Singapore

Republic of Singapore is a Global City in Southeast Asia. It is the only Island City-state in the world.
According to the world bank it is the "easiest place to do business". It is a small island wherein almost all of the destinations are accessible by train and bus.

Currency: Singapore Dollar

Languages: Mandarin Chinese, Malay, Tamil, English

Religion: Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, Hinduism

Climate: Tropical Rainforest

Mode of transportation: Train/ Metro, Bus, Taxi, Bike (for short distance)

Singapore is Right hand drive so just be very careful when crossing the street.

CCTV's can be found anywhere. SG is monitored 24/7 so definitely crime scenes can easily be traced.

Culture: Singapore is a young country. During their independence with the British during 1963, there were uneducated labourers from Malaysia, China, and India were given citizenship. There are middle class born localities called Peranakans. After their independence, the Singaporean culture began.

Singaporeans doesn't have the same languages, but widely use is Mandarin Chines. Moreover, they don't have the same religion and customs. English is the first language of the nation but almost 40% of the localities is able to speak the language as taught in school.

The attitudes and behaviors of most Singaporeans are influenced by their own respective religions and languages. The percentage that can speak English are mostly Westernized. Those who speak Mandarin have beliefs and tradition of the Chinese and Malays, they tend to have a closed-link to Islamic beliefs.

Singapore's Flag carrier is Singapore Airlines. Their international Airport is called Changi and rated as on of the known best airports worldwide.

When I arrived last February 2015 from Dubai, the beautiful Changi Airport was the first thing I noticed as it was clean. I filled up a form for tourists wherein I submitted towards the immigration and they stamped it afterwards. In the arrival area I was waiting for my cousin to fetch me up. I couldn't contact him as my Roaming number wasn't working. I tried to call him over the pay phone but I still don't have the coins of the Singaporean Currency. After awhile, he approached me. 

We traveled via Metro, which is just outside SG. Singapore's train was like Dubai's Metro wherein they have a Tap Card. Whenever going towards the train and exiting, you should need to tap it or else the charge will give you high credits. These train access can be obtained in almost all of the stations and you just need to load it.

We arrived in Hougang, a place in SG wherein it was green because there were lots of planted trees. Singapore's accommodations are mostly Flats/ Condominiums. I was happily welcomed by My cousin's friend but I was shy at first because he provided me a Free accomodation. I asked my cousin way back before if I should book a hotel for myself, He suggested that there are also Flats that have rented room wherein you can pay them per day, but there are also cheap hotels, but to be practical he wanted me to stay in his friend's house so I can save money. :) I was happy during that time because of their warm hospitality.

On my first day, I just drop my Bags (as I was carrying a Big trolley bag because I will go back to Philippines after my tour for my vacation). Immediately, We ate in one of the stores near the building and grab for some noodles. He said most of the noodles in SG are not salty because It only depends on your choice if you have to add salt and pepper to your dish. The cost was around 15 SG dollars for that meal with softdrinks. 

Our next thing was to tour around Singapore. There were Bus stops wherein there's a guide map where the bus number travels. Always take note where these bus takes you as they all have the route in each designated bus number. The bus fee are paid also by the tap card.

We went to Hougang train station to travel again by Metro.

Our first stop was Tan Tock Seng hospital wherein I thought all the while that my previous hospital Colleagues were employed in this medical institution.

The second stop was in Orchard which there are lots of High end Brands. There's  a train station in Orchard wherein there's an entrance going inside the mall.

The street was not busy during that time. There are small refreshments store which you can buy Cigarettes as a cost of 10-16 SG dollars (expensive), they also serve beer and water.

We traveled into different parts of the City via Metro.

Most of the places are accessible by metro, all you need to do is prepare yourself for a long walk if you have limited time to catch up to view most of the parts in Singapore.

Tagaytay, Philippines

City of Tagaytay is one of the Philippine's tourist attraction in Luzon. It has an overview of the Taal lake wherein you can see in the middle the Taal Volcano island.

There are two ways to get to this city. One is via Aguinaldo Highway from Baclaran, Manila via Van or bus that picks up passengers which will take you there for about 1-2 hours depends on the traffic in Cavite city which you will pass by. Once you reach Dasmarinas, Cavite you are already near to the city. The other way is via SLEX (South Super highway) then exits to Sta rosa, Laguna where there's a turn that direct to the city 45 minutes from that point via Car.

When you reached the city the mode of transportation are usually tricycles or jeepneys. There are transient house which you can rent a room for a night prices ranges from 700-2000 pesos depends on how many persons. There are also hotels and resorts.

Temperature is cool which ranges from 12-25 degrees. Sometimes the place is foggy as it is elevated.

We went to Picnic Groove where there are horse back riding and we hike towards the peak.

There is also a place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee from starbucks or in Cafe Lupe which live bands are performing at night with the view of the Taal Volcano.

It was just a day tour as I was having a duty the next day.

Batangas, Philippines

This place is called Laiya, Batangas. Me and my colleagues from my previous hospital (Makati Medical Center) went last March 2009 for a fieldtrip as our Medical-Surgical floor was closed for renovation. I can't exactly remember the way as this happened almost 7 years ago.

Laiya is about 3-4 hours away from Manila by land. We traveled via Van. The SLEX (South superhighway) was the road towards the place and then pass by Las pinas and a part of laguna where there was a shortcut. We had stopped overs for food and drinks.

Oh god I miss my semi-bald haircut!!! hehehe.... after hours of traveling.... oh well you can see blue waters and white sand which relaxes your eyes (working in a hospital was so toxic) good thing we unwind during these days Thanks to the renovations!!!! hahaha!!!

We checked in Kabayan Resort where we rented a cottage to accommodate about more than 15 of us. We cooked barbecues and some stuff.

There were activities such as beach volleyball and others.

The place was a bit crowded as it is was a known getaway! but hey! they lots of sexy chics!! and for girls and gays hot body men!

Most of the people during that time was from Manila as it was a summertime and they wanted to stay away from all those busy work for awhile! hahaha that includes us!

It was just an overnight stay but during the night everyone were watching the stars... It was a fun moment especially with your colleagues.

SIPALAY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

Sipalay City is situated in the Southern part of Negros Occidental. During the travel, you will see in your journey the beautiful scenery of the white beach surrounded by mountains. The road to sipalay is already developed but along the way there are several zigzag roads built like a cliff.

How to get there: Local flights towards Silay-Bacolod airport from Manila international airports. When arriving in the airport of Silay-Bacolod, there are vans which can take you towards the South bus terminal. There are buses which are scheduled but I suggest to take a rented van or a taxi. It will cost about 250 pesos per head in a van or a taxi which can take you in a shorter time. If your are bringing a car it must be a 4 wheeler as the way is going up. The road along the way is ascending and some of the way towards one resort to another is not yet well-built and rough, so a 4x4 should br drove.

Travel time from bacolod city: about 4-5 hours by Van. Stop over is in Cauayan which is already near to the place.

Local Language used is mainly Ilonggo/ Hilgaynon although there are some cebuanos living but most of the people knows how to speak English.

What to bring: bottled water, toiletries, and food. There are some stores near to the place.

Reservations for the room should be made at least more than 3 days as there are lots of Filipinos and Foreigners who also books. You can search for a website or call anyone who have a communication with the localities or you can message me to help you out.

There are resorts such as popularly known as "Nataasan" but if your travel is budgeted, there are rented room for a family or double persons with a price range of 1000-5000 pesos per night near the resorts. We are about 5 who traveled along and our room was only 1500 pesos.

If you did not rented a van or brought a 4 wheeler vehicle, there are locals who offers ride with motorcycle. The transportation fee depends on how far you will go from your room or accommodation.

We started to travel from South bus terminal in a van around 9am then arrived to the City of Sipalay around 2pm. We rented a room near Nataasan resort. From there we decided to take lunch after a long journey with our packed marinated pork which we grilled.

There are also local stores which you can order with very cheap prices. They also serve Philippine Rum (tanduay) and several types of beer.

After taking our late lunch, we headed towards Perth (not in Australia hehe). It is a place where you can go for a lunch cruise along the water and enjoy swimming in their infinity pool with an amazing view!

This pic was only taken from the net as What they've said "not all cameras can capture the beautiful view seen by the eyes". We were just using I phone for taking pictures ;)

We hiked a little as the place was elevated.

When we arrived at the top, the view was amazing especially with the infinity pool. I can say It is ideal for a date getaways with your special someone :)

There was also a bar corner in the side of the pool where you can order some drinks.

It was already near to the sunset so headed back to the city proper to witness the sun that goes down.

The sunset was pretty and most of the people from sipalay are proud of it (well it is to be proud of !)

It was already 6:30 pm time and it's time to head for the local market to buy fresh seafoods at an affordable price. You need to bargain most of the time.

After doing your seafood shopping spree (haha); there are walking distance restaurants who cooks the food for you that depends on how you want it to be.

We ordered 1 kilo of shrimp, Blue marlin fish and other types of fishes which the names that I can't remember. We had the shrimp sautéed in garlic and the fish was divided for a grill and a traditional filipino soup which is called "Sinigang" (a type of soap which is paired with rice that is boiled with raddish, tamarind and other ingedients such as eggplant, onions and "Kangkong" (a type of green leafy vegetable grew in the  philippines) along with other spices such as chili and ginger. It has a sour taste but cooked nicely.

When we finished eating our dinner along the seaside of the restaurant, we brought some other stuffs and beer in the nearest convenient store.

We headed back to our place and drink beer along the side of the beach which is just near our room.

We slept at around 1am so that we can catch up with the island hoping.

It was around 8am when we woke up for island hoping (slightly dizzy because of the beer we had the night before ;) hehehe

We had breakfast in the near stores. Afterwards, we rented a boat that will take us to the different islands. Our problem was time as we want to catch up for the next destination. The island hoping would usually be 1-3 hours depends on which place you wanted to visit. The boatman would suggest several islands from the northern and southern part. If your time is not limited I suggest you grab the chance to see all of them. The boat cost ranges from 750-2000 pesos also bases for how many passengers will be in it. Also the price varies depending on the size of the boat. However, we preferred the large one as we don't want to get drowned hahaha!

As you pass by the several islands there are houses also built by the rich families in Negros Occidental.

I dream to have this house someday ;p but I can't afford it perhaps you can help me? hahaha

Our first stop was an island with small cave....

We swam for awhile and head back to the boat where they showed us one of the resorts.

We wanted to go snorkeling so we headed towards the place where there are no heavy waves.

There were small neon blue fishes swimming and it was only 10 feet so we can see the corals beneath.

We went back after an hour and took lunch.

Our friend which resides over that place fetch us up to go towards "tinagong dagat" (hidden sea). We had lunch prior to traveling. Then we rode over the motorcycle. It took us about 30 minutes to get to our destination.

The place was elevated so It was a little bit scary to go up specially riding at the back of the motorcycle with rough road.

When we arrived, all that anxiety was fulfilling as the place was eye-catching. The entrance fee was about 30-50 pesos per person.

Again we need to hike....  There was 2 hanging bridges that connects to one island into another. 

It will take you to the top with this type of view!

It was breath-taking! then we headed again to the other island

There was a pool but unluckily, there was no water as they were cleaning it.

It was getting towards sunset again, We went back to our accommodation. Our friends went with us to get drink with us in our last night.

In the morning we tavelled back to bacolod with the van where we contacted to pick us up on a specified time. The rate was once again the same as to to the transportation cost we payed.