Category Archives: Commuting

Southeast Asian Series: Transit to Yogyakarta

Posted on by
1

Every hour matters. Four hours of sleep on a comfy bed was already a blessing. At first, I was thinking that my travel buddy, Ate Macon and I should just sleep at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. But I guess, both of us were not yet prepared for that. Despite being sleepy, we have to force ourselves to get up and catch the Aerobus scheduled to depart KL Sentral at 5:00 am.

Staying at MyHotel Sentral was a good choice. As soon as we exit the mini-hotel, we were just a few steps away from the Aerobus and successfully boarded it. The fare is 1RM cheaper than AirAsia’s Skybus which I’ve tried during my arrival in KL. The fare of Aerobus is RM8 (Php 110.87)  while a ticket of Skybus costs RM9.

It took us an hour to reach the Low Cost Carrier Terminal. It’s 6:00 am. Our flight is at 7:00 am. It was a wise decision to use AirAsia’s web check-in. But what I disliked about it was that I cannot choose my seat since the seating arrangement is assigned when you check-in online. I used to select a window seat but this time, I was assigned in between two seats. Great. (insert sarcasm here).

Good thing, the LCCT Terminal has a good number of food kiosks at the waiting area. So we filled our hungry stomachs before departing KL.

photo by macon

When our flight number was called for boarding, we lined up along with other passengers who were mostly Malaysians and Indonesians. I guess we’re the only Filipinos who were boarding that flight to Yogyakarta.

It was dark and drizzling outside. Guess what, we have to run in the rain. They didn’t have umbrellas to accompany the passengers. Oh well.

Here’s a map of the transit: Total Distance: 971 miles (KL-Jogja)

 

THE FLIGHT TO JOGJA

Hay, I didn’t get the window seat but at least I can sleep. Travel time between Kuala Lumpur and Yogyakarta was around 2 hours and 25 minutes. Yogyakarta, Indonesia is 1 hour behind Malaysia. Malaysia and the Philippines are in the same time zone.

I got to rest my eyes for an hour. My seatmate was so noisy. She was giggling with her other companions. It was really disappointing that I didn’t get the window seat. Silhouettes of volcanoes started to appear. Since my seatmate was also shooting, here’s the only shot that I got. I think it’s Mt. Merapi.

The plane landed at the Adisucipto International Airport at around 8:35 am. When I was about to get my bag, my other seatmate on my left helped me to get it from the overhead cabin. Yes, there were still good people.

After the long line out, Ate Macon and I alighted from the plane. We cheered like kids, “Yey!”

photo courtesy of macon

photo courtesy of macon

Finally, we’re on our second leg of the Southeast Asian Challenge: Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Yogyakarta is pronounced as [Jog-ja-karta]. From the airport, I’ve already noticed how they incorporated their art through the architecture of the airport. The rooves were made of terracotta tiles.

The arrival area was small making it crowded for the numerous passengers that have just arrived.

IMMIGRATION

Ate Macon easily passed the immigration because of her SG workpass. On the other hand, I was still asked some questions by the immigration. Only few Filipinos visit Yogyakarta. It’s not the usual destinations for Pinoys who are on a holiday. So what are the questions? Just the basics: What are you doing here? Are you alone? I said, “No.” I then pointed to my companion. The key here was to answer confidently. Don’t stutter. Don’t be afraid and everything will be alright.

MONEY CHANGER

Since I didn’t have any Indonesian Rupiahs (IDR) with me, I had to change a few bills at the Airport. The foreign exchange rate here was small so I only changed a few USD to IDR. Their rate: 1 USD is equal to 8,000 IDR. The going rate was 1 USD= 9,185 Rupiah. I changed 50 USD which gave me 400,000 IDR. In Pesos, my pocket money was Php 1,839.08.

In Indonesia, one can be a millionaire! :)

After we left the money changer counter, I went on to find their Tourism desk to ask for maps. They gave out a card-like map with the size of a bond paper.

photo courtesy of macon

Hoards of taxi drivers and tour operators approached us and asked if we want to avail of their tours. I was determined that we do it the DIY way for Prambanan. I’ve researched well enough. PTB friends FlipNomad and FramelessWorld Bino Caina (Thanks Flip and Bino!) gave tips as well on how to commute from the airport to Prambanan, our next destination.

Ate Macon was hungry so she decided to eat first at KFC. I wanted to try local dishes so I did not eat. My mistake. I forgot that our itinerary was jampacked that day.

To be Continued….

*This is the first post of my Indonesia Series, part of the 57-hour Southeast Asian Challenge

Commuting 101: Travel guide to Calaguas Islands

Posted on by
Reply

You’ve seen pictures of its aquamarine waters and your desire to visit this pristine beach might have brought you here. This beach is called Mahabang Buhangin (Long Beach) of Tinaga Island. Tinaga Island is part of the 17 islands and islets that compose the Calaguas Group of Islands in Camarines Norte.

Mahabang Buhangin, which has a 1.2 kilometer shoreline, has become a sweet escape from the busy life in the metro. It has now gained popularity especially among campers.

How to get to Calaguas Islands: 

  • From Manila, ride a bus going to Daet. Bus lines that ply the Manila-Daet route are Superlines and Philtranco. Travel time by bus from Manila to Daet is approximately 8-10 hours. Fare is around Php 600/way.
  • Superlines (Cubao Station) - +63 2 414-3321 / 414-3319
  • Philtranco Bus Schedule (MNL-Daet): 8:00am, 8:00pm, 9:00pm
  • Philtranco Bus Schedule (Daet-Cubao): 7:00 am, 9:00pm / Daet-Pasay: 8:00am
  • Tell the conductor that you’ll be alighting at the Talobatid Junction (Centro). From the Junction, ride a bus going to Paracale. Fare is around Php 20-30.
  • When you’re in Paracale, ride a tricycle to the fish port.
  • Since the Paracale port is a fishing port, you shouldn’t expect much. The boat that you’ll be riding is not a passenger boat but a fishing boat.
  • Travel time from Paracale to Mahabang Buhangin, Tinaga Island is approximately 2 hours
WHAT TO BRING: 
  • Before leaving Paracale, buy all the food and water that you need from the market.
  • Blankets/ Sleeping bag
  • Sunblock /lotion to protect yourself from mosquitoes
  • Shades
  • Camera
  • Dry bag /waterproof bag to keep your gadgets safe
  • Trash Bag (not just for your own trash but also to protect your bags from getting wet)
  • Extra trash bag in case you need to throw up. Don’t feed the fish :)
  • Anti-dizziness tab/ medicines (?)
  • Extra batteries
  • Flashlights
WHAT TO EXPECT:
  • Expect to get wet when going to Calaguas. Waves coming from the Pacific Ocean are huge. Watch how we conquered the waves of Calaguas.
  • Entrance Fees / Environmental fees: Php 100/person.
  • No cellular signal especially for Globe and Sun subscribers. Smart has a low signal though. You need to climb Tinago Hill just to get a signal. So if you want to be disconnected with the world for a day or two, then come to Calaguas.

  • There’s no electricity in the island.
  • There’s no sari-sari store or any establishment.
  • You may choose to sleep under the stars, under the tree by putting up a hammock, or you can rent a tent or stay inside a native hut.

  • Native Hut Rental is Php 200/night.

  • There are make-shift comfort rooms.
  • Water is scarce in the island. The locals whom I met (Ate Jennifer and his husband, Kuya Danilo) can fetch water for you. One pail of water costs Php 10.00 each. It’s one of their sources of income so support them and give generously.

BOAT RENTALS to Calaguas

  • Boy Quiajano- +63 917 449 2445
  • Rogelio Austria “Kuya Putoy” – +63 909 301 5417
  • Smaller boats can be cheaper but bear in mind that the waves are wild. Make sure that your rented boat has life vests.

PASSENGER BOAT to Brgy. Mangcawayan

  • If you’re really on a tight budget, you may opt to ride the passenger boat to Brgy. Mangcawayan. However, this passenger boat doesn’t have a definite schedule. According to Kuya Danilo, the passenger boat leaves Paracale at around 1:00pm to 2:00pm. The boat can carry six passengers. The locals call it Straton. Fare is Php 100/person.

  • From Brgy. Mangcawayan, you have to walk around 20-30 minutes to reach Mahabang Buhangin.

Just a friendly reminder: Don’t leave your trash behind. Pick up the garbage that you may find along the way. Let’s maintain the cleanliness of Mahabang Buhangin. So far, I can say that this is one of the best beaches that the Philippines has. I hope it remains as pristine as it is.

 

Sidetrips:

Essential Contacts:

  • Provincial Tourism of Camarines Norte – cometocamnorte@yahoo.com
  • +63 054 721-3087

Southeast Asian Series: 17 hours in Kuala Lumpur

Posted on by
2

The body is like a car that needs fuel. Even if you’re traveling on a budget, never sacrifice on food. The body needs energy. This was lesson number one in my Southeast Asian trip.

It was around 11:30 am when the plane flew to the skies. I forgot to order an inflight meal and fell asleep. When I opened my eyes, it’s already quarter to 2:00 pm. The plane’s about to land at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Yes, the challenge has begun.

From afar, the LCCT looked like a warehouse but it was presentable. Travelers from different countries hurried to queue in front of the immigration counters. As a first timer at the LCCT airport, I took my time to observe the people. If my estimate’s right, there were hundreds of passengers who were rushing here and there. Tourism in Malaysia is indeed healthy.

KL Immigration

I lined up and prayed silently that the immigration won’t question my itinerary. Nonetheless, I was prepared to explain that I’ll be going to Yogyakarta after. It was my turn. I handed out my passport and smiled. He just stared at me, put the stamp, and returned my passport. No questions asked. Yes! Maybe, he saw the two previous visits in KL.

It’s my third time to enter Kuala Lumpur. The first one was for a work assignment. I covered a technology event. The second one was for the Youth Engagement Summit, which is also work-related. This third one was really just a transit to Yogyakarta.

Thank God for the free wifi at the LCCT terminal. I readily checked my Facebook to send a message to my travel buddy, Ate Macon, who came from Singapore. She arrived earlier than me since SG was nearer to KL. We agreed to meet at My Hotel. I wasted no time and bought a bus ticket to KL Sentral for RM9 (Php 125.50). It was past 3pm. I heard my stomach grumbling. But I have to run and chase the bus or else I would be waiting again for another 15 minutes.

I just followed the signage outside the LCCT terminal. I was catching my breath when I called the attention of the conductor to wait for me. Thank God! I was able to get in the bus just in time. I was the last passenger to board the Skybus.

RIDING the Skybus

At first glance of the bus, most of the seats were taken until I saw the first row, where a bag was placed on top of the seat. I politely asked the European (?) to please put down his bag. He did remove it. But instead of sitting on the vacated seat so I can sit easily on the aisle seat, he did not bother moving to the window seat. So I have to exert extra effort to get into my seat. Whew! Sigh of relief.

It was already 4:00 PM when the bus arrived at the KL Sentral Station. The airport was an hour away from the city. My initial instinct was to climb the stairs to the station. I was scanning the map of the station trying to find how I can get to MyHotel Sentral. A Malaysian guy who thought I was lost said, “Excuse me miss, may I help you? What are you looking for?”

FINDING MyHotel 

I replied, “I’m looking for MyHotel Sentral.” He said, “Oh. Just go down and cross the streets.” I thanked him and returned downstairs. I was still clueless but trusted what he said. My feet led me to the other side of what seemed like an under construction pathwalk. I followed the people passing by until I reached a road. I crossed the street and saw MyHotel Sentral. Whew! The guy was right. It was just a few meters away from KL Sentral Station.

The security of the hotel opened the door and asked if I have a reservation. I told him that my friend has booked already. Weary from the travel, I sat down on the sofa and texted ate Macon. Then the receptionist noticed me. I asked her if my friend has arrived already. And she answered affirmatively. Relieved.

After a few minutes, we met. I went up to the room, dropped my bag, and rested. The room came with a complimentary bottle of water. The thirst was quenched.My stomach could not take it anymore.

FINALLY, Lunch!

We returned to KL Sentral Station. And guess, where we ended up eating? The fastfood with the golden arches—McDonalds. It was a lunch and early dinner at 5:00PM. My energy was back!

On our way back, I saw a tourist information center at the KL Sentral Station and asked for maps.

Photowalk at BRICKFIELDS

From KL Sentral Station, we walked to Brickfields Little India. I first saw it in pictures, which then inspired me to visit it.

The artistic lamp posts and feminine-looking arches welcomed us.The sight and smell of Brickfields made it a piece of India in Kuala Lumpur.

Indian women fancy clothes outside a shop while men were eating merrily at a nearby eatery.

Scary Vendor at Jalan Petaling

After the glimpse of Little India, we went to China—China Town that is. Just a few steps away from Brickfields was the KL Monorail Sentral Station. While waiting for the train, I checked on the map and Ate Macon caught it on cam. Hahaha. It made me looked like Dora the Explorer.

Photo courtesy of Macon

For a fare of RM 1.60 (Php 22.31), we boarded the train to Maharajalela (I really had a hard time pronouncing this one).

Jalan Petaling (Petaling Street) or China Town is just a few steps away from the Maharajalela Station. On our way down the station, we passed by this Buddhist Temple.

It has caught our attention because of the intricate designs on the wall. Imagine how the sculptors made these.

During my first visit to KL in 2009, I went to Jalan Petaling. This made it easy for me to return to the place. They say that the cheapest goods can be found from Jalan Petaling.

From wrist watches, bags, clothes, and other souvenirs, you can find them in this busy street. Bargain hard. When the vendor bids his price, haggle for the 50% off the price. Most items were marked-up way higher than the true value of the product. But just a word of caution: Some vendors may become rude.

While browsing for a bag, we haggled but then we still wanted to compare with others. Then this vendor went mad and yelled at us. He was so furious. We walked fast away from him. It was really scary. We had a sigh of relief when we found another vendor who was calm and very approachable. This was how a vendor should be to his customers. And because of his attitude towards customers, he made a sale.

Promoting the Philippines in KL

The sun was bidding farewell. From Jalan Petaling, we walked to Jalan Tun Hslee, where the 7/11 store and the S & M Warisan Shopping Center are located.

We bought drinks and waited for JV, our FC brod who’s working in KL as a teacher. Check out what I saw at 7-11: A newspaper whose name reads “Utusan Malaysia”. In Filipino, Utusan means servant. But it has a negative connotation.

While waiting, the staff of the store asked us, “You Filipina?” I smiled and answered affirmatively. He then began telling us that he’s going to Manila, Philippines. My ambassador button was on and there I was sharing the beauty of the Philippines in KL. He said it would be his first time in the Philippines. I urged him to visit the islands too.

After 20 minutes, JV arrived with a car. Ate Macon was thrilled. We weren’t aware that JV would be picking us up with his own car. Yey!

 The Dazzling Twins

From Jalan Tun Hslee, JV drove us to the famous icon of KL- the Petronas Twin Towers. It was my third time to visit these towers but it always felt like the first one. I hope one day, I can get inside the towers so I can climb to the bridge that connects the two.

We entered KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center), one of the luxurious malls in KL.

my travel buddies in KL: JV and Macon

From there, we exited to the park. Kuala Lumpur has one of the best public parks that I’ve seen.

This proves that the money of the taxpayers were put into good use. I do hope that someday I’d see the same for the Philippines.

Outdoor Dinner at Jalan Alor

It was already 10pm when we left the park to go to Jalan Alor for dinner. Jalan Alor is a street where you can taste some of the best Malaysian cuisines.

I ordered Bah Kut Teh with rice for RM 12 (Php 166.84) while ate Macon ordered Char Kway Teow.

Bah Kut Teh is a healthy dish with tofu, beef, and vegetables. It was good for the price.

bah kut teh

Goodmornight KL!

We called it a day when the clock struck at 11 pm. We were back at the MyHotel around 12am.  As soon as I saw the bed, I was dead tired. Whew! And guess what, we have only 4 hours to sleep!

We need to leave KL by 5am to reach the LCCT Airport by 6am. Flight was at 7:30am. Oh Yes, that’s how tight this trip was. But nonetheless, every second, every minute, every hour was worth treasuring.

Southeast Asian Series: Departing from Clark Airport

Posted on by
1

The airport is a bittersweet place. It is where families, friends and loved ones wave goodbyes to departing passengers. It is also where people welcome arriving travelers.

It was no different when I was at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. We parted after the comforting hugs. And there I was, with only my backpack and courage. I showed my passport and printed itinerary to the security personnel and had my backpack checked in the scanner.

As a first timer at the Clark Airport, I first let my eyes wander and observe. Many passengers were in line at the check-in counters. Good thing, I already had my web check-in online. Though I printed the boarding pass for the airport security check, I still wanted to try if the code from my phone will work. I walked to the self-service web check-in machines of AirAsia. It was so amazing to scan the code from my phone and print the boarding pass. How I wish other local airlines will do the same.

After printing my boarding pass, I went to the Philippine Travel Tax section to pay the required Php 1,620 travel tax of TIEZA. It’s okay to pay as long as you see where your money go. But where do travel taxes go TIEZA? I can’t see any improvement that justifies the payment of the travel tax.

After the travel tax was paid, I filled out the departing passengers form and paid the terminal fee of Php 600. The Clark Airport terminal fee is lower by Php 150. At the NAIA terminals, they charge Php 750 for the terminal fee.

There was no line at the immigration counters so I was readily called. I smiled at the officer and gave out my passport. The questioning began. As I observed, the officer tried to sound threatening with his questions. I just answered confidently to every question that he threw at me. There were relevant questions but there were also irrelevant questions.

RELEVANT QUESTION: Bakit wala kang return flight sa Clark? (Why don’t you have a return flight bound for Clark?)

ANSWER: My return flight is bound for Manila from Singapore. Of course, it’s nearer to my home. I ‘ll be flying here at Clark because AirAsia’s here and I bought a ticket on sale. (Good thing, I printed the itinerary of my return flight. I showed it to him then.)

IRRELEVANT QUESTION: Anong course mo at saan ka nag-aral? ( What’s your course and Where did you study?)

ANSWER: As much as I would like to say, “It must be the baby face but I’m no longer a student. lol…“ I said confidently, “I graduated with a degree of BS Development Communication from the University of the Philippines Los Banos.” (I would have added with flying colors but chose not to.)

After that, he was silent and did not ask any further questions. He handed out my passport and off I went to the departure area. Whew! Sigh of relief.

I looked around and sat at one of the benches. Most of the passengers bound for Kuala Lumpur were foreigners and overseas Filipino workers.

Thank God for the chocolate banana sandwiches that J made for me. Somehow, it filled the hunger. It was 11:00 am. It’s time to board the plane. Goodbye Philippines! In 3 hours, hello again KL! And the 57-hour Southeast Asia challenge begins in KL.

Commuting 101: Getting to Clark Airport

Posted on by
5

There’s always a lesson learned for first time experiences. In my recent trip, I learned how to get to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Pampanga. Here’s how I did it.

The Cheaper Way

  1. From Tramo, Pasay City, go to the Five Star Terminal and hail a bus bound for Dagupan. Make sure that the bus has a Dau Terminal signage too.
  2. Tell the conductor you’re alighting at the Dau Terminal. Pay a fare of Php 150. Travel time from Pasay City to Dau Terminal (if you leave around 5am), is around 1 1/2 hour. Thanks to the SCTEx. It was fast.
  3. Alight at the Dau Bus Terminal. Then exit to your left. Walk towards KFC and cross the street.
  4. Hail a jeepney with a signage of Clark Main Gate that would bring you to Bayanihan Terminal . Pay a fare of Php 8.50.
  5. From Bayanihan Terminal, look for the jeepney under the Route 1 signage. Tell the driver that you’re going to Passenger Terminal. Pay a fare of Php 12.00.
  6. The driver will drop you off at a point where you’ll start to walk. It’s around 200 meters to DMIA.
TOTAL FARE (From Manila to DMIA): Php 170.50
TRAVEL NOTES:
  • For Bus Schedules, call FiveStar (Pasay) at (02) 851-6613 / 851-6659. Their earliest bus leaves Pasay at 2:00 am.
  • While walking to DMIA, I saw a tarpaulin saying that Genesis buses also travel to DMIA from Resorts World. This is an option if you’re coming from NAIA Terminal 3 or if you live near that place. (You may contact them first to verify.) Contact: Cubao Terminal: (02) 421-1425 / Clark: 09153200867
  • Another bus option is the Victory Liner Bus.
  • If you want a direct bus from Manila to Clark Airport, then choose a Philtranco bus. However, the fare from Pasay City to Clark would cost you Php 450.00. Their earliest trip is at 6:30 am.
  • For AirAsia passengers, you can avail of free shuttle services from Dau Terminal. However, as of posting time, they don’t have a definite schedule when going to the airport. (I saw this from Lost Boy’s post. I’ll confirm it too with AirAsia.)
  • DMIA Website