Philippines -- Baler

Beautiful BALER



Mike was busy working in Australia so I went home again to the Philippines to see family. A friend was going to Baler for the weekend and I decided to tag-along.

Philippines -- La Union

There has been so much talk about the surf in the Philippines lately, so we went to check out a popular spot up north.

sunset on the northern coast of the region

Philippines -- Chinatown

busy busy busy

Chinatown in Binondo is said to be the oldest Chinatown in the world. Established in 1594, this became the center of commerce and trade in Manila

Philippines -- Intramuros

Fort Santiago

The Philippines

photo: wikitravel.org

Mike and I were able to spend the holidays in the Philippines (admittedly due to geographical convenience and short holidays). He was finally able to try Filipino cuisine, one I’ve been marveling to him about. Of course, he didn’t pass up the chance to try the ever-famous “balut”, and he even liked it!

We were only able to do some minor traveling, less than we would have liked because of time constraints but he was still able to enjoy some of my hometown scenery, a local surf spot, and historical and cultural spots.

Philippines -- Normal Food

After all that street food adventure, It was time for Mike to try some "normal" home-cooked Filipino food.

Philippines -- Street Food Sensation

Filipino Street Food -- popular comfort food in the Philippines. They are cheap, easy to eat, flavorful, and found everywhere.

Michael loves his street food especially grilled skewers. But before I took him to get his skewer fixation, he had to pass the Balut test.

Amed

East Bali: Tirta Gangga Water Palace

After bidding farewell to Kusumajaya, we walked down the hill and a hundred meters up the road to the Tirta Gangga watergarden. I had been looking forward to visiting this site for quite a long time and hadn't told Kristin about it at all, so I was excited.

East Bali: Tirta Gangga & Kusumajaya Homestay

After visiting Pura Goa Lawah and continuing another hour north, Kristin and I were ready to settle in for the night. I had been told the best place to stay in Tirta Gangga was the Kusumajaya Homestay. Sitting halfway up a mountain, the site overlooks the beautiful valley below. It's not the easiest place to find, but we didn't mind exploring the surrounding area's rice terraces before finally arriving at our destination.

East Bali: Pura Goa Lawah

Pura Goa Lawah is one of six temples known as the Sad Kahyangan, or the 'six temples of the world'. The Balinese believe these six temples are the pivotal points of the island; along with Pura Goa Lawah, Pura Besakih, Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Pura Uluwatu, Pura Batukaru, and Pura Pusering Jagat makeup this sacred group.

Nusa Lembongan -- How to get there

Dream Beach

I decided to go out of town for the weekend and what better place to do it than
Nusa Lembongan.



Ashamedly, in my almost 4 years here, it was my first time to see this beautiful little island especially since it's so close to Bali.


Having only a couple of days, it was the perfect easy getaway. Because of its proximity to Bali, Lembo is the preferred 'go to' escape for those with limited holiday time or those needing a quick one-day leisure off Bali.

Loads of travel and boat companies offer trips from 1-day cruise tours to 3 Night holiday packages.

Bali Treetop Adventure -- Face your Fear of HEIGHTS!

Last week the parents committee of the school I work for organized a day-out activity for the students and parents. It was at the Bali Treetop Adventure Park in Bedugul.

I had been to one 2 years ago in the Philippines and totally enjoyed myself so I didn't think twice of joining the trip. It was a day of extreme challenge and thrill. I don't really like heights so this was a great way for me to muster up and face my fears. I just wish I prepared well enough in terms of wearing the right clothing -- pants or leggings and gloves would have helped in preventing the injuries I incurred slamming on the trees and nets! But, at the end of the day, all the scrapes and bruises were worth all the fun I had!