Illustrado Magazine – Filipino Abroad

Tag: pinoy traveller

Pinoy Travel: Cancun, Mexico

By Chino & Kylene

Cancun very well known for its preeminent beaches with impeccable weather and bright sapphire waters of the Caribbean Sea. Apart from this, your night life will never be boring as it offers a wide variety of nightclubs like Coco Bongo, Palazzo and Daddy ‘O with drink-till-you drop treats. The parties will only end when the sun comes up!

Cancún is located just north of Mexico’s Caribbean coast resort band known as the Riviera Maya.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are two ways to reach this place: either via North America thru NYC, USA where connecting flights are available through Emirates or Etihad. The other way is of course thru South America which is thru Sao, Paolo Brazil. Again Emirates and Etihad has direct flight. Brazil could be a good option for our kababayans who want to visit Cancun since we are visa upon arrival, but of course you will need to apply for Mexican visa. But if you have a US visa then you don’t need to apply for it.

WHERE TO STAY

Cancun is a tourist friendly city. All hotels are located in their “hotel zone” where they share one coast line which is the Yucatan peninsula. Our advice is to just stay in a 4-star hotel. We stayed at The Royal Islander hotel. Price per night depends on the season and view (sea view or beach front). We booked the beach front view which is just AED500 night but if you want the standard room it will only cost AED350 a night. This hotel provides everything that a 5-star hotel has. They have 2 big pools with beach view, good restaurants, a nice white sand beach and a friendly staff.

MUST SEE AND DO

Naturally, the beach is the main highlight of Cancun. Both sunrise and sunset are amazing! Eating tacos is certainly a must do. We had it for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as it is totally different from the commercialized Tacos we are familiar with – they never put CHEESE on top but more of guacamole. You can find a lot them of along the streets that offer authentic TACOS with a good price from 5 Pesos to 15 Pesos which is approximately AED3.

Isla Mujeres is another island in Cancun which is only 15minutes by ferry. Here you can enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling and other water activities. You can also see the underground museum with over 500 sculptures with three different galleries submerged between three and six meters.

Chichen Itza is a must-visit since it is now one a UNESCO world heritage site, and one of the 7 wonders of the world. It is approximately a 2-hour drive from the city. We suggest you buy a ticket that includes buffet lunch so you can enjoy all traditional Mexican food while being entertained by the local dancers and singers.

For party goers like us, your night life in down town Cancun will be a blast! The streets are full of open disco bars. And when we say “open,” we do mean “open” as you are able to see what’s inside of the bars from the street. Some even just enjoy partying outside. The entrance fee for most of the bars is $100/person that includes unlimited drinks.

Playa de Carmen is the perfect place for shopping which stretches from Calle 1 to Calle 40, from high end brands to the local brands. A pedestrian walkway located just one or two blocks in land from the beach and while strolling around you will be entertained by some locals dressed in different costumes for tourist who wants to have some photos with the. It is an hour drive from the city.

Cancun’s best kept secrets are the cenotes – natural pits or sinkholes that are formed by the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. Never leave this place without going to one of these cenotes, especially the one in Puerto Morelos. We enjoyed zip lining then dropping into this breathtakingly clear waters. We also tried jumping into it from a 45-meter height. An adrenaline rush, indeed!

You may also try going to one of their popular ecological and archeological theme parks where you can swim with dolphins, ride horses, explore the Mayan ruins and the underground river.

How to Dress

Beach Wear! You can stroll around in your swim wear and flip-flops. It is an island so you don’t have to wear fancy clothes, unless of course if you want to dine in a fancy restaurant. All tourist attractions don’t require dress code. They will allow you to enter with your walking shorts.

What to bring

Mosquito repellent! Well aside from your usual “travel kit” make sure you apply this before going anywhere. Especially if you’re going to the cenotes.

What to avoid

Last minute booking, always make sure that you have pre-booked your flight, hotel and car – yes it is advisable to rent a car so you can travel anywhere with convenience. If you choose not to, then taxi will be a bit difficult due to the language barrier, plus not every taxis is metered, unlike here in the UAE. You will need to bring out your Spanish skills.

Approximate Budget

Flight per head

UAE – NY (round trip): AED4,785

NY – Cancun: AED1,112

Hotel

AED310-AED500 a night the royal islander

Car Rental

AED130 a day (it’s advisable to rent a manual transmission, as automatic is more expensive).

Full tank of fuel

AED201

Toll gates

144dhs return.

Chichen Itza entrance with lunch buffet

AED185 per head

Food and shopping

For food you may allocate AED250 per day. For your souvenirs AED300-500 should be fine, depending on what you want to bring home with you.

Other notes

Stay out of your hotel as much as possible, you have to enjoy what the city can offer! Be aware of the speed limit when driving as most of the streets have 60km/hr. speed limit, you don’t want to pay unnecessary expenses when.

More travel articles on Illustrado Life here.

May 16, 2017
PINOY TRAVEL GUIDE: BHUTAN
y Philip Sto. Domingo

TRAVEL BUDGET: Approx 7,500 AED (inclusive of airfares: from Dubai-Delhi-Paro/ Paro-Delhi-Dubai)

Daily Tariff: $290.00 per night

Visa Fee: $40.00

The minimum Daily Tariff per night/ head includes:
1. Accommodation in 3 star hotels
2. All Meals in 3 star hotels /restaurant etc
3. All travel with a licensed English Tour Guide
4. All inland Transport
5. Entrance fees for all visiting points
6. Mineral drinking water
WHY I WANTED TO VISIT THIS PLACE

When your back is up against the wall and and you’re in dire need of a good and a peaceful place for soul searching and self-discovery, where else should you go but to the world’s happiest country which is Bhutan. Labeled as the “Land of the Thunder Dragon”, it is a remote Bhuddist Kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge and is landlocked between Tibet, Nepal, China and India. A place where you can find solace and commune with nature at the same time.

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN BHUTAN

Great Buddha Dordenma in Kuenselphodrang, Thimpu, Bhutan

The best way to start your trip is to have a quick visit to Buddha Dordenma located at the top of the mountain of Bhutan. It is a gigantic Buddha statue at 169 feet and contains over 100,000 gilded bronze Buddhas inside. Gorgeous paintings adorned the walls as well.

The complex also provides a bird’s-eye view of the city and the green wilderness below. The area is large, peaceful and astoundingly beautiful.

Tashichho Dzong at Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan

Tashichho Dzong (also known as Thimphu Dzong) has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. Other government departments are housed in buildings nearby. This dzong (fortress) is located close to Thimpu town and it is an impressive large structure surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens. This is such a gorgeous place that captures the culture of Bhutan due to the colourful architecture and arts inside. Such a haven for photo enthusiast! Good to visit anytime of the day but it is even more gorgeous during evening as it is beautifully lit.

Paro Rinpung Dzong at Paro, Bhutan

Paro Rinpung Dzong is a large Buddhist Monastery and fortress located only a few minutes drive from Paro International Airport. Over-looking the fortress is the National Museum of Bhutan also known as Ta-Dzong, showcasing the art of living of Bhutanese people. Also in the museum are numerous exemplary show of endangered flora and fauna and the rich biodiversity of animals is Bhutan.This is another haven for photo enthusiast due to its beautiful architecture with deeply textured floors and great paintings. The place also houses about 200 monks complete with prayer halls, classrooms and festival grounds.

Below the dzong, a traditional wooden covered bridge called Nyamai Zamis located. The current bridge is a reconstruction of the original one. An earlier version of this bridge was removed in time of war to protect the fortress. The best part to take the pictures of Paro Dzong can be taken just downstream from the bridge.

Paro Taktshang also known as Taktshang Palphug Monastery / Tiger’s Nest at Paro Valley, Bhutan

It would be a “sin” to not visit the Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. This is the most famous landmark in Bhutan and located at the top of an 800 meter cliff in Paro. The place is widely regarded as one of the most important monastery in Bhutan and its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The construction of the monastery happened in 1692 and completed after three years in 1694.

It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours trek to reach the top (depends on your fitness level). Some roads are easy but there are paths that challenges your physical capabilities. I highly recommend that you bring lots of water and sweets to hydrate and replenish your body. Do not bring unnecessary items as this will only slow down your ascent to the mountain. Usually it’s cold at the top so bring some warmers though the trek will surely make you sweat. Note that no photographs are allowed inside the monastery but the view during the trek and atop the mountain is amazing in itself so make sure to stop once in a while to appreciate the scenic view.

Your trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing Tiger’s nest. The journey fills you with spiritual bliss and reaching the top provides immeasurable sense of achievement.

TOP TIPS FOR VISITING THIS PLACE
- If you transit via Kathmandu or Delhi, select or request a left window seat, so you could enjoy amazing himalayan snow mountain view. From Bhutan returns to Kathmandu, choose right window seat.
- Bhutan doesn’t allow smoking. Tourists need to pay 200% tax if you want to bring cigarettes and smoking in public area is not allowed and considered offensive.
- Respect local religion and traditions. Please take off shoes and caps when entering into temples and consult your guide before taking photos inside monasteries and temples.
- Dress conservatively and don’t show affection in public places. Dzong is a government office place and tourists with sleeveless shirt are not allowed to come inside, so prepare a long sleeve shirt if you are visiting Dzongs.
- When shopping, the prices are usually fixed so no need to haggle. Also most places are not used to tipping. You tip only your guide and driver, and when on trek, the porters and cook.
- Get in touch with the Bhutan Life Exposure Tours and Treks– One must need the support of a registered travel agency in Bhutan in order to get visa and tours. For my Bhutan Trip, I used “BLE Tours and Treks” to fulfil my dream of visiting this great country. Their website: http://www.ble.bt
THE MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE I HAD IN THIS PLACE

Traveling to Bhutan is a memorable experience that I am not likely to forget. I have been to so many places but never have I seen a country as religious as Bhutan. Approximately 75% of the population follow Buddhism and the remaining practice Hinduism. Aside from the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people, their charming country mesmerized me for its simplicity and natural beauty. Climbing Tiger’s Nest puts a big ‘tick’ mark on my bucket list, but I can say that one of the highlights of my trip was when I get the chance to have a heart to heart talk with one of the monks manning an old Temple in Paro. It was indeed a very liberating experience learning something from a very sincere monk telling me about the meaning of life, happiness and how to overcome sufferings in this world. One quote from him that I will never forget is that “Happiness comes from within and it can be achieved through helping others”. Traveling and seeing the beauty of this world is great but learning your ‘life purpose’ while you travel is priceless.

Yes, Bhutan is expensive but it is a trip worth taking.

Instagram logo: @philipdomingo #follow_ipe
May 6, 2017
Top 10 Budget Summer Destinations from the UAE

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April 28, 2017
Globetrotter’s Blog: Marianne Silloriquez in Paris

Ernest Hemingway once said – “‘If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.”

This sentence definitely captures everything about Paris, for indeed stepping inside would immeasurably enrich your life. It is a feast for all the senses and is sure to remain a part of you, no matter where you are.

Paris is fashion, history, art and culture rolled together in one. This city may be famous for being romantic and for its wealth of art treasures; but the greatest work of art is the city itself.

Getting there

As Paris is a top destination, finding a flight is easy. The question should be “when to go?” You do not want to be there in the summer when it is full of tourist and everything is even more expensive than how it already is; and not in the winter when weather will not allow you to enjoy the sights. I personally suggest you go sometime in September when the city of lights comes to life again after summer vacation mode. With the tourist season winding down, air and hotel fares take a dip, and the weather is just right.

What to expect

My first and most important tip to enjoy the Parisian cobbled streets is wear comfortable shoes. Never sacrifice comfort over fashion and remember, Paris is a city made for walking. You’ll be on your feet more than you can imagine – it is not a place to break in new stilettos.

There is so much to see and do in Paris, so it is best to plan your itinerary well. With your days agenda in place, getting around would be a breeze using the Metro. Go get yourself a ‘week pass’ (or more depending on your length of stay), which will give you unlimited access this efficient mode of transport. This will save you from lining up for single journey tickets and costs less too. Just don’t get stranded after the Metro has closed; late-night taxis can be very hard to find.

Paris is one of the most sophisticated cities I have ever traveled to. French women of all ages know the art of dressing elegantly. So if you want to blend in, you will have to dress up. Don’t over pack with too many outfits. Bring basics that you can mix and match. Accessorize with necklaces, earrings and scarves. Have fun and make a statement.

The city of Paris is known for having many pickpockets in tourist areas and on the metro. Beware of people trying to get your attention unnecessarily. Find a purse that’s large enough to hold your wallet, passport, camera, and travel-sized umbrella without the purse being too big and feeling too heavy. Just be sure to guard your purse carefully – by exercising caution, you won’t have any problems.

Must See and Do

First stop, the Eiffel Tower. Pride of Paris, France, La Tour Eiffel is one of the best known monuments in the world. Feel the privilege of being one of the seven million visitors who throng to the tower each year. Conquer your fear of heights by taking on the challenge of going to the top where you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the city. And after you’ve captured your most beautiful Parisian memory, come down and watch as the Eiffel tower lights up the night sky

No trip to Paris will be complete without visiting the Louvre Museum, the biggest museum in the world, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. You’ll definitely need a full day here.

Experience how the French kings and queens lived at the Chateau de Versailles – the official residence of the Kings of France from 1682 until 1790. Carry along an audio guide and learn about French history as you walk along the palace corridors to her majesty’s private quarters, the hall of mirrors and picturesque gardens. This castle is simply a work of art! My personal favorite is Marie Antoinette’s lovely house in the village specially built for her inside Versailles.

Take a stroll at the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, known as one of the world’s most famous and expensive streets – from the east at the Place de la Concorde in the east (one of the major public squares in Paris), towards the Arc de Triomphe (the famous monument honoring those who fought and died for France in the French Revolutionary and the Napoleonic Wars). Don’t forget to have your picture taken in what is touted as the most beautiful avenue of the world.

When in Paris, you also must enjoy your drink otherwise known as aperitif set against gorgeous backdrops – an aperitif with a view! Hop aboard a riverboat and enjoy a lunch cruise along the river Seine. During the cruise you will be able to see the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, the Institut de France, the Institut du Monde Arabe, Paris City Hall, the Conciergerie, the Statue of Liberty, the French National Library, and many more Paris landmarks.

Fall in love with Paris’ architectural wonders. Step back in time when you visit gothic, medieval, baroque, byzantine influenced churches and cathedrals that stand today as breathtaking testimonials to a complex heritage of Christianity that dominated in Paris from the fall of the Roman Empire to the French Revolution. We went to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, Basilica of the Sacré Cœur, La Sainte-Chapelle, Church of Saint-Sulpice, L’église de la Madeleine – all equally breathtaking.

One more place you should not miss is the Paris Opera House also called The Palais Garnier. Like the Notre Dame cathedral, Louvre, Sacré Coeur basilica, The Palais Garnier is a symbol of Paris. It is also the setting for Gaston Leroux’s 1911 novel The Phantom of the Opera. Simply being inside the opera house and seeing the beauty of its interior is a memorable experience on its own.

Finally, have a super night out beginning with a delicious dinner before settling down to enjoy an extraordinary musical masterpiece at the Moulin Rouge. “Féerie” is a spellbinding show that brings together a troupe of a hundred artists including 60 Doris Girls that are recruited worldwide. The show also has about a thousand costumes all adorned with feathers, sequins and glitter – French cabaret at its finest!

Souvenirs

For sure, souvenir shopping is on your list. Food always makes a great gift and Paris has no shortage of gourmet shops to find yummy treasures. Try French macarons, pastries and our favorite soussou (similar to chorizo).

You can go shop at department stores like Galleries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché or even Carrefour. If vintage art or books are more your style, shop at the bouquinistes – the large green stalls that line the walls on both banks of the Seine, near the city center.

On a personal note

Traveling is an exciting experience. You enrich your mind and soul… and your life as a whole because you widen your understanding about the world and the people that surround you. So whenever you get the chance, go ahead! There’s a big big universe waiting to be discovered.

December 29, 2011