15 Awesome Things You Could Enjoy in Hongkong for FREE

If you are planning to visit Hongkong, and you want to enjoy it the best way you for free, then you have come to the right place.

First things first

Go to Visitor's station.  It's a kiosk in the airport where there are a lot of tourist maps for the taking.  Get one for free and there will be tourism staff who could recommend you of some places for you to check out.  There you'll see all the things you could do during your stay.  Please don't miss out on this as it became very helpful for me. I believe that there are some Visitor's stations in major landmarks in Hongkong since I spotted one in Sky Peak although I got my copy at the airport.  You could book tours with them.  Some are free and some aren't.  You could find them at the airport in the address below:

Address:Buffer Halls A and B, Arrivals Level, Terminal 1, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau Island

Opening hours: 8am-9pm daily

1. Dr &Mrs Hung Hin Shiu Museum of Chinese Medicine 

You need to book your tour in advance at Visitor's Station.  As far as I know, there are no tours given English (only Chinese), but if you don't mind that then good.

Chinese Museum

2.  Flag Raising Ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square

This happens from 7:50 to 8:05 am.  If you're curious to see anything of this sort.  You might want to check it.

3. Symphony of lights

You could find this in Kowloon along Harbour bay.  Scheduled to start at 8pm, try to look for a nice location since a flock of tourists will be there as well to enjoy it.

Symphony of Lights

4. Tai Chi class at Sculpture court in front of the Hong Kong Museum

Go there around 8am so you could experience everything from the start.  It's available on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and it's said to last for 4 hours.

5. Street performance

There are street performances in Mongkok area.  If you get lucky you could get to witness them for yourself.  Street performances could range from Kung fu and jazz performances.

street performers

6. Old and New HK walk tour

Before you do this you have to have a background on each landmark for you to appreciate it more.  I suggest you walk closest to the buildings than the street as people don't like you blocking their way.  They like to walk fast here, I don't know why.  What I did is copy the itinerary for walk tours and just did it myself.

7.  Sai Kung Beach 

I've heard a lot of housemates recommending me to go there.  As a solo female traveler, it seems an odd location to visit.  I don't know, it makes me feel sad thinking about me sitting in the sand and just staring at the sea.  It's such a melodramatic sight.  But if it's your thing then go right ahead.

Sai Kung Beach, Hongkong

8. Fishermen village

Going here costs a bit but when you're already there, you would get to see the other side of HK.  It's a totally different and low key environment.  

Tai O Fishermen Village at Lantau Island

9.  Witness the party area of HK at Lan Kwai Fong

See bottles everywhere, and people getting drunk.  It's exhilarating and interesting.  Best to enjoy it with new friends and party the night away.  As for my company, we just passed by there, took a selfie and drank some place where it's peaceful.

Party at Lan Kai Fong

10.  Flower, fish, ladies and bird market  

You can access all these in one walkin
g tour.  Start at King Edward MTR station, go through these markets and work your way out of Kowloon's shopping center.  You may check your guide here.

11. See the Jumbo Kingdom, the world's largest floating restaurant lit at night Aberdeen Harbour

It's the biggest in the world, so why don't you pay a visit, even when you don't plan to get inside.  Just outside would be fine.  Best to enjoy it at night when it's all lit up, smiling at you like a humongous firefly.

Jumbo Kingdom Restaurant

12.Visit Museums  

Here is a list of museums which are free every Wednesday. the Museum of Art, Museum of History, Heritage Museum, Science Museum, Space Museum, Museum of Coastal Defence and the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum. The Flagstaff Museum of Tea Ware, Hong Kong Railway Museum, Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, and a handful of folk museums are free of charge on every day, as are the exhibitions at the Hong Kong Film Archive and the Hong Kong Arts Centre.  For more information do check here.

13. Go to art galleries  

Hongkong has a vast array of art galleries that you could check for free.  Do see the list here.  Each has different open hours so please be mindful of these if you wish to visit any of the galleries.

art gallery in Hongkong

14.Go up the Ritz Carlton and check the magnificent few of HK at night.  

You don't really have to spend a dime to enjoy the view.  But if you want to stay a bit more, then you might have to shell out some money for drinks and what not.  Go up to the 118th floor where the bar is.  Take note, it is the highest in the world. so feast your eyes on some world class scenery. 

Ozone Bar at Ritz Carlton

15. Visit temples, churches, or nunneries

Hongkong has plenty of these spiritual places.  You could get inside, get a feel of the atmosphere and ambiance, or pray if you wish.  But please limit or refrain from taking selfies and photos of the place inside especially when people are praying.  

Man Mo temple

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, October 12, 2016

15 Things You Need to Know Before Doing Your Nagsasa Cove Adventure

Source

So you have probably browsed DIY's and have a rough estimation on how much you'll be spending and what you'll be doing in Nagsasa Cove, but on this post, I'll tell you things that people haven't touch up on.

Things to Know before Going to Nagsasa Cove

1. Battery operated fan

Staying inside the tent is as good as being in an oven sometimes.  So if you could, try to bring a battery-operated fan, and if you may, point it to an ice block, and viola, you have an AC blowing off cool breeze into your direction.

2. Going in groups is better than going there as couples

The beauty with being in a group is that some people could look after your stuff while you're away, and you could return the favor when they leave and you're around.  Although stealing isn't really rampant there, it's still a possibility so better be safe than sorry.

3.  The sand is dangerous

When temperature hits a certain point and it stays that way for hours, expect the sand to be burning hot.  Minutes barefoot could potentially damage your skin.  I had my toes touched when I was on my way to the boat, and it was just seconds but mahn I felt like I got burnt.

4.  Tents are used for many other things than sleeping

Most of the time you couldn't sleep in there anyways.  It's hot and humid during the day.  It gets a bit better at night but still not convenient. And can I mention the attention-hungry people who keep on howling and laughing even after midnight?

5.  Bring a free standing flashlight 

Some people who we went camping with us had trouble using their hand held flashlights especially when they wanted to find something inside their tent at night. Had they used a free standing flashlight and just position it at one corner, it would have been way easier for them to do what they needed to do.

6.  No need for off lotion

I've read on several sites suggesting to bring mosquito repellant but I haven't felt a need to rub on one when I was there.

7. When it's summer season, expect tents to be pitched close together

As close as 1 inch apart.  If you want to have fewer company, you may want to schedule your trip off season, like from July onwards.  But be wary of the monsoon season too.

8. The boat ride could get rough

Big waves could constantly hit your boat.  Expect getting splashed on randomly.  If you don't like this kind of ride then you better think about heading to Nagsasa Cove because it would take more than hour to get there.

9.  Waterproof your gadgets

The boat ride like I said could get pretty rough so protect your camera in a waterproof bag or container.  Make sure you seal it tight or else you know what will happen.

10.  Campsite culture

People camping are more or less between the ages 15 to 35 years old, and so there's some kind of culture that's going on.  There's something that unifies everyone in there.  There's a friendly environment that is present.  It's like one big barkada who just don't talk to each other.

11. The toilet

There's 6 shared toilets for the entire campsite and it could get really queuing especially when packing time is near which is around 10 to 11am.  So to avoid it make sure to swim in the beach early morning and shower afterwards before everybody starts to pile up on the line, especially the ones with the toilet.

12. The store there opens at 5am

So if you're like my partner who doesn't want to bring a lot and who prefers paying extra cash, then go ahead splurge.

13. Grilling and bonfires

Camping could not be totally complete without these two.  I mean, those are essential camping activities that you would not want to miss out on.  If I were to choose, I'd rather put more effort to do those things than not.  It's not everyday that you get to enjoy those.  Some beaches don't allow bonfires so it's better to just take the opportunity.  Go ahead and make one.

14.  DIYS are always cheaper

There's a misconception about tours and deals.  It doesn't always save you money.  If you want to have control over your spendings better go for DIYS, but if you don't want to be bothered by logistics and all, then go for the packaged tours.  It really sucks because I thought I have saved my self some money by availing of Metrodeals tour package.  When I did a bit of research, internet showed me some trips that cost cheaper than what I had paid for.

15.  Always say YES to adventure

I wouldn't have better stories to tell had I not say Yes to activities that at first sounded hard work and silly.  Just go and you'll be glad you did.  However, always take precaution.

Publisher: Shy - Saturday, April 23, 2016

My Nagsasa Cove Adventure

Source

Once you have a taste of El Nido it's difficult to appreciate just any beaches.  And my view still stands today.   After 2 years of being in a beach hiatus, I have came to push through with one beach camping adventure that would cap my Summer.

Yes I finally did it.

Over the weekends, I went camping in Nagsasa Cove after having purchased vouchers from Metrodeal which involved island hopping tour, and 2 meals.  We added P800 more for van transfer since we didn't want to be bothered looking for a public transport to commute to and fro.  

The Journey

The journey going there was treacherous.  Even with a 3am call time at SM North, we reached Pundaquit Municipality at around 8am.  This is after a couple of stops along the way.  This is the place where we could buy the things we needed to buy and withdraw money because we would be heading to the island, which doesn't have electricity and the food sold there are 2x or 3x over the normal price.  There we paid 100 for the Entrance fee.  Before the boat transfer, the staff from the agency started collecting the vouchers which I missed out on printing because I was too focused on printing the waiver which was also indicated as a requirement.  They asked for the paper which I didn't have and didn't bother for the one which I do have.  Long story short, with my partner's strong persuasion skills aka pagtataray, we were able to go ahead of the group.

Capones Islands and Its Frills

That was not a way to start this trip and I was already crossing my fingers that it will all be fun in the end.  But that hope was fading as we had to ride through big waves for an hour or so.  First stop was the Capones Island which you'll recognize by the light house seated at the top of its hill. Going up to the lighthouse was some sort of Survival challenge, since the boat was anchored 15-20 meters away from the shore and the only way to get to the island was for me to hold on to the rope tied at the edge of the boat.  The rope is all taut and stretched out and ends as it is tied tightly around a steady rock at the shore. I had to float and swim and grab the rope and pull my way forward up to the shore even when the water was just knee deep because I didn't want to step on a grassland of brown algae.  The texture was so icky.  We only knew about it when we were in the water.  The boatman said it was in season.  Well it was really obvious because that thing was everywhere.   But nevertheless it made the experience a lot more interesting; not to mention the slippery big rocks at the bottom which makes standing up impossible, and the stubborn waves that were incessantly pushing us, knocking us down even more.  It was a challenge, yet we were all laughing that we were tortured that way, which was weird.

The Hike

Once reaching the shore we have to start the hike.  It was really hot at this time as it was already 11am.  There were birds hovering above the island, like vultures waiting to devour carcasses of people who couldn't survive.  Humidity was nada, the sun was blazing heat waves by now, the sand was roasting and there I was at the middle of it all thinking whether the lighthouse was worth to see.  The trek was a chore.  It would take you 10 minutes at least to get to the light house filled with all sorts of rubbish inside: plastics, wood, leaves, dirt, practically everything that you could see in a place that is left behind to rot.  What greeted  me as I entered the gates of the lighthouse was a familiar sound of a bell ringing.   Ice cream?  In the middle of the island, in this abandoned lighthouse there's a diligent ice pop vendor.  Well what do you know... For people who are hungry for something cold down their throat, it would be a God-sent.  But the sight of the light house and the effort that I put in coming to see it, didn't set the appetite for an ice pop.  In attempt to at least squeeze out some history out of the place to make my trek seem worth it,  I asked the ice pop vendor if he knew anything about the place and who built it, and when it was constructed.  From that inquiry, I got  that it was an old place during the Spanish era.  And feeling satisfied that I got a touch of history,  I excused myself from the group of friends who got their ahead of me and were eating ice pop.  Surprisingly, my partner followed me halfway down the trek and went with me on my way back. 

Anawangin Insight

So the whole Capones thing was fun.  Yey, next stop was Anawangin which was an hour ride.  It's more crowded and smaller than Nagsasa, but many people go there because it's closer.  We went there and got us halo halo sold for P35.  While eating my halo halo under the shade of the store, I had a chance to do some people watching and noticed  that women, young and old, have a dress code which I didn't know of.  It's a long sleeve spandex top and a pair of swimming shorts.  That was what the majority of the women who went with me were wearing, and the same goes for the women in Anawangin.  I thought people are a bit liberated this days.  I was expecting bikinis since it was a beach event, but I haven't seen any woman wearing two-piece other than a 12 year old girl, who wore a 2 piece black bikini with a black see through overall.   At this point I was feeling a bit left out.  Which part of the internet did they say anything about this.  Anyways, finally we were heading to Nagsasa after that.  Everyone in the boat was feeling cranky because it was already 1pm, it was hot, we had only few hours of sleep and we have not eaten yet, and did I say it was hot?  

Finally! Nagsasa Cove!

So by the time we got to the Cove, we were all eager to eat and settle down.  It took us awhile to do so because we have to wait for the staff to accommodate us, we have to wait for the food that was included in the voucher, we have to wait for our tents.  

Our lunch was finally served and our tents were finally pitched, we have settled in, but the sun was still ablaze that lying inside the tent would be lying in a sauna minus the moisture.  With not so much sleep, some of us just ignored it and tried to pitch their tent under a shade, but some like me, couldn't.  It was just unbearable, so me and my partner waited for the sun to go down and went for a dip to release the heat.  The beach was great.  It was all sand no big corals at the bottom so it's ok to swim barefooted.  The location of the cove was beautiful.  It was smacked at the middle of a C-shape island bordered by grassy towering hills.  And shading the campsites were tall pines trees that gave it character and novelty.  All these seemed to make the journey worth it, and at that point I was satisfied.  Thinking that it would be my first and last time in this place, I anchored myself to be fully in the moment as I was trying to float my whole body parallel to the sea, steadying myself whenever the waves were rocking me forward and backward.  Ahhh this is the life.

At Night

Nagsasa Cove at night offers a different scene.  People are noisier, bonfires were out.  And as the night grew deeper, people moved closer to the beach, sleeping on mats, because the tents were not, once again made for nice sleeping.  It was still humid.  If there were any wind that pass by it would just circle around us at the top and only some would pass through us on the ground.  All we could hear are  whooshing of the the wind passing, which was annoying.  It feels like there's a cake but you couldn't eat it.  Unable to sleep inside, I went out to spread my mat near the beach which some people already have done.   The stars were awesome like they always are but suddenly firecrackers blew up in the sky right above us.  I rattled to cover my face afraid that some smidgens of fire would fall on me.  Thankfully they did it right the second time, firing it to blow directly above the sea.  So much for surprises.  The night was long thanks to a group of cold-hearted youngsters who didn't mind shouting even when they knew people were sleeping. 

The Weird Sound 

Anyways, somehow when everyone was asleep, only the whooshing of the wind could be heard.  It sounded like there was a space ship hovering above us, or that it was raining but you wouldn't see or feel raindrops falling.  And when I got up to check what exactly it was,  there was nothing but sound and an eerie feel that enveloped the camp.  I went in and tried to sleep again. 

Morning Madness

Morning came, and we went for some quick dip, and trekked one hill after.   The path was narrow and cliff was threatening.  One wrong move and you're a goner.   The view from up there though was spectacular.  It reminded me that it was really worth going here and that it was indeed a special place.  We ate breakfast as soon as we got back.  The store opens at 5am so don't worry about getting your coffee fix.  They sell hot water for P5, coffee with hot water and cup for P20, and coffee with hot water for P7, if am not mistaken. Sodas were sold for P25 plus which normally are sold for P7 to P12 in the city.  Halo halo are also sold but they cost only P40. 

I showered, after that to avoid queue that was going to be expected come 10am or 11am.  For some reason, our boat arrived 2pm.  The only time I had a good sleep was inside the van.  And I finally reached home at around 10:30pm.   

Long journey it was, I was burnt but still glad to have done it anyway.

Publisher: Shy - Thursday, April 21, 2016

Costa Marina Beach: It Was As If The Sea Was Playing Tricks On Us!

We arrived there at 10am.  We were excited to take a dip because the beach at Costa Marina was looking so promising and enticing.  By the time we settled down, the sea was gone.  It shied away from us.  You have to walk what seemed to be hundred meters away from the shore to get your knees wet.  You have to sit down or lie down to get your whole body wet.

The whole time we were at the beach, we were waiting for high tide to come back again.

We waited

and waited

and waited

and waited

and waited

and waited.

Then the clock hit 4pm-- the arrival time of the last boat to take us back to the city.  Time to pack up.  As we were leaving the whole sea came rushing in.  Back to its glory, its depth, its clarity, its wholeness.

He.he.he.  Funny.

Publisher: Shy - Friday, March 25, 2016

10 Ways to Enjoy Boracay for Free

When you're doing Boracay alone, sometimes you find ways to enjoy it for free.  Most rides you need to be in a group which I obviously wasn't but Boracay offers plenty for solo travelers like you if you just take time to discover it for yourself.

1.  Sun bathing

Best time to do it in the morning, or late in the afternoon because the sun would be very much unforgiving from 10 am to 2pm.  Do it under a classy reclined beach chair with umbrella.  Those ones you can use for free if you are checked in in classy hotels.  I tried using one for a few minutes and was loving it, however a hotel staff started to ask me what my room number was.  Oops! Off I went away doing my walk of shame.

2.  Walking along the shore

I recommend doing this sunset from station 3 to 1.  You'll see the transition of the sand from white sand to white sand with algae, the transition of the horizon with the sun just a beaming orange to just sky swirling in orange, and violet hues, you'll feel the cooling of your toes as the temperature goes down, and everything around you darkens as the sun gives way to the moon.

3. Exploring less touristy beach

If you just want to have a spiritual moment with you, the wind, the sky, the waves and the sand, go to those beaches not littered by people.  One of which is Tambisaan Beach where I had a random conversation with a buko seller. Of what I thought to be a random buyer-seller conversation, turned into somewhat inspiring.  Check out the story here.

4. Practice your photography skills

There's a lot of possible pics you can take from Boracay other than selfies with your friends,  you with your skimpy bikini or trunk shorts featuring your hard-earned beach body, you and drinks, you getting wasted, you partying, you and this new guy, or new chick.  Not that there's anything wrong with that.  However, there are a lot out there that's also picture-worthy other than yourself.  Like the sunset, the people, the other side of Boracay other than the parties and drinks.  You'll appreciate it even more that way.  I believe.

5.  Get into a rave party

If that's your thing, I'm sure you will have fun.  If it's not, I'm sure you'll find it interesting, like I did (check here for more of my story).  You may leave anytime you want at least you've experienced something interesting.  Interesting and free goes a long way sometimes.

6.  Talk to locals

I have never really stressed this enough.  Other than enjoying the sunset, talking with locals or with a new acquaintance would have to be top of my favorites.  There's something special when 2 strangers commune and became less of a stranger because both have now something in common which is having the opportunity to experience nature at the same moment and time.  It makes the whole experience amplified, and validated.

7.  Enjoying the sun rise and the sunset

Boracay is best known for the sunset for obvious reasons, however let's not forget also the sunrise.  Both events bring in different crowd.  The former brings in the booze, the reggae music, the groupies or lovers who are planning to enjoy the night away early,  while the latter brings in the health freaks jogging to and from the beach, the families who are bringing their kids for an early bath time, and the wanderers and curious bunch like me who are just eager to see what it's like to see the sunrise and what it has to offer.

8.  Exploring Boracay stations and understand varying demographics

For the knowledge of many, there's a distinction between stations: 3 being the less posh and 1 as the most expensive among the others.  There's also this area, before station 3, which I call station 4, where you could find foreign backpackers who are budget freaks, enjoying boracay minus all the poshiness of it.  They seem very well satisfied with their backs on the sand, hammock, or Indian scarves bought in their previous destinations or having friendly discussion with new acquaintance over beer or coffee.   Reaching station 3 you'll see a flock of korean tourists prepping for their turn on scuba diving or boat riding, station 2 you'll see more and more bars, at station 1 you'll see more and more 5 star beach resorts.

9. People watching

When you're in a paradise like Boracay, a place known for its luscious sunset, luscious what-happensin-bora-stays-in-bora stories, and luscious drinks, you'll come to see different people thirsting for some fun, redemption, or recreation.  I heard that it's a place for the broken-hearted seeking vegeance in many wrong forms such as one-night stands, drinking binge, party binge and the what nots; for the opportunistic maniacs who are in search for the latter crowd and that chance to get lucky for a night or two; for the lovers seeking for a honeymoon paradise; for the beach lovers and attention seekers, seeking most wanted attention after having toned up their body for months in the gym; for the corporate slaves who are just looking for a recluse and much needed R and R with a cold beer at hand, great sunset, and just being with nature after having a few tough weeks in the job. It's a place for everyone, and with varying people diverge, it's a feast for the eyes.

10.  Enjoying Boracay's sunset

This never gets old and I think this would have to be the most overrated feature of Boracay.  It is overrated for the right reasons.  Reasons that you should experience and understand yourself.  This one really never fails to impress.  I turn into a trigger happy photographer wannabe every sunset, much like anybody there.  I think.  Click here for my pics.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, March 09, 2016

Backpacking in Boljoon, Cebu

Less than 30 minutes away from Oslob, Boljoon is one destination every tourist going out to watch the whale shouldn't just pass by on.   Not when it's just near and not when it's as beautiful and enigmatic as Boljoon.

I was attracted to this place as I've personally seen it being featured on tv.  There happened to be some archaeological artifacts discovered there that were dated way back then and some archaeology students were digging and studying it.   So our curiosity to check the place ourselves and see the developments on the study made us to decide to stay there for the night.  After bathing with the whales and in the falls nearby we had our lunch in the resort and took a bus going to Cebu, to be dropped at Boljoon.  We got down fronting the church and walked our way down the street and checked in the first room for rent we saw.  We took it for just P850, all complete with a bathroom, a veranda outside overlooking the sea and free coffee.  A great deal indeed!

Only when we checked out and took a second look at the trampoline did we realize that the room was supposed to be only P599.  But we let it slip since Lola probably haven't had many customers coming in.  Heck we could probably be the first by the looks of the tiled flooring in the toilet.  Nevertheless, lola took care of us while we were there so that had made up for that.

By the time we had our rest and had settled down, we shortly headed straight to the church which was just 2 minutes away!  I was particularly more interested on the archaeological works said to be happening in that place, but since that news was something I've heard years back, we didn't found any.  They've probably wrapped things up years ago.  I've asked some locals about this and had to translate it in bisaya which was a pain.  How can you explain archaeological studies in bisaya?  I gave up on that, and just make the most of what this quaint town has to offer.  So although my judgement fail me, I was glad that this place didn't.  It gave me a feeling reminiscent of Vigan.  The old school vibe, not-so much touched by development.  The air was just raw and rustic, that I can't help myself but to breath it in as much as I can.  I haven't really taken much photos than usual because I wanted to take everything in.  I knew this place is special.

And I can't seem to feel a bit sad as I watched buses after buses just passing by this town.  Not seeing a tourist going down to check it.   There were only 2 tourists I've seen, checking out the church.  I just feel like while the church is grand, there's still a lot in Boljoon to be offered.  And we were lucky to have stayed there for the night to experienced just that.

The morning after we went straight to Church to participate in the early morning mass, and what struck me as I entered the church was there were a number of birds/bats flying to and fro underneath the wooden arched ceiling of the church; The ceiling being old and punched with holes at random places have really great murals.  All of it was just breathtaking for me.  Where in the world can you see a sight like this?  Seated at the beaches near the altar were old women wearing a white linen cloth, which is a practice of women attending church back then.  Looking at them, I wonder how many years have they've been doing this?  Attending church this early and praying with their white linen cloth atop their heads.  Maybe they've been doing this since they were small, and until now the habit of putting on that linen cloth still didn't leave them in this modern age.   It was some practice that I doubt would be pass on to the next generation, so it was truly a feat for the eyes.  I felt transported back in their time.  Their stubbornness of letting go of this practice and continuing on doing it until now, made whoever seeing them transport back to their era.  I got transported back to their time.  And overwhelmed I just kept silent witnessing this age old practice taking place.  I decided to settle at the bench at the back so as not to disturb the mass that was already going on. When the mass ended I silently made my way near the altar so I can be nearer the church women.  Gave a smile as I walk passed some of them.  I also really wanted to be under the swarm of birds or bats that were flying frantically above.  It felt surreal and legit to me.  Now this is what I call a well preserved church .  An old church that had stood tall and strong amidst the forces of time and nature.   I was there and I was happy to be so.

After the mass was over, the priest started to turn off the lights and closed the doors, which signaled for us to move out already.  We walked our way to a big door at the side, but truly if they're not going to close down so early, we would've stayed there all morning.   I guess that's how they are able to preserve it, opening their doors only when there's mass, and closing in when there's none.  The door at the side led us to a small cemetery, which was bordered at the front with a brick wall with an arched entrance that has skeletons carved in, which really made it look spooky so I didn't get to take a picture of that.

So with nothing much to do, I sat down on a cement bench at a park fronting the church and watch buses pass by.  It's a shame that they don't get to see something special like this.  I felt like it has been ignored by many, hopefully it won't stay like this for long.

Publisher: Shy - Sunday, December 21, 2014

Saved by an Unsung Hero

It was almost 8 in the morning, as I headed out of the hotel gate with the back beach being my destination in mind.  After few questions from the receptionists and the guard, I hopped on the motorcycle and took a ride towards Tambisaan beach.  

When I got there, I was pleased to see that there was no one around except for some maintenance staff raking off some woods, and roots, and anything that makes the beach look "dirty".   I immediately spread my mat and positioned myself near this surfboard with 20-something coconut fruits laying neatly on it.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Walk Along the Shore with Me.

 

I love mornings.  

The breeze is cool and fresh; people are friendlier,and happier; it's just a perfect environment to wake up to. So on the 2nd day, I figured to just walk around the beach and be in awe of the beauty of it.

I woke up to my alarm clock as it buzzed at 5:30am and started my journey.  A 10 minute-walk from hotel to shore, took me 15 minutes.  I just had to stop every now and then and take photos to solidify and immortalize what I saw so I can share them with you all.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, May 07, 2014

Take it Off at Puka Beach!

On the first day, my sister invited me to go island hopping.  I wasn't too giddy because I felt that nothing will top El Nido and I would just end up unimpressed, which was actually what happened.  But then spending time with sis and her friend had made the trip at least worthwhile.

So as expected, there was the usual clear azure seas, white sand beaches, towering limestones, stuff that I've already seen.  The boat guide let us see the crocodile island, named one for its shape.

We did snorkeling for our first stop.  It was really difficult to take pictures underwater.  The current was strong enough for me to get drawn away if I would not hold on to a rope or to the boat's wings.   While wrapping my arms and holding on I sigh...  El Nido is better.

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, May 07, 2014

An Introvert's Experience in Boracay

A text from my papa reads, "Nakapunta ka na ba ng boracay?", "Have you been to boracay?"  After replying "No", next thing I know was that I am going to Boracay with my sister and her friends.  I was elated but eventually got bombed out.  Was I asked to go there and baby sit my sister? If so, how am I going to enjoy bora? When questions like these come, it's best left ignored because, seriously, you'll never know what will happen unless you're already there.  So I saved myself from anxiety, and packed my bag light. 

From all my travels this is the only one I didn't plan.  With all the options accessible to you, and with boracay being small as it is, who needs planning?  You go, choose, pay, enjoy, done!  

Publisher: Shy - Wednesday, May 07, 2014