SINGAPURA x MALAYSIA

Singapore is my third out of the country trip, fourth is Malaysia. My siblings are working in Singapore so the planned next out of the country visit after Hong Kong and Macau was Singapore. Malaysia is just a few hours away from Singapore so we decided to visit it as well. This was a family trip.

Our Singapore x Malaysia trip lasted from June 20-25, 2014. 6 days, 5 nights. We arrived in Singapore around 9 o'clock in the morning. I worked from night shift before prior to our departure from Manila to Singapore so I was the most tiresome one from all of us who traveled. Upon arrival, we met with my oldest brother and went to his apartment. He was on vacation leave. My second to the oldest brother was already at work. We just took a rest for a bit then we started exploring Singapore.

We first went to Marina Bay. We met up with my second to the oldest brother first then we hung out in Merlion Park and enjoyed the view of Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum, Singapore Flyer. We watched the lights and sounds show of the Marina Bay Sands and it was amazing. We just spent the rest of our time there then we went back home. My oldest brother with her girlfriend and my parents stayed in a hostel while I stayed in my siblings' apartment instead.

On our second day, we went to the place where every tourists wont miss to visit, Universal Studios. The place where you can be a kid all over again. Transformer: The Ride 3D was the one I enjoyed the most. You have to fall in line for half an hour to an hour just to enjoy this ride. Worth the wait. Over all, this is the place where all families can enjoy.

On our third and fourth day, we went to Malaysia. Upon arrival to Kuala Lumpur, we went to our hotel and rest for a bit. Then we went to Petronas Towers, the famous twin towers. The next day, we went to China Town to buy pasalubong and souvenirs. Then we went to Aquaria KLCC, an oceanarium. After that, we went to KL Tower to have lunch at the famous revolving restaurant, The Atmosphere 360. They offer buffet lunch and 360 view of the city. Then back to Singapore. Kuala Lumpur is like Manila, there are ugly places and there are beautiful places. Still worth the visit. 

On our fifth day, we're back in Singapore. We went to China Town to buy pasalubong and souvenirs again. Then we went back to Marina Bay. This time, we went to Garden's By The Bay. The Gardens by The bay is one of the latest attractions of the Singapore in the recent years, a place with an impressive collaboration of the nature and human creativity, not a science fiction movie set, but it's real and it's an amazing garden with living trees, plants, birds and insects! A beautiful place to hang out to. 

I really enjoyed this trip. Because of this trip, I'm considering working here. I like Singapore. What's not to like about this beautiful country? All people here are well disciplined. Transportation is convenient. The beautiful city. Singapore is now one of my favorite countries along side Hong Kong and Macau. Malaysia didn't made it to the list of my favorite countries but it's still worth a visit. 

Cagayan Valley Adventure

Third of summer, my Cagayan Valley Adventure. Once again, I was able to explore the beauty of  Calao Cave, Calvary Hill and Palaui Island, thanks to Maximius Jovi and Adventurista Camping Trip.

On our first day, we went to Callao Cave, it's a cave with seven chambers. It has a natural cathedral located at the first chamber, which was turned into a chapel by the local people. The conditions inside the cave cause stalactites and stalagmites, particularly in the deeper chambers. Every chamber has natural crevices, which let light get into the cave, serving as illumination for the otherwise dark areas of the place.

After exploring Callao Cave, we were supposed to go to Calvary Hill but it rained so we decided to call it a day and continue exploring the next day.

On our second day, we went island hopping. I forgot the name of the first island that we explored but you can see on the photos below how beautiful it is.

Then we went to Palaui Island. Palaui is an island made up of volcanic debris. The main attraction aside from it's beaches is the Farol de Cabo Engaño, an 18th century light house built by the Spaniards. We were also able to see the beauty of Dos Hermanas Island, from the view of the lighthouse. 

Palaui Island

Dos Hermanas Island

Dos Hermanas Island at the background

Farol de Cabo Engaño

On our third day, we went beach bumming on an island I forgot the name as well.

Then last but not the least, we went to Calvary Hills. It is located within the grounds of the Spanish colonial era church of Iguig, Cagayan. This area is known for its life size images of the stations of the cross which is popular with devotees during the Holy Week. Its elevation provides breathtaking views of the valley made fertile by the Cagayan River.

After 3 days and two nights, back to Manila. 

Adventurista Camping Trip

Cagbalete Island Adventure

This was my second summer getaway of the year. I was able to explore the beauty of Cagbalete Island, thanks to Maximus Jovi and Adventurista Camping Trip.  It is an island surrounded with rich water and wide expanse of creamy sand.

We arrived early in the morning. We set our tent up and ate our packed lunch for breakfast. After that we took some rest and enjoyed the view in the island. The organizer prepared our lunch. After eating our lunch, they also prepared games as a part of social activity. And of course, drinking session. After the social activity, lights out.

The next day, beach bumming and goodbye Cagbalete. 

This is the type of island where you can just sit back, relax and enjoy. It was a good experience.