Second day in Bangkok: Chatuchak Weekend Market

Since it was my birthday, we decided to spend the day more relaxed and within our pace. Too much walking from the Grand Palace and temple tour was really exhausting. 

It was shopping day for us. It was Saturday. so we went to Chatuchak (Jatujak) Weekend Market.  We left My Hotel around 9am. This time, we learned that Rajchathewi BTS Station is a short walk from our hotel and we no longer need to pass by the railroad. Via Rajchathewi, we travelled until we reached the last station – Mo Chit. While we were nearing Mo Chit Station, we finally saw from the train the infamous Chatuchak Market. Oh boy, we didn’t know that it was really huge as in HUGE. It’s that huge that we even lost Abby and Tata while shopping. It runs from one BTS station to another. Imagine that.

Chatuchak is the world’s largest weekend market. The market is home to more than 15,000 shops and stalls. You name it they have it.

I love shopping!!!

Yes, I bought the dresses.

Going through each of the stall is crazy. There will never be enough time to check all the stores. So I suggest before raiding Chatuchak study the map first. Select which areas you want to go like ladies clothes, bags, shoes, etc. The stalls are grouped according to the products. Here!

Jatujak maps

I bought dresses, shirts, Bangkok souvenirs, and skirts. I even got myself a portrait of a pink beetle car with the Grand Palace and the temples as a background. Really cool and perfect for my new room.

In Chatuchak, we also tasted the best Thai iced tea on our whole stay in Bangkok. If only, we could buy some more.

We agreed to meet at Mo Chit Station around 2pm because the van will pick us up for the Chao Praya dinner cruise at around 5pm. 

Four hours of shopping ain’t enough! 

Tired but happy :) or should I say broke but happy

Beware of Tuktuks in Bangkok

Let me share my tuktuk experience in Bangkok. A tuktuk is an auto rickshaw or three-wheeler tricycle very commonly used as a mode of transportation in Bangkok. Because of its relatively small size, they can enter "soi" or side streets branching from the main road. And more often than not, tuktuks are associated with gem factory scams which what happened to us.

To ride the tuktuk or not

As we were walking towards Wat Pho, a “tourist police” stopped us and informed us that the temple is closed for an hour for prayer time. He suggested that we go to other attractions such as the gem factory. And before we know it, he hailed a tuktuk for us and told him to bring us to the gem factory where his wife just bought jewelry on sale. As soon as we rode the tuktuk I realized right there and then that we fell into a tourist trap. But we really had no choice, we were in the middle of I-don’t-know-where and the rain just started to pour.

The tuktuk driver brought us into a jewelry shop but we didn’t dare to buy anything. It was darn expensive and they don’t accept MasterCard. Maybe the tuktuk driver thought he didn’t get any commission from us so he brought us to another gem factory. And this is where we spent three friggin’ hours.

Being a girl, I wouldn’t deny that I was tempted to buy the ruby ring the sales attendant offered me. She kept on telling me that ruby signifies love. She must have thought that I was with my boyfriend. It looks simple but elegant with small diamonds around it. Plus it fits me perfectly! Well....I didn’t buy because it wasn’t on my budget. I was looking forward to Bangkok clothes and shoes shopping. For a second, I wanted to pull my credit card from my wallet thinking that the ring would my birthday gift to myself. But who am I kidding?! The whole trip minus the shopping is a gift to myself already. When the attendant noticed that I wouldn’t buy it, she tried persuading Erick in a subtle way to buy it for me. Haha but he didn’t buy it. Poor attendant, she didn’t get anything from us.

To avoid an impulsive buy, Erick and I checked the souvenir shop instead which sold all sorts of stuff from ref magnets, soaps, bags, and t-shirts. We waited for the girlfriends as they were having a fancy time fitting all the rings ;) Whew, after almost 2 hours, they emerged from the store all giddy. Abby bought an opal earrings and Tata had a sapphire ring. At least the girlfriends were happy. After three hours, we are finally back on track. But we only have an hour left to visit  Wat Pho. Ayayay.

The whole tuktuk experience was a misadventure for me but my friends were happy with their purchase. If you aren’t really keen on going to gem factories, be wary of tuktuk drivers or poser tourist police telling you that there’s a gem factory blah-blah-blah. Just simply say no and walk away.

First day in Bangkok: Grand Palace and temple tour

We woke up early at 7am, never mind that we tucked in the sheets a little past 2am. I find it easier to wake up early on vacations than on workdays (because I’m hyped). It was a gloomy day outside as we had our buffet breakfast at our hotel. But we were still hoping the sun to shine since we will be mostly on a walking tour to Grand Palace and the temples.

We decided to take the BTS skytrain from Phaya Thai Station which is nearest our hotel via passing by the slums in the railroad (yes you read it right). We walked in the railroad and it felt like we were in Pinas. From Phaya Thai, we changed trains and finally alighted at Saphan Taksin station. From Central (Sathorn - Taksin), we boarded the water taxi going to Tha Chang (Grand Palace) station.

Water taxi route

We exited the boat station and followed the tourist crowd. If you are unsure where to go, simply follow the tourist crowd because most of the time they are going to the same destination as yours. As we entered the main entrance of the Grand Palace the guards checked our bags and our attire. Shorts, minis, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and slippers are improper attire and you will not be permitted to enter unless you put a cover-up. I had no problems whatsoever though I was wearing a low neckline plaid top.

the Grand Invitation

We paid the admission ticket at 250THB which included free admission at the Vimanmek Mansion which was valid for 5 days. As I was about to step in the entrance of the Grand Palace complex, I was apprehended by the lady guard because I wasn’t properly dressed. I had to rent a blouse at the main entrance for cover-up. Oh well…

The Grand Palace is a complex of buildings which served as the official residence of the King of Thailand. The palace was constantly expanded to add new buildings and other structures. By the time we visited, there was a rehabilitation going on.

Grand Palace facade

Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Outside the  temple, cameras not allowed inside

Phra Si Rattana Chedi

Monks in the Grand Palace

Chakri Mahaprasat Hall

One of the subsidiary buildings

In the Galleries

With the statuesque Thai Royal Guard 

It was almost noon when we finished touring the whole Grand Palace complex. Luckily, we found a Thai resto nearby. The food was superb for its price.  After our sumptuous lunch, we dropped at the tourist stand and asked for the direction of Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha).

Something happened on our way to Wat Pho which will be detailed in another blog post. To cut the story short, we were diverted to a gem factory by a tourist police and a tuktuk driver. We spent the whole afternoon in the gem factory and was only able to continue with the tour around 5pm. It was just enough time to see the Reclining Buddha.

We entered the temple and took as much pictures as we can before the temple closes at 6PM.

Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha)

Sadly, we missed Wat Arun (Temple of the Dawn) because it was already dark and the temple was surely closed. Erick and I said that we could just come back probably while the girlfriends do some shopping the next day. But of course, we didn’t come back. The moment we entered the mall, I knew that Wat Arun will have to wait on my next visit to BKK.

We hurriedly walked to the boat station to catch the water taxi going back the Central Station. To our dismay, there were no more trips in the station. We learned that we have to go the next boat station to catch the last trip of the boat taxi. We walked to the station feeling hungry, tired, and wet from the downpour. I wished we could just take a cab from the station to our hotel but the taxi driver would surely rip us off.

It was a respite arriving in our hotel and showering and changing into clean clothes. We didn’t have much energy to eat outside our hotel and explore Pratunam. We settled with hotel food which wasn’t bad after all. It was an early night for all for us because tomorrow was another day and new story to be told.

Touchdown Bangkok

Finally, the time for Bangkok with the girlfriends and the boyfriend has arrived! This was six months in the making.

We landed in Suvarnabhumi Airport (pronounced as Suwanapum) past 1am. Note that Bangkok is an hour behind Manila. Suvarnabhumi is overwhelming, really one of the busiest hubs as travelers come and go. Immigration was swift and within a matter of an hour, we got our luggage, exchanged our peso to baht, and wandered around while waiting for our hotel transfers.

We stayed at My Hotel in Pratunam area – stylish and cozy hotel within the shopping district. The rooms are really clean and comfy with crisp white sheets, LCD flat screen TV, built- in cabinets, and a spotless bathroom. It was home away from home.

*Reliving my Bangkok memories while waiting for the clock to strike 6:00. To be continued...

my greatest fear.

I wanna confess something. This may surprise you.

I am afraid of flying. Yep, you read it right. I get nervous when I fly. I have traveled  a lot and never seem  to run out of trips but I get jitters when I am sitting on the plane and the pilot says “Please fasten your seatbelts as we are experiencing turbulence”. And when I hear the plane engine goes silent, I wonder if it was shut off or it was a standard procedure.

Last weekend, we watched a two-episode documentary, 10 Plane Crashes that Changed Flying. Erick warned me not to watch it because he knew that I’d get more nervous everytime I have to ride a plane. What the heck, I watched anyway and it got me thinking about my experiences when I was a thousand meters above the ground.

As far as I can remember, I used to enjoy riding the plane. I find pleasure in going to the airport, checking in, waiting in long queues, and staying in the lounge for my flight’s departure. So what happened? I don’t exactly know. Maybe I was afraid to fly ever since but just shrugged it off  because most of my flights were smooth.

I can recall my ZestAir flight from Manila to Kalibo. The Manila weather was fair and there were rainshowers in some areas. I prepped myself that I will be riding a small plane –  a 32-seater turboprop. But throughout the flight, we experienced frequent turbulences causing the plane to shake. Our plane was being pulled up and down. I got so nervous that I’m near to screaming. I distracted myself by plucking my eyebrows. Silly of me. So when we finally landed in Kalibo safe and sound, I can just say Hello Bora and bye-bye brows. I’ve overplucked my eyebrows.

Our flight to Batanes came as a surprise and I really didn’t expect that the whole plane ride would be smooth. The fact that it was delayed due to weather conditions was a giveaway for me to know that it’s not gonna be a happy flight. Thanks Seair for making it a memorable flight! One of the best flights ever considering we rode a relatively small plane with 30 or less seats.

Our flight from Cagayan de Oro to Manila was another story. Imagine passing though really dark clouds and a lightning that can struck your plane! Ayayay. But I was a good pretender back then, I just laughed it off as if I was riding a roller coaster.

And my worst flight to date was my Bangkok trip last October 2010. It was my birthday trip with Erick and girl friends Tata and Abby. I hate evening flights because I get bored easily but we had no choice since it was the only flight available from Cebu Pacific. As we entered the plane, we overheard the pilot asking the cabin crew if someone he texted replied to his message about the weather in Manila. We knew that when we left Manila four days ago, there was a typhoon coming.

It was a 3-hr flight adding the 1-hr time difference between BKK and MNL. As we we’re nearing Manila, the flight became really turbulent. Our plane was being pounded causing the plane to jerk. It didn’t help that Erick was sleeping soundly and I didn’t want to wake him up. I just closed my eyes and prayed (hehe). I told myself that this too shall pass.  I don’t know if I was over-reacting or what because one passenger was snoring loudly during the entire time I was afraid for my life..lol. I envied the guy, he had no idea what was going on.  My fear only subsided when the pilot announced that we are descending and will be landing shortly. After a few minutes, the pilot announced as the plane simultaneously ascended that we cannot land just yet. He sounded a bit in a panic. WHAAAAAT? More torture for meee… So we circled up in the sky which seemed endless. This time, I couldn’t hide my fear and I nearly broke to tears. In the end, we were able to land in NAIA 3 safe although it was rough one.

A week after this dreadful experience, I experienced another terrible flight. Erick and I went back to Manila after attending fiesta in my hometown in Legazpi. It was rainy that day and there I was again being paranoid and all. During mid-flight aboard Airphil Express, the pilot announced in the PA system “Manual” as we felt like our plane bumped into a very big cloud. What was “manual” supposed to mean? Manual as in we’re going down or manual as in the plane is not in auto-pilot? Whatever that was, it was another scary moment for me. After passing through the very big cloud, our plane was now flying in a clear blue sky. Whew, what a relief!

When I think of these awful experiences, I wasn’t sure if I can still survive a turbulent flight or I will survive but I would go crazy and wet my pants. Six months after, I was fine during our Bohol trip. Sometimes, I think my fear is caused by my vivid imagination. Blame me I can really imagine things to be horrific if I want to.

If there’s a song that would describe what I feel during a flight. It’d be Jack Johnson’s Go On.

I get nervous when I fly
I'm used to walking with my feet
Turbulence is like a sigh
That I can't help but over think

If Jack Johnson would sing for me throughout the entire plane ride, I would totally forgot I was scared. Or maybe drinking a couple shots of tequila before the flight would help.

How about you? Do you get nervous when you fly?

4.3.2011

A year ago

On our first trip together in San Juan La Union

After 365 days or so, here we are <3

Beaching in Bohol

Happy anniversary my love! Thank you for loving me unconditionally. Despite the uncertainties in this world, I am happy that we remain constantly more in love <3

Because it was a special day for both us, we indulged ourselves by going to The Spa for a relaxing massage. It was very timely since we just ran 10k at the Hyundai race the day before. My aromatherapy massage was very soothing; it pampered my aching muscles. I bet Erick’s Swedish massage was very good as well as he was silent or maybe sleeping during our one-hour massage.

We love seafood so we decided to try Red Crab’s dinner buffet. It was very satisfying as we feasted on chili crabs. Very satisfying… that we suffered from stomach ache after due to overeating =(

Dinner at Red Crab

I got beautiful and sweet-smelling roses from Erick. Thanks my love! especially for the letter. <3

Flowers for the lady love

May we have more travels and adventures together… Bora is next!

Hyundai Run for a Cause

I officially love running!

Last Saturday, Erick and I joined a run sponsored by Hyundai. What’s so unique about this run? It’s free! We didn’t spend a single centavo for the registration fee and we got free race packs – singlet, race bib, timing chip, tote bag.

All set for the run

Since it was free, we weren’t expecting much for this running event. But we were surprised that it was very organized. It was very convenient for all the runners who joined. The event started on time. There were enough baggage counters and the portalets were strategically located. There were marshals all throughout the run (every 1 meter I should say!) and a number of ambulances on stand by and. A free bottled water was given during the race instead of plastic cups which was good. And yeah, there was a even a car show with Hyundai's latest car models.

At Quirino Grandstand

Come y'all runners

Free H2O from Hyundai

Another great thing about this run is the division or runners according to waves (groups). Each wave started with 10 minutes time difference in between. It provided ample space for every runner.

This was my first 10k run and thank you Hyundai for making it a very good one! I finished  the race in 1:24:15 seconds  and Erick was way ahead of me at 01:03:36 seconds.

Runner 04606

10k with Hyundai

Looking forward to the next Hyundai free run!

Where to stay in Bohol

When I was looking for our accommodations in Panglao, I must admit I had a hard time looking for the one just right for us. Being cheapskate that we are, of course budget is always on our top list when deciding where to stay. After browsing the net, reading travel forums, and checking tripadvisor, we opted to stay at Cherry’s @ Home Too Inland Resort.

You won't miss it because of the signage

It’s a family-run hotel with a very commendable service. They have housekeeping services; our room was spotlessly clean every time we arrived from our day tour. They changed the towels everyday and the sheets were replaced twice on our four-day stay. Cherry’s also have free wi-fi and guests can use their computer for free internet. And lastly, they have a mini swimming pool. Talk about value for money..

@ home at Cherry's

Room rates:

Php 1,650 Standard Twin Room
Php 1,350 Standard Room (no window)
Php 2,650 Quadruple Room (4 persons)
Php 3,600 Family Room (6 persons)

Includes complimentary breakfast for 2 persons.

Standard room w/o window 

Clean and spacious bathroom

If Cherry's suits your taste, contact them thru the details below. They immediately responds via email and SMS. 

Cherry's @ Home Too Inland Resort

+63.38.502.4049 (Telephone)
+63.928.992.2209 (Cellphone)
www.cherryshome.com

They also have a sister resort - Cherry’s @Home which is actually their first resort. It offers cheaper rooms. 

Php 1,000/night

Php 300/night/extra person

Breakfast not included.

Panglao offers a variety of accommodations from high-end to budget. We stayed in Alona Beach in Panglao and here are some of the accommodations in Alona that you may want to consider for your trip.

Amarela Resort

+63.38.502.9407-98 (Telephone)

+63.906.588.4145 (Cellphone)

reservations@amarelaresort.com

www.amarelaresort.com

Cozy room at Amarela (photo taken from their website)

Alona Kew Beach Resort

+63.38.502.9042 (Telephone)
Room rates available here

kewbeach@globelines.com.ph

www.alona-kew.com

New hotel building of Alona Kew

Bohol Casa Nino

+63.38.502.4030 (Telephone)
boholcasanino.com

Standard room at Bohol Casa Nino (photo taken from their website)

InnBox Bed & Bath

+63.917.306.0014 (Cellphone)

inbox@yahoo.com

1 night = Php 1,400/night good for 2 persons

3 nights =  Php 1,200/night good for 2 persons

6 nights =  Php 1,000/night good for 2 persons

The Inn Box

Ging Ging Homes

+63.919.597.0925

with wi-fi  =  Php 850

with cable and 2 beds = Php 1,500 with aircondition

I must mention Bohol Bee Farm (BBF) in Dauis. I loved the ambiance of the farm and I wanted to try their organic dishes but due to time constraint I wasn't able to. Maybe on my next Bohol trip, I will stay at BBF.

Bohol Bee Farm

Ms. Vicky Wallace

Dao, Dauis, Panglao Island, Bohol

+63,38.502.2288 (Telephone)

+63.917.304.1491 (Cellphone)

vickywallace@boholbeefarm.com

www.boholbeefarm.com

The Barn Room (photo taken from their website)

Outside the barn room

If you plan to stay in Tagbilaran City, here are a few suggestions.

La Roca Hotel

Graham Ave Tagbilaran City

+63.38.411.3178 (Telephone)

+63.915.3374.002 (Cellphone)

bohollarocahotel@yahoo.com

www.bohollarocahotel.com

Panda Tea Garden Suites

JA Clarin St (in front of NIA)

+63.38.501.8773 (Telephone)

+63.923.708.4293, 917.631.9658, 918.935.9178 (Cellphone)

boholpandasuites@yahoo.com

www.boholpandasuites.com

Room types at Panda Tea Garden Suites (taken from their site)

Bohol Tropics Resort

Graham Ave, Tagbilaran City

+63.38.411.3510-14

boholtropics@boholtropics.com

www.boholtropics.com

Villa  del Sol

VP Inting Ave, Mansasa Seaside, Tagbilaran City

+63.38.325.6760, 411.5581 (Telephone)

Manila Booking Office: 1451 La Paz St, Paco Manila

+63.2.563.6861

www.villadelsolbohol.com

Standard room at Villa del Sol (taken from their website)

Kode Inn

57 Graham Ave, Tagbilaran City

+63.38.235.7251, 501.8029 (Telephone)

kodeinn@yahoo.com

www.kodeinn.com

Twin room at Kode Inn (taken from their website)

Plenty of choices huh? Every traveler will never run out of options of where to stay in Bohol. On my next trip, I'm eyeing to stay in Amarela Resort or Bohol Bee Farm. How about you? Any recommendations?

Day 3: Beaching in Bohol

Our last day in Bohol was time well-spent for beach bumming. Yay! We were hoping for a good weather that day because the past few days were cloudy. 

First thing in our agenda is dolphin watching in Pamilacan Island. We started a bit late because our boatman arrived a little past 6am. Chances to see dolphins are higher after sunrise. When we arrived in the site, there were around 20 boats circling in the water and all waiting for the sight of dolphins. We waited about 20 minutes or so before we spotted a group of dolphins in the water. The feeling was ecstatic =) I’ve seen dolphin shows but witnessing the dolphins actually very near us was a different experience. Of course, they didn't jump high off the water like in the dolphin shows but they were very playful.They know that the boats were chasing them and they would let the boats run after them. 

photo taken from bohol.ph

After that, we headed to nearby Balicasag Island. Balicasag Island is a marine sanctuary of healthy corals where abundant fishes thrive. We rented a small boat (Php400 for2/pax) to bring us to the marine sanctuary. We had to rent aqua shoes so the corals won’t hurt our feet. The water was just waist deep because it was low tide but the boatman can also bring you to the deeper part of the sea. It was  a great underwater experience for me. There were lots of fishes of different colors and sizes. To be honest, I don’t know how to swim but snorkeling and seeing the fishes motivated me to keep afloat and feed them. Because I don't have decent camera, I have to grab this!

photo taken from TripAdvisor

Then, we’re off to another island destination, Virgin Island. As we we’re nearing the island, we saw a crescent shape sand bar. Upon seeing it, I immediately thought of White Island in Camiguin. 

 

sandbar at Virgin Island

We we’re the only ones in the sandbar which was perfect. Erick and I had a great time chilling out in the island. We could have brought ice cold beer!

chillin' at Virgin Island

when i say jump, you say how high?

We boarded our banca once more and then docked at the main Virgin Island and explored the other sides of the island. I noticed that there are litters on the island. I saw one food wrapper and picked it up. I hope tourists visiting the island should be more conscientious about leaving their garbage behind. After all, we are just visitors and we have no right to leave our trash. So please...

After finishing with our island hopping, we went back to Alona and had a quick lunch. 

Then we’re off to Bohol Beach Club (BBC) for more beach time! Day tour tickets cost Php500 of which Php350 is consumable..just enough to cover our meals for lunch or dinner.

What I like most with BBC is the long stretch of beach unlike in Alona where the establishments are just a few meters away from the beach. Let the pictures speak for themselves..

view from my beach bed

hunk by the beach. hehe

beach bunny

We love the sunset! Compared to other beaches where the sun sets in the sea, in Panglao the sun sets at the back of the island. It was a very beautiful dusk.

sunset in Bohol Beach Club

amber is the color of my energy

One of the greatest beach experience..Bohol, we will be back soon!