Malaysia Travelogue: Exploring KL from Above with Ascend Skytours

By this time, I can say that Malaysia has become a very familiar city to me. Not that I am now an expert, but I a way, now I know where to go and what to do. Let’s say, I will never run out of things to do and places to go to.

The perks of having local “influencer” and blogger friends, they can drag you along and know that the place they will bring you to will be worth it.

I was fortunate enough to connect with Ascend Skytours through my friends at @aboutkl.my. Ascend Skytours offer an extraordinary tour around Kuala Lumpur…yheap, I did say EXTRAORDINARY! …. Ok nothing fancy, just roaming around KL on a helicopter, simple right? Hahaha

HELICOPTER! YES! When they offered me a ride, I immediately jumped out of my seat and wanted to sign all papers needed (waivers and all). Unfortunately on the day we planned to go, it rained so I have to go back the next day to try my luck. Safety first!

The next day, the sun shined so bright and my hope was colorful as a rainbow ^^. This is the day!

The last time I got excited with heights was the time I went skydiving in Dubai.

ALSO READ MY SKYDIVING EXPERIENCE IN DUBAI 

I will be riding with 2 of my blogger friends, Lily and Neysa. Although they are both Malays (and living in KL) it was also their first time to tour around the city in this perspective.

[caption id="attachment_5245" align="alignnone" width="800"] With our trusty pilot (do you call someone flying a heli a pilot? )[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5247" align="alignnone" width="800"] My friend Neysa volunteered to be in front  (me = #bitter)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5244" align="alignnone" width="800"] Lily beside me![/caption]

Ascend Skytours offers 4 flight (tour) packages. It really depends on what you want to see and also your budget.

Here are the packages (note: I copied all the descriptions from their brochures hehe).

KL EXPRESS: 6 minutes Helicopter Ride

• Fly by Kuala Lumpur’s essential landmarks as you see the majestic city center from the whole new perspective


• Places to see: KLCC, KL Tower, Dataran Merdeka, National Palace, National Mosque


• Price: 630 RM

CITY EXPLORER: 15 minutes Helicopter Ride

• An aerial adventure of greater Kuala Lumpur that takes you right up to the majestic limestone cliffs and golden statue of Batu Caves.


• Places to see: Batu Caves, Federal Territory Mosque, Dataran Merdeka, KLCC, KL Tower


• Price: 1,550 RM

JUNGLE ESCAPE: 30 minutes Helicopter Ride

• Escape the concrete jungle, marvel at the beauty of nature as you soar over magnificent rainforest and sparkling lakes


• Places to see: Batu Dam, Quartz Ridge, TM Tower, National Palace, KLCC


• Price: 3,050 RM

Mountain View: 45 minutes Helicopter Ride

• Ascend above Kuala Lumpur’s gleaming skyscrapers to the rolling hills of Genting Highlands with our signature tour. It’s the ultimate indulgence.


• Places to see: Genting Highlands, Templer Park, Batu Caves, KL Tower, KLCC


• Price: 4,410 RM

We took the first package, which is a 6 minute ride around the city center. For someone who wants to experience this (and on a budget) this option is just right. 6 minutes seems short, but to be honest, it covered so many things. There might be a point that you’ll panic (like me) figuring out if you’ll shoot a video, photo or do an Instastory. Also, for the price, because we were 3 we can divide it and end up paying just 200 RM for the experience (tip: drag someone to join you).

Here are some of the photos I took during the whole tour.

[caption id="attachment_5246" align="alignnone" width="800"] Our view upon take off[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5253" align="alignnone" width="800"] Probably the best view to see Petronas Tower[/caption]



[caption id="attachment_5249" align="alignnone" width="800"] The King and Queen of KL. Petronas Tower and KL Tower[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5252" align="alignnone" width="800"] The KL Tower[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5251" align="alignnone" width="800"] Berjaya Times Square aka HOME! :)[/caption]

The first time I arrived in KL, I have been researching where to get the best photo of the Petronas Tower and the KL Tower, I guess, now I know.

This really was an epic experience and I will never forget it. I am happy to have spent it with some of my very good Malaysian friends, we truly enjoyed our HIGH moments (get it?).

[caption id="attachment_5248" align="alignnone" width="800"] Chubby cheeks! Showing my excitement (and being overwhelmed) with this experience.[/caption]

Watch my VLOG below (also subscribe to my youtube channel :) )

 

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To know how you can experience this, check out the details below

ASCEND SKYTOURS

Info@ascend.me ; shariza@ascend.me

+603 7845 4677 ; +603 7845 8804

Website

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Facebook

All flights departs from the KL City Titiwangsa Helipad

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This post was in collaboration with Ascend Skytour and About KL.

 

 

Travelogue: GUIMARAS' MANGGAHAN FESTIVAL

After quite some time (I think if you’ve been following my blog you might guess why), it was my first time to spend the whole stretch of summer in the Philippines.

Summer in the Philippines signals the start of several famous festivals around the archipelago. To be honest, I am a little clueless when it comes to major festivals in my own country. I told myself that the moment I'll have enough time to spare, I will definitely join as many festivals as I can. 2017 entered and months passed, I am still festival-less. I occasionally visit this site to check for festival schedules: http://www.philippinecountry.com/festivals.html, and also asked my friend Potpot, who in my opinion one of the experts on anything about the Philippines.

I arrived back from my trip in Malaysia and lo and behold, I got an email from MG Travel and Tours inviting me to experience a taste (no pun intended) of the Manggahan Festival!

OH YES!!

My very first big festival! And the location is perfect, the Western Visayas! The Western Visayas are known for its extravagant festivals. Ati-atihan, Maskara and Dinagyang to name a few.

THE FESTIVAL

Manggahan Festival is known to be the provincial identity festival of Guimaras. It is a week long celebration of Guimaras’ Provincehood Anniversary. It highlights the cultural heritage of the province, from its agriculture, traditions, music and ITS MANGOES!

[caption id="attachment_5212" align="alignnone" width="800"] A cultural dance showing the history of Guimaras[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5225" align="alignnone" width="800"] With Hon. Eugenio G. Reyes, the Mayor of the Municipality of Buenavista[/caption]

Now on its 25^th year, the festival runs from the 11^th till the 22^nd of May. 22^nd being a provincial holiday where the main celebration of its independence will take place (meaning, you shouldn’t miss this date).

THINGS TO DO

ALL YOU CAN EAT MANGOES

Of course, if you are in mango country, you can’t miss eating its world famous mangoes. I must admit that I am not a fan of ripe mangoes (I know, booooooo), but growing up, eating ripe mangoes for me is one type of torture. So the idea that I will be in a province where ripe mangoes are its main agri-product, is a back step from all the excitement I am feeling in traveling to Guimaras.

[caption id="attachment_5223" align="alignnone" width="800"] Your starting plate : 1 plate = 3 mangoes = 1 kg[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5221" align="alignnone" width="800"] Known as the World's Sweetest Mangoes[/caption]

Even if I avoid it, I surely can’t pass the opportunity of tasting the sweetest mangoes in the world. As part of my itinerary, I got to try their MANGO EAT-ALL-YOU-CAN sesh. If I can eat durian when I was in Malaysia, for sure I will be able to take this task with flying colors.

The idea was, after getting an entry pass (110 php entrance fee), you will have 30 min to consume your unli-mangoes. I asked around and people consumed from 3pcs to 10pcs mangoes in one seating. So if you are a mango fan, you should bring your game face on.

I was so happy because, you can choose between green or yellow mangoes. Although I am not a fan of the ripe one (yellow), I am in love with the green one. I can eat green mangoes all day until my stomach hurts and tongue numbs (basically I can marry a green mango and divorce it once it's about to get ripe). But, Guimaras is all about RIPE Mangoes, so I have to try it.

"Guimaras mango is distinct for its sweet-sour taste, less fibrous pulp, and thinner skin or epicarp. It is also certified weevil-free." - Sunstar.com

After 30 minutes, I consumed a total of 3 whole mangoes. 1 ripe and 2 raw. Ok ok ok, so I guess they are right, Guimaras Ripe Mangoes are indeed the sweetest that I ever tasted. In fact, after tasting it, I can see myself eating another batch ( I did but later on --- on a special dish haha – find out soon on my next blog/vlog), but I still think that GREEN MANGO IS KING!!! Haha. I love their green mangoes. Perfect sourness and crunch – just the way I want my mangoes hahah.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUapPR_g3X-/?taken-by=kennethsurat

[caption id="attachment_5222" align="alignnone" width="800"] GREEN MANGOES with bagoong!![/caption]

So at the end this part of the blog, I can say that Guimaras has the best RIPE and RAW MANGOES in the world!

BUY LOCAL

[caption id="attachment_5211" align="alignnone" width="800"] Agri-trade booths[/caption]

Just a few walks from the Mango Eat All You Can stand, you can find the Agri-Trade booths. Here, you can purchase your “pasalubongs” (gifts), from kilos mangoes, mango by-products (mango ketchup, jams..etc) and even famous handicrafts of the province.

I bought 5 kgs of Guimaras mangoes as requested by my family back in Manila and also a weaved tote bag handcrafted from the municipality of San Lorenzo.

One tip, when booking your flight, if you are flying on a budget airline, avail their check-in luggage add-on or simply fly with Philippine Airline (you’ll get 10kg free check-in luggage).

CONCERTS 

The main stage located at the food court turned into a concert stage during the nights of the festival. A number of bands entertained the locals and even tourists for the whole duration of the festival. 6-Cycle Mind and Callalily to name a few. There were also celebrities (KAPAMILYA KARAVAN) who serenaded the very warm Guimarasnons.

[caption id="attachment_5214" align="alignnone" width="800"] Kapamilya Karawan Show[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5205" align="alignnone" width="800"] Callalily was a sure hit[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5206" align="alignnone" width="800"] Band Photo op (Callalily)[/caption]

WESTERN VISAYAS NATIONAL CULTURAL PRESENTATION

One of the main highlights of the festival was the presentations from the different cultural (street) dances of Western Visayas. I missed the first 2 performances because of some logistic problems but I was still very happy to catch some of it.

[caption id="attachment_5218" align="alignnone" width="800"] Street dance parade (it was a warm afternoon, so imagine all their efforts).[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUavQGHg4tO/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Participants from 4 Western Visayas provinces paraded the streets of Guimaras and showcased their colorful and up-beat dances.

• Maskara Festival of Bacolod


• Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo


• Binukot of Tapaz, Capiz


• Ati Atihan Festival of Kalibo

Watching their performances really encouraged me to visit every festival in the country.

CULTURAL COMPETITION

With the other Western Visayas provinces showed their amazing dance routines, Guimaras saved the best for last. A cultural competition was held on the last day of the festival (which is the day of the provincial anniversary).

[caption id="attachment_5208" align="alignnone" width="800"] Hubon Mangunguma from San Lorenzo (The Champion)[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUbqkofAlls/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Each municipality the province participated and showcased what they are made of. Everyone had their game face on. I was amazed on their dedication. These (kids) gave all they have, to give the best performance of their lives. AMAZING!

Here’s a youtube video of the winning cultural dance performance from San Lorenzo Hubon Mangunguma!!



For my first Philippine Festival, I thought the Manggahan Festival was a great introduction. I experienced everything I wanted in a festival. Food, dances, music, entertainment and culture. A few days ago I went to my second festival, check out my Instagram to find out where.

For my next blog about Guimaras, I will show you where to go and what to visit around the island.

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Want to experience Manggahan Festival or just explore the beautiful Island of Guimaras? Book your trip with MG Travel and Tours.  Check out their details below:

MG Travel and Tours

Pro Emmanuel Southern Bldg. & Q. Chavez Bldg., San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras
Jordan, Iloilo, Philippines 5045

Phone: 09568611889/ 9175527853/ 09484127873

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Website

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This trip was in collaboration with MG Travel and Tours during the 25th Manggahan Festival 2017.