Friday, October 26, 2012

Top 7 Natural Beauties around the World

Whether your idea of natural beauty is untouched coral reefs, spectacular active volcanoes or the tallest mountain in the world, you are sure to fall in love with these breathtaking destinations. Start planning your next sightseeing adventure with inspiration from these amazing countries.

Taal Volcano (photo taken from http://www.25travels.com)


Great Barrier Reef, Australia

The world’s largest coral reef, the Great Barrier Reef is situated off the coastline of North Queensland. Home to colourful coral islands and pristine beach getaways, the Great Barrier Reef is a symbol of the marine world at its finest. This ecologically significant region is home to thousands of different marine species, providing a natural habitat for visitors to explore, through scuba diving and snorkelling.


Iguazu Falls, Brazil

Located on the border of Brazil and Argentina, the Iguazu Falls are, without a doubt, the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Plummeting from great heights, during the afternoon, the water of the falls creates a spectacular kaleidoscope of colours in the sky. 


The Himalayas, China & Nepal

The Himalayas are home to the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, with its astonishing peak reaching 8, 848 metres above sea level. Many travellers climb to the region for the sole purpose of tackling this infamous mountain climb. Treacherous conditions mean that much training is involved before starting the trek. Mount Everest is one of the most photographed attractions, throughout the world, with the Himalayan mountain ranges providing the most picturesque backdrop.


Taal Volcano, Philippines

Located just 50 kilometres off the coast of Manila, on the island of Luzon, the Taal Volcano is the smallest active volcano in the country. While it may be the smallest, the Taal Volcano does not lack anything in beauty, with its unique surrounds of glistening lakes. A magnificent blue lake sits inside the innermost crater of the volcano, providing a truly stunning view. If you’d like to visit the breathtaking site of the Taal Volcano, Manila airfares are reasonably priced from most destinations around the world, while discounts for tours can often be received, when purchasing holiday packages.


Grand Canyon, USA

Situated in Arizona, the Grand Canyon was carved by the constant flow of the Colorado River and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. Tourists can explore the Grand Canyon National Park in a number of ways, from hiking and driven tours to donkeys and even bungee jumping.


Canadian Rockies, Canada

This majestic mountain range is situated in Western Canada and is most commonly known as a playground for skiers and adventure enthusiasts. The snow-capped mountains, against the clear clue North American sky, create a truly spectacular sight.


Giant’s Causeway, Ireland

Undoubtedly the most beautiful display of Mother Nature in Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway was created more than 60 million years ago, by various volcanic eruptions. The basalt columns, created by the flow of lava, form spectacular ocean views, while the surrounding cliffs provide the finishing touches.

Whether you dream of discovering the breathtaking sights of the Taal Volcano or can see yourself climbing Mount Everest, be sure to add these beautifully natural destinations to your travel bucket list.



Pin It


Tuesday, October 16, 2012

A side trip to Dimanglet Island, Coron, Palawan

One disadvantage of travelling on a pre-arranged tour is that you can't simply back out. During my recent trip to Coron, we had a  terrible storm. The coast guard warned the local boats not to go out in the open sea,  my first two days wasn't so affected, but on the 3rd day during my Las Islas Tribal Tour, the waves are just so strong.

After my Boracay near death experience and me travelling alone, it wasn't fun at all, its like dejavu all over again. But risks are part of life. Scary, but beyond the fear is the real definition of life, of enjoying things that you hold close to your heart and for me that is exploring nature and seeing new places.  


We are supposed to go to CYC Island but instead of putting our lives in danger we decided to wait for a good weather at Dimanglet Island. A blessing in disguise because I've already been to CYC Island the day before. Yey!


Welcome to Dimanglet Island, this is the second part of our Las Islas Tribal Tour after a visit to Barangay Lajala , a cultural village  of the Tagbanuas. It is just a small island in Coron, which reminds me so much of "Cast Away" movie by Tom Hanks, far away from civilisation, a perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature at its best.



And best of all, is a time spent with new friends. For this trip since I'm  solo, the tour company let me join a group of 4, I call them "kids" because they are so young!  I envy them that at their age, they are able to travel and see so many places as a group. I never had that privilege when I was their age, I wasn't so financially independent yet by then.


exploring the small island
and special lunch.. its kamayan time!

Then off we go... goodbye Dimanglet! Hope to visit you again someday soon. Thank you for the memories.. 




Pin It


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Singapore Skyline at Night

So you are spending a night at one of the most expensive cities in the world like Singapore and you realized, you are running out of cash! Hmmmm so what's the best way to enjoy the night without spending much? Are you just going sleep in your hotel room until its time to leave? Nah, such a waste of time, get your camera, go out and enjoy a good walk and snap some night scenes! It's free and enjoyable!

After our dinner one night  during my latest trip to SG, we walked around the best place to snap some best shots of Singapore skyline at night.  Start walking from Esplanade to the side of Fullerton Hotel and The Merlion Park. Along the way you will enjoy the best and well photographed icons of Singapore.

Check some of my shots:

The Merlion and Marina Bay Sands
A portion of Singapore's Central Business Center
on the other side is Esplanade
The Merlion
Singapore Flyer on the left and Marina Bay Sands on the right
amazing display of lights at Marina Bay Sands
I used a borrowed camera for these shots, just handheld. Which is a bit frustrating because I cannot use the manual settings, I did not have time to read the user manual. I am pretty sure my shots would be better with my old bridge camera, and I will be shooting in raw with long exposure settings and with the help of my reliable tripod . Oh my camera, how I am missing you! Hope to get a replacement soon!

Here's me enjoying the night:


And to make things better? A romantic walk with your special someone!


So next time you have a free night in Singapore, enjoy snapping some photos here. Remember, walking is good for your health, and for your budget, you'll get the best view of  Singapore's icons for FREE! 


Check also my post about my personalized walking tour of Singapore's Downtown Core.




Pin It


Online casinos rival the world’s most spectacular gaming destinations

Gaming destinations can be found in some of the most spectacular settings around the world, but with the arrival of online casinos these destinations have been sidelined by the ever growing internet industry. Part of the attraction of sites like http://www.jackpotcitycasino.com  is their instant and easy accessibility and the fact that in today’s tougher economic climate players do not have to leave the comfort of their own homes. To me, this is an attractive option, but there is nothing that beats the experience of visiting a spectacular, internationally renowned casino like the Venetian in Macau, Le Grande Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco or the Bellagio on the Las Vegas strip. Long term this is not a feasible option as plane tickets are not cheap, so as an alternative players flock to top online casinos and experience casino style entertainment that is freely available 24/7.

In America the Las Vegas strip is over 4 miles long and home to massive casinos and resorts that are all worth a visit, and in Asia, the region of Macau covers 28.6kms,boasting more casino games than even Vegas itself. However, neither of these spectacular gaming destinations can rival the sheer amount of games available on the internet, as online casinos are not limited to floor space and can host as many games as they desire . This adds to their attraction and as well as being affordable and convenient it means there is a game for everyone.

Online casinos cannot rival scenery, location and the spectacular gaming destinations that are home to some of the world’s greatest casinos, but they certainly do hold their own attractions and have considerably affected the gaming tourism sector. Previously people had no other alternative other than to travel to a destination to game, however now they can simply turn on their PC or mobile phone. This has dented the gambling tourism industry and forced locations to either offer discounted rates and special deals or to shift their focus to other attractions on offer by the destination.

Online casinos will never replace the thrill of visiting a new country or gaming in one of the world most renowned venues, but they have succeeded in offering an alternative that has become incredibly popular and continues to draw people away from visiting gaming locations purely just to gamble.



Pin It


Sunday, October 7, 2012

Exploring Coron, Palawan beyond the norm

Everywhere you go, there will always be one place that will touch your heart. For my recent trip to Coron, Barangay Lajala is on the top of my list.  There is something about spending time with locals and knowing their way of living that fascinates me, it is more personal, more authentic way of knowing and exploring one place than just coming and visiting their tourist infested places.



And much more than that is the realization that no matter how small a place is, there will always be something to be awed about. Check these fishermen doing their daily routine. Picturesque right? Could be  a perfect shot, but it is more than that, it speaks of a simple life. Of life's beauty in Coron beyond those famous areas that thousands of tourist explores everyday.


Barangay Lajala is located at Uson Island in Coron, Palawan. I have 5 days to tour Coron and I was studying places to see, I got curious to try their "Las Islas Tribal Eco Tour", when I read the itinerary I just knew I have to have this tour! And I was not sorry I did. It is just around 20 to 30 minutes boat ride from the main town of Coron.

Let me tour you to Barangay Lajala:


the local houses:

Here's our group hanging out with the local kids:


right picture below is the only chapel they have:



with new found friends I met on the tour, picture taking time before leaving this awesome place..

Hoping that I have made you re-consider including trips like this to your next itinerary.

Let me share just 3 simple tips in exploring Coron. 

3 simple tips in visiting Coron:
1) Read and research about Coron and jot down those places you want to see and explore
2) Check what local tour group offers, you don't have to avail of their service but if you are on a tight budget, join the tours unless you want to rent a boat on your own which is quite costly
3) Everyday you join a tour means joining a different group, for a solo traveler like me, that means spending time with different people everyday. So be friendly! The joy of traveling lies in meeting different people and winning friends over.  Life is better with more friends. You'll never know how these people would leave marks on your life. Goodluck and happy traveling!




Pin It


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Miniland at Legoland Malaysia, Model up close: Angkor Wat of Cambodia

As a part of my Legoland, Malaysia series, let me share their Miniland version of Angkor Wat, Cambodia.  Angkor Wat is the best attraction of Cambodia and one of the most finest monuments in the world. I have visited Angkor Archaeological Site a few years back and the temples are really breathtaking, there is always something to be amazed about ancient temples and its rich history. 


The compound of Angkor Wat is so huge that you need to be on air just to get a bird's eye view, so thanks to Legoland, Malaysia for giving us an idea! So this is how Angkor Wat looks like as a whole.



Complete with  people (locals and tourists) walking around the temple, kudos to Legoland! Another thing you must-see in Miniland.



What's the best way to explore Angkor Wat? Of course their famous elephant ride! Check out these tourists enjoying their elephant ride to tour Cambodia's famous Angkor Wat. Amazing art right?



For other Asian tourism icons showcased in Legoland's Miniland, please check this link under "Malaysia - Legoland Theme Park- Johor".

Watch out for more of my Legoland Series! Till next time!





Pin It