Where to go in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

This was my first time travelling with friends outside of my country (Philippines), I was feeling a bit nervous but it was nothing compared to the excitement I have in seeing what Malaysia has to offer.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is a diverse multi-cultural city in Southeast Asia. The vast mix of people, cultures, religions, traditions and food makes the city unique and beautiful. 

Here are the places we visited. 

*  Chinatown - Petaling Street - after checking in at Raizzy's Guesthouse, we went  to Petaling street (Malaysia's Chinatown) which is a 10 minute walk  from our guesthouse. Like most chinatowns, the streets were packed stalls with almost everything you can imagine. From different street foods lined up to restaurants serving delicious Malaysian cuisine. You can also buy all sorts of items here - from keychain to handbags, from watches to shoes and of course Malaysian souvenirs at a low price. We took the opportunity to buy some souvenirs here.

The beautiful Merdaka Square.

  * Merdaka Square – Just 30 minute walk from Petaling Street and you can find yourselves at the Merdaka Square. Literally meaning “Independence square”, it was in this place that the Malaysian flag was hoisted for the first time in 1957. You can find lots of locals and tourists in this place, who just want to take a time off and marvel at the lights at night.

* Petronas Twin Tower - Traveling to KL won't be complete without visiting one most popular destination in the city. Majestic by day and dazzling at night, the Petronas twin towers are the twin skyscraper lighting up the City at night. Soaring at a height of almost 452 meters, the 88-storey skyscraper is indeed Kuala Lumpur’s crown jewel.

* Bukit Bintang - This popular street is the trendy part of the city, it's considered as the entertainment district of KL. This place is almost always crawling with tourists, you can find fancy shopping malls, cozy bars, nice restaurants and almost everything a tourist needs. And if you’re fond of Arabic delicacies or just wanting to try it out, this place just fits perfect.

Bukit Bintang has its own Pedestrian walkway which stretches a full kilometre connecting Bukit Bintang to the Majestic Petronas Towers. This air-conditioned walkway is perfect for people who prefer to explore the city by foot on a hot day.

Pigeons will welcome you at the entrance of the Gold plated statue

Watch out for the monkeys while going up the stairs.
They will tend to go after your food.

*Batu Caves - about 45mins train ride to the north of KL, you can find the most popular Hindu shrine outside India. Standing guard at the entrance of the Cave is the huge gold plated statue. To get to the main temple you have to go up 272 steps, and if you really plan on going up be sure to wear clothes that are not “too revealing”, it is a temple it is how locals and tourist show respect. 

 *Little India Brickfields – From the name alone, you get the feeling of being transported to India. This coupled with some Indian decorations, you get the point. Well I haven't gone to India so I can't compare it to the real thing, but that place feels like India to me. Lol! You can find lots of Indian restaurants here and more hospitable Malaysian-Indian people.  

TRANSPORTATION

The train system in Kuala Lumpur is amazing. It makes the city's transportation an easy and convenient one. Trains run from am in the morning and around 12 in the midnight and costs only as low as 1 RM (11PHP). Taking the public transport will save you a lot and you can mingle with different tourists as well as Malaysian people.

ACCOMODATION

There are lots of cheap hotels and inns in Kuala Lumpur. We stayed in the dorm-style accommodation good for 6 persons at Raizzy’s Guesthouse. The rooms are spacious and clean, hot and cold shower, wifi, and with free breakfast.  It is located in the heart of the city close to Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Chinatown, Central Market, KL City Gallery.  It is also just a minutes away from the nearest MRT station.  

9 Reasons Why You Should Visit Davao Oriental

A friend of mine invited me to visit her hometown in Davao Oriental, Baganga for a 3-day trip to celebrate her Father’s birthday, and without second thought, of course I said YES. It was an opportunity I most certainly wouldn’t miss, free accommodation and free food?? Would anyone really say no to that?? Haha lol. It is really nice to have lots of friends.

After filing a VL, I found myself together with my travel buddies wandering along the winding road of Davao Oriental. I’ve been to Davao Oriental a couple of times before, but still feel astonished every time I see the breath taking beach scenery unfolding as we cruise along the road, this, coupled with the most beautiful sunrise and might as well throw the fresh air into the mix. Trust me, it feels like the first time every time.

There was no evidence of Typhoon Pablo that desolated Davao Oriental back in 2012, which only proves the resilience of the province and its people. The story of how they managed to bounce back from devastation is not to be undermined. Turning the calamity-torn province to one of the rising tourist destinations here in Mindanao is nothing short of a miracle.

Here are my 9 reasons why you should visit Davao Oriental.

1.) Easy Access - From the City of Davao, it will take around 4 hrs to reach the City of Mati and additional 3-4 hrs to Baganga/ Cateel, all you need is a tank full of fuel, good music, roll the windows down and go where the roads take you. Davao Oriental roads are well accessible, so no need to worry.

2.) Sunrise - Situated in the easternmost part of Mindanao, Davao Oriental offers the ring-side seats to the most beautiful sunrise in the Philippines; it is where the sun shines first. Sunrise here is estimated 8 minutes earlier than in Manila or 3 minutes earlier than in Davao City.


Captivating Sunrise in Dahican Beach....

3.) Dahican Beach - Beaches are what Philippines is famous for. With the waves of pacific, make Dahican your sweet escape. Learn to play and ride with waves using skim board with the Amihan Boys. Find the perfect waves and start skimboarding!

With the pride of Mati -  Bayugyog , the best surfer in town...



Catch the waves in Dahican....



4.)Sleeping Dinosaur – Upon entering to Mati City, your road boredom will surely fade not because of the zigzag road but sleeping Dino will welcome you. Don’t forget to make a quick stop over to this strange land formation resembling to a giant sleeping dinosaur with head lying down in the sea and flippers on its side.

Sshhhhhh... the Dino is sleeping.. :P :P

5.) Subangan Museum – Within the heart of Mati City, don’t miss to visit the Subangan Museum featuring the rich cultural and natural heritage of Davao Oriental. Subangan which means “East or where the sun rises” . Admission Rates: Students and Children: PhP 10.00 ; Adults: Davao Oriental Residents- Php 20.00 ; Non Davao Oriental Residents- Php 50.00 ; Foreign Nationals- P100.00. The museum is open from Mondays to Sundays (Sunday-half day only) 9:00AM-8:00PM.



Try to learn some history of Davao Oriental here in Subangan Museum



The Giant Skeleton of Sperm Whale will greet you as you enter the museum..



Get lost in the man made cave inside the museum..

6.) Mati Park and Baywalk – Don’t leave Mati City without dropping by Mati park and baywalk. Enjoy the cool breeze and the morning sun overlooking the seawall or the amazing view of the sun as it sets behind the mountain. There are also restaurants which serve mouth-watering dishes lined up in front of the park.

Because I so Love Mati.. lets take a selfie!

7.) Aliwagwag Falls – Almost 3-4 hrs from Mati City, Cateel is the home of Aliwagwag falls. It is a towering waterfall also known as a “stairway to heaven”; entrance fee – Php 50.00. Even Typhoon tried to break this magnificent waterfalls but nature heals it. It’s amazing that after typhoon, this majestic water falls became a must see tourist spot in Davao Oriental.

There are lots of things to do in Aliwagwag Falls, aside from swimming and diving on its clear cold water, you can also try crossing Monkey Bridge and also take the zip line while you’re at it! – Php 50.00 Monkey Bridge and zipline Php 200.00.


Try walking the monkey bridge over aliwagwag falls..the splash of the running water will surely give you thrill..

 

Note: Make sure to bring your own food as there is no restaurant in the area.

8.) Balete Hot Spring – After a tiring day of soaking and diving in Aliwagwag Falls,its time to get relaxed with soothing hot spring along the way located at Kinaplangan, Baganga Davao Oriental.
Entrance Fee is only 5.00 pesos.

9.) San Victor Island – who wouldn’t love to stay in a private island? Lying in the pacific coast, this stunning island also called “The island Jewel of Baganga” is definitely a must see spot. You really can’t get enough of its powdery sands and crystal clear water. This 3 hectare island located in San Victor, Baganga really captures my heart. It is a perfect escape place from the hustle and bustle of the daily living.



The San Victor Island...



Spectacular Sunset.... breathtaking!!

If you want to really feel the island life.. they also have tents for overnight stay...



Cast away in San Victor Island



Venturing out has its reward, especially if you’re travelling to a captivating place like Davao Oriental. So what are you waiting for? Visit and explore Davao Oriental on your own.

Surely we will come back Davao Oriental!!!!

Acknowledgment:
Special Thanks to Lenlie Guingue’s Family for accommodating us in Davao Oriental.  

Life at 25: Journey to Ilocandia

As I reached the age 25, life seems so vague. It feels like I do not know what to do. For the past months, I’ve been plagued with many questions, worries and fears. Am I making the right decisions with my life? Am I satisfied with my career? Is this the place where I want to be a few years ago? Do I need to pursue Master’s Degree? Should I start investing a house? Will I be able to meet Mr. Right? All these stuffs, leads me to a very confusing state of mind. Struggling with finding my own Identity, pursuing my dreams, discovering what I actually want out of my life, and evaluating where I am right now. It seems like I have been running full-speed towards the finish line even if I am not exactly sure where it is.

With all that life has taught me so far for the past 25 years, it’s been really a mixture of tears and laughter. Maybe it’s about time to take a pause from all these uncertainties that I’m experiencing and let my mind be cleared. It’s about time to grab my bag and renew myself. They say, your twenties are your selfish years. It’s a decade to immerse yourself in every single thing possible. So in light of my quarter life moment, let me share with you my trip to Ilocos during my 25th birthday.









Strolling around Calle Crisologo around 5am welcoming my 25th birthday :)

  


Getting wild in mini safari - Baluarte owned by Gov. Chavit Singson</td>




Learn some History here in Bantay Church and Bell Tower

 

With all the blessings that He showered upon me, its about time to Thanks the Lord for everything - Paoay Church

Looking for Adventure? Try sandboarding at Paoay Sand Dunes and get that sunkissed skin..

Want Extreme?? Go for 4x4 and ATV Ride.. this is so cool!!

Heading to Laoag for more adventures, dont forget to visit the Laoag Aurora Park

Toss all my worries to the wind and let it carry all way...</td>

Visit Kapurpurawan and be amazed with the incredible rock formations..</td>

If you got tired walking, you can explore the place by riding a horse (but looks like a pony. lol)




Feeling Tall beside the famous Ilocos Windmill... '0'

And dont forget to take selfie along winding road - Patapat Viaduct..

And after a long tiring day from tour, its time to be relax here in Pagupod Beach.. :)

And when in Vigan, dont miss to witness their Dancing Fountain Show at Plaza Salcedo..

and also try to dine here in MCDO, the place is very nice.. haha

Still in Vigan, try pot making and enhance your creativity in pottery

And lasty, on the way back to Manila, please do visit the Ilocos Bridge.. haha (Bridges of Love)

You can go senti there while looking at the nice scenery.. just make sure you won't jump! haha

The idea that life begins outside your comfort zone has been no doubt, one of the best rewarding lessons life has taught me so far. Whatever happens, things will get better and the answers always happens outside our comfort zone. World is vast and full of endless possibilities, all I need to do is to embrace the hell out of it with open arms.

What I realized about this trip is being 25 is not scary as I thought. Sometimes things may not go according to what I envisioned but just because the journey is different to what I expected, doesn’t mean I won’t reach the same destination in the end. I may not be in the place I wanted to be 5 years ago but one thing is for sure I’ am happy and I’ am enjoying it. After all, that is what life is all about – figuring it out. Adapting. Changing. Discovering. Dreaming. Trying. Failing. Trying again. Forget overthinking and panicking about not being in the place I anticipated to be. I am only in the first quarter of my life, I will end up in the right place at the right time, some way or another. Don’t force the process – just enjoy it because it is just only the beginning of BETTER me.