Are you fond of roadtrips? How about a roadtrip to Diura Fishing Village just like these Ivatans?
Photo taken by Izah Morales in Mahatao, Batan Island, Batanes, Philippines.
Photo: Roadtrip. It’s more fun in the Philippines!
1
Tag Archives: tripadora
Trip@dora Surveys: On Travel & Tourism
Theater Acts you shouldn’t miss in HK Disneyland
Going to Hong Kong Disneyland in December was magical. It seemed like yesterday but it has been a year since I lived my childhood wonders of seeing my favorite characters. It’s every child’s fantasy land, especially for those who grew up watching Disney movies. I was one of them.
The popular theme park in Lantau Island, Hong Kong covered hundreds of hectares in land area and a day of roaming was not enough. Hence, Mama and I had to choose what to see and experience. A map would be given to you as soon as you buy your ticket at the park’s ticket counter.
Being art lovers, Mama and I chose to watch the Theater Acts: Golden Mickey and the Lion King. These were two of the attractions that you shouldn’t missed when you’re in Hong Kong Disneyland.
The schedules of the acts can be seen on the map. We chose to watch the Golden Mickey first. The Golden Mickey Theater was huge. It has two screens on the side where English Translations were displayed.
I was surprised when I heard Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse talking in Cantonese. haha. But I know I shouldn’t be, since I’m in the Special Administrative Region of China. It just seemed so weird to hear them speaking in a foreign language. The translations on the side screen somehow helped me understand the conversation.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the production number especially the dance of Beauty and the Beast.
Other Disney characters like Ariel of the Little Mermaid and Quasimodo of Hunchback of Notre Dame also performed in the show. The show ran for almost an hour.
Here’s a slideshow of the Golden Mickey:
Afterwards, we wandered and proceeded to the Festival of the Lion King. Unlike the first one, the Lion King theater has a smaller venue. The stage was enclosed by the benches for the audience. It’s less formal than the Golden Mickey Theater. But when the show began, it did not fail my expectations.
The production number and the props were awesome. The Firedancers and the music were entertaining. This has more audience than the Golden Mickey so be there early. There were different show times throughout the day.
Mama and I enjoyed the show but it would have been a lot better if Papa and my brothers were there with us. Nonetheless, it was fun-filled! Definitely, it’s a must-see for every kid and kids at heart.
The adventure and misadventure of a first-timer in Bangkok
*A story which happened when Trip@dora was still unborn.
Delays happen whenever my travel dates are approaching but these didn’t hinder me to scratch my itchy feet from going places.
In May 2009, Mama and her friends accepted Tita Vi’s invitation to their home in Pattaya, Thailand. Having booked a flight on sale (Php5,017.00 roundtrip–I thought it was cheap back then), I went with them and spent money for a trip for the first time. My previous out of the country trips (Macau and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) were for free.
During that time, Southeast Asian countries have been strict about outgoing and incoming tourists to prevent the spread of the AH1N1 virus. But since there was no travel ban and the invitation has been long overdue, we took the risk and traveled to Bangkok.
Before leaving the Philippines, we wore a mask as a precautionary measure though it was not that strict at the NAIA Terminal 3. After 3 hours, we arrived at the Suvarnabhumi Airport and I was impressed with their international airport. They have a Thermo Scanner. How I wish our airports in the Philippines had it too.
From the airport, we hailed a taxi to Imm Fusion, which took 20 minutes. It’s located along Sukhumvit Road and a few meters away from the On Nut Station.
The Entrance
It was past 1 am yet the Thai receptionists greeted us with warmth, “Sawasdee Ka!”
The pictures which led us to choose this hotel didn’t disappoint us. Its Moroccan-inspired interiors were very eye-candy.
We availed of their promo pay 1 and stay 1 more night for free–all for 1,600 baht (800 Baht/ night= Php 1,113.00). We got a standard room with queen-sized bed connected to another room with twin beds.
The hallway has an ambient lighting. When we opened our room, we’re very much satisfied. The room has a safe. Wifi access is free.
The comfort room was a bit small but it was fine.
In the morning, we ate our breakfast (which was included in the room rate) at their dining area. The design was so cool and relaxing.
The breakfast which consists of pastries were served in buffet style. The drinks were also varied from coffee, soya milk to juices.
We spent our day going to the Grand Palace via the Chao Phraya River (more on this in a separate post).
Fast forward the day after, Tita Vi arrived at the Imm Fusion to fetch us and bring us to their home in Pattaya. Before leaving the hotel, we did some photo-ops. They have a pool but we didn’t have time swimming.
Mama and her friends enjoyed posing in their Moroccan-inspired receiving area across the reception. When we were satisfied, we secured all our things and bid the hotel farewell.
It took around 2.5 hours via a private car until we reached Pattaya. Pattaya was a little laid back than Bangkok. The travel was like Manila going to Subic via the SCTEX.
When I was unpacking my things, I noticed that my black bag was missing. I asked Mama about it. We returned to their vehicle but then, we found none. Oh no! I left it at the couch of Imm Fusion. I was worried. We slept it off and planned to return to Bangkok the following day.
DAY 2- The fun of riding a public transport
From the Pattaya Bus Terminal Station, we bought our tickets at 113 baht each going to Ekamai or the Eastern Bus Terminal in Bangkok.
I was so excited riding a public bus in another country because this would allow me to blend with the locals. We successfully arrived at the station and went on our way to Imm Fusion.
I approached the reception and told them my story. Then after a few minutes, one of the staff returned holding my black bag. Thank God! I checked all my things and everything was intact. We thanked them and left with a sigh of relief.
After buying some things, we returned to the bus terminal for Pattaya. Most of the passengers of the bus were locals. Some may have forgotten to put on a deo and the smell immediately spread in the airconditioned bus. I thought my research was enough but it failed me this time. I wondered why the bus was so slow. It was too late when we learned that the bus that we took was the one that travels along the old road and not on the expressway which we passed by the day before.
We asked the driver but he barely understood English. I looked around the bus and most of them only spoke the Thai language. Oh my. I looked outside and learned that we were in Chon Buri. My bladder was killing me. It would burst anytime. When we saw a home depot, we decided to alight from the bus. I couldn’t take it anymore.
I rushed inside the depot and asked for their comfort room. The staff couldn’t understand what we were talking about. When Mama demonstrated and uttered a urinating sound “swiisshh”. They then understood, “ah toilet.” One of them pointed the direction towards the toilet.
Whew! Relieved.
We thanked them and asked for the directions in riding another bus going to the city center of Pattaya. The staff assisted us and we arrived safely back in Tita Vi’s home after four hours.
What an unforgettable experience that was. Even if two years had passed, the memories still reside in my head. I’ll be back Bangkok. I hope soon. And I hope this time, I’ll have more memorable adventures.
Travel Notes:
- There are two buses that ply the Bangkok-Pattaya route. Unfortunately, what we rode was the slow bus which took us four hours. The Express bus is operated by Roong Reuang and pass by the tollway. Read more here.
- Basic Thai Language: Mai Dai (cannot), chai chai (yes), Mai Chai (no), wai (greeting), Sawasdee Ka (greeting referring to female), Sawasdee Kap (greeting referring to male), Koh (island), Khao (mountain)
Chasing Waterfalls: Casaroro Falls
If there’s a will, there’s a way. I firmly believe so. And yes, I found a way to Casaroro.
The weather has been so uncooperative in the last three days that we were in Dumaguete City. Talk about a rainy summer in May. I woke up that day, determined that I shall see Casaroro Falls.
Armed with research, tripod, and camera, I told my folks that I’ll be going to Valencia, a nearby town which is 10 kilometers away from Dumaguete City.
Being the protective dad that he is, Papa insisted that he would come with me. I said, “Pa, okay lang po ako saka mga 300 plus steps going to the falls.” Nonetheless, he won.
From the inn where we were staying, we hailed a trike going to the public market where the jeepney terminal to Valencia is.
When we arrived at the market, I saw that there’s only one passenger in the jeepney. The driver said that he’s still waiting for others to join the ride. I looked at the time. Waiting for other passengers would be a waste of time since we would still be buying souvenirs in the afternoon before leaving Dumaguete.
We walked further and decided to just hire a tricycle to take us to Valencia, which was a 25-minute ride from Dumaguete City. For Php 100.00, we saved time and managed to arrive at the quiet town of Valencia
I didn’t have a hard time finding our next ride to the falls. A number of motorcycles or locally called Habal-Habal (meaning: A passenger motorcycle which can carry two or more passengers) were parked in front of the municipal hall. The drivers readily offered us to ride with them. I was glad Papa was there with me. Sometimes, it’s indeed a bit scary to travel alone (especially that I’m a woman).
As much as I wanted to ride together with Papa, the driver said that there’s a rough road and the motorcycle may not be able to carry us all. Papa was a bit fat. So I agreed. The drivers quoted us Php 100/way per motorcycle (which makes Php 400 for two motorcycles). I haggled: Php 300 for the two motorcycles. They agreed and so off we go to the falls.
After a few minutes, the driver of the motorbike that I’m riding stopped at a house. He said that the tire was losing air. Papa and his motorbike continued. I was worried. The driver replaced the motorbike. But thank God, we caught up with Papa and his driver after 10 minutes.
From Valencia Central School, we passed by cemented roads. About one kilometer away from the drop-off point from the falls, I saw the rough and steep terrain. The drivers were right. With that kind of slope, it’s an accident prone area.
For the motorbike to pass through the rocky road, Papa and I had to get off the motorbikes. We don’t want to get back with a sling arm or bruises. After all, we weren’t wearing any helmets. Our drivers weren’t wearing anything too.
At the entrance, we met two people sitting on the bench. One looked tired and was drinking water. I greeted them and asked where to pay the entrance fee (Php 10.00). The woman said, “A wala pa yata. ‘Yung mga anak namin nandun na sa falls. Kami, di na kami tumuloy. Di na namin kaya. (The caretaker is not yet here. Our children were already there at the falls. We preferred to stay here. It’s difficult for us to get there).
I smiled and saw this sign, which posted the challenge:
Going down the 335-step cemented stairway was easy since gravity was pulling us. I thought we’re near. But I spoke too soon. There’s another stairway. This time a steel stairway where you can see the altitude of where we were. My knees were shaking as I hold on tight on the railing and took this shot using my other hand.
Alas, we made it after 15 minutes of careful steps. The crickets belted out their sounds as if they were in concert. Indeed, we’re in the middle of the forest.
We passed by a hanging bridge, not the swinging one. Good thing, it looked stable. The bridge led us to path which ended in a dilapidated gazebo.
It seemed like a dead end. But where’s Casaroro Falls? I heard the gushing water and followed the sound. I climbed up the stairs of the gazebo, turned into my right and there I saw the narrow waterfalls which flowed beautifully like a water coming out of a faucet.
I set up my tripod and captured the scene, which looked like a haven of fairies and other enchanted creatures.
I was still meters away from the falls. I wanted to get nearer but that would entail crossing a log and boulders that block the way to the falls.It seemed to protect such beauty.
Nonetheless, I did cross the single log which served as a bridge from the gazebo. As I made my way to the falls before crossing over the huge log that must have been a fallen tree, I slipped. The water was cold. Brrrr….My balance failed me again. Safety first. The minor bruise was enough. I decided to just return to the viewing deck. I was not going to swim anyway.
After awhile, I felt my bladder’s need for a toilet. We were in the middle of the forest but thank God, they have a toilet built for cases like this.
We then started going back. The trek has just began. It was a struggle but I was reminded of the signage. By climbing, we burn fats.
Then, I saw Papa catching his breath and we didn’t have any bottled water with us. Gahhh… Guilty. I really felt guilty but I told him beforehand that it might be a tough trek. Anyway, he also needs exercise so he’ll lose weight.
Words weren’t enough to express my gratitude that I have a father who’s willing to join the crazy adventures of her daughter to chase waterfalls like this one. Thank you Papa!
TRAVEL NOTES:
*HOW TO RETURN TO DUMAGUETE CITY: At the Central School, where the motorcycles are, ride the multicab. Warning: It’s a jam packed ride. I sat on a bench placed in the middle of the cab.
The multicab will drop you off at Independencia corner Cervantes St. near the public market of Dumaguete City.
*Multicab Fare: Php 12.00/way
*Total Travel time: Dumaguete City-Casaroro Falls: 1 hour
*Habal-Habal Fare: Php 100/way/ motorcycle