Showing posts with label Travelogue. Show all posts

Travelogue | Underwater in Cebu

Photography by KennyKCSim
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CEBU WATERS  Hola! It's the start of a brand new week today and I'm continuing on my Cebu and Bohol travelogue! (This is my second post and you can read up about my first one here) While our first day had all been getting about and touring the city of Cebu, we spent our second day getting out in the sun.. going island-hopping!!! 

We set off around 6am in the morning, where our guide drove us to Boyla Dive Shop to grab our snorkeling gears first before embarking on our adventure across the sea! With Philippines made up of 7107 islands... (ah.. a little too spoilt for choice) we settled with two out of the countless many. Up on the plan now is snorkeling at Hilotongnan Island and lunch on Nalusuan Island.

Photograph by KennyKCSim


HILOTONGNAN ISLAND

Photograph by KennyKCSim

Snorkeling at Hilotongnan Island is my third try at snorkeling. Back then, I had my first snorkel experience in Tioman where I was greeted by a bunch of colorful marine fishes underwater. Naively, I had high expectations towards my second snorkel when I went to Boracay.... only to be soooo devasted. You must be thinking why, right? So let me tell you... the boatman whom we paid to bring us out, dropped us at a snorkeling site to swim with no more than.... ten fishes underwater. I was so disappointed!

When it came to Hilotongnan Island this time round... YES THERE WERE FISHES UNDERWATER!!! There's even a friendly diver down under who waved back at us. Now this, is definitely way better than my previous Boracay snorkel.. Off I went back up the boat again, grabbed my phone, and jumped back in with a leap of faith (that my phone wouldn't drown in water.. it should be waterproof) Look at the pictures from my phone!


Huge bunch of fishes right below our boat. As the currents were pretty strong, we decided to get out of the water and head next to Nalusuan Island for lunch.

NALUSUAN ISLAND

(Photograph by KennyKCSIM)

Nalusuan Island is every kind of beautiful! I love the super long jetty walkway and all of us were just stopping every few steps to for photos hahaha. I bet we took at least twenty minutes before we finally made it to the other end for lunch. If you are island hopping in Cebu, this is THE island you HAVE to visit. Other than yummy local barbecued food, we found that it has another gorgeous beach right next to the place we dined.. (great for photos again!) with lots of little marine fishes in the shallow waters. If I am back to Cebu, I'll be sure to come back to Nalusuan Island again. 

(Photograph by KennyKCSIM)
(Photograph by KennyKCSIM)
(Photograph by YapMeng)

Getting late into the night right now so I'm getting off my desktop! 

If you'd like to read more, the rest of my awesome trip buddies are also blogging about our Cebu and Bohol Getaway right (here) so go check it out!

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This trip is made possible with special thanks and heartfelt appreciation to 
Omy Singapore, Philippines Department of Tourism, and SilkAir.

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TRIP INFORMATION

•  Boyla Dive Shop  •
Website: http://www.boyladivingresort.net/
Boat Rental from 9am to 3pm: P3,500
Snorkeling Masks / Fins: P300 per person
Entrance Fee to Nalusuan Island: P200 per person
• Lunch on Nalusuan Island: P550 per person
Cebu Cebu Blog Getaway
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Travelogue | Cebu City Tour (Day 1)

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CEBU DAY 1 PHILIPPINES   I actually thought for a long time about how should I exactly go about to blog about my incredible trip to Cebu and Bohol Islands in Philippines. It's like.. I have so much to say with so many different feelings to describe that I have no idea on where should I start with. Hence, I thought I'll do it travelogue-style (lest my train of thoughts gets me all over the place..) and while it's been some time since I blogged about travel, I'm super duper puper stoked to share about everything!!

Perhaps the only odd feeling I got was not having KJ around on the trip. Haha! I mean, you guys already know how both of us are like partners when it comes to taking pictures and such.. We are so used to how we both work together when we shoot pictures. Turning to the one that's behind the camera lens this time,. it feels... .. different. And slightly out of place (because I'll still need help to grab a few pictures of me - else you'll never see me in any pictures at all!!!) Haha. So we were all sharing our pictures when we got back and let me tell you.... the pictures that Kenny took were just.... unreal. Seriously unreal. (Yes he is really that good.) Some of his photos are in this post and as credited - check them out!

Out of our five days in Philippines, we spent our first two days exploring Cebu that includes a short city tour and some incredibly fun time on island-hopping!


1. ACCOMODATION IN CEBU : RADISSON BLU HOTEL

Photographed by KennyKCSim

After a short thirty minutes drive from the Mactan International Airport we walked through the glass doors of Radisson Blu Hotel - home for our two days in Cebu. The interior decor of the hotel is soo beautiful right up to it's lift lobbies and corridors. Trust me it gets even better when I get to my room.. We had our international buffet lunch at Feria restaurant (which happened to re-open just a day ago with new selections on its buffet spread so lucky lucky us) and I loveeee the desserts corner. I just died and went to heaven when I bite down on the macarons which they had.. AND their self made ice cream. 

Radisson Blu's bar by night time.
This is my room!
With a flattering view of the Cebu landscape
Feria Restaurant located right next to the hotel reception lobby

Photographed by KennyKCSim
L: Savoury desserts corner  |   R: International selection of food 
Desserts Corner

2. CITY TOUR : MAGELLAN'S CROSS 

Photographed by KennyKCSim
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After our lunch we were set on a short city tour to understand a little bit more about Cebu's history and culture. During the trip, I've come to realise that when it comes to religious belief - Catholics and Christianity are a majority for most in Philippines.

In Cebu's city centre, this chapel housing the Megallan's Cross has a closely linked history to tell. It goes back in 1521, when Ferdinand Magellan was the first European to come to the Philippines. As a Portuguese navigator working for the King of Spain in search of spice islands (called the Moluccas islands now), Megellan befriended a native chief while he came to Cebu Island. 

As Magellan and hundreds of his native warriors subsequently accept Christianity and baptized together, Megallan planted a cross to signify the important event about the propagation of Roman Catholic faith - that is now housed in a this chapel next to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño on Magallanes Street. 

While we enter the chapel, many candle vendors started approaching us and we honestly didn't know what to do haha! We were then told by our guide that with the different colors of candles they have, each represents a different intention of Happiness, Career, Success, Love, and Courage. With a small token of peso, these ladies will chant an earnest prayer with your name whereby you can go forth and make three wishes. Guess what I chose?

Photographed by KennyKCSim
Photographed by KennyKCSim

3. SUNDAY MASS: BASILICA MINORE DEL SANTO NINO

Photographed by KennyKCSim
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As the Basilica Minore Del Santo Nino was right next to the Megallan Cross' Chapel and we were there on a Sunday afternoon, we went in to have a short look and experience. Photography is not allowed but we managed to take a few pictures of their on-going mass. Though I'm not familiar to church masses and such, this was an eye opener as it amazes me to see how many people there are, standing out in the open all quiet and listening earnestly to the Father that's holding the session.


4. SKY EXPERIENCE ADVENTURE 

Photographed by KennyKCSim
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As the sun sets really early in Philippines (about 5.30pm!) we quickly set off to Crown Regency for our evening walk around the tallest building in Cebu. Let me tell you.... the view is AWESOME!!! While it was a little nerve wrecking walking about on a platform with NO barriers (what you see on the picture was the briefing platform before we ventured out)... It was quite fun! It even got to a part whereby we were walking through a glass platform : with all 40 storeys down under your feet in full glory hehe.


We then ventured one storey higher afterwards to test our limit... on the edge coaster!!!! Ally and I were screaming our lungs out in the beginning when the seat tilts up to about 45 degrees - forcing you to take in the landscape of Cebu... (whether you like it or not.)  Now this is adrenaline pumping!!!

Photographed by KennyKCSim

And take some breathtaking photos of the twinkling night view of Cebu

5. HILLTOP DINNER:  LANTAW NATIVE FAMILY RESTAURANT (BUSAY)

Photographed by KennyKCSim
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Where our dinner setting can't get more romantic. Haha! We had our taste at local Philippine cuisine and they were great! Personally I felt that their dishes are quite similiar to our Chinese cuisine. So everything tastes pretty familiar and we spent our first dinner together.. just getting to know everyone else a little bit better with soft music playing in the background. Cebu is beautiful.

Photographed by KennyKCSim
Photographed by KennyKCSim
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More about Day 2 next time! 
All of us are blogging about our Cebu and Bohol Getaway right (here) so go check it out!

=========================================================

This trip is made possible with special thanks and heartfelt appreciation to 
Omy Singapore, Philippines Department of Tourism, and SilkAir.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

  1. Flight Promotional Rates at SilkAir
    Website: http://www.silkair.com/
  2. Radisson Blu Hotel
    Website: http://www.radissonblu.com/hotelcebu
  3. Cebu City Tour
    Magellan’s Cross   |  Basilica Del Sto. Nino de Cebu
    Cost about PHP1,000-2,000 per person depending on spots covered.

    • It is advisable to contact your preferred Singapore agents for latest deals and packages.
    • Alternatively, you can go through Cebu-Based Operators: http://destinationcebu.com/
  4. Sky Experience Adventure
    Opening Hours & Rates: http://www.skyexperienceadventure.com/page/rates-and-schedules
    Please wear covered shoes for this activity.
  5. Lantaw Native Family Restaurant
    Opening Hours and Menu: https://www.facebook.com/LantawNativeRestaurant
    Note this restaurant have 3 outlets in Cebu: Busay (the one we went), Mactan (Riverside) & SRP. 
Award Winners Bohol Bohol Blog
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CEBU BOHOL | PARTNERS IN CRIME


TRIPPING ON THE ROAD  Been a really fruitful and amazing time late last month spending my time travelling to Philippines' incredible Cebu and Bohol island! And shortly about a week later, I'm back on the plane flying to Myanmar so.. spiritually I'm still all over the place haha! I really, really enjoy travelling. Spending time exploring the different cultures and immersing in new experiences, time couldn't be better well spent. It just gets better when in the accompany of fun trip buddies. This Cebu Bohol trip came on a really last minute notice where I just packed my bags and travelled together with eight other winners and finalists of Singapore Blog Awards 2014.

While I'm usually just writing everything about myself (..who knows how boring that must be..) But no. Not today! I'm going to talk a little bit about my eight buddies. One that that I often believe is that our character is usually expressed by our choice of clothing. Even though everyone can talk a lot, but our clothes really talk more. That's what I always feel. SO, having the chance to get to know everyone on a personal level, i think it indeed holds some truth.. So here we go!
Award Winners Bohol Bohol Blog
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Outback in Kakadu | NTAustralia


NOURLANGIE ROCKS, UBIRR ROCK  My best idea of an outback trekking experience would probably equates to trekking through the tall trees in MacRitchie, swatting mosquitoes that threaten to sting you, and probably to look out for vicious monkeys that may chase you along the way. No scenic views, just a seemingly never ending trail with trees, trees, and more trees around the corners. In all honesty, that's not a very welcoming idea.. And I admit I had my second thoughts when trekking to Nourlangie Rocks and Ubirr Rocks in Kakadu Nation Park was on the planned itinerary in Northern Territory Australia, Darwin. 

But I was completely blown away! I don't even know where should I start from to describe it. It had been nothing but fun and enjoyable (and interesting!) that all the more made me want to kick myself in the foot for hacing second thoughts. We went exploring the outback in Kakadu National Park (and Litchfield National Park - but that's in a separate entry) with Luke, our guide who cracks mean jokes and tells great stories about the local aboriginal people and culture of NT Australia. 


The drive down from Darwin into Kakadu National Park was about 3 to 4 hours, and I hopped onto the front seat of Luke's 4-wheel drive (that's how they call it in Australia) on one of the days. I had killer view of the landscape, the long highways that stretched out to even more scenic views, the dirt road that gives a good massage for your rear (no joke) and you could just spot the animals in the wild!  

Along the way I chatted with Luke, I remembered asking how could he manage a 4-hour drive to and fro with such ease. That's almost the distance of driving back and forth between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur within a day. He mentioned it was all about getting used to (new found respect for tour guides), and being able to be in the outback was his passion. One which made him moved up to Darwin Northern Territory from Victoria, New South Whales. 

Interestingly enough, among the people whom I managed to spoke to on the trip, many said they were from Victoria. And more so when all of them described Victoria as a cold place to live in and they felt the warm weather in Darwin was a welcoming contrast.
NTAustralia Travelling Travelogue
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Alice Springs | NTAustralia


IN TRANSIT  During my trip to Northern Territory Australia, we explored and traveled further down south to the Red Center via a couple of domestic flights and that's where Alice Springs and Ayers Rock are. We had a chance for a quick visit by Alice Springs while transiting to Ayers Rock in between flight hours. It was my first time on a domestic flight and what happened next was all so peculiar - I can just alight a plane and walk out of the airport. Without the need for queues, passport stamps, nor baggage checks. Ah it feels just like taking a public transport! Except that this mode of transport travels by air. (I'm such a country pumpkin)

In Alice Springs, the landscape is a little different to the outback landscape we caught in Darwin's Kakadu National Park. Mountains are aplenty in this area, as though they are surrounding the perimeters of the town. The skies was in a most beautiful shade of clear blue which made this place looks all the more serene and peaceful. While only a few hours and some free-and-easy time in Alice Springs, I took on to explore the streets by myself. Just walking about, taking in the sights and listening to this unfamiliar place.









A road junction which I felt it looked incredibly pretty and soft. I came across local aboriginal people on the streets, popped into interesting souvenir shops, boutique shops by the corners where I also chanced upon a Red Cross thrift shop with some luck!

I have always been intrigued with thrift shops - read it on books, watched it on television just except for stepping foot into one. In Singapore you don't get to find such thrift shops and I was so thrilled about it. In thrifts shops that's where you will be able to find brand new or used apparels that are individually specified at ridiculously cheap prices, say three dollars for a top! And the money goes for a good cause. It was just a little unfortunately I couldn't find anything I fancied which came along with my size (what a bummer).








The main highlight for our dropping by into Alice Springs in between transits was to visit the Alice Springs School of Air. While we were in Darwin when we first arrived in NT Australia, I did saw a school up by a hill during one of the drives around town. But you know I didn't really gave much thought to education issues, not until I was in School of Air. 

NTAustralia is all about outback, nature, where even neighbors might be hundred of miles apart. It didn't hit me to consider about how education is being carried out because this was never a issue that we need to think about in Singapore. Say, there could be two or three schools all in vicinity of most neighborhoods. But locals living in NTAustralia didn't have the luxury nor access to a school facility. And that's where School of Air comes in, where they deliver classes through radios (but that's in the past) and now with computers (that's kindly provided to the students by School of Air) to all students living in any location in NTAustralia. 

I think that's really something else, because School of Air receive the same amount of funding any other school received from their government. Just operational costs (to provide each student computers and any other necessary equipment for children to attend virtual classes online) has to be really expensive. We got a chance to understand how a virtual class is conducted live, where students only get to meet their classmates one or two times a year through gatherings.

It's somewhat disheartening when you compare to the education in Singapore that we so often take for granted (including myself, yes). Whereas in NTAustralia you could literally feel how students crave for knowledge and having a chance to enroll into a school is more than often a luxury to them. School of Air has to be one of the most meaningful school/organisation (kinda reminds of me Doctors without Borders that sort of thing) and if you happen to be in Alice Spring, do drop by their visitor center! If you would like, you could also choose to purchase books that will be sponsored to the children or pick up some souvenirs where the proceeds will all go back into funding the school's operations.

Dropping by the school widened my vision, and it made me realise how education issues around the world are real. There are children in other parts of the world who are craving for knowledge, yet in Singapore we are all full of dreads and complains. Guilty as charged.


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Travelogue
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