MANILA TWO FACES OF THE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

MANILA

TWO FACES OF THE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Manila is a bustling capital of the Philippines developed from a seaport that has its origins back in the 12^th century. There are distinct visitor and commercial districts like Ermita, Makati and Intramuros and vast suburban areas called cities like Pasay City, Quezon City or San Juan City.

Makati is the Embassy and business district while Intramuros is the picture of architecture and history. It dates back to the 1500s and is enclosed “within the walls”, as per the meaning of the word, of a fortress.

The fortress was built by the Spanish and prevented the aspirations of Dutch, Portuguese and Sulu pirates from taking over Intramuros. Now it is an architectural paradise with churches and cathedrals dominating the scene.

However, there is another face of Manila. Sadly poverty is an inseparable part of highly populated cities. The poverty is well visible in the streets of Manila. The numbers of homeless living in the streets of Manila are high. These living areas are accompanied by permanent odor of urine, faint in some streets and overpowering in smaller alleyways.

Thus many visitors restrict their sightseeing to air conditioned taxi trips through the city. Jeepney is however much more enjoyable form of transport. And it is much cheaper. There is also rail transport LRT and MRT. Mixing with the local population is important to realise how friendly and helpful they are and to get the real feel of Manila.

The Filipino are cheerful in spite of the poverty. Smiling faces are common. Children wave their hands and say “hello”.

One of famous attractions is Manila Bay sunset, worth enjoying every evening and different and unique every night.

SAWADEE KA THAILAND

SAWADEE KA THAILAND

Thailand is a land of smiling and friendly people, exquisite and hot cuisine and astonishingly beautiful scenery. It is famous for Hongs, caves and narrow passages between the islands where canoeing is the most attractive pastime. Hongs are rooms inside caves with sandy beaches and crystal clear water. It is necessary to swim through a cave to reach a Hong. Some caves are known to have undiscovered pirate loot still buried inside a Hong.

Most activities can be centred around a beach, swimming in warm Andaman Sea or enjoying a number of cafes and restaurants scattered around beaches that can be entered barefoot. It is also possible to dress up and dine in town enjoying its markets, shops and choice of restaurants.

 

Thai cuisine is spicy and hot but can be quite enjoyable. Hot food is known to make the inside and outside of body temperature equal adding to the comfort in the hot climate of Thailand. In spite of being hot the food is tasty.

The local people offer smiles and although English is not commonly spoken in Thailand, it is easy to communicate. The people are charming and friendly. The scenery is so impressive that it has been used as a backdrop for many films. One island has been named James Bond Island since the famous movie has been filmed there. Now it is a major tourist destination and local boats ferry visitors since early morning hours returning on sunset that is an explosion of color and beauty.

Thailand is a vast country. There is a lot to see and enjoy. A visit to Thailand is delightful and unforgettable.

KUCHING, SARAWAK, BORNEO, MALAYSIA

Kuching    Sarawak

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, which originally was part of the Sultanate of Brunei. Mid 1800s brought it under the rule of Brookes' Family - the White Rajahs - which lasted until the Japanese occupied Sarawak. The Fort is a reminder of history of Kuching and is located on the Esplanade, a tourist attraction in itself.

History is visible everywhere in Kuching. However, Kuching is The City of Cats,

Kuching meaning cat in Bahasa Malay. It even has a Cat Museum.

Sarawak River and its waterfront are the center of town. Local boats ferry passengers from one bank of Sarawak River to the other. There are bridges across both, Santubong and Sarawak rivers but a ferry trip across is more fun.

Semenggoh Wildlife Center houses Orangutans and is easily accessible from Kuching. It is a rehabilitation Center for for many animals that cannot survive in the wild. Orangutans are well looked after . Once rehabilitated they are released into the wild.


 The jungle is orangutan territory but once a year it becomes the grounds of  Reinforest World Music Festival. The Festival takes place in Sarawak Cultural Village and brings musicians from around the world to Kuching.

Kuching is a delightful place. It has charm that makes the stay in Kuching unforgettable.

KUDAT SABAH The TIP of BORNEO MALAYSIA

KUDAT, SABAH, The Tip of BORNEO

The history of Kudat dates well before 1880s and its original name was Tomborungus. Owned by the Sultans of Brunei and Sulu and inhabited by Rungus Tribe, the settlement became the first capital of Sabah appointed to that status by British North Borneo Company. This is when Kudat acquired its name due to misunderstanding and mispronunciation – Rungus thought the British were enquiring about the grass called Kutad growing in this area and Tomborungus was rather difficult name to pronounce.

Kudat is a conglomerate of races, original inhabitants Rungus, Chinese brought here from Southern China to clear the jungle and establish coconut plantations and Malay.

The glory of Kudat as a capital of Sabah was short lived due to water shortages but nevertheless it continued to grow and develop into one of the prettiest towns in Sabah.  

Kudat is only 20 kilometres away from the Tip of Borneo. A visit to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, the Tip of Borneo is rewarding, the views are spectacular, cafes and restaurants offer attractive cuisine, the rungus long-houses are worth visiting.

A drive through local villages and jungle is exciting and quite an experience in itself.

Back in Kudat there is a Chinese New Year celebration in progress. There are Lion Dances and music spreading through town.

It is wonderful to see that all inhabitants of Kudat take part and not just the Chinese community. The dances require a fair amount of fitness and can be exhausting, still young boys from all ethnic groups participate eagerly. The performance is enjoyable.

Kudat is an attractive town on its own. It is also a stepping step to the magnificent Tip of Borneo and Rungus culture. Visiting Kudat is an enjoyable experience.

KOTA KINABALU SABAH BORNEO, MALAYSIA

KOTA KINABALU SABAH BORNEO

Kota Kinabalu, a thriving capital of Sabah, grew out of a fishing village at the very end of the 19^th century. Previously, Jesselton named after Sir Jessel, the Vice-Chairman of British North Borneo Chartered Company, it became known as Kota Kinabalu in 1968. The highest mountain in South East Asia, Mt Kinabalu, towering over the city, inspired the new name.

The builders of British Colonial Empire in Borneo suffered from malaria and other tropical diseases. Atkinson Clock Tower has been built in memory of one of the builders, who died in his twenties. History mingles with new constantly expanding architecture. The past is well documented and visible not only in the Sabah Museum. Interesting photos and historical clippings from old papers are displayed in restaurants and coffee shops.

There are many stories from the past. Wah-weh was a lottery in which one needed to guess a number chosen from 36 numbered animals. A Chinese character selected as clue did not often help to win. Original photo of a chief of horsemen Bajau tribe from Kampung Mekabong is featured on a stamp for British North Borneo.   

Tradition is represented in waterfront art markets offering tribal crafts. Population of KK is a mixture of Malaysian, Indian, Chinese and local tribes that contribute to fascinating crafts and delicious cuisine. The harbor is a safe anchorage for squid boats that rest during the day and fish at night with powerful lights attracting squid.  

Historical buildings mingle with numerous Mosques. Signal Hill offers an excellent view of KK, the harbor and surrounding islands. Kota Kinabalu is not just a starting point for Mt Kinabalu climb. The climb to the Peak is one of the major attractions and an exciting event for the fit. A walk in Kinabalu Park however offers close contact with nature represented in amazing flora and fauna, variety of orchids, rhododendrons and elusive Rafflesia flowers.

Tanjung Aru is the most popular place to view sunsets and has many restaurants and resorts along the beach.

KK is a city of thrilling tradition, history, and adventure, not to be missed while visiting Malaysia.                  

EL NIDO, PALAWAN ISLAND, The PHILIPPINES

EL NIDO, PALAWAN ISLAND

El Nido is a fishing village in the north-western part of Palawan Island. It is slowly changing its status to a tourist paradise since it is located in the picturesque Bascuit Bay. There are some scenic islands of amazing rock formations and dense jungle scattered in the bay.

Local boats – bangcas - travel to some astounding snorkelling and diving spots. The town caters for all visitors' needs. El Nido's main beach is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. Sitting in one of those after a busy day of sightseeing, swimming and snorkelling is the most relaxing afternoon occupation for travellers. It is fun to watch some late arriving bangcas leading their guests through surf, while sipping a cool drink.

A stroll along the beach allows for chatting with local people as well as other visitors and swapping information about “must visit” places. There is no end to the possibilities for nature lovers; Bascuit Bay is one of the most scenic bays the Philippines can be proud of. Picnics on secluded white sand beaches under the shade of palms are part of the deal of bangca trips.

El Nido boasts a selection of gourmont and local restaurants. One can never be bored by choices offered.

There is a Hilltop Restaurant in El Nido. It is worth visiting but requires a fair hike up the hill. The cuisine is delicious and the view rewarding so the effort is well worth it.

A visit to Malampaya Sound or scenic Port Barton requires a longer boat trip and good weather with calm seas. El Nido is a great strating point for trips even further afield, like Culion Island and Coron.

El Nido and north west Palawan Island are full of natural treasures and both offer an unforgetable experience.

CALAUIT ISLAND SAFARI, PHILIPPINES

CALAUIT ISLAND SAFARI

Calauit Island is a very special and unique island. It is close to the northern tip of Busuanga Island. However, much smaller than Busuanga, Calauit is the home to African and local wildlife. The wildlife Park started back in the late 70s by then President Marcos continues to impress wildlife lovers and environmentally friendly folk. 

Giraffes have a life span of 25 to 27 years, so none of the original African giraffes are here. All have been born in the park and well looked after by the staff.  Florante has been looking after the animals for the past 27 years.

“The animals live in a natural habitat,” said Florante. “They are wild and we need to take precautions for your safety and treat them as such, thus feeding is done from behind the fence”.

Visitors travel in a jeepney through vast areas of the park. Ricky is a good driver in this rough terrain and always cautious to avoid collision with freely running animals. The only animals in an enclosure are crocodiles, pythons and wild boar, for obvious reasons. Giraffes and zebras are timid and keep their distance. Giraffes are attracted to the leaves of Iniam Tree, especially at breakfast time. The trees are nicely trimmed not leaving a gardener much to do.

To experience the closeness with the animals is a great feeling. The safari is quite unique allowing for a close contact with the animals. This is how it differs from an African safari, where the distance requires binoculars to view the animals. Here in Calauit Wildlife Park one can touch a giraffe while she is busy having her breakfast. The skin is smooth and delicate, the experience magic. It is also great to see local monkeys, bear cat, porcupine cohabiting in the park.


Both Florante and Ricky love the animals. They share the information and tell tales. The forest monkeys fight mangrove monkeys, they tell us. Crocodiles dig wholes in the mud and disappear; we are lucky to see one heading for its hiding whole. The time spent on safari is a valuable and wonderful experience.