Author: iAn L.
I'm iAn and I love the white beach, the blue sky, and the green massifs.
Kuala Lumpur Hop-on Hop-off Bus: A 360-Degree City Tour
Getting on a bus that would bring you to all of the popular destinations in Kuala Lumpur using a single ticket is a genius idea. Aside from the comfort of getting a public transport, no tourist would get lost. The Kuala Lumpur Hop-on Hop-off bus will get you to your desired destination within the city boundaries. Hop-off to explore—and when done—wait for another bus to hop-on. With the 30-45 minutes bus arrival frequency, you won’t get tired of waiting and you have an ample time to take your best selfie. The proponent of this wise transport project strategically positioned their 22 ... Read more
Beyond the Heights, Menara KL (KL Tower)
I couldn’t beat my acrophobia if I won’t challenge it. Though slight, it is still bothersome to some situations. When in Kuala Lumpur, I decided to take on the challenge. After recovering from minor leg twitches, I immediately obtained the discounted Menara KL (Kuala Lumpur Tower) observation deck voucher ticket from the hop-on hop-off bus. That wasn’t part of the plan, though I had in mind to clobber the highest reachable height of Petronas Twin Towers. KL Tower, ticket, and elevator lobby Menara KL sells observation deck tickets for MYR49 (₱600) per person but I got mine for only MYR41 (₱500) from the hop-on hop-off ... Read more
Sagada DIY Travel Guide (Commute and Where to Stay)
Indulged with unprecedented and captivating charm, Sagada remains as one of the top choices for those who are looking for a tranquil getaway. The temperate climes, the towering massifs, the awesome caverns and rock formations, the appetizing dainties, the perpetuated traditions, and the accommodating locality melded perfectly to give you a memorable stay. If you want to experience a piece of Sagada’s splendor, then below details may be a handful. Main attraction of the Cave Connection: The “curtain” of Sumaguing Cave How to Get There From Manila, you can take any bus to Baguio or Banaue, and then transfer to an ... Read more
Salagdoong Beach and the Man-made Molave Forest of Siquijor
I could feel the biting chill as we whisked along the narrow passage to Salagdoong beach. The morning sun was barely peeking through the amalgamation of leaves and branches forming an archway. Passing through the man-made Molave forest felt like royal. According to my habal-habal driver, the man-made forest is 60 years in the making and stretches nearly two kilometers. The forest offers comforting shades and exhibits a relaxing ambiance to all beach goers. The man-mad Molave forest going to Salagdoong beach Salagdoong Beach Resort The other end of the engineered woodland is Salagdoong Beach Resort. The government manages the area ... Read more
Kawasan Falls and Cebu Canyoning (Canyoneering) Travel Guide
I had been hearing Cebu Canyoning or Canyoneering activities since 2011 but I never got a chance to try it. Yes, not even as of this writing – and that is because of the pesky storm which prompted my guides to cancel the activity. However, instead of going completely broke, I decided to peek on the multiple cascades of Kawasan Falls, which, at that moment, was still accessible. Kawasan Falls Kawasan Falls is more than a kilometer away from the highway. I had to endure a 20-minute trek on an easy trail before I could get a perfect vantage of ... Read more
My Princesa Bulakna Resort Experience
I could see the reefs in the seemingly shallow deep. From a afar is a mangrove-forested shore shielded with a concrete dike. On the other end are few houses overlooking the rock cliffs. Few seconds later, I heard the ships honked, signalling that we are approaching the port. Yes! In few moments, I could finally set foot in Siquijor. I missed the fast craft so I decided to hop on a Roro vessel. It wasn’t a bad choice since my resort is closer to the Roro’s port compared to that of the fast craft. Fastcrafts enter Siquijor island via the ... Read more
The Monastery of the Holy Eucharist (Birhen sa Simala)
Standing on Marian Hill of Barangay Simala in Sibonga town of Cebu province is officially called the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist. Locals called it “Birhen sa Simala” or the Miraculous Mother Mary of Simala. They don’t give it a new name for no reasons. In fact, many can attest to the miracles or granted prayers after their devotion. Proofs of these miracles are displayed in the walls inside the prayer hall. The panorama of the Monastery of the Holy Eucharist I arrived at noon in the Monastery after my early morning visit at Santo Niño Church and Magellan’s Cross from Cebu City proper. ... Read more
The Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
I’d been to Cebu on Several occasions but I never got a chance to visit the monument that represents the city’s long history and establishment: the Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño. The Shrine of Magellan’s Cross The Magellan’s Cross was brought to the Philippines, Cebu specifically, by Spanish-commissioned Portuguese explorer, Ferdinand Magellan on March 15, 1521. The Cross was seated on its current site by Magellan himself on April 21, 1521. The original cross is now encased in Tindalo wood to protect it from those people who chipped away part of the cross for souvenirs. There ... Read more
M’s Place: Must-Try Snack Bar in Siquijor
I’ve been stranded for two days in Siquijor for two days as of this writing. This is all because of tropical depression Seniang which turned into a storm and now, a typhoon. When I had nothing left to do in my 350-peso room near the port, I walked around the town, then I found this snack bar along Caridad Street. I am reluctant to try unfamiliar food houses, however, when I saw that they had plenty of patrons (judging on the number of customers), I checked the place. M’S Place I noticed that most of the guests ordered siopao so I thought ... Read more