Circumnavigating Siquijor Island, Philippines on a Motorbike

9:30:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 27 Comments

STORY: I'm still in Siquijor and having a grand time! The next day, i texted the same moto-driver that brought me to Villa Marmarine. I booked him for an island tour, riding his cool "habal-habal" / motorbike. We ripped Siquijor's awesome highways, passing through all of the province's six towns, stopping at each town to wander around. The view of the coastline is mind blowing. This is definitely the best way to travel around Siquijor.

I left Villa Marmarine Resort around 9AM and started my journey circumnavigating the island. Although Dagman, even went out of his way to go to my room and personally invite me to join him and the rest of the guests riding a 4 x 4 for the island tour, I still went on my own. I politely said no as i prefer to tour the island riding a motorbike. I have already envisioned how my journey would be. Siquijor is a small island, just like Guimaras, and just like Marinduque. The reason why i am fascinated about Siquijor is because it's compact, laid-back, and you can just relax and live Life! During my trip, i got to observe the people, and discover the charm of each town. This lead me to discover the REAL Siquijor.

My perception of the island's mysticism and supernatural phenomenon has already faded. After refueling and buying refreshments, we started cruising. The road was good, and the scenes were just amazing.

San Juan, Siquijor

I actually wanted to check out the beaches of San Juan as i have heard good reviews about them. As soon as i arrived, i found myself and my driver/guide to be the only people anywhere within a hundred meters, except for three old sea gypsies. My driver asked me if i know what the sea gypsies were doing. Of course, i had no clue. Apparently, they were taking out the white sticky substance out of the sea urchins called Salawaki/Tuyombeing ,and putting them in an old bottle of Tanduay. It's a native delicacy and is being sold in the market, and also exported to Negros Island.

My guide wanted me to try it, suddenly, all the messages of not taking anything from stranger started popping in my head. But then again, how will i know if i don't try it out? So i did taste this delicacy, and it was actually really good, even though it's raw. Just like "kilawin". I was craving for it after a few days but couldn't find one in the port.

I wanted to take a photo of the three sea gypsies, and the driver suggested that, too. But, i felt it wasn't right, and it's just so typical. I've realized a lot of things during the day that i never thought i would. I am starting to shy away from taking photos of local people, unless they give me their permission. Anyway, after checking out the beach, i said my goodbyes to the gypsies. Nothing happened to me and continued on with my journey.

Still in San Juan, we detoured to a famous tourist spot called "Capilay Spring Park", a day tripper's local tambayan, where people would go to cool off from the heat of the day, relax and drink SMB, yet again. Overlooking the spring is the grotto where i stopped by to pray for a safe voyage ahead of me.

Erected a parish on 14 September 1863 with the advocacy of San Agustin, San Juan, formerly called Macapilay, was once part of the Siquijor parish. Redondo (1886, 191) describes the church as in dilapidated condition and made of tabique, the convento likewise of tabique was in better condition. The first parish priest Fray Nicanor Archiniego was responsible for building the church and convento as well as the casa real and the escuela. He opened roads to Siquijor and to Lazi.

Formerly called Tigbawan, Lazi was made a parish, independent of Siquijor on 8 August 1857 with the advocacy of San Isidro Labrador. It had old church of stone and mortar, however, a new church was in the process of being completed and the convento was in poor condition because its wooden members had deteriorated, reports Redondo (1886, 192). By 1884, Lazi had a new church and in 1891 a new convento. Both are attributed to Fray Toribio Sanchez who began working on the convento in 1887 using coral blocks and hardwood. Other constructions initiated by the Recollects were the casa real, escuela, bridges and irrigation system.

Built at the initiative of the Recollect friars, the church belonged to the chaste neoclassical style. The convento has the distinction of being one of the largest built in colonial times. To raise funds for the convento, a public subscription was launched among the parishes and missions of the Recollects. A poster seeking for donations for the Lazi convento is kept in the archives of Xavier University’s Museo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro. The unusual size of this convento, a oversized bahay na bato, with an arcaded first floor, was probably intended as a regional rest house or sanitarium for missionaries in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Erected a parish on 16 October 1880 with the advocacy of Nuestra Señora de Providencia, Maria (formerly Cangmeniac) was once part of the Siquijor parish. Redondo (1886, 192) describes the church as dilapidated and made of tabique with a nipa roof; the convento was even worse made of thatch and wood.

Santa Rita de Cascia (also referred to as Santa Rita de Siquijor)

The image of Santa Rita is displayed wearing all black with an intense look in her eyes, dark skin around her eyes, and morbid expression. She is holding a skull and a cross (which others say used to be held inverted) on her right hand. “She is sometimes called “Black Magic Mary” on the place where the statue was, in a place where there are many abandoned churches and undiscovered caves that some others say have become the realm of bad spirits, and that island is called Siquijor. She holds a skull that, according to legend, belonged to a woman’s husband whom she killed for reasons nobody in the island seems to know. She also holds an inverted cross. The statue, according to local myth, sometimes walks in the evening, and then returns to the church before sunrise. The local church goers say that they see that she still has dirt on her feet from her walk during the night.”

Santa Rita de Cascia was born in Roccaporena, Italy in 1381. She spent 18 years of her life living with a defiant husband who was later on killed in a vendetta. Within that year, her two sons died. Rita became a nun and received the wound of Christ on her forehead in 1441, as though she had been wearing a crown of thorns. Santa Rita de Cascia is known as the patroness of impossible causes, battered wife, difficult marriages, sickness, widows, wounds.

I went to different churches in different towns in Siquijor. I usually stop for an hour or two in every town to catch my breath, and relax my butt from the ride. It's good to discover that religion and faith still plays a major role in the lives of the people here. I hear masses are still heard at the break of dawn and at just before dusk. But the rest of the day, no one's there. So, i pretty much enjoyed silence and sanctity of these century-old churches.

Lazi, Siquijor

People say that once you're in Siquijor, you'll feel the chills and goosebumps. It's not true. Now, I'm really trying find out how the myth started. Continuing on, i started passing by quiet highways and again, no people in sight. It's mysterious, and the quietness is a little deafening. I am headed for Siquijor's most popular natural attraction, 2 kilometers outside Lazi.

I went to Siquijor's best attraction, Cambugahay Falls and swam under the heat of the sun. It was surprisingly warm, and even though its advertisement is topnotch, i found myself swimming alone there. Then, a few Turkish tourists came to take a dip. Funny thing is, as soon as i hike up to the highway, many vendors were selling cold drinks. You got to make some money, and i commend them for the brilliant idea of selling Powerade and bottled water. What impeccable timing, eh?

Located along the main highway of Lazi is the biggest Balete Tree in Siquijor. I paid a visit, and saw a couple of locals who just finished swimming in its man made water lagoon. There were little fish in it, and donation is advised to preserve the attraction. When i arrived, Fra Lippo Lippi's Later was blasting so any fear of the unknown is scrapped.

Maria, Siquijor

After that shortstop, i managed my way to ride the motorbike again and continued heading for the town of Maria which is just amazing, passing by virgin forest, and other untouched wonders such as lagoons and cliffs. If there's a town that interests me the most, it's this town. I've heard of amazing coves, and virgin forest that is inhabited, so that i am particularly interested in.

It was nearing lunch time, and i initially made arrangements to meet up with the rest of the guests of Villa Marmarine in Salagdoong Beach Resort to have lunch. The road to the resort was a long ride passing by huge trees so the ride was a bit breezy. You have to pay minimal fee to get inside, and for the motorbike.

Supposedly, the best beach spot in Siquijor is Salagdoong beach. True, it's clear of twigs, sea urchins, and other natural distraction. But it's also very populated, and highly overrated. There were just so many people there, and the owners (local government) even managed to construct a slide like that of a theme park. Imagine my reaction. I saw the rest of the Villa Marmarine peeps as soon me and my driver/guide finished off a big bowl of shrimp soup and buttered chicken. We drank a big bottle of SMB by the beach, and talked about how locals live their lives here, the real deal. After about an hour, i told my driver/guide Erwin, it's time to go and find a spot where there's not a lot of people.

Enrique Villanueva, Siquijor

After hours of seeing the coast, it's nice to view rice paddies and greenery. The areas between the towns of Maria and Enrique Villanueva offer great scenery. Although i didn't see any farmer, they must be having their siesta, I was told that siesta is big here, and in these towns, people actually go back home from work to sleep.

The road from Maria to Enrique Villanueva was different. It felt dark, gloomy and bit tantric, i must say. There was not much to see, not even a single soul in sight. The sea was rougher this side of the island, and there were no sands, but mangroves and weird rock formations and trees.I heard that one of the reasons why the town is also the poorest is because there's not much to see here. But the pride of this town is the Tulapos Marine Sanctuary. The oldest house supposedly has already lost its spot because the roofs were re-made recently. Me and my guide started laughing, just because what should the owners do: Let it be, and suffer the rain eh or rebuild it?

Larena, Siquijor

I told my guide, i had a hard time finding Marlboro lights around Siquijor. He said we should have quick stop-over in Larena, another popular town just before Siquijor. You see, for the past days, i have been smoking Fortune tobacco and it's the most popular here. Anyway, i was able to buy one in the "bayan", and gave my pack to my driver/guide.

We then started heading to the town gym. Oh, there's a basketball match when we arrived. We stopped by for a few minutes and started watching the game. It's a local SK tournament between two barangays. I noticed that although the province is blessed with its rich heritage and natural wonders, it's still a poor province. I noticed the players wore sneakers with broken rubber soles. I felt said, and humbled. These kids have a bright future ahead of them. Who knows, they could be basketball superstars someday. I just hoped i knew how to help them. It pains me to know the condition of our fellowmen in Siquijor. I really do.

After a while, I was smoking when someone approached me to borrow a light from my stick. I was thinking, what if this is it? The curse? Hell no! My driver also threw the butt in a garbage bin under the tree, same as I. Nothing happened to me, again.

Siquijor, Siquijor

A few minutes later, we speeded away and headed for Siquijor town. I got back to Villa Marmarine after 7 hours, and more than a hundred kilometers of awesomeness. I felt alive and energized. But i could also feel the pain in my butt. What the heck, it's all worth it! The best way to tour the island is by riding a motorbike where you could make a stop anywhere you like, and get the real feel of the province. I ordered two bottles of SMB and swayed by the hammock chillin' in the beach.

Life in Siquijor is bliss!

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A Fun Time with Friends in Cagbalete Island, Quezon, Philippines

12:00:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 19 Comments

STORY: If you think this is another Cagbalete Island post, well, you're right! There's so much talk about this place for the whole year, it deserves an award as "Anawangin of the Year". Because if you are still googling about this island, then, you have to hurry up before time runs out. Everyone's been Cagbalete Island already. Roughly 4 hours away from Manila, this gem of an island off the coast of Mauban in Quezon Province, is slowly becoming a hit among Manilenyos. People flock to this island in search of a perfect hideaway from the hectic lifestyle of the capital city. The weather is unpredictable now but if you think the sky will be clear and the sun shining this weekend, you know it's time to head out here quick.

In Cagbalete Island, time stands still. Daytime becomes longer, well, night becomes longer too. Bask in the sun and enjoy the white sandy beach. Write poetry if you are like me, or just think happy thoughts and think less of the worries back home. At night, amaze yourself connecting the stars up in the sky while drinking your favorite drink. Nobody’s here except for hungry travelers like you. Make friends and have a grand time together. You'll have more Facebook friends after, and more Facebook notifications than ever before.

While you’re in Cagbalete Island, here are a six awesome things you can do in this place called paradise! (You know this already, but i took the liberty of writing them down here.)

1. If you’re travelling with your friends and family, nothing is more memorable than shooting fantastic photos of you and the surroundings. Count 1…2…3 and jump! With the island’s vast shoreline, you can’t pick a more perfect place to walk, run and jump. C’est a la vie!

2. Prepare your appetite for you will eat all day long. Tour group operators serve three main meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner with two snacks in the morning and in the afternoon. There’s a nearby sari-sari store in case you want some refreshments, and well of course alcohol. Mind you, basic stuff are only sold here, so if you’re looking for good ‘ol jack, better bring that bottle here.

3. You’ll get rich picking sand dollars as my girlfriends did. The waters of Cagbalete Island are blessed with dozens of sand dollars littered along the coast. When it’s low tide, they show up like gems so practice your hand-eye coordination and pick the prettiest of them all.

4. Swim if there’s water. During my trip, the waters were pushed way farther out to the sea. So, imagine how I had to walk for close to ten-fifteen minutes before I can find seawater. Only to find out, it's just knee deep. When this happens, try to make the most of the situation and sunbathe till you go red, in this vast expanse of white sand.

5. Still sleep soundly even if air-conditioning is hardly available in this island. Or I should say, relatively unheard of. Sleep in the hammock or in an aged cushion (who cares?) and let the gentle breeze of the ocean lull you to sleep.

6. In an island known to many as a lazy man’s turf, there’s nothing much you can do but get intoxicated. I love a cold ice beer whenever i hit the beach but my friend suggested we try out this fermented raisin tuba (locally made). We finished two 1.5. liter bottles, and still can’t get enough of its flavor. Every shot, every laugh, was well worth it. I needed to take home two bottles, for souvenir.

REALIZATIONS: I love Cagbalete Island but i love the company who i was with more. If you're a lone traveler to this island, it might be a little tricky to tell if you're gonna love it. This island is made for friends, family, and yes...lovers. And if you're looking for a quick beach trip near Manila, Cagbalete Island is the place to be!

If you’re sold on the idea of an awesome trip to Cagbalete, hop on a bus, on a mini-bus and a boat, and you’re in paradise.

How to get there:

Jac Liner/ JAM Liner bus stations are found in Kamias – Edsa/Cubao or in Buendia –Taft (LRT) with hourly trips to Lucena. The cost for the three hour trip is P300. From the Lucena City Grand Terminal, non-aircon mini buses leave every hour bound for Mauban. The trip costs P60. There are also mini vans available but I highly recommend the former for a better view of the mountains and green paddies. Sit on the right side of the bus. From Mauban, asked to be dropped off near the boat terminal. The trip to Cagbalete Island costs P40. Often times, the boat man can drop you off to the resort of your choice. Mine was Villa Cleofas.

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Getting Zen at the Rock Garden of Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto, Japan

9:05:00 AM Pinoy Boy Journals 4 Comments

Rock Garden, Ryoanji Temple

STORY: Getting around Kyoto isn't so hard. Because transportation is efficient and a practical way to travel around, getting a Kyoto City Bus Pass should be on top of your mind. You get to explore the vast number of temples and complexes scattered around the city in a breeze. Think about this, a one way bus fare is 220 Yen, but getting this pass would cost you 500 Yen unlimited ride for 1 whole day. Again, it's a mortal sin not to get one. You can buy this pass in travel agencies, at your hostel or at the Kyoto Train station. Because i am not a huge fan of temples, but I'm in Kyoto anyway, so I went to one temple that should be worthy to go to. To each his own, as they say. I was in the mood to zen out!

RYOANJI TEMPLE If your idea of a temple is to relax, unwind and get inspired, this is a perfect temple for you. It's not as popular as Kinkakuji or Fushima Inari Shrine, so chances of bumping with another camera whore is slim. It was chilly when i got there. I got a seat away from the crowds and found myself trying to explain the meaning of the rocks. Some of those artists i saw were drawing, painting, writing haiku and poetry. What a great place to fuel your imagination and create a masterpiece.

Ryoanji Temple is the site of Japan's most famous rock garden, which attracts hundreds of visitors every day. Originally an aristocrat's villa during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, whose head temple stands just a kilometer to the south.

As for the history of Ryoanji's famous rock garden, the facts are less certain. The garden's date of construction is unknown and there are a number of speculations regarding its designer. The garden consists of a rectangular plot of pebbles surrounded by low earthen walls, with 15 rocks laid out in small groups on patches of moss. An interesting feature of the garden's design is that from any vantage point at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer.

Ryoanji's garden is viewed from the Hojo, the head priest's former residence. Besides the stone garden, the Hojo features some paintings on the sliding doors (fusuma) of its tatami rooms, and a couple of smaller gardens on the rear side of the building. In one of the gardens there is a round stone trough that cleverly incorporates its square water basin into a Zen inscription, which students of kanji may be able to appreciate. The Hojo is connected to the Kuri, the former temple kitchen, which now serves as the temple's main entrance.

The trail is actually good one. You will pass by old wooden houses, several garden paths, flora and fauna and a pond where you can admire the changing color of the autumn leaves. I got there around late afternoon so there's not a lot of people there.

It's a good two-hour trip around Ryoanji Temple. Most of the time, you will be communing with nature and history. At first, i was hesitant to go here. I am not a let's-take-a-picture-and-leave kinda traveler. I want to sit down and compose thoughts in my head. So as everyone was starting to leave, I found myself sitting in a bench away from the crowds and listening to music for about an hour. I was meditating and getting in touch with my soul.

The playlist started with Frank Sinatra's Autumn leaves, and ended with Buddhist monks OST. It was tantric.

"leaves are turning red

as the wind changes its course

old seeds will bloom next"

I wrote this Haiku in memory of Ryoanki Rock Garden.

If you're a temple fanatic, then Kyoto is for you. With over a hundred temples littered around the different alleys and streets, it's impossible you won't find your personal favorite. There's Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tofokuji besides Ryoanji. For more information on temples in Kyoto and other nearby destinations, click here!

Tips on Temple-Hopping in Kyoto:

1. Spend a day or two exploring the different temples. It is not a marathon.

2. Pick ones you would like to see. Don't overdo it.

3. Get a Kyoto City Bus Pass if you want to roam around a lot.

4. Be prepared with your Yen as some temples have entrance fee: 100-500 Yen.

5. Bring your own drinks. Sometimes, drinks are more expensive in vendo machines outside the temple.

6. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be walking a lot!

Additional text and photos courtesy of Japan Guide, Planetware and Kyoto City Web

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A Day in Paradise called Shangri-la in Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines

7:00:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 22 Comments

STORY: Every now and then, we want our trips to be hassle and worry-free. Every now and then, we want to splurge a little, and invest in trips that aren't necessarily cheap but somehow feels worth it.

What happened to me a couple of months ago proved to be a blessing in disguise.I missed my flight to Dumaguete. Long story - I got drunk, overslept, haven't packed. I'm the most responsible traveler ever.

As I rush to the airport with nothing but hopes of finding the next available flight, I realized all my dreams of heading to Sumilon Island became non-existent. With several hours transit from Dumaguete Airport then boat transfer to the islands, not to mention the time constraint as i need to be back to Cebu City before dusk, it’s a big joke to push through with this plan. I needed to decide where should i head first. I’d like to keep myself cool but with jacked up prices heading to Cebu, I wondered if I had choice.

Apparently, none.So I skipped my supposed plan to Sumilon, and headed straight for Cebu City instead. Bought my tickets which cost more than my round trip ticket and accepted my fate. My plans for an island getaway was scheduled next day so I had a free day to roam around in Cebu. Now, where to go?

I arrived at the airport a few hours later. I tried browsing my Lonely Planet: Philippines book but i thought of just going wherever. I planned so much the past few days, i ended up not doing anything at all. So, why bother? It's nice that at the airport, you can already shop for tour packages. I wanted a day tour where there's a beach but still near the city. With a choice between Maribago and Shangri-la, I chose the latter for obvious reasons. It's Shangri-la, of course!

As the kind gentleman dressed in true Shangri-la fashion picked up my rucksack, I knew this is the kind of treatment only the rich can experience. I rode the private transfer for free and found myself in the company of other guests: a wealthy businessman and his lovely wife, a few Korean couples yet again, and even a local noontime show host. There I was, all scrumpy and looking ridiculously out of place. But i can still remember the joys of being one with the rich and famous.

I went for the kill and finally decided I wanted a day trip to Shangri-la Mactan. Even though I wasn't staying for the night just because I couldn't possibly afford yet, the lovely guest relations officer escorted me to the main office where I paid a sum for the trip. For about P3000 or about $55, i got an orange stub and P300++ worth of food allowance i can use at any of the restaurants inside the resort. I was so ready to do absolutely nothing and experience the world-class amenities of Shangri-la Mactan Cebu.

After eating the biggest pound burger in the world, and the most expensive coca-cola ever, I still had a couple of bucks left from my food allowance. So, I did what any health buff would do and order fresh fruit platter which I later on enjoyed by the beach.

I sat there alone but happy. I was looking at the others who seem to fancy a great day at the beach. While it’s raining hard in Manila, the sky was cooperating in this side of the country. The sun was shining, the clouds were clearing up and I was enjoying my second glass of Sangria in spectacular Shangri-la.

If you ask me, "Is it worth it?" Hellsssyyyeeaaah!

"Will I do it again?" I say, in a heartbeat.

One staff came up to me, with a bewildering look, asked me why was I alone? I just smiled. In a beautiful resort in paradise, how is it that one person cannot bring someone special? I guess, i didn't know what to say. She knew it.

REALIZATIONS: That night, I checked in at my real accommodations for the night at the heart of the city. The room was forgettable, the experience was so forgettable, too. How can i complain? I don't have money. I realized… oh well! Life must go on. At least for a day, i made my dream come true!

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Japan Railway Pass 101: Your Ultimate Travel Buddy in Japan

5:15:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 10 Comments

Before i left for Japan, i discovered that a convenient and economical way to roam around the Land of the Rising Sun is through the Shinkansen or bullet train, and it's best if you buy a Japan Railway Pass.

What is it? This pass entitles you to unlimited rail travel for 7 days, 14 days or 21 days on a green or ordinary car on JR trains. You have to buy this pass outside Japan, meaning it's solely for the purpose of tourism for foreigners traveling to Japan. You have to exchange your ticket in the participating Japan Railway kiosks in order to get your one fold. Show your passport with a valid Japanese visa, and you can travel non-stop. For more information on the Japan Railway Pass, click to this site!

How much is it? It's not cheap, but if you can spare some Yen, get it! A 7 day pass costs around 28,300 Yen for Adult (Ordinary). I paid roughly around P16,000 or around $350 for this pass.

For Filipinos: You can buy the Japan Railway Pass in these two locations:

Japan Airlines Office - 2nd floor 6788 Ayala Avenue, Oledan Square Makati City, Philippines T 632 886 6868

Universal Holidays Office - Mezzanine Floor, Dusit Thani Manila Ayala Center, 1223 Makati City, Philippines T 632 815 3048

Let me tell you how practical it is should you decide to buy a Japan Railway Pass. A one way Shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka costs around 14,000 Yen. Here's my route when i was in Japan, and how I maximized my Japan Railway Pass.

The Route:

Tokyo-Kyoto 471 km. - 12,710 Yen

Kyoto-Narra (via express train) 22 km. - Unavailable

Narra-Osaka (via express train) Osaka 53 km. - Unavailable

Osaka-Kyoto 75 km. - 1200 Yen

Kyoto-Osaka 75 km. - 1200 Yen

Osaka-Fukuoka (Hakata) 610 km. - 14,890 Yen

Fukuoka (Hakata)-Osaka 610 km. - 14, 890 Yen

Osaka-Hiroshima 341 km. - 10,000 Yen

Hiroshima-Tokyo 824 km. - 18,000 Yen

The Result:

It's more than 3,000 kilometers of rail travel from Kanto to Kyushu Region, and 72,890 Yen worth of travel If i didn't have the railway pass. In total, i would have spent P36,445 or $2,785.

Note that this price list doesn't include the subway trains, express trains, public trains, even the ferry from Hiroshima to Miyajima which i all rode c/o the Japan Railway Pass. Adding all that up, cost would probably be around 100,000 Yen, P50,000 or almost $4,000.

It's easy and convenient because you don't have to go through buying your ticket every time you travel. It took me two days to actually get the hang of buying my train ticket. With so many train stations, different companies and almost a dozen tracks, it's bound that you'll get lost. There's a separate gate for Japan Railway pass holders, just show it and you can go. You don't have to go through long lines. There are many trips within the day, depending on where you're heading. So, don't worry about missing your train ride.

I was referred to this website called Hyperdia when i was still in Manila, in case i want to know the train schedules of the Shinkansen.

Now, that is one sweet deal.

Tips on riding the Shinkansen:

1. If it's the rush hour or it's a national holiday, then it's best to reserve your seat. Otherwise, just show up at the correct track and present your pass. The advantage of not having a seat reservation is that you can change or switch seats.

2. Usually there are 2-3 trains that are smoking area. For a smoker like me, it's good that i can go for a quick puff, but staying there is deadly. I recommend to still go for the non-smoking car.

3. Buy your own food and drinks. Prices of goodies sold inside the Shinkansen are now expensive, almost two times the price for items sold in vendo machines.

4. Don't leave your luggage anywhere. Maybe it's the paranoia over explosive devices. You can hear a V.O. saying unattended luggage are subject to confiscation, etc.

5. Coming from Tokyo, sit on the right side of the train so you can view the beautiful Mt. Fuji. Vice versa, on your way going to Tokyo, sit on the left side of the train to see the changing landscapes and rice paddies.

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The Agony of Having Bed Bugs in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

8:00:00 PM Pinoy Boy Journals 7 Comments

https://ihavebedbugs.com/bed-bug-bites.htm

STORY: One of the cons of traveling cheaply around South East Asia is risking yourself staying at a dodgy place. To save cost, proper maintenance becomes questionable. Although recent studies show that whether you're staying in a cheap hostel or a fancy hotel, you can still be bitten by this.

It's bed bugs. To be honest, prior to my trip to Kuala Lumpur, i haven't heard of it. And i haven't experienced it. I've heard about bugs, but never bed bugs. The closest thing that i know of was a bug that bit hard my dog before.

I've stayed in numerous hostels around the Philippines and in South East Asia, yet i haven't experienced it. But this time, i wasn't lucky.

I arrived in Kuala Lumpur from the bus departing from Singapore. I got a very good recommendation that this hostel called Haven Guest House along Bukit Bintang was a star. I saw a leaflet/brochure and the rooms look neat, and the hostel was spacious.

I arrived at the Haven hostel. It was about less than $8/night. Not bad at all, plus i could see not a lot of people were staying then when i got there, so even if i book a dorm bed, chances are i wouldn't be spending nights with too many people. Apart from the huge second floor, and the interiors all made of wood, I got a feel of living in a cabin - very homey. The rooms are so dark at night, that going to take a leak in the bathroom is like walking as a blind man. The fan rooms weren't really working. I was just wearing my boxers, and i was sweating profusely. There weren't any windows, so it was a bit suffocating.

The next day as soon as i got up, i noticed that my right arm was a bit itchy. I grabbed my towel, and i was off to hit the shower. As soon as i took off my shirt and looked in the mirror, there it was red island like patches on my right arm. The spots were very red, and it made me worry a lot. I didn't take it too seriously. I thought that it's one of those instances were you sometimes get rashes but nothing to worry about. I washed my arm with clean soap and water. Soon after, swabbed some alcohol. And the OC that i am, i immediately went for my off lotion.

When i got to the hostel again after a very long day, i decided to change bunk beds just to be sure. Maybe, the mattress wasn't clean. The next day, my arm looked worse. The red patches now reached my back and i was beginning to worry about a skin infection, or worse a disease. I was scratching the whole day, and i was very worried about my condition. I was contemplating on calling my father who's a physician but i knew that would be the end of my trip. For sure, he would tell me to fly out to Manila the ASAP.

I met up with the two american backpackers i met in a bar and i showed the gravity of the patches in my arm and back. Everyone in the table, a couple of Malaysians, some English and the Americans said.. "BED BUGS". Right there and then, i was able to grab first hand information on the 101's. And it was an absolute confirmation that i got sucked.

The next day, i woke up early in the morning and left Kuala Lumpur for Southern Thailand. I was dismayed and very disappointed. I saw it as a sign that i need to move on now. I am traveling pretty slowly anyway. The night after, i woke up scratch-free. There were some signs of red patches but as days pass by it disappears quite easily.

I wrote this story to warn people to actually inspect very carefully where to sleep. I know the sound of $2 bed is like jackpot but if it means having to dread about the suckers, i don't think its worth it. The really awful feeling is that the haven hostel in KL was very clean, very neat, it looked very well-maintained. And after a month of traveling to Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, this is the only place where I've stayed that i suffered this rash. I mean, I've been to the shadiest, spartan rooms in South Thailand and i didn't get this. It's definitely safe to say, you really can't tell.

So to help people out and spread the word, let's get thing straight...

What are bed bugs?

Bedbugs (or bed bugs) are small, elusive, and parasitic insects of the family Cimicidae. They live strictly by feeding on the blood of humans and other warm-blooded animals. The name 'bed bug' is derived from the insect's preferred habitat infesting houses and especially beds or other common areas where people may sleep.[1] Bedbugs, though not strictly nocturnal, are mainly active at night and are capable of feeding unnoticed on their hosts.

Bedbugs are bloodsucking insects. They are normally active at night just before dawn, with a peak feeding period of about an hour before sunrise. Bedbugs may attempt to feed at other times if given the opportunity and have been observed feeding during all periods of the day. They reach their host by walking, or sometimes climb the walls to the ceiling and drop down on feeling a heat wave. Bedbugs are attracted to their hosts by warmth and the presence of carbon dioxide. The bug pierces the skin of its host with two hollow feeding tubes. With one tube it injects its saliva, which contains anticoagulants and anesthetics, while with the other it withdraws the blood of its host. After feeding for about five minutes, the bug returns to its hiding place. The bites cannot usually be felt until some minutes or hours later, as a dermatological reaction to the injected agents, and the first indication of a bite usually comes from the desire to scratch the bite site. Because of their natural aversion for sunlight, bedbugs come out at night.[8]

Most observed bites consist of a raised red bump or flat welt, and are often accompanied by very intense itching. The red mark is the result of an allergic reaction to the anesthetic contained in the bedbug's saliva, which is inserted into the blood of its victim. Reactions to bedbug bites may appear indistinguishable from mosquito bites although they tend to last for longer periods. Bites may not become immediately visible and can take up to nine days to appear. Bedbug bites tend not to have a red dot in the center such as is characteristic of flea bites. A trait shared with flea bites is tendency towards the pattern of sequential bites often aligned in rows of three. This may be caused by the bedbug being disturbed while eating and relocating half an inch or so farther along the skin before resuming feeding. Alternatively, the arrangement of bites may be caused by the bedbug repeatedly searching for a blood vein. Sourced from here

Just in case you think you were bitten by bed bugs (hopefully never) and find yourself scratching red patches anywhere in your body, I found 7 simple solutions to help you get rid of this rash.

TIPS:

1. Don't scratch, i know a few scratch here and there won't hurt a bit. The more you scratch the more chances the area will get infected.

2. Wash the affected area with soap and water just to make sure, the area is clean.

3. Swab cotton buds with alcohol on the affected area to make it infection-free.

4. I've researched and found out it actually helps. Tea tree oil is very helpful. Mix tea tree oil with water and spray it directly to the affected area. Smells good and chances are you won't get sucked again.

5. Products like Calamine lotion and antiseptic cream are said to help sooth the affected area.

6. If you've slept on a bed bug infested bed, don't sleep there anymore. These parasites are very good at hiding. Even if you'e cleaned thoroughly the bed, chances are they will get back at you that night.

7. And lastly, don't worry, it's not life threatening. It may be irritating, and it looks like you need to worry, but it's not the end of the world. Move on, and charge it to experience.