I'm not really a city person. If given I choice, I would always go for the tranquility of rural destinations. But of course, coming to a developed city such as Hongkong is a welcomed opportunity. Yeah, we have all these towering buildings in Manila or Cebu, but there would always be something new and something to learn about.
We arrived in Hongkong at about 9 in the morning via a Cebu Pacific flight from Cebu and the first thing that came to my mind was, "Wow, their airport is huge!". Haha! We immediately took out our cameras and started taking photos as we go through immigration, luggage claiming section, and arrival area.
After we had enough of our photo ops, we were headed to the bus terminal to take a bus that will take us to the city center. I was very excited because this was my first time to take a double-decker bus. We immediately paid our fare, placed our luggage on the luggage compartments, and rushed to the 'second floor', front seats to get the best view.
After we checked in in our guesthouse in Mongkok, we were now ready for our stroll. We dropped by a restaurant first--an Italian--to have our late lunch. Then dropped by a Chinese medicine store to buy medicine for our friend who wasn't feeling well that time.
We didn't have plans of where to go or what to do for our first day in HK so we just let our feet, luck, and curiosity take us somewhere.
Continue to Strolling in Hong Kong PART 2: Kowloon Park.
We arrived in Hongkong at about 9 in the morning via a Cebu Pacific flight from Cebu and the first thing that came to my mind was, "Wow, their airport is huge!". Haha! We immediately took out our cameras and started taking photos as we go through immigration, luggage claiming section, and arrival area.
After we had enough of our photo ops, we were headed to the bus terminal to take a bus that will take us to the city center. I was very excited because this was my first time to take a double-decker bus. We immediately paid our fare, placed our luggage on the luggage compartments, and rushed to the 'second floor', front seats to get the best view.
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| very spacious and comfy seats |
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| the streets of HK |
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| at a Chinese medicine store |
We didn't have plans of where to go or what to do for our first day in HK so we just let our feet, luck, and curiosity take us somewhere.
Continue to Strolling in Hong Kong PART 2: Kowloon Park.
Prince Plaza II Condotel is one of the many accommodations owned and managed by St. Francis Suites. Prince Plaza is located right beside Greenbelt and just a few steps away from it's brother Prince Plaza I.
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| photo is not mine |
Located in the heart of Makati, the condotel is very convenient and accessible. The rooms were also very nice and spacious. Very clean too. It's just a bit pricey. About 3,000 pesos per room but it comes with complimentary breakfast.
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| cable TV and free WiFi access |
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| mini kitchen |
It was so unfortunate that we had a rushed trip to Macau. Blame those travel companions without travel plans! (peace!) Anyways, I just had to make the most of my one-day-only stay at this amazingly bright and colorful city.
We took a fast boat, Turbojet, from HK to Macau. It's similar to the fast crafts that we have in the Philippines. The boat trip was short and comfortable---thanks to the cushion seats and fun companions. After getting through the immigration, we rushed out to look for maps and money changer. HK dollar is accepted in Macau though.
I always plan my trips and study bus or train routes of the place I'm going to. We took the right bus but, we failed to alight at our stop. No choice but to take another bus and alight at Senado Square. We didn't book any accommodation, so we just walked around (with our luggages!) and looked for the most convenient, clean, and cheap guesthouse. We ended up at Vila Universal which is very near Macau's tourist spots. After a short nap, we started discovering the charm of Macau.
We started our tour with a walk around Senado Square which is the most touristy place in Macau. Frankly, I was surprised that the old buildings were occupied by commercial establishments. I was expecting them to be filled with museums and history stuff.
You'll never get lost in the square; it's not that big. And also, there are very helpful signs around.
The street going up to the Ruins of St. Paul will not only lead you to the picturesque site but will also fill your stomach. We went out without having our lunch yet. And it was a very warm welcome seeing all those free, sample food. Of course, we won't let this opportunity pass. We basically entered every store and tasted everything until we got sick of it!
The street leading to the ruins was full of tourists making it hard for us make our way to the landmark. Along the way, I saw a food cart selling egg tarts. I heard that egg tarts in Macau are the best. They really are. It was, by far, the best egg tart I ever tasted.
The highlight of our Macau trip was actually visiting the famous casinos and hotel. Where else to go first but The Venetian. At first glance of the building I was immediately at awe. With all its bright lights, huge size, and incredible architecture, the tour was definitely captivating.
The most mind-boggling experience was the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. Those super bright lights and daylight-similar environment. Totally mind-f*ck. Haha! That canal too. Super awesome!
We also went inside the casino and met a lot of Filipino workers there. They were very friendly. They help us find our way out of the enormous Venetian Hotel and Casino.
We then took a shuttle bus from the Venetian to Senado Square. This is free so expect a queue. And this is how the square looks like at night...
Below is a summary of our actual itinerary and expenses. You may use this as a guide on your trip to Macau:
We took a fast boat, Turbojet, from HK to Macau. It's similar to the fast crafts that we have in the Philippines. The boat trip was short and comfortable---thanks to the cushion seats and fun companions. After getting through the immigration, we rushed out to look for maps and money changer. HK dollar is accepted in Macau though.
I always plan my trips and study bus or train routes of the place I'm going to. We took the right bus but, we failed to alight at our stop. No choice but to take another bus and alight at Senado Square. We didn't book any accommodation, so we just walked around (with our luggages!) and looked for the most convenient, clean, and cheap guesthouse. We ended up at Vila Universal which is very near Macau's tourist spots. After a short nap, we started discovering the charm of Macau.
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| Me, the tourist. |
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| Mc Mc Mcdo! |
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| Green Tea Sundae. Didn't like it. |
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free taste of beef jerky |
The street leading to the ruins was full of tourists making it hard for us make our way to the landmark. Along the way, I saw a food cart selling egg tarts. I heard that egg tarts in Macau are the best. They really are. It was, by far, the best egg tart I ever tasted.
After a fulfilling walk, we finally reached The Ruins. We took a lot of pictures, and I mean a lot of it. We then explored the museum at the back of the ruins as well as Museum de Macao which was a long way up.
The most mind-boggling experience was the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. Those super bright lights and daylight-similar environment. Totally mind-f*ck. Haha! That canal too. Super awesome!
We also went inside the casino and met a lot of Filipino workers there. They were very friendly. They help us find our way out of the enormous Venetian Hotel and Casino.
We then took a shuttle bus from the Venetian to Senado Square. This is free so expect a queue. And this is how the square looks like at night...
Below is a summary of our actual itinerary and expenses. You may use this as a guide on your trip to Macau:
11:00am
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HK to Macau via Turbojet
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Ticket: 150HKD
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12:00nn
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Arrival in Macau
Take Bus to Senado Square
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Fare: 3.2HKD
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1:00pm
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Check in at Vila Universal
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300HKD
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2:00pm
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Tour:
Senado Square, The Ruins, Fortress,
Macau Tower, The Venetian
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8:00pm
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REST
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THE NEXT DAY
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10:30am
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Hostel to Ferry
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Fare: 3.2HKD
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12:00nn
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Macau to HK via Turbojet
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Ticket: 149HKD
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Long weekends basically shouts getaway. And thank God, I badly needed one.
We arrived in Inopacan at around 9 in the morning and started our island hopping at 9:30am. The sun was scorching hot, but would have mind the heat when all you can see are natural wonders. We can't help but smile as we enjoy the pristine waters and captivating scenery.
Cuatro Islas (four islands) is a group of islands under the political jurisdiction of Hindang and Inopacan namely Digyo, Mahaba, Himokilan, and Apid. Our first stop for our island hopping was supposed to be Himokilan Island which is actually a fish sanctuary and the one nearest the main land. However, the boatman told us that recently, docking in the island was prohibited.
We decided to go to the 3rd nearest island which is Mahaba Island. As the name suggests, the island is elongated in shape and is the second largest among the four islands. We were all at awe at the beauty of the island. I had no plans of swimming or even getting wet but my mind immediately changed as we were approaching the island.
After our dip and photo ops, we proceed to Digyo Island where we will spend the night. We didn't go to Apid Island anymore as the boatman commented that it is highly populated and is the least appealing among the four.
On our way to Digyo Island, everyone was complaining that they were already hungry. But, upon arrival on the island--instead of preparing our lunch--we instead took out our cameras and started taking pictures. Well, we can't be blamed. The island is just so beautiful!
Digyo Island is far from being a commercialized destination. No hotel rooms, no restaurants, no beach pubs. We even brought our own drinking water as well as tap water for our bath! This place is for those who are after serene and relaxing environment.
MY THOUGHTS: Definitely a go-to beach. I personally prefer serene environments, which makes Cuastro Islas my number 1 choice by far. But if you're after comfort and luxury, this destination definitely won't do. As mentioned earlier, go with a group for everything to be less expensive and more secure. Bring enough food and water. Remember. No restos. No convenience store. Nothing.
So gather your friends and pack your sunblocks and sunnies. And be ready to gorge on the beauty of Cuatro Islas.
There are a lot of beautiful, white sand beaches in Eastern Visayas --some widely known, some undiscovered. Cuatro Islas is one of those hidden gems of the region. Located in Inopacan, which is only a two-hour drive from Tacloban and an hour and a half from Ormoc City, this concealed tourist destination would definitely surprise you.
You can easily reach the municipality of Inopacan, that's for sure. But the more challenging part is going the the islands. You need to rent a pump boat for a day. It will take you to and fro the island. You can also do island hopping with the same boat. I won't recommend going alone since pump boats are chartered and there are no daily, scheduled trip; thus, it would be quite expensive.
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| panoramic view |
You can easily reach the municipality of Inopacan, that's for sure. But the more challenging part is going the the islands. You need to rent a pump boat for a day. It will take you to and fro the island. You can also do island hopping with the same boat. I won't recommend going alone since pump boats are chartered and there are no daily, scheduled trip; thus, it would be quite expensive.
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| No pier whatsoever. Take a chartered boat at a dock right behind the municipal hall of Inopacan. Pay Php30.00/person as entrance and environmental fee. |
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| Large boat good for 15-20 persons would cost at least Php3,000.00-Php4,000.00. In our case, it was Php 3,500.00 (11 pax) |
Cuatro Islas (four islands) is a group of islands under the political jurisdiction of Hindang and Inopacan namely Digyo, Mahaba, Himokilan, and Apid. Our first stop for our island hopping was supposed to be Himokilan Island which is actually a fish sanctuary and the one nearest the main land. However, the boatman told us that recently, docking in the island was prohibited.
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| Himokilan Island from a distance. |
We decided to go to the 3rd nearest island which is Mahaba Island. As the name suggests, the island is elongated in shape and is the second largest among the four islands. We were all at awe at the beauty of the island. I had no plans of swimming or even getting wet but my mind immediately changed as we were approaching the island.
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| crystal clear waters |
After our dip and photo ops, we proceed to Digyo Island where we will spend the night. We didn't go to Apid Island anymore as the boatman commented that it is highly populated and is the least appealing among the four.
On our way to Digyo Island, everyone was complaining that they were already hungry. But, upon arrival on the island--instead of preparing our lunch--we instead took out our cameras and started taking pictures. Well, we can't be blamed. The island is just so beautiful!
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| shoreline just in front of our cottage |
Digyo Island is far from being a commercialized destination. No hotel rooms, no restaurants, no beach pubs. We even brought our own drinking water as well as tap water for our bath! This place is for those who are after serene and relaxing environment.
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| overnight cottages at Php 500.00/night |
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| open cottages at Php 300.00/day |
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rentable spaces for Php 50.00/day |
So gather your friends and pack your sunblocks and sunnies. And be ready to gorge on the beauty of Cuatro Islas.
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| the gang ^^ |
