For the second time with HSBC Philippines, I was so thankful that I was granted again a free flight coming from their exciting promo. My first was in Hong Kong through Cathay Pacific and now I will travel locally via Philippine Airlines. I enjoined my hubby, my favorite travel buddy to share this wonderful moment with me, which is a prelude to our upcoming wedding anniversary this coming March.
The Ruins, the most photographed tourist spot in Bacolod
We will spend our Christmas in Baguio City and for our fifth time, we decided to skip visiting places we frequented in the past, except at PMA for some nostalgic feel and at Camp John Hay for a coffee moment in the quaint old American bungalow of Starbucks Coffee. Guess where are we heading this time? It’s on Mount Costa! The newest attraction in the foggy land and the first stroll around garden of the North.
When we say it is Christmas time, we mean “family time”. Families tend to celebrate the most awaited season of the year in various ways. For this year, we opted to go to Baguio City to relax from the lowland heat and see how colorful and well-lighted the Summer Capital during this festive season.
the lovely petunias of Mount Costa, the newest attraction in the Summer Capital of the Philippines
It was my post-birthday celebration and we are about to spend it in Armada Beach Resort on the island of Magalawa in Palauig, Zambales but typhoon Odette abruptly changed our plan. We were on our way to Subic Bay when Grace, the owner of the resort called us not to go to the island because the beach had gone dirty with seaweeds and branches of trees swarming the shore. My hubby hastily decided to proceed to DFarm and Park in Masinloc, still in the province of Zambales to continue our family getaway.
the tranquil and beautiful Infinity Pool overlooking Oyon Bay
During our first visit to Singapore, we ran out of time to drop by at Palawan Beach because we spent one whole day frolicking on rides and attractions at Universal Studios. On my next visit to the country, I enjoyed my sojourn on the beach with Lyn, my sister-in-law. Together we immersed in its unique topical vibes amidst the scorching heat of the sun.
the panoramic view of Palawan Beach as seen from the wooden observation deck
Singapore may lack natural resources but with the government’s brilliant mind they developed and created man-made attractions such as the beaches of Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong. It attracted a massive influx of tourists every year. Each has different attractions, tones, and charm. Among the three, Siloso Beach is the liveliest as it offers various sports activities and is home to the coolest bars and restaurants. This is well-loved by fun-loving people because the beach is alive from day till night.
Lyn and her happy smile when we reached Siloso Beach
After an awesome nature getaway on a tiny island called Pulau Ubin, I boarded a bus going to Gardens by the Bay, a nature park spanning 101 hectares in a reclaimed area. I will explore the amazing Gardens again and for the first time, I will visit the two cooled conservatories, the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. I bought my ticket through Klook, a Hong Kong-based company that sells travel activities at lower prices.
the stunning Super Trees at night
Coming from an informative and exciting visit from Cloud Forest in Gardens by the Bay, I set off to the next cooled conservatory, the Flower Dome which will give me another dose of learning and feast of wonder to my eyes.
Chek Jawa Wetlands or Tanjung Chek Jawa is the most popular tourist destination in Pulau Ubin and the highlight of our trip. The 100-hectare cape is located on the eastern tip of the island and is about 3 kilometers away from the public jetty. What makes it unique is that it is home to several ecosystems found in one area-the sandy beach, mangroves, seagrass lagoon, rocky beach, coral rubble and coastal forest. Indeed Chek Jawa Wetlands is unusually rich in biodiversity.
these are my new found friends and fellow Pinoy I met inside the bus while I’m on my way to Changi Village-Pinky, Mavie and Rachel
Just off the northeastern shore of mainland Singapore lies the tiny island called Pulau Ubin. It was pretty amazing how a highly urbanized country retains a rustic getaway where one can reminisce the past and enjoy the charm and simplicity of the olden times. On my third day in the Lion Country, I braved myself visiting Pulau Ubin alone which I considered the most anticipated part of my second visit to Singapore.
Yours truly, sitting on Puaka Hill, the highest point in Pulau Ubin
