TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Travel Essentials #1: mosquito repellent patch

(the newest innovation for keeping mosquitoes away while traveling in countries with high cases of malaria and dengue)
Price: P150.00 ($3.57) for 24 pcs.
Note: Adult: ideally 2 patches a day
Children: 1-2 patches a day

Travel Essentials #2: Coin and bill organizer
Since we're heading for 3 different countries in Asia, my partner has thought of this clever idea, why not segregating bills from each country to avoid hassles while doing some transactions.
1 purse for DONG (Saigon, Vietnam)
1 purse for USD
1 purse for PESO (Philippines)
1 purse for BAHT (BKK, Thailand)

Travel Essentials # 3: Toiletry Bag
With more than 6 compartments
bought in Beabi
Price: almost P500 ($11.90)

Travel Essentials #4: Sunblock SPF 36
Price: almost P200 ($4.76)

Most of the time, you are out and exposed from the sun when traveling. To be protected from the harmful effect of the sun, you should have a sunscreen lotion that will really last long. The higher the SPF the longer the protection.
Ideally, apply this every 2 hours. 

Travel Essentials #5: Sleeping Eye Cover or Sleeping Eye Mask
Price: P100 ($2.38) by Tickles

Travel Essentials #6: Key Tags
To label each money organizer
Price: P65 ($1.54) for 10 pcs (various colors)
@ Nat'l Bookstore

Travel Essentials #7: Universal Adoptor
bought in Bali, Indonesia
Price: P266 ($6.33)

Travel Essentials #8: Neck Cushion
For long hours of traveling.

Travel Essentials #9: Antibacterial wipes
Very essential when traveling remote places with water scarcity and limited access to toilets
Price: P33.00($.78) @ SM Supermarket 

Note: Use it with caution due to alcohol content. It might be stingy when used on sensitive parts of your body.

Travel Essentials #10: Traveller's Checklist (pg 1-3)
Something that I always prepare for every time I go out of town or out of the country is my own traveller's checklist. I never miss most of the essentials and things I need to bring back home like souvenirs and 'pasalubong.' So when I return, I can also check the ones I accidentally left or lost during the entire trip. 
I usually make my list using excel in Microsoft Office for a more organized and customized look until I got a new one from Travel Club for free. Now you could have your own by copying this photo, have it printed, and use it when you will travel.

Travel Essentials #11-malong (scarf)
Price: P100 ($2.38)

For those who are visiting countries in South East Asia, malong or scarf is very essential.
This will serve as your blanket or cover from the sun, especially on areas with cold and hot temperature.
Countries like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, etc., are famous for their centuries-old temples. This particular travel essential is very important because if you're not dressed properly or just wearing short pants, you have to cover your legs upon entering this religious sites as mandatory for worshiping their gods and goddesses.You will surely save some bucks for bringing this or else you have to rent one.
Price: P100 ($2.38)

Travel Essentials 12: Bag tag
A good locator of your baggage while it's on the conveyor machine.
The more stirking color the better.

Travel Essentials #13- Digital lock
Security is always the #1 priority when travelling

Travel Essentials # 14- Heavy-duty backpack
Very important for backpack traveler with lots of compartments

Travel Essentials #15- E-dictionary
a multi functional e-dic will suit your needs for travelling. you can view videos of basic languages, listen to music and use fm radio, read e-books, record important interviews with the locals, learn other languages with the translator, and a lot more.
a Product of Iriver
Price: P18-20k ($428)

Travel Essentials #16-Sewing kit 

I always ignore this in a hotel like Sofitel until I found out the use of it when my jeans was accidentally ripped in the middle of my tour. So whenever I travel, I always bring this handy kit with me.  

Price: free

Travel Essentials #17-First Aid Kit

One thing that I can't live without when traveling is a first aid kit. You can never really predict what is gonna happen even you try to be safer during your trip, but rather anticipate the accident which might come your way whether it's a mere laceration from fall or small scratches. You must have something at hand to alleviate the pain and disinfect the wound. A typical first aid kit must have at least the following: a digital thermometer (mercurial thermometer is dangerous because of its mercury content), a small roll of gauze (wrapped on a clean paper), betadine (povidone iodine as antisepctic), some clean cotton buds (used for applying some ointment and betadine), anti-inflammatory cream (for severe muscle pain), micropore (tape for the gauze), citronela oil (for mosquito repellant or bug spray), plastic medicine organizer with 6 compartments, and a durable first aid kit (with some compartments).
Medicine must be included of course: 3 pcs of mefenamic acid (analgesic or med for pain), 3 pcs of paracetamol (anti-pyretic or med for fever) 3 pcs of loperamide (antimotility or med for diarreah), and symdex (antihistamine or med for allergy and decongestant)
Price

First Aid Kit by Deuter: P430.50 ($10.25)

Content:

Gauze Bandage: P13 ($0.30)

Micropore (half-inch width): P30 ($0.71)

Cotton buds (traveller's size): P5 ($0.11)

Citronella bug spray by Human Nature: P100 ($2.38)

Digital thermometer by Omron: P170 ($4.04)

Anti-inflammatory cream by Vi-Gel (1.0%cream): 

Sterilized plastic strips for 15 pcs: P20 ($0.47)

Travel Essentials #18-Leather Passport Holder

Price: 49 MYR (Php 735)

Each sold separately

website: http://www.airasiamegastore.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategories_10001_10001

Travel Essentials #19-Tablet (64 GB)

Very useful for maps, travel infos, sources of music and videos, and a lot more.

Product of Apple

Price: Php 25,500 (USD 621)

website: 

http://store.apple.com/ph/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad

Travel Essentials #20 - Luggage

A black shiny 10KG capacity Viaggatore luggage 
Light weight with durable frame
Product of Rudy Project

Price: P 8500 (USD 208)

Exchange rate: $1 = P42.00

PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

South East Asian Tour (Part 2)

Day 3 (March 31, 2012-Saturday) PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA

Bus:

We took a bus from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at exactly 7:30 am for only $10 with a free bottled mineral water.  

If you cannot stand the local food here, there are a handful of edible snacks that I think can definitely suit your palate.

Snack (on the way to Pnom Penh)
1. Sweet Potato chips (1 small pack)- 2000 Riel
2. 3-pc boiled egg with spicy salt- 3000 Riel

 

After 6 and half hours of travelling and crossing the borders for immigration in both countries, we arrived in Phnom Penh, Cambodia at around 2pm.  

Right after we got off the bus, we instantly made a reservation for an 11-hour trip to Siem Reap, where Angkor Wat is located. Buying tickets ahead of time in a country like this is very essential to avoid the hassle of finding available buses the next day since it’s weekend. Then, we headed for Marcau Pnom Penh Hotel via tuktuk for $3.

 

Accommodation:
We booked our accommodation via www.expedia.com 
Marcau Pnom Penh Hotel at 360 St.,- $27 a night for two with a buffet breakfast

Contact Information
Address: #78 ABCD, st 360, Sangkat Beong Keng Kang III, Khan Chamkar Morn, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Telephone#: (+855) 23 210 627
Fax#: (+855) 23 210 628
E-mail: info@macauphnompenhhotel.com

Website: www.macauphnompenhhotel.com

Tourist Sites:
1. Tuol Sleng, Genocide Museum- $2 entrance fee

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"The grounds of this high-school-turned-prison-and-torture-chamber are like they were in 1979 at the end of Colombia’s bloody genocide.

- from 1975 until 1979, an estimated 17,000 political prisoners, most just ordinary citizens, were tortured at Tuol Sleng and died, or were executed in the nearby Killing Fields.

Note: Local guides are recommended

This site is a bit overwhelming for some, so be prepared.

Location: south of town at corner of sts 350 and 113.

Open: daily, 8am-noon & 1-5pm."

2. Independence Monument- free attraction

-took a tuktuk for $2

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"Built in the late 1950s to commemorate Cambodia’s independence from the French on Nov. 9, 1935. This towering obelisk is crowned w/ Khmer  nagas and is reminiscent of Angkor architecture and Hindu influence

- The area is at its most majestic  when all lit up at night.

Location: South of town center at intersection of Norodom and Sihanouk Boulevards."

3. Royal Paace (including Silver Pagoda)- $3 entrance fee

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"Built in the late 1860s under the reign of Norodon Throne Hall

- at the center is the coronation site for Khmer kings and the largest gilded cathedral in the country. Entrance is included with the Silver Pagoda."

4. National Museum- $3 entrance fee, opens daily 8-11 and 2-5:30

(this how the ticket looks like)

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"Opened in 1920 by King Sisowath, is to the statuary of Angkor Wat

- the central courtyard features a Shiva Lingan (icon of the god Shiva) and large temple fragments)

Location: Just north of Royal Palace at St. 178 and a short walk from the river."

5. Central Market- shops for souvenirs, shirts, jewelries, and other imitation clothes and bags

Frommer's (6th ed.)

"This Art Deco behemoth, built in 1937, is a city landmark

- Locals call i Psar Thmei, or New Market.

- the bldg has a towering rotunda with busy wings extending in four directions.

Eastern entrance: best spot for T-shirt, hats, trinkets, and souvenirs

Location: Btw sts 126 & 136 in town center

Open: daily, 5am-5pm."

Food:

1. Bottled Mineral H2O (1000ml)- 2000 Riel
2. Choco ball- 1000 Riel

3. 1 loaf of bread-3000 Riel

 

Souvenirs:
1. Magnetic (2 pcs)- $1.5

2. Shot glass (1 pc)-$ 1

Curreny:

Riel

BALI, INDONESIA

SEAsian Tour 2011 (Part 1)

I may say that Bali has a number of amazing things to offer. If you are a kind of person that finds culture interesting, you can enjoy Kekak and Barong-Kris Dance. Coastline of Kuta may give you a selection of water activities in an affordable price for instance surfing, para sailing, jet skiing, banana boat and a lot more. Adventure doesn't end without experiencing the exciting night in Bali, where bars and restos are strategically built for thrill-seekers.

Courtesy of Innovata Map

We flew all the way from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 19, 2011 at around 11pm via Air Asia. It took approximately 3 hours to reach Bali Airport Ngurah Rai Denpasar.

TIP: Traveling in a group has few advantages. You'll get to share the taxi fare and other costly package tour. However, before getting on the taxi in Bali, be wise enough to know the fair fare for taxi or you'll end up spending a lot. You must haggle.

Taxi Fare:

From the airport to Hotel Sorga, Kuta – R55,000

Accommodation

Hotel Sorga
The room is clean with pleasant ventilation. Then the bathroom is very spacious with a bathtub and they have something in front of the room to hang your damp clothes. The swimming pool is clean and clear. On the other hand, the breakfast is few for travelers who need so much of energy for a tour in Bali. That time, there never had free airport transfer and you need to rent their computer to have an access on the net. The staffs are friendly and accommodating. 
For the updated list of service, you may visit their website.

Super Deluxe Room inclusive of
- Air-con
- TV
- Hot & Cold Shower
- with breakfast for three
Rate: RP 425,000 (P1882.75)

breakfast

Contact Information

Address: Pantai Kuta Street, Br., Kuta, Bali, Indonesia

Telephone #: +62 361 751897
E-mail: contact@hotelsorgakuta.com
Website: http://www.hotelsorgakuta.com/

Itinerary

July 19, 2011 (Tue)

      Kuala Lumpur to Bali, Indonesia

July 20, 2011 (Wed)

      Barong Kris Dance

      Tirta Empul Temple

      Babi Guling Restaurant

      Ketut Liyer- The Medicine Man

      Sacred Forest Monkey Sanctuary (Ubud Monkey Forest)

      Taman Ayun Temple

July 21, 2011 (Thur)

      Kekak Dance

      Surfing Lesson

      Dinner at Jimbaran Bay

TIP: Enjoying the island of Bali has to come with a good tour guide as well as a dirver. So before you visit this place, you must contact this driver few months before so you could have the dates you desire. He might be fully-booked especially during  peak season.

Review:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 5 STARS FOR ABBE's SERVICE. I can't really say anything bad about Abbe Bali Driver. From the very first time I met him, you may say that this person would not fool you around. He knows how to treat his clients well without offending them because of culture differences. He is a type of person that would please you and won't exploit u as a tourist. He has the etiquette and when it's business, he seriously means it. For a full-day tour in Denpasar, he will suggest the most possible itinerary and it will surely be accomplished on his best ways. The only bad thing about this person, when we tried to invite him to eat with us, he always refused, hahaha. Anyway, for those who would like to enjoy the sun and the colorful culture of Bali, Abbe is there to help you. He will definitely make your stay in Bali a menorable one.

Contact Information:
Address: Gang 5-Tukad Yeh Aya Denpasar, Indonesia 80361

Phone: +62 87860570999

Email: abadi_guide@yahoo.com
Facebook: Abbe Bali Driver
Website: http://abaditransport.wordpress.com/

Tourist Sites 

1. Barong Kris Dance – entrance fee is IDR80,000 (P355.42)

Barong is a lion-like character in the Balinese mythology located in Indonesia. He is the king of the spirits, leader of the hosts of good, and enemy of Rangda, the demon queen and mother of all spirit guards in the mythological traditions of Bali. The battle between Barong and Rangda is the highlight in Barong dance to show the eternal battle between good and evil. 

Location: Ubud, Bali Indonesia
Admission Fee: IDR 80,000-100,000 or 10.20 USD

Taking picture with a costume- R3,000 (P13) per shot

2. Tirta Empul Temple

also known as holy spring water temple. Tirta Empul is named by the Tirta Ri Air Hampul and then changed to Tirta Hampul and finally became the Tirta Empul. Tirta Ri air hampul simply means the water or the holy pool (Petirthan) emerges from the land.
Balinese people believe that this water source can heal various diseases, that's why this place is visited by many Hindu people to do the ritual. This place has been opened for public and one of the famous tourist destinations in Bali. 

(the holy water)

(the worshiper)

Admission fee: IDR 15,00 or 1.65 USD
Location: Tampak Siring Village, Gianyar Regency
39 km eastward from Denpasar, Bali Indonesia

TIP: Majority of the attractions in Bali are temples and other religious sites. Upon entering these sacred places, visitors are advised to wear jeans or anything that would cover your legs. So to save some bucks and to avoid skin problems, you can bring your own sarong if you're always wearing short pants. Most sarong at the entrance can be rented for a few bucks.

 3. Babi Guling Restaurant 

Babi Guling is a suckling pig usually stuffed with concoction such as coriander seeds, lemongrass, turmeric, black pepper and garlic. It is like 'Lechon' in the Philippines where pig is roasted until the skin becomes crispy. Babi Guling meal can be with other side dish like vegetables and other local food including rice.

Location: Babi Guling, Ibu Oka, Ubud Bali Indonesia
Price: IDR 30,000-50,000 excluding drinks

4. Ketut Liyer-  free attraction

- he is the one being described in Elizabeth Gilbert's international bestseller 'Eat Pray Love' and its subsequent film adaptation starring Julia Roberts. These are just a few of his description, but who this man really is. Ketut is in fact a medicine man, healer, a palm reader, and a painter who lives in Bali, Indonesia.He is not like any other palm reader who chants a mantra, sprinkles holy water, and rings a bell to visitors, instead he looks at the person's eyes, then observes their ears, lips, and nose before reading the palm.

Palm reading: IDR 250,000 or 28 USD
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily
Location: Pengosekan - Mas, Ubud Bali Indonesia

5. Sacred Forest Monkey Sanctuary (Ubud Monkey Forest)

6. Taman Ayun Temple

7. Surfing with a teacher for an hour –IDR100,000 (P444.2)

Our instructor taught us the basic of surfing for an hour and after that you'll do it on your own for another hour. I had so much fun learning this new water skill. At first, it was kinda tiring but once you'll get the technique, you would like to extend more.

TIP: You can find cheaper rate and sometimes you can haggle.

8. Kekak Dance- IDR70,000 (P310.35) 

Kecak dance is played mainly by men, performers or dancers sit in line and a circle with certain rhythm voices calling for "cak", raising their hands. This kecak dance created in the 1930s by Wayan Limbak and with a German painter Walter Spies. They create a dance based on ancient traditions and take sanghyang from parts Ramayana story. This dance became popular when Wayan Limbak the Balinese dancers with her tour around the world to introduce the Kecak dance. 

Admission fee: IDR 80,000

9. Dinner at Jimbaran Bay

This should be on your itinerary after a tiring day-tour around Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia. Experience the unique style of dinner at the beach overlooking the sunset at Jimbaran Bay. While enjoying your meals, you can watch Barong Kris dance mostly performed by kids. Most restaurants have variety of seafood packages including calamari, prawn, clam shell, crabs, fish cooked the way you like it. Other packages may have spicy barbeque and vegetables included. While waiting for your meal, you can have a quick stroll at the bay and try the grilled corn with butter, garlic and secret spices on it.
Tip: You have to tell to your guide ahead of time so that you can have available seats for dinner. Sometimes, the whole bay is packed with tourists and it's hard to get the spot you want.

Location: Jimbaran Bayis located to the south from Kuta
Price: IDR 720,000 for 9 people  IDR80,000  per person (P354.69) (nine people) 

 

Food &Beverages:

1. Chicken Burger with fries –IDR35,000 (P155.18)

2. Babe (Lechon) or roasted pig-  IDR37,000 (P164.04)

3. Burger King (Chicken burger only) -IDR20,000 (P88.67)

4.  H20 – ranges from IDR4,000 to R5000 (P17.73)

5. McDo for Lunch (Tuna Burger Meal) – IDR21,200 (P93.99)

6. Sandwich – IDR9,000 (P39.90)

Souvenirs:

1. Bali bag R15,000 x 4 pcs = IDR60,000 (P266.02)

2. Magnetic- one piece is R15,000(P66.50)

3. Mask R50,000 (P221.68)

4. Starbucks demitasse- IDR246,000 (P1090.67) per set (5 pieces)

5. Bag Batik- R30,000 (P133.01)

Market:

1. Discovery Mall

Biogesic 4pcs- R2000 (P8.87)

 Universal adaptor – R60,000 (P266.02)

 

Taxi:

Taxi from Discovery Mall to Hotel Sorga- R3,000 (P13.30) per person  (four people)

Currency:
Indonesian Rupiah (IDR)
1,000 IDR = 4.43 PHP

(complete blog will be posted soon)