PHILIPPINES: Samal Island

Samal island is the nearest beach in Davao City. It is just one boat ride away from Davao. They also have white and fine sand just like Boracay! 

How to get to Samal Island?

From Manila:

Take a plane to Davao City and ride a taxi or jeep to the port/dock.
It actually depends on which resort you are going to. 
a. If you are going to Paradise Resort they have a dock where you can ride a boat for 15 pesos. 
b. If you are going to any of the resorts in Samal Island, you have to ride a ferry boat for 10 pesos

From Davao City Proper:

Ride a jeep in front of BPO Abreeza Mall to Sasa port for 8 pesos

FERRY BOAT TO SAMAL ISLAND

ENDLESS HORIZON

If you don't know which resort you'll go to, just walk through the exit and go find the police station
You can ask for flyers and directions.
We actually went there to ask what the best resorts are in Samal Island. You can ask for the budget friendly ones, and so we decided to go to Paradise Island. 

We rode a tricycle to Samal Island. It is a 10 to 15-minute ride to the Paradise Island. Expect a bumpy and rocky road along the way!
We paid for 120 pesos

BEAAAAACH!
PARADISE ISLAND RESORT
They have an entrance fee for 200 pesos
Entrance fee 150
Complimentary meal coupon 50

with the boyfriend <3

If you are for a day trip only, their last boat ride is until 5 pm. Too bad we weren't able to see the sunset from Samal Island. You can go directly to Paradise Island Resort. If you want to go, take a ride at the Paradise Island Dock. Next time, we'll do it that way,  riding a tricyle is way too expensive. It was a fun though.

More about Samal Island - Click here!

Other resorts in Samal Island - Click here!

Paradise Island - Click here!

Daghang Salamat

PHILIPPINES: Pleasure Vacation at Misibis Bay

Misibis bay is a private and luxurious resort that is located at Cagraray Island. It is 45 to 2 hours away from Legazpi City, Albay. Misibis Bay Resort accepts day tour for those tourists who don't want to stay overnight. The day tour costs roughly around 3,500 to 5,000 per head. Pick up and drop off at the hotel, day tour at misibis bay, water activities, and buffet lunch are included. For those who want to stay at Misibis Bay, here are the rates Misibis Bay Rate Sheet.

We went there for a day tour only because it is really expensive and it is out of our budget.

A JUBILANT GREETING
We were greeted by these men wearing tribe/native costume and they were actually dancing. 

This is where the guests have their names signed for registration purposes.
They can also have their delicious fresh drinks and some appetizers, and guests may also rest after a long trip.


THE MISIBIS BAY RESORT

You can just stroll around, love that fresh air, and be amazed by the green pastures.







....and also get enticed by their luscious foods!!!

 

Pardon my piggishness

THE POOL

 This is one of the largest pools in Misibis Bay! It is so long it connects to the other side of the villas! If you are staying at one of these villas, you can just jump right off your balcony and swim! 

THE BEAAAAAACH

It may not be as white and fine as Boracay's sand, but that makes it more beautiful - It has its own beauty.

Lay down, read a book and have a glimpse of Misibis bay. Very relaxing.


ACTIVITIES ON THE BEACH

SNORKELING
(Included in the tour package)

KAYAK

(Included in the tour package)

WIND SURFING
(Included in the tour package)

TOUR AT CAGRARAY ISLAND

The famous Church in Cagraray Island

Amphitheatre

OTHER ACTIVITIES

ZIP LINE

LUGE

or simply ride a golf cart and go around!

There are a lot of things or water activities you can do! One day isn't enough. If we had only enough money. There's always a next time for a great vacation like this! 

Dios Mabalos

PHILIPPINES : BICOL for ADVENTURE - Legazpi City, Albay

If you are looking for a great adventure, this place will give you the whole package. There are a lot of things you can do here in Legazpi City, Albay. Aside from just looking at the magnificent Mayon Volcano, you can actually ride an All-terrain vehicle to get closer at the Mayon. If you are to ride this adventure to Albay, you should try their traditional dishes and delicacies: the Bicol Express, Laing and their famous halo-halo at DJC!

MAYON VOLCANO

6 in the morning shot
Grab a cup of coffee, stand outside the balcony, feel the cold morning air, and gaze at this wonderful creation of God. It feels surreal.

DARAGA CHURCH

This church is also called The Church of Nuestra Senora de la Porteria (Our Lady of the Gate).  It is one of the oldest and historical churches in Albay, and now declared a Cultural Treasure by the  National Museum.  You can also see a nice view of the Mayon Volcano on the left side of the church. 

CAGSAWA RUINS

When the Mayon Volcano erupted, the  Cagsawa Church got destroyed and this bell tower was the only part of the church left standing until now.

ZIP LINE at LIGNON HILL

Hi there Mayon!

HOYOP HOYOPAN CAVE

This cave is actually one of the best! It's very clean and you can just enjoy the cold air. There are lots of amazing stalagmites and stalactites formation. If you have a wild and creative imagination, this place will creep you out. 

SEXY ONLY

If you surpass this narrow exit, you are a certified sexy human being, according to the tour guide.
 I'm sexy and I know it!!!

ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE
LAVA WALL ADVENTURE

There's a  place near Cagsawa Ruins where in you can rent an ATV.
This trip lasts for 2 to 3 hours.

LAVA WALL

              We looked like Angry birds because of our helmets, but wth, we are having fun

The best part of the ATV Lava Wall Adventure was when it rained but we still wanted to move forward. Seeing my parents and baby sister enjoying this made me feel like we could have more adventures like this. I want to see them come out of their nutshells; that there is life outside their office and being stressed by their jobs isn't the only thing in their life.

This picture was taken by our tour guide. We actually got stuck because of the big rocks on the stream. My socks and shoes got really wet, and I hate it. But, it was fun after all!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Together as family, we can do anything! Proud to say that we are standing at the foot of the Mount Mayon on that picture!

Too bad it rained - the Mayon Volcano got wrapped by clouds.

I would like to recommend the Oriental Legazpi Hotel because of its accessibility to anywhere you'd like to go around Legazpi City. Get the room that you can see the Mayon Volcano from your balcony. Click here for The Oriental Legazpi Hotel

You might also want to go to Kawa Kawa Hill and Mayon Skyline. We went there, but I don't have good pictures because it really rained. 

LAING

It is really different from the Laing here in Manila.
It is really delicious.

BICOL EXPRESS (Sibid Sibid Restaurant)

This is the yummiest Bicol Express ever. 

FAMOUS HALO-HALO at DJC

The cheese! Better than Razon's!

This is where you can buy pasalubongs for your loved ones!

Their Pili Nuts are the best! They also have packed dried laing. 

Dios Mabalos

ASIA: Japan - Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is one of the wonderful countries I've ever visited here in Asia. I went to Japan last April 2014 with my family. It was still cold because it was Spring time there. We stayed at Shinjuku, Tokyo for 7 days. If you are from the Philippines, they require you to get a visa first.

Japan is a very clean country just like Singapore. They have discipline on roads - they really follow the traffic lights and only cross at the pedestrian lanes. You cannot just hail a taxi if you are in a hurry; you really have to look for taxi lanes, and if not, you might get caught. You also have to dispose your cigarette butts properly, not on the sidewalks or anywhere you'd want to.

Japanese people are the most polite people I've ever encountered in my whole life! Though most of them don't speak English, they will still try their best to make you understand them through hand gestures. Also, they are 100% punctual. They show up on the time they committed to you. If they say they'll pick you up at 10 in the morning, they will be there at exactly 10 in the morning or even earlier and if you are late, they will not wait for you.

When we were on our way back to Shinjuku from Asakusa, before we changed train lines, Martha (my little sister) and I went to the restroom because she had to pee. When I was inside the cubicle and Martha was outside waiting for me because she was already done, there was this lady who helped her wash her hands and gave her a towel as well.  I was in awe. I never thought that too much kindness will happen that night. Thank you very much with all my heart.

We only toured around Tokyo by ourselves, and went on a day tour for Mt. Fuji and Hakone.

Tokyo Subway Route Map Click this! :D

Here are some of the must go places in and outside Tokyo, Japan

1. Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan

Shinjuku, Tokyo

First day at Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan!

Jam packed with different Japanese Restuarants, and stores

which sells gadgets that will surely make you go gaga!

Udon and Tonkatsu

We came across this Japanese restaurant which only caters Udon and Tonkatsu.

YUM!! There's my favorite Gyoza right there! But, a friend (Hi Den!) told me that

you can find the best Gyoza in Utsonomiya-shi, Tochigi, Japan (2 hours away from Tokyo).

Sushi go-round restaurant

Ramen house somewhere in the middle of Shinjuku

Thank you for this one fun night! Rum Cola and Karaoke night hyped my whole Tokyo Trip!

Credits to Den for this amazing photo!

Here in Shinjuku you can also find 24/7 Karaoke bar with unlimited drinks.

2. Mt. Fuji & Hakone

Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan. It is so majestic with that snow around its crater. It is like you've never been to Japan if you didn't go here. Though it is somewhat far from the heart of Tokyo, it is all going to be worth it if you see the Mt. Fuji. Really b r e a t h t a k i n g.

We availed the tour at Viator. It is a trustworthy travel site.

I might as well show you some of our photos in Mt. Fuji (Station 1)

Lake Ashi

We had a 15-minute boat ride at The Lake Ashi and arrived at

Hakone National Park. Then we went ahead to Mt. Kachi kachi ropeway

and rode on a tram to the top of the mountain. There, you can see a panoramic view

of The Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji and the Owakidani Volcanic Valley.

Bullet train

We took a bullet train to Shinagawa and transferred to a

JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku.

3. Imperial Palace

4. Nakamise-dori Street

 Best place to buy pasalubong! They all have the legit Japanese products from keychain to Kimono.

5. Sensoji (Asakusa Kannon Temple)

OMIKUJI - A Written Fortune

You have to shake that steel box while praying silently and a wooden stick will fall from it. There is a japanese symbol written on top of the stick where you will find its match on the drawers; there are also Japanese symbols carved on the drawers. Pull the drawer, get the paper, and there is your fortune. There are different translations so any nationality can understand what is written on the paper.

May your fortune be good or bad, you actually don't have to worry that much. Remember that you are the one who makes your own fortune. It is a fun experience for me to finally try this and to experience the Japanese culture.

Who wouldn't want to try a legit takoyaki?

Arigato Gozaimasu for posing, Kuya. Your Takoyaki deserves more than that.

6. Tokyo Sky Tree

It is best to go here at night so you could be stoked by the lights!

Thank you Tita Julie for picking us up at Sensoji Temple just to take us here!

7. The Meiji Jingu Shrine Tokyo

Temple dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken.

You must wash your hands and mouth before you enter and pray at the temple

The stunning view inside the temple vicinity

8. Hachiko (Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan)

9. Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is just near the Shibuya station (Hachiko Exit). It is one of the busiest streets in the world because many people cross in this large intersection. Shibuya is also one of the best places to go shopping. They have the well known brands like Forever 21, H&M, Bershka and Uniqlo.

For the love of Ramen! I can eat you everyday for my entire life. HEAVEN!

10. Harajuku 

Here you can also find lots of good stuff! This is a good place to go for shopping!

Also, you can see people dressed like cosplayers and alike.

11. Ginza

Bag heaven

From Furla to Louis Vuitton to Chanel to Prada! Everywhere, you can see high end brands! Of course, I will not go home without buying a bag!

*Material girl by Madonna now playing and on repeat*

12. DISNEY SEA!

DISNEY SEA! The only Disney Sea in the whole world! 

We bought our tickets online to avoid long queue. 

Click here for Disney's eTicket

Funahashi Family

Met this awesome family, the Funahashi family at Mermaid Lagoon, Disney Sea. It was a pleasure to meet you and your babies! Martha had fun playing with your kawaii girl! We will see you again soon.

To wrap this all up, YOU MUST GO AND VISIT JAPAN! THERE ARE A WHOLE LOT MORE TO SEE! <3 IF I WOULD BE ASKED IF IM STILL GOING BACK, WITH NO SECOND THOUGHTS, I WILL! Of course this will cost your wallet too much pain, but I swear it's going to be worth it!

Sayonara