UntiedEscape

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Macau-HongKong Trip

Macau-HongKong trip is perfect for those who are first timers out of the country travelers. Although this is not our first trip abroad, it is our first time (hal and I) to travel out of the country with only two of us. The Con is that it should’ve been cheaper in a group but the Pro is that it’s like another honeymoon and we can change our plans anytime. We booked MLA-Macau-MLA because of the promo fare but we spend most of the days in HK. It was actually an impromptu booking months and months ahead and luckily I was able to apply for leave on the schedule even I just started few months on my new job.

Macau is a small place and you can find all the guides you need in the internet. I spent most of the time reading forums and it feels like I know everything already. All you need is research research and research. It’s also better if you have access to the internet so you have a quick worry free aid in case you’re getting lost or if you’re looking for a particular spot.

Hong Kong is easier to explore, there are English signs everywhere, very easy transport service and there’s a lot to see. All you need is a comfy shoes, right clothes for the season and energy to explore around.

In our case, we arrived late because of delayed flight, (AirAsia and its crappy service) we ended up arriving around 11pm. It was a long story epic arrival but we arrived safe and sound in Best Western Sun Sun hotel past midnight. It is located in the Macau Peninsula area. The location is Near Senado Square. It’s our choice because we wanted to explore more around that area than the casino side area.

We decided to skip Macau first and take ferry to HK the next day. What we did is to spend our last 2 days in Macau. So in total we spent 4 nights in HK and 3 nights in MC.

When it comes to budget, you can be flexible depending on what kind of activities are you’re planning. Splurge if you have because you’ll definitely enjoy shopping. Branded items are cheaper in HK. For us, we stick to our budget and divided expenses daily to ensure it will fit our trip. We avoid using credit card to avoid impulsive buying. You’ll see a lot just by walking the street, try street food for cheaper options and convenient stores for quick snack. But don’t forget to reserve a few bucks for good stuffs to take home.

Thailand: The Temples and the Reclining Buddha

Monks in prayer in Wat Pho

During out Bangkok trip, we visited Wat Pho or the Temple of Reclining Buddha. It was said that it is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Bangkok. It was also said that it is now more well-known as a centre for traditional massage and medicine. You’ll see more than thousands of Buddha images here but the highlight is the largest which is the Reclining Buddha (Phra Buddhasaiyas). It is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. It is plated in gold and you’ll notice that the bottom of the feet is intricate with details. We roam around amazed on what where were seeing. We ended the trip tired and yet fascinated.

To pay respect, visitors should maintain quiet, wear appropriate clothing and avoid taking pictures with flash.

Look at the complex details

Every corner catches our attention

Shoes are removed before entering a temple for respect for Buddha.

The head of the Reclining Buddha

You'll find many of these

And also these

More buddhas here

They said that Buddhism is the fourth largest religion in the world

Buddhism focus on meditation and mindfulness, It is often considered to be a form of psychology.

Such a huge creation

Just wonderful

Blessed in Wat Pho

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

Chetuphon Road

Bangkok, Thailand

Malaysia: Around the City, Food and How I See It

Such a smooth train ride :)

My stay is too short for me to know the life here in Kuala Lumpur. I actually do not have any expectations or whatsoever because we had a very limited time. It may not be the country that’s on top of my list but I am still very glad that I was able to see the place right through my eyes.

Taken somewhere on our way out the KL airport

The airport is obviously way better than what we have in Pinas. Well we’re tagged as having the worst airport in the world so it’s very evidently true. What do you expect in a corrupt government anyway? (Hays, silently praying here for a better Philippines)

Bus ticket booth before exiting the airport

While waiting for the bus to arrive

And this is where you buy your tickets

KTM ride going to Batu Caves

I admire how organize the airport is and how easy we can get a bus from the airport. It was a smooth welcome for us. By the way, they are also prompt with bus and train schedules unlike here. Transportation like buses and trains are relatively new and clean unlike what we have here which is old, rusty and asking for retirement already. Lol. And also, much cleaner view of the streets and highways with lesser traffic.

There are lots of Indian, Chinese and also Filipino nationals in the country but of course the majorities are the Malays that look closely like us. Communication is not hard as most of the locals can speak English well.

They call this Petaling Street "China Town"

This is where we bought our souvenirs

And their local palamig (refreshments)

Because it was almost Chinese new year, there are lanterns for sale

The food is generally spicy in which I am not very fond of. Though I enjoy the curry rice, we were so lucky that we have our friend Ems and Arjie who served as our guide and introduce us to the local food such as the The Tarik and Nasi Lemak. Make sure to ask first if the dish you’re ordering is spicy or not. But sometimes, when they say its not, it’s still spicy for me. There are also lots of street foods that are very tempting to try.

Big serving of Curry rice with some of the common chicken dishes

Local pita bread and some spreads

Sweets on the streets

Shop for souvenirs!

We were advised not to practice the “haggle to the max then forget about it” style that we used to do in local markets in Pinas like in Divisoria. You know what I mean? Normally they are a bit sensitive if you’ll ask for the price, haggle to the very last price they you’ll still not but from them. We were advised to instead buy in one shop so we can haggle since we will be buying in bulk. Prices are almost the same here in Pinas if you'll convert the rate to Peso. (1 MYR is around 12 PHP)

Cute canvass bag for sale :)

It was indeed a short memorable trip to Malaysia and we’re so happy to visit Arjie here. Overall, I guess it's not very hard to live in this city. There are many Pinoys and since it's very close to Pinas, going back and forth is not a problem. I know there's a lot more to discover and experience. Maybe on the next visit and hopefully next time we’ll be able to stay longer.

Malaysia: Petronas Twin Towers - The Iconic Landmark

Oh, hello there?! Petronas Twin Towers!

It was an easy landing for the group because our dearest friend Arjie will be hosting our night in Kuala Lumpur. We arrived around past afternoon in Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) so to utilize the remaining time of the day, as soon as we met her, we rushed immediately to see Petronas.

From KL Sentral, we ride LRT going to KLCC and went inside the Suria Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC) without knowing that the building is beneath the tower already or should I say part of it.

Petronas Twin was considered as one of the highest building in the world. Seeing the mega structure up-close is amazing. Though it's not the spot I've imagined seeing on my first out of the country trip, with these wonderful people around me, I still enjoyed the view of the night.

And this is what you can see around - taken by Sol.

The view on the other side

Busy tourist checking their photos with the towers.

Ladies group shot - of course

And our feeling honeymooners - turista pose :)

Thanks Arjie for the tour!

You can get more details of the Petronas on this LINK
PETRONAS Twin Towers,
Kuala Lumpur City Centre,
50088 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Telephone : +60 (3) 2331 8080 Fax: +60 (3) 2331 1723
Email : pettvo@gmail.com

In God’s Perfect Timing: The Best Days

My La-Loves Eskapaderas Travel Buddies!

I promised myself that one day. I’ll be able to fly across the sea and wander what else we have outside my homeland. It has always been with me, dreaming and claiming for that day to come. Just a few weeks after getting married, it finally came true. Part of my wish was that it should be before my 30th birthday and it's another wish granted too. What makes it more grateful is that hal and I shared the trip with my friends. Traveling in group can be a bit stressful at times but definitely twice more fun and most of all saves you a lot of money. I really cannot tell how grateful I am and up to now I’m thanking the Lord everyday for the overwhelming blessings. Expenses were just around 20k each for the 15days trip, airfare excluded. :)

Our DIY Route – Manila – Kuala Lumpur – Phuket – Cambodia - Bangkok – then back to Manila