Tag: first-time travel
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First-time in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah: The Archipelago in a Park
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Would you believe that in my seven months of living in Jakarta (READ: First-time in Jakarta and 10 Things to See in Jakarta) I haven’t set foot in Taman Mini Indonesia Indah? I’ve spent most of my time in the central and northern part of the city and missed out…
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10 things you must know about Dubai before your first trip
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With its skyline of modern skyscrapers, large shopping malls, luxury hotels, and entertainment options, Dubai has become one of the preferred international destinations for tourists, particularly Indians. The number of Indians visiting Dubai has only grown in the last few years. And even for Filipinos because there are a lot…
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First-time in Tangkil Island: a Paradise in Lampung, Indonesia
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After our interesting first day in Lampung (READ: First-time in Lampung, Indonesia) where we had a morning of heritage surprises and an afternoon with nature, it was high time to hit the seas and ride ourselves to excitement and adventure. Our destination: Tangkil Island. We first had breakfast at Emersia…
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First-time in Nature’s Eye Resort in Guimaras
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Going offline and on-nature is something we often need every now and then. Taking a breather, not just from the daily grind and traffic but also from the social media noise, and going back to basics can be — well, a breath of fresh air — at this day and…
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First-time in Brunei: A Sparkling Jewel in Southeast Asia
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It was a spur of a moment decision and about a month to prepare. It all started with a simple inquiry of a friend about Brunei, and which I thought was an invitation to travel there. And it led to one wonderful adventure to “The Kingdom of Unexpected Treasures“, which…
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First-time in Siquijor: an Island Filled with Mystery
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Siquijor is said to be a mystical island in the Philippines because of the presence of healers in this 338-square kilometer area. Even when I was kid I have heard a lot of these stories from our elders. And while my sister and I were recently in Siquijor Island for the…
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Taiwan’s National Palace Museum and its Treasures
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Among Taipei’s many cultural attractions, the National Palace Museum stands out as a place where history, art, and heritage come together. Perched on a hillside in the Shilin District, the museum houses one of the largest collections of Chinese imperial artifacts in the world. During our visit to Taipei, we included the…
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Shopping at Ximending Taipei: A Vibrant Walking District
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Sometimes, the best travel experiences happen when you are not looking for them. During our first morning in Taipei, we accidentally stumbled upon one of the city’s most exciting destinations: Ximending Walking District. I already knew that Ximending was somewhere near our hotel, but I never imagined that this famous shopping…
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15 Reasons to Have More Fun in the Philippines
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Although the campaign, Visit the Philippines, was in 2015, every year is a reason to have more fun in my wonderful country, the Philippines. As a student of life where the world is my classroom, I always thirst for new things to unravel. That is why I pore myself reading…
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The colors of Masskara Festival 2014
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“I’ll take you back to the old days and I’ll sing the songs once you’ll all remember so come and sing along (come on everybody)” This was the Latin beat of medley songs of Trini Lopez that has always embedded in my memory of the Masskara Festival I knew. I…
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My magnifique stay in Sofitel Manila
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The red and yellow mood lights and the glittering crystal chandeliers created a perfect ambiance that enhanced the artful interiors of the newly unveiled iconic design of Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila‘s Grand Plaza Ballroom. The last time I was in this hotel was earlier this year when I attended a…
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First-time in Novotel Suvarnabhumi
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Arriving in Bangkok on a dark night from Chiang Mai and an early morning flight to catch the next day can be a bit taxing. Good thing we were to stay the night at Novotel Suvarnabhumi, a stone’s throw away from the airport. But it’s not just the proximity to Bangkok’s…
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Wats in Chiang Mai: Exploring these Mystical Marvels
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Chiang Mai is home to one of the old Thai cultures, as seen in the many heritage sites in the city. In fact, the old square alone has several ancient temples that reflect the Lanna culture. Visiting Chiang Mai is like stepping into a realm where spirituality intertwines with architectural…
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First-time at the Lanna Folklife Museum
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I have seen its façade four years ago for I have been to the building just across the street. This year, I finally had the chance to enter the Lanna Folklife Museum in Chiang Mai where it documents the way of living of ancient Northern Thai tribes. We began our…
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First-time at the Chiang Mai Night Safari
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Porcupines. Wild boars. Hyenas. Tigers. Lions. One by one these animal species appeared in the glass-enclosed arena as part of an informative and entertaining show on the Night Predators. This is the Chiang Mai Night Safari. Located in the Hang Dong District in Chiang Mai, the safari is 12 kilometers…