Giving Hawaii a First Glance

Apparently I have a passion for cityscapes but let’s not deny the fact that everyone is inclined to fall in love with nature, much more when it is combined with modern architecture. This is a sure thing about Hawaii that at one point made me mesmerized lately. So I guess it’s time to detour and embrace the natural world before pursuing city bustle.

Hawaii, a US state in the Pacific has captured the hearts of many being one of the best travel destinations for beach lovers and mountain hikers alike. I am not a trail person but as I thought of it, I was like, “Why not?”. And the beach? It wouldn't be something new but the giant coconuts keep fascinating me! So now I am more determined to make my way to the beautiful island(s) of Hawaii – all I need is a freakin’ visa LOL.

Image source: Hawaii Student Tours
Now should I say Aloha or Mahalo?

PAL Travel Fair

It was 2:44pm today when I got a text message alert from PNB Cards saying I can get up to 50% off on PAL (Philippine Airlines) Domestic and International Fares with my PNB MasterCard at the PAL Travel Fair on Nov. 14-16, 2014, 9AM-7PM, at PNB Financial Center, Macapagal Blvd., Pasay City.

I am qualified for this promo and I have been looking for great deals and discounts since I already have my 2015 itinerary in mind, but this came up just inappropriate, that I am helpless but to let go of the chance of getting a seat for a low price. I am way too far from the fair venue so all I can do now is to call it a tease.

If you are a fellow globetrotter, go on and spread the news!

And while in desperate mode, let me share this same image I just posted on Instagram!

On board PAL - 05.2013

Burj Khalifa vs The Great Wall

And I am just so excited for my next destination, but where should it be? I have two picks this time but I am in the process of collecting data on travel month, my availability, and of course my budget. Also, the way of visit (group tour/go solo) has been taken into consideration.

Image source: Wikipedia
I would love to see both, if only I have all the means but as accustomed, I should only visit a place at a time. For the time being, let me lay back, think twice, or even trice, and it would all be a wonderful upcoming adventure!

Where are you going next?

The Many Facets of Korea

Not every Filipino gets a chance to visit countries that require visa such as South Korea. I didn’t expect either that I’ll be granted with one before I applied, but fortunately it wasn’t a hassle for me, of course via my travel agency! And plus Korea is first-world so it is expected that making a visit would cost a little fortune. However, I am very happy that once in my life, although not the number 1 in my bucketlist, I got a chance to explore several of its attractions – from nature to historic, to modern.

Now, follow me as I take you to another virtual tour … who knows you will be buying your plane tickets tomorrow!

First Stop: Nami Island
Nami Island aka the lovers’ island is famous of its vast canopy of mega sequoia trees. This is also one of the most popular film venues of the renowned Korean soap, Winter Sonata.

Second Stop: Everland
Everland is Korea’s Disneyland version, and the largest theme park in the country. It features five attractions namely Global Fair, American Avenue, Magic Land, European Adventure, and Zootopia. If you are a big fan of extreme rides more than the roller coaster, this park is for you. Flower persons would also enjoy the Holland village-touch at the Four Seasons Garden where a wide variety of vivid-colored flowers make a perfect carpet. You can fit in if you are an animal lover too while taking snaps at giraffes and other tamed animals of the wild at the Lost Valley. Oh well, it’s a theme park that’s all.

Third Stop: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is the largest palace in Korea, situated in Seoul, and was built by the Joseon Dynasty. With its restored chambers, the country boasts of this historical site as the royal palace amidst modern world, featuring Mount Bugak as its backdrop.

Fourth Stop: N Seoul Tower
N Seoul Tower, also known as the Namsan Tower is amongst Korea’s tourist destinations, and it marks the highest point in Seoul atop the Namsan Mountain. Aside from its observatory deck, French-inspired fences and trees that are thickly covered with colorful love locks are its main attractions.

Fifth Stop: Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon Stream is located at downtown Seoul, originally a local stream that flows through Jungnangcheon, which in turn connects to the Han River. After its completion in 2005, it has became popular among city residents and tourists. On the other side of the stream is the Gwanghwamun square which is also of historical significant as the location of royal administrative buildings, known as Yukjo-geori or Street of Six Ministries.

Sixth Stop: Myeongdong
Myeongdong is listed as one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. International and local brands decorate both sides of the street, and it is populated mainly by commercial buildings.

If you love what you’ve just seen and would want to see all these attractions yourself, book a flight to Seoul and call it a lifetime experience.

Annyeong haseyo!

To view my exclusive travel gallery, check out my Instagram account.

Incheon International Airport: CHECK.

So this is it. Exactly twelve days ago, I set foot on the 2^nd World’s Best Airport – you guessed it – the Incheon International Airport (ICN), based on Skytrax 2014 rating.  Incheon International Airport also maintains its rank on Airport’s Council International as the 1^st Best Airport Worldwide since 2005 up to 2013.

On board Korean Air chartered flight KE9636, me and the rest of the tourists were all excited as our aircraft touched down the runway. I couldn’t help myself but to keep snapping my camera – the scene was worth capturing! Despite having a not-so-great flight due to turbulent reoccurrence, and plus flying four hours from 2a.m. to 6a.m., I had sufficient energy once I stepped on Korean soil.

At the airport, we were greeted with amazing series of LCD walls that display different highlights of South Korea along with several dynasty exhibits. It didn’t take us long to reach and clear the Immigration. At the arrival area were food chains and restaurants and cafés and kiosks of orchid gardens at the middle. The area was huge but I wasn’t able to roam around like I did at Changi Airport, as I was there in a group and wasn’t supposed to cast myself away. But I’ve heard there are other amenities inside the airport such as SPA and skating rink, and it is the fastest airport in the world when it comes to customs processing.


I want to explore Incheon International Airport – may be next time, who knows?

Top 10 World's Best Airports by Skytrax
I checked the ones I've set foot.



It spells INCHEON!



Sunrise and Korean Air



This way to the Immigration and Baggage Claim



Are those cherry blossoms?



Korea and Philippine Friendship flags :)



Have you crushed out ICN on your bucketlist? - I already did!

My Next Big Adventure is COMING SOON!!!

As soon as I got my passport back with a visa in it, I couldn't help but start Googling my hotel location including the places that my tour comprises, plus other good attractions nearby and how to get there through the subway. I got some local currency units in case I may find something worth buying, and I even tried learning basic conversational words just to show politeness as a foreigner. And I went shopping for my travel essentials (toiletries and clothes for my outfit). So, No! I'm not excited at all! LOL

Now, can you guess where am I heading in less than two weeks?

Here's a hint...

Once Upon a Time in CHIJMES

Night life! This is not my thing and I’ve never been in a bar before except when I got invited by a childhood friend to watch a Filipino live band at Victoria St., a place where white people hang out, and they call it CHIJMES.

Being a first-timer in a bar made me feel awkward and at the same time curious of what is there inside this dark room filled with colorful lights and people standing next to each other, each enjoying their drinks… Actually, I had zero idea of where we were going that night, after my friend asked me to wear her pair of wicked Charles & Keith wedges [by the way, I’m a flip flop and sneaker gal]. When we arrived at our destination, I didn’t even bother to check how the building looks like outside, and since it was dark, all that stood up in front of my eyes were bright lights… then there were white people, mostly in their 30s to 60s. As we entered the bar, we headed to the counter to order drinks [so then I got my first tequila, yay!].

The live band was playing and people started to muster at the center of the room, each with their own unique moves. Yes, it was a bit noisy and I guess I was the only one that’s quiet [though I giggled at times cause of an elderly couple's amusing dance moves] but I enjoyed watching them, and no there were no explicit moves as I thought is all there is in a bar. May be because these people were professionals – I may have concluded it this way since I figured out that these Caucasian men and women were there in Singapore for their jobs and nothing else. A few Asians seemed to be tourists, and they were well-behaved. So, for an old school like me, I was thankful that my first bar encounter wasn’t a rot, and I called it a night.

Recommended place for a first class night life experience.

Google Maps Generator by RegioHelden

Live. Love. Laugh. Travel.

Just a Friday travel thought and some words from the solo travel expert, World of Wanderlust.

Local Destinations that Captured My Heart

Yes, I’m a rubberneck, but this doesn’t mean that I always wanted to go for a tour overseas. Of course I also crave to enjoy the magnificent view that my home country has to offer. And among these local destinations I’ve listed in my bucketlist are: Batanes Island, El Nido in Palawan, and Taal Volcano in Batangas.

As you would notice, I am fond of theme parks but for a mix of nature and wonders, the above mentioned tourist attractions have long captured my heart and I never will miss them. For now I am most close to seeing the Taal Volcano and perhaps Batanes and El Nido next year. Stay tuned for updates!

Batanes - Photo credits to www.manongunyol.blogspot.com

El Nido - Photo credits to www.business.inquirer.net

Taal Volcano - Photo credits to www.tropicalvacationspotsblog.com
What’s next in your bucketlist?

Urban Forest in the Heart of Lion City

There is always such a big thrill when visiting a city and you expect not just what it usually offers – city lights, modern landscapes, luxurious life style, delectable food, etc – but a touch of nature that you’ve thought could only be found in the Amazon. I discovered this myself when I went strolling down the slopes inside Singapore’s Botanic Garden. You think it’s just a mere garden? True, there are a hundred orchid species plus tons of wild flowers, vines, trees, and shrubs but what amazed me was the classic setup where vintage European lamp posts were well-blended with nature.

Aside from lamp posts which are visible in almost every corner of this wide-acre plot, there are also wooden benches fastened at the right spots, so no worries if your feet got worn-out from hiking, you’ve got a place to rest them. And what else could you ask for a rainforest? There were mini torrents that give a total jungle ambience and a man-made waterfall that catches tourists for an incredible snap shot background.

Now let me give you a sneak peak of what I am talking about….

Could you tell that’s epic?
For more travel photos


Botanic Garden admission is FREE. Orchid Garden ticket costs 5 SGD per person.
TIP: It is best to visit early in the morning to avoid extreme heat from the sun.

Venice in Macau!

If I were to enumerate all the places that I wanted to visit, Venice falls under my Top Ten List. Aside from being mesmerized by its alluring canals, making a haven to the famous gondolas, the rustic scenery of both residences and shops caught me with charm. Setting a foot on the lovely city of Venice would never settle to be just a dream, but before I take you to the real City of Canals, I found a good shot I took in Macau. Yes – inside the Venetian Hotel in Macau, with its majestic interior where gondola-cradling duct was placidly situated at.

Like in Venice, gondoliers in the Venetian Hotel wear their authentic outfit – black pants, striped shirt, closed dark shoes, with special hat but they don’t always wear it. A gondolier usually maneuvers the boat, rows and steers from the starboard side of the stern with one long oar, and do not always sing as tourists envision, unless requested to. Once a gondolier sings, his/her voice echoes like surround sound inside the hotel – a close experience to the real Venice!

So if you ever plan to visit Macau, never miss the Venetian Hotel – shops and dines would be a bit pricey, but experiencing the Venetian ambiance will be an absolute bonus!

A scenic view inside the Venetian Hotel in Macau, featuring a gondola and a lady gondolier.

Walt Disney Park: A Must-see

Not far from a fairy tale, visiting one of the Disney locations is a must. Why? Okay, given that Mickey Mouse mostly amuses kids, seeing Disney characters in person [sure they are just mascots] can fulfill your childish cravings even we are in our 30s, 40s, and even 60s! Admit it, you were once a Mickey, or Cinderella, or Belle, or Aladdin, or Woody fan. The fact of the matter is, we were once kids, and unlike kids these days who have disregarded Walt Disney movies and just content tapping their iPads and tabs [poor kids!].

So if you completely agree with me, Disneyland is amongst the most wonderful places to be, both for old and young. As I remember, my first Disneyland HK visit was in March 2011, when I started my travel venture, followed by another enthusiastic trip in March 2012, when there was an addition to the park – the Toy Story Land. Each of my visits gave me unique experiences wherein I got to try different rides. My ultimate ride was the Space Mountain where at first I was so nervous but I got to enjoy it more during the second try. The Parachute Drop and Slinky Dog Spin were among the best rides you could try too. Most of all, I enjoyed the sceneries inside the park – the buildings, streets, and gardens, as well as the fireworks display being the climax.

There are different Walt Disney Parks all over the world, plus a Disneyworld in Florida, USA. Make sure you get a pass the next time you travel to Hong Kong, Japan, Paris, California, Shanghai, and the like. As for me, Disneyworld will be another dream come true! :)

Why I Love Singapore

At one point in my life I have come to the realization of my childhood dream – to travel the world. Not given the chance yet to explore all seven continents, I am quite happy with what I have already accomplished for the past three years. Amongst the highlights of my journey to Asia is the beautiful Lion City which I know I won’t ever stop visiting, even at countless time. The reason is simply this: I am very much impressed not only with the stunning cityscape but also its sanitation. Apparently, the absence of eyesore such as garbage and beggars in pubic makes the city impressing to both locals and tourists.

May first visit in October 2012 was so short that I was only able to go see the famous Marina Bay Sands and its Sky Park, the spectacular Resorts World Sentosa where the Universal Studios is, and a taste of Arab Street and the East Coast plus a few great places for shopping and night clubbing. However, I was not able to fully explore the city including its grandeur Changi Airport until my next visit a year later.

So in the last part of October 2013, my mission to discover the Changi Airport was accomplished. With my 17-hour lay over prior to my flight to Bangkok, I grasped my chance of horsing around all three Terminals via the Sky Train. It has been one of the most excellent tours I’ve ever had aside from purging my possibility of getting bored waiting for my next flight. Commuting through the hectic Sky Train opened the opportunity for me to take snap shots outside and around the airport. Thanks to the friendly guys at Fans of Changi for their best tips – I got to see the best spots inside and outside the edifice!

Fascinating lanes to Changi Airport
Get inspired and see more of my travel photos on http://instagram.com/gweniskins

Discovering Amazing Thailand

Okay, as promised ... Well, I wasn't able to do what I promised three months ago - that was to give you updates of my Thailand escapade due to being occupied by other stuff. So, to move on, let me give you the highlight of this awesome trip that I had, and allow me to give you some tips, probably about the must-see places. When you hear of Thailand, I pretty much sure that temples and just a bunch of temples were filling your mind, but no, that's a very wrong concept as I discovered myself that this superb country has so much to offer more than just temples.

How did I get to realize that there's not only temples but a lot more interesting places to go and see in Thailand? First off, I did a search. Yes, just as how you look up on best airline ticket deals - you have to find out more in order to get to see the best places and experience the most wonderful adventure during your visit.

First stop: Nong Nooch Garden, Pattaya [October 26, 2013]
Nong Nooch is world renowned for its impressive Elephant and Thai Cultural Shows, along with what is largely considered the biggest and most beautiful botanical garden in Southeast Asia. A Muay Thai showdown is also expected.

Second Stop: Palio Village, Khao Yai [October 28, 2013]
Palio is a picturesque shopping centre, 220km north-east of Bangkok, themed around a Tuscan village where visitors are treated to an out-of-the-ordinary combination of clothes and gift shopping, gourmet snacks, live entertainment, and an eclectic mix of independent shops and stalls.

Third Stop: Farm Chokchai, Pakchong [October 28, 2013]
Farm Chokchai is a fully integrated dairy farm perched on a vast stretch of plains amidst a scenic surrounding. As superb tourists facilities are provided, Farm Chokchai is an agro-tourism spot where visitors can learn about milking, making of fresh milk ice cream, animal feed plant, and several other activities.

Fourth Stop: Chocolate Ville, Bangkok [October 28, 2013]
Chocolate Ville is a new unique design restaurant which features a small European village, much more like a theme park, with the concept of "Dining in the Park".

Fifth Stop: Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya [October 29, 2013]
Wat Phra Sri Sanphet is situated on the city island in Ayutthaya’s World Heritage Park in Pratu Chai sub-district. It has been registered as a national historic site by the Fine Arts Department since 5 March 1935. This monastery was the most important temple of Ayutthaya and situated within the Royal Palace grounds. It served as a model for the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok.

Sixth Stop: Chao Phraya River, Bangkok [October 29, 2013]
Chao Phraya River is the principal river of Thailand which flows south through the nation’s fertile central plain for more than 225 miles (365 km) to the Gulf of Thailand. Thailand’s capitals, past and present (Bangkok), have all been situated on its banks or those of its tributaries and distributaries, as are many other cities. Along the river is a scenic view of many temples such as the Grand Palace and other historic buildings.

And this is Bangkok!

Some facts you should know about Thailand:
- Tesco Lotus is everywhere
- 7 Eleven is located every after one kilometer
- When you buy a bottled water expect it to come with a drinking straw [people will know that you aren't a local if you don't use a straw]
- Bottled water is free when you buy gas
- If you stay in Bangkok, it is more practical to use the BTS than any other means of transpo
- Most Thai people do not speak English, so never attempt to ask especially for a direction
- Pedestrian lane is nowhere to find, so be brave, have that guts to cross the road/street swiftly and carefully
- You have never been in Bangkok if you didn't get to Siam Paragon

Have a grand Thai experience!