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Chocolate Hills round Bohol closeup panorama

Philippines: Day 10 – Bohol tour: Chocolate Hills, Loboc river cruise, Tarsiers, churches

Date: April 26th 2011

Woke up early today (expect the next few days to all begin with that line). I left Sugbutel at around 5am as I planned to catch the very first ferry going to Bohol. I took a taxi to Pier 1 where Oceanjet‘s terminal was. I bought a return ticket to Tagbilaran (Bohol’s capital city) which cost ₱825 ($19/€13).

Oceanjet ferry air condition seat inside Cebu Philippines
These were air-conditioned seating
Cebu pier early morning ferry to Bohol
The ferry left the pier just past 6am
Cebu morning ferry to Bohol Philippines
I stepped out to get a better view of the waters

Cebu ferry to Bohol Philippines Morning ferry Cebu to Bohol PhilippinesI went back to my seat and tried to catch up on lost sleep, all the while trying to ignore Step Up 3D that was playing as part of our ‘pirated in-ferry entertainment’.

The journey to Tagbilaran takes nearly 2 and 1/2 hours, which is exactly why I made it a point to catch the first ferry — I wanted an early start to my day.

Port of Tagbilaran Bohol Philippines
Arrived at 8:30am

Port of Tagbilaran Bohol Oceanjet ferry Philippines As soon as I disembarked, there were several agents offering tours of all the sights on Bohol island. They cost more or less the same as they did back in Cebu, so I walked on. Just outside the Dao ferry terminal, were tricycle taxis who approached me as well. They had laminated sheets showing me the same sights and told me they would take me to each attraction and then drop me back to the terminal by evening. They quoted ₱1200 at first but I bargained, and eventually agreed for ₱1000 ($23/€16) — which I felt was a bit more reasonable.

I was more keen to take a tricycle taxi than a minivan full of tourists for my own selfish reasons. One, open window means I can take photographs a lot clearer than behind the usual tinted windows of a tourist van. Two, being the only customer, I could ask the driver to stop wherever I wanted.

Bohol tricycle taxi tour Tagbilaran Philippines
We set off
Bohol tour Tagbilaran church
First the driver took me to a church
San Jose cathedral Tagbilaran Bohol Philippines
Took one photo and told the driver to move on. I've seen enough churches on this trip.

Bohol tour trike island highway

Tagbilaran bay Bohol island Philippines
I was happy to see the sea
Bohol island small house local Philippines
Bohol island is the 10th largest island in the Philippines

I tried my best to get the shots without too many obstructions or blurry plants that usually appear in photographs while travelling. Bohol highway to Chocolate hills PhilippinesBohol public park near sea PhilippinesBohol island village home fishermen PhilippinesBohol highway mangrove shallow waters PhilippinesBohol shallow sea mangrove Philippines

Bohol tour tricycle taxi driver Philippines
My Danny Trejo look-alike tricycle driver

Bohol highway sea view Philippines Bohol highway bridge Philippines

Loay interior road Bohol Philippines
You get off the main highway and take a left at this junction
Loboc tarsier sign Bohol Philippines
Besides the Chocolate Hills, high up on my list of things to see were the tarsiers

Highway to chocolate hills BoholBohol highway rice fields PhilippinesBohol island neighbourhood Philippines

Loboc town Bohol Philippines
Loboc town
Bohol tour to chocolate hills Philippines
We were about to enter the 'man-made forest'
Highway to man made forest trees Bohol Philippines
It suddenly got dark and chilly

The ‘man-made’ forest is called so because decades ago, Bohol residents meticulously planted mahogany trees along a two-kilometre stretch.

Man made forest Bohol Philippines
Which grew into this
Manmade forest trees Bohol Philippines
As the tour vans sped past, I asked my driver to stop on the side so I could take a proper photo

Road through manmade forest Bohol PhilippinesManmade forest mahogany trees Bohol Philippines

Turning carmen road to chocolate hills Bohol
We were 'out of the woods'

Carmen road to Chocolate hills grey skies Bohol

Bohol village Pulis station Philippines
Passed through many small villages
Carmen road to Chocolate hills Bohol
We had been driving for nearly an hour
Chocolate hills single rice field Bohol Philippines
But finally...
Chocolate hills view from road Bohol
... the hills were in sight!
Road to Carmen chocolate hills Bohol Philippines
I wondered how much further we had to go
Welcome to carmen bohol Philippines
Carmen is the town where the Chocolate Hills are located

House near chocolate hills Bohol Philippines

Chocolate hills observation viewpoint Bohol Philippines
The viewpoint is atop of the hill on the left

Going up chocolate hill viewpoint Bohol

Driving up to Chocolate hill viewpoint Bohol
Up the hill we went

I paid the entrance fee of ₱50 ($1.15/€0.83) to go up to the observation point on the top of the hill.

Chocolate hills steps viewpoint Bohol Philippines
My nightmares from last week return: stairs!
Chocolate hills view from steps Bohol
Even halfway up the stairs, I couldn't help but take a look at what I came all this way for
Chocolate hills view from observation deck Bohol
And there are over 1700 of these hills all around!
Chocolate hills observation hill Bohol Philippines
Once you get to the top...
Chocolate hills view from observation point Bohol
... voila!
Chocolate hills Bohol tourists panorama
How many of you even knew such a place existed? I didn't know about it until I began researching for this trip.
Chocolate hills view from top Bohol Philippines
Undoubtedly one of the most amusing natural wonders I have ever seen!

Chocolate Hills were just nicknamed such because of their resemblance to bon-bon chocolates. Other names include “God’s tears” or “God’s droppings”.

Chocolate hills Filipino tourists broomstick pose Bohol
Man, they really love doing corny poses out here! 🙂
Chocolate hills Bohol Philippines
Back to the hills

Chocolate hills land Bohol PhilippinesChocolate Hills Bohol closeup panoramaChocolate hills Bohol zoomed in panorama

Chocolate hills Bohol wide panorama Philippines
Panorama comprised of 12 shots
Chocolate Hills Bohol other side
I took shots of all the hills around me
Chocolate hills Bohol Philippines wide panorama
Panorama comprised of 10 shots

Chocolate hills lone house Bohol Philippines

Chocolate Hills Bohol field Philippines panorama
Panorama comprised of 8 shots

Chocolate hills mound karst Bohol Philippines

Chocolate Hills Bohol tower Philippines panorama
Panorama comprised of 11 shots

Chocolate Hills round Bohol Philippines

Chocolate hills coming down Bohol
Decided to swap lenses and take the final few shots
Chocolate Hills dry grass Bohol Philippines
Being summer in Philippines, the hills weren't as green
Chocolate Hills cross grave Bohol Philippines
Wow, someone is buried here
Chocolate Hills big Bohol Philippines
You could really see clouds move over these hills

Chocolate hills flowers Bohol PhilippinesChocolate Hills plant BoholChocolate Hills cloud shadows BoholChocolate Hills round Bohol closeup panoramaChocolate Hills Bohol round close-up panoramaChocolate Hills three mounds Bohol PhilippinesI felt I had taken enough photos, so I went back down.

Chocolate Hills trees Bohol Philippines panorama
Panorama comprised of 11 shots

Chocolate Hills viewpoint mound Philippines panorama

Chocolate Hills hotel restaurant Bohol Philippines
This is the only hotel and restaurant on this hill, in case you fancy staying right here

I had an overpriced boku juice (coconut water) and then went back to my tricycle driver.

Chocolate Hills car Bohol panorama
Chocolate Hills leaving Bohol
We left the Chocolate Hills
Welcome to Chocolate Hills Bohol Philippines
Goodbye

Waking up really early just to catch a ferry, coming all this way — it was well worth it. The Chocolate Hills are undoubtedly a ‘must-see’ in Philippines.

Chocolate Hills Bohol rice field
Though, it only occurred to me on the way back that I should have taken a video from the top. Sucks.

Carmen road red trike Bohol Philippines

Entering manmade forest Bohol Philippines
Entered the man-made forest again
Manmade forest sunlight Bohol Philippines
Stopped to get some clear shots again
Manmade forest trees blocking sunlight Bohol Philippines
Nature's way of keeping sunlight out, making it very cool inside

Manmade forest road Bohol PhilippinesThe next sight on the tour was a hanging bridge in a locality called Sevilla.

Going to Hanging Bridge Sevilla Bohol

Hanging bridge entry Loboc river Bohol
Entry was ₱10
Hanging bridge bamboo Sevilla Bohol Philippines
It's as the name suggests
Hanging bridge bamboo Bohol Philippines
But it's made of bamboo

Two hanging bridges Bohol Philippines

Hanging Bridge view of Loboc river Bohol
Loboc river

Hanging bridge Sevilla Loboc river Bohol Philippines

Hanging bridge stores Bohol Philippines
There are some souvenir stalls set up by locals at this end
Hanging bridge exit Bohol
I made a quick return

Hanging bridge over Loboc river BoholHanging bridge twin Loboc river Bohol

Hanging bridge tourist slowly crossing Bohol
If you don't like wobbly bridges, you might want to wait until an elderly person finishes crossing
Sevilla village children Bohol Philippines
I walked back to my tricycle driver and we left the hanging bridge

Hanging bridge thank you Bohol Philippines Sevilla village Bohol Philippines

Carmen junction Bohol highway Philippines
We got back to the main highway

U-turn bend highway Bohol Philippines

Way to Loboc river cruise Bohol Philippines
Next up, lunch cruise on the Loboc river

Loboc river bridge Bohol Philippines

Loboc river lunch cruise offices Bohol Philippines
There are many companies offering the lunch cruise, I just picked one after seeing their buffet menu for today. Cost ₱400 ($9/€6)
Long river cruise Loboc Bohol Philippines
Lunch time!
Loboc river lunch cruise tourists Bohol
The boat

Loboc river cruise bridge Bohol Philippines

Loboc river cruise lunch buffet Bohol Philippines
The food

Loboc river cruise boat Bohol

Loboc river cruise lunch plate Bohol Filipino food
Even though I wasn't fond of Filipino cuisine, I had to eat something
Loboc river lunch cruise Bohol Philippines
We set off
Loboc river cruise boat driver Bohol
The boats are actually maneuvered by this little guy who just pushes it along the river
Loboc river cruise village dance platform
The cruise includes stopping by these platforms
Loboc river cruise musical performance platform
These platforms hold young locals who entertain tourists with musical performances

After ‘docking’ the boat alongside the platform, the locals began.

Loboc river cruise tourist entertainment

Loboc river village children ukele Bohol Philippines
They were really good with their singing and playing!
Loboc river children dancing villagers Bohol
They danced for us too
Loboc river cruise children dancing Bohol Philippines
I really liked this performance and I felt like recording video, but decided against it
Loboc river children singing Bohol
Putting up a video of their performance here would kind of take away their livelihood
Loboc river cruise playing games Bohol
It may be as touristy as it gets, but I still liked it. I left a ₱100 note in the tip box on the platform.
Loboc river cruise entertainment Bohol
We applauded and left

Loboc river afternoon cruise Bohol PhilippinesLoboc river mini waterfall Bohol Philippines

Loboc river lifeguard Bohol Philippines
There's a lifeguard for Loboc river too... though I don't know how effective one man can be, seated here
Loboc river trees Bohol Philippines
I sat and enjoyed the rest of the river cruise
Loboc cruise lunch dessert Filipino food
While having dessert of course
Loboc river cruise afternoon Bohol Philippines
Reminded me of Kerala's backwaters

Bohol village home goat Loboc river Philippines Loboc river cruise entertainment platforms BoholLoboc river cruise singing locals platform Bohol

Loboc river cruise children playing water Bohol Philippines
Village boys playing in the river

Bohol village Loboc river PhilippinesBohol village hut Loboc river PhilippinesLoboc river bridges Bohol Philippines

Loboc river cruise station Bohol Philippines
After one and half hours of cruising, we were back

Old building facing Loboc river Bohol

Loboc river cruise station elderly singers Bohol
I headed back to my trike

Loboc river bridge flower pots Bohol

Bohol rice paddy fields clouds
We moved on to our final attraction of the tour and one I was very keen on seeing in person -- the tarsier
Tarsier house kanipaan kingdom Bohol Philippines
I was expecting to go Bohol's largest tarsier conservatory but instead, the driver took me here

When researching, I read that there were many unauthorized or illegal venues where one can see tarsiers, many who just capture tarsiers from the wild and profit from it. So I told the driver to take me to the Philippine Tarsier and Wildlife Sanctuary in Corella, but he told me that I might not have the time for that as it is very far and beyond Tagbilaran City.

Oh well, one sign this place was legit was that there were no entrance fees.

Sloth hanging Bohol Philippines
These guys hanging around are sloths
Tarsier clenched on branch Bohol Philippines
These are the tarsiers
Tarsier sleeping Bohol Philippines
Since it was the afternoon, they were in the middle of taking a nap. But seeing them with the eyes fully open is what sets this primate apart from the rest.
Tarsier fingers feet claws Bohol Philippines
They're about the size of your hand
Tarsiers afternoon Bohol Philippines
This centre had around ten of these interesting animals
Tarsier big eyes open Bohol Philippines
Few of them finally woke up. Now I know where the idea for Dobby from the Harry Potter movies drew inspiration from.

Tarsier house Bohol Philippines Tarsier long tail Bohol Philippines

Tarsier feed worms grains
What tarsiers are fed
Tarsier in pot Bohol
Hello there...
Bohol highway tarsier center Philippines
15 minutes among tarsiers, and we were done
Tagbilaran city Jagna road sign Bohol
We rode back to Tagbilaran city
Couple by seaside Bohol Philippines
But I asked the driver to stop when we passed by the sea again
Bohol mangrove beach shore panorama
Panorama comprised of 10 shots

Bohol island highway PhilippinesBohol beach boats Philippines

Bohol stony beach boats Philippines
Not all of Bohol's shorelines look like this. The island does have stretches of white sandy beaches, but just not on this side.

Bohol fishing boats Philippines

Bohol house tricycle tour driver Philippines
My driver

Bohol floating restaurant Philippines

Baclayon roman catholic church school Bohol
Baclayon Roman Catholic church

Baclayon roman catholic church bell tower Bohol The driver dropped me back to Tagbilaran City, near the church, where I paid him the agreed upon ₱1000 for the tour (plus a ₱50 tip). I still had nearly 2 hours before I had to catch my ferry back to Cebu.

Church of Tagbilaran Bohol Philippines
I was near the Church of Tagbilaran, so...
Church of Tagbilaran history Bohol Philippines
I decided to check it out

Church of Tagbilaran prayer main hall Bohol PhilippinesChurch of Tagbilaran inside dark BoholChurch of Tagbilaran hall light BoholI left the church and walked towards a Wild West-themed cafe and bakery right beside the church. They had a banner outside advertising their ‘famous’ mango pies. Looked and sounded delicious, so being the foodie I am, I ventured in.

Garden Cafe Wild West themed Bohol Philippines
Garden Cafe

The cafe mostly serves locals its fix of Americana, with the menu mostly comprising burgers, steaks and other Tex-Mex fare. Prices are reasonable and they were still serving customers main course meals despite being 3:30pm. What I found most interesting was — some of the waitresses were deaf. There were books on display on how to communicate in sign language, but for me, my order was simple. I pointed to the mango pie sign on my table and simply indicated ‘one,’ with a smile.

Mango pie Garden Cafe Bohol Philippines
Costing just ₱35, it was alright. The mango filling wasn't as sweet as I thought it would be. I don't know if the type of mangoes commonly found in these parts are of a tangier variety, considering us Indians are used to much sweeter ones back home.

I sat for a while to cool off, drank ice cold water and then when I felt like walking, left the cafe.

Mopeds bikes parked wall painting Bohol

Tagbilaran city square Bohol Philippines
I decided to check out the mall scene
Bohol Quality Mall inside Philippines
This is Bohol Quality Mall

Hmm, that’s it really. Tagbilaran is no Cebu. The SMs and Ayalas are yet to set foot on Bohol.

Tagbilaran city traffic Bohol Philippines
Don't expect anything fancy in Bohol. It's the simple life here.
Bombay bazaar Tagbilaran city Bohol Philippines
Guess there are a few Indians in Philippines
Tagbilaran city road to ferry terminal
I decided to walk back to the ferry terminal
United Church Touch-a-child Bohol Philippines
The priest jokes practically write themselves
Tagbilaran tricycle taxis Bohol Philippines
Clean roads

Bohol Knights of Columbus statue Tagbilaran ferry terminal BoholBohol pier sailing boats PhilippinesI got my ticket checked and waited in the departures hall for my 6pm ferry. When you buy a return ticket from Cebu itself, it entitles you a spot in a ferry returning at any time. I was done with Bohol as far as I was concerned, so I decided to catch the early ferry.

Bohol sunset Philippines
The sunset at 6:15pm
Oceanjet ferry upper seating open air Bohol
Just noticed there was an open-air compartment above mine which cost much lesser. Should have just take this one as I really didn't need air-conditioning when there's sea breeze.

I went back to my seat and instantly dozed off, despite how freezing it was inside my cabin. I guess I was really tired and the early wake up was getting to me. Still, I felt satisfied knowing that I saw everything I wanted to see in Bohol. Even though my tricycle tour (eventually) was not that much cheaper than a van tour, I’m still happy I opted for it because I had the freedom to stop the driver whenever I felt like taking photographs.

I was back in Cebu past 8pm and I headed back to Sugbutel first, so I could dump my bag. Then I went to SM City for dinner.

SM City Cebu mall closing Philippines
By 9pm, everybody was shutting shop

Fortunately, a McDonalds was still open (though they were cleaning up) and I managed to get the last remaining burgers on order.

I headed back to my room, took a nice shower, backed-up my photos — nearly 600 of them (out of which I only used 188 in this post). Bohol was well worth the trouble and I can highly recommend a day spent on the island for anyone visiting Philippines.

Previous posts in this series:

Philippines 2011: Day 9 – Cebu: Fort San Pedro, Basilica of Santo Niño, Taoist Temple

Philippines 2011: Day 8 – Manila tour: Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, China Town

Philippines 2011: Day 7 – Leaving Angeles City for Manila, Mall of Asia

Philippines 2011: Day 6 – Good Friday in San Fernando, San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites

Philippines 2011: Leaving Sagada for Baguio, and arriving in Angeles city (Days 4 & 5)

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Sagada’s Lumiang burial cave, Sumaguing cave, Hanging Coffins of Echo valley

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Banaue town; heading to Sagada via Bontoc

Philippines 2011: Day 2 – Banaue rice terraces; trekking to Batad village

Philippines 2011: Day 1 — Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Fort Bonifacio

Philippines 2011: Flying over South China Sea for the first time

Other posts in this series:

Philippines 2011: Day 11 – Arriving in Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Day 12 – Puerto Princesa Underground River tour, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Day 13 – Puerto Princesa to El Nido by bus

Philippines 2011: Day 14 – El Nido island hopping tour A and sunset at Las Cabanas beach, Palawan

Philippines 2011: Back to Manila, shopping, and my final thoughts about the country  (Last post)

Go-go bars restaurants walking street Pattaya Thailand

Thailand 2010: Pattaya — Beach road, Viewpoint, Jomtien Beach, Walking Street

Date:  25th November 2010

After managing some sleep at Little Court (the motel I was in), I got up at a decent 8am for my first morning in Pattaya. I had time to check out and move to my reserved room at Villa Panalee. So I decided to go for a walk.

Central Pattaya road Thailand
I was in Central Pattaya
Pattaya beach road fountain monument Thailand
A short walk and I was at the beach
North Pattaya beach Thailand
The water was… alright

The sand on Pattaya beach was quite coarse. Not the soft white sand you find in most of South Thailand.

Pattaya beach umbrellas speedboats
Come on, seriously? Where is there even space to walk on this beach! 🙂
Pattaya beach water morning
A lot of parasailing in the distance

Pattaya beach old man ThailandAs soon as you hit the beach, you’re confronted by touts offering the usual gamut of watersports. I wasn’t keen on doing any of them as I needed breakfast first.

Central Pattaya beach walk

Central Pattaya beach road morning walk
First observation: a LOT of old men in Pattaya
Pattaya beach walk Thailand
You can walk all the way from North to South, it’ll just take you around half an hour

Pattaya beach road walk morning Thailand

Hard Rock Hotel beach road Pattaya
The Hard Rock Hotel on Beach road

Pattaya beach facing condo Thailand

Pattaya beach road soi in morning Thailand
Pattaya’s not really a ‘morning’ city

Pattaya beach road morning traffic

Pattaya beach road cafe morning
I sat down at a cafe and had an American breakfast

I walked back to my room, checked out of Little Court and then took a moped taxi to Villa Panalee, which I expected to be closer to the beach. But instead it was more than a few lanes away from it. I booked my room using the hotel voucher worth Rs. 1500 I got from Cleartrip along with my flight ticket and as per the description, this was close to the beach. It isn’t.

Villa Panalee bedroom Pattaya
This was my room. Clearly the ‘poshest’ room this backpacker stayed in Thailand.

Villa Panalee is a fairly new 3-star hotel, and it’s just okay. The bed and the bathroom were great though — and honestly, that’s all that matters to me.

Once settled, I took out the map of Pattaya and wondered where to go and what to see. This was my first time here. I hadn’t done much research on Pattaya because, outside of nightlife, I didn’t think there was anything remotely interesting to see in Pattaya. One of my girlfriends highly recommended a ladyboy cabaret show called Alcazar, but I have little interest in broadway theatre (sorry Cherie Ann :roll:).

So as I stepped out, I was approached by moped taxi drivers who asked me if I wanted a tour of the city. Taking advantage of that, I asked them what all there was to see. As they listed the sights out, I chose to go to the hill viewpoint first.

Pattaya 2nd road traffic Thailand
The ride cost ฿60
Pattaya third road traffic Thailand
I took these photos sitting behind the driver

Driving to viewpoint hillRoad to viewpoint hill Pattaya

Way to Big Buddha hill Pattaya
The drive took nearly 15 minutes
Road leading to viewpoint Pattaya bay
You have to ride uphill

Once I reached the top and paid the driver, I felt something on my head. The helmet was still on! Unfortunately, as I turned around and called the taxi driver back, he zoomed off. Great, now I had a bike helmet to carry around.

As for the view from top of the hill…
Pattaya bay from viewpoint hill

Pattaya bay panorama view of city and sea
Here’s a panoramic view (comprised of 6 shots)
Pattaya city buildings Thailand
Don’t know what that odd shaped building was
Pattaya new pier from viewpoint hill
That’s the pier
Pattaya neighbouring island Thailand
Wonder which island that is

Pattaya viewpoint of bay Thailand

Pattaya viewpoint hill FM104.75 station
Some radio station
Statue Admiral Prince Krom Louang Chumphon Khet monument
A famous Thai Admiral (I’m guessing)
Pattaya new pier close up boats
Took out the Tamron 28-75mm lens

Pattaya bay beach sea view Pattaya bay sunset time

Sanctuary of truth art display viewpoint hill
I’ll talk about the Sanctuary of Truth later
Pattaya viewpoint temple
There was a small temple
Weekday buddha Sunday Monday statues
A Buddha statue for every day of the week
Weekday Buddha Tuesday statue
Is Tuesday supposed to be a day of rest?

Week day Buddha Wednesday Thursday statuesWeek day Buddha Friday Saturday statuesViewpoint Temple pagoda panorama Pattaya

Coconut vendor viewpoint hill cats Pattaya
It was quite hot and felt like having ice cream — so I did

Viewpoint hill Pattaya bay

Pattaya viewpoint opening closing time
That’s the name of the admiral statue
Pattaya viewpoint temple panorama
I left the viewpoint

I walked downhill and decided to check out the Big Buddha statue next.

Walking down to Big Buddha hill Pattaya
I could see the Big Buddha statue from here, so I figured I could walk it there

Pattaya hill road

Chinese garden granite stairs Pattaya Thailand
Though the walk from hill to hill was short, there is a lot of walking uphill now

On the way up is a Chinese Garden.

Tao Teck brass bell Chinese garden Pattaya ThailandKwan Yin goddess Chinese Garden Pattaya hillChinese Garden Pattaya Thailand

Pattaya Chinese garden Big Buddha hill panorama
(Panorama comprised of 9 shots)

Chinese garden dog sleeping afternoon Pattaya
Chinese Garden stray dog afternoon PattayaChinese Garden stray dog looking afternoon PattayaChinese Garden Chao Dynasty warriors display PattayaStories of 24 gratitudes chinese garden PattayaChinese Garden golden hall PattayaChinese Garden big buddha hill Pattaya ThailandChao Dynasty warriors statues Chinese garden PattayaChao Dynasty description Chinese Garden Pattaya Thailand

Big Buddha hill Pattaya Thailand
I walked a bit further up to get to the Big Buddha statue

As I walked towards the Big Buddha statue, a hawker at the footsteps asked me whether I wanted to ‘free sparrows’ as it would bring me good luck. I initially said ‘no’ because I don’t believe in all that, but she persisted and I know it’s such a touristy thing to do — but I might as well just do it for the sake of freeing the birds.

Sparrow cages vendor Big Buddha statue Pattaya hill Thailand
I don’t remember how much I paid for the sparrow’s’ freedom, but it was less than ฿100
Sparrow cages cat Big Buddha statue Pattaya hill
Hey look, Sylvester the Cat waiting for Tweety!

Steps to Big Buddha statue Pattaya ThailandSteps to Big Buddha statue Pattaya hill Thailand

Big Buddha statue panorama Pattaya Thailand
Big Buddha himself

Big Buddha statues cat Pattaya Thailand

Pattaya hill road afternoon Thailand
I left Big Buddha hill and decided to head to Jomtien beach

Since there were signs pointing to which direction Jomtien was, I figured it was walking distance again (the signs didn’t say how far though).

Jomtien land for sale Pattaya Thailand
A lot of posters for real estate here…
Apartments for sale Jomtien Pattaya Thailand
… and a lot of them seem to be targeting Russians

Flat sale rent Pattaya ThailandJomtien real estate Pattaya Thailand

Road to Jomtien Pattaya Thailand
It was *really* hot
Road to Jomtein beach Pattaya Thailand
After walking for around 15 minutes, I decided to go by wheels

I got into a pick-up taxi and reached Jomtien beach in less than 5 minutes.

Jomtien shops Pattaya Thailand

Jomtien beach panorama Pattaya Thailand
Jomtien beach (Panorama comprised of 5 shots)

Since I hadn’t had lunch yet, I first stepped into a sea facing restaurant to eat something and have some chilled beer!

Jomtien beach road restaurants
Sat inside Sunlight Hotel’s restaurant

The one thing that struck me about Jomtien is the sheer presence of the Russians. They’re everywhere! So much so that some signs and even the restaurant menus are in Russian. It really did baffle me a bit.It’s like they essentially own this side of Pattaya.

Of course, I’ve heard the myth about the Russian mafia’s presence here in Pattaya. But how much of that is due to the influence of Western media’s portrayal Russians (as the perennial bad guys) and how much of it is actually true, who knows. After doing some research, turns out a lot of Russians do like the sun and lifestyle out here in Pattaya and therefore visit in droves. Not to mention, invest in property too. Of course, the ‘bad’ of any country makes its way among those droves and some claim many bars and hotels are run by such Russians too.

Fried stuffed crab Pattaya Thailand
Great fried stuffed crab, some fries and two beers (Chang, of course). Cost me ฿250.
Sunlight seafood restaurant hotel Jomtien beach Pattaya
Service was good and the food was nice

Stomach full, I sat there for a while before strolling the beach again.

Jomtien beach road traffic

Jomtien beach shops Russian tourists
You have the usual gamut of street stores

I came to Jomtien beach assuming it would be better than Pattaya’s main beach.

Jomtien beach Pattaya Thailand
But alas, the chairs and umbrellas take up much of the sand here as well.
Jomtien beach kid Pattaya Thailand
Though I wonder how far Jomtien’s beach extends
Jomtien beach sunset view horizon Pattaya Thailand
I got into the water for some time

You really cannot visit Thailand and not hit a beach. This country is renowned for its beaches… but I wouldn’t recommend Pattaya’s coastline if you want the best of what Thailand has to offer. Since this visit was only focusing on North Thailand, Pattaya was the easiest beach town for me to visit.

Jomtien beach tourists Pattaya Thailand
If you don’t mind the mostly Eastern European crowd here, Jomtien is a far more pleasant side compared to Pattaya’s main Beach Road
Jomtien beach road Oasis Pattaya Thailand
Took a stroll

Jomtien Thani hotel Pattaya Oasis Pattaya Thailand Windsurfers Jomtien beach Pattaya ThailandJomtien beach walk Pattaya ThailandJomtien beach umbrellas chairs Pattaya Thailand

Jomtien beach singers charity Pattaya Thailand
These two Europeans were singing to raise money for charity (I hope)

Jomtien beach stray dog Pattaya ThailandJomtien beach schoolgirl Pattaya ThailandJomtien beach umbrellas sunset Pattaya ThailandJomtien beach sunset Pattaya ThailandJomtien Garden hotel road Pattaya ThailandAfter much ‘strolling,’ I figured I’d only reach the far end of Jomtien by sunset. I got into a pick-up taxi and headed back to the ‘other side’.

Jomtien Punjabi Tadka Indian restaurant Pattaya Thailand
Pattaya is one place in Thailand you will easily find Indian food
Pattaya city Arab restaurant massage
… and Arabic food
Steakhouse Royal Palace Hotel Pattaya Thailand
Actually, given how touristy this place is, you’ll get pretty much every kind of cuisine
Second road bars Pattaya Thailand
I got down here
Sawadee Sabai Pattaya second road
I was on Pattaya Second Road
Pattaya Second Road street shops Thailand
I walked up the road, and into this flea market

Street store t-shirts accessories Pattaya Thailand

Pattaya street shop clothes Thailand
It was the usual selection of t-shirts and clothing you’ll anywhere else in Thailand. This was no Chatuchak.

By the time I stepped out, which was 10 minutes later, the sun had already set.

Madras Darbar Pardes restaurant Pattaya Thailand

Central Festival Mall Pattaya Thailand
Checked out the only major mall on Pattaya Beach – CentralFestival
Central Festival mall interiors Pattaya Thailand
(Mostly because they had air-conditioning :))
Central Festival mall inside Pattaya Beach Thailand
(Taken on the Nokia E72)
Central Festival mall X'mas tree Pattaya Thailand
After feeling a little cooler, I stepped out of the mall and on to Beach Road

Pattaya Bay beach at night lights

Pattaya Bay beach at night umbrellas
Walking Street was at the end of this stretch

Pattaya Bay beach at night lifeguard Beach road at night Pattaya Thailand

Tipp Plaza Beach road Pattaya Thailand

Mike Shopping mall Beach Road Pattaya Thailand
Dropped in here as well

But came out in less than 5 minutes. Usual department store fare but with lousy offerings. Saw mostly Eastern Europeans and it looked like they were dropped there by the bus loads.

Beach road McDonald's Pattaya ThailandRoyal Garden Plaza Pattaya ThailandPattaya City Walk restaurants beach road ThailandPattaya Beach Road beer barIndian food Soi Pattaya Thailand

Mike Plaza hotel jewelry Beach road Pattaya Thailand
Mike seems to be a big-shot businessman in Pattaya. Not surprised to find out he’s Chinese.
Walking street Pattaya Thailand
Pattaya’s (in)famous Walking Street 🙂

Walking Street, from its name, implies no vehicles allowed. Lined with go-go bars, restaurants, neon lights and more bars… this is essentially an adult playground.

Go-go bars restaurants walking street Pattaya Thailand
Well, most cars
Elvis show walking street Pattaya bar Thailand
Elvis is yet to enter the building. At around 7:30pm, most bars were only starting to open.
Pattaya Walking Street neon signs Thailand
Walking Street seems like it only comes truly alive as it nears midnight
Rasputin restaurant end Walking Street Pattaya Thailand
I walked all the way till the end of Walking Street
Bah-hai by the sea food restaurant
You have a few less-seedy looking avenues to have a relaxing evening
International meeting street Pattaya Thailand
It got quiet now
Pattaya City hill sign at night
Reached an open area where they often hold concerts

My legs were hurting a bit because of all the walking in slippers throughout the hot afternoon with all my camera equipment in my backpack. I limped my way to what looked like a ferry station near the pier and sat down for a while.

There was a vendor selling coconut ice cream, which looked good. So I ordered for one (cost ฿25).

Coconut ice cream Pattaya Thailand
I didn’t ‘decorate’ this photo. The vendor saw me setting up my ice cream for a shot. He placed leaves underneath and a flower, giving me the ‘nice’ hand gesture 🙂

As I had my ice cream, I wondered to myself why despite being a city famous for it’s nightlife… I was in no mood to revel in it some how. It wasn’t just that I was tired from all the walking. Right from the time I arrived in Pattaya yesterday late night, I felt a sense of unwelcomeness. Everywhere else in Thailand, I was used to being smiled anywhere I went. Whether it was a local passerby on the street I made eye-contact with or the hawkers approaching you with something or the other — even if I said ‘no,’ I would still get a smile from them.

But in a country which earned the title ‘Land of Smiles,’ I didn’t experience that in Pattaya. I don’t quite sure know why. Was it because I looked young — or do they not like Indians? To be fair, I didn’t see too many backpackers or young travellers like I met in places like Chiang Rai. The few I did see, also felt out of place.

Pattaya Bay at night Thailand watersPattaya is exactly what many people expect when they visit Thailand. It’s easy to see why. Throughout the day, I saw countless tour buses transporting hundreds of tourists from China, India, Eastern Europe — most of whom surely came on tour packages. Problem is, most of these package tours are often 4 to 5 days at best. Moderately priced and promising to offer great value to this ‘exotic’ destination, they see countless takers. Thousands in India do, annually. But in those 5 days, most aren’t taken anywhere else besides Pattaya and Bangkok. Pattaya because it’s the closest (developed) beach destination (with a nightlife) and only an hour away from Suvarnabhumi airport; and Bangkok because there’s some heritage and lots of shopping to be enjoyed (and again, a nightlife).

So when these two destinations are the only places you have seen in Thailand on your vacation, it’s no surprise the very same people go back with memories of a country with a lot to offer in terms of adult entertainment and shopping.

They don’t visit Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi (Ao Nang and Railay), the Phi Phi islands and the other provinces that make up rest of the country. And it’s not like any of these other places are hidden secrets. In fact I don’t believe there any discreet places left in Thailand ever since the release of The Beach. If you visit every other province in Thailand and then come to Pattaya, it really does feel like a whole different place.

It all started in the 1960s when the American soldiers landed in Pattaya during the Vietnam War for their “rest & recreation”. Since then, despite the Thailand government’s attempts, the country’s reputation hasn’t changed much in the eyes of the narrow-minded majority. A few months back, mobile carrier Airtel even launched a stupid (short-lived) TV ad here in India which showed a young man searching for ‘nightlife in Bangkok’ on his 3G service. Surely the Thai Embassy here wasn’t too pleased.

I’m not a judgmental person, nor a puritan. I really don’t care what adults do with their (rightfully earned) money and time. But what irritates me is when visitors (especially from India in my case) come with preconceived notion about Thailand, seek it in places like Bangkok and Pattaya — and then spread the word back home saying that’s the only thing Thailand has to offer.

Some would argue they don’t visit other provinces due to cost. To them I say, trust me, if you actually researched on those places, you’ll realize they are far cheaper than Thailand’s most popular destinations — Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. It all comes down to having an interest first.

Pattaya city sign sea lights
Pattaya sees over 4 million visitors every year

Thailand is one of the most visited countries on the planet, with over 14 million tourists visiting every year. Tourism is one of the biggest revenue generators and employers in this country. But unlike Europe, Thailand still offers travellers great value for their money. It’s why many love coming back. (And no, I’m not talking the sex tourists and their reasons)

Oriental star dining boat pier Pattaya Thailand
Anyway…
New pier station Pattaya Thailand
It was time to go back

I walked back through Walking Street, passing a second time, the very same touts shoving peep shows of various naughty kinds in your face (quite literally).

I know it’s hard to believe a straight, single guy didn’t step into a single go-go bar on Walking Street, but trust me, I really didn’t feel like it right now.

Dollhouse go-go bar Muay Thai boxing match Pattaya Thailand
Stopped on the way to watch some Muay Thai action

And then again, for Michael Jackson… !

Michael Jackson magician walking street Pattaya Thailand
(… the magician that is)

He was quite dandy:

As I approached a moped taxi, it quickly dawned to me that I had no idea where exactly my hotel was! The thing about Pattaya City is, there are only 4 or 5 main roads. Everything else in between are countless rows of ‘soi’ or streets. I tried just name-dropping Villa Panalee but the taxi drivers didn’t know it (or at least pretended to not know where it was).

So I ended up having to go look for an internet cafe to find the exact address.

Walking Street tourist police Pattaya Thailand
Pattaya Tourist Police — I remember seeing that big bald bloke in a British series called ‘Big Trouble in Thailand’ when I was researching on Thailand back in 2009. You can find the episodes online.
South Pattaya road at night Thailand
I had to sit 5 minutes in a rather rather expensive internet cafe on South Pattaya Road just to jot down the address

I hopped on one of those moped taxis and got dropped back to Villa Panalee (cost me ฿50). I walked back to the spot where the moped taxis were in the morning and handed back the helmet. My driver wasn’t there but I requested his colleagues to hand it back to him.

Back in the room, I relaxed a bit with the A/C on. Then gladly dumped my camera bag and stepped out again for dinner.

I decided to walk a bit one last time and see just how far Villa Panalee actually was from the beach.

House of pain tattoo parlour Pattaya Thailand
How appropriate a name 🙂
Pattaya night bars Sawadee hotels
This road was parallel to Second Road
Mike's Shopping Mall department store Pattaya Thailand
10 minutes later and I was in front of (or behind) Mike’s Shopping Mall

Back on Second Road, I walked past the may bars only to stop when I heard a Thai band play some mean rock covers. I liked their performances so much that I ended up sitting there to watch them perform.

Pattaya rock band playing bar Thailand
Aging musicians, but they were good

I was approached by the waitress, menu in hand, but no smile on her face. I ordered my vodka drink and watched the band play some classic Scorpions. Done with my drink, I got up and tipped the band. They nodded in appreciation… with a smile.

I wondered if things would have been different if I was white, a bit older… and pot-bellied. Would the treatment have been a lot better? Even in Mike’s Shopping Mall, I barely saw any smiles on the sales people’s faces. Do the Thais here feel like Pattaya doesn’t belong to them anymore? I mean, this city is so overrun with tourists, it maybe possible. It does feel like the outsiders and the few who make their money from them pretty much call the shots around here.

It’s also apparent from the many cheap long stay accommodations available, there are many who make Pattaya their home. Western men (mostly from the UK) who seem to be enjoying their final years spending their retirement money at the countless bars, from dusk to dawn.

It was the first thing that struck me in Pattaya — the bars. There’s sooooo many of them! Not go-go bars, but just plain bars. Every square inch of free space available would see a few bar stools set up and women serving liquor. It really did shock me at first. If you want your alcohol fix day and night, there’s no place quite like Pattaya. From North to South, you’ll never run short of bars to sit at. I wonder how many survive with this much competition.

Fresh pot pie pastry sausage roll vendor Pattaya
This guy on a bike was selling freshly made pastry. Bought a sausage roll and a pie. It was really good!

Oh, I also saw a few Indian newlyweds. The brides with their many bangles (a North Indian post-wedding tradition), some of whom had the look of bewilderment on their faces; while her newlywed husband had the look of disappointment — wondering why he hadn’t come to Pattaya before he got married.

Word of advice to those who choose Thailand as a honeymoon destination. If you want your serene beautiful beaches, head to South Thailand, or Ko Chang, further east of Pattaya. If you don’t mind the tranquil forests, go up north to Chiang Mai. Pattaya is where I would come for a bachelor/bachelorette party — not a honeymoon. Of course, this is all down to the couples themselves. Some say Pattaya can be enjoyed by couples, others may not.

Back in my room, I sat in the bathtub at around 11pm, considered ‘early’ in Pattaya. I wondered what to do tomorrow: stay another day and do the Coral Island tour in the morning – or – head back to Bangkok. Coral Island didn’t look good to me even in the photos, not after you have seen the islands in Krabi.

I also ignored the Sanctuary of Truth, thinking it was just another temple. Only to realize (via Reddit of all the sources!) a few weeks ago (as of this writing)  that it’s a private man-made temple carved completely out of wood! It looks mighty impressive from close up and despite the steep ฿500 entrance fee, I’m surely going to see it the next time I’m in Thailand.

Which is why I ultimately decided to leave for Bangkok tomorrow. Pattaya is a place you can easily visit when in Thailand. If you land in Suvarnabhumi (as most foreign tourists do), there are plenty of buses to Pattaya direct from the airport, as it’s only an hour away.

Though as I lay in bed, I imagined what I would have seen had I rented a bike and drove all the way till the end of Jomtien beach and the other outskirts of Pattaya.

As is the case with me and Thailand, I’ll have to do it the next time I visit the ‘Land of Smiles’.

 

Edit (14/07/2010): Shared this post on Reddit and got some good feedback from other users. Hmm, maybe I should seriously catch one of those ladyboy shows next time.

Reddit comment Pattaya


Previous posts in this series:

Thailand 2010: Golden Triangle in Mae Sai; Chiang Rai’s White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Thailand 2010: Heading to Chiang Rai by bus, Wat Jedyod and Golden Clock Tower

Thailand 2010: Last day of Loi Krathong; Sunday Grand Parade (Day 4, Part 2)

Thailand 2010: Chiang Mai Zoo (Day 4, Part 1)

Thailand 2010: Chiang Mai Loi Krathong celebrations; first Grand Parade

Thailand 2010: Chiang Mai cooking class; Loi Krathong celebrations in Mae Jo, Sansai

Thailand 2010: First day in Chiang Mai for Loi Krathong; driving up Doi Suthep

Thailand 2010: Arriving in Bangkok and preparing for Loi Krathong in Chiang Mai

Two & half weeks in Philippines… a teaser

This past April, I embarked on another journey. Given the circumstances at office (which I’ll explain later), I decided to go somewhere ‘interesting’. This time, a country which upon researching last year, I realized offered so much more than I thought. I’ll go into the details as to why I took the plunge to go as far as Philippines when I begin this series 2 months from now, but until then, here a few of the 5000-plus photos I took from this 2 & 1/2 week long trip.

South China sea islands from plane
Flew over the South China sea for the first time -- very pretty (Taken on my cellphone)

 

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial sparrow on grave Philippines
First day of sight-seeing: The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial graves
Where 17,202 soldiers, Filipino and American, are buried
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial rainbow sprinkler
A rainbow caused by the sprinkler and sunlight
Aimee Marie Autobus station Manila
Met my reader (& now friend) Aimee who helped me a LOT in Manila
Banaue view from People's Lodge Philippines
Arrive in Banaue the next day
Banaue hanging house Ifugao Philippines
Go on a tour by trike through a region quite prone to landslides
Batad steps down trekking Banaue Philippines
Embark on what became the toughest trek I ever did
Batad villagers pigs trek Banaue Philippines
Seeing these villagers carry livestock and kilos of grain for nearly a 1km through terrain that I found *incredibly* tiring even with hiking boots on, made me want to never complain about corporate life ever again. Listening to pigs squeal (& the resulting echo in the valley) for more than half-an-hour also made me not want to have pork... (that day)
Batad village rice terraces Banaue Philippines
After nearly 1 1/2 of trekking, the view I get in Batad. A village with no access via road and one that only got electricity recently.
Batad hide and seek village children Banaue Philippines
And since these children don't see new faces often (least of all an Indian), played with them for a bit as well
Batad trek landslide path Banaue Philippines
After a break, trek all the way back through tracks destroyed by landslides... but this time, with a local I hired to carry my bags. My body just couldn't take the load a second time.
Banaue rice terraces panorama Philippines
End the day with a view of the grand daddy of them all, the Banaue Rice Terraces
Banaue rice terrace farmers Philippines
The sheer size of the Banaue rice terraces are a bit hard to capture on photograph
North Luzon fugao village rice terraces Philippines
The next day, take two jeepneys to get to the small town of Sagada
Sagada rice terraces Luzon Philippines
A small, but beautiful town!
Sagada limestone cave water Philippines
Sagada is also famed for its limestone caves
Sagada limestone caves Luzon Philippines
Which was an amazing 'first' experience for me
Sagada Hanging coffins Echo Valley Philippines
Sagada is also famous for this, Echo Valley. People laid to rest for years on the side of a cliff.
Ifugao province farm Luzon Philippines
Leave the next day and drive through beautiful terrains to get to Baguio
San Fernando Pampanga Good Friday celebrations crosses
Then, on Good Friday, arrive in the town of San Fernando in Pampanga district for the main reason I chose to fly to Philippines at this time of the year.
San Fernando Pampanga praying
Warning: The next few photos are going to be graphic in nature.
San Fernando Pampanga Good Friday flagellation
I don't have to time explain what the rituals are about and why they celebrate it this way, but you can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Pedro_Cutud_Lenten_Rites
San Fernando Pampanga Easter Child
Mind you, it was scorching hot that day
Filipino Roman soldier San Pedro Cutud
"You want photo? One bottle!"
San Pedro Cutud re-enactment Good Friday
The famed annual re-enactment ceremony of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ
San Pedro Cutud Pampanga Christ crucifixion
People volunteer to be actually nailed to the cross
Good Friday Pampanga nailed hand
And in case you don't believe me...
San Pedro Cutud crucifixion nail leg
Taken on my cellphone because of number of people jostling to get a close up view
San Pedro Cutud Rites Pampanga Philippines
(Also taken on my cellphone)
San Fernando street children smiling Philippines
Street child: "Hey! One photo mister!" (grabs baby sister) (I start to click) Street child: (Oh, he's *actually* taking my photo?) ~shy~
San Fernando night mass parade Philippines
The night mass with beautiful floats of... erm, Christian characters from the bible(?)
Manila Chinatown purple fire engine
Arrive back in Manila for a guided tour by Aimee. The Manila Chinatown was nothing special, but their fire engines were!
Manila Cathedral panorama
Manila Cathedral in Intramuros
Manila mobile phone chicken
I get everything... except the 'chicken' part. As seen in Robinson's mall in Manila.
Cebu Cathedral ceiling
Arrived in Cebu to kick off the second leg of my journey. This was the ceiling at the oldest church in Cebu.
Chocolate Hills Bohol Philippines
Take a ferry to Bohol, hire a trike and drive one hour to see this: the Chocolate Hills
Chocolate Hills panorama Bohol Philippines
1,776 hills that make for a phenomenal geographical formation
Tarsier Bohol Philippines
See Bohol's Tarsiers. An animal I think, became the inspiration for Dobby's appearance (from the Harry Potter films)
Sambang underground river Palawan Mithun in Philippines
Arrive in Sambang in Palawan island to visit the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Sambang Underground River boat going in
The underground river is a 8.2 kilometers long but tourists are only allowed 1.6kms in. The place is in contention for the 'New 7 Wonders of the World' contest.
Sambang Underground River caves
Another interesting and never-done-before experience for me! Also, quite a challenge holding the light *AND* clicking photos
Sambang underground river boat inside
Trust me, there's a LOT more photos from inside the cave but no time for me to work on all of them now.
Sambang beach coconut tree panorama
Once out, had lunch on Sambang beach.
Palawan dog stretching
Wake up early the next day, take the local bus to the Northern most town of El Nido
Sandwich bun ice cream Philippines
Have sandwich bun ice cream for breakfast (Rs. 15)
El Nido beach view Palawan Philippines
Arrive at my guesthouse in El Nido beach. Sit out, stare into what's right in front of me...and do little else. (Taken on my cellphone)
El Nido lagoon swimming Philippines
Go on an island-hopping tour the next day. Snorkel in a lagoon wearing a life jacket...
El Nido kayaking lagoon Philippines
..and attempt kayaking for the first time. It was a lot easier than I thought! (Unfortunately no photos of me doing all this because I was afraid to get my valuable camera equipment wet. I've had previous bad experiences with salt water screwing up my equipment)
Palawan island spade-shaped rock
Stop on an island for lunch
BBQ lunch E Nido Philippines
Which was barbecued fish and pork
Coconut kid drinking Palawan
Kids on this island must be sick of drinking coconut water
Las Cabanas beach sunset Philippines
Watch the sunset on Las Cabanas beach
El Nido lobster dinner Philippines
Have a 'home-cooked' dinner of lobster soup, grilled lobsters, fried tuna and rice, all for Rs.250
Leaving El Nido dog on trike
Leave El Nido the next morning
Sunset Palawan flight Philippines
... and leave the island of Palawan at sunset, thereby concluding my sightseeing around Philippines.

Needless to say, I have many more photos to share and plenty of experiences. This was without a doubt, the best trip I ever made in my life (so far)!

Read the entire series here:

Philippines 2011: Flying over South China Sea for the first time

Philippines 2011: Day 1 — Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, Fort Bonifacio

Philippines 2011: Day 2 – Banaue rice terraces; trekking to Batad village

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Banaue town; heading to Sagada via Bontoc

Philippines 2011: Day 3 – Sagada’s Lumiang burial cave, Sumaguing cave, Hanging Coffins of Echo valley

Philippines 2011: Leaving Sagada for Baguio, and arriving in Angeles city (Days 4 & 5)

Philippines 2011: Day 6 – Good Friday in San Fernando, San Pedro Cutud Lenten Rites

Philippines 2011: Day 7 – Leaving Angeles City for Manila, Mall of Asia

Philippines 2011: Day 8 – Manila tour: Rizal Park, Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, China Town

Philippines 2011: Day 9 – Cebu: Fort San Pedro, Basilica of Santo Niño, Taoist Temple

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