Travel Diary: One Amazing Journey to Biliran Province, Philippines

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It wasn't easy going to Biliran. With absolutely no sleep, the ride from Tacloban New Agucay Bus Terminal was confusing. Nothing changed since 2 years ago when i went there. That on another entry. Rode a Naval bound van and paid around P170. It took us around 3 hours to get to Naval. The driver was really good - so many sharp curves and edges but he managed flawlessly plus he's very accommodating.

Got to change seats and was able to take Drift shots but headroom was wide. Lesson learned. When i got to Naval, I top-loaded onward to Almeria where i will be staying. As usual, i was the only guest. I paid P1000 for the A/C room. It's pretty comfortable but power shortage is frequent. Couldn't do island hopping because the waves were big. When the boat man advises you so, don't disobey. They know the tide and rift very well. They couldn't even fish so that should be a sign.

I could see the two islands from the coast but yes, so near yet so far. Enteng was my driver. He was persistent to take me to the waterfalls like Ulan-Ulan and Recolletos but i had no sleep and i don't trust my balance.

Anyway, i went first to Almeria Church - a small Church with beautiful facade. People chipped in to construct the house of worship.

Passed by Little Baguio where a road was constructed in the middle of huge boulders of mountains. Enteng said he can't advise me to go down and take some pics. Worse, he said it's a no-no to ride a bike at night. People live in the mountains. End of story there.

After a very long ride, I finally reached Tinago Falls. Even more beautiful than the others i have seen. Was okay to just sit and watch the water fall effortlessly. I didn't swim because the water was too cold.

After Tinago Falls, I went to Polatistis falls but couldn't find it. Enteng and i asked a couple of bystanders and was pointed towards the sea. I rented a boat to take us to the flow of water. Bathe and tasted it, it is indeed really sweet.

After the rejuvenating swim, I went to the hot spring where water boils. It's weird that beside the hot spring is the river where water was cold. There sure is a volcano down there or up there because where the hell will the hot spring come from anyway. After that, I was pretty tired but tried to squeeze in the terraces.

After coming from Banaue, it's surprising that technique is spread out in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Coming back to Naval, I went to eat at a barbecue stand Enteng recommended. Ordered Inihaw na Pecho or grilled chicken breast, and pork barbecue and for him also, pig intestine and pork barbecue. I paid less than P100 for our compete meals. Also, tried again puso and the really spicy chili they have.

I went back to Agta just in time when the rain really started pouring. I was invited to drink some more but i was really tired so headed for the room. You know me, i would have said yes but with no sleep, i might falter. When the power went out, slept like a baby. Slept at 6PM, woke up at 12MN, slept again and woke up at 3:30AM. I'm wide awake.

Next day, I went to walk around the beach and took photos of rocks. I had simple breakfast and went back to wash up. It was time for me to head to Southern Leyte as hoping the weather would be better there. Some tourists from Manila were convincing me to go with them but i politely decline. My plan was to go now to Southern Leyte.

I rode a van at Naval bound for Ormoc where i will catch a bus or van to Maasin City, Southern Leyte.

Biliran is quiet, calm and full of exotic flora and fauna. But the people here are so damn beautiful, inside and out.

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Discover the Quiet Side of Koh Pha Ngan: Travel to Ao Ban Tai, Thailand

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ALL-TIME FAVORITE POST FROM 2010 RE-BLOGGED: So after a fair little while staying up north of Koh Phangan, i decided to go my way to the southern coast of this majestic island. You know me, i am where i am. I just go everywhere. Also i wanted to go somewhere and stay near for the half moon party that's gonna happen February 5, 2010

After checking out good beaches from my torn out free map, and a so-so advise from the mad travel agent in the corner of Thongsala, i decided to hitch on a motorbike and explore the south. It's past noon and the heat was scorching my skin. I was riding behind this cool driver, who was gonna be my driver for the day until the next day. He carefully placed my rucksack in between his knees. I was on the back trying my best to balance and not fall off after a bumpy road ahead of us. It was about time, i settle down for the day, with still salt water in my skin, and a few sand stones still in my hair. It's about time, i take a rest for a bit to reserve much needed energy for the night of the half moon party.

A few resorts here and there, Checked out the place. A busy resort. A not so busy resort. A very quiet resort. Too many resorts littered along the coast of Ban Tai. Sometimes, it makes you think how the owners earn? at all? i could have settled somewhere else. Three things what i want where i will stay.

One-it should be quiet and not a lot of tourists.

Two- it should be nice, i am not looking for five star amenities but one that's just right. Three- there should be a bar somewhere where i can go out for drinks and not having to rent those 150 baht one way motor taxis. So i found myself here in Power beach. And up until now i still think just lounging around Power is one of the greatest chill out moments of my life. Find that out on my next post.

It's a hippie beach. Imagine lone deserted islands. Cool travelers from around the world. Quiet in the morning. Party animals at night. Where no one judges you. Where it's cool to chat and talk just about anything. Where a bar is situated right in front of the beach. Where the bartenders are some of the most laid back people in the world. Where after a few drinks, the real you shows. Where nipa huts are set up to shade up from direct sun. Where 300 baht is the cost of a comfortable fan room. Where you will meet really cool people. Where there's good music. Where life is good.

Ahh, Power beach.

Ao Ban Tai is the name of this beach. It's in the middle of the sunset beach from Thongsala to the broken island beach of Ban Khai. The whole village is known for its coconut plantations and fishing is equally popular. Relatively, the beaches of the South have finer white sands and crystal clear waters (emerald green). This is the same area as Haad rin Nok but you can see the difference which one is spoilt and which one is waiting to be spoilt. Here in Ban Tai, it's still close to natural. The sunset is really good. You're right smack in the middle of things happening. I actually loved this location, you're not too far from the main town, yet you feel you're too far from congestion. Several bamboo chairs and tables are set up for people to enjoy the sunset while sipping those mojitos and vodka tonics. And the music affects your mood. So good!

A shot at around 4pm. One can see Ang Thon Marine National Park. It's actually a very quiet beach with not so much people around, actually i think 70% of travelers to Koh Phangan are staying in Haadrin. And right now as i write this entry, i can still feel the warm air enveloping my skin and the smell of tanning oil and fresh air.

Life's a hippie life!

It's a hippie beach here Ban Tai!!!

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Super Stoked Traveling to Mirissa Beach in Matara, Sri Lanka

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I never planned on going to Mirissa. But I've never felt this good knowing i was there once, and would be going back again, in a heart beat. Mirissa is everything you could imagine a South Asian tropical retreat would be. And knowing it's only about 200 kilometers away from the equator and almost on the southern tip of Sri Lanka and the subcontinent of India, no doubt you'll never get more exotic than that.

Coming from Hikkaduwa, and with a really bad hangover from last night's drinking spree with my crew, i trooped like a soldier waiting for a bus bound for Mirissa. I didn't even bother understanding how will i get there, but i know i will. With a little friendly demeanor and just a few spare Lankan coins, i was off to paradise. I just know that it's right smacked in between Welligama and Matara, and about an hour away from Galle. That's it.

When i arrived in town, i headed towards finding a cool place to stay. I was planning to spend only half a week in the seaside beach town of Mirissa, anyway. With relatively confusing pathways heading towards the beach resorts, i walked along the beach. With feet combing down the soft sands, with my huge backpack on, and burning my skin from the heat of the day, i looked for a couple of places. There was one that seemed very cheap to stay at. It is located on the left side of the beach when you're facing the ocean. But the view was rather a bit heart-breaking. I chanced upon another resort right in the middle of the the main beach, with huge veranda and a pool but the rate was out of this world. Then, i saw one tucked a little away from the beach. It was Sira's Chalet. While there's more work to be done around the compound when i visited, the rooms were sparkling clean and comfortable. It was already ready to accept guests even if it's midway in construction. I had to call out a few times before this man came up to me. He introduced himself as Sira - the manager of the chalet, and the name behind my accommodations for almost a week. After giving me the best discount ever knowing i was traveling solo and promised that i would be tidy the whole time i will be staying, i went to my room to check in. It was an absolute lovely time at Sira's.

The rest of the days were just about enjoying the luxury of not having to worry about what i am going to do next. When you're in Mirissa, you are already promising yourself of total bliss. Because some other beaches in Sri Lanka are so commercialized, you get a mix of everything.

In Mirissa, you just have to enjoy the beach and relax. And i did just that. I would normally wake up at sunrise to eat my breakfast. Sira would be the one to cook for me. I am at my healthiest, too. I would indulge myself on fresh fruits. It was also my first time to eat wood apple. So delicious!

I would often lounge in the beach early morning, and then come back to take shade after a few hours. I would occasionally drink Lion Beer at one of the many bars along Mirissa. I would either choose buttered king prawns for lunch, and grilled sea bass for dinner. Sometimes, i would grab a burger and fries.

Apart from the many things Robin Crusoe would do, i would also walk around and talk to people. It's just my thing. I would come up to the locals, and just talk about anything under the sun. I met so many people around Mirissa that i lost count already.

More than the occasional sightings of turtles swimming by the beach, and seeing the infinite smiles of Russians enamored by the beaches of South Asia, it was the relatively calm atmosphere of Mirissa that i loved the most. The waves were a little huge when i went there, but that didn't stop me from swimming. I didn't have to go far, anyway, as the waves were just too strong. It's the feeling of getting stoked in such a tucked away place.

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This is My Kind of Trip in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

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Sending my biggest hug and wettest kiss to all my friends around the world. Let's travel the world soon!

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Traveling to the Heart of Central Java in Solo (Surakarta), Indonesia

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I've spent terrific number of days in Yogyakarta and i think, I've already explored much of what must be seen in the city. Finding some other place to go, i ventured into an off beat destination in central Java. You see, the island is so huge, but foreigners traveling to this side of Indonesia are often confined to the big wigs like Yogyakrta, Bali and Jakarta. Although there's tons to see in the places mentioned, they often are the same every single year. Nothing changes, really.

I didn't have a guide book with me while i was traveling to Indonesia, so most of the places i went to all came from recommendations from hotel staff and bystanders. The night before, i was chatting with friendly locals outside my hotel nearby Marlioboro. One man mentioned Surakarta. The next day, i found myself riding the train bound for Purwosari. This is the stop for Solo or commonly known by locals as Surakarta. I just want to see the city for myself.

After traveling for an hour on a train and paying an unbelievable price at $1 for the ticket, i have arrived in Solo. Away from the tourists of Yogyakarta, i begin to wander around the city. Almost forgotten by many, and definitely not commercialized. During the time that i spent here, i haven't seen a single tourist in sight.

TRIVIA: Not a lot of people know, the current president of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, proudly called Solo as his hometown. And before he was elected as the president of the largest Muslim archipelago in the world last October 2014, he served as the mayor of this beautiful and historical city.

After negotiating a price with a Becak driver, i went on a tour around Solo.

Puro Mangkunegaran is a beautiful palace built in 1757 for the Mangkunegara princess. My amazing guide was there to take me around the huge complex. I was simply admiring the main hall, the rooms and foyer.

I placed my sandals on a plastic bag and carried it with me wherever i go. I was barefoot the whole time.

It's so welcoming to note that i was exploring this vast place without any tourist in sight. Head here for the calm and peaceful atmosphere as you try to understand the kingdom and history of Surakarta. I even saw gold coins presented to the king by the Rajas of the Philippines. My tour guide is so knowledgable about the history of Solo, i even extended my stay there just so i can fully understand the richness of Solo's history. The tip i gave my guide was well worth it.

This opulent lounge set in the foyer is a sight to behold. I can just imagine how the kings and queens of the Mangkunegara used to sit around and entertain their guests.

Not a lot of people know, that once in a while, i try my best to understand history of the place by visiting museums and reading about scriptures. If you're in Solo ( and i am telling you that you should be), it's but fitting to make the Mangkunegaran Palace as your first stop.

Keraton Kasunanan is another palace that i went to. Built in 1675, this place is where the Pakubuwono Kings used to live.

The mix of Javanese and European architecture is so apparent in the entrance of the palace. The elaborate railings of the terrace and the striking blue main door, make this palace truly a heritage site.

Of course, there are more magnificent mosques found within Java but Masjid Ageng is one where you could see the tradition and religion of people go hand in hand. All of the others that you will find are beautifully designed and are renovated for tourists. Masjid Ageng is the beating pulse of the Javanese Muslim population, and is the most sacred in Solo.

Outside the mosque, the real story comes alive. I stayed here for long waiting for the afternoon prayer to end. Vast number of locals were there to pray inside. While outside, the merchants and old people stay glued on their wares hoping to earn money to survive.

That is the real story of Java that is often overlooked by UNESCO world heritage sites such as Borobodur or Prambanan. You may get a photo of a sunset at the top of Borobodur or the sunrise by the ruins of Prambanan, but how many of you have actually sat down with the locals in Solo (Surakarta) and asked them how their day was? That, i think, is a great story to tell to the next generation of travelers.

Hindu-Buddhist sculptures and ceramics, and cannons from Dust East India Company are carefully placed inside the the second oldest museum in Indonesia, at Museum Radya Pustaka Surakarta. Established in 1890, the place is part of Taman Sriwedari park complex.

Find your own adventure by discovering the wonderful heritage of Javanese culture in pulsating city of Solo. Walking around lead me to even more historical houses built hundreds of years ago.

If you really want to experience the local heritage of Java, head to Solo where afternoons can be spent roaming around and discovering prayers unlike you'll ever see anywhere else in the world.

It's not just about history in Solo. Sometimes, you will see the rapid ascent of the future of this place, unfold right in front of your eyes. With thousands of local hang outs from restaurants, cafes and malls, you will always find something unique and adventurous to do within the city. The names of the places you will stumble upon are so funny, it's actually part of the local culture of Java. And is one that makes Solo such an endearing place to visit.

I am quite thankful that i was able to spend almost a month within Java, just traveling and exploring different cities and towns. I've been to the heritage sites and top tourist attractions within Java, and they all are beautiful places. Yet, when i look back at all these places, i realize they are just pretty pictures to look at. Sometimes, while chatting with friends, they are just amazing memories to rekindle. Sooner or later, one will take a better photo of these places. And a few years from now, more people will also experience how it is to visit these sites as part of their own bucket list.

But Solo was never part of my bucket list. I don't even have one. I actually didn't come to Indonesia to go to Solo (Surakarta). It just came up in a discussion with local people the night before. But the trip i had here was something i will always be proud of. Apart from Bandung, Solo was one of the destinations in Java where i felt i was really getting to know this country on a whole new perspective. Solo made me realize i was traveling to the heart of Java.