Kuala Lumpur 2016 . Day 2 (Last Day in KL)

December 23 2016 

we passed by Petronas while we are on our way to KL Sentral via Grab

Last day are usually bittersweet. The fact that I don't want the vacation to end but also you want to spend the holiday season with family back home and of course back to reality. 

We checked out 1 hour early because we still want to roam around because if we went out then head back to the condo we will not make it on time of checking out by 12 noon. We booked a Grab and we head back to KL Sentral since Nikka and Ate Maya have their bus trip back to SG scheduled at 2pm and we have our flight by 6pm. 

group picture before we separate ways again ... 

Ryan has been craving for ice cream when we arrived at KL but we haven't got the chance to eat until this moment and it was my first time to try BR!!! So yummy!

We separated at the mall in KL Sentral because I still want to go back in KLCC because I was planning to buy shoes. We once again rented a locker and went back to KLCC. I bought shoes and we are just in time when we get back at KL Sentral. We arrived there before 3pm and the next train trip to KLIA2 is at 3:20. The ticket from KL Sentral to KLIA2 via KLIA ekspres cost RM55 and you will be straight to KLIA and KLIA2. 

I love that you can get to the airport via one train ride and not to mention KLIA2 is a very nice airport. 

we ate KFC at the airport after checking in our baggage and this is the view outside ... is it such a beautiful open space? I love this ... 

about to go inside the plane...

I love Kuala Lumpur than Singapore. 

Kuala Lumpur makes me feel that I'm obviously out of the country. I love to come back in there than is Singapore to be honest. Don't get me wrong, I like Singapore in a different level but I love Kuala Lumpur much more.

and we're back ... Hello Manila!!! 

photos from me or from friends ... more photos on my Tumblr soon. 

My Photographs: Kuala Lumpur 

Kuala Lumpur 2016. Day 1

December 22 2016 

I believe there are different way to transfer from SG-KL like a train and another bus line but we travelled via KKKL. I was nervous because there are literally bad reviews about it but I dozed off after KL immigration and I don't know what happened. My friends say the driver was a bit reckless but what do I know. Haha. There are USB ports at the middle of the seat but no WiFi. The seat are okay that I was able to sleep the whole trip with a huge leg room that I was still able to put my bag in there. The only downside was they are not saying on where are we like when we arrived at the exit at SG and while at KL immigration and most importantly when we arrived at KL Sentral. My top concern is to arrive safe and sound at KL Sentral and I believe that everything will be okay by then.

The immigration stops are for the first hour we were already done in KL immigration by 1am where I already dozed off. Haha. And for me that's good because we can sleep now for the rest of our trip although they didn't sleep soundly like I did. Haha. 

For SG immigration you just need to present the passport but in KL immigration you need to bring down your baggage for scanning and that's it. Be sure you already have some Malaysian Ringgit before leaving SG because once you're done with KL immigration you should be using Ringgit. Good thing my friend changed his SGD to RM earlier because there's a mini grocery store right outside the immigration and he's the only one who got RM. Haha. 

We arrived at KL sentral at 6am most stores are still closed but thankful for McDonalds where we can stay and eat breakfast but thankful again that Ryan got some RM200 or we will starve. Haha. Because most of the foreign exchange will open by 9am. We were able to eat and watch KL Sentral be alive within hours. 

Nikka was the tour guide for SG and since no one has ever been to KL, I take charge. According to blog and guides for KL, KL sentral is the middle of major transportation transfer so we chose that as a drop off from the bus trip because there are couple of choices as your drop off. 

I planned the whole KL trip but some things changed in the middle of the trip but nevertheless most of it was because of me.

I wanted to try AirBnb and I'm happy that I did and Steven was so nice and his place was too nice that I thought $56 for one night sound pricey but my friends really liked it. 

Our check in is at 1400 and we were already there early in the morning so what I planned is, Batu Caves right after breakfast. Before leaving SG my friends are asking me if there's a dress code for Batu Caves and I can't remember if I read about it somewhere and since I already planned KL, I let them research that information and apparently you can't wear short or anything that's above the knee. 

Ryan was still the only one who got Ringgit and if we are going to wait for the opening of the Money Exchange, it will eat up a lot of time. Just when I decided that we can still survive the trip to Batu Caves with the Ringgit that Ryan is holding. 

We have all of our bags and that's hassle, good thing I searched that there are lockers within the area with different prices mostly depends on how big the locker you will rent. 

train tokens ... I'm amazed by this

yes I wore my docs to climb up Batu Caves. haha

From KL Sentral, the other end of the red line of the train is Batu Caves and it's not hard to spot on and you will be really dropped off just outside Batu Caves. 

Another good decision because when we decided to walked up, there are only few people when we went up and as they're repainting the 3 staircase and 1 was the only access going up and down. Batu Caves is an instant workout and it will gave you instant water falls in your body. Haha. 

When we decided to go down, there are already bunch of people going up and good thing we experienced it with less people when we were at the top. 

There are few stores at the bottom of Batu Caves that we were able to eat and there's also a money exchange booth. After eating we were supposed to go back at the station but we passed by at another cave (Ramayana Cave) that you just need to pay for RM 5 it's super worth it. I never read/knew about it so it was such a surprise to see what was inside. It's just also at the area of Batu Caves.

~~

After we went back to the train and had a trip to KL Sentral then we got our bags and transfer to the Blue line where we will go to our Airbnb that's sitting tight on the middle of the city. 

It was a 5 minutes walk from KLCC station. I rent out a whole condominium for the 5 of us and I'm really happy that they liked the place. We checked in late though since we wanted to eat first. We planned to just walk but our bags are heavy now and we are tired then it also rained so we decided to use Grab. 

When we got to the condominium, it was a relief that we own it all and we can rest for a bit and refresh before going out again for dinner. The shower after bus trip, Batu Caves and walking and carrying bags was so refreshing. I wish there was a bathtub but I think if that happened, I will never ever leave the bathroom. Haha

Ate Maya was supposed to meet her cousin at The Pavilion which was a few blocks away from Soho and we had an early dinner at Johnny Rockets. 

I was a bit lost already on where was KLCC / The Petronas Tower good thing he told us that we can walk on the bridge that led to the KLCC area because we just decided to go to Chinatown even it's already 9pm and I read that it closes by 10pm. We made it and we bought chocolates, ref magnets, key chain, t-shirts aka pasalubong. 

We went back to KLCC station for Petronas then we decided to search for Bukit Bintang. Unfortunately, we weren't able to see where it was after all the walking we did. One more reason to be back. 

It was somehow a disappointing moment but thankful for video call with M to shift my mood and still call it a goodnight.

photos from me or from friends ... more photos on my Tumblr soon.

My Photographs: Kuala Lumpur 

Singapore 2016. Day 3 (Last Day in SG)

December 21 2016

We got tickets already for today since it will be easy to go around knowing what to do and not wasting time on lining up for tickets. 

After USS yesterday, we went back to VivoCity where we can already purchase tickets for today. The lady gave us flyers where there's the list of all attractions. There are package where you can choose 3, 5 or if you want all attractions at a discounted price. We can choose 5 or all but we are on limited time so we chose the 3 attractions one is my request which is the S.E.A. Aquarium and we can still choose 2. I don't know what happened on why we choose Madame Tussauds wax figure maybe because less physical activity coming from a very tiring day at USS and saving energy for the rest of the day. For our third, we are thinking of cable car, Tiger Sky Tower and Skyline Luge . To be honest I wasn't game with the Tiger Sky Tower maybe because I also thought that it will be another extreme ride where you will be dropped from gazillion meters. We end up on that or another that needs physical effort but upon purchasing the seller informed us that the Madame Tussauds and Images of Singapore are already 2 attractions we didn't realized that it's "and" not "or" on the flyer. I let them decide for it because I just really wanted the S.E.A. Aquarium and they have decided the S.E.A. Aquarium, Madame Tussauds and Images of Singapore.

Just like yesterday, we were just in time for the opening that we're able to enjoy it with less people. 

First, Madame Tussauds. Amazing wax figures. Everything was very detailed the face, teeth, height, hair, accessories, clothing as in everything. Although I expect too many figures but I guess that's okay but I'm looking for Taylor Swift or Lady Gaga. We had fun taking selfies with them and I was amazed when I saw Angelina Jolie then I wondered if she also got the tattoos and she have it! Amazing. 

Next, Images of Singapore and we don't know what to expect here. It's also a bit awkward because they really want something else but at the end we were able to enjoy and learn something about Singapore. 

Images of Singapore is a must for every tourist. We enjoyed how the host entertained us and how lively they are on their acting. We learned the things that happened on 1940's onward and at the end you will realize that their current status is because of how everything worked out from those years. 

It didn't stopped me for thinking about my country. They took years to be where they are right now and the Philippines has been independent for a longer period and still we are left behind. Was it stolen from us? Did we just took a chance for granted? Will I still see what years later for this country on my lifetime? I wish but the biggest factor is the discipline of the people. It's hard to discipline people who have better opinions before analyzing what will be the outcome. It was really an eye opener experience and I'm glad we did it. 

Third and last attraction at Sentosa was the S.E.A. Aquarium and the mermaid inside me is so happy to be reunited with all the sea creatures that's in there. 

It made me so speechless that I just want to stare at it all my life. 

Then we went back to VivoCity for late lunch before heading to Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Good thing there's a shuttle service because it's too hot to walk and I'm tired with all the walking. Haha

Flower Dome was a heaven for photographers. I love to shoot flowers and there's a lot. We were amazed that the whole place was air condition and yes it's for the flowers but with such a huge space to air condition is already a wow for me. The only down side was there was no name tag for every flower. I wish that there are so we will know, like me being crazy over blue flowers and I'm not sure if that's forget-me-not or just another blue flower. I was hoping to see more flowers than what we usualy see but there was no poppy and peonies. Or maybe I just didn't pay too much attention but the whole place was worth the visit. 

Cloud Forest just beside Flower Dome and that inside falls, wow. The place is air condition too and being up there on the 7th floor walking down was a bit scary but fun. You should pay a visit because it's super worth it. 

Just like any attraction from other places, its good for one visit then you repeat it years later. Unless, you really have to visit it once again.

We end up like 6pm and we have a choice of going back to Nikka's place or just go straight to Bugis for some pasalubong. I suggest that we go to Bugis so our bags will be packed before leaving for KL by midnight than being at Bugis early for our midnight trip with all our bags and buying pasalubong, that will be too hassle. 

~~

Yes, we travelled from SG to KL that night. 

Why KL, when I was checking flight from SG-MNL the tickets was so expensive for the 23rd probably because it's holiday season if it will not be Christmas we probably going home on the 25th. I read somewhere or Gem mentioned that we can transfer to KL and when I checked the KL-MNL trip, it was half the price of SG-MNL that's one reason why we transfer to KL. 

I also made a swear to myself that if I will be out of the country for the first time, I don't want to go to HK or SG because mainstream. I ate it up by going to SG for my first out of the country trip but I'm happy that we were able to do SG-KL because that's purely different from the mainstream people. Haha. Most of them didn't know that we will transfer that all along they knew that we're still in SG for 5 days. Lol

photos from me or from friends ... more photos on my Tumblr soon.

My Photographs: Singapore

Singapore 2016. Day 2

December 20 2016 

Tired with the last minute to-do the day before leaving, the flight and the warm up walk for the whole week that we woke up a little bit late for Universal but then with a very nice train transportation, we are just in time.

Universal Studios Singapore is our planned for Tuesday and we were able to enjoy it because it didn't rain it was super duper hot. It's the first time in my life to feel my sweat dripping all over the place while roaming around and it's not a joke. I didn't experience that when we were in Enchanted Kingdom. Our weather here is still bearable I couldn't take the humidity in there. 

We lined up for most rides from probably 15min to 55min. Yep we payed to lineup. There's like an express line but Nikka said you have to add up S$80 for that ticket. Lining up is not that bad if you have good company. 

We started with Spaghetti Space Chase because we wanted some air conditioning but we we're tricked with the long line inside that's not visible on the outside; Galactica where we probably lined up for 45-55 min and I lost my soul in there but the twist and turn was very smooth unlike the Space Shuttle in EK; The Mummy where Nikka said it wasn't that extreme like Galactica but shitness is real I didn't expect it will be like that; Transformers, where I wanted to scream at Bumblebee. I was just in awe and wanted to own Bumblebee. We ate late lunch then the last was Shrek and we didn't repeat any rides or tried Cyclone because I believe that I already hit the max of my extreme self. Haha. I'm willing to wait for them if they still want to ride some more but we just roam around at the souvenir shops after. 

When we went back to VivoCity after USS, we decided to get tickets already for tomorrow's plan which is S.E.A. Aquarium (this will continue on Day 3). 

We went to Lucky Plaza to eat and exchange money and I tried one of the food that I forgot what it's called but it like Ramen with fried liempo in it and it's so yummy. 

Friendly advice: if we travel to somewhere new, it means we want to try something new and comfort food is a big NO. 

After dinner we went to Gardens by the Bay we were late on trying to go on its bridge but we just enjoyed and walked around. I didn't really appreciate the decorated lights in there because I think it's overlapping each other at some point. 

We once again went home I think that was before midnight since it will be another jam packed for the next day.

photos from me or from friends ... more photos on my Tumblr soon. 

My Photographs: Singapore

Singapore 2016 . Day 1

December 19 2016

Delayed flights are okay as long as it is within the same day rather than losing a day unless it really needs to be cancelled because of bad weather. 

This one week trip was originally planned early 2016 and now it's over. Time to look back and I'll try to remember everything so I will not miss a single thing. 

Supposed to be leaving by 1340 but because of delay we left at almost 1530. It was a smooth flight because it wasn't raining even though there was a typhoon inside PAR. 

Since we will arrive just in time for dinner, I don't want to waste any minute so I told Nikka that when we arrive we can go straight to dinner and maybe go around the city already so time will not be wasted. 

Transportation was mostly the MRT and a handful bus trip and few Grab/Uber. Nikka borrowed some MRT cards from friends and load up before we get there so we save minutes from that. I really think that I asked for the card that I used but then I can't find it so maybe I gave it back. 

When we arrived there are rain showers when we got to Makansutra, it stopped and we were able to walk around Marina Bay and saw the Merlion up close then after it rained again. It was the sign to book a Grab and go to Nikka's place. 

It was a long day but good thing we were able to go around. We planned to go back on daytime but everything is on proper schedule already so if we can squeeze it in we will but we didn't. 

That's what we accomplished for our first night even we got delayed. I'm satisfied with it because that was our original plan.

To be honest, it doesn't feel that we're outside the Philippines it just feel like we were in Makati. Yes maybe if you will shop for high-end brands it's a good place to be and maybe for a little escape. 

photos from me or from friends ... more photos on my Tumblr soon.

My Photographs: Singapore  

Singapore - Kuala Lumpur

This has been my first out of the country trip and it was nerve-wracking. Haha. I mean the planning, budgeting and the fact that I want to visit every tourist spot and new discovery for people to wonder where was it and how was the experience.

Before I post my daily blog from my 5 days trip, I want to post this first since those 5 days post will just include our scheduled here and there and just few side comments. Like on how I did prepare on this very light travel yet I was able to bring bunch of items and on how we able to plan this for months and the budgeting.

And I don't even know where to start. Haha.

So this SG-KL trip was originally planned since January 2016. I purchased the tickets by March 2016 where Cebu Pacific had a sale and our MNL-SG plane ticket cost just Php 2,000. We decided to purchase a one-way ticket first since the SG-MNL for December 23 cost Php 13,000 already and we are very hopeful that it will be discounted if there will be sales but it didn't until late August. I think I do check the price of SG-MNL for that date every week and no it didn't change and I know that because it was Christmas season that's why it's pricey.

One more option is Kuala Lumpur. I think it was Gem who mentioned that and I start to research on how can we get from SG-KL but of course I also have to check the airfare of KL-MNL for December 23 and upon checking it's half the price of SG-MNL. I purchased our return ticket probably August 2016.

If you are following celebrities, bloggers or any person on your timeline that loves to travel Singapore shouldn't be a strange country anymore. Majority of the tourist spot already appeared on your feed but one thing you don't know is the real struggle on how to get from one place to another.

I don't even know how the bloggers can fool us by not sweating much while having their OOTD even the weather is too hot. Nothing against them I just admire them and their efforts because it's no joke.

Major tourist attractions in SG were too common and this deserve to see once in a while. You can go back maybe 5 or 10 years later because they probably don't change much in a year or two. Of course it also depends on your company and to your purpose to be back there.

Visiting SG was a smooth experience since Nikka was already there for almost a year when we get there meaning we can just crash in their place and never think of where to stay. Haha.  (we were able to save up for that too)

She also borrowed and load up some MRT cards for us to use so it will be no hassle on traveling. She also booked us a day trip to USS. Singapore is no hassle because she already fixed most of our trips and we don't need to search on how to get from one point to another. Although if I'll be back there I'll probably be lost. Haha

Kuala Lumpur was different. We don't know anyone and no one has been there. I did the research on that but at some point I fail since I wasn't able to see the Bukit Bintang where the street was full of street foods (reason to go back). Haha. And I know that 1 1/2 day in KL is not enough to explore the whole city.

Anyway, my main goal is to be in Batu Caves, Petronas and Chinatown and there still a lot of things to do in KL. I did the research like reading blogs, getting familiar with their mode of transportation most especially the train. Make sure to read a lot of travel blogs since it will be helpful to know the different opinions of people who have been there already. Take down notes on a little notebook so you will not depend on your gadgets.

I was surprised that I almost travel with two bags but I'm still getting to the light travel mode. Haha. I salute Gem for just having a backpack and a mini sling bag. Speaking of bag, bring a sling bag where all your essential will be kept like passport, handkerchief, phone, etc. It's easier to access whatever you need most especially at the airport and while roaming around.

Budget. I'm not really sure on how much I did spend for the SG-KL trip but for sure I didn't spend more than Php 30,000 and that doesn't include the air fare and the Airbnb. I can spend less for the whole trip but the struggle of buying "pasalubong" is real. Haha. I now understand why some people who visit another country and they don't have something for us who was waiting for "pasalubong" because it's hard. You don't want to miss some people but at the end you still missed a few. And some people will say "Keychain/chocolates/ref magnets again" yes it's too cliché to bring those home but if you can get some deal of 6 Keychains for S$10 that's a steal. Haha. Now I understand it more. So if you want to bring home a lot of "pasalubong" to your huge family and officemate had a budget for that alone because the struggle is real. Haha it's like Christmas season that you don't want to forget one person so make a list! Haha

I also realized that converting will not happen at all times. It will sometimes most especially if you are going to shop or if you will be exchanging currency but when you are going for food/transpo you will never convert as long as you have much money of that country in your hands. Sometimes I think it's cheap because most of it was S$10 or RM6 like seriously just two digits while here it will be three. Haha. Unless you are traveling on a budget or you want to take down every expense then do it for yourself. Haha. I'm not down to that and I will not be able to help you with that. For me, bring as much as you can since it's hard to be short in a foreign country.

Having experience of traveling to Palawan and Romblon for the past years, I really learned to pack light. I just brought bunch of light shirts since I know it will be hot in there and don't afraid to recycle clothes most especially shorts/pants/socks because who cares if you are repeating clothes but be sure it's not as obvious. Haha. Unless you really want to dress up then go, don't be a light traveler. If we will travel for cold countries, I know I will never be able to travel light. Haha.

Air fare are cheap when you don't have check in baggage but we make sure that we do have a check in baggage when going home for (duh) "pasalubong". Haha. So if people had a vacation please don't expect "pasalubong" anymore! Haha. And the hassle of checking in baggage is real too!

I don't know if I make sense in this as an introduction to my day-to-day blog for SG-KL since I'm already lost from that trip. I avoided to write every night or when I have thoughts in mind asap but hopefully there's a little information that you got from me. You can ask me anything regarding with this trip or maybe advice for traveling and I'll try to give the best advice I can.

For most people who leave this country to travel, going back home is sad. Yes, vacations are over and all but we need to get back on our daily lives and for sure you will miss being at the comfort of our own country as well as friends and family. That's why while on traveling mode be sure to indulge every moment and enjoy it. Geez we literally breath in a lot when we get out of the plane. "Manila air" you will miss it too. Haha.

Being a stranger in a foreign country is a very nice experience but being lost is a different story. Haha.

We can be jealous of people who have the capability to travel locally or internationally but believe me all you need to do save up and plan that trip. We need it for ourselves and not for anybody else. Life is too short not to explore a new city/country and I'm sure you will fall in love with the idea of traveling.


My Photographs: Singapore / Kuala Lumpur

Book that trip and enjoy. :) 

On Repeat . Say You Won't Let Go

Say You Won't Let Go by James Arthur

I met you in the dark
You lit me up
You made me feel as though
I was enough
We danced the night away
We drank too much
I held your hair back when
You were throwing up

Then you smiled over your shoulder
For a minute I was stone cold sober
I pulled you closer to my chest
And you asked me to stay over
I said, I already told you
I think that you should get some rest

I knew I loved you then
But you'd never know
'Cause I played it cool when I was scared of letting go
I knew I needed you
But I never showed
But I wanna stay with you
Until we're grey and old
Just say you won't let go
Just say you won't let go

I wake you up with some breakfast in bed
I'll bring you coffee
With a kiss on your head
And I'll take the kids to school
Wave them goodbye
And I'll thank my lucky stars for that night

When you looked over your shoulder
For a minute, I forget that I'm older
I wanna dance with you right now, oh
And you look as beautiful as ever
And I swear that every day you'll get better
You make me feel this way somehow

I'm so in love with you
And I hope you know
Darling, your love is more than worth its weight in gold
We've come so far my dear
Look how we've grown
And I wanna stay with you
Until we're grey and old
Just say you won't let go
Just say you won't let go

I wanna live with you
Even when we're ghosts
'Cause you were always there for me
When I needed you most

I'm gonna love you 'til
My lungs give out
I promise till death we part
Like in our vows
So I wrote this song for you
Now everybody knows
That it's just you and me
Until we're grey and old
Just say you won't let go
Just say you won't let go

Just say you won't let go
Oh, just say you won't let go