Category: Travel

Your best friend might be a blast on the weekends, but you never know a person until you travel with them. Maybe you love her upbeat attitude when you’re out to dinner in your town, but that same attitude becomes annoying after a 7-hour flight delay. Many friendships have ended thanks to bad travel experiences. You’ll not only be in challenging situations together, but you’ll likely be tired, frustrated, and downright overwhelmed.

How can you make sure your next travel adventure is a successful one without losing your best friend in the process? While most of it comes down to patience, there are things you can do to help ease tensions if they do get high. You might even prevent problems in the first place if you’re really careful. Here are the best tips for traveling with friends without losing your mind.

Image via Unsplash

How to Travel with Friends Without Going Crazy

1. Talk Money Before Your Trip

It seems like there’s never a good time to have the money talk between friends. While that may be true, you really don’t want to have that conversation while struggling over a meal in a new city or at the ticket counter at an international airport. Having that conversation early in your planning process will help you each know what to do without having to get into an awkward situation.

First, set some boundaries. How are you going to split costs? It’s easy to say “We’ll just figure it out when we get there,” but that only leads to conflict. Will you agree to split costs 50/50, or will you each cover different things. Be clear about who’s paying for hotels, transportation, deposits, and any extra fees. Don’t forget to talk about tipping so you’re both on the same page about how much is appropriate and when.

Another important talk is how much you’re willing to spend. You might prefer staying in budget hostels while your friend would rather sleep in luxury accommodations. Know how much you can afford to pay, and talk about these restrictions with your friend. You might need to compromise, but you should agree on a budget that you both can afford.

2. Prioritize Your Itinerary

Nothing is worse than traveling with someone who has a completely different idea of what makes a good itinerary. Maybe you’d rather spend a night out while your friend likes to go to bed early. Even these small differences can build tension in your relationship, and lead to you both feeling upset about your trip.

Talk to each other about what you want to do most on your trip. Then, prioritize those things together. You might have to spend an afternoon doing unwanted surf lessons, but that just means you’ll have time for your hike later on. Don’t forget you can take time for yourself, as well. Taking a day to each do your own thing lets you refresh, while still enjoying your vacation.

3. Spend Time Together

While it’s great to spend time individually, you should also find things you both agree you want to do together. Traveling is the perfect time to grow your friendship. Not only will you get to know your friend on a deeper level, but you can have fun together without the stress of your daily routine.

Take things a little less seriously. Go on an adventure. Play one of these games from Thoughtcatalog.com to learn more about each other. When you go home, you’ll be closer than ever, and you’ll have a new travel-buddy for life.

4. Share Responsibilities

Finally, make sure you share your responsibilities both before and during your trip. Planning a vacation is hard work. Not only do you have to book accommodations and activities, but you might even need to pay deposits and apply for visas. While it’s okay if one friend takes over this process, it’s important to talk often throughout the process so you’re both on the same page.

Proper communication before a trip can prevent any big surprises that lead to arguments. Before your travel date, plan a list of everything you both need to do. Assign each other tasks so you both have something to do. When you’re traveling, share responsibilities like checking into daily activities or keeping track of tickets. This sharing will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed or out of the loop.

5. Enjoy Your Trip

Traveling with your friends can be a great way to grow closer together, but it also introduces new tensions. Be upfront about any potential problems before they arise. Never keep secrets or resentment from your friend while on the road. Even small things can become big quickly when you’re spending so much time together.

Never be afraid to take some time for yourself while traveling. Everyone needs me-time every now and then, and your friend should understand this. As long as you’re talking with your friend about your feelings, you’ll have a smooth trip.

As one of the most popular family vacation spots in Batangas, Club Balai Isabel is packed year-round with fun activities and plenty of accommodation for both adults and children. While it depends on the level of immersion you’re looking for, a vacation here can always be well spent.

The resorts’ amenities are great for those who wish to go on an adventure and get off the beaten path. I’ve narrowed the top 10 things to do in Club Balai Isabel in this other blog post. This time, let’s check out the ambiance of the place from its reception area, rooms, common areas, and discuss our experience of their service and review of the food.

Review of Club Balai Isabel’s Room Accommodation, Service, and Food (Talisay, Batangas)

Ambiance:

Located at the heart of Batangas, Club Balai Isabel opens its doors to thousands of tourists yearly as it can accommodate up to 700 guests at a time. The resort features fully-equipped hotel rooms, spacious villas and cozy cottages. We booked weeks earlier via a DealGrocer voucher and asked if we can check in before 2pm (the standard check in time). If prior guests would check out early then we can get our rooms; otherwise, we would have to wait until they’re available.

While passing time, we had breakfast in Isabel’s Panaderia and Pizzeria, watched the view, and played board games. After about two hours, the staff informed us that one of the rooms was freed up. We got our bags from the car, went to Mabini Suites (Balai Mabini) and quickly unpacked.

Checking in at the reception area was a breeze. We reserved three rooms: two Deluxe Rooms and one Superior Room. Since we exceeded the standard room capacity, there’s an additional charge of PhP 1500 per extra person which already includes breakfast and use of facilities and amenities in the resort (except for the Aqua Park, water sports, bike rental, and courts).

The Deluxe Room is at the fourth floor of Mabini Suites. The space is good enough for 3-6 people to stay in (regular capacity is 3 and allowable extra persons is 3). It’s complete with queen-size beds, a tile-floored bathroom with limited toiletries, a mini refrigerator, a kitchen counter, a television set, a working desk, and plenty of cabinets/storage areas to keep bags and belongings. There’s a private balcony where you can wake up to a breathtaking view of the resort’s landscape garden and an “attic area” which also has beds.

My other colleague and I stayed in the Superior Room at the third floor of Bayani Suites. It has the same things as the Deluxe Room but only one queen bed (an a pullout mattress which we didn’t use), since the room is good for only two people to share. Overall, the interior design looked simple and streamlined. Another plus: We couldn’t hear the people in the neighboring rooms, so there was a sense of privacy.

I have a few qualms listed below. While these aren’t a big deal and wouldn’t have completely soured our stay, I think they’re worth mentioning nonetheless.

• The rooms weren’t too neat (there were very visible cobwebs) and the bed mattresses were too soft and almost uncomfortable for my liking.
• Only three bath towels were allocated in the Deluxe Room’s toilet and 1 for ours. My friends asked for additional towels since we paid for the extra people’s accommodation anyway, but the staff said we would be charged for them. We said okay, for convenience’s sake. Unfortunately, they never came to us to deliver the towels, so some of us had to share towels. Apologies were not offered, not even at check-out.
• The shower in the bathroom was reliable for both cold and hot water, but the water pressure from the shower head was weak and wasn’t substantially constant.
• Some parts of the hallway weren’t well lit. The area from the staircase had good lighting but there was no light at the farther end where our room was located. I always had to use “Torch” (flashlight app in my phone) to see and unlock our door.
• The air conditioning units worked well except for one which leaked water and caused flood in the room.

Service:

Upon entrance, the welcoming staff greeted us with hospitality and showed us the map of the resort. They shared information about the available facilities, costs of packages of tours and activities, free Wi-Fi login credentials (the wireless Internet is accessible only in certain public areas and not in the rooms), and the use of the eco shuttle service which can take us around the villas and compound.

Throughout my exploration of Balai Isabel, the guards I encountered were all helpful in pointing me to right directions. There were lifeguards on duty near the pools to respond to emergencies and spot medical situations to ensure guests’ safety when swimming, but they weren’t at all times present. The front desk staff accommodated my questions well and with enthusiasm.

Now, the cons:

• Housekeeping was poor. Since it was raining almost the entire time during our stay, the floors were wet. There was no staff mopping the floors of the common areas in the building. Hence, the floors, walkways, and the stairs were slick and slippery. The result may be a higher incidence of accidental slips and fall hazards.
• Customer service in the in-house restaurant was very slow and inefficient. One of my friends asked for vinegar six times and for the last time, she got fed up and just got the vinegar directly from the kitchen. I asked for water and it was served only after my third followup. Food we ordered came super late in three separate instances: when we had our breakfast in the morning, our lunch, and our snack in the afternoon. Average waiting time can be put as 30 minutes at the minimum.
• As mentioned above, they didn’t give out extra bath towels for the additional headcount in the room even when requested. Tissue rolls and toiletries also weren’t added considering the extra people paid for.

Food:

Club Balai Isabel features an on-site restaurant, Terraza Cafe and Restaurant, that serves Filipino food favorites. We ordered traditional home-cooked meals such as Pork Sisig (PhP 300), Balai Bagnet (PhP 360), and Pork Sinigang, and appetizers like Crispy Calamares (PhP 220) and Cheese Sticks (PhP 180). These were not flat-out yummy but portions were decent for sharing and tastes were palatable enough to satisfy our hunger.

For our mid-day merienda, we had Quattro Formaggi Pizza (PhP 280) which consisted of perocino, gorgonzola, parmesan, and mozarella. It was the best entree among all those we got. It was simple and wonderfully delicious. With creamy and tangy cheeses, it’s the ultimate rich cheese lover’s dream pizza.

The complimentary breakfast buffet was probably one of the purest pleasures of our experience. We savored the breathtaking views of the volcano, lake, and swimming pool from the dining area and enjoyed a wide variety of food selections from the restaurant. Choices were more of Pinoy breakfast food staples like dried fish, eggs (sunny side up, omelet, scrambled, boiled), longganisa, rice (plain and fried rice), potato slices, bread (pan de sal), porridge, rice cakes (kakanin), and also included pancakes, waffles, cereals, cinnamon rolls, and more. The meal was filling and it’s the glorious flavor of vacation.

Price for Value:

The room accommodation, service, and food didn’t pass with flying colors. For the most part, the range of activities you can do and facilities that can be used in the resort make up the value of the price you’re paying for. PhP 1500 per person is a reasonable rate considering the resort’s unbeatable location, essentials, and amenities. Albeit with a few hiccups, Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas is a good and recommended venue for a short vacation, team-building session, or day tour with friends and family without forking out extortionate prices.

Read my previous post for the things you can do in Club Balai Isabel. 🙂

[schema type=”review” url=”http://www.balaiisabel.com/” name=”Club Balai Isabel” description=”For reservations and inquiries, email info@balaiisabel.com or call 02 897-0229 and 0906 518-5494 ” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-07-23″ user_review=”3.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

June marked the start of the rainy season this year. Worst things can happen, of course, when you’re planning to go to a beach, resort, or a swimming pool for a short weekend getaway. There isn’t much to do indoors when a vacation is ruined by unforeseen circumstances brought by bad weather. As we checked the weather forecast report, we went to Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, Batangas expecting rains to come down in buckets. We just crossed our fingers for sunny blue skies at least in the morning so we could still enjoy our mini excursion in this fastest-growing resort south of Metro Manila.

Club Balai Isabel’s amenities and facilities make it an excellent choice for holidays, corporate events, and special occasions. Right on the shores of the world-famous Taal Lake and across from its volcano, this is a place where you can relax, connect and be with nature. Club Balai Isabel offers an option for an active lifestyle with all the comforts of city living. We spent two days here and were wowed with the many activities people can engage in.

If you’re thinking of going on an excursion, a team-building, or a staycation with your friends, family, or colleagues, here are the top 10 things you can do in this lakeside resort. There’s no dull moment!

Top 10 Things to Do in Club Balai Isabel (Talisay, Batangas)

1. Enjoy the View

While most people love the crash of waves and the feel of salt on their skin when swimming in the water, for me, it’s all about the calmness of the scene. Staying at a lakeside resort is a good chance to conjure images of the beauty of the lake, the nearby Taal Volcano, and just nature everywhere. The lush greenery and the proximity to the lake make Club Balai Isabel a great destination for sightseeing, taking pictures, and doing other thrilling activities. If weather permits, you could also catch a wonderful sunset.

2. Hike or Trek

Speaking of “thrilling,” adventure-seekers and hiking enthusiasts can have an exciting adventure kayaking and trekking to the volcano. Club Balai Isabel is one of the best jump-off points to reach the Taal Volcano, aside from the fact that the resort itself is bursting with vegetation. My teammates spent around 45 minutes to reach the crater and it’s an easy feat. Even kids can come along and join their parents to the top. There’s also an option to rent a horse to go on a guided ride so it’s easier to reach the top of the volcano.

3. Swim

Families can enjoy the swimming facilities in Club Balai Isabel. Aside from the lake, there are three large swimming pools in different areas where people could cool off and take a dip for fun or fitness. This place features an infinity pool (Terraza pool), a spacious 500 sq.m. pool (Kumintang pool) and a secluded garden pool (Talisay pool). Public comfort rooms are available so guests can take a shower without having to go back to their villas or rooms.

4. Play Water Sports

Other than swimming, guests can play a multitude of lake water sports. We didn’t try these since it was raining most of the time and the waves were too strong. In any case, Club Balai Isabel offers a range of water sports equipment such as kayaks, jet skis and pedal boats. You can go wakeboarding, boat-riding, motor-boating, paraw-sailing, or go flyfishing in Taal Lake. Inquire for updated rates from the front desk (reception area) if you want to try them, but here are their estimated rates so far for your reference:

• Kayak: PhP 150 per hour for the single-seater and PhP 300 per hour for the double-seater
• Pedal Boat: PhP 500 per hour
• Jet Ski: PhP 2000 for 30 minutes or PhP 3500 per hour
• Fly Fish: PhP 500-700 per hour
• Banana Boat: PhP 300-350 for 15 minutes
• Speed Boat: PhP 6000 per hour

5. Play Sports and Games

Club Balai Isabel also has sports and gaming facilities for sports and gaming enthusiasts alike. Facilities include a basketball, tennis and volleyball court, which are also useful in team-building activities. These courts can be rented out for free for an hour. PhP 500 for electricity will only be charged for those who want to play at night. If you don’t want to spend too much energy, pub games such as billiards (PhP 100 per hour) and darts are also available.

6. Bike

Club Balai Isabel is a big compound and has plenty of areas where you can bike. Bicycles for kids and adults can be rented (at different rates according to the type you choose), so you can leisurely cycle your way around the resort, check the landscapes, explore the area, and experience its tranquility while having a good cardio workout. Don’t know how to bike? Run, jog, or walk instead. 🙂

5. Try the Floating Aqua Park

Want try to obstacles while in an inflatable? Then head out to the Aqua Park at the far end of the resort. It’s the largest inflatable water park in Philippines, floating just off the shore of Taal Lake. It’s a popular attraction and a must-try activity in Club Balai Isabel. For checked-in guests, entrance fee is PhP 1250 per head for four hours use and PhP 450 per head for an hour use of the aqua park.

Kids below 13 years old are not allowed to enter since the obstacles may be difficult for them. These obstacles must be successfully crossed so you can go from one section to another. Giant water slides, wobbly platforms, a human cannonball launcher, huge trampolines, and other challenging pit stops await. Expect to fall into the water several times if you can’t manage a good balance. If you don’t know how to swim, there’s no need to be afraid since you’ll all be wearing life vests and there are guides who are there to help. Proper swimming outfit is required.

6. Pray in the Chapel

Tucked away in the outskirts of the resort, the Spousal of Mary and Joseph Chapel is a magnificent church designed for individuals who seek a peaceful setting for a solemn retreat. The chapel’s rustic architecture is inspired by old churches built in the olden days. The wood and cement façade complements the peaceful garden, with a stone fountain strategically located in front of the church.

It was dark when I went inside to take a peek, and there was no mass at that time. Still, it’s not hard to see its exquisite interiors with high white ceilings, stained glass windows and open side walls framed with wood. The structure is filled with wooden finish pews and simple chandeliers from the ceiling.

7. Spa

A getaway destination should be able to fulfill the needs of a vacationer and provide a complete relaxation package. Club Balai Isabel ensures that each guest is well-attended, offering various spa treatments and therapies that would help the individual detoxify from busy daily living and achieve a healthy lifestyle. Neola Modern Thai and Nail Spa is also inside the same compound.

8. Dine in the Restaurants

Club Balai Isabel showcases the best of Philippine local ingredients to deliver an exquisite meal to guests. Located at the resort’s club house, the Terraza Café and Restaurant provides an array of local and international cuisine. The menu highlights traditional home-cooked meals. Bestsellers include bulalo, tawilis, and Kapeng Barako (strong coffee) or Tsokolateng Ala E! (native hot chocolate).

As part of our stay, breakfast buffet was included. We had breakfast here and food selections were ample and pretty satisfying.

9. Buy Souvenirs from the Gift Shops

While you’re busy with activities, don’t forget to check out the gift shops where you can buy personal gifts and mementos (pasalubong) for your loved ones back home.

10. Relax Outdoors or Indoors

Equipped with villas and cottages, Club Balai Isabel has spacious grounds where you can find a quiet space. Spend a chill afternoon and go people-watching, play board games, or chitchat in your own time at this serene paradise. In the evening, find entertainment at the Sampaguita Videoke Bar, where you can belt out your favorite songs. Feeling exhausted? You can always de-stress and relax in your room.

Wrap Up

Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city? Club Balai Isabel is only about three hours away from Manila. This peaceful 14-hectare property offers a prime haven for relaxation and communing with nature in Talisay, Batangas. The fact that there is always something for everyone is what makes Club Balai Isabel so attractive. To learn more about Club Balai Isabel’s accommodations, services, promos, and other offerings, check out their website, email them at info@balaiisabel.cm or contact them at any of these numbers

• Makati Office (Monday-Friday, 9AM-6PM, Saturday 9AM-2PM): 02 897-0229, 02 895-7230, 0906 518-5491, 0905 344-0908, 0916 657 2307
• Batangas Office (Monday-Sunday, 8AM-7PM): 0906 518-5494

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlfJks2Aapl/?taken-by=rochkirstin

How to get there:

Option 1: From South Super Highway (via Tagaytay)

Take the Sta. Rosa Exit and turn right.
Follow the main road leading to Tagaytay. When you reach Tagaytay, you will come to an intersection.
Turn justify at the intersection.
Go straight until you see a public elementary school on your justify and a road named Ligaya Drive on your right.
Turn right at Ligaya Drive. Follow the road down to Talisay. Please exercise caution: this is a steep road.
When you reach the bottom of the road you will come to an intersection. Turn justify at this intersection.
You will pass a bridge. Club Balai Isabel is 200 meters from this bridge on the right side. If you see a second bridge, then you have gone past the resort.

Option 2: From South Super Highway

On South Luzon Expressway, simply go straight past the end of the highway and straight to the STAR Tollway.
Go up the ramp at the Tanauan City exit and turn right. You are now on the National Highway
Follow the road going to Talisay.
When you reach the town proper of Talisay, go straight ahead.
Club Balai Isabel is 500 meters from the town proper on your justify side. If you see the second bridge, then you have gone past the resort.

Option 3: Public Transportation

Go to the bus terminal in Buendia-Taft, across Atrium hotel. Bus liners Tritran and Jam offers the trip going to Lipa,Tanauan, Batangas City.
Take the bus with the sign board Lipa, Tanauan, Batangas City. It will cost you around P70-P80 pesos per person.
Get off at Tanauan town proper bus terminal. Once you get off, you will see the tricycles beside the bus terminal.
Take the tricycle and ask the driver to bring you to the Talisay jeepney terminal besides Mc Donalds Tanauan. It will cost you P8 per person.
When you have reached the jeepney terminal, take the ride with the signboard TALISAY. It will cost you P 20 per person.
You will reach the town proper of Talisay, the jeep will stop near the church of Talisay.
Take the tricycle at the terminal near the church where you get off. Ask the driver to bring you to Cub Balai Isabel. It will cost you P8.00 per person, if you wish to take the trip alone and not wait for other passengers, be prepared to pay P 24.00.
The tricycle will bring you to Club Balai Isabel.

My parents bought a platinum card last year with almost PhP 9.000 worth of vouchers which we could use to stay and dine in Astoria Plaza Ortigas, Boracay, and Palawan. Since we’re not planning to go out of Metro Manila anytime soon, we booked one overnight stay in a long weekend last April. We had a family staycation in Astoria Plaza in Pasig last April 7-8. We expected two things: the comfort of home and the excellence of service. Which one was dreadful and not up to standard? In this post, I’m sharing all about our experience.

Review of Astoria Plaza Ortigas (J. Escriva Drive, Pasig City)

Ambiance:

The reception area looked cramped and busy. The seats were not sufficient and the counters were only enough to accommodate up to two groups of visitors at a time. Café Astoria on the ground floor was undergoing renovation, so to dine, guests can help themselves to a temporary area transformed from a large function room.

Upon check-in, we received the complimentary WiFi access for our suite (limited to one device only). As we entered the room, we found welcome fruits, newspaper, and bottle mineral water on the dining room’s table.

The one-bedroom suite featured all the amenities a family would need to stay relaxed and entertained. The spacious living room was equipped with a 32-inch LCD television, DVD player, and a comfortable sofa bed. The fully functional kitchen was fitted with a microwave oven, induction stove for cooking, refrigerator, coffee and tea making facility, and some plates and glasses.

The bedroom had one queen-size bed and a shower room with bath tub. It wasn’t particularly tastefully decorated or stylish, but it was clean, with a pretty good view of the city. All in all, the one-bedroom suite had all the expected staples to deliver a personal “home away from home” vibe.

Since we’re four and there was only one bed, we converted the sofa into a sofa bed. Three of us shared the bed in the bedroom and one person stayed in the living room.

Service:

My mom booked on our preferred day weeks before for an overnight accommodation. When we got there, the receptionist said that no room was available at the moment. Even the other two groups of people who were in queue received the same feedback, and they also had confirmed reservations beforehand.

First impressions last, and they were not good. We felt annoyed and frustrated at the level of their service and professionalism. Why did they accept our booking in the first place? There must be a problem with their system. We were advised to wait like “chance passengers”; we could get a room only when someone else cancels reservation or checks out earlier than usual.

Luck must be with us that day. In less than one hour, the staff called us in and told us one guest backed out. However, instead of getting a two-bedroom suite (since we’re four people), the offer was a downgrade: one bedroom suite. It was still disappointing but we thought it was better than having none at all.

Food:

Café Astoria temporarily set in one of the function rooms serves buffet featuring local and international dishes. À la carte dishes are also available throughout the day. Pasig is a great choice for travelers interested in culturally diverse food, but dining in the hotel cafe can be more convenient if time or transportation is limited. Food selections and tastes were pretty decent, but not above and beyond delicious. A band played music and sang familiar songs during dinnertime, which gave entertainment to the dining crowd at the hall.

Price for Value:

A night stay in the one-bedroom suite (60 sqm) in Astoria Plaza in Pasig costs P3500++. Although the bedroom is intended only for two people, the room was quite spacious and well-maintained. Thankfully, the sofa can be turned into a bed. Reception area can be better controlled, especially during peak times, and there’s a lot of room for improvement in service. Given the price, we weren’t dismal with the staycation experience but not blown away. Check out this link for the virtual tour.

[schema type=”review” url=”https://astoriaplaza.com” name=”Review of Astoria Plaza Ortigas” author=”Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco” pubdate=”2018-06-07″ user_review=”3.8″ min_review=”0″ max_review=”5″ ]

One of the dream destinations that Louie wants us to travel to is Australia. I have my own travel bucket list but it mostly consists of places only in Asia, as compared to his (all around the US, Europe, and everything a wild traveler can ever dream about). Some of the countries in Asia I’d definitely love to visit are Japan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. It didn’t cross my mind that Australia is actually part of the Asia Pacific Region (APAC)!

Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia, is one of the cities that’s most popular to tourists. I looked up online to check out must-visit family-friendly attractions in Melbourne as it’s really important to always opt for the one that you will all enjoy when choosing a place to spend your family vacation.

Here are the top five interesting places which for me are all worth the time to see and explore.

5 Interesting Melbourne Attractions Perfect for Families

1. Luna Park

Walk through that popular huge mouth at Luna Park. Kids will certainly love it here because it is full of carnival flair. Even adults will have fun as there are rides for everyone. You can try the Silly Serpent, Scenic Railway Roller Coaster, The Power Surge and Enterprise, and Arabian Merry. Not to mention, you can grab some munch at Cafe Luna when you are hungry.

2. Melbourne Zoo

It is no surprise that kids love seeing different types of animals at the zoo. The Melbourne Zoo is a perfect place to check out with your children. Home of over 320 species of animals, this natural setting is a wonderful spot to stroll around and learn something new about animals. In addition, you can walk around its Australian bushland and Asian and African rainforests.

3. Scienceworks 

Fall in love with science and technology at Scienceworks. This interactive exhibit shows the exciting and most recent ways how science transforms people’s daily lives. All will have fun at this attraction, for it will keep you entertained and at the same time interested.

4. SEA Life Aquarium 

Spend a great day at SEA Life Aquarium and see tons of sea creatures. You will be amazed with its 12 themed zones as well as 10,000 exceptional marine life. Be sure to visit the interactive Discovery Rockpools, Bay of Rays, Mermaid Garden Oceanarium, and Shipwreck Explorer. Your kids will certainly be in awe with the crocodiles, turtles, elephant sharks, penguins, seahorses, and other sea life that live here.

5. Melbourne Museum 

Pay a visit to the Melbourne Museum and learn something about the city’s history and culture. It is nice to go to a museum with your kids from time to time to let them know something new and appreciate art. This museum is said to be one of the most visited attractions in Melbourne, which is dedicated to Australian environment, indigenous cultures, science, and social and natural history. Even young ages will appreciate the museum because of its interactive exhibits.

Visiting Melbourne with your entire family is always a good idea. It is one of the ultimate destinations where you can all have something to do. But traveling can be a hassle, so be sure to drive your own car or rent one. Car rentals can be cheap if you can compares rates from different companies. To make it easy, you can visit this site to find the best rental service in Melbourne.

Wrap Up

I’m now more convinced to include Melbourne in my bucket list as well. I think it’s a great city to visit with your entire family because it offers various interactive wildlife parks and museums, kid-friendly outdoor adventures, as well as awe-inspiring tourist spots. Everyone in the family will absolutely have a memorable time here. Visiting soon? Read more Melbourne travel tips to get to know about this awesome city and the best things to do while here. Have you been to Melbourne before? Tell me about it!

Exploring the key sights and impressive attractions in Abu Dhabi for one whole day is totally possible! Abu Dhabi is the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. It’s just around 1.5-hours of drive from Dubai. Here we spent the morning to see the Formula 1 circuit at Yas Marina, had fun in Ferrari World theme park, admired the fantastic views of the city skyline at noon as we stopped at the marina, stayed for a while in the Emirates Palace Hotel, and finally were enchanted by the beauty of Sheikh Zayed Mosque at night.

This exclusive tour was arranged by Aerostar Travel and Tours. If you’re planning on taking an Abu Dhabi day trip, check out these places we visited and learn what you can expect from each.

Top 5 Places We Visited in Abu Dhabi for a Day Tour

1. Ferrari World

Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi is designed for those with an appetite for G-force and velocity. Home to the world’s fastest roller coaster named Formula Rossa, this is the only place on earth where you can be blasted to 0-240km/ph in 4.9 seconds, just for fun! We have experienced riding high-adrenaline roller coasters in the past, but nothing could beat this one so far. If you don’t have vertigo, heart problems, and not scared to be blasted away, this is a must-try! Another breath-taking ride you can’t miss is Flying Aces.

For almost two hours, we walked around Ferrari World Theme Park and discovered its extravagance after seeing all 25 thrilling rides. Overall, our visit was excellent. This place is best for car enthusiasts and speed freaks. There’s plenty to see and do. Louie tried practicing his car racing skills in virtual reality mode where he “drove a Ferrari car” and navigated around a virtual track projected on a screen. It’s a motion platform simulator attraction featuring a driving course close to reality. So cool!

2. Yas Mall

Yas Mall is the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi, with a very nice and modern architecture. The great thing is that it’s connected to Ferrari World, so we did not need to walk far to find a good restaurant for lunch. The food court is well appointed, with lots of choices for fast food as well as restaurants dotted throughout the shopping complex.

With 400 of the world’s top fashion and food brands, a 20-screen cinema and the region’s largest family entertainment zone, Yas Mall is a marvelous indoor shopping mall for the whole family. There were lots of shops offering discounts at the time of our visit (almost 70%-90% off).

3. Corniche

The Corniche forms a sweeping curve on the western side of the main Abu Dhabi island and is replete with cycle paths, fountains and park areas. Its crowning jewel is its public white sand beach. We had a quick stopover here and took some photos of the spectacular backdrop of the Abu Dhabi skyline and the blue waters in front. It’s such a relaxing view to look at with the breeze from the ocean and all, but we could not stay longer than 15 minutes because we just couldn’t take the sun’s heat.

4. Emirates Palace Hotel

Next, we drove to the Emirates Palace, where we spent an hour easily seeing golden things on the ground floor. The Emirates Palace Hotel is a luxury 7-star hotel built along a private beach and is set amidst 85 hectares of verdant lawns and gardens. It’s the world’s third most expensive hotel ever built. The construction costs were around $3B, only surpassed by The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in Las Vegas ($3.9B) and the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore ($5.5B).

The Emirates Palace Hotel has 114 domes, the Grand Ballroom, and palace auditorium. The opulent brown architecture reflects the Abu Dhabi desert sands and it’s a perfect backdrop for photographs.

5. Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Grand Mosque)

Our last stop in Abu Dhabi was the Grand Mosque, which literally is “grand.” Everything about this mosque screams of magnificence. It’s the third largest mosque in the world, having the second largest chandelier in the world as well as the world’s largest carpet spanning a floor size of 5,627 square meters. From a distance, it already looked like a stunning landmark. From up close, the exterior consisting of intricate decors and pristine white domes with several unique elements looked even more endearing. Inside, the ambiance felt heavenly and noble.

I wore long sleeves and pants that day as required by our tour guide. When we got in, I found out that all women are required to wear abaya (loose-over robe dress) and cover our head. Rental of abaya is free, so there’s no need to worry if you think you’re dressed inappropriately. My problem was that the length didn’t fit me. I looked through almost all the available robe dresses hanged in the dressing room and learned that all length is the same. It was too long for me. I had to carry the dress to walk conveniently.

For men, long pants and shirts are fine. We were asked to take off our shoes for respect. It was uncomfortable since I’m not used to walking barefoot. All visitors must abide by the rules since it’s a place of worship after all.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg-Y7NkBW6s/?taken-by=rochkirstin

In any case, the Grand Mosque was well worth the trip. Our tour guide recommended us to visit after 6pm and he was right. The white marble structure gleamed at night and this is when you can see the amazing play of light and shadow along the pillars and ponds of the mosque.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg-U6nIBNQX/?taken-by=rochkirstin

A honeymoon is supposed to be relaxing, full of leisure, romantic gestures, seeing impressive landscapes, as it’s a celebration of passion and love. Fortunately for us, we found all these in our recent Dubai trip. So why did we choose Dubai? There’s plenty to do here, we heard many people say. This dynamic metropolis in the Middle East focuses big time on tourism and it holds so many of the world’s records. Because of this, it’s known as the “city of superlatives.” Dubai has the world’s largest mall, the tallest building, the largest fireworks display, the longest driverless metro network, largest man-made island and more! No doubt, we were in for a spin. 🙂

Our seven-day itinerary (which includes a day-tour in Abu Dhabi) was fully packed and there’s little time for reflection. It’s funny that I truly realized how wonderful Dubai really is when I started reviewing our photos and videos on our way back to Manila. If you’re considering to travel to Dubai or stopping by for a few days, here are 12 places to consider.

Top 12 Tourist Attractions We Visited in Dubai for Our Honeymoon

1. Burj Khalifa

Pardon my ignorance but I often got mixed up at first between Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. These just sounded too foreign for my comprehension! 😛 After reminding myself of their difference (which by the way is huge), I found that it’s not really too difficult to learn what and see where Burj Khalifa is at. It’s the tallest building, the tallest free-standing structure, with the highest occupied floor, highest outdoor observation deck, and tallest service elevator in the world! From anywhere in the city center, we would always see it.

At level 24 (452 meters), we had a chance to take a closer look below through avant-garde high-powered telescopes and step out onto the public outdoor observation terrace overlooking Dubai’s ever growing skyline.

At level 25 (456 meters), we saw a stunning 360-degree view of the city. Going to the top is worth every dirham. Pre-booking tickets online is highly recommended, so you’ll pay less than half the price of an immediate entry ticket during non-peak times. There’s too many tourists at the time of our visit. We waited almost an hour to ride the service elevator! Together with The Dubai Fountain, it’s been rated by international tourists as their favorite attraction in the UAE, according to the latest Arabian Falcon Holidays, AFH, survey of 1,212 respondents in 2017.

Burj Khalifa has redefined what is possible in the design and engineering of supertall buildings. By combining cutting-edge technologies and cultural influences, the building serves as a global icon that is both a model for future urban centers and speaks to the global movement towards compact, livable urban areas.

It’s surprising that Dubai intends to build an even taller tower which will be completed by 2019. Jeddah Tower is now under construction. At about 1 kilometer, it will be the tallest structure standing 180 m (591 ft), another culturally significant icon that will symbolize the nation’s wealth and power.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg7773FBk9h/?taken-by=rochkirstin

2. Dubai Fountain in Dubai Mall

Located next to Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system set on the 30-acre man-made Burj Khalifa Lake. It consists of a 275-meter long central arc of jets, joined to a smaller arc and five circles of jets.

The show is completely free of charge. Our guide recommended us to arrive at 6pm so we could ensure a good spot. The performance began as soon as the sun set at around 6:30pm. We waited at the second floor of the Dubai Mall, just outside The Apple Store. The powerful jets shot water sprays in harmony with the song “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias. The entire spectacle was amazing! The fountains were synchronized to the music perfectly. The colors added an extra wow effect.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg5Yy0UBgFv/?taken-by=rochkirstin

3. Bastakiya

We spent half a day touring the old part of Dubai. One of the most distinct areas is the Bastakiya District, a part of the city that has retained its traditional atmosphere. Located in Al Fahidi, it leads to a neighborhood with rich heritage and culture experience.

Narrow alleys, artistic designs, colorful memorabilia and antics, spices, and a lot of souvenir shops fill the space. It was like going back in time, after being exposed to Dubai’s skyscrapers and modern sights on the other side. We spent half an hour here walking around the maze of buildings and felt that it’s a good reminder of how Dubai was like not so long ago.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg34RyHB6ET/?taken-by=rochkirstin

4. Dubai Museum

Bastakiya is home to many galleries, guesthouses, and centers for arts and culture, but it’s also where the Al Fahidi Fort (built in 1787) or now so-called the Dubai Museum is housed. It is the oldest existing building in the city. The museum was beautifully restored in 1993 and it offers a fascinating historical insight into Dubai’s heritage, showing wax-figure life-size dioramas that exhibit the everyday life in the days before the discovery of oil. It’s just too dark inside so it was hard to take photos.

In any case, this place is a must-visit especially if you love seeing artifacts and learning about the transformation of Dubai from a coastal village of pearl seekers to the extremely sophisticated multicultural mega city it is today.

5. Jumeirah Beach

We had a short stop to Jumeirah Beach, a public beach with Burj Al Arab at the background. Our tour guide brought us here specifically only to take a good view of the stunning 7-star hotel, the world’s most luxurious. People say that the best times to come here are from 5pm to 7pm so you’ll be able to witness the breathtaking sunset. I can imagine! The beach looked long, wide and clean. There are some facilities available for rent such as volleyball nets and lounge chairs and chargeable activities like paddling, surfing, jet ski, and diving. This beach is perfect for a lazy weekend chill to swim and get a tan. ☀

6. Desert Safari

If there’s one thing you can’t miss when in Dubai, it’s the Desert Safari. The safari drivers are all professional and have a passion to give a thrilling ride. The experience was enticing as the vehicles climbed the heights of the sand dunes and then came crashing down the slopes with all its speed. Honestly though, it wasn’t the best for us since we prefer a smooth-sailing ride as much as possible. The drive took more than an hour and continued to the desert where we quietly alighted from the car and watched the sunset.

A few moments after, we went to a campsite where we had the opportunity to wear traditional costume (free rental), ride a camel, meet other tourists, watch Arabian belly dancing, tanoura dance, and fire shows, and take more photos. For dinner, we were quite satisfied with various food items from the buffet stations.

7. Dhow Cruise

The Dhow Dinner Cruise tour is a good way of touring Dubai’s major landmarks by cruising along the Dubai creek aboard a traditional decoration wooden dhow. It’s one of the best ways to experience the glittering magnificence of Dubai Marina. The lower deck was fully air-conditioned. It was great that we were seated on the open-air upper deck to feel the fresh air. The night was breezy, so unlike the burning temperature at daytime.

We set sail at 8:30pm and docked back at the pier at 10:30pm. In two hours on-board, we had dinner under Dubai’s illuminated skyline in nighttime lights while viewing modern architecture and landmarks left and right. The buffet consisted of international cuisine and complimentary mineral water.

8. Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is one of the greenest attractions in UAE. The garden spreads over 72,000 square meters, making it the world’s largest natural flower garden. It features over 109 million flowers planted, with flower displays that bloom into the shapes of hearts, stars, igloos, pyramids and even the World Record largest plane–Emirates Airbus A380 covered entirely in flowers!

The quirky layouts, heart-shaped pathway, and floral houses look interesting unbelievably good, but my favorite attraction has to be the gigantic Mickey Mouse at the center. Super cute! 💐 Another thing that stood out for me was the teddy bear.

We admired all the beauty in an hour. If you’re going in the morning, don’t forget to wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Enjoy the scenery and the peace, don’t rush. There are plenty of cafés inside.

9. Global Village Dubailand

Global Village wasn’t originally listed in our itinerary but it was highly recommended by our tour guide. We visited in our free time and glad it didn’t disappoint.

It’s the first family destination for culture, entertainment and shopping in the region. Why is it special? Global Village has 27 pavilions representing more than 75 countries with different cultures. If you’re curious to know how it’s possible to see a glimpse of Turkey, Japan, Oman, China, London, India, Iraq, Africa, Pakistan, Egypt, and others at one time, this is the place to be!

Hundreds of exhibitors in the pavilions feature and showcase their country’s handicrafts, food, tradtional clothes, accessories, artworks, and more. Expect to find all sorts of shapes, lively colors, textures, and scents and see the world come together. Plan your trip accordingly! It can take more than two hours to completely explore this place. Restaurants offering different cuisines are available, also unique to each country.

10. Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark is the best waterpark in Dubai. It was great that we were among the first people to enter early in the morning since the queue piled up soon afterwards. We brought our swimming attire, towels, and all but chose not to swim because we couldn’t take the heat of the sun and adrenaline-pumping record-breaking rides are not really up our alley.

We took our own pace and went over to all the stations though. Without having to get into the water, we saw the sharks, rays, dolphins, and sea lions, too. The rides look thrilling especially for the kids and the kids at heart. Make sure to try Poseidon’s Revenge and Leap of Faith if you want to test your courage and say you made it!

11. Lost Chambers Aquarium in Atlantis, The Palm

After having lunch at the Kaleidoscope Restaurant which was also located in The Palm, we entered Lost Chambers and saw many different marine species swimming in a gigantic indoor aquarium. It’s the largest aquarium in the Middle East and Africa. We made the most of our time in the underwater tunnels which serve as an immersive experience into a lost civilization of ship wrecks and ruins. We sat on the floor for a few minutes and watched radiant reef fish, seahorses, rays, sharks and countless other creatures swim, including those in the vast Ambassadors Lagoon.

What makes this place extra special is that it is themed around the mythical, lost ancient city of Atlantis. Interactive touchscreens are available for visitors to find out more about the species in the chambers and gaze transfixed at the vast Ambassador Lagoon, where hundreds of tropical fish and other sea life waft through the waters.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg_C4mvB0wN/?taken-by=rochkirstin

12. Dubai Frame

On our last tour day, we went to another amazing latest iconic architectural landmark in Dubai: the Dubai Frame. It’s the world’s largest picture frame! At first glance, I thought it was just a huge frame. I was surprised that there’s actually things inside: a gallery on the ground floor and an observation deck on the top floor which allows visitors to see the best view of both old Dubai (such as Deira, Umm Harare and Karama) and new Dubai (such as Emirates Towers and Burj Khalifa).

While you’re there, get ready for a dizzying sky walk at 150 meters high glass floor. We confidently walked on it from one end of the room to the other end – many times! The glass floor is 48 floors above ground. The glass panels switch from translucent to transparent as we walked over them. You can see the raft foundation of the structure and parts of Zabeel Park underneath.

After the tour on top, we went down the elevator and were led to the mezzanine where we were told the story of the development of the city and a presentation of everything related to Dubai. Next, hologram projections, mist effects and smells took us on a journey back to Dubai’s past. The Future Gallery depicts Dubai 50 years from now into the future by creating a virtual metropolis through interactive projections and virtual reality technology. It was inspiring, educational, and exciting!

Wrap Up

7 days was more than enough time for us to explore the highlights in Dubai. People here are very diverse, so getting a feel of Dubai’s richly woven tapestry of culture is a huge part of the overall experience. We had an awesome time as well during our free time when we visited Dubai Mall, Festival Mall, IKEA, and Mall of Emirates.

After conversing a lot with our tour guide and from experience, we learned that Dubai isn’t exactly a backpacking-friendly city. Everything is expensive except for gas because the city has plenty of oil reserves. Food and drinks cost a fortune, compared to rates here in the Philippines or countries in Asia we’ve been to. Most of the attractions require an entrance fee so it’s best to make the most it! 🙂

We stayed in DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Al Barsha and if you’re wondering whether or not we had a good stay, check out my review here.

This tour was booked via Aerostar Travel and Tours. It’s a travel agency based in the Philippines which provides tourism services with both local and international packages. If you’re interested, contact them at (632) 683 0959, (632) 910 0339 or send an email to inquire@aerostartravelandtours.com (Shangri-La Branch) or
aerostartravelandtours@gmail.com (Robinsons Galleria Branch).

One year exactly after our wedding, we spent our honeymoon in Dubai. Why did we choose this place? Over the last decade, Dubai has reached an unparalleled height of stardom as the world’s most visited tourist attraction and an e-commerce hub. Many people see it as the golden sparrow of the Emirates that everyone has to experience. If you are all fired up to visit Dubai for your next holiday, check out DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Al Barsha.

For accommodation, we stayed in this hotel for one week. It looks as subtle and stylish as you’d expect from one of the world’s leading luxury hotel chains. This four-star hotel is located opposite Mall of the Emirates, Dubai’s world-class shopping, entertainment and dining hub. It’s only 20-30 minutes away from Dubai Airport and also near many key business districts and corporations.

Review of DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Residences (Al Barsha, Dubai)

Ambiance:

The hotel lobby exhibits a contemporary cosmopolitan appeal. There’s an easy flow to the reception, waiting areas, elevators, and cafe on the ground floor. The atmosphere is spacious and cozy, detail-driven with many modern art pieces. With a comfortable setup and a calm color scheme, it is a handy haven in the heart of the city.

The “king guest room” features a king-size bed, an L-shaped couch on the corner, an elegant bathroom, a mini-bar, a 42-inch TV, WiFi and an MP3 alarm clock. Finishes in this suite are high end, with bespoke furniture and plush fabrics. From the windows, the view outside overlooks to the swimming pool on the mezzanine and Mall of Emirates to the farther back. The only problem we experienced was that the water from the shower area would always overflow to the toilet whenever we took a bath.

On our last day, we visited the complimentary 24-hour fitness center and the sparkling outdoor pool.

Service:

Service focuses on life’s real luxuries: a warm welcome with DoubleTree by Hilton’s signature chocolate chip cookie upon check-in, knowledgeable advice, privacy when you want it and conversation with the staff when you’re feeling convivial. A number of the staff here are Filipinos so it’s easier to get along with them. At specific schedules, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to Jumeirah Beach and Mall of the Emirates.

Food:

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Residences Dubai – Al Barsha has a convenient café, perfect for those who want a decent meal without leaving the property. Tikka Café and Restaurant – Bistro was where we had buffet breakfast every morning. Food varieties were fine but after having the same choices for seven straight days, we got tired of the usual tastes and missed our comfort food for breakfast, back home (daing na bangus, corned beef, spam, bacon, sardines, sinangag, hot chocolate, etc.)

Price for Value:

The hotel’s style, character, impressive ambiance and service make up for a reasonable price for its value. It’s definitely a top pick! Price for 7 nights was about P20,952 (with complimentary breakfast included). We booked our stay in DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Residences Dubai – Al Barsha through Aerostar Travel and Tours.

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