before I even got to Madrid!

thanks Doreen for keeping me calm all throughout the flight (was so nervous I wouldn't catch the flight to Madrid because I checked in myself only to the flight to Munich! hehe)

Hasta que nos veamos la próxima vez, mis amigos y amigas!

Falling Inlove All Over Again

It was only for two days but somehow, I fell inlove again. With Madrid.

It was not only the beauty of the place that once again caught me breathless (infact I haven't had enough time to take in Madrid in the two days I breezed through the city) but also the warmth and the friendship of the people who have spent their time with me.

I had a great time drinking sangria (discovered I could drink more than 10 glasses without even getting dizzy until that one glass of vodka cola!), barhopping, shopping in Fuenlabrada, and spending the two afternoons just catching up with old friends. There was so much to talk about in the last 4 or 2 years that I have not seen them and if I could only stop time to make my stay much longer, I would have done it. I knew I would be missing them more than I had ever before.

I thank the following friends for this short but wonderful weekend:

Goran, Turin, JM, Angel -- for tha sangrias, vinos, vodkas, stories, and laughs during the last two days. It was a wonderful surprise seeing you all at the airport.

Laura -- for welcoming me into your home and making me feel comfortable as much as you can despite the fact that this was the first time that we've personally met each other.

Sylvia, Cristina, Ruben, Mery -- for adding more fun to this weekend. I'm sorry if I wasn't able to talk to you that much, I promise to practice my Spanish more next time!

Antonio and Sheila -- for driving all the way from Granada to spend time with me. You both look good together!

Javi and Sylvia -- for letting me hold and laugh with Sammy and Irene even for awhile.

Tapi -- for entertaining Ivan and myself when we went to visit you. Hope you start playing football soon!

Ivan -- for driving all the way to Fuenlabrada to spend the afternoons with me. I had a beautiful afternoon at El Dorado with you. We still have to buy our lottery tickets!

To those whom I have not been able to meet (Vicente, Rover, Juampa, David, Jesus), you each owe me one glass of sangria the next time I'm there!

I hope to see you again soon, be it in Manila or Madrid! Will be posting the pictures soon!

Quidate mucho!

In Full Bloom!

I just love spring in Europe! The flowers are in their freshest and most vibrant colors, the new leaves once again start to adorn the gray trees... everything seems to exude life.

standing prouder than ever

a sprinkle of colors

witnessing the white and yellow crowns

a bed of tulips

blooms in Gamla Stan

proud to be red

Exploring Stockholm

We went around Stockholm last Sunday using the Stockholmskortet or the Stockholm Card and it is indeed more value for your money.

Stockholmskortet can be bought at T-Centalen and prices can range from SEK 290(valid for 24 hours) to SEK 540 (valid for 72 hours). It makes going around Stockholm easy and convenient as it gives you free admission to over 80 museums and attractions all over Stockholm, free rides on bus, ferry, and subway (regardless of any Stockholm destination), and even free boat sightseeing!

Regular fare for local transportations would be around SEK 40 and admissions to museums and attractions range from SEK 60-110. So if you're planning to explore Stockholm without spending too much, Stockholmskortet is for you. A pocket guide (given upon purchase of the card), a good pair of walking shoes, and a warm jacket (especially if you are taking the ferry or going around Djurgården) are all you need to enjoy the capital of Scandinavia.

We just bought the 24hr Stockhomskortet and it was enough to give us a glimpse of how beautiful Stockholm really is! Sharing the some of stockholm's best... enjoy!

the rose garden at Skansen

The Royal Palace

a fault turned into a national treasure at the Vasa Museum

a cloudy day in the archipelago

The Museum of Biology

the City Hall and the Tower Museum

Will be posting some more photos soon!