Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and apparently the most famous one in the country.

When I was in high school, I already heard about this island; that it had beautiful  beaches. So when I had the chance to visit this place for the first time with my friend, I was very excited. My friend lived in another province, which is a bit closer to Phuket so, I traveled alone from Bangkok by bus. I arrived in Phuket Town at around 4:30AM. My friend arrived at 4PM.🥴 Imagine my waiting time?!? She was crazy. 😂 

Upon arrival at Patong City, we were surprised how  crowded the place was!  We thought it was only because of the Songkran Festival, but the second time I traveled there without any occasion, it was just the same. So, yes, the place is indeed very famous! :) 

Apart from the crowd, accommodations, shops and restaurants were all over the place; there were even resorts on the hillsides. It is quite similar to El Nido town proper (hotel and resorts on the hillsides).

(Photo was taken early in the morning, so no crowd yet. ) 

Yes, so what we did to really enjoy Patong Beach, we went there about 7 in the morning.☺️

Trivia: Most tourists are still asleep early in the morning since they are exhausted from night parties. 😁

Good thing there's a nice beach just few kilometers from Patong City which is less crowded- the Karon Beach. So, it's fine to chill on this beach even late in the morning. 

Phuket is not just famous for their beaches, but they have stunning temples as well, which I enjoyed during my second time in the island. 

That Big Buddha Phuket or The Great Buddha of Phuket  with an official name, Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Buddha sitting atop Nakkerd Hill is literally huge. It is 45 meters high. It is quite visible when you're at Karon Beach or Phuket Town, but driving up the hill is still recommendable. 

And you'll have a perfect view of the island on top. 

Trivia: Shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless tops aren't allowed in the temple. If you're wearing prohibited clothes, they'll provide some cover ups for you to wear, but be sure to return them. 😉

This Wat Chalong is one of the popular temples in Phuket. Its official name is Phramahathatchedi - Jomthaibarameepragat and is known to be dominated by the Grand Pagoda, which is said to contain a splinter of the bone of Lord Buddha. 

After visiting some temples, watching a lovely sunset may be perfect. Promthep Cape which is also known as Laem Promthep is popular for sunset viewing. I was so surprised how many people were there waiting for the sun to set. Unfortunately, the sky wasn't clear that time, our mission to take a video of an incredible sunset failed. 😆😅 Instead, we just walked around a bit farther from the large crowd and took some photos around the site where Racha Yai and Racha Noi islands and Ya Nui and Nai Harn beaches were visible. 

Note: You may go island hopping (Phi-phi Islands) while in Phuket. 

Transportation from Bangkok:

*Bus (more or less 12 hrs.) 

*Plane- approximately 1hr and 20min.

*Train (not direct though)- BKK Hua Lamphong Station to Surat Thani (more or less 10hrs depending on which train you choose), then take a bus from Surat Thani to Phuket 

*Van rental

Cebu Safari and Adventure Park

It is located at Carmen, a northern town in Cebu, approximately an-hour-and-a- half travel from Cebu City. 

To reach the town, you may opt to ride a van, a minibus or a bus at the Northbus Terminal nearby SM City Cebu. And then just ask the conductor where they can drop you off going to the Park.

However, I advise you not to commute in going there, because the Park is not close to the national highway. 

Short trivia: I first visited this place 3 years ago, just few months after its soft opening. At first, I was not excited because I am not into zoos. I expected a boring trip, but it turned out very amusing. I was also so glad touring around the site, seeing amazing animals that I had only seen in books and posters, and enjoying the beautiful landscapes.

I am sure it's more wonderful at present, since they have many more to offer such as their accommodations among others. 

These are some of the animals found in the Cebu Safari:

                   Birds

                   Snakes 

                  Deer 

                  Turtles

 

             White Tiger

                 Cheetah 

              Crocodiles 

 

The African Safari ride was my most favorite!

For adventurous individuals, you may also enjoy their adventure park, where you can experience the 1.3km.-long zipline, Giant Swing, Sky Bike, and ATV rides. 

They are open daily (8AM-5PM) even on holidays. And currently, the Entrance Fee costs PHP900 during weekdays, while PHP1,100 on the weekends and holidays. 

Notes: 

1. No food allowed inside. Restaurants are found inside the site.

2. Cut-off time for Park ticket selling at the park's ticket counter is 1:30PM.

3. It is better to go there early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic and to maximize the tour time. 

Best 5⃣ @El Nido, Palawan

El Nido, Palawan is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, and why not?!? It's because of its unique and towering karst mountains, beautiful islands, and white sand beaches.

Tourists around the world are hooked to the place and it has been recognized in and out of the country. But, for your reference, I will share with you my FIVE BEST things to do in El Nido town.

#1 ISLAND HOPPING

You may opt to choose Tours A, B, C, or D for your island hopping adventures.

Tour C's route is the farthest and Tour D has the nearest route. 

*For details of the four different tours, you may check my other contents here in my site. 😉 

#2 Sunset watching 

You may enjoy a little drink of your favorite drinks while watching the setting sun. 

# or Chillin' at Nacpan Beach

Nacpan Beach is pretty uncrowded compared to other beaches nearby the town proper, probably because of its distance. It still takes approximately 40 minutes by motorcycle from town proper to Nacpan. But, the place is all worth the ride. 

#3 Climbing Mt. Taraw

For those who are not into mountain climbing, you may choose the Canopy Walk. It's not that high and you have no problem with the safety gears. It costs 750PhP per person. 

  Reaching the top after the      Canopy Walk

#4 Visiting Lio Estate

Lio Tourism Estate is a sustainable tourism estate owned by Ayala Land, which offers beachside hotels and resorts, shops and restaurants. It has an airport as well, catering chartered flights, Airswift. 

#5 Walking around the streets and grabbing some good foods 

There are many shops, convenience stores and restaurants to choose from in the town proper for dining. But, remember, you must drink DISTILLED WATER only for safety. 😉

Until then.. Stay safe and healthy! 🙏 ❤️