Saturday, March 15, 2014

Pagudpud, Ilocos Sur

It's a 4-day vacation via Air Philippines. I, together with around ten passengers, was happy to land in one piece - breathing! The plane gave us roller-coaster surprising descent while we're above a vast ocean. Was it because there were very few passengers or because of the pilot/s?

I stayed at Northview Hotel, few-minute drive from the airport. They offer tour package that's very affordable and even accept single pax.

If you're aiming for beautiful beaches, go to Pagudpud.




I availed the hotel's Vigan-Pagudpud Tour Package.
 
Salt Making in Pasuquin

 
City Hall on the left. Enjoy the view while inside the car.

 
 It seems not practical to use public transportation if you want to visit the toursist spots below. They're far from any busy place. Getting a bus is difficult. No cab! Besides, the hotel's tou package is cheap and offers convenience. 
 
Cape Bojeador Light House.

 
They use solar enrgy. View's just average.

 
Inside the musuem. It's just a small-room type of old museum. This is what you'll get to see - nothing more, nothing less.

 
On our way to Kapurpurawan Rock Formation.



Few more steps that will lead you to the Rock Formation.

 
Swampy, river-like area.


 
And here's what it looks like.


Here's what you'll get to see.
 
 















The sea offers an excellent view - the sound of those big waves, the breezy wind. Great!






 
Windmill (Bangui)



 
Saud Beach. Perfect beach if you want to go swimming. Take a walk along the shore and enjoy the relaxing ambiance of the place.


Thursday, March 13, 2014

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

It's my first solo trip abroad (Well, it was actually Japan, but that was when I was still in school. This one's my first solo trip as a grown up, using my own money!). I am not really into city-tour, but travelling abroad is a bit expensive. So, I guess having a city tour in an Asian country won't be that bad - it's cheap, with just a few-hour plane ride, and easy to visit (no Visa required).

Petronas Twin Tower. This is what Malaysians are always proud of. They say it may not be the highest tower, but it is the highest TWIN (putting an emphasis on that) tower in the world. It looks more beautiful at night!











Located at Suria KLCC. You can easily reach it by taking a cab. However, it may not be the safest means of transportation. If you have ample time and if you have the detailed direction (search the internet), better take the train and bus.

On the right side, that's how the entire place looks like. It is where Petronas is located. Feel free to walk around if you don't have any plans of going on that bridge.

First few floors - you can go shopping! Shops are mostly high end.

This is why I don't find city-tour very much appealing. This was the kind of view that I had from my hotel. We have lots of these in Manila. The second photo's just like Quiapo.











This one, too. It's just a simple monument with this kind of inscription:






 Tugu Peringatan Negara Malaysia.



 This was what I found more appealing. It's Batu Cave - located in the northern part of Kuala lumpur. The word CAVE! It's a Hindu Shrine - big one outside India. Well, at least there's a cave to visit in the middle of the city.



Take that nearly 300 steps. When you get tired, stop for a while and look for monkeys - they're everywhere, ready to snatch whatever food you have. Nothing much to see inside except for those Hindu statues (see photos below). But at the inner part of the cave, there's this Hindu ritual going on (nonstop).











The Royal Palace. These palace guards really don't dare move a muscle. They're lucky to always have their pictures taken.










Bird Park on the left and Sultan Abdul Samad Building on the right. I wasn't able to see what's inside the building (dunno if toursists are allowed to). It's located in the main road of Kuala Lumpur. I saw this while inside car, on the way to the office of the Prime Minister.











National Mosque, few steps away from the
Office of the Prime Minister.

Look straight ahead and there stands my next destination.
Just a closer look. You'll see 13 different flags which symbolizes Malaysia's 13 states (well that's what I have heard from a "tour guide).













Menara Telecommunications Tower. You'll get a 360 degrees bird's eye view view of the entire Kuala Lumpur. It's such a posh place inside. Entrance is on the left. Elevator is so fast.

Still at the Telecommunications Tower, take a look outside and explore the area for FREE!




There's more to see.


And you'll get some freebies! Either you ride on something (I guess it's a horse) or you go inside their mini zoo. There are snakes, turtles, spiders, and birds.





Visiting Kuala Lumpur has taught me about their unique culture. I kinda enjoyed their architectural designs, too.

I didn't know Malaysia is home to different races. Their symbol on the left means despite the existence of these various races, they stand together as one. For me it's like saying they are all united and they all call themselves Malaysians.