Today's itinerary is to explore Central Bali. Bali has been known for it's nice beaches and rice paddies. Hence for the latter we will journey to the heart of Ubud to see temples and learn about the balinese culture. We hopefully can find a cheap massage and relax. Budget is 240k rupees. The area has a good concentration of natural resources that is good for reflection.
My brother is amazing as he can now drive on the other side of the road. We should have done this since day one. Taxi's too expensive to explore Bali. Renting is cheaper. So is the petrol!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Bali disappointment
First glimpse of the beach and I told myself that the reason it's not overwhelming is that Sanur is for oldies and Kuta caters for the younger crowd. That night we went to Kuta to see for ourselves what the nightlife is all about. We reach the shore after an endless walk. Cabbie meter was quick as a broken faucet. Hence we decided to walk when it reached our budget.
The beach is not white and fine. Rubbish everywhere. Shore was too dark. Nightlife is dead and it's Friday night for crying out loud! I just felt so disappointed with their claim that it's world class.
Asked our cabbie driver about the most pristine beach and they recommended South Bali. We're going there now and I hope it can change the way I perceive Bali.
And oh... I lost my beloved lonely planet book somewhere in the beach.
The beach is not white and fine. Rubbish everywhere. Shore was too dark. Nightlife is dead and it's Friday night for crying out loud! I just felt so disappointed with their claim that it's world class.
Asked our cabbie driver about the most pristine beach and they recommended South Bali. We're going there now and I hope it can change the way I perceive Bali.
And oh... I lost my beloved lonely planet book somewhere in the beach.
Friday, July 3, 2009
From Jogja and beyond
Booking a flight in a local Indonesian carrier is just a pickle. The websites are dodgy and you can't seem to pay online. I decided to immediately head out to the ticketing office located in the domestic terminal only to know that they are closed. Fucking website says that their office hours are from 5am to 10pm. Decided then to wake up early to purchase my ticket. 5:30 and they're still closed. Far out! My flight is at 6:10 and obviously I can't make it.
Managed to get their late return flight. And I booked my departure flight on another airline. Though it costed me close to 2 million rupees, all is worth going to Jogja. Prambanan and Borobudur is fucking awesome!
Managed to get their late return flight. And I booked my departure flight on another airline. Though it costed me close to 2 million rupees, all is worth going to Jogja. Prambanan and Borobudur is fucking awesome!
The hectic flight day
My 1st July is so hectic! Started with bargaining with the bloody fucking driver. Bargained 250k initially but since I have to change my money, he charged me 100k more just for waiting for 5 mins. This got me so furious and the monster in me was unleashed. I sabotage the cab by writing FUCK backwards on the seat. Normally I'm not like this but these people are just so bad and mean.
I almost didn't catch my flight to Saigon. Blame it to the traffic and crazy terminal. It was chaotic and even worse than Manila's. I manage with my armed charm to persuade the crew to accept my check-in luggage.
While in Singapore I was too amazed with the Singapore sale and the free gadget chargers that I almost got left behind. I saw the flight board saying that my plane's gate is closing. I literally run and was sweating profusely after that. But I made it.
I almost didn't catch my flight to Saigon. Blame it to the traffic and crazy terminal. It was chaotic and even worse than Manila's. I manage with my armed charm to persuade the crew to accept my check-in luggage.
While in Singapore I was too amazed with the Singapore sale and the free gadget chargers that I almost got left behind. I saw the flight board saying that my plane's gate is closing. I literally run and was sweating profusely after that. But I made it.
The magnificence of Halong Bay
This was couple of days ago but the beautiful and captivating limestone formation is just so blog-worthy. The trip was for four hours and it cost me forty bucks. All is worth. Meals are amazing. Coaches are comfortable minus the weak air-conditioning. The first time we boarded the so-called junk, I can't get enough. I started taking endless photos. Met fine people from Germany, France and UK. They're friendly and we exchanged travel stories while enjoying the view with few beers. Kayaking in the afternoon. My English partner doesn't know how to and we became a laughing stock of Vietnamese kids. Woke up early to see the sunrise and it was just too amazing. It's a view that definitely worth paying for. But all good thing co we to an end. Stayed for two days and a night. Went back to Hanoi and ate in a fine do ing Japanese restaurant called Sakura Saigon. And had a nice sleep with Simpsons on the background.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The Horrors of Hanoi
In contrast to my lovely stay at Ho Chi Minh, Hanoi is a bit horrifying. I can just describe the people as money-thirsty scammers. Upon my arrival at the Airport, this guy approached me offering a cab for 50. I said 'No' initially cos compared to the minibus that is too expensive. Double the price actually. He led me to believe that the minibus takes ages cos they will be waiting for it to be full and it goes to every hotel destination of all passengers. huh? So I said 'Yes' eventually. Only to find out that the 50 he is talking about is in USD. WHAT?!?!
I bargained for a lower price but still ... It's too expensive. My 500,000 VND gone just like that.
To make it even worse, the cab brought me to a different hotel. I confirmed the hotel name and address. They said yes. How can I evaluate if they are telling the truth? All is in Vietnamese.
Maybe its a blessing. Cos its much better. $8 for single room compared to $7.50 which is dorm share. I thought it was fine back then. but when I started to checkout the next day. I paid for it in USD. $50 to be exact. He has done some calculations which has different buy and sell rates. More like FX trading huh?! And got only 405,000 VND in return. Effectively, it costs me 26 bucks for two nights.
And the biggest horror of them all is the massage. Imagine I walked 3km just to go to the massage place recommended by this schmucks. Massage costs 55 they say. I thought its in VND. Cos a massage in Saigon only costs 40,000 VND. Which seemed logical at first... When its finished, they billed me USD 55. I manage to bargain 300,000 VND. But that's not the horrific part. The one who massage me was asking me for tip. No... More like demanding me a tip. And get this, the schmuck is asking me for 500,000 VND and wouldn't let me go. I then have to travel back to my hotel and pay 720,000 VND, which is the total bargained price.
Few tips then:
- Finalise payment before entering into a transaction. Clearly ask the currency because they widely trade with USD here.
- Never talk to this touts. All they want is your money!
- Better ask for opinions from fellow travelers cos they already experienced this horrors as well.
- Read blogs about the place your going and how to survive topics. It helps a lot reading bad experiences from travelers.
I bargained for a lower price but still ... It's too expensive. My 500,000 VND gone just like that.
To make it even worse, the cab brought me to a different hotel. I confirmed the hotel name and address. They said yes. How can I evaluate if they are telling the truth? All is in Vietnamese.
Maybe its a blessing. Cos its much better. $8 for single room compared to $7.50 which is dorm share. I thought it was fine back then. but when I started to checkout the next day. I paid for it in USD. $50 to be exact. He has done some calculations which has different buy and sell rates. More like FX trading huh?! And got only 405,000 VND in return. Effectively, it costs me 26 bucks for two nights.
And the biggest horror of them all is the massage. Imagine I walked 3km just to go to the massage place recommended by this schmucks. Massage costs 55 they say. I thought its in VND. Cos a massage in Saigon only costs 40,000 VND. Which seemed logical at first... When its finished, they billed me USD 55. I manage to bargain 300,000 VND. But that's not the horrific part. The one who massage me was asking me for tip. No... More like demanding me a tip. And get this, the schmuck is asking me for 500,000 VND and wouldn't let me go. I then have to travel back to my hotel and pay 720,000 VND, which is the total bargained price.
Few tips then:
- Finalise payment before entering into a transaction. Clearly ask the currency because they widely trade with USD here.
- Never talk to this touts. All they want is your money!
- Better ask for opinions from fellow travelers cos they already experienced this horrors as well.
- Read blogs about the place your going and how to survive topics. It helps a lot reading bad experiences from travelers.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Fell in love with Saigon
Saigon's Unrivaled Hospitality
It's crowded but the people are so warm. I will never forget my stay with Mrs. Long. She's like a mother to us. She gave me refreshments when I look tired and stressed. She shared her inspiring story on how she began operating the guesthouse. She teaches English to a handful Vietnamese kids. Even recommended an itinerary for me for Saigon and Hanoi.
Cyclo Attacks
Oh no! Everytime I cross the streets of Saigon, I feel like being attacked by pack of wolves. I survived and proudly I can add that newly found skill on my travel resume.
Walking through the busy streets of Saigon
First day mission is to pay for my ticket from Lion Air. Endless walking under heat and humidty. My shirt was literally soaking with sweat. Only to find out that they do not accept booking for other countries. Mission failed. I still want to go to Borobudur.
Viet Coffee
I love their coffee. Extra strong coffee placed on ice with sweetened milk. Can't seem to get enough. I crave it day and night.
Vietnam War
My tours are all centred to The Vietnam War. Visited museums, palace and Cu Chi Tunnel. I realised how Vietnamese values independence. It was shown with everyone's (even women and children) courage in fighting the Americans.
Vietnamese flight experience
- no queue during check-in. I have to fight for my ticket.
- so many oldies on the flight.
- kids choatic. Started screaming. Noodles everywhere.
- braise position during take-off and landing?
- cotton used as ear plugs..
- they started to talk to me in Vietnamese even if I say, "English please". They keep on talking so what the hell! I answered in Filipino.. It's fun if you were there.
- I feel like and instant hit. Am I that cute? Haha... All of them are smiling at me. I quickly went to the lavatory to check I'd something'as wrong with my face.
It's crowded but the people are so warm. I will never forget my stay with Mrs. Long. She's like a mother to us. She gave me refreshments when I look tired and stressed. She shared her inspiring story on how she began operating the guesthouse. She teaches English to a handful Vietnamese kids. Even recommended an itinerary for me for Saigon and Hanoi.
Cyclo Attacks
Oh no! Everytime I cross the streets of Saigon, I feel like being attacked by pack of wolves. I survived and proudly I can add that newly found skill on my travel resume.
Walking through the busy streets of Saigon
First day mission is to pay for my ticket from Lion Air. Endless walking under heat and humidty. My shirt was literally soaking with sweat. Only to find out that they do not accept booking for other countries. Mission failed. I still want to go to Borobudur.
Viet Coffee
I love their coffee. Extra strong coffee placed on ice with sweetened milk. Can't seem to get enough. I crave it day and night.
Vietnam War
My tours are all centred to The Vietnam War. Visited museums, palace and Cu Chi Tunnel. I realised how Vietnamese values independence. It was shown with everyone's (even women and children) courage in fighting the Americans.
Vietnamese flight experience
- no queue during check-in. I have to fight for my ticket.
- so many oldies on the flight.
- kids choatic. Started screaming. Noodles everywhere.
- braise position during take-off and landing?
- cotton used as ear plugs..
- they started to talk to me in Vietnamese even if I say, "English please". They keep on talking so what the hell! I answered in Filipino.. It's fun if you were there.
- I feel like and instant hit. Am I that cute? Haha... All of them are smiling at me. I quickly went to the lavatory to check I'd something'as wrong with my face.
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