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!