Boracay!One of the world's most beautiful islands (#1 according to Conde Nast Traveller). There are so many thing said about Boracay already, whether good or bad, but one thing remains the same, it is still one of the Philippine’s sought after paradise destination.
[caption id="attachment_5435" align="alignnone" width="800"] Amazing Boracay sunset. I didn't put any filter on this photo.[/caption]
As most tourist(y) locations around the world, accommodations can easily be available to those who dream of visiting these places. Boracay offers several accommodation options, from apartments, party hostels, boutique hotels and even top notch luxury hotels.
I was in Boracay to attend a friend’s wedding and during my stay I opted to try 2 of these accommodations. I thought of trying a party hostel to see the backapacker/party scene-hello millennial and a quieter boutique hotels where I can just relax and enjoy my weekend stay in the island (tita levels).
For a party hostel, I have chosen Mad Monkey Hostel while I booked a room at Ferra Boutique Hotel on the later part of my trip (review on the blog soon).
[caption id="attachment_5442" align="alignnone" width="800"] Definitely a happening place[/caption]
Mad Monkey Hostel is the biggest “party hostel” chain throughout South East Asia. With chains in countries such as Cambodia, Thailand and of course in the Philippines.
I got few of my friends who tried this hostel in Phnom Penh and also Boracay and they gave a stunning review about it.
The location of the hostel is a bit strategic. At first glance, this seemed to be a no no, because it is a bit far away from all the happening places in the island. The transfer from the ferry then the tricycle ride felt like it took me forever to reach the hostel ( I opted to DIY and look for the cheapest way possible—more on this in the VLOG soon).
When I finally located the hostel, I realized that it is situated in between two famous beaches in the island. Both within a god walking distance from each other. The White Beach on the left while the Bulabog Beach on the right.
[caption id="attachment_5440" align="alignnone" width="800"] The flood situation in front of the hostel[/caption]
The only hiccup on the way is what seems to be a little flood along the street in front of the hostel. I spoke with the locals and they said that it isn’t a unique case, as everyday it is like that (sometimes higher when it rains). --- I can see some effort by the hostel to pump-out the water every now and then. –so just be warned that if your balance ain’t good, you’ll be better of wearing flip flops than your sneakers.
DESIGN
As an architect/interior stylist, I always get fascinated on how hostels are being designed nowadays. Infusing FUN-TRAVEL in the design is a must. I think this was achieved by Mad Monkey Hostel Boracay. I love the mix of whites,blues and also native/local materials – creating that clean island resort feel.
[caption id="attachment_5439" align="alignnone" width="800"] Open layout facing the pool. YES!!![/caption]
The open corridor also makes the space feel larger (and fresh). You can just sit down in front of your room and you can easily fall a sleep, relaxed and livin’ the island life.
PARTY HOSTEL
It is coined as a party hostel and the hostel boast with it’s happening pool bar. It isn’t a fancy pool bar ok, but a casual bar in an island. Just enough to kick off that party atmosphere. There are free shots every hour ---so talk about setting the mood right.
[caption id="attachment_5444" align="alignnone" width="800"] Early morning scene..or let's say the after party scene?[/caption]
It mainly caters to foreign backpackers, I feel like Filipino backpackers will tend to spend their evening along the food stall in White Beach. I do feel the charm of the hostel’s bar. I love hostels and being with like minded people (whom you just met) and share a drink can certainly fuel your wanderlust (cheers to the citizens of the world).
ROOM
I stayed in a 4-bed dorm room. I like the layout of the room as the bunk beds isn’t placed side by side to each other. There is a wall in between the 2 bunk beds (this a luxury for those who are used to staying in a hostel dorm I tell you). The bed size is also very generous, it is close to a double/twin size bed, can easily fit 2 –but why share right? Take it all for your self (I told you, luxury).
[caption id="attachment_5448" align="alignnone" width="800"] My bed with your own wall fan (though the room is fully air conditioned)[/caption]
The room is fully air-conditioned, lockers and an en-suite toilet and bath. The only thing I can see in improving the hostel is to have their T&B refitted. The shower looks old and a bit damp, my standard for a good shower room is, if I can step in the shower floor without my flip flops --- this one, I kept them on.
RECOMMENDATION
Will I recommend Mad Monkey Hostel Boracay? It is indeed a value for money. With a dorm room for less than 10 usd, this place is a steal. If you are traveling solo, this is a perfect place to meet like minded people and enjoy Boracay without breaking the bank.
It was my first time visiting Malaysia, and to be honest it was very long due already. That is why when I got an email invitation from The Bergaya Hotels and Resorts team to explore Redang Island and discover Taaras Beach and Spa Resort, who am I to say no.
I have a handful of friends who are based in Malaysia and I have been hearing / reading so many things about the Philippines neighboring country. To say that I was excited to explore Malaysia (and not only KL) is an understatement.
I guess like me, your first plan is to look for a destination then look for a place to stay, right? The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort gives you the best of both worlds as this resort is already a destination by itself. More about this at the later part of this blog. Let me bring you first on my journey, traveling 4 hours from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and waiting more than 12 hours before we travel to Redang Island.
[caption id="attachment_4956" align="alignnone" width="800"] A little postcard greeting inside my room at the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort[/caption]
PRE PARADISE TRIP (FIRST IMPRESSION)
I had a very smooth travel from Manila to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. I took a budget airline flight via Air Aisia where I got a 20% fare discount just by using their mobile app. I arrived around 10am at the KLIA (airport name), at first, I got confused to the location of the immigration area as the farther I walked the lesser people I saw, at one point even, I found myself walking alone in the airport.
Immigration done and I am out! Yey! So, first order of business, exchange money and get a sim card, which by the way, don’t do it in the airport. As an avid traveler, I should have known already that the exchange rate at the airport area are ridiculously low (I did anyway cause---yeah, I need money). Also the sim card deals are better when you reach KL Sentral. If you have a credit card, use it to book for your Uber or buy your Express Train ticket to KL Sentral and change your money (USD) there.--- just a tip but not a rule ok?
[caption id="attachment_4944" align="alignnone" width="800"] Ticket to ride the KLIA Express[/caption]
To get out of the airport you can either get:
KLIA Express Train: 55 rm (I took this option)
BUS: 12 rm (if you are not in a hurry, I suggest you take this)
UBER/ Grab : around 85 rm (well, if you have cash to spare who am I to stop you?)
My first agenda for the day is to have a lunch date with the Berjaya Hotels and Resorts team. They knew that I will arrive early and they were so sweet to invite me over (aaaw).
As a typical first timer in a big city, I got lost inside the KL Sentral. I didn’t realize it to be so huge and at one point I found my self inside a mall where the monorail station can be found.
The monorail is so easy to navigate and I found myself at the Berjaya Times Square (just a few minutes late) for our scheduled lunch.
We had lunch at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel’s Big Apple Restaurant. It was a perfect first meal in KL as the view from the restaurant showed a little overview of the whole KL town center. I ordered the Grilled Chicken with Mash which was AMAZING!!
[caption id="attachment_4967" align="alignnone" width="800"] Grilled chicken anyone? This is super yummy![/caption]
Ok done with lunch and a little chitchat with the team but I still have 7 hours to roam around and kill time before our official trip launch. From Times Square, the best place and closest to visit for a first time tourist, is Bukit Bintang.
[caption id="attachment_4937" align="alignnone" width="800"] The shops around Bukit Bintang[/caption]
Bukit Bintang is known at KL’s shopping district. I got overwhelmed with the number of shops in the area. For someone who didn’t have any plan to shop, I got tricked to buy a few items from Uniqlo (haha).
A few minutes walk (depending on your pace) you can reach KLCC. I didn’t know it then, but when I reached KLCC, I just realized that I was standing at the foot of The Petronas Tower. YEY! It is also a shopping mall, so pretty much I went from one mall to another. I saw one of my Bruneian friend there who was covering a story of the KL Shopping Festival.
It was an interesting kick starter of my trip around Malaysia (why around? You’ll find out at the end of this blog haha).
Time to go back Berjaya Times Square and meet the other participants.
THE TRIP TO REDANG
11pm, we gathered at the Berjaya Times Square Starbucks, a total of 35ish influencers, blogger/vloggers and editors. I met a handful during a brief chitchat over a cup of coffee and quiche (so hipster haha).
[caption id="attachment_4965" align="alignnone" width="800"] We were given this for our ID badge. Check out all these hashtags in your social media to see all of the things we did.[/caption]
1am, off we go! It was almost a 7hour bus drive to Kuala Terengganu where we had our breakfast at China Town (note that most of the food here are not halal). After breakfast, we roam around the cute colorful town. Very different from what I saw back in KL. Little houses painted with bright pastel colors and shops offering a quick snack to visitors.
[caption id="attachment_4964" align="alignnone" width="800"] Where we had our breakfast[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4963" align="alignnone" width="800"] There are numerous food stalls offering breakfast along China Town[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4962" align="alignnone" width="800"] My big breakfast!!![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4961" align="alignnone" width="800"] The colorful houses around Terengganu[/caption]
We drove a little more to reach the Merang Waterfront Jetty. This part was very interesting. I have been in countless boat rides. My home country, the Philippines is not a stranger to motorboats. In fact, whenever you get out of Manila to explore south of the Philippines, most likely your itinerary will involve riding a small motorboat. But even if you think you are immune to sea-sickness, we were strongly advised to take 2 tablets of sea-sick pills……
[caption id="attachment_4959" align="alignnone" width="800"] Our 10 seater boat that will bring us to Redang Island[/caption]
….right so, I almost got nauseated. I think, if we will last another 10 minutes, I might loose it. The reason was, the time of our visit was the end of the monsoon and the waters were still very choppy. To put it into words, we were flying up and down for 1 hour and a half. I guess it wasn’t only me who will say that I am glad it was over. (watch my vlog below to have an idea).
Surely the way to paradise ain't easy, and rightly so, we arrived in PARA-PARA-PARADISE.
TAARAS BEACH AND SPA RESORT
The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort is Berjaya Group’s most prized possession. The name Taaras came from a Sanskrit language meaning “Goddess of the sea”, “the Star”, and “The Apple of My Eye”. It is definitely the star of Redang Island.
[caption id="attachment_4934" align="alignnone" width="800"] The Taaras Beach with the view of their luxury private villa[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4955" align="alignnone" width="800"] The peaceful beach[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4936" align="alignnone" width="800"] yheap...para para paradise @evansiau[/caption]
Situated on a concealed area of Redang Island, away from the busy port, you can easily feel that you are in your own private beach.
We were greeted with a glass of pinacolada and right away ushered to our designated rooms to change our wet clothes.
MY ROOM
My room looked amazing. Everything spells TROPICAL PARADISE. My room was located at the 2nd floor of a 2-storey chalet. The room has its own living area, I got 2 beds (so I can invite people for a party haha) and a shower complete with a tub. Also, because I was at the 2nd floor I got a good view of our part of the resort.
[caption id="attachment_4958" align="alignnone" width="800"] The view from my room. Also, my chalet looks similar.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4942" align="alignnone" width="800"] Living area[/caption]
Our visit or should I say, ‘rediscovering trip’ was pretty chill. Most of our itineraries involved eating and free time (just the way I like it).
FOOD
Let’s start with the generous buffet spread. After freshening up, we immediately went to the buffet area and had our big lunch. This is also the same place where we had our daily breakfast where they offer continental and Asian cuisines.
For dinner, we stayed away from the normal buffet option. For the first night, we had it at the Beach Brasserie, where a set menu were prepared for us, complete with a designated table with our names on it (so fancy).
[caption id="attachment_4954" align="alignnone" width="800"] Feeling super special...can you see my name?[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4953" align="alignnone" width="800"] Tuna Carpaccio with Wasabi and Miso Dressing..whew[/caption]
The 2nd night, we had dinner served in the luxury private villa. We were also given a tour around the villa worth 23,000rm/night. Talk about luxury. Situated at the edge of the property (not really sure if this is the correct description), but it is on a cliff over looking the Taaras Beach. The view is A+mazing!
[caption id="attachment_4948" align="alignnone" width="800"] The grand salon inside the luxury private villa[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4947" align="alignnone" width="800"] Literally on the edge[/caption]
For our last night, and also sort of our send off dinner, we joined the hotel’s barbecue night. Think of satay, steak, seafood! YES!
[caption id="attachment_4931" align="alignnone" width="800"] All grill-goodness[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4932" align="alignnone" width="800"] Serving the dish hot hot hot[/caption]
THE BEACH, POOL, SNORKEL and DIVE
During our free time (which was most of the time), we chose to chill by the beach. Either play with the waves and body surf or just lounge around the nearby beach bar. We also had a chance to snorkel while those with license went scuba diving.
Redang boasts as one of the best diving spots in Malaysia and Taaras as a 5-star Padi Dive Resort.
[caption id="attachment_4933" align="alignnone" width="800"] Free diving and snorkeling activities....@ahsrajavideo[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4949" align="alignnone" width="800"] Playing with the waves....@desmond_tey[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4941" align="alignnone" width="800"] Lounging at the pool....@reinalum[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4951" align="alignnone" width="800"] ....or simply having a great time with friends (@wayne_wayne23 and @travelinspiration360)[/caption]
PRIMA AIR
Part of our activities and also the main reason why we got invited was to be a witness to the signing of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Berjaya Hotels and Resorts and Prima Air.
Remember our scary boat ride? If you are planning to visit Taaras, you now have an option to skip this and hop on a chartered flight via Prima Air. YEY!! You can book this option directly when booking a room at the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort, as easy as that.
[caption id="attachment_4952" align="alignnone" width="800"] Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Berjaya and Prima Air[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4946" align="alignnone" width="800"] With the pilot of the first Prima Air flight to Redang[/caption]
The few days I spent at the Taaras, gave me a view of a different side of Malaysia. Something I am familiar with back home but somehow still very different. I guess the luxurious experience that is not very intimidating gives it a relaxed tropical feeling that everyone will surely enjoy.
Will I recommend this place? Definitely! In fact I already did and some of my friends will be visiting this summer.
Watch the full Vlog on my experience at the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort below (also subscribe to my youtube channel ^^).
This is my first blog of my trip around Malaysia. My 4 days trip turned into almost 1 month and I have explored other attractions and states around the country. Watch out for more blogs and vlogs about Malaysia soon.
This trip was in collaboration with Berjaya Hotels and Resort.
Berjaya Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Berjaya Corporation Group of Companies, a public listed Malaysian conglomerate. Presently, the group manages Berjaya properties in Malaysia, Asia Pacific and UK. From the exotic island resorts of Langkawi, Tioman and Redang, to the city hotels of Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang in Malaysia, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts’ prominence extends across borders with the establishment of international hotels and resorts in Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and United Kingdom. The group also owns and operates a commercial airline, service suites and exclusive golf & country clubs in Malaysia. Visit online at www.berjayahotel.com for more information.
When I was planning a trip to Bali, my surfer friends, who made Bali their 2nd home told me to stay away from Kuta Beach (with conviction). This kept ringing in my head until I finally a book a flight and step on Bali soil.
Kuta Beach has been known as the Bali’s tourist hub. So it means, in a place with the impression of being packed with foreigners, Kuta is the packed of the packed.
This became one of my deciding factor on where to stay in the island. It was a toss between Canggu or Ubud. Eventually I decided to follow my friend’s advise to stay in Canggu. I was really happy with this decision. The only thing now is to know where to go and what to do when most of the 'happening' attractions are around Kuta Beach.
Bali is known as Indonesia’s main tourist spot. It mainly attracts Australians and expatriates looking for an affordable place spend their holidays. An Island province of Indonesia located between Java and the west of Lombok that includes the main island of Bali and a few smaller islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan)
Visiting Bali after our 11-day trip with the #TripOfWonders team (check my blog about this trip) is a no brainer. It is something that should happen and I will not forgive myself if I didn’t grab the opportunity to experience the sought after island paradise.
I stayed in Bali for 5 days and the goal was to do as much as I can but on a very relaxed and chill pace (a lot of sleeping involved). So here are the places I went in my 5-days stay in the beautiful Island of Bali.
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CANGGU BEACH
Canggu Beach is an automatic attraction to experience as I spent 5 days of my 5-day stay in Bali. So every time I open my eyes, I am already exploring ......CANGGU!
[caption id="attachment_4810" align="alignnone" width="800"] Deus Temple (HQ). Hipster heaven![/caption]
I arrived in Bali during night time, so I really didn’t see anything on the road during our drive from the airport (Denpasar). I first stayed in a hostel (eHome Stay Canggu) in one of the quiet neighborhoods in Canggu. It was a pleasant few days where I was able to rest and read a book, but when I moved to Canggu’s Echo Beach at one of its famous surfer’s hotel (Frii), I began to fall in love with this neighborhood.
[caption id="attachment_4806" align="alignnone" width="800"] eHome Stay -- can't argue that I am in Bali then[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4811" align="alignnone" width="800"] Frii Echo Beach. I highly recommend this place. My was just by the pool (one of those doors)[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4796" align="alignnone" width="800"] My very modern and hipster room at Frii Echo Beach[/caption]
Canggu Beach is a coastal village filled with black sand beaches with (almost all) surf breaks popular to surfer’s from around the world (even those who are from the Philippines).
A quiet alternative to the busy Kuta. I feel that I got transported to a place that is a hybrid of Australia’s Melbourne and Surfer’s Paradise. Maybe because a big chunk of Canggu’s expat community are from Down Under.
Aside from the surfer’s beach, the country side of Canggu are field with rice fields. I remember riding the motorbike and all I can see are rice fields from either side of the streets. It was a very peaceful sight (made me sing a bit --- like I was shooting a music video haha).
TANAH LOT TEMPLE
Around 30 minutes motorbike from Canggu, known as the most picturesque the temple in Bali, Tanah Lot is one of Bali’s most important landmark (www.bali-indonesia.com). Famous for its offshore location and majestic sunset.
[caption id="attachment_4805" align="alignnone" width="800"] Sunset at Tanah Lot Temple. It was cloudy but still very magical[/caption]
I was introduced with this temple when I was google searching the BEST SUNSET IN BALI. Being located at the west side of the island, it is easy to predict that Tanah Lot will be on top of the list.
It was indeed magical. The place was a bit crowded though, but enough to have a good view of the sunset. Aside from the temple, there are several restaurants and souvenir shops around.
BESAKIH TEMPLE
Known as the Mother Temple of Bali and the most important temple of the whole island (www.bali.com).
[caption id="attachment_4797" align="alignnone" width="800"] Pathway in between temples[/caption]
It is like a village of temples. What our guide told us, most of the temples here are owned by different families around Bali. Even his family owns one (a big compound one). This complex of temples is actually what makes Besakih very picturesque and interesting to tourists.
Because of its size, even though there are a lot of people there, it really doesn’t feel to crowded (or maybe we just arrived early). Going there, we rented a van (with a driver) and hired a guide recommended by my friend's homestay owner. Just a warning, because it is a known tourist spot, there are people who look at tourists as cash machines. We were tricked to buy a flower which they told us a requirement to go to the temple, like the sarong we were wearing. Lo and behold, it wasn’t really needed and we can get away without the flower (tsk).
[caption id="attachment_4795" align="alignnone" width="800"] Nope, the fower aint mandatory[/caption]
Apart from this experience, visiting the Besakih Temple was a good place to start our trip around the heart of Bali’s cultural heritage.
KINTAMANI BATUR VOLCANO
A must-do stop for tourists who are traveling North East of Bali, Kintamani is famous for its panoramic view of the active Batur Volcano and Lake.
[caption id="attachment_4798" align="alignnone" width="800"] The view of Mount Batur from the main road[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4799" align="alignnone" width="800"] One of viewing stops to get a full view of the volcano[/caption]
If properly planned, you can actually trek and get closer to the caldera (getting a guide and proper gears are pretty much advisable--especially if you are trekking a volcano). In our case, with our day trip, we just settled with having a lunch with a view.
[caption id="attachment_4800" align="alignnone" width="800"] Indeed, this is lunch with a view[/caption]
TEGALLALANG RICE TERRACES
Ubud is the location of Bali's famous rice terraces. A traditional irrigation system in most mountainous regions in South East Asia. You can see this kind of irrigation system in the Philippines as well.
What I like about the rice terraces in Tegallalang, is its location. The valley is literally along the main road. I am still puzzled if they made the road as an access to the terraces or it just so happen that the terraces became famous? And its easy-accessibility is just a plus point.
[caption id="attachment_4801" align="alignnone" width="800"] We caught a local lady working on the rice paddies[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4802" align="alignnone" width="800"] My attempt to trek the terraces[/caption]
Because of its location, visitors can clearly see the step-rice paddies even when driving. For those who want a little stretch from hours of sitting in the car, you can easily trek the whole stretch of the famous terraces and get a pretty decent photo you can boast in Instagram.
A little warning, if you see locals/farmers carrying what looks like a fresh harvest of the day, and can’t help to take photos, have your tip money ready in your pockets. I am still figuring out if they do the ‘carrying of the harvest’ just for show to charge guests.
Tip (additional attraction): Near the Tegallalang Rice Terraces is a good place to try coffee luwak. The most famous coffee in the world. Yes, this is the poop coffee. To be honest, I still don’t know how I feel about patronizing this coffee. I have seen in some videos how civet cats are treated in order for them to poop more coffee beans. If you are not guilty, Alas Harum Agro Tourism is a good (and not to expensive) place to try it and they assured us that they are taking care of their civet cats properly.
UBUD MONKEY FOREST
I saw this monkey forest in one of the episodes of the amazing race. The Ubud Monkey Forest is a nature reserve and a Hindu temple complex (with 3 Hindu temples).
It is one of Bali’s most visited tourist spots. There are over 700 Balinese Long Tailed Monkeys roaming around the whole sanctuary which I must say scary at some point. You can purchase a banana and wait for the monkey to climb over you and take the banana out of your hands (or head).
[caption id="attachment_4803" align="alignnone" width="800"] Just one of the 700 Balinese Long Tailed Monkeys in the sacntuary[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_4804" align="alignnone" width="800"] Can you guess how many money are in this photo?[/caption]
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After my short stint in Bali, it is pretty hard not to fall in love with the island.
Although there are a lot of similarities in the Philippine landscape, there are still something about Bali that makes me want to come back and visit again....
.......Maybe next time I will give Kuta Beach a try and embrace the chaos.
Amazing Boracay sunset. I didn't put any filter on this photo.[/caption]
Definitely a happening place[/caption]
The flood situation in front of the hostel[/caption]
Open layout facing the pool. YES!!![/caption]
Early morning scene..or let's say the after party scene?[/caption]
My bed with your own wall fan (though the room is fully air conditioned)[/caption]
