Travel to Taiwan for a change

Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall, Taipei Taiwan

When it comes to Filipinos planning its holiday vacation outside of the country, the countries that would pop out from their minds are Hongkong, Singapore, or South Korea mainly because of its proximity and familiarity to Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Kpop/dramas respectively.  You would rarely hear Taiwan in their travel plans which is something to be frowned upon since Taipei, Taiwan is just 2 hours plane ride away and several airlines are offering cheap airfares going in and out the country.

I had a wonderful chance to book a plane ticket to Taipei, Taiwan due to its very cheap price. I'll be honest as well, I myself had little idea what I am going to see in Formosa ( former name of Taiwan). All I know about this little country lying in the northeast of the Philippines is its close proximity to Batanes and some of its taiwan drama hits here in the country like the Meteor Garden and Hana Kimi which are very popular years ago. Before the k-dramas (korean series) rose to fame and took a huge wave here, it was Barbie Xu as San Chai and F4 group lead by Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Xi that stole the hearts of the million Filipino fans. An incredible feat for the first Asian series that started the new trend in the Philippine television which was previously dominated by Spanish drama series. It is a developed nation and considered as a province of China hence its other name - Taiwan, Republic of China. I know they are both not in good terms as Taiwan want to separate from China but China wont simply allow it due to its several interests in this successful nation.

Cambodia Vietnam for less than P15,000 ALL-IN 5N4D!!!

Here is the breakdown of our expenses in our recent trip to amazing Indochina countries - Cambodia and Vietnam!

You will never go wrong if you decided to book a ticket now and travel to these amazing countries as both are relatively cheap and are highly regarded as backpackers heaven. Your $20 will go a long way really, such as in a day, accommodations, food, and attractions are both cheap, decent, and clean. You can have a cheap accommodation for as low as $10 per room with clean and decent service. This  is one of the obvious things I observed in our south east Asian neighbors. They offered very cheap rooms with good quality standards compare to our country maybe due to their inexpensive electric charges, since electric bills eat a lot of portion in operating a business in the hospitality industry.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia. A world heritage site.

My siblings and I were very happy and contented to the places we stayed. Like for example, in Golden Temple Villa in Siem Reap, its a 3-star accommodation priced only at $35 a day good for 3 persons but offers a stellar 5-star service which I can personally vouch based on our experiences. It includes already breakfast, fresh cold water drink upon arrival, arrival welcome drink of fresh ice lemon tea, half hour authentic Khmer massage, unlimited Khmer coffee, lipton tea, and bananas available at the hotel restaurant, and a traditional Khmer Apsara dance viewing at night in their sister hotel Temple Club! Unbelievable bargain right? Too bad, we weren't able to avail all of these like the massage and the cultural dance since of our very tight schedule.

Ho Chi Minh Statue, Vietnam

They had a very kind gesture on us when on our first day, they have to move us to another room due to aircon malfunction. It was actually no big deal for us, but to our surprise, when we got back from our tour, they offered us a fresh fruit salad placed in a big plate. It includes banana, mango, and dragon fruit. For us, it was really a touching apologies on their part and speaks so much about the character of the people behind the hotel. My brother couldn't believe it for all the perks we got from this hotel and was skeptical and thought something fishy at first due to its cheap price. But all of his doubts were replaced by gratitude when we witnessed their authenticity and good intentions to all of their guests.

Below is the breakdown of the expenses incurred for the whole duration of our trip all-in! As you can see, you don't have to break your bank just to follow your travel urges and explore this scenic places. One just have the courage and discipline to stick to the plan and everything will go smoothly! 

Tips for everyone, book in advance for both airline fare and hotel accommodation to find the most attractive deal online so that you will have spare cash for souvenirs and shopping.

Truly we really enjoyed our experiences we had to these amazing countries and am looking forward to go back very soon! :)

Exploring present Saigon - Ho Chi Minh

We just came from Choeng Euk and headed back to our hotel. We had our lunch to a nearby restaurant and prepared to pack up our things for our next destination - Vietnam.

Vietnam's bustling largest city sets the cultural and economic pace for the country. The former Saigon boasts charming French colonial architecture and wide boulevards, usually thronged and choked with traffic. Taxis are an option for seeing the sprawling city.

 

This will be our first time to travel cross countries by land and were very excited what was it gonna be like.

We bought our tickets from a ticketing office in pnom penh and based on our research and various suggestions from the web, we opted to ride Mekong Bus due to its reputation and service for tourists and business travelers.

American airplanes lining up in War Remnant Museum.

The first stop in our tour is The War Remnant Museum. Here, your guide  will tell the story of the city's darkest and most tragic hours during the Vietnam War. The museum contains displays of military craft, weaponry and many photographs - some that are quite graphic in nature and I notice pictures are somewhat anti american. I wonder what american tourists would feel seeing it though. Lol

Frequently Asked Questions 104: Chinese Tourist Visa for Filipinos

1. Do I need a visa to go to China?

Yes, generally Filipinos are required to have a visa when visiting China.

2. What are the basic requirements?

For Filipino Employees, here are the requirements below.

1. Application Form
2. 1 piece of Passport size colored picture
3. Original Passport (should be valid for more than 6 months)
4. Photocopy of Passport Bio-page (page 2) and emergency contact page (last page)
5. Travel itinerary and reservation of round-trip airline ticket and hotel, or invitation letters from China.

3. What are the other documents needed?

For first time Chinese Visa applicant, information about your finances and employment or studies is required.

You can submit any of the following:

• Certificate of Employment ( must include details about your salary and the length of your employment)
• Personal Bank Certificate and official receipt of the payment from the bank and Bank statements for 6 months period
• Photocopy of ITR (Income Tax Return) or Form 2316

To increase your chance of approval, you may submit all the above requirements mentioned.

Phuket under P15,000 budget.

Who says travelling is only for rich and able? Travel is for everyone and every person with a sound mind are free to do so. You can enjoy an adventure without having to break your bank.

Tourists enjoy kayaking in Phang Nga Bay National Park

Phuket, Thailand is a fine place to begin your travel journey, with pristine fine beaches, picturesque karst limestone formations, delicious foods, awesome adventure activities and affordable packages - everyone will surely have a wide options to spend your hard earned money.

Here is the actual cost I spent when I went to Phuket last November 2014.

As you can see, you don't need to spend huge sum of amount just to satisfy and enjoy your dream vacation. You just need to prioritize the essentials like tours and foods. Accommodations need not to be luxurious and lavish, having to stay in a 5 star hotel for about less than 10 hours is definitely takes a huge portion of your budget unless, your pure intention is to stay in the hotel and make use of their amenities.

Travel as much as you can. Boats like this are an interesting find when you travel. 

Always plan ahead and budget. It will save you hefty amount and can give you a dynamic perspective necessary in optimizing all available options when you travel. To know more about my adventure in Phuket, please click here.

So get ready your passport and start your adventure now! :-)

Amazing Phuket, Thailand

It was November 2013 when I embarked in a journey that forever changes my view about travel. Little did I know that this will open to various opportunities for me to see beautiful places, meet wonderful locals, strangers-turned-friends, and worthwhile experiences that will hone my attitudes and characteristics as an individual.

James Bond Island

Promotional seat sales offered by major airlines are a huge factor that invites us commoners to book a ticket and discover new places. So when Air Asia announced the sale promo flights from Manila to Phuket, Thailand, I did not hesitate and booked as soon as I can before the seat lasts.

 I love beaches and when it comes to beaches, I have high standard requirements, like it should have a huge expanse of sugary white sand surrounded by shades of palm trees, and can accommodate plenty of activities that a slouch like me would love ^^, and by the looks of it, Phuket ticks all the list.

My First International Travel - Phuket, Thailand

Most of us loves to travel and definitely one of our dreams that we want to experience in our lifetime is to travel the world.

The infamous Patong beach in Phuket. 

But let's be honest, the biggest factor that is keeping us from realizing that dream is the means to do so. Yeah, you heard it right, as much as I don't want to tackle this dreaded subject, I can't help but mention the most sought after material thing in the world and that is money. We all need money and who doesn't right? And that is the truth.

Karst limestone formations in Maya Bay, Phi phi Island. This is where Leonardo di Caprio's "The Beach" movie was shot.

I am just a regular employee in a multinational company in Makati who is just starting his two year career in finance industry. My perspective in travel has changed dramatically when I received an email notification from Tiger Air Philippines back then (currently subsidiary of Cebu Pac) about promotional air fares. They were launching a new route from Manila to Phuket direct flights for only P500 all-in one way or for a meager P1,000 roundtrip. What a bargain right?

Phi Phi Islands are dotted with these kind of view.

Koh Phi phi Don, the main island in Phi phi.

Without a second thought, I followed my impulses and booked the flight that started all my passion for travel.