Why the Philippines is the Top Easiest Southeast Asian Country to Visit This 2022 Summer

The blog author in Coron, Philippines

Traveling and entry to the Philippines has just been made simpler for international tourists coming from 157 visa-free countries starting 10 February 2022. The country has done away with the color coding of countries and effectively abolished the quarantine for fully vaccinated foreign business and leisure travelers from said countries.

A local airport in a tourist island in Palawan, Philippines

This is a real game changer for the Philippine tourism sector and with it the country has effectively positioned itself as the easiest country to visit in Southeast Asia as of 04 March 2022. This makes it a very attractive vacation destination for tourists looking for much-needed R&R. The move is seen as a huge advantage to the tourism industry which has bored the brunt of the 2-year travel ban for foreign tourists. 

Based on IATF-EID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases)  Resolution 160-B issued last 03 Feb 2022, a fully vaccinated international tourist from visa-free countries in the Philippines will only need to prepare the following to enter the Philippines starting 10 February 2022: 

• Negative RT PCR test result taken 48 hours before the date and time of flight from port or 
• Acceptable proof of vaccination  
• Travel insurance with Covid-19 treatment coverage of at least $35,000
• Valid Return flight tickets (to port of origin or next destination) not later than 30 days from date of arrival 
• Valid passport with at least six (6) months validity

These fewer entry, testing and quarantine requirements make the Philippines the easiest country to visit in Southeast Asia. Although other countries like Indonesia (Bali) and Thailand have opened up to foreign tourists, they still have a few entry requirements (as of March 3, 2021) that will make a potential tourists prefer to look elsewhere if they only got limited days to spend for a short vacation. 

Thailand for one, has the Test & Go which still requires a foreign tourist to book a prepaid hotel accommodation for one (1) night and Covid-19 RT-PCR test on Day 1 and another antigen on Day 5. 

Bali, Indonesia opened for vaccinated foreign tourists last 4 February 2022 but still requires 5 days of quarantine and visa for entry.

Beautiful white sand beach while island-hopping in Coron, Philippines

Singapore on one hand will start implementing the Vaccinated Traveler Lane (VTL) on 25 Feb 2022 which allows eligible VTL tourists to visit Singapore for a short visit without quarantine. One need only to book a VTL flight, register for a Vaccinated Travel Pass (VTP), obtain travel insurance, a negative RT-PCR test and a recognized vaccination certificate. One still needs to book an accommodation while waiting for PCR test result. 

The VTL is however limited only to selected VTL countries, the Philippines is fortunately on the list which allowed eligible Filipino tourists to enter Singapore starting 4 March 2022.

A beautiful sunset in the world-famous Boracay Island, Philippines

All of these new and more relaxed entry rules makes the Philippines more attractive to visit due to it's simpler requirements and no more quarantine for eligible fully vaccinated tourists. 

So far, since the opening last 10 February, a huge number of tourists mostly originating from Europe, US, UK, Canada has visited the country and it is an unprecedented number which is expected to increase as summer and peak season is coming.

So what are you waiting for? Book that flight now and have your long-awaited breather and relaxation. Come to the Philippines asap!

My First Solo Travel to India - Part 1

Intricate carvings on stone posts at Qutb Minar complex, New Delhi,  India

My love affair with the amazing Indian culture started way back during my high school days.  I remembering poring over every page relating to ancient Indian culture and getting awestruck with the pictures of old temples and carvings.

I have always been fascinated with ancient history and cultures. Naturally, remnants and structures from the past never fail to capture my imagination.
The Indian culture from its ancient Hindu and vedic temples, colorful past and irresistible cuisine, has always been on my top list of places to visit.

India is a huge continent consisting of many states.  I am aware that a single trip will not be enough to visit all the cities and temples in my list.  In fact, if time would permit, a few months is need to satisfy all my curiosities and visit all the interesting places in this incredible place.

Why India of all places?

As expected,  my friends were wondering why India, why not Bangkok or Singapore which are more closer and familiar?  Now, I have been to Hong Kong which is a mere 2 hours flight away.  Going to Hong Kong did not feel that  I was leaving somewhere outside of territorial waters.

It felt like I was just going to Davao or something like that. Maybe it was the travel time which reminded me of the same travel time to southern Philippines.  Singapore or Bangkod is just not too far away for me.

More importantly,  I am fed up with city sightseeing. I want something more and preferably out of my comfort zone.  My adventurous streak is overpowering me again.  I feel that whatever I can find in these nearer countries can wait at a future time.  India on the other hand, presents a more challenging challenging prospect.

So I ventured farther and prepared to endure the almost 7.5 hours of plane ride.  The pure excitement of going to a far and uncharted territory for the first time and all by myself spurred my wanderlust spirit no end.  It made me overcome my initial hesitation.

Note that the previous year New Delhi hogged headlines with gang rape news and for newbie solo female traveler that is something you have to think about twice.  Indeed,  India is not an easy place to conquer.


Planning and Cancellations

My first long journey

My first trip to India took a year of planning as I wanted to make sure everything is taken cared of down to the last detail.  You cannot really blame me because India is 4,780 miles away from home and I'll be alone.   My travel has been rescheduled three times and this entailed additional costs indeed but I remained determined.

The reschedule meant that I have to rebook the plane tickets.  I ended up paying double the usual fare.  Added to my woes,  I forfeited my hotel accommodations when my first schedule did not push through. These setback never dazed me as I told myself that this trip has to happen by hook or by crook.

Moreover,  I thought I would save plane costs by taking advantage of a flight promo via low-cost airline AirAsia but the extra fees for luggage, meals, etc seems to be making up for the cost I though I saved.  In fact, the fees for my extra baggage could buy me another roundtrip ticket.

AirAsia only flies to Kolkata and (no New Delhi route yet) and since this is about 2 hours away from New Delhi,  I have to book another tickets via a local airline to reach my final destination.  Indigo Air seemed like a no-fuss airline and booking online was easy, so flight to Kolkata-New Delhi was via this airline.


Manila to Kuala Lumpur Leg

Landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport

My flight to India started one late afternoon with the first route MLA-KL for about 3.5 hours.  It was quite a bumpy ride due to some low pressure disturbance brewing somewhere near Palawan Islands where we passed overhead.

Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata, India

Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur,  AirAsia has the Fly-Thru facility so I did not have to go thru Malaysian Immigration but went directly to boarding gate for my flight bound for Kolkata.

With the Fly-Thru feature,  my check-in luggage has been tagged to my final destination which is Kolkata, India.  After waiting for a couple of hours, finally we were boarding for Kolkata, India.  My anticipation increasing by the minute with the thought that finally, in a few hours I would finally set foot in India!

Boy it was the scariest 3.5 hours or so of my life.  The flight was bumpy with turbulence every so often, I just wished it would end. Being seated beside a very anxious man who kept on standing up made it almost unbearable.  All I wanted to do is to sleep off the turbulent ride.

Layover at Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport
 in Kolkata, India

I managed to catch some sleep during the flight but would be awaken up by turbulence.  I said to myself that if I survive in one piece,  I would not take this route again, ever.



To be Continued...

Planning for a Coron Trip

Coron, Palawan, Philippines

I have been dying to see Palawan since last year and it is only this time that I will have the chance to actually visit this beautiful place which lies in the western part of the country.  Did you know that Palawan is the only place in the Philippines that is earthquake-proof? Ain't that amazing!

This is going to be my first time to visit Palawan and it was initially a solo travel escapade but then I met some new people who are also going there so it would be awesome to check out the place with a group.

I love solo travel for the main fact that I do not have to be pressured to do a schedule because I hate rigid schedules.  Apparently,  Palawan consist of different islands strewn across a beautiful emerald sea which makes it a perfect island hopping destination.  Having said that,  I guess I need to get used to a sked,  our boat sked!

Another island in Coron,  Palawan

Pack Light 

I always make it a point to pack light and since Palawan is only about 45 minutes away by plane, I guess a small bag with all the necessary essentials like bathing suits, coverups, tanning lotion, mosquito repellent lotion, enough to live in for 5 days would be enough.  Since my travel to India, I learn that one can travel in style with just a few basics,  and I hope to do that with this trip to Palawan.

Plan Right

This weekend is going to be busy for planning and other things I need to prepare.  I always make a fuss about what I put inside my bag.

I do not have photos of Palawan yet so please forgive me for this picture-less post.  I always want to use my original photos in my posts.  Look forward to a lot of posts and beautiful photos a week from now!

Dumaguete City for a Day

I travelled to Dumaguete City without any travel itinerary.  My first destination was Bohol but decided to take another island as my take off place for a change. Since it was more of an impromptu travel I did not really expect much.

I booked my flight back to Manila via Dunaguete City.  It was really a crazy idea which means that I will just spend a few hours and overnight in this city before my flight the next morning bound for Manila.  Hence,  from Tagbilaran City in Bohol,  I took a fastcraft to Dumaguete City which took more than one hour.

It turned out great. Upon arrival at the port of Dumaguete, I was greeted by wide and clean streets.  From the pier I saw Siliman University with its shaded and tree-lined walls.  That was a real treat for me because it somehow reminded me of UP Diliman.  Right then and there I felt home.

I was able to meet a few friends from this city who are artists in their own right so the whole afternoon was spend checking out their craft and masterpieces.  I should have spent some time in the city's museum but decided against it due to the lack of time.

In the evening, I decided to check out the seaside area where you can find the 'I love Dumaguete' signage, perfect for a photo opportunity.  I was not able to get really nice photos because it was already dark and I was too lazy to mess up with my camera's manual settings.

Later on, I met up with some friends for dinner at the busy sidestreet near the university.  It was strewn with different watering holes perfect to cap the night away.  There was a tinge of sadness for me because I was not able to explore to quiet and unassuming city as I should.  Maybe next time then.

Early the next morning I had to leave the place where I stayed for my early flight back to Manila. Oh well, I did not do much!  I just managed to buy pasalubong,   the famous Sylvannas from the airport which would surely add more pounds to my frame but hey, that's part of the joy of travel.

Til next island hop. Ciao!

Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) for India: New Procedure

The beautiful Taj Mahal in Agra, India

This is a late post but I am sure it will help those who are planning to visit India on a tourist visa.

A few weeks before I left, I was busy doing my preparations and planning for my first trip to Incredible India when I learned that the tourist visa on arrival (TVoA) facility process has changed!  Good thing I was able to read about it from another travel blog.  Otherwise, I would have had difficulty or worst denied entry!

The new Indian TVoA processed online

The Philippines is only one of the countries which India allowed for a tourist to apply a tourist visa on arrival in designated airports.  It is welcome news for Filipinos who want to travel to this incredible country on a short notice.

The new TVoA for India required one to apply for the visa online and payment is also done online.  It was pretty easy since you are only required to fill up a form. The process takes only at most 24-72 hours if all goes well.  After payment, I got my approval and confirmation in less than 24 hours.  One just needs to print it and show the paper when you arrive in the airport of your destination.

In the old procedure,  one is required to apply for the tourist visa only upon arrival in India.  From what I know, this facility is available in Kolkata, Chennai, and New Delhi and more airports will be added soon. With the old procedure, filling up of forms as well as payment is done right upon ones arrival at the airport before you are cleared by Indian Immigration.

I was thinking what if you are denied entry right there after travelling for almost 9 hours!  That must have been a truly awful experience.  Nevertheless,  I have yet to to hear a story of one being denied a tourist visa in India.  I guess our own Immigration is doing a good job of filtering those who are not worthy to travel to India.

Take note that not all airports in India may accept the tourist on arrival visa so better check it out first.  It helps to be vigilant because things and procedures can change without prior notice.

The new procedure is easier for tourists like me because you don't have to worry of looking for a moneychanger to pay for your visa fees.  I learned before that the Indian immigration may ask either in USD payment or Indian Rupees which is a bit confusing.  So now, since payment is done online via credit card, you will not encounter the same hassle.  I paid $60.00 for the visa which allows me to stay in India for maximum of 30 days.

Blogger at the steps of Jama Masjid in New Delhi, India

If you want to apply, click on this link to the Indian TVoA Online Application.  I had a truly incredible time in India and will be back there soon!

Cebu Pacific Peso Fare Promo is Back!

Source: Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific's P1 airfare promo is back!  It applies to travel to chosen domestic and international destinations for the period June 1- Sept 30,  2015.  Booking dates should be made between Dec. 9-13, 2014.  So all wanderlusts, have you finalized that travel calendar for next year yet?  This deal is hard to pass off!

Check this out from CebPac's official website.

Running Out of Time in Hong Kong

I realized that it would take me at least a week to enable me to enjoy all the sights and places in Hong Kong.  This trip was supposed to be a kiddie trip so I really did not expect to cover a lot of ground add to the fact the month-long rallies in the Central area,  I really did not have much of a choice.  So myself and company spent 3 nights and 3 days in Hong Kong and the farthest we got was Tsuen Wan and of course Lantau island where the Disneyland resort is located.

We spent half-day in Tsuen Wan because our first hotel was located in the area. Then we spent one wonderful day at Disneyland resort and it was not even enough for us to do all the rides.   Then another day spent at Disneyland hotel just touring and enjoying the facility and trying out their famous restaurant.

So yes, I may need to spend another day to enjoy Disneyland and another 3-4 days to check out other sites in Hong Kong. BUT that will have to wait until early next year because I am setting my sights on another trip this month either Nepal or India.

I will post more details about my Hong Kong adventure soon!

Marriott Hotels Manila

Marriott Hotel Manila

This is my second time to stay in Marriott Hotels Manila located in New Port City. Marriott is connected directly to the Resort's World entertainment chain.

If you are looking to for book an accommodation near the NAIA airport, play the casino, shop in high end stores, then Marriott Hotel is for you. The rooms are big enough with a view overlooking the hotel pool the Makati/Taguig skyline in the far distance. The toilet and bath's wall facing the room directly is in glass. It is fitted with a modern bathtub, uite spacious and tastefully decorated with glass partitions and adjustable blinds for privacy from peering eyes of your room companion.

The room has all the standard things needed by a discerning business traveler and more: wifi connection (paid), minibar, ironing board, a safety deposit box, and a spacious closet. The bed night stand also carries an iPod dock with radio and alarm functions.

This hotel has all the bells and whistles of its stature complete amenities such as pool, fitness center, spa facilities has a wonderful cafe or restaurant in the ground floor, and an exclusive lounge for Platinum members in the 8th floor. The lounge area in the lobby has an interesting collection of furnitures which you may check out. The front lobby area may also exhibit interesting artifacts depending on the time of the year. Last December of 2013, the hotel lobby played host to a huge edible Gingerbread house.

Marriott Hotel is a great choice. Its great location and luxe amenities make it one of the pricier hotels in the area.

Promo Fare from Philippine Airlines, July 19-20, 2014 Period

I am always on the lookout for airline promo fares and I am sure a lot of people out there are too! Travelling can be expensive sometimes but if you can slash off your plane tickets' prices by purchasing it in advance or more, by buying it via an airlines' ticket sale promo, the better!

This weekend the local flag carrier of the Philippines is having a promo fare sale madness! Sectors are to and from Manila to these destinations, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Guanzhou, Beijing, Siamen, Saigon and Melbourne. Buying period is July 19-20, 2014 while travelling period should be from July 19 to September 19, 2014. Check out their PAL website (click here) and see for yourself.

Oh my G-string, I just realized that covers my first skydive jump-off city Dubai! I promised my self to do my first skydive after passing the bar exams. Not yet this year though. Oh well, go and check out those fares and save on your future travel budget.

Hotels in Dipolog City: Ariana Hotel

Hidden Gem of a Hotel in Dipolog City

During my recent trip to Dipolog City (Zamboanga del Norte) summer of 2014, a good friend recommended Ariana Hotel. I love going to new destinations and as much as I enjoy exploring the tourist spots as well as not so popular off-the-beaten path, I look forward to pampering my weary earthly body at a great hotel with clean rooms and nice, soft linens at the end of my adventure-filled day. Ariana Hotel indeed became my second home while in this city.

Pluses

1. At over a thousand pesos per night for a Single Executive room, that's value for money baby! I booked throught Agoda.com, a great site which I use for my fuss-free hotel or other accommodations booking.

2. Ariana Hotel is a stone throw away from the Dipolog City airport, what a relief! You can literally walk to the airport with your suitcase in tow. Of course, I didn't do that and still availed of the free hotel transfer to carry my gazillion of suitcases.  If you stay at Ariana, you need not worry about getting late in catching your flight off to your next destination.

3. Views, views, views and Ariana had good garden views. I often look for great views in every hotel I book and Ariana surely did not fail me in this aspect. The hotel compound is designed in a way that would give guests a good view far off into the distance. In the midst of the complex, there is a central sculpture of sorts. To bring it all together, you will find a huge Banyan tree beside the open hall way and another at the end near the pool which has round lantern which give a romantic vibe when lighted at night
Tip: To be assured, request for a room with a garden view.

4. Soft linens and unlimited supply of bath towels. Oh dear, yes Ariana Hotel has soft bed linens, and the pair of throw pillows on the bed (which caught me by surprise) puts a nice touch on the total look of the bed. I can be fussy bed wise. You can't blame me knowing that humans spend 1/3 of their lifetimes in bed, well I try to but a bed should be a great place you look forward to dock your body to at the end of an exciting day, right?

5. Ariana Hotel has a restaurant-turned-bistro at night named 'Chloe' and a cafe named 'Tablea'. The word 'tablea' is pronounced with the accent on the last syllable, refers to a dark bittersweet chocolate made out of local 'cacao' plant. Bit of trivia: did you know that during ancient times in Aztec civilizations, cacao seeds were actually used as a medium of currency?!  I can imagine how hard it must be for ladies to lug sacks of these seeds when they go shopping or buy some groceries.  I can't imagine stuffing them in my purse somehow.

6. Finally, I love clean pools hangin out in them and this one at the hotel I'd say is one of the best. Their pool is just one of the cleanest I've swam in, albeit deserted in a good way. Of course I'd prefer it empty cause I want it all to myself!

Design-wise the pool is simple BUT simplicity makes for a great swim especially in the evening. It is a rectangular shape and great thing is it maintains same depth all throughout so drowning is not possible unless you are child.

The staff actually put on the beautiful lights at night even if there are only two or three people enjoying laps.  The great Banyan tree at the other end of the pool with the hanging lights makes for a great romantic setting if you happen to stay with someone here.

I can ramble on about this pool but to say that it is a great one is an understatement. Add a full moon and ahhh I'm in seventh swimming heaven!

Me lovin' the lens or (the lens lovin' me lol).