How far can Bubbles go?

Travel Dates: July 25 to August 2, 2015      By the time we arrived to Maafushi Island, we don’t have a prior hotel booking, but some staffs from nearby hotel were waiting at the port and offered their room to us.  We followed them and stayed at Picnic Inn for 45 USD a night. This is for off-season rate, because it is 2-3 times higher during peak season.  Then we moved to Dhonveli View and Narnia.        Staying in hotel in a local island will save you a big amount of money for accommodation and food.  While a private island resort with beautiful white sand beaches and over water bungalows will cost you about 500-1500 USD a night for a room only.  But we don’t want to get stuck in one island and will not get to experience the daily life of locals.      The next day, we went for snorkelling with a lunch at sand bank.  Riding a speed boat with other tourists, our first stop was Banana Reef. ...

Travel Dates: July 25 to August 2, 2015      One day, my boyfriend was very antsy to book a flight anywhere.  But all domestic flights were pretty expensive during that time.  So we waited for the following days for any airline promos.      A week after, he received an email from Tiger Air that there is a sale going to Maldives.  At first, he was hesitant, but he insisted that the airfare is really cheap.  Well, for me it is not, so I ignored it.  But after thinking it over and over again, he booked us a flight to one of the most popular destination in the world.      Maldives is known as an expensive holiday destination among newly married couple.  But we are not travelling for honeymoon, we just want to see the islands and underwater treasure it has to offer.  With little knowledge about the country, I started searching the web on what to see, what to eat, how to travel via local ferries, an...

Travel Date: February 14, 2014      It was Valentine’s.  That day most couples were celebrating in restaurants, hotels, and resorts.  But we want to spend our heart’s day in a different way, so we opted to climb Mount Batulao, a favorite day hike among adventure enthusiasts and mountaineers located in Nasugbu, Batangas.  Just 2 hours away from Manila and near to Tagaytay, we did this trail for only a day.      Mount Batulao has an elevation of 813 meters.  A good start for beginners, but not the easiest mountain to hike.  So a day trip can be really tiring.  You only have 15 to 30 minutes to rest, then it’s time again to move on.       It was my first time to hike a mountain, but not for my boyfriend.  Also, I don’t have a proper clothes and shoes.  My body was not prepared for this, but I’m determined to reach the highest peak.  There were times that I hold on to grasses an...

     Only 40 minutes away from Seoul, Jisan Forest Ski Resort is one of the nearest skiing place to go to.  We booked a day ahead to ride their free shuttle.  The resort is perfect for beginners, but it was still very hard to slide on the slope.  I kept falling and falling.  In the end, I gave up.  I think this sport is not really for me. :D How to get there? Bus: 1.The bus runs every 20 minutes from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. Take this bus and get off at Icheon coach bus terminal. Then take Bus No. 12 from Icheon and get off at Jisan Resort.(40 min ) 2.Take City Coach Bus No.9800 at Gangnam Station(exit No.7) or Yangjae Station(Yangjae bus station). (bus- 9:00~13:00 every hour/ 15:00/16:00/17:30/19:00/20:00)

     I wish my boyfriend was with me when I visited this tiny island of Namiseom.  The park has a romantic settings and it was where the Winter Sonata has been filmed, thus making it a popular destination among lovers and Korean drama fans.      It was fun to walk or bike around with your partner, but I went there with a couple of friends on early winter.  Though, it could have been more colourful and vibrant in autumn or spring.       Towering Poplar and Chestnut trees were lined beautifully along the pathway.  The bridge on the small pond was designed with recycled green bottles.  There were restaurants, shops, accommodations, and art exhibits too.       For a bit of history, I also dropped by the grave of General Nami who fought and won against rebels in the 13 th century of the 7 th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (1455-1468).   Admission Fee: 10,...

     One of the most popular attractions in Seoul is the N Seoul Tower located at Mt. Namsan.  At the observatory tower, you will enjoy the 360 degree panoramic view of the entire city.  During the night, the tower illumination changes its colour from time to time.  There’s also a fence covered with thousand of padlocks installed by young lovers.  If you are young at heart and a fan of teddy bears, you can also visit the Bear Museum.  And have a romantic lunch or dinner at the N Grill revolving restaurant. Admission Fee to N Seoul Observatory: Children (Ages 4-12) - 3,000 KRW Adults (Ages 13-64) - 7,000 KRW Senior (Ages 65+) - 5,000 KRW How to get there? Take a subway to Chungmuro Station (line 3 or 4), exit 2 to the right of Daehan Multiplex entrance.  Take the yellow bus 2 in front of the subway.  Then, get off at the N Seoul Tower bus stop. N Seoul Tower Pavilion next to N Seoul Tower Mongm...

     Near to Gyeongbokgung Palace is the Gwanghwamun Square , formerly the Yukjo Street.  It was opened on August 1, 2009 as a symbolic square that signals new directions for a humane and cultural society with openness and mutual respect.  The 6.2 meter high bronze statue of King Sejong the Great and Admiral Yi Sun-Shin stands at the plaza with the back drop of Gyeongbokgung Palace.  Also, some of the main inventions from King Sejong reign are on display here. How to get there? Take subway to Gwanghwamun Station (line 5), Exit 2 Sundial Celestial Globe Rain Gauge

Geunjeongjeon Hall contains the royal court      I love palaces!  Whenever I travel to another country with palaces, I want to make sure that it is added in my itinerary.  With so little time in Seoul, and so many palaces to visit, we prioritized the Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is the largest and grandest among five.      Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 by the Joseon Dynasty, but it was destroyed during the Imjinwaeren War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598).  Later on, during the reign of King Gojong (1852-1919), all the 7,700 rooms were restored.      Remarkably, the most important edifices of the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, and Hyangwonjeong Pond are still intact.  Woldae and the sculptures of Geunjeongjeon (The Royal Audience Chamber) shows past sculpture of contemporary art. Admission Fees:   Adult (19-64 years old) - 3,000 won   Children (7-18 years old) - 1,500 won   *Clos...

Travel Dates: November 26 to December 1, 2013 Snow fall at Gyeongbokgung Palace      Visiting South Korea during winter is a totally different experience for me.  I don’t have any idea how cold does it get, because we only have summer and rainy season in Philippines.  From what I researched, the temperature can drop to below zero degree.      When going to places, I love packing in backpack for easier movement.  This time I carried two trolley bags with two down feather jackets, boots, knitted long sleeve sweaters, thermal leggings, thermal socks, scarves, beanies and gloves to keep me warm.   I planned my clothes for a week, so I packed what I can carry.  Also, to avoid spending so much money for winter outfit, I borrowed some of the items from my friend of the same body size.  Yes, I’m well prepared when it comes to travelling!      We touched down the Incheon International Airport in the evening....

Travel Date: April 20-21, 2013     It took time for me to write my trip to Zambales last summer.  Not because I don’t like the place, but I’m just too lazy and busy nowadays.  So here are my reviews of the coves and islands we visited. A summer getaway with friends in a perfect weather and without the comfort of hotel or guest house. Anawangin Cove       Anawangin Cove was our first stop.  It has a beautiful mountain backdrop, crystal clear river, and what makes it unique are the Agoho trees surrounding the area.  A favorite camping site among travelers because of proximity from Pundaquit.  Also, the boat transfer is much cheaper.  Although, I was disappointed to see littered items and animal waste along the beach.      After we explored Anawangin Cove for a couple of hours, we moved to Nagsasa Cove where we pitched our tent for the night.  It was hot like hell, but the first time camping exp...