AMARI WATERGATE BANGKOK: Been Around for 2 Decades but Still on Top of the Game! #LuxuryInLongevity @AmariHotels

" If you have a 23- year old hotel with 569 guest rooms in a city flushed with new 5-star accommodations and have no problem getting it fully booked then you have things managed the right way. " - quoted from my review of the property on www.Tripadvisor.com


We only stayed in hostels the first time we traveled to Bangkok so this time I thought why not try a fancy accommodation for a change, after all, other than its amazing temples, gastronomic diversity, unique culture and vibrant night life, Bangkok is known for luxury travel and relaxation. Surely, there is something for everyone regardless the budget and I thought why not splurge for a day. It was day 1 of our 8-days trip and it started so good thanks to Amari Watergate Hotel.

ABOUT AMARI WATERGATE BANGKOK

http://www.amari.com/watergate/

Amari Watergate Bangkok is a 5-star luxury hotel in the heart of Bangkok just opposite Platinum shopping mall with the BTS Skytrain, MRT and Airport link close by. The hotel offers easy access to Pratunam Market, Central World, Siam Paragon, and MBK.

Location: Pratunam, Petchburi
Highlights: Breeze Spa, Executive Lounge
Transport: Makkasan Airport Link, Rajthevi BTS Station
Nearby: Central World, Siam Paragon, Erawan Shrine
Awards:TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2012), Lonely Planet Best Value Hotel (2012)

Hong Kong Disneylad: It's About Magic and Memories

Everyone I talked to in Hong Kong said Ocean Park is better than Disneyland if you are an adult because the former got more serious and thrilling rides while the latter they say is for kids. So I was like, " I wanna go to Ocean Park" but I was with a friend who's a Disney baby and who's dream is to go to a Disney Theme Park so I was like "ok Disneyland it is then".

I think that's normal. I had lots of trips where I never felt excited about until I was in the process. We got to Disneyland around 11:00 am. My friend suggested to go earlier but I thought I wouldn't have the energy to walk around from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm so I suggested to go a little later. And guess what, muntik nang bitin. And that was still 10 hrs wandering around the park but we hardly noticed the time.

I was not jumpy at first but what happened was a successive buildup of momentum. One show after another, one attraction after the next and I was slowly engulfed in the marvel that is Disney. Sure I grew up with Disney shows and animations but I thought I am not a die hard fan but I figured out that Disney has deeply touched me in many ways I never realized. One by one good memories resurfaced and I was completely immersed into it. Disneyland sure is not about crazy rides but it is about " magic and memories". To be a kid again, to rekindle to childhood dreams and fantasies. Disneyland is more about exciting your senses, it's about touching your heart and soul.

And after that fireworks finale when I was holding back the tears -- the music, the pyrotechnic, the laser show projected on Sleeping Beauty's Castle -- all the beautiful things unfolding in front of my eyes, I realized that I am a Disney baby after all. We all are.

Learn and Travel: Tips for Those Who Want to Participate in Educational Programs Abroad

You can both learn and travel if you put your mind to it

Who doesn’t love traveling? Moreover, who doesn’t love giving their traveling some true meaning? Wouldn’t it be great to see your next trip as a reason to collect some material for your paper writing or a possibility to improve writing skills while blogging — or, more importantly, a chance to both travel and continue your study? Did you know there are lots of educational programs that will make this dream of yours come true?

Of course, you’ll need to do some research first. What kind of program should you choose? Where will you get money for traveling? Here are some tips that may help you while you are trying to make a decision.


1. Don’t be afraid to start.

It’s always extremely hard to make that first step, especially when you step into a strange environment, where they most likely speak a different language. It will take time for you to adjust and start enjoying the quiet walks along unknown city streets, short conversations with locals or hitchhiking. There are lots of challenges out there, from walking in circles trying to find the right place to misunderstanding some rules and cultural specifics that can get you in some awkward situations. But think what great adventure this all would make! This will definitely give your blog posts an edge that will beat any professional writing.

2. Learn languages.

It’s quite understandable that the better you are at speaking a language, the easier it is to get around and talk to the locals. As a result, you get much more pleasure from traveling and from the educational program of your choice. Besides, it’s kind of pointless to enter into an educational program if you have no knowledge of the local language whatsoever.

3. Choose educational programs that really catch your fancy.

It just wouldn’t do to decide to enter a program, come to another country and… spend your time being bored. Would you really like to do tons of descriptive essay writing on topics you are not interested?

4. If you are not sure about the educational program’s quality or the level of competency of organizers, it’s better to choose something else.

Apo Island vs Apo Reef for Turtle-Spotting: Apo Island Wins!

Other than Siquijor, there is another BIG reason why one should go to Dumaguete ---- Apo Island. This Dumaguete- Siquijor- Apo Island trilogy makes the place a powerhouse destination.

And I couldn't forget the frustration of not seeing turtles during our Apo Reef / Pandan Island trip a few months before flying here that I thought there is no way I am gonna miss it this time. And I Apo Island didn't fail. If you want to have that epic shot with sea turtles this is where you should go. Many turtles feed on shallow water of the island at ikaw na magsasawa. I remember being on the water for only 30 minutes and I already had so many encounters with these turtles.

Take note, Apo Reef is different from Apo Island. The first ( although categorically an island) is part of a reef system off the West coast of Occidental Mindoro while the latter is a volcanic island off Oriental Mindoro.

If you are coming from Manila, I find Apo Island more accessible. An hour flight to Dumaguete, an hour bus ride South to Zamboanguinita and a 30-minute boat ride is all it takes. With Apo Reef, it took us 16 hrs via bus,ferry, van and boat. The waiting in between transpo factored in of course.

Visa-Free Countries to Visit for Philippines

The Philippines passport is not the strongest and we all have to accept that fact. But that doesn’t mean we cannot go out to travel the world. When travelling to other countries there a lot of pieces of puzzles that we have to solve such as where to book cheap flight online, new clothes to shop to blend in with the locals, things to bring and so on (by the way I found this site where you can check out out to find interesting deals and promo!). On the other hand, visa issues are one of them too. In this blog post I have a list of 5 visa-free countries that you can actually visit for every Philippines passport holder.

Indonesia
(Free Visa – 30 days)

Dubbed as a tourist heaven, Indonesia offers spectacular destinations for many. Indonesia will charm you with unique travel pleasures because this country has almost everything from leisure to shopping, history, culture and many more. Simply google top places to visit in Indonesia and you will find popular destinations such as Bali, Lombok, Yogyakarta, Mount Bromo and lots more.

Tips – book your stay at Agoda where you can get the possible cheapest hotel rate. Save more on your accommodation to spend more on your trip!

Malaysia
(Free Visa – 30 days)

Malaysia’s Truly Asia tourism campaign has struck visitors around the globe and good news to us is that this neighbor of ours is available for us to visit without visa. A diverse and multiracial country, this is the perfect place for you to visit where you can enjoy its harmonic atmosphere and it offers fantastic shopping experience as it has been voted as one of the top shopping districts in the world.

On top of that, Malaysia has quite a number of popular tourist destinations and attractions such as Langkawi Island, Tioman Island, national parks, Legoland in Johor and many more. These places can be accessed via vast means of transportation promising you a great trip to be taken.

Thailand
(Free Visa – 30 days)

Thailand lets you create the kind of trip you have always wanted as the country is comprises with bustling modern cities, tuk-tuks, historic temples tended by monks, lush landscapes, colourful handicrafts, ancient ruins and stunning beaches.

Money and Relationship

Money makes the world go round but what does it do to relationships. Many people in the world are looking for love. And for most of them, money does not really matter. Until they are in love. When people have found what they are looking for they begin to consider other things. Things that can end up causing them to lose that great love they would have found.

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When Money Makes Love

There are however many cases of people who end up in love because they were searching for a better lifestyle. To achieve this, people are looking for wealthy partners. As bad as that sounds it is only normal for people to have standards. So having a set of characteristics that you desire in their dream partner is expected. If one of the things you consider is financial stability then you are very wise.

Siquijor Day Tour by Motorbike

Of course one doesn't go to Dumaguete without visiting Siquijor. It is combo-destination similar to that of Iloilo-Guimara, Davao City - Samal Island or Cebu-Mactan Island. I thought about keeping my options open for Siquijor so I only booked 3 nights in Dumaguete so as I can opt for another night in the former should it be viable.But I meet a fellow traveller over Couchsurfing and she said a day tour of Siquijor is good enough for her so I opted for a day trip as well.

To be honest, I expected too much of Siquijor so I was like "is that all?" at the end of our day tour. But it was not to the level of disappointment because I really enjoyed it so much. I just thought the attractions were not as powerhouse as I thought. But you know what the most fun part is? Renting a motorbike and go around the island. Yes. I highly suggest this activity. For as low as 400 pesos you can a bike all for yourself for the whole day. So if you are with another person to divide that cost then it is really a very cheap way of going around the island. You need to gas up though and return the bike full tank so more or less I spent 500 pesos but the fun of it is way so much more than what 500 pesos can buy.

GO HOTELS Dumaguete: Affordable Luxury in a Laidback Location @gohotels_ph

If you are familiar with Red Planet Hotels formerly Tune Hotels, Go Hotels is as good as it could get. This is because Air Asia's business model of add-ons translate to Red Planet Hotels to which iy is part of the consortium and the company of Cebu Pacific being the local version of Air Asia is the same conglomerate that owns Go Hotels.

What to expect. Hiply designed lobby and interiors. Quality rooms. 5-star bed, free wifi, power shower and all other conveniences less the pool all at affordable price of below 2,000 pesos. And if you are in Dumaguete where there is a shortage of quality accommodation, 2Go is already a luxury.

Location

It's location could be a good thing or bad thing depending on what you are looking for. It is situated in an area of new development in the city so expect it to be a little off downtown being Silliman University district but this is an upcoming area with Robinsons Dumaguete being the main attraction. The hotel is actually located behind Robinsons so that spells convenience for dining and shopping and at the same time affords a quiet location. If you are to go downtown and say drink, it is only a few minutes away by tricycle.

Top 5 Parks and Natural Attractions You Must Visit in Japan

Japan as an archipelago is blessed with rich, natural resources and majestic scenery almost everywhere you turn. Perhaps no other country in Asia offers such a wide and virtually complete range of leisure experiences hinged upon different aspects of Mother Nature—water, mountain, forests, and many more.

The four complete seasons that Japan experiences each year—winter, spring, summer and fall—are also responsible for shaping the myriad of activities and attractions available for tourists. Thus, a great idea is to plan your visit to Japan based on the kind of weather or climate you want to experience.

Here are the top five natural attractions that are a must-see and must-experience in Japan throughout the year:

Powder-like snow in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan’s four main islands, and offers the most legendary powder-like snow during the winter months. The Sapporo Snow Festival in the capital city is much-awaited by locals and tourists alike every year for the breathtaking snow and ice sculptures on display.

Be wise in choosing the best ski resort in Hokkaido that offers the most abundant snowfall, for a truly authentic winter experience. Apart from the requisite skiing on the slopes, there are many other winter activities to enjoy such as exploring snow-covered forests on foot, and riding on snowmobiles, buggies, and even banana boats. There are also a number of well-planned amusement parks with rides and events for the entire family.

Photo By: Shinichiro Saka

Photo By: Yoshihiro Ogawa

photo by: John G. Cramer III

Cherry blossoms in Tokyo. 

Spring may just be the perfect time to visit Japan’s capital city of Tokyo, not just because the cool weather is conducive for walking around, catching the train and exploring the various districts, but because you can also conveniently chance upon the iconic cherry blossoms in a number of spots throughout the metropolis.

Ueno Park 

is one of the most popular outdoor spaces in Tokyo where cherry blossom trees are in abundance, and locals freely celebrate hanami or the Japanese tradition of revering and enjoying the fleeting beauty of the flowers.

Majestic views of Mt. Fuji from Osaka. 

Japan’s highest mountain—at 3,776 meters—is also a perfectly shaped, active volcano. It is located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures. Visitors can actually hike up the mountain, but for those after a picture-perfect souvenir, ride the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka and catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji halfway through the trip.

Dumaguete: Balinsasayao-Danao Twin Lakes and Casaroro Waterfalls D.I.Y Day Tour

I can't believe it took me 8 years of travelling until I got to get my ass in Dumaguete. I didn't know what I have been really missing all this time until late last year. It was chuseok holiday in Korea so I packed my bags and traveled solo to Cebu-Dumaguete-Siquijor and Apo Island.

Dumaguete is a pretty small city with Silliman University at its core. All you need is a day to go around and get to know the place. That is not to say though that there is nothing to do here. There are still many things to discover. One can enjoy strolling by baywalk and get a sense of how laidback the city can get.

There are also a few pubs along Silliman Avenue that you can try if you want to chill. And a few specialty restaurants for your palate too. The attractions around Dumaguete are the ones that make Dumaguete such a to-go-place. There are lakes,waterfalls,hot springs, sand bars. There is also Siquijor just an hour away by slow ferry and Apo Island which is haven for turtle spotting. I will write about my experiences one by one but first, let me talk about my day trip to Balinsasayao-Danao Twin Lakes and Casaroro Waterfalls.