Category: Travel

It was my first time to travel to Europe. Initially, I was hesitant to go because (1) it’s expensive, (2) food might not suit my taste, (3) taking a lot of vacation leave credits from work might not be worth it, (4) feeling jet-lag from long flights would be too troublesome, (5) I might not be able to stand the cold weather, (6) seeing photos in the Internet would be enough, etc. Like Lady Gaga in her song “Million Reasons,” I’ve got a hundred million reasons to walk away, but I just needed one good one—to be convinced and say yes: I couldn’t pass up this great opportunity to experience an eye-opening adventure with my better half, Louie. 😉

Trivia: Slovenia is the only country in the world with the word LOVE.

Among Europe’s dazzling artistic and culinary diversity, our first stop was Slovenia. Compared to the likes of Germany, Italy, France, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, Slovenia is rather quite unheard of. It’s not a usual choice of first time travelers. In any case, we trust Mulan Travel Service Corp. for arranging our Balkan tour with the most impressive attractions for us to be excited about. In this post, I’m sharing the top 3 places we visited in Slovenia: Bled, Ljubljana, and Postojna Cave.

3 Places We Visited in Slovenia

1. Bled

With its brooding castles and verdant forests, Bled is Slovenia’s most popular resort. It features a glassy, emerald-green lake that is perfect for boating trips. We stayed in Hotel Park (Sava Hoteli Bled) located opposite to Lake Bled, a scenic body of water surrounded by the Julian Alps.

In the morning, we walked around the lake, rode the Pletna Boat to an island, and entered a 17th century church perched on a hill overlooking the town. This pilgrimage church is dedicated to the Assumption of Mary and is decorated with remains of Gothic frescos from around 1470 in the presbyterium and rich Baroque equipment. There are 99 stone steps leading up to the building. Per tradition, it is considered good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the steps on the day of their wedding before ringing the bell and making a wish inside the church.

In the afternoon, we explored Bled further and reached Bled Castle. Clinging to a rocky cliff 130 meters above Bled Lake, this medieval castle boasts magnificent views of the Bled island, the town of Bled and the wider countryside of the Gorenjska region. Here we also saw a museum collection representing the historical development of Bled, its culture, and its population. A castle printing shop below got us acquainted with traditional manual technological procedures of printing and some artistic ironworks at the castle forge.

2. Ljubljana

Next, we drove to Llubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Llubljana has a unique charm that makes it worth a visit. Its most noticeable symbol perhaps would be the myriad dragon statues that dot the streets. Besides the dragons, the city is packed full of gorgeous architecture that dates for the Baroque period. It’s also known for little squares that line the Old Town.

A major attraction is Tromostovje, or the “Triple Bridge,” where three picturesque bridges span the river right next to one another. To soak in the spectacular views over the city, we took a shortcut and went up to Ljubljana Castle via a funicular. During our free time, the foodie in us made us try McDonald’s chicken and beef gyros wrapped in delicious pita-style flatbread. Yum! 🙂

3. Postojna Cave

I was most in awe of the Postojna Cave. It comprises of 21 km of passages, galleries and halls with limestone sculptures that offer a unique experience of the underground world. We rode an electric train that took us into the depth of the cave where we found a spectacular display of stalagmites and stalactites. The caves are also home to the endemic olm, the largest troglodytic amphibian in the world.

Over 37 million visitors have been to Postojna Cave and I’m sure not a single soul went home unimpressed. The natural rock formations looked truly amazing. Note that Postojna Cave has a constant temperature of 9-10 degrees Celsius and almost 100% humidity throughout the whole year, so bring appropriate clothes and footwear when you visit. 😉

All photos were taken using Fujifilm XT2 + 14mm lens.

[schema type=”review” name=”3 Places We Visited in Slovenia: Bled, Ljubljana, and Postojna Cave” description=”This post is about our travel tour to Europe featuring places visited in Slovenia: Bled, Ljubljana, and Postojna Cave from April 7-20, 2017. The itinerary was prearranged and perfectly executed by Mulan Travel Service Corp. in the Philippines.” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-04-25″ ]

We spent the last two days of 2016 taking a staycation at Century Park Hotel in Manila. Staycations are an awesome way to not only break up the usual routine, but also to explore your home city and experience it in a different way. Located at the heart of the Philippines’ capital city, Century Park Hotel Manila takes pride in being a warm home in the urban jungle. Many restaurants surround the hotel plus two shopping malls (SM and Harrison Plaza) that offer both convenience and leisure to guests. An overnight stay in this comfortable and cozy hotel suite is a fab treat for the entire family.

Review of Century Park Hotel – Family Staycation (Malate, Manila)

Ambiance:

Despite being only about 30 minutes away from our home, Century Park Hotel Manila ticks all the boxes for a “relaxing vacation.” Spacious and well-lit, the ambiance of the hotel ground may make one assume it’s style over substance. It’s not. Some of the areas including the ceiling were recently renovated, but the hotel’s old charm is still kept present to date.

The lobby looked presentable with enough bold touches–tall Christmas tree, water fountain, plush seats, and star lights hanging from the ceiling–to add artsy, “holiday” vibe. What makes me want to go back every time is its noteworthy scent. Century Park Hotel has a distinct clean and refreshing scent which I can describe as the combination of chamomile and green tea. Those who have been here will most probably know what I’m talking about. The smell is so invigorating that it makes me feel fresh and nice. 🙂 Love it!

With six function rooms and a business center, Century Park Hotel in Manila provides accommodation for corporate and special events. Inside the hotel, there are five restaurants, a gym, lap pool, regular swimming pool, and a Jacuzzi for guests to unwind after a long day. These facilities make up for an overall good experience for every guest.

The room we stayed at was equipped with reliable Wi-Fi access, Cable TV, telephone with bathroom extension, tub/ shower bath combination, hairdryer, in-room safe, individually-controlled air conditioning, refrigerator, coffee or tea-making facility, and bathroom essentials/toiletries. Check this link out for more information about Century Park Hotel rooms.

Service:

Booking for a room, reserving, checking in, and checking out were fast and hassle-free. Service was friendly and thorough. The staff were hospitable and welcoming, always willing to answer questions and satisfy requests whenever possible. Clad in native barong tagalog, the security people at the ground floor are strict and this provide an extra level of security that will make you feel safe and at ease. Bags and luggage regardless of size need to go through their scanning machine.

Price for Value:

Century Park Hotel Manila is a recommended hotel for both business and leisure. It is not really luxurious and modern but decent enough to give you a comfortable and nice stay with the family. Ranging from Php 3500++ to PhP 4500++ for Superior Double Room to Deluxe Double Room (inclusive of breakfast buffet for two, welcome drinks and some more incentives), prices are reasonable and have good value.

Popular places of interest nearby: Philippine International Convention Center, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Ninoy Aquino Memorial Sports Complex, Harrison Plaza Shopping Complex, World Trade Center, SMX Convention Center, and SM Mall of Asia.

[schema type=”review” url=”http://www.centurypark.com/location/” name=”Century Park Hotel Manila” description=”599 P. Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila” rev_name=”For inquiries, call (02) 528 8888″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-03-11″ ]

Spending a vacation with the entire team all at once is a rare occasion. We have been planning for this team outing for a long time. Finally, our overnight trip to Tali Beach Resort happened last weekend. 🙂 13 of us stayed in a vacation house with spacious rooms that were designed with comfort and convenience of guests in mind. Tali Beach in Nasugbu, Batangas (near Punta Fuego) offers breathtaking picturesque and panoramic views that make for a perfect scenic backdrop from every level. Between strolling the beach, swimming in the private infinity pool, relaxing in living areas of the house, or soaking up the sun while overlooking the sunset and sunrise, you’ll never want to leave!

Review of Tali Beach Resort (Nasugbu, Batangas) for Our Team Outing

Ambiance and Amenities:

The private beach house we rented was fully furnished. It was well-maintained and furnished with readily available essentials. Equipped with a regular kitchen and dirty kitchen with fully-functioning appliances and cooking utensils, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, dining area, living room, balcony area, car garage, swimming pool, and outdoor shower, it’s a great place to unwind, relax, and hold team-building activities, recreation activities, parties, and other events away from the city.

Bedrooms were air-conditioned and toilets had well-ventilated air. Bed sheets, pillows, and blankets were neatly presented. In the bathroom, rolls of tissue paper and water heater were provided as well. Guests just need to bring toiletries to freshen up during their stay. Overall, we had a wonderful time staying at this vacation house in Tali Beach Resort. The different spaces flow easily into one another. This beach house is more than enough to accommodate a big family or a group of 10-15 people.

Another good reason why you’d want to stay here is its easy and direct access to the beach. It’s like living in a secluded area that’s just a short walk away from the pristine water. Water sports such as snorkeling, jet skiing, cliff diving, raft diving, kayaking, boating, sailing, and beach volleyball can also be done within the Tali Beach vicinity.

We brought a karaoke system, microphones, playing cards, inflatables, and Jenga for play time. These “props” were great in facilitating bonding among team members and injecting more pep into our chill moments.

Service:

The caretakers were nice and approachable. There’s a good exchange of messages before we reached the place and we had no problems communicating with them. House rules were clearly stated and reminders were also sent days before our arrival.

Price for Value:

Tali Beach Resort is an exclusive gated community situated along the scenic coastline of Nasugbu, Batangas. Per travel websites and blogs, it’s around a 2.5 hours of drive from Metro Manila. However, since we had a lot of stopovers, travel time took longer than expected. Anyway, we had a fun time inside the car as we engaged in like getting-to-know-you conversations. 😛

As for the price, the vacation house rental in Tali Beach costed us Php 21,000 for a Saturday-Sunday overnight stay. This excluded the food and ingredients we brought for cooking. Budget per head is around Php 1500++. Check in time was at 2 pm, and check out was at 12 noon. Price for value is fair for a memorable weekend getaway. I highly recommend this resort to anyone who’s planning to organize a short vacation trip or a team outing to Nasugbu, Batangas. Summer is coming so for all beach lovers and for those who think they deserve a good break from work, Tali Beach is the place to be. 🙂

[schema type=”review” url=”http://www.tali-beach.com/” name=”Tali Beach Resort” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-02-06″ ]

It felt so good to be back to what I consider my second home: Singapore! Five years have passed since I worked there, and everything still looked quite familiar. This time, I traveled with my family and had a quick vacation from work. Creating a jam-packed travel itinerary posed as a challenge. There were just so many places I wanted to revisit to rekindle “sweet” memories in so little time! Finally, with the help of my sister, we were able to carefully narrow down our top must-visit sights to seven. 🙂 Here they are, plus the superb restaurants we tried along the way.

Groupfie at Haji Lane

7 Tourist Attractions and 7 Restaurants We Visited in Singapore in 3 Days 2 Nights

1. Clarke Quay & Jumbo Seafood

Upon arrival in Singapore, we took the SMRT from Changi Airport to Metropolitan Y Hotel in Stevens Road. It was past dinnertime so the top of mind for the best spot to hang out in Singapore was none other than Clarke Quay, where ambiance is always the stark opposite of quiet and discreet—even in the wee hours of the morning. Night lights looked stunning and the pile of restaurants were still incredibly crowded at 10 pm. We’re not exactly the type who would just linger for drinks. Conversely, one of the reasons we flew here was to try Singaporean food specialties.

At Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, be ready to treat yourself to a seafood extravaganza. Chili crab, cereal prawns, and Singapore noodles (mei fun) are all must-orders. Prices are high but damn does this restaurant deliver the goods. Scallops in taro baskets were succulent and absolutely fantastic as an appetizer. Everything else was tremendously tasty and delicious. We enjoyed our meal a lot! Moral of the story? While there can be so many crazy dining trends to obsess over, at the end of the day, it’s hard to beat traditional, well-executed food. Two thumbs up! 🙂

2. Haji Lane & Selfie Coffee

Visiting Haji Lane in Kampong Glam for a fun shopping experience and cafe-hopping was top of our list. Haji Lane offers an unusual and interesting mix of independent boutiques selling a great selection of clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and even vintage cameras. With candy-colored shop houses and interesting murals, the lane looks pretty, and each storefront is very Instagrammable.

If you like taking selfies, Selfie Coffee is right up your alley. We were so intrigued to try and taste coffee with our faces printed on the whipped cream. Yes, it’s edible! Vegetable oil is used to digitally print the image on the top of the cream using a special machine, which the staff refer to affectionately as “Little Helper.”

The way to order is first choosing the coffee variant, paying at the counter, and then taking an on-the-spot selfie with the cafe’s iPhone. It’s nice that we were allowed to take several shots and select the perfect one to be printed onto the thick cream (similar to cake frosting). 🙂 Props such as shades and hats on the sides were available for the “photoshoot.” We were given the queue buzzer and we waited for our drinks to be ready on the second floor.

After about 15 minutes, the buzzer beeped and we took the two cups of cold Selfie Frappe (their best-seller) from the counter. Cold drinks are better because the photo lasts longer compared to the hot drinks. The funny part was seeing our faces on the foam getting thinner and thinner as we finish the drink. Price when converted to pesos is about Php 300 per order. I paid an additional fraction of the price to get the physical printed copy of our photos as a souvenir which I now keep in my wallet. 🙂 Selfie Coffee is a cool and bizarre concept and it’s a foodie destination worth going for!

3. Bugis Street & Asian Delight

Next, we ran down to Bugis Street nearby to shop for clothes and shoes and hunt gifts for friends back home. It’s one of my favorite places in Singapore because most items are reasonably cheap. I remember going here almost at least once a month before, so even with hundreds of shops in three floors, I know I won’t be lost in Singapore’s “most famous undercover street market.” There’s lots of interesting finds for giveaways. But if you’re a bit claustrophobic and can’t stand fighting with hoards of people for bargains and discounted merchandise, go find the exit quickly. 😛

For lunch, we shared a bowl of Singaporean Laksa and Black Pepper Salmon Rice at Asian Delights Stall # 2 inside Bugis Street. Both were hearty, spicy, and spot on delicious. Pepper in the salmon rice brought tons of flavor to the plate. The interior and setting of this local indoor hawker barely looked as elegant as most restaurants we dine in, but there’s nothing to complain about. Eating here is absolutely a great way to relax, rest from hours of continuous walking, relish more Singaporean tastes, observe people around, and just get into the moment.

4. Chinatown & Chinatown Food Street

When in Chinatown-Singapore, buying souvenirs in Pagoda Street and barbecued meat (bak kwa) in New Bridge Road are the goal. We went inside Chinatown Heritage Center for a quick immersion into the multi-sensory experience of Chinese culture then dined like a local at Chinatown Food Street where a tantalizing spread of Singaporean delights await.

My mom insisted that we go and try the food stand that won a freakin’ Michelin star: Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle. We got there at around 5 pm and thought we were early for dinner. Apparently, we were already two hours late since the stall closed early at 3 pm. Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle’s signature chicken rice dish costs only S$1.85 a pop, less than half the price of a Big Mac at McDonald’s. Hopefully next time, we would have the patience to line at 5 am to make sure that we’d get a fair share!

Good news broke out last October 2016 when the owner of the stall, Chan, announced that he will be expanding the brand globally. Yay! To be a success, the taste of his soya sauce chicken must be well replicated and standardized in all the outlets.

Anyway, to satisfy our hungry stomachs, Chinatown Food Street has heaps of food options that cater to different taste buds. It’s a mighty destination for our food trail. 😉 Three among the popular stalls are Laksa Ah Tee Famous Prawn noodle 阿第馳名大蝦麵, Oyster Omelette Katong Keah Kee 加東加記蠔煎, and Hainanese Chicken Rice/ Bugis Street Famous Hanianese Chicken 新明路榕城肉骨茶. We loved the mix of bbq duck and chicken with rice. Char kway teow 炒粿條 (“stir-fried rice cake strips”) was moist and packed with a nice balance of sweetness and savoriness.

It’s al fresco dining over here. A huge Plexiglass awning has been built on top to protect diners from the rain and allow a free flow of winds that help blow away the fumes of the numerous barbecues and charcoal braziers. After dinner, as if not so tired enough, we went to Orchard Road for sight-seeing and grocery shopping.

5. VivoCity & Food Republic

Situated on the way to Sentosa Island, VivoCity (怡丰城) is the largest mall in Singapore, where budget to mid-range and high-end international brands can be found. It was Mid-Autumn Festival when we visited, so numerous stalls selling different kinds of mooncake and festive goodies filled up a big portion of the central area. We bought two packs with special flavors such as lychee, green tea, raspberry, chocolate, etc. Durian tasted most interesting. 🙂

We spent some time hanging out at the Skypark on the top floor then went to Food Republic for lunch. Every decorative detail of this latest 900-seater food atrium is aimed at recreating an atmosphere of nostalgia. Diners eat in thoughtfully conceptualized surroundings that are built with aged wooden beams, floor tiles and roof shingles. The high ceilings of Food Republic are illuminated with hanging light fixtures within old bird cages. Suspended old bicycles add a new twist to the ambient old world charm of the space.

The cornerstone of this food paradise is hawker food. We cherished the comforting aroma of Bak Kut Teh from Balestier Bak Kut Teh. It was presented with pork ribs simmering in a clear broth with several cloves of garlic. I liked how easily the meat came off the bones. This peppery soup is indeed a good choice as a tummy-warming treat.

We also ordered Hokkien Mee sheathed in a dried Opei leaf. Plated artfully to accentuate the five large pink prawns resting atop a bed of piping hot noodles, just by looking at this plate of hokkien mee made my mouth water. Slurping down the fat with gooey noodles was truly satisfying.

6. Gardens by the Bay & McCafé Singapore

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land in central Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. By day, the location and its surroundings look gorgeous with greens and flowers; at night, the park is transformed to a magical fantasy land with fantastic light shows.

Gardens by the Bay is a place for all ages. It’s not only made to be a scenic garden for families and a beautiful tourist attraction for the appreciation of nature but was developed as part of a strategy by the Singapore government to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” The stated aim is to raise the quality of life by enhancing greenery and flora in the city.

Highly educational and visually stunning, the Supertree Grove is the most striking. It has supertrees, which are tree-like structures that dominate the Gardens’ landscape with heights that range between 82 ft and 160 ft. These super tall trees are not ordinary trees as they may seem. With enclaves of unique and exotic ferns, these are vertical gardens that perform a multitude of functions, which include planting, shading and working as environmental engines for the gardens.

After taking pictures everywhere, we paused for a snack at McCafé: Angus Beef Burger from the signature collection, fries, and veggie burger, and mocha frappe.

7. Marina Bay Sands & Din Tai Fung

I’ve been to Marina Bay Sands over 10 times but I’m still impressed by its design and architecture every time. 🙂 It’s incredible how the hotel towers slope but stand on straight legs, which give the complex its unique look. Tower 1, in particular, has a slope of 26 degrees. The architecture follows the principles of feng shui to create a perfect balance of energy and harmony with the environment. The number 26 on the slope of Tower 1 is considered prosperous since the individual digits add up to 8, a lucky number in Chinese culture.

Marina Bay Sands also offers a unique indoor cruise experience with the indoor sampan cruise that traverses along the canal by The Shoppes. A sampan is a flat-bottomed boat and native to the South East Asia region. Traditionally, sampans are elaborately decorated and propelled by a single boatman who uses a pole rather than oars. In MBS, a boatman punts the sampan and its passengers along the indoor water ways past the Rain Oculus that gathers and pours out 22,000 liters of water per minute, a major component in the resort’s sustainability efforts.

Aside from premium clothing and accessories outlets, make up stores, and fancy restaurants, another attraction you don’t want to miss is the Wonder Full Light and Sound Show. We were lucky we just got in time to catch it. Best thing is that it doesn’t require advanced booking and it doesn’t cost a single cent.

The light, water and sound extravaganza took three years, more than a hundred technical experts, a one hundred and forty piece orchestra, and thousands of work hours to be created—to make great and free entertainment for all. The Light Show starts at 8:00 pm, and the Water Show at 9:30 pm. There is an additional show at 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday nights. The show begins with a single drop of water, signifying the beginning of life, and progresses from there into a full-blown display from birth to maturity. For sure, it’s a must-see at Marina Bay Sands.

We met Achi Anne and her husband at Din Tai Fung MBS. Specializing in xiao long bao 小籠包 (soup dumplings), this Michelin-star awarded restaurant that’s founded in Taipei is that the kind where you walk out of happy, wanting to tell all your friends about it. Like a kid in a candy store, just point and order anything that looks good on the menu. Coming with a group to share portions of food and the bill would be wise.

While waiting for our table, we watched how staff in the open kitchen make and knead the dough, cut the dough to small circles, wrap, and pleat the dumplings. It looked as if they were working in lightning speed! These master pleaters made an entertaining show for guests outside.

Pork xiao long bao as well as crab xiao long bao are not to be missed. If you need something else on your table, go for their signature steamed buns, salted egg yolk prawns, pork chop fried rice, and braised beef noodle soup.

My advice to those who’d be trying out Din Tai Fung’s xiao long bao for the first time is to eat without dipping it into vinegar or other condiment because the sweetness of the minced pork and the broth would be enough to send you to heaven. What I love most about these soup dumplings is the explosion of rich, steaming, hot juice which oozes out into the groove of the tongue. So yummy! 🙂

Wrap Up

Singapore may not have the world’s best beaches or be seen as off-the-beaten path to adventure travelers, but it’s one cosmopolitan city that can leave you thinking that it’s somewhere you would want to live one day. It’s clean and safe. Public transportation, thanks to the SMRT, makes it easy to get around places for an inexpensive price. And with the endless varieties of food offered in hawker centers and restaurants, you’re guaranteed a good meal. We absolutely enjoyed touring in Singapore. This won’t be our last. 🙂

[schema type=”review” name=”7 Tourist Attractions and 7 Restaurants We Visited in Singapore in 3 Days 2 Nights” author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2017-01-18″ ]

Ask five friends which places are the best to visit in South Korea and you’ll get five different sets of answers. South Korea has many fascinating tourist attractions, and it’s easy to fall in love with its beautiful places. ❤Receiving tips and advice from everyone’s “Korea Bucket List” made us feel more and more excited for the trip. Thanks to recommendations, creating our own itinerary was a piece of cake.

My fiancé, sister, best friend, and I went around Seoul in four days with its efficient mass transport system. Since we’re all into trendy stuff, adorable cafes and delicious restaurants, what better place to stay than right at the heart of shopping in Seoul: Myeongdong. 🙂 (Read this post for my review of Casa Myeongdong Guesthouse and Budget Hotel.)

Our perfect idea of travel was to taste the best of Korean street food, shop for Korean makeup and skin care, try out Korean fashion, visit Korean palaces and wear hanbok, and simply enjoy the city’s cool weather. If you’re like us and are planning to go to Korea soon, this post may be helpful. Read on! 😛

Top 10 Places We Visited in South Korea in Four Days

1. Grevin Seoul Museum (서울 그레뱅 뮤지엄)

Grevin Seoul is the biggest wax museum in Asia. It holds several wax figures of known celebrities like Psy, Lee Min Ho, Jang Geun Suk, John Lennon, Brad Pitt, Jackie Chan and famous icons such as Nelson Mandela, Pope Francis, Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, and Michael Jordan. They looked and felt almost real, which was quite eerie. 😛 The concept originated from France’s famous beeswax museum, the Musée Grévin. We spent an hour taking pictures and walking through the 14 main theme sections inside.

Address: 23, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 을지로 23 (을지로1가)

Operating Hours:
Monday-Thursday, Sunday 10:00-19:00
Friday, Saturday 10:00-21:00
* Last admission 45 minutes before closing.

Admission / Participation Fees:
Adults (ages 19-64) 18,000 won
Children (ages 5-18) & Seniors (ages 65 or older) 15,000 won

How to Go/Nearest Subway Station:
City Hall Station (Seoul Subway Line 1,2), Exit 6. Walk straight for 5 mins.
Euljiro 1-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 1. Walk straight for 3 mins.

2. Myeongdong Shopping Street (명동)

Myeongdong is one of the primary shopping districts in Seoul. Since our hotel was situated right in Myeongdong, we just shopped happily and leisurely around without the worries of getting lost or having problems going back to the hotel late at night.

Many designer shops and department stores line the streets and alleys and every store is filled with fashionable goods and trendy stuff. Korean cosmetic and skin care brands like Innisfree, Etude House, Holika Holika, The Face Shop, Tony Moly, Laneige, and Nature Republic can be found repeatedly in almost every block! Myeongdong is also a good place for tasting Korean street food and local restaurants. We had lots of fun. 🙂

Address: Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 명동길 (명동1가)

How to Go/Nearest Subway Station: Myeongdong Station

3. Lotte World

Lotte World was one of the highlights of our trip. It is a major recreation complex in Seoul, which consists of the world’s largest indoor theme park (a Guinness World Record) that is open all-year around. Since we booked our flight via Air Asia, we scored a huge discount for the ticket. For the one-day pass, the price went down from the regular KRW 52,000 to KRW 36,000 per person. 🙂 I showed the screenshot of our Air Asia ticket on my phone.

Lotte World is linked directly to Jamsil subway station. Shopping malls, a luxury hotel, a Korean folk museum, sports facilities, an ice skating rink, and movie theaters are all in one place. It also has an outdoor amusement park called “Magic Island,” which was decorated in Halloween theme featuring zombies and haunted houses since it was Halloween when we went there. Attractions and rides are great for both kids and adults. Do expect long queues and waiting times though.

4. Namiseom Island (남이섬 종합휴양지)

Namiseom Island (or Nami Island for short) is small but there’s so many things to see and do. This was where Winter Sonata drama series was shot. It’s named after General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455-1468). We traveled to Nami Island from Myeongdong through the subway, Gapyeong City Tour Bus, and the ferry. Total travel time was two hours.

People say that the best time to go to Nami Island is either during autumn or winter. We’re glad we caught the autumn leaves in sight. Everything looked lovely with yellow, orange and red hues dominating what was once a lush green flora. Most tourists we saw here were Korean families enjoying the view, cycling, and having a picnic on the grass. Overall ambiance was relaxing and peaceful as we felt closer to nature. It’s my favorite place in Korea thus far. 🙂

Address: 1, Namisum-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do 강원도 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1

Operating Hours:
[Ferry Schedule]
07:30-09:00 (Departure from Gapyeong Naru: Intervals 30 minutes)
09:00-18:00 (Intervals 10-20 minutes)
18:00-21:40 (Departure from Nami Naru to last ferry: intervals 30 minutes)

Admission Fee: (includes a round-ferry ticket, usage fee, and additional tax)
General Rate for Adults: 10,000 won
Discounted Rate: 8,000 won
Special Rate: 4,000 won

How to Go/Nearest Subway Station:
Go to Gapyeong Station and take the hop-on/hop-off bus for the Gapyeong City Tour.

5. Petite France (쁘띠프랑스)

From Nami Island, we rode the Gapyeong City Tour Bus and hopped off to Petite France. Traffic was heavy on a Saturday, so travel time was doubled from 20 minutes to 40 minutes. Worse was that we stood the entire time when we were on the bus. Anyway, visiting Petite France was worth it! 🙂

Petite France looked like a French cultural village set in the Korean countryside. It consists of 16 French-style buildings where guests can lodge and experience French food, clothing, and household culture. The small village contains a memorial hall dedicated to Saint-Exupery, the author of the celebrated French novel, Le Petit Prince (1943). As such, it is called the Little Prince theme park. At the same time, this place serves as a youth training facility (Goseong Youth Training Center). It’s also where Secret Garden, My Love From the Star, and Beethoven Virus television series were shot.

Address: 1063, Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 가평군 청평면 호반로 1063

Operating Hours:
09:00-18:00 (Last admission: 1 hour before closing.)

Admission Fees:
Adults: 8,000 won
Teenagers (Middle & High School Students): 6,000 won
Children (ages 3-Elementary School Students): 5,000 won
Seniors (ages 65 & above) / People with Disabilities: 6,000 won (proof of identification required)

How to Go:
[Bus] From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Sangbong Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Cheongpyeong. Or from Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal, take a local bus bound for Goseong-ri (고성리). Alternatively, take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to Petite France.

6. The Garden of Morning Calm 

From Petite France, we rode the Gapyeong City Tour Bus once again and alighted at the Morning Calm Garden. This place houses Korea’s major botanical gardens, attracting about 700,000 tourists from home and abroad annually. The garden aims to promote the beauty of Korean flowers and plants to the world. Its design focused on curves, spaces, asymmetric balance, and Korea’s unique beauty to express classic elegance.

The Garden of Morning Calm is covered with a rich tapestry of color from the thousands of flowers and trees in full bloom. Conquering the entire area was very tiring. We climbed several flights of stairs to get to the topmost part where we found a greenhouse displaying many colorful flowers. The top location is a perfect spot for artists and photographers who want nature as their subject. It’s a wonderful feeling as well to breathe in fresh and cool air.

Address: 432, Sumogwon-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432 (상면)

Admission/Participation Fees:
Adults: 9,000 won
Student: 6,500 won
Children: 5,500 won

How to Go:
[Bus] From Sangbong Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal take a bus bound for Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal. Or take bus 1330 at Cheongnyangni Transfer Center (in front of Lotte Department Store) and get off at the Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal. Alternatively, take the Gapyeong City Tour Bus to Morning Calm Garden.

7. Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

Itaewon is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors. This is why restaurants here offer various cuisines that cater to both Korean and non-Korean nationals. Streets of cultural diversity looked more interesting and beautiful after 9PM.

The bar district/nightlife here is said to be probably the best in Seoul. We did not come to Itaewon to drink or socialize in bars but to hunt for more chic clothes and accessories. 😛 This area is crowded with shops selling clothes and bags, leather products, and souvenir items. Prices of items are higher in general as compared to those in Myeongdong.

Address: Hannam-dong and Itaewon-dong in Seoul 서울특별시 용산구 이태원동 , 한남동 일대

How to Go/Nearest Subway Station: Itaewon Station

8. Namdaemun Market

Another place to go shopping galore is Namdaemun Market. Stalls of inexpensive clothing, hats, carpets, housewares, fabrics, jewelry, mountain gear, fishing equipment, stationery, kitchenware, accessories, toys, food, flowers, and appliances can be found in the streets. Prices of stuff are affordable as you can expect from a wholesale market, so there’s no wonder why the market is usually crowded. Namdaemun Market is open from 11:00PM to 3:00AM. It’s a great opportunity for bargains and also for taste the best of Korean street food some more.

How to Go/Nearest Subway Station: Hoehyeon Station

9. Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁)

It would be sad to visit Seoul without going to one of the palaces. Out of the five grand Korean palaces that exist today, we chose Gyeongbokgung Palace because it’s Korea’s most famous royal palace. It was built in 1395 and has been destroyed and reconstructed numerous times. Gyeongbokgung served as the home of Kings of the Joseon dynasty, the Kings’ households, as well as the government of Joseon. The place is well-maintained and clean. The National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum are located within the premises of the complex.

We joined the English tour (for free) to learn more about Korea’s history, its architectural traditions and court customs. After the tour, we took our time strolling around the pavilions and halls within the palace’s spacious walled grounds. The compound is huge and it’s a good place for photoshoots. Entrance is free if you wear hanbok (but you need to pay for the rental outside).

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 사직로 161 (세종로)

Operating Hours:
November-February 09:00-17:00
March-May 09:00-18:00
June-August 09:00-18:30
September-October 09:00-18:00
Closed on Tuesdays

Admission Fees:
Adults (ages 19-64): 3,000 won / Groups (10 people or more): 2,400 won
Children (ages 7-18): 1,500 won / Group (10 people or more): 1,200 won

How to Go/Nearest Subway Station:
Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5
Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5), Exit 2

10. Changdeokgung Palace 

Changdeokgung Palace is only one subway station away from Gyeongbokgung Palace Station, so if you have time, go and check it out. 🙂 It deserves a look not only because it’s one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea but also because Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997. It would be nice to learn its importance from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence.

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built as a primary palace following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. Its grounds comprise of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion. The best time to see the garden is during fall season when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves just starts to fall. Unfortunately, weather did not cooperate that day. It was raining when we went there, so we were not able to stay as long as we wished.

Address: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99 (와룡동)

Operating Hours:
Feb-May, Sep-Oct 09:00-18:00
Jun-Aug 09:00-18:30
Nov-Jan 09:00-17:30
Closed on Mondays

Admission Fees:
Adults (ages 25-64): 3,000 won / Group (over 10): 2,400 won
Children and Teenagers (ages 18 and under): Regular 1,500 won

How to Go/Nearest Subway Station:
Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station (Subway Line 1, 3 or 5), Exit 6. Walk for about 10-min to arrive at the palace entrance.
Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 3. Walk straight from the exit (towards east) for about 5-min to arrive at the palace entrance.

Our flight from Manila to Incheon International Airport took almost four hours. From the airport, we rode Airport Bus#6015 which took us straight to Myeongdong (last stop). The ride took another 1.5 hours without heavy traffic. I just knew from research that Casa Myeongdong is very near Myeongdong Station but forgot to print out a map for clearer directions. Good thing that Myeongdong Shopping Street is filled with shops and most of them can communicate through Mandarin. We asked them for help and finally managed to find the way. 🙂

Casa Myeongdong in Jung-gu, Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Seoul is located literally about 20 meters from Exit 9 or Exit 10 of Myeongdong Station. Myeong-dong is one of the busiest places in Seoul and is among Korea’s premier shopping destinations. This is where you can find lots of make up, skin care, fashionable items, cool restaurants, and more.

The reception area is at the eighth floor of the building and its design seems more like a boutique hotel. To check in, I handed out my passport for identity reference and booking voucher (printed from Agoda.com) and deposited KRW 10,000 (refunded upon checkout). The receptionist gave me the key card and guided us to our room on the seventh floor.

Review of Casa Myeongdong Guesthouse and Budget Hotel (Seoul, South Korea)

Ambiance:

Casa Myeongdong’s ambiance and interior design looked neat, stylish, and modern. We stayed in the family room which has two queen-size beds. The sheets were clean and the pillows were okay. Amenities included air conditioning, hair dryer, cable TV, desk, mirror, and mini refrigerator.

In the bathroom, there was no separator between the toilet and the shower area. Toiletries consisted of hair shampoo, conditioner and liquid bath soap. We had to buy toothbrushes downstairs from the nearby 7-11 store. It was also quite disappointing that the bath towels provided were smaller than the regular size. They appeared more like a cross between a hand towel or face towel and a floor mat. 🙁

Anyway, we were happy that fast Wi-Fi Internet connection could be accessed everywhere in the hotel and there were so many routers and hot spots available. Room slippers and bathroom slippers were placed nicely by the door. Maybe because of lack of space, the cabinets for clothes and stuff were positioned under the bed mattress. It was only when we were reviewing the pictures back in Manila when we discovered them. Haha.

Service:

Security at the guesthouse was lenient. The main door would be locked after 11pm, so guests would have to input the password to enter the guesthouse aside from using the access card for the room door. Reception closes at 10PM and opens at 7AM. For guests checking in or out before or after those times, giving prior advice to the staff is a must. Korean guesthouse staff members know how to speak in English and Chinese. There’s no problem in conversing with them. They were accommodating and friendly in answering our questions.

As part of their terms and conditions, room cleanup was done only as verbally requested. Changing of bed sheets will incur additional cost.

Food:

We booked the hotel room with free breakfast. Sadly, there’s not much that could be expected and be satisfied about from the complimentary breakfast. Casa Myeongdong does not serve rice meals or buffet but only cereals, bread with jam, water, milk, orange juice, tea and freshly brewed coffee. While small bites in the morning may be enough to ease hunger quickly, we still had to go outside for a decent meal that can last us until lunch time. Guests are free to use utensils, plates, cups, bowls and other things in the kitchen/dining area. Microwave and refrigerator can also be used by all.

Price for Value:

When searching for a convenient and accessible budget hotel that’s near the subway station in South Korea, Casa Myeongdong Guesthouse is a nice choice. It’s a small but homey place in Seoul. Room types offered are: standard double, economy double, deluxe double, standard twin, duplex twin, triple, cabin-style, and family room. You may check this link out for more details on pricing. We paid about KRW 150,000 per night–divided by four people. All in all, price for value is fair.

[schema type=”review” url=”http://www.casamyeongdong.com/” name=”Casa Myeongdong Guesthouse and Budget Hotel” description=”8th F/L, 47, Myeongdong-ro 8gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea ” rev_name=”For inquiries/reservations, email casamyeongdong@gmail.com or call +82-(0)2-754-1616″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-11-01″ ]

With a handily location in Cebu City, Cebu Parklane International Hotel sits as a polished contemporary building that’s only about two minutes of walk away from the Ayala Center Mall and a 30-minute drive from Mactan-Cebu International Airport. We stayed here for a night and had a comfortable, quiet, and restful sleep. This hotel features conservative rooms and suites that have free Wi-Fi connection, flat-screen TV and coffee-making facilities. Upgraded quarters offer access to a lounge with free cocktails. Cebu Parklane International Hotel is highly recommended for vacations that combine leisure, business, and pleasure altogether.

Review of Cebu Parklane International Hotel (N Escario Street, Cebu City)

Ambiance:

Cebu Parklane International Hotel opened in 2006, yet this 10-year-old establishment still looks fresh and modern today. With an atmospheric and inviting air, the ground floor houses the concierge, reception area, lobby, and a slick yet cozy restaurant.

The interior design offers a touch of luxury without commanding the sort of sky-high prices you’ll find at the city’s five-star hotels. To enhance guests’ stay, Cebu Parklane International Hotel also has recreational facilities such as garden, gym, outdoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and pool for kids. Other recreational amenities include a fitness center, bicycle rentals nearby, playground on site, mountain biking nearby, laundry, and spa services.

Every floor and room gets guests a glimpse of the rich Cebuano culture as there are murals and photos depicting the history, various activities and festivities in Cebu. Smart, well-furnished upholstered rooms are tastefully decked out in a muted color palette. They’re quite spacious and stylish, just enough to calm the eyes after a busy day. Hot/cold shower, tub, complete bathroom toiletries, and clean towels are available. Beds have high-quality mattress that give premium support. What’s most amazing is that the 241 hotel rooms are soundproofed!

Service:

Parklane Hotel is proud to claim that it is the first and the only hotel owned and managed by an all Filipino staff, comprised primarily of Cebuanos. Thus, Parklane stands firm to its tagline being “A Hotel in Cebu that Stands for Cebu.” The staff were all nice and accommodating. Checking in and out was easy and hassle-free. The guards/concierge helped us book and arrange taxicabs to drive us to our destinations.

Food:

The breakfast buffet (complimentary for hotel guests) at Manuel’s Restaurant inside the hotel was excellent. With a good variety of delicious food, portions were ample and tasty. You won’t need to search for any other restaurants early in the morning to solve and satisfy your hunger. From appetizers, mains, drinks and desserts, the hearty meal will make your taste buds jump for joy. 🙂

Price for Value:

Cebu Parklane International Hotel deserves credit for many other things. First, its hip location gives guests the access to easy travel within Cebu City. Second, rooms are well thought out with lots of nice touches. And third, service and food also did not disappoint. Overall, this hotel is a classy place to stay without breaking the bank. Room types range from Superior, Boutique, to Executive. Find availability and hotel room rates at Agoda.com.

[schema type=”review” url=”https://www.facebook.com/Cebu-Parklane-International-Hotel-179422118788773/” name=”Cebu Parklane International Hotel” description=”N Escario St, Cebu City, 6000″ rev_name=”For inquiries or booking, please call (032) 411 7000″ author=”Rochkirstin Santos” pubdate=”2016-06-26″ ]

Laoag City is the capital of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It’s reachable in 45 minutes from Manila by plane (direct flight via Laoag International Airport), but as budget travelers, we considered cheaper fares and decided to forego the glamour of flight. We rented a car and hired a driver on a night trip, and it took us about 14 hours to finally reach the city proper of Laoag.

Without much sleep and java fix, our energy level was not at peak and our eyes were not the “freshest” on our first day. Anyhow, we tried to look our best and still managed to smile for the cameras. 🙂 In this article, I’m sharing the top five attractions we visited in Laoag, Batac, and Paoay. If you’re planning to have your own Ilocandia tour, you may check out my posts about our travel experiences in Pagudpud and Vigan as well.

Top 5 Places We Visited in Laoag, Batac, and Paoay, Ilocos Norte (Holy Week)

1. Marcos Museum and Mausoleum (Batac)

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino politician who ruled under Martial Law from 1972 until 1981. He died in 1989, the same year I was born; therefore, all I knew about him was that he was branded as dictator and the impacts of his interventions remained and are undeniably germane part of our country’s system.

Ilocos Norte is Marcos’ family hometown. We entered the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Valdez, Batac City where we learned more about his background and accomplishments from his early years in public service to his rise to power. Many newspaper clippings, artifacts, and important memorabilia were on display, reminiscing the Marcos Regime. Reading the stories on the wall is a must-do here for visitors to appreciate the chronology of events organized in great detail and gain a deeper understanding of Martial Law. 

The last and most important part of the tour was our viewing of the well-preserved body of the late long-serving Philippine president. This section was being guarded by security personnel. Taking of pictures and videos is strictly prohibited. Lying on the coffin in the middle of the room was his body. Others suspect that it’s not his real corpse but only a replica. Regardless, the ambiance felt like a real funeral or memorial service.

For fans of Ferdinand E. Marcos and his legacy in the Philippines, visiting the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum is highly recommended. Entrance fee is PhP 50/person. Viewing hours are from 9:00AM–12:00NN and 1:00PM–4:30PM daily.

2. Malacañang of the North (Paoay)

Next to the scenic Paoay Lake, Malacañang of the North served as the gift of Imelda Marcos to Ferdinand E. Marcos for his 60th birthday. It’s a nice stop for the history buffs. This two-story mansion had also been an extension of Marcos’ office where he welcomed local and foreign dignitaries. This was where their family used to stay whenever they visit Ilocos.

After 20 years of ownership by the government, the property was eventually given back to the jurisdiction of Ilocos Norte. Restorations and renovations were commenced by the region’s governor. In 2011, Malacañang of the North became available for public viewing as a museum. Entrance fee is PhP 20/person. Viewing hours are from 9:00AM-4:00PM from Tuesday to Sunday.

Designed with a mix of Spanish and Ilocano architecture, the house looked majestic and really spacious. We went to every room and learned from the guide that most furniture placed inside are still the original pieces. Some, unfortunately, are not in their best shape anymore since tourists tend to touch the things and sit on the couches.

Aside from being a museum today, Malacañang of the North also posts as an excellent venue for hosting parties. Venue rental rate is PhP 20,000/hour. I wonder if they also offer a package for wedding and prenuptial pictorials. The view in the balcony area looks most beautiful.

3. La Paz Sand Dunes (Laoag)

It was in the early afternoon when we drove to La Paz Sand Dunes, the “only desert in the Philippines.” Sun’s heat was fierce and we were not prepared to have more sunburns, so we just inquired about the ride, took photos, ate ice cream, and left footprints on the sands. 😛

If given the chance to go back, we should bring big towels to cover/protect up our faces, arms, and hair from sands/dust and apply SPF 50 sunscreen generously. Rate per person to ride the 4×4 jeep is PhP 500, and one vehicle can accommodate a group of five people. Best time to go is before sun rises in the morning to avoid heat exhaustion.

The 45-min to 1-hour exhilarating ride can be a heart-pounding activity, especially with downhill slopes across the vast sand dunes. It’s not for the fainthearted. Sandboarding is another fun activity here that can get your adrenaline pumping.

4. Paoay Church (Paoay)

The moment my eyes landed on this ancient religious site, I felt in love! Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has historical significance. It was built by the Augustinian friars in 1694, completed in 1704, and was inaugurated in 1894. Paoay Church is truly visually stunning! It’s now one of the oldest four baroque churches in the Philippines.

Like San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, Paoay Church has specific features such as altars of high Baroque style in the volutes of buttresses and in the pyramidal finials of wall facades. Its bell tower, just like Bantay Church’s, is detached from the church for the same reason: to avoid the tower from smashing on the church whenever there’s an earthquake. The bell tower served as observation post of the “Katipuneros” during the Philippine Revolution.

We went on a Good Friday, so it was expected that there will be a procession after the mass per tradition. A large congregation of faithful people crowded the place.

5. Herencia Restaurant (Paoay)

When visiting Paoay Church, it’s a must to grab a bite at Herencia Restaurant, our travel agent said. Herencia translates to Heritage in English. It serves classic Ilocano cuisine with a creative twist. In fact, it’s where “pinakbet pizza” had originated. This restaurant is most famous for its oddly-flavored pizzas.

We ordered the Bagnet Pizza and the Gamet (Seaweed) Pizza, which turned out to taste really good. They did not skimp on the ingredients and the pizzas had a balance of sauce and cheese. All in all, Herencia Restaurant is an amazing, friendly, culinary gem that you will not be disappointed with. I hope it opens a branch also in my neighborhood or somewhere in Metro Manila. 🙂