Last year, we stayed at GoHotels Puerto Princesa,and I’ve already written a review about it. But this year, we went back to Puerto Princesa to check out Robinsons Place Palawan, and with the hotel being close to the mall and everywhere else, it was the obvious choice. Note that its prime location isn’t the only reason to like the hotel, however. Read more…

1. Windsor Beds. GoHotels Puerto Princesa has comfortable beds that assure a good night’s sleep. I should know that because after each day we went around Puerto Princesa, I lay on my bed then slept soundly—forgetting each time that I have tasks to do. Of course, their beds come only with high-quality linens and the fluffiest pillows.

2. LCD Cable TV. An LCD Cable TV is useful when there isn’t much to do at night, and admittedly, during weeknights in Puerto Princesa, the city seems to sleep early. Then, with nothing to do outside, it’s really best to lie in bed while watching HBO.

3. Safe and Secure. How can I say that the hotel is secure? Well, for one, they visibly have security personnel guarding the vicinity, and I saw security cameras in hallways and common areas. In all rooms, they have electronic safety deposit boxes.

4. Fun Vibe.This starts from the yellow and green motif of the exteriors that extends inside the rooms. More importantly, the fun vibe is exemplified by their staff—they have this cheery culture that I like. Whenever I pass by their crew in the hallways or at the reception desk, I was given a genuine greeting and a warm smile.

5. Super Shower. This may not mean a lot to some, but with the hot, humid days we experienced in Puerto Princesa, showers were a luxury to me. GoHotels Puerto Princesa’s bathroom has a jet shower embedded onto the ceiling and a handheld shower—both thankfully gave me good hot and cold water pressure.

6. Free Wi-Fi. Wi-fi is serious business in the hotel. Proof is the existence of several routers on the ceilings of the hallways. Their wi-fi worked well, and I got pretty fast speeds.

7. Transport Access. Transportation is never a problem. The hotel’s located by the main highway, so multicabs and tricycles to and from the city proper pass by day in and day out. The San Jose Terminal for long-distance buses and vans is a short ride away, but recently, Robinsons Place Palawan opened a small terminal within the vicinity for public vans to Roxas and El Nido. The hotel has an airport shuttle van that can be booked online, too.

8. Service Plus. Despite being a “essential service hotel,” the friendly staff of GoHotels Puerto Princesa do not fall short in providing efficient service. They handled my requests well—from room cleanup to wakeup calls. Anyway, speaking of services, the hotel now has two desks that can arrange tours in Palawan, a cafeteria that serves pre-booked breakfasts and all other meals, a souvenir shop, a small spa, and even a conference room.

Verdict: I equally liked my second stay at GoHotels Puerto Princesa. The quality room, the friendly service, and the hotel’s different features all at a low cost make it a smarter choice for travelers. Plus, it being next to Robinsons Place Palawan gives it an advantage—all needs are within a three minute walk. Its location likewise makes it very convenient as a base for the well-known spots in Puerto Princesa, such as the Underground River and Honda Bay.

GOHOTELS PUERTO PRINCESA
Puerto Princesa North Road, Barangay San Manuel, Puerto Princesa City
Contact: +63 922 GOHOTEL or www.gohotels.ph/puertoprincesa
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter
Notes: Walk-ins are accepted, but online booking is encouraged. Accepts credit cards.

RELATED POST: GoHotels Puerto Princesa: A Place for Every Juan in Palawan

Photos were taken using the powerful Sony Alpha NEX-6. Know more about it here. Follow Sony Philippines on Facebookand Twitter for updates!

By virtue of Memorandum Circular No. 09-13, Series of 2013, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has increased the passenger service charge, also known as terminal fee, of airports under its jurisdiction effective July 1, 2013. The attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) stressed that the terminal fees for most airports “have not been increased and remained unchanged over time.” Read more…

The memorandum circular states that increases will be imposed every July 1 of 2013 to 2015 for major airports. For most community airports, however, the increase of 2013 will be the only one to be implemented. Airports in Iloilo, Bacolod, and Davao will retain their current rates, as well as those not operated by the CAAP, such as Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Caticlan.

TERMINAL FEE FOR AIRPORTS WITH SCHEDULED FLIGHTS AS OF JULY 1, 2013

REMINDERS IN PAYING TERMINAL FEES

• Children and infants two years old and below are exempt from paying the terminal fee.
• Transit passengers are also exempt from paying the terminal fee. CAAP defines a transit passenger as “a passenger who arrives and departs from the airport in the same aircraft (passing through) from his original port of departure or in a connecting flight (changing aircraft for continuing his journey) provided that said passenger will no longer check-in boarding his plane to his intended destination.”
• Terminal fees are directly paid in cash through designated counters. Currently, however, terminal fees for passengers departing in domestic flights from Manila and Cebu are already included with the ticket (200 PHP).
• Foreign currency to be converted according to the prevailing rate may be accepted.
• Passengers who fail or refuse to pay will be barred from boarding their flight.
• Refunds for international passengers who were offloaded or had their flight canceled will be issued within 24 hours. Based on experience, for canceled or missed domestic flights, refunds are issued immediately.
• Above reminders are absolutely in effect for CAAP airports per the memorandum circular. Airports not operated by the CAAP may have their own rules and regulations.

A complete copy of CAAP Memorandum Circular 09-13 may be found through this Scribd link for reading and download. It includes new terminal fees for airports not included in the list above, as well as the new terminal fees to be implemented on July 1 of 2014 and 2015.

Whenever there’s a budget-conscious friend or relative who’s visiting Manila, I’m frequently asked for quality but affordable accommodations. But I’m always stumped, for there are only a few respectable hotels in the city that would fit within their budget. My latest discovery, however, is now among my top recommendations—GoHotels Otis-Manila. Read more…

GoHotels Otis-Manila is located in the less congested portion of Paco, Manila. While the place maybe unheard of to tourists, it’s actually nearer to Makati Central Business District via Osmena Highway and the airport via the Skyway than the more popular Malate and Ermita. Likewise, Manila’s piers, city hall, and downtown can be reached in only a number of minutes.

The best landmark of the hotel, however, is Robinsons Otis, a community mall that serves the area, as it is located above the mall after all. It has a respectable array of restaurants, a Starbucks, a department store, a pharmacy, and most importantly, a supermarket.

Plying the road in front are plenty of jeepneys, tricycles, taxis, and buses. We were actually very pleased to ride a bus directly to Manila’s downtown district of Binondo, which is very popular for Chinese food walks. Found in what is touted to be the oldest Chinatown in the world are arguably the best noodles and handmade dumplings in Manila.

After hefty servings of Chinese fare, the heritage “walled city” of Intramuros and the entertainment district of Malate, the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), Rizal Park, and the famous Manila Bay are a short ride away, while bargain shopping havens, Divisoria and Quiapo, can actually be strolled from Binondo. Again, all these are near GoHotels Otis-Manila.

Being the newest property of the GoHotels family, the one in Otis follows the same standards in accommodations and service. Sure, it’s also low-cost and no-frills, but being a frequent staying guest of their hotels, I’ve always gone out very satisfied.

We went up the fifth floor to the lobby of the hotel and two courteous ladies from the front desk attended to us promptly and checked us in as soon as we were cleared. Going in and out of the hotel for three days, we were always greeted by the staff from security to housekeeping. That’s one of the strong points GoHotels prides itself upon—a fun vibe through not only the design of the hotel but also the warmth of the staff.

Our room at GoHotels Otis-Manila was much alike the other ones I’ve stayed at in, only perhaps it felt a little roomier. Bright yellow, green, and cream paints that covered the walls made the room feel fun but still classy, while ambient yellow lighting set a relaxing mood.

As promised, the room boasted of two Windsor beds topped with high-quality linen and soft pillows, a jet shower in a separate partition from the toilet, an LCD cable TV, an electronic safe, and free strong wireless broadband. The room’s air-conditioning, always important in hot and humid Manila, was centralized and strong.

As of this writing, GoHotels Otis-Manila doesn’t have its own restaurant nor cafeteria. However, being situated right above Robinsons Otis, we never had trouble looking for food—we had Hainanese chicken rice and rice meals wrapped in banana leaves. Plus, they allowed us to have pizza delivered, long as we ate on the dining tables at the huge hallway.

The quality rooms and service can surprisingly be had for little money, especially when booked online. Typical nightly rates can go as low as less than 1000 PHP net and maybe around 1300 PHP net on the average. GoHotels frequently holds room sales that are too tempting to pass up on—rates can be cut as much as half than the usual.

GOHOTELS OTIS-MANILA
Robinsons Otis, 1536 Paz Guazon St., Barangay 831 Zone 90, Paco, Manila
Contact: +63 922 GOHOTEL or www.gohotels.ph/otismanila
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter
Notes: Walk-ins are accepted, but online booking is encouraged. Accepts credit cards.

The last time I’ve been to Boracay was in 2011, and a lot has changed ever since. The island is now among the most popular globally, so lots of people flock to it. Tourists mostly choose to stay at booming White Beach, but for those who are looking for rest and relaxation while still being near the action, I found 7Stones Boracay Suites at Bulabog Beach. Read more…

I arrived very early morning in Boracay after unglamorously spending the night outside the airport in Kalibo and sleeping at the back of the van en route to Caticlan. From Tambisaan Jetty Port, I took a tricycle to Bulabog Beach, which is an easy 10-minute walk from D’Mall, and the Boracay hotels and resorts of Station 2. Fare was only 20 PHP.

I immediately requested for assistance from the front desk. Their friendly receptionist informed me that my room was still being tidied up so he offered me breakfast. Sleep and food were my two topmost priorities that time, so I willingly obliged.

The breakfast spread at the 7th Note Cafe isn’t as large as five-star resorts, but I’m not exaggerating when I say that everything I had those two mornings were delicious. Through this post, I’d like to commend their chef for coming up with such an impressive buffet.

What can be had? During my stay, their selection comprised of both Filipino and international favorites, such as tapa, tocino, daing na bangus, bacon, sausage, and even adobo. Likewise in the buffet were stations for starters, salads, omelets, cereals, congee, bread, and fruits.

The exteriors exude classiness—perfectly manicured lawns, a marrying of cream and earth colors, and of course, stones of varying shapes. But apart from the aesthetics, I absolutely loved how the resort has lots of open space and how the buildings aren’t boxy.

Right after breakfast, I was ushered into my junior suite. I was pleased that it seemed like a stylish yet homey apartment with minimal décor, touches of wood, ambient lighting, and warm paints. Spacious it was at about 60-70 square meters, divided among a bedroom, sizeable living and dining areas, a kitchenette, and a shower.

The living area, illuminated by tall glass doors leading to the veranda, had a flat-panel TV and a large couch with fluffy toss pillows. Meanwhile, the dining area had seats for four.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the suite was the kitchenette; it had the most extensive array of kitchen appliances and tools I’ve seen in a hotel or resort suite. Aside from the two-door fridge, it came equipped with a stovetop with hood, microwave, a bread toaster, a rice cooker, and even a blender, among others.

I actually got excited with the kitchenette that I brought in outside food, heated them up, and had a quiet supper. By the way, D’Talipapa, the island’s wet market, is just a 15-minute walk away from 7Stones Boracay Suites for those who wish to cook en suite.

The bedroom features a comfortable queen-sized bed and its own flat-panel TV, DVD player, and air-conditioning unit. Two bedside lamps set a cozy mood, while the high-quality sheets and soft pillows made me sleep well. On the other hand, the adjacent bathroom was equally nice and absolutely clean, and it came with a complete set of towels and amenities.

7Stones Boracay Suites has a large lagoon-style pool and a hot tub, which can be powered up upon request. Other facilities and services of the resort include a poolside bar, 24-hour in-room massages, and complimentary wi-fi that was quite fast when I was there. They could arrange a long list of fun and exhilarating activities too, such as kitesurfing, parasailing, boating, jet skiing, diving, and kayaking.

The property is one of the Boracay beach resorts that face Bulabog Beach, which is world-famous for kitesurfing. While it has less sand than White Beach on the opposite side, what I like about it is that isn’t chaotic. Hence, it gives some tranquility, which can be a luxury in a tourist haunt like Boracay. Taking advantage of the peace and quiet after a night of partying, I spent hours on end just bumming by the shore, napping on one of their beach beds.

In all, I believe 7Stones Boracay Suites is among the island’s top accommodation choices—with the stylish suites, great food, lots of open space, and friendly service. Being tucked away from the crowds of White Beach, to me, is actually a good thing for the resort is an alternative that affords some peace of mind. Without a doubt, I will be back.

7STONES BORACAY SUITES
Bulabog Beach, Barangay Balabag, Boracay Island
Contact: +63 36 288 1601, +63 2 894 0077 (Manila line), or reservations@7Stonesboracay.com
Website: www.7stonesboracay.com
Social Media: Facebook and Twitter
Notes: Transportation from Caticlan and Kalibo can be arranged. Accepts credit cards.

Just last Friday, I flew the flag to Iloilo with PAL Express, which now operates most of the domestic flights of Philippine Airlines. I presented my Mabuhay Miles ID, of course, because I know I could conveniently convert them to Globe Rewards points. Read more…

The process is simple, really. Once members of Mabuhay Miles accumulate at least 1000 points, they could call +63 2 855 8888 in Manila or +63 2 340 0191 in Cebu or visit the Mabuhay Miles Service Center in Makati to convert them into Globe Rewards points.

Redemptions can be made based on the following blocks of miles: 1,000 Mabuhay Miles for 200 Globe Rewards points, 1,500 Mabuhay Miles for 300 Globe Rewards points, and 2,000 Mabuhay Miles for 400 Globe Rewards points. Members who will convert their miles to points will receive an SMS confirmation from Globe.

Mabuhay Miles can be earned easily from all Philippine Airlines and PAL Express flights, as well as codeshare flights, partner establishments, and credit cards. Based on experience, even promo fares or the more affordable tickets merit at least 25% mileage accrual. Refer to this PDF chart on how many miles can be earned per flight.

Meanwhile, Globe Rewards recently came up with an easy one point to one peso conversion at a growing list of partner establishments, including Ayala Malls Cinemas, Figaro Coffee Company, Wendy’s, Sunglass Hut, Enchanted Kingdom, Rose Pharmacy, Petron, Bench, KFC, and Memo Express. A minimum of 50 points is all what’s needed to redeem at some stores.

Having racked up enough miles that thankfully do not expire, I converted some of my Mabuhay Miles. And with Globe’s tie-up with Ayala Cinemas and Figaro, I was able to watch a movie at Greenbelt 3 and even have a cup of coffee after.

Aside from the awesome one-to-one conversion at partner establishments, points earned from every reload on Globe Prepaid and TM, and every spend on Globe Postpaid can be redeemed for Globe services, gift certificates, and gadgets, among others. With over 12 million Globe subscribers actively redeeming points, Globe Rewards is unmatched by other telecoms and is testament to Globe’s superior customer experience.

For more details on Globe Rewards, check out rewards.globe.com.ph. Follow Globe Telecom on Facebook and Twitter for promos and updates. Meanwhile, to be a member, visit Mabuhay Miles at www.mabuhaymiles.com, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Sabah is a melting pot of people—concentrated in the Malaysian state are a great number of ethnic groups, of which 28 are officially recognized. Popular among tourists, Mari-Mari Cultural Village gives a glimpse into the daily lives of five Sabahan tribes. Read more…

Coming from the Philippines where there are also quite a number of indigenous groups, I understand that diversity among people may be a source of conflict, yet it is also this very diversity when weaved together results into a rich, multifaceted culture.

After spending a day at the beach, we drove all the way to Kionsom, Inamam, which according to our guide, is still within city limits. Travel time took maybe 45 minutes.

Arriving in Mari-Mari Cultural Village in time for the night tour, we were welcomed by our guide who was so giddy to know that we were Filipino. He told us he knows a lot about the Philippines and even recited some Filipino words to us. After his orientation, we put on mosquito repellent (just to be sure) and proceeded with the tour.

Mari-Mari Cultural Village is an attraction aimed to “share the knowledge, history, culture, and tradition of Borneo, so that it is not forgotten.” It showcases the lives of five ethnic tribes back in the day when electricity was inexistent in their domain.

KADAZAN-DUSUN

The Kadazan-Dusun is the largest ethnic group in Sabah, for it is, after all, a conglomeration of two related tribes—a result of an “identity crisis” as sources would say. Spanish Catholic missionaries from the Philippines evangelized a lot of its members from animism, and this evangelism would explain why there are a number of Catholic churches in Sabah.

Before we entered their hut in Mari-Mari, our guide volunteered me to try making a rice meal enclosed in a bamboo stalk. I carefully added rice, tomatoes, onions, lemongrass, and chicken, and let one of the Kadazan-Dusun ladies grill the bamboo for me. Another specialty we tried later on was the montoku (rice wine) in bamboo shot glasses.

RUNGUS

It is said that the Rungus are a derivative of the Kadazan-Dusun, only that there are distinctions with their language and customs and that they used to live in traditional longhouses together with other families. Their younger generations, however, have also converted to the Christian faith like the Kadazan-Dusun.

Inside their hut, two members of the Rungus tribe started a fire from bamboo and friction. My mouth was agape in amazement as it happened.

LUNDAYEH

The Lundayeh, also known as Lun Bawang or “upriver people,” are a minor ethnic group known to be heavily reliant on agriculture and fishery. During the early 1900’s, their population saw a steep decline because of a depressing smallpox outbreak. One of the Lundayeh men at Mari-Mari showed us how to traditionally make a vest from tree bark.

BAJAU

The Bajau people of Sabah are indeed related to our Badjao fellowmen in Mindanao, after having migrated from coast to coast. Reputed to be “sea gypsies,” they carry out their nomadic lives in small outrigger boats (bangka in Filipino) or native houses on stilts.

The Bajau lady who was cooking sweet native treats called kuih jala (similar to lokot-lokot of Zamboanga) and jus daun pandan (pandan juice)looked very, very Filipino, so like “word vomit,” I asked her, “Nakaiintindi ka ba ng Tagalog o Cebuano?” (Do you understand Tagalog or Cebuano?) She looked at me strangely; I was so embarrassed.

MURUT

The Murut tribe encompasses some 29 subgroups. Headhunting used to play an integral part of their spirituality that they were the last tribe to abandon the practice in favor of farming rice and tapioca, blowpipe hunting, and fishing.

A welcome to their hut entails a surprising welcome that I wouldn’t say here. But anyway, a number of us, myself included, tried to shoot targets using a blowpipe, while inside their hut, the brave ones from our group jumped on their lansaran, a traditional trampoline. We had ourselves inked too by the Murut men using some sort of ink (not henna) they had mixed.

Groups were later gathered into a hall for a cultural show that consisted of traditional dance and song numbers of the five tribes. Afterwards, we were all treated to a native feast, consisting of meats, seafood, yams, and a whole lot of vegetables.

Truth be told, a trip to Mari-Mari Cultural Village isn’t cheap, but it was an enriching experience that is among the top things to do in Kota Kinabalu. I also felt how we Filipinos are culturally similar to Sabahans—that we are not just close geographically after all.

How to get there:There is no public transportation to Mari-Mari Cultural Village, and taxis would be expensive to privately arrange due to the distance. It would be best to arrange a tour and transfers package directly with them or with an agency. For rates and more information, check out their website at www.marimariculturalvillage.com. Tours are done three times daily.

Come July 10, 2013, a new airline will officially start to fly in roaring yellow and black stripes—Tigerair Philippines. Changing from Southeast Asian Airways (SEAIR), the airline similarly adopted the new name as part of the global rebranding of its parent company, which is one of the leading aviation brands in the Asia-Pacific region.

Likewise, the airline will differentiate itself in terms of safety, reliability, and innovation as it promises friendly, high-quality service at value-for-money fares. With plans of expanding its fleet to 25 aircraft in three to five years, it hopes to commence more flights to neighboring countries and make traveling around Asia seamless and enjoyable for Filipinos.

As the rebranding takes effect, Tigerair Philippines will continue to serve its domestic routes from Manila, including Laoag, Bacolod, Kalibo, Cebu, Iloilo, Tacloban and Puerto Princesa. Clark in Pampanga, meanwhile, will be retained as its hub for international destinations: Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong. However, starting July 18, 2013,  it will fly Kalibo to Singapore nonstop, making it the first and only airline to do so.

Tigerair maintains sizeable fleets in Singapore and Australia, providing vital air links in both countries. It likewise has partnerships with Tigerair Mandala of Indonesia and Scoot, a no-frills medium to long haul airline with a hub in Singapore. As such, passengers of Tigerair Philippines will enjoy the extensive connectivity in destinations across Asia and Australia at Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 2.

Book your next dream destination with Tigerair Philippines at Tigerair.com!

We were recently invited byour friends at SM City North EDSA to witness something that’s not typically in the list of to-do’s in the mall. Holding a series of awesome live art sessions was Dee Jae Pa’este who gave much life into the mall’s Skydome. Read more…

Dee Jae Pa'este, whose father is Filipino, spent the last six years in Japan and New York immersing himself into the glamorous world of art and fashion. He derives much inspiration from the places where he has based—San Jose (California), New York, and Tokyo.

He describes his works as a “mixture of old world aesthetics and new world consciousness” through strong primary colors and elements of microchip circuitry and Polynesian tribal tattoos. His work has appeared in a number of venues, galleries, and murals in New York, Los Angeles, Philippines, Singapore, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Hawaii, and Japan.

As I’ve mentioned above, Dee Jay masterfully created a row of murals through his series of live art sessions. Honestly, I found his modern art, with all the colorful patterns and shapes, soothing to the eye—a break to the usual scenes of Metro Manila.

So to all urbanites, especially those living north of Manila, do marvel at the works of Dee Jay Pa’este at the Skydome of SM City North EDSA today. They’re there for a limited time only!

For updates and promos, be sure to follow SM City North EDSA on Facebook and Twitter.

Additional photos were from AltMNL.com and DeeJayPaeste.com.

Regardless of what time of year you choose to go to Cyprus, you’re definitely in for a treat. With its picturesque views scattered with pretty buildings to superb beaches and attractions, the Eastern Mediterranean island is a must for every travel bucket list. Read more…

By heading online to www.directholidays.co.uk/destinations/cyprus/, you’d be able to book a holiday to this island and its diverse range of attractions. While summer has already passed in the island, autumn is also a good time to go. The temperature may have dipped towards milder temperatures, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy what Cyprus offers. In fact, with the coolness in the air, it’s very ideal to explore the local heritage and history.

Whether you choose an all-inclusive break or prefer to explore your resort and dine out at the various culinary treats along the way, there’ll be a perfect packaged deal for you. You can also choose which resort you would like to go to then add any excursions or attractions that you’d like to incorporate into your visit.

Hankering for a beach break and a lively nightlife? Ayia Napa may be the place for you. While clubs and bars won’t be as busy as during the peak season, they will still welcome you to sample their array of cocktails and drinks. If you want to incorporate some culture into your holiday, Paphos would be a perfect base for its abundance of ancient attractions accessible from it, including the Tomb of the Kings.

Whatever you choose to eat, do, and discover in the island of Cyprus during autumn, one thing’s for sure—you’ll return home having a wonderful, well-deserved break.

Whether you're after a sun-drenched beach break, a fun-filled family holiday, or a voyage of discovery through history, holidays in Turkey would most definitely be fitting. This sprawling country is a vast, beautiful place with endless glorious landscapes and soul-stirring views. From pine-clad hills to dramatic mountainous peaks, glittering golden sands to glorious blue lagoons, Turkey is a place like no other. Read more…

If you're after a vibrant resort which offers plenty of east-meets-west culture and lashings of heritage, head to the fabulous waterside town of Bodrum. Here you'll find a bustling town with a vibrant Turkish vibe, replete with lively souks and tasty local restaurants that serve mouth-watering cuisine like mezes and sizzling kebabs.

There's a historic castle that dates back to the days of the Crusades too, perched high above the town on a rocky outcrop. Head inside and discover its ancient walls and forts, and make time for a visit to its worthwhile on-site museum. The place may be small, but it never fails to fascinate with its large impressive collection of items, some thousands years old, that have been discovered on the local seabed.

If you’d rather spend your holiday by the beachside, lazing about amidst a stunning backdrop, the resort of Olu Deniz would be perfect. This lovely upmarket town is packed with gorgeous hotels and tempting restaurants, with a vibrant center that's home to numerous bars and pubs. The real star of the show, however, is the aptly-named Blue Lagoon, where there’s a long ribbon of pale sand that will stop you in your tracks at first glance.

If holidays in Turkey are in your bucket list, go for a reputable tour operator like Thomas Cook to know more about the different regions, resorts, and accommodations the country has to offer. Through them, you can also hunt for lots of special offers and last-minute deals. They’ve got everything you need to find for a perfect and unforgettable Turkish escape.

For anyone who travels, weather can make or break itineraries. But since I take photos for this travel blog, I need to be more obsessive-compulsive about forecasts—I can’t go not only when it rains but also when the skies are on overcast. I do a lot of weather tracking on-the-go with my mobile phone, so here are some cool weather apps I’ve tried. Read more…

WEATHER BUG

Weather Bug is the first weather app I’ve used. I recall downloading it for our trip to Brunei and Sabah. What I like about this app is that I can add several cities to my list and thus track their location simultaneously. What’s more is that it gives push notifications whenever there are severe weather disturbances, such as heavy rains, in the cities I am tracking.

Other equally important features include seven-day daily and hourly forecasts for any city and weather details for the day, including temperature, precipitation, wind, sun, humidity, and pressure measurements. Users could upload weather photos and live cams, too.

GO WEATHER EX

GO Weather EX is among the most popular weather apps on Google Play, so I downloaded it. Apparently, it could replace the stock weather widget in an Android smartphone with a variety of animated themes. It also features forecasts for the next six days and for every six hours of the current day, and sharing of the current weather on different social media channels. The primary disadvantage of this app is that a lot of its features and themes are available with the paid version, leaving the free app with only a few capabilities.

ACCUWEATHER

AccuWeather is one of the most well-known weather websites. The features of its free app version is similar to Weather Bug, only that the interface looks a lot better in my opinion. Colored graphs aid forecasts, and RealFeel, a trademarked element of AccuWeather, determines what the temperature outside really feels like.

There are tabs for weather forecast maps, videos, and news, but what I’m certainly fond of is My AccuWeather. Users may customize forecasts and the current weather for certain activities, including DIY projects, fishing and game, outdoor fitness, and travel. I’ve set mine to travel, and currently in Hong Kong, it says “excellent time for travel.”

In a tropical country like the Philippines, weather is perennially variable—bipolar, as some would call it; hence, weather apps must always be updated to be abreast of the current weather situation and forecasts for travel and everyday life.

Fortunately, the apps I’ve mentioned above do not require a lot of data to get real-time updates, so my POWERSURF 499 from Globe is more than enough with a gigabyte of data over 30 days. With it, I’m not only informed of the weather, but I also get to update my social media accounts, check my mail, and surf the internet while on the road. With the said data plan, I can enjoy 33,000 tweets, or 3,000 webpages or 5,000 times of map navigation using your smartphone. To register to POWERSURF 499, dial *143# and press call for free.

With these weather apps, I’m able to plot my travel plans wisely and efficiently, so download one now using POWERSURF 499 or any one of Globe’s mobile data plans for both prepaid and postpaid. Do check out surf.globe.com.ph for more details or dial *143# now!

A few weeks back, I celebrated my birthday. A friend was flying into Manila, so I promised that we’d go out and be merry. But as I was saving up for two birthday trips, my budget was really tight. Thank heavens I have enough Globe Rewards for the treat. Read more…

We went for lunch at Wendy’s, and I had a delicious Son of Baconator, a salad, and fries. Total bill came to about 500 PHP, and I put out my phone to pay using my Globe Rewards. Across all branches of Wendy’s in the Philippines, minimum redemption is only 50 points.

Knowing that I was having my birthday trip to Hong Kong and Macau the succeeding weekend, I headed over to Bench to find myself a pair of shoes and jeans. All Bench, Human, Kashieca, Celio, and their sister brands nationwide allow a redemption of 50 points minimum.

Afterwards, we went to Greenbelt 3 to watch The Conjuring, which was the most-talked-about film then. Tickets cost about 200 PHP each, and with just a few clicks again, we were handed our tickets. All Ayala Malls Cinemas across the country accept as few as 100 Globe Rewards points, equal of course to a hundred off the price of a ticket.

Capping off the day, we went to Figaro Coffee Company and got two cups of coffee and pastries. The local coffee brand has a number of branches in many parts of the country, and with Globe Rewards, subscribers can get free or discounted treats for only 50 points or more.

Thanks to the unbeatable Globe Rewards, I saved a bundle for my pre-birthday celebration! I’m so glad to be a subscriber of the telecom that provides the best subscriber experience.

HOW TO REDEEM USING GLOBE REWARDS

Having free or discounted treats is easy with Globe Rewards because every reload on Globe Prepaid and TM, and every spend on Globe Postpaid get corresponding points. Better than ever, the Globe Rewards program allows an awesome one-point-to-one-peso instant conversion scheme with a growing list of partner establishments.

How to do it? Simply purchase what you want from a store and say that you will pay using Globe Rewards. They will ask you to send BUY<space><10-digit number of the store><space><number of points> to 4438. Note that the mobile number for Globe Rewards of the store is specific and can be seen from a standee—better yet, ask to be sure.

If your points are not enough to cover the entire amount, you can very well pay with cash, credit card, or whatever the form of payment the store accepts. You can check your balance beforehand by sending in BAL to 4438. Please note that there are various low minimum point redemptions for every partner merchant. Refer to the table below:

For six days and five nights, twenty teams drove a total of a thousand kilometers along the southern highways of Peninsular Malaysia for the recently-concluded Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2013. Tourism Malaysia held the event for its second year in time for Visit Malaysia Year 2014. Along with five other Filipinos, I was very lucky to be part of it. Read more…

Our team composed of me, another Filipino blogger Kirk Acebron of Kirk Anatomy, and our two Malaysian friends, Wan of Leisure and Incentive Tours, and Kadir of Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM). Since Kirk and I are unable to drive at all, Kadir did the driving on an impressive Proton Preve, the first global model of the Malaysian carmaker.

From Malaysia’s administrative capital of Putrajaya, our team drove through Sepang in Selangor, Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan, Melaka, as well as Muar, Kluang, Nusajaya, and Johor Bahru in Johor. In all stops were challenges that truly tested our mental capabilities and physical endurance. I must say almost all of the tests were no walk in the park, so we had to work hard together and show team spirit all the time.

Going head on with us were teams comprised mostly by members of the media from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and Brunei. In the end, the team of Juliana Jamaludin, William Koong, and Salman Ahmad from Malaysia won 4,000 MYR in cash and a Star Cruises trip from Penang to Phuket and back.

The delegates from the Philippines did well overall. Our team finished seventh by number of points, while the team of Edgar Yap of EAZY Traveler landed at the second runner-up spot and the team of RP Ocampo from Philstar.com at sixth place.

The Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2013 was organized alongside a number of private partners to encourage local and foreign tourists to “fly and drive” for their next journeys across Malaysia, in visiting all the attractive destinations the country has to offer throughout.

Watch out for more Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2013 posts! In the meantime, check out the social media buzz about the event by searching #MTH2013 on both Twitter and Instagram.

Next year will be Visit Malaysia Year 2014 with the theme, “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” Visitors can expect a series of year-long special events and activities. For more updates onVMY 2014, check out tourism.gov.my and like Tara Na Sa Malaysia on Facebook.

When somebody says Kota Kinabalu, the mountain would of course come to mind. I mean, apart from the many other natural wonders of Sabah, hiking or at least seeing Mount Kinabalu has got to be one of the primary must-dos for travelers. Given its iconic status, I was thrilled when I saw in our itinerary that we were driving to Kinabalu Park. Read more…

Following our tour program, we woke up early to prepare. Somewhat sleepless due to excitement, I was able to sleep inside our van, so I was groggy when our guide woke us up for first stop. He said something about toilets, so I assumed that we were stopping there just for a break. I would later find out though why we were in Gerai Pekan Nabalu.

Gerai Pekan Nabalu looks like a typical rest stop, complete with a cafeteria and a number of souvenir shops. But beyond the tourist establishments is a lookout point for Mount Kinabalu. I was suddenly jolted with energy—I felt the same when I first saw some equally iconic spots to me like the Mayon Volcano in Bicol and the Maria Cristina falls in Iligan.

Mount Kinabalu, rising at an elevation of 4095 meters, is the tallest mountain in all of Borneo and Malaysia. The website Peaklist.org names it the 20th most prominent peak in the world due to its characteristic topography. Here’s an amateur panoramic shot of the mountain:

But apart from the stunning views, what makes Mount Kinabalu and the park surrounding it even more noteworthy is the outstanding biodiversity. This is the very reason why the UNESCO inscribed the park into their World Heritage List with the following justification:

Criteria (ix) and (x): The site has a diverse biota and high endemism. The altitudinal and climatic gradient from tropical forest to alpine conditions combine with precipitous topography, diverse geology and frequent climate oscillations to provide conditions ideal for the development of new species. The Park contains high biodiversity with representatives from more than half the families of all flowering plants. The majority of Borneo’s mammals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates (many threatened and vulnerable) occur in the Park.

After our stop  Gerai Pekan Nabalu, we drove past majestic views along the upland roads of Kundasang in Ranau, Sabah. I got lost in the beauty of the scenery and freshness of the breeze that I was surprised we were already at the gate of Kinabalu Park.

Our guide told us that those wishing to climb Mount Kinabalu must arrange their trips preferably six months in advance, as the government only allows a number per day. Sources I read online say that while a hike to the top and back can be done in four hours, typical itineraries are programmed to be overnight with a stopover in Laban Rata. Everyone who is reasonably fit  may do an attempt, as typical climbs need no mountaineering skills.

Since climbing wasn’t in our itinerary, I dressed up for the day in flip-flops and a cotton tank. We still did some hiking though, along the Silau Silau Trail en route to Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden. At least I could say I’ve somewhat been to the mountain.

After the short hike amidst lush greenery, our guide started to show us around. It was a blessing that he knew a lot about plant taxonomy, particularly of orchids (family Orchidaceae), because he was able to tell us which ones were rare, native, and endemic.

Pardon me for forgetting the families, genera, and species of plants he showed us, but he pointed to us a good number of orchids, of which some had the smallest flowers I’ve seen. We likewise saw some pitcher plants that are fascinatingly prey-trapping and carnivorous.

As the Center for Plant Diversity in Southeast Asia, Kinabalu Park, according to Sabah Tourism Board, is home to more than 5,000 vascular plant species, an estimated 1,000 orchid species, 621 fern species, nine Nepenthes species, 29 Rhododendron species and two Rafflesia species. For its faunal diversity, the park hosts 90 lowland mammal species, 22 montane mammal species, 21 bat species, 326 bird species, 62 toad and frog species, and a great number of the 850 butterfly species in Sabah. Lastly, birdwatchers can marvel at 17 endemic species that live exclusively at the mountain, including the red breasted tree-partridge, crimson-headed wood-partridge, and the mountain blackbird.

How to get there: From Kota Kinabalu’s city center, there are public minivans, buses, coaches, and shared taxis headed for Kinabalu Park. Buses headed for Ranau, Sandakan, or Tawau also pass by the park’s gate. For rates and more information, check out www.mountkinabalu.com.

Next year will be Visit Malaysia Year 2014 with the theme, “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” Visitors can expect a series of year-long special events and activities. For more updates onVMY 2014, check out tourism.gov.my and like Tara Na Sa Malaysia on Facebook.

Before Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2013, homestays were something foreign to me. I mean, I’ve heard of it a lot, yet despite the many places I’ve been to in Malaysia, I never really had the chance to experience them. Let’s just say I’m somewhat apprehensive to ‘live’ with people who aren’t family, but a day trip to Homestay Banghuris in Sepang, Selangor as part of our itinerary gave me a good understanding of homestays. Read more…

Those who have been to West Malaysia may recognize Sepang in Selangor for two things: the F1 circuit and the airport. But away from those landmarks, past vast palm plantations after the other, is Banghuris, a conglomeration of the three kampungs (villages) it represents: Bukit Bangkong, Hulu Chuchuh, and Hulu Teris.

The specialization of Homestay Banghuris is its agro-tourism activities, which also happened to be among our challenges for the day. As a team, we had to harvest fruit from an oil palm tree, tap a rubber tree, make a broom out of palm leaves, shave a coconut from its shell, pick coffee cherries from a plantation, and lastly, plant a tree. Those sound fun, right?

The first activity for that day was harvesting a fresh fruit bunch from an oil palm (specifically African oil palm, Elaeis guineensis), which of course, is the source of palm oil for food. As a side note, Malaysia accounts for 39% of the world’s palm oil production and 44% of the world’s exports; hence, oil palm indeed is a prized crop in their country.

The objective of the challenge was to harvest the fresh fruit bunch with a maximum of eight strokes using a hoe. It seemed easy during the demo, but my teammate Kadir, who lived in a kampung in Sarawak, did the task in ten strokes, getting us eight out of ten points. Some teams were able to do it in fewer strokes, but most didn’t do too well—it was challenging!

Next was to tap latex out of a rubber tree (Hevea brasilensis). After cleaning the grooved portion of the tree, we had to scrape the skin, specifically the epidermis, with a special implement and wait for the latex to come out and flow to the cup. It wasn’t difficult, but it was fascinating to know how latex is harvested. It was my first time to see how it’s done.

Teams then performed simultaneous challenges under time pressure. Kirk made a broom out of a specific number of cut palm leaves, while Wan shaved coconut from its shell using a wooden box with a tool. Kadir and I went to the plantation to pick ripe coffee cherries within the range of 400-600 grams sans any means to weigh our harvest. For the three challenges, our team did well, except that we harvested a little above 600 grams of coffee cherries.

To cap off our visit at Homestay Banghuris, we did some good by planting a tree to commemorate our visit. Right after, our reward was a delicious kampung lunch and a whole lot of traditional singing and dancing.

All the activities we did that day aren’t foreign to us Filipinos, but I love how Malaysian states like Selangor have these organized activities for travelers. I wouldn’t have discovered how oil palm fruit is harvested or how a rubber tree is tapped if it weren’t for our trip, so I recommend Homestay Banghuris as a must-do in Malaysia.

How to get there: Homestay Banghuris in Sepang, Selangor is about 60km away from Kuala Lumpur and 35km away from the airport. It is always best to self-drive, but taxis from KL or the airport can take you there. Best to arrange your visit beforehand. Check out their packages and contact details at www.go2homestay.com/homestay-banghuris.

Next year will be Visit Malaysia Year 2014 with the theme, “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” Visitors can expect a series of year-long special events and activities. For more updates onVMY 2014, check out tourism.gov.my and like Tara Na Sa Malaysia on Facebook.

Most of my trips are hardcore—I would go out early into the morning and return late at night. Before each day, I would charge all my gadgets fully, but given my heavy data usage, I deplete my phone’s battery by midday. My lifesaver nowadays is the long-lasting MOMAX iPower GO External Battery Pack that has since found a place in my bag. Read more…

The MOMAX iPower GO External Battery Pack comes in a palette of six vibrant colors—aqua, magenta, dyke blue, yellow, white, and black. What I have is the one in bright, fun yellow.

According to its official website, it measures 106mm x 78mm x 25mm, but in more practical terms, it’s sized similarly to an external hard drive, maybe only thicker. Sure, it packs in some weight, yet its power capacity explains its heftiness at about 200 grams.

Its key feature is of course its power capacity, which is an impressive 8800mAh. For those who are stumped with that figure, it’s like a battery of a laptop that could power up an efficient notebook for about 6-8 hours or fully charge a smartphone for about 6-7 times.

Given the power it stores, I am able to rapid charge my smartphones and my tablet while I am out. Unlike the power banks I already own though, my MOMAX iPower GO External Battery Pack charges two gadgets at one time with its two USB ports, and it doesn’t deplete even after charging two gadgets—I am able to charge my phone a number of times more. What’s even better is that it smartly shuts itself off when it is not charging anything to conserve power, even when a cable is attached to it.

Charging it is pretty easy. I would easily plug it in using one of the two included microUSB to USB cables to a power block before I sleep and let it be until the following morning. Just like that, it would be fully charged, and I would be able to use it for a number of days again.

In sum, the MOMAX iPower GO External Battery Pack is definitely an essential for travelers who are incessantly on-the-go or just about anyone who is tech-savvy like me. I mean, who would want to miss that opportunity to post a Facebook status, Twitter update, Foursquare check-in, or Instagram selfie simply because of an empty battery?

The MOMAX iPower GO External Battery Pack is available at branches of Digital Walker, Beyond the Box, and Digital Hub in the Philippines for only 2950 PHP.

Despite the number of flights I take annually, I must admit I have never flown business class. Given my financial status, that section in front of the plane is a luxury I still cannot, but hopefully one day would, afford. The closest to business class I have gotten, however, was when we were invited to the launch of the new Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Lounge at the international departures of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. Read more…

Sporting an elegant and contemporary wooden theme coupled with appropriate ambient lighting, the lounge feels warm and inviting—thanks to Warren Foster-Brown of renowned Singapore-based interior design firm FBEYE International. The world-class facility, impressively expanded to 520 square meters, is now at par with other premiere airline lounges in terms of layout, features, and amenities, and it promises that the Mabuhay Class experience up in the sky can be expected on the ground.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed at the renewed reception area that is backdropped by a glass panel with sun rays reminiscent of Philippine Airlines’ primary emblem. Coats and bags can be checked promptly with courteous staff at the desk.

Accommodating as many as 80 passengers at a time, the dining area showcases food collaboratively catered by PAL Catering and San Miguel Purefoods Culinary Center. Apart from the classic arroz caldo (congee) people like Anne Curtis swear by, the selection at the buffet is wider; there are entrees, dim sum baskets, noodles, and pastries, among others.

The in-house library is a silent space replete with boxy armchairs for those who wish to relax, take a nap, or bury themselves into their choice reading material.

The highlight of the new Mabuhay Lounge, however, is the mini-theatre inspired by the airline’s inflight entertainment, Flights of Fancy. Guests can enjoy movies and Mac stations on aircraft-inspired seats and cabin-like interiors on a vintage photographic background.

Lastly, a shower stall has been installed for those who would like to freshen up before a flight, and a private PWD restroom has likewise been allocated.

Invitations to the new Mabuhay Lounge are extended to passengers who are traveling regionally and internationally on Mabuhay Class. The benefit is also offered to members with Elite, Premiere Elite, and Million Miler status on the Mabuhay Miles frequent flier program.

Currently, Philippine Airlines, together with PAL Express, flies from Manila to Abu Dhabi, Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Brisbane, Busan, Darwin, Dubai, Fukuoka, Guam, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, London, Los Angeles, Macau, Melbourne, Nagoya, Osaka, San Francisco, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei, Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver, and Xiamen. It also has upcoming flights to Dammam and Riyadh.

Besides the rapid expansion and improvements in service, the new Mabuhay Lounge is testament to the promising future of the country’s lone full-service carrier. Indeed, the sun is shining for Philippine Airlines, our new home in the sky.

LEGOLAND Malaysia Water Park, the first of its kind in Asia and the biggest one in the world, opened its doors to the public on October 21, 2013. The weekend before though, we traveled all the way to Singapore then Nusajaya, Johor to attend an exclusive media day and get a first glimpse of this exciting new attraction for our Filipino readers. Read more…

Our friends from LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort arranged coach transfers for us from the Singapore Flyer to the park with WTS Tours. The same express service that runs several times daily costs 20 SGD (~680 PHP) round trip and includes a 5 MYR food and beverage voucher. Including immigration clearances via the Tuas 2nd Link, the trip took just an hour.

We arrived at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort and got ourselves immediately sorted out. We then proceeded to the press conference led by their general manager, Mr. Siegfried Boerst. After welcoming us, he told the media that they were operating on full swing come opening day.

Further, he assured everyone that their standards for safety are very high. The entire park follows international protocol when it comes to safety, and their local lifeguards have been trained by qualified professionals. They have also flown in some lifeguards and staff from other LEGOLAND Water Parks to train staff and oversee current operations.

Shortly after, we changed into our swimwear to experience the park. They have lots of lockers family and friends could share for 20 MYR (~270 PHP) or 40 MYR (~540 PHP) a day. We found the separate shower and changing rooms to be clean and spacious, but while hair and body shampoo is provided for, towels and extra toiletries must be brought or purchased.

The first attraction that we noticed happen to be one of the park’s highlights, the Joker Soaker. It allows kids and big kids to aim water canons at each other, and as an added surprise, a giant bucket suddenly pours 350 gallons of water into the wade pool below.

What was enjoyable for me was the Build-A-Raft River. It’s the typical lazy river ride, but what makes it more fun are the large LEGO soft bricks all over the river and the rafts that can be customized with them. Along the way too are LEGO figures and fountains.

For younger kids and families, there’s DUPLO Splash Safari, a fun attraction with toddler-friendly slides and interactive larger-than-life DUPLO creatures, and Imagination Station, where families can build impressive bridges, dams, and cities out DUPLO bricks and test them against water current. There’s also a cool musical water stand!

Any water park isn’t complete without a wave pool. At LEGOLAND Malaysia Water Park, they have the LEGO Wave Pool that’s kid-friendly. It’s shallow for the most part, and its lowest point only goes about five feet deep, so it’s fun for everyone in the family.

We are admittedly big on waterslides, and the park thankfully has quite a number! First ones we tried were those for the big kids. Back-to-back are the most popular Brick Blaster and Splash ‘N’ Swirl. The former takes two or three people on an inflatable sliding and swinging through two tunnels, while the latter takes one or two people swirling round a circular slide.

Those into body slides will like the open Wave Rider and the closed Tidal Tube. Both waterslides rise at 240 meters high, so a ride at any of the two, I must say, is exhilarating!

Those who prefer less of an adrenaline rush will like Red Rush, where up to a group of four can ride an inflatable across a very wide half-pipe waterslide down a wading pool. Beside it, meanwhile, are Splash Out, a row of three unique slides that speed riders into the water area below, and Twin Chasers, side-by-side waterslides that stretch 130 feet long.

But the thrill-seeker in me found a favorite in LEGO Slide Racers. Its five slides, I believe, are the tallest and most exciting. Each of us had to ride a rubber mat headfirst down a closed waterslide followed by a steep half-pipe. I must admit I was frightened a little!

After spending hours at the park, we had a good meal at Beach ‘N’ Brick Grill, a restaurant serving both Asian and Western favorites. Since we’ve eaten lots of hawker food in Singapore the day prior, we opted for a burger, a hotdog, salmon fingers, fries, and onion rings. Another food and beverage outlet at the water park is Brick Bay Café that serves up some light snacks, ice cream, and an array refreshments like shakes and cocktails.

Among the other features of the park are the private cabanas that can be rented for a fee. It features comfortable beach beds and chairs, a fridge for free drinks, complimentary towels, an electronic safe, and a host who assists. Lastly, Brickwater Beachwear is where swimsuits, towels, and exclusive souvenirs can be purchased.

It rained hard in the afternoon, so as a safety precaution, our day had to be cut a little shorter than scheduled. Nonetheless, we had a great first time at LEGOLAND Malaysia Water Park, and we’ve already readied ourselves to have another day of awesome water fun soon!

RELATED POST: How to Go to LEGOLAND Malaysia

Next year will be Visit Malaysia Year 2014 with the theme, “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” Visitors can expect a series of year-long special events and activities. For more updates onVMY 2014, check out tourism.gov.my and like Tara Na Sa Malaysia on Facebook.

Once known for its tin and charcoal, Port Dickson in Negeri Sembilan is now officially an Army Town for the bases it hosts. However, for locals, Port Dickson is more of a weekend holiday destination due to its proximity to Kuala Lumpur and also Seremban. On one leg of Malaysia Tourism Hunt 2013, we explored it for its history, military, and leisure. Read more…

KOTA LUKUT

Kota Lukut (Fort Lukut) holds significance in Malaysian history. For imposing a ten percent levy on tin mines, Rajah Busu and his family were burnt inside their home in Lukut, but his successor by the name of Rajah Jumaat knew better. The Bugis prince from Riau had convicts build him a 34,000 square meter fort surrounded by walls made of red laterite stone. And protecting the fort were Dutch-made cannons, which were advanced at the time.

The museum at Kota Lukut features the history of the fort, as well as the life stories of Rajah Jumaat and his descendants. There, we had to figure out clues pointing to specific artifacts and data to weave the history of Lukut with the heritage of the famous Bugis prince.

MUZIUM TENTERA DARAT

The Muzium Tentera Darat (Army Museum) is managed by the Malaysian Royal Armed Forces. Considered to be one of the best museums in Malaysia, it houses military memorabilia, ranging from uniforms to weapons, in reconstructed settings. On the museum grounds is an impressive collection of decommissioned military vehicles, including tanks, planes, 4x4’s, artillery guns, and even a train. There’s a replica of the communist tunnel, too.

To make our visit to the Muzium Tentera Darat more interactive, our friends from the Malaysian Army gave us two challenges. Each of us had to cross a wooden hanging bridge up a tree and put on face paint in celoreng or camouflage pattern.

GRAND LEXIS PORT DICKSON

After failing to catch any crab from the beach, we all proceeded to our hotel for the night, Grand Lexis Port Dickson. While I was already longing for a bed after the long day we had, I changed my mind when we checked into our impressive and spacious villa because it had a private pool my roommate and I were very eager to try. We did hope to stay and relax in our villa longer, but we had to sadly vacate it early the following morning.

The night before they flagged us off to our next destination, the Lembaga Pelancongan Negeri Sembilan (Negeri Sembilan Tourism Board) hosted a dinner for us at the Grand Lexis. As always, it was a night of good Asian food and traditional dancing.

Because of its proximity, there’s no wonder why people from Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding areas find Port Dickson as an ideal weekend destination. But apart from posh resorts, our brief “holiday” in Port Dickson proved there’s much to see and discover, too.

How to get there: From KL Sentral, there is a KTM Komuter train going to Seremban, which should take more than an hour. There are buses to Seremban from Kuala Lumpur’s Pasar Seni (Central Market), too.From Seremban, meanwhile, there are buses going directly to Lukut for Kota Lukut and to Port Dickson for the Army Museum and resorts like Grand Lexis Port Dickson.

Next year will be Visit Malaysia Year 2014 with the theme, “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia.” Visitors can expect a series of year-long special events and activities. For more updates onVMY 2014, check out tourism.gov.my and like Tara Na Sa Malaysia on Facebook.