Macau Wonders!

It's May!And it's just a matter of time before packing my things and go elsewhere to start a new career and new life. Kinda excited at the same time anxious, I am just hoping for the best to come in the coming months :-)

But what really excites me now is the upcoming Hongkong trip!I am just counting the days until May 31 for our Clark flight. Everything is set, hotels (both in Clark and Hongkong), entrance fees for themed parks are already booked and pocket money is already prepared. I am ready to fly!hahaha!

We will be staying at Delta Hotel in Kowloon, it is more like a transient inn with no complimentary breakfast but considerably cheaper than other hotels in Hongkong, anyway, we will be spending most of our time outside so I don't mind if it's crappy so as long as there's a place to sleep. I chose it after comparing the hotel prices in Hongkong at Agoda site, got to read some reviews at Tripadvisor too about Delta and appeared to be good. So I made it a go to book there.

We will be traveling to Macau too, it's closer to Hongkong, the place offers so many beautiful attractions that travelers should never be missed, a one day excursion I guess will not hurt our budget. Considered as the gambling mecca in Asia due to world-class casinos along the Cotai Strip -- a reclamation area in Taipa and Coloane Islands, Macau is just so beautiful and magical, at night, the vibrant Casinos resonate glamour and wonders!

Since this is really one of the highlights of my travel escapade, I will make sure no time will be wasted, I prepared an advance itinerary plan to put things in order and some contingency measure in case a worst scenario will take place say for example if our tour guide in Macau will not show up hehe!

Senado Square, Macau

I made some research about this wonderful Chinese region which had been colonized by Portugal in the 17th or 18th century until 1999 and got some interesting info about their culture and best attractions. There's also a free shuttle bus of casinos that take travelers from the ferry terminal to Cotai Strip and even to Macau City proper.

Portuguese and Cantonese are widely spoken. The currency is Macanese Pataca but Hongkong Dollars are accepted in most establishments. If travelers will take a public bus, they are advised to prepare an exact amount for fare because bus drivers never usually give a change. They speak little English too or none at all so communication might not be established well :-)

I had been pondering lately (oppsss sounds very serious duh? :-D) how to make the most of our time visiting Macau for one day at a very low cost. 

So I made this itinerary to fit everything and enjoy the trip:

• From our hotel in Kowloon, we will be traveling by bus or MTR, whichever is convenient, to Hongkong China Ferry Terminal which is located just on the east side of Nathan road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. This is most ideal because Delta Hotel is within the Nathan road.
• Travel time should be at 7:00 in the morning because the first trip of Cotai Jet leaves at 8:00. 
• Choose Cotai Jet instead of Turbo Jet, both have the same ticket price anyway. Cotai Jet is more advantage because it will be docking at Macau Taipa Ferry Terminal which is just few minutes from the Cotai Strip where the casinos with free shuttle buses are located. Through this process we can avoid criss-crossing Macau wasting our precious time.
• Choose a round-trip ticket, it saves a lot than having a one-way ticket.
• Take a free shuttle bus going to Galaxy Macau because it is nearer from the Ferry Terminal than Venetian Macau. 
• Galaxy, Venetian and City of Dreams are located in the same area.
• Travel to Macau Peninsula where other attractions are located. I'd read that the Venetian shuttle bus travels to Senado Square so this is a wonderful opportunity to reach Macau city proper without spending on transportation.
• St. Dominic Church and the ruins of St. Paul Cathedral are just within the Senado Square.
• The rest of the day will be spent leisurely at various destinations around Macau Peninsula.

COTAI STRIP

Definitely the most interesting place around the special administrative regions of China, Cotai Strip consists of world-class casinos and luxurious hotels.

The Cotai Strip project is funded by the Las Vegas Sands, the second largest casino operator in the world which also owns Venetian Macau, Cotai Jet and the Sands Cotai Central.

The most imposing structure around Cotai is the Venetian Macau. It is a 40-story building with 3,000 suites, 3,400 slot machines and 800 gambling tables. With its gorgeous architectural design, state of the art facilities and posh accommodations, Venetian no doubt is one of the most stunning landmarks in Asia to visit. 

Venetian and City of Dreams in the background

Venetian has an Italian concept with a Gondola ride around the San Luca Canal, so if you are dreaming to ride in a Gondola but cannot go to Venice Italy, then a quick trip to Macau is a great option. At Venetian Macau, travelers can embark into a Gondola ride for HK$118.00. I am still contemplating if I will take this ride or just put it off until my next visit in the future hehehe!

MGM Grand

House of Dancing Water show at City of Dreams

Not far from Venetian is City of Dreams where the House of Dancing Water and Bubble Show can be witnessed. It consists of three hotel properties, the Grand Hyatt, Crown Towers and Hard Rock. The Dragon Treasure show is a lot cheaper which all budget travelers can afford, it only costs HK$ 30.00

Galaxy Macau is another exciting landmark at Cotai Strip. It is a luxurious casino resort with so many attractions to behold. The wavepool, artificial beach, Galaxy Laserama, Fortune Diamond and Wishing Crystals. 

Hurrah!So here I am, just cannot wait for June 1 to arrive! :-D

Preparing for my First Foreign Trip!

Excitement swells underneath! Just cannot wait for the first week of June to strike. Yeah!!Finally, I can travel abroad! This is my first time to take a foreign trip so a different surge of emotion amplifies every single minute of the day :-P

I've been praying hard to make this dream come true because my passport is about to expire and it's a great shame to renew it without a single stamp from the immigration hehe!

But I never imagine I could realize this dream sooner because my wallet is still bleeding with too many expenses in the graduate school and I am still recovering from the costly tuition fees and comprehensive exam not to mention our graduation fee that as high as our round trip Clark air fare oh Jesus! So there's no way I could fit this ambitious trip in my scanty budget but God is so good! He allowed circumstances to intervene. His love after all is larger than our worries and problems!

I will be joining faculty members in the university who are embarking into the cheapest route ---Hongkong and Macau! Oh Yeah!!I am such a brave soul because despite having no huge source of income and no available funds to finance this foreign trip I still got the nerve to book my flight hahaha! I just want to travel that's all :-D

I booked my round trip ticket last February 28, 2013 and since then I spent my free hours searching for a Hongkong itinerary plan. This is a DIY (do-it-yourself) Hongkong and Macau tour which is more exciting and thrilling than having a tour guide that would eat up a large chunk of our   budget. I requested a kababayan and very good friend, Jennifer Arguelles who is working in Hongkong, to guide us in this adventure.

I am no longer stranger to searching a travel guide stuff or creating an itinerary plan because I've been doing it for many years since creating this travel and leisure guide blog so I just intensified it with additional readings from the experience of other travellers.

Our first stop will be at Hongkong. Our booking confirmation stated that we will be touching down at the Hongkong international airport at 8:45 in the evening on June 1, 2013. From there we will be travelling by bus to the hotel in Kowloon.

Right now, I compiled so many planning travel kits from online sources complete with travel distance calculation, maps and directions. Lots of destinations to hop in, lots of attractions to consider but so far the best tourist attractions in Hongkong that travellers recommended are the following:

1. DISNEYLAND

We all love fairytale because it makes us go back to the land of joy and magic as if innocence did not end, with all the misunderstanding, chaos, conflicts and emotional struggle that hounded our existence there's nothing more relieving and relaxing than visit the world of fairytale even just for few hours --- Disneyland!

I want to make the most of my childlike nature here!

Frolicking around the fairytale landia, marvelling at Sleeping Beauty's castle will be my most soothing stress-buster for the season. Oh!!!Can't wait to stomp my feet at the carousel hehehe! Entrance for adult HK$450.00. Opening hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

2. OCEAN PARK

When I went to Manila, I did not go to Ocean Park because aside from its very expensive entrance fee, I  am not really into live marine creatures, so the Ocean Park in Hongkong has never cross in my mind, but when my friend who is working in Hongkong told me that Ocean Park is more fantastic than Disneyland, I included it in my itinerary :-D

Yeah!So many attractions await at the Ocean Park, I visited its website and discovered lots of exciting stuff. Entry per adult HK$ 280.00. Opening hours 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

3. The PEAK, Sky Terrace and Madame Tussaud

According to a travel guide I read about going to the Peak Tower, the easiest and most exciting way to reach the area is through the Peak Tram. It looks like a train (well, really a train hehehe) and would travel through a landscape of rolling hills overseeing the Victoria harbour. Peak Tram fare (round trip) is HK $40.00 and travels between 7:00 am to 10:00 pm daily

The Peak Tower is one of the most impressive architectural wonders in Hongkong, with its tower perching above the Victoria Peak, the area allowed visitors to marvel at the fascinating Hongkong skyline. The tower  has a viewing platform, Sky Terrace 428, that offers a panoramic view of the vibrant city and the neighboring islands, so the best time to visit the Peak Tower will be in the afternoon until night time. Sky Terrace entrance HK$30.00 and opens from 10:00 am -11:00 pm Monday to Friday and 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekends.

The Peak is surrounded with stunning greenery landscape. But one thing that really makes me so excited about the Peak adventure is visiting Madame Tussaud's wax museum. It houses the life size wax figures of Diana, Princess of Wales, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, Soccer sensation David Beckham, President Obama, Robert Pattinson, Jacky Chan, Elvis Presley and a lot more. Oh wooo! So excited. Madame Tussaud entrance for adult HK$190.00. Opening hour is 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

4. Ngong Ping 360 and Po Lin Monastery

Located in Lantau Island, Hongkong, where a giant Buddha can be seen from a distance, Ngong Ping is one destination in Hongkong that tourists should never missed. It can be reached through a cable car, the ride takes 25 minutes from Tung Chung town center to Lantau Island. Attractions at Ngong Ping include a  visit to a cultural-themed village, walk to a giant Buddha, Monkey's Tale theater, Bodhi Shrine Well, Ngong Ping Tea House and Po Lin Monastery.

The Giant Buddha at Lantau Island with a cable car behind

The number 360 signifies the 360 degrees view of Lantau Island that visitors can experience while travelling at the cable car. Passengers can enjoy the spectacular view of the Hongkong vistas, islands and the city itself. Opening hours 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Price Package HK$194 this includes standard cabin cable car ride round trip, Ngong Ping village, walking with buddha, Monkey's Tale theater.

5. NAN LIAN GARDEN and CHI LIN NUNNERY

An elegant Chinese classical garden located in Kowloon, according to the information I read about this garden, Nan Lian is a truly magnificent, beautiful and tranquil place. It is characterized by the four elements of Tang-style gardens with artificial hillocks, ornamental rocks, running waters, old trees, bridges, winding paths, pond, pavilion and waterfalls!

Nan Lian Garden

Chi Lin Monastery

Adjacent to Nan Lian Garden is Chi Lin Nunnery, a large monastic complex built in Tang Dynasty style. It has a vegetarian restaurant nearby. The Nunnery is a beautiful clusters of building with three courtyards that contained ornamental plants and gardens. Entrance is free (Oh heaven thanks my wallet can take a break hehe!). Opening hours 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.

6. NOAH'S ARK

This is the newest theme park in Hongkong. Noah's Ark, which prominently mentioned in the Holy Bible, probably existed only in our imaginations, but three Hongkong billionaire brothers decided to build this very ambitious project which opened to the public in May 2009. Set in front of the Tsing Ma bridge in Hongkong, Noah's Ark measures 450 feet long and 75 feet wide, it features double-glazed windows with a fine dining restaurant inside the ark.

The theme park depicted what was written in the bible, it has 67 pairs of animals in the entrance just like the exact number of pairs saved by Noah at the great flood. A fibre glass made Giraffe guarded the entrance of the Ark. Entrance for adult HK$155.00

MACAU one-day trip

We will visit Macau that's for sure!:-P

A former Portuguese colony now part of the special administrative region of China, Macau is dubbed as the gambling mecca, the Las Vegas in Asia. It has several world-class casinos situated at Cotai Strip: Galaxy Macau, Venetian, City of Dreams, MGM and Wynn these casino resorts are some of the best in Las Vegas and now found its way to Macau. This Chinese region can be reached through Turbo and Cotai jets from Hongkong. It's just a one-hour sea travel.

I am eager to visit MGM, I'd studied this casino resort extensively last year. When I took up my strategic management subject in MBA, I was assigned to make a strategic plan presentation about MGM in the class, MGM's case was very complicated because it is a multi-divisional company, it took three weeks before I completed my analysis presentation with lots of sleepless nights, headaches and pounds of stress :-D

The Cotai Strip of Macau where some of the best casinos in the world are situated

But the most-talked about casino in Macau along the Cotai Strip is Venetian Macau. It follows an Italian theme and just like what the city of Venice in Italy is known for, Venetian also has a Gondola where visitors can embark into a romantic boat ride around the canal surrounding the resort.

Other top attractions in Macau are Senado Square, A- Ma Temple, ruins of St. Paul Cathedral, Macau Tower, Macau Science Center, Macau Museum, Border Gates, Ponte 16 and Macau Fisherman's Wharf.

Malipano Island

Sugary sand, crystal blue water and gorgeous tropical surrounding, that's Malipano!

It's a picturesque island under Pearl Farm Beach Resort Management that can be reached through a speedboat ride, approximately 30 minutes from Pearl Farm.

Malipano Gazebo ideal for conferences and special events

Outside Malipano Gazebo

Peaceful and quiet, Malipano is surrounded with tropical trees and stunning beach side. Going there will cost you nothing because it is part of the accommodation you pay when booking at Pearl Farm provided you will only go there for sight seeing. There are exclusive villas in the island directly facing the ocean and a Gazebo nearby. There's a small chapel also not far from the Gazebo.

This beachside is exclusive for Malipano Villa occupants. 
Visitors from Pearl Farm are only allowed to stay here for less than 30 minutes

Boat ride from Pearl Farm to Malipano takes only 20-30 minutes

I'd come to visit Malipano last August 2012 with friends, and we really enjoyed the moment we spent together while at this island. It has beautiful seaside especially the one facing the open sea, very impressive! With its sparkling blue water, ivory sand and exclusive villas, one can truly expect a wonderful holiday escape experience there.

The villas are so lavish!I only saw the exterior because it was closely guarded by the staff and visitors who are not booked at its villas are not allowed to stay at the beach side fronting the open sea (the one we visited) longer than 30 minutes, in fact we were reprimanded for staying there longer and for resting at the hammock hehe. So we moved back to the Gazebo area and waited for the boat to take us back to Pearl Farm. 

The coconut trees and lush green plants are so refreshing! We were able to do lots of frolicking and jumping around the area. We seated at its neatly-manicured lawn for 30 minutes and just laughed and talked. It was beautiful and I was able to fully relax with my friends.

 At the neatly-manicured lawn of Malipano Island surrounded by coconut trees

So many things to do at Malipano :-)

According to Pearl Farm website, there are two types of villas at Malipano: Five villas have 3 bedrooms and two villas have four bedrooms. Each villa is air-conditioned and equipped with minibar and coffee/tea facilities, cable television, living room, bathroom and hair dryer. Just like Pearl Farm's suites and rooms, there is a butler service available for food orders and other assistance. 

Description of Malipano Villas

Villa 1 - on Stilts

When you enter,
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (2single beds with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third floor – 3 single beds
Powder room OUTSIDE of the main door to the villa

Villa 2 - on Stilts

When you enter,
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (2single beds with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third floor – 3 single beds

Villa 3 - on Stilts

When you enter,
Left side – powder room
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (2single beds with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third floor – Siesta Room (3 loft beds)

Villa 4 - on Stilts

When you enter,
Left side – powder room
Left side – Guest Room (2 single beds with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (queen sized bed with pull-out with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third floor – Master’s Bedroom (king sized with 1 loft bed)

Villa 5 - rocky part of island ( 3 bedroom villa )

When you enter,
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Right side – Guests Room (2single beds with own toilet and bath)
Right side ( Guest Room ) – 2 Single Bed
2nd Floor - Rest Room
Third Floor – 1 Queen size bed and 2 couch

Villa 6 - rocky part of the island

When you enter,
Right side – powder room
Right side – Guest Room (2 single beds with own toilet and bath)
Left Side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath)
Mezzanine – bathroom only
Third Floor – 3 single beds

Villa 7 - rocky part of the island / facing the mini rainforest

When you enter,
Right side – toilet
Right side – Guest Room (2 single beds with own toilet and bath)
Left side – powder room
Left side – Master’s Bedroom (king sized bed with own toilet and bath with pocket garden)
Mezzanine – queen sized bed with toilet and bath
Third Floor – 3 single beds with toilet and bath
LIVING ROOM open onto a veranda stairway to the garden

Inclusions:

• Room Accommodation

• Welcome Drinks upon arrival

• Use of resorts facilities such as tennis court, basketball court, game room, mini gym, volleyball, swimming pool & beach area.

Note:

• Above Rates are per room per Night. Third person will apply extra person rate and full rate for meals and transfers

• Above Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 12% Government tax

Child Policy:

• 0-5 years old is Free of Charge on accommodations, a fee of Php 375.00 per child will be imposed for Marina Fees.

• 6-12 years old will apply the extra person rate on accommodation and 50% off on meal rates and transfers.

Peak Days Surcharge:

Surcharge of PHP2,500.00 per room per night will be added on accommodation rates during Chinese New Year, Holy Week, Christmas and New Year (December 21 to January 4, 2014)

 Ready to go to Pearl Farm and Malipano Island? Visit PEARL FARM SITE HERE

Dedon Island!

Hello travellers! Are you looking for a new holiday destination to spice up your summer break?

Here's the newest beach resort in Mindanao I discovered recently while watching Kris TV. It's called Dedon Island. Utterly beautiful!

I never heard about it even if I came from the same region (Caraga), so while watching, I could not help but be captivated with its gorgeous surrounding and facilities.

Formerly known as Pansukian Tropical resort, Dedon Island is a secluded holiday destination located in the southern part of Siargao, Surigao City, Caraga Province, Philippines just around the corner of the legendary surfing point, Cloud 9.

The accommodation is extremely luxurious, the management would even allow visitors (maximum of 34 people) to book the entire resort for an exclusive stay  just like what Kris and her entourage did!

The Island

The villa

The resort boasts world-class amenities, incredible architectural design, outdoor lounge furniture and lush tropical environment. It is surrounded with mangrove trees, powdery sand and fringed through Rainforest hills and lagoon.

Absolutely fantastic! According to Kris Aquino, Dedon Island is more stunning than Amanpulo in Palawan. Oh my! We all know how expensive and how ultra-exclusive Amanpulo is, it's like taking a Caribbean holiday. Now, we've got an idea how expensive Dedon Island is, haha!

Spectacular views of Dedon Island, Siargao

Well, dreaming to get there is not bad...

Let's just hope the resort will offer promotional rates one of these days :-) I was really amazed with the beauty of Dedon island, simply gorgeous! I like the outdoor furniture, especially the swingrest, the one where Kris seated during her interview.

Its restaurant serves both local and international cuisines. I was able to watch a German chef, interviewed by Kris while preparing a unique Kinilaw of Tangigue.

The swingrest hanged between trees. Visitors may take a 

a good rest here or maybe sleep

I saw Kris sat on the swingrest and I thought it's just a normal sofa built outside the villa, but when I saw its view from a distance, it's another outdoor lounge furniture wonder! Perfect to take a short nap or rest with friends. It looks superb and very cool! The calmness of the environment and soft breeze from the trees will make visitors drowse to sleep when taking a rest there, perhaps :-D

The furnishing at its cottages and villas are made from local materials, wonderfully crafted but designed under the influence of Filipino culture. The materials from fabric to chair covers down to the last details of the roofing of the villas, the structure of the verandas and the furniture showcase the regional heritage of the Filipinos.

Aside from the architectural design and tropical environment of the resort, there are lots of things you'll enjoy doing there, activities to indulge during the day include windsurfing, Kayaking, island excursions, stand-up paddle among others. The Padie activity along the river is one of the most exciting because visitors can experience the thrill of paddling while on top of a wake board. There's nothing to fear since you have to wear a life vest.

Kris Aquino walking on foot along Dedon's shoreline.

Don't be discouraged with the black images you saw, it's the corals, normally present
 in all Surigao beaches. It's not harmful, there's nothing to fear because it will just "hide" during high tide, it is only visible during low tide. I used to play with this kind of coral when I was still growing up in the province, it's lovely to hold, it is slippery but won't make your skin itchy. 

Walking on foot around Mangrove and a the Sea Pagoda is another exciting thing to do in the island. I saw Kris taking a walk at its long coastline and at the mangrove area, it was beautiful, a perfect moment to indulge while taking a break from swimming. While at the Sea Pagoda, Kris kept on praising the thrilling big waves at the surfing area not far from the resort.

With its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, luxury accommodation and gorgeous architectural design, Dedon Island is truly an exciting holiday destination to consider this summer!

It's a mix of fun and adventure. As I watched Kris and her entourage frolicked around the area, I  must say that there's no other beach resorts in the Philippines that offer the best of both worlds other than Dedon Island.

The Nestrest at Dedon with Sea Pagoda in the Background

And there's another piece of art of an outdoor furniture that amuses me--the Nestrest! Never saw this stuff before. Nestrest is beautifully designed for an outdoor respite. Visitors can take a rest there, sleeping or reading books or talking with friends.

Veranda or Lanai

The island has two types of cottages: The Tropical Villas and Garden Cottages and both have window seats that can doubled as extra beds. Not sure if the resort retains the garden cottages which are a lot cheaper than the Villas. Just contact the management by visiting their OFFICIAL SITE  if you have further questions.

Rates however are quite expensive. For Filipino travellers, it's like going to a foreign country!

Click the above list to enlarge. If you find the above image blurry please CLICK THIS LINK

Facilities at Dedon Island:

• Infinity Pool
• Sea Pagoda
• Hobie cat
• Lanai
• Volleyball/and tennis
• Billiard area
• Massage center
• Nestrest
• Swingrest
• Gardens
• Hammocks along trees
• Restaurant
• Cocktail bar

What to do at Dedon Island:

• Island Excursions
• Deep Sea Fishing
• Offshore Surfing
• Sports like volleyball, tennis
• Padi Diving
• Walking around mangrove trees
• Windsurfing
• Ocean kayaking
• Mountain biking

How to get there:

For international travellers, the quickest way to get to Siargao is via Cebu International Airport. You will be picked up from the airport to the resort. For those who want to travel at their leisure time, there are chartered flights available from Cebu to Siargao Island. For Mindanao travellers, you can take a bus ride from any point in Mindanao to Surigao City.

Eden Nature Park

Got to visit Eden Nature Park once again. Peace. Serenity. Stillness. Bonding. You've got the best of time and relaxation at Eden.

Entrance Area

Last January 5, 2012, Saturday, we'd a Christmas Recollection at Eden, it was the second time that our annual recollection was held there, the first time was in November 2008. You might wonder why it was called "Christmas Recollection" here's a little explanation: In the Catholic calendar, Christmas season officially begins on the birth of Jesus (December 25) and ends on the Feast Sunday of His Baptism, normally falls on the second Sunday of January (Sunday after the Epiphany or Three Kings), this year, 2013, Feast Sunday of Baptism is on January 13, thus our recollection still falls on the Christmas season :-)

It's good to be at the heart of nature once again with the stunning backdrop of the mountain, rolling hills and green plants, it makes me feel good. The cool breeze of the countryside provides comfort and serenity, it's a welcome respite from the clutters of the daily life in the city.

Actually, I am not really very obsessed with Eden as I grew up in the province with the same landscape of trees and hills but the well-developed environment, organic farm and amenities that Eden provides are what make the  the experience very different. 

Eden is located at Toril approximately one hour ride from Davao city. Visitors may hire a cab from  the city proper as no public utility bus or jeep directly travelling there. What's good at Eden is the private leisure it provides. 

Cottages

Organic Farm

It is a home to botanical garden, bed of flowers, pine trees, organic vegetables, adventure and lush tropical foliage. It has indigenous creatures too with Deer park and Bird walk. Extreme sports adventure can be experienced at Eden too. At night you can go camping at its trail site. Or go walking among boulders in the morning and try zip line in the afternoon. 

Eden offers the best experience of being relaxed and stress-free. The cool mountain air, the fresh organic foods harvested from the farm and the calmness of the surrounding. This nature park resort is truly a good destination to unwind and loosen up.

Green Salad fresh from the resort's organic farm

The first time I visited Eden in 2001 the surrounding was not yet fully developed but the basic facilities were already there, got to ride the cable swing for the first time :-) and we did fishing. In 2008 more amenities were added and the foods had improved!

Taking Indiana Jones this year for the third time

 Second time in November 2008

What to do at Eden:

• Fishing
• Bonding with family and friends
• Eat and eat :-D
• Mountain trekking
• Mountain and sky adventure
• Swimming
• Relax and unwind
• Contemplate :-)

Facilities, Amenities, Leisure Areas:

• Indiana Jones (cable swing)
• Swimming Pool
• Camp site
• Fishing Village
• Skyride
• Botanical Garden
• Restaurant
• Boutique/Souvenir's shop
• Bird walk/Deer park
• Organic farm
• Cottages/Suites
• Function Hall
• Garden Party

At Eden, you can choose to stay overnight or just take a Day tour with family, friends and special someone.

Day Packages:

Entrance and Meal
        Adult: P470.00 Child (4-10 years old): P300.00
Plated Snacks 
       Adult: P200.00 Child (4-10 years old): P170.00

Rates:
Shuttle Tour: P120.00
Skyride rate: P150.00
Horseback Riding: P55.00
Fishing Village: P85.00
Swimming Pool: Adult - P80.00 Child - P55.00

For more information about the resort's room rates, accommodation and other packages for special occasions, visit Eden's official website

Dreamy Vacation at Maldives!

Let's have a dreamy escape to the breathtaking island of Maldives!

Maldives!

A good holiday break is what I need right now :-D

With all the muddles, upheavals of everyday life in the city and the never-ending worries of what's-coming-ahead, the best thing to do now is to hop in to a secluded island to de-stress. Though Philippines have some of the best beach destinations in the world, dreaming to be in a foreign beach is not a bad idea. Beach scenery is very relaxing, the sugary sand, the gentle splashing of the waves at night, the soothing breeze coming from the ocean and the warmth of the morning sunshine are just so terrific.

Going to Europe or the Caribbean (even if that's what I always wanted) might not be possible at the moment, so why not take another alternative.

Some of the best holiday getaways in the world I often fantasized are Tuscany in Italy, Cornwall in England, St.Kilda in Scotland, French Polynesia in the South Pacific, Mustique in the Caribbean and Santorini in Greece. But the expenses and cost of travelling to these places are equivalent to my lifetime savings, so an Asian getaway is a perfect alternative, other than closer to home, Asian countries also have equally terrific holiday destinations.

Maldives has several world-class and romantic beach resorts

One of these countries is Maldives, a small island nation located off the tip of India facing the Indian Ocean, it is an archipelago composed of several atolls literally floating by the sea with romantic and secluded beaches sprawled across its 1,190 islands. It has cobalt blue water, sugary sand, sun-kissed shorelines and lush tropical trees that surely bring delight to tourists.

Based on online articles and testimonies of travellers I'd read, Maldives offers the best holiday experience among Asian countries, its beach resorts are rated world-class with choices ranging from water-bungalows, beach villas, garden suites and ocean villas for an ultimate private relaxation, the surrounding is so calm and quiet. It will provide a gratifying retreat.

For Asians, going to Maldives is easy (granting you have the money), there are direct flights from Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, China, Thailand, India and Sri Lanka to Male, Maldives' capital. The resorts are just 5 kilometers from the airport. For International travellers, there are regular flights coming from the Middle East, USA and Europe.

 Paradise Island Resort in Maldives surrounded by sparking aquamarine water with palm trees and lagoon. This is one of the most affordable resorts in Maldives, single accommodation for two nights, breakfast inclusive is US$458 (this rate is for 2013 May schedule)

Paradise Island Resort is located on the eastern edge of North Atoll in Male set in a massive reef enclosed lagoon. Transfer from speed boat from Male airport is 20 minutes.

For Filipinos who are looking for a cheap travel package to Maldives, resort booking picks from P20,000 per person for a two-night stay in a four star hotel/resort (excluding the plane ticket), this is the cheapest rate you could ever get in Maldives (which is quite expensive for Filipinos who are just earning an average income, but a very satisfying treat to oneself).

Entering Maldives:

Maldives offers visitors a 30-day free visa upon arrival, however each person is required to have at least US$30.00 per day on his or her own possession. Other requirements include a valid return air ticket and proof of booking to a hotel or resort.