Koh Tao and Koh NangYuan Hopping

God is great! Just when I felt so bored of my routine, a good friend asked me to join the private trip to Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan she had arranged for her Chinese guests. I was hesitant to go, knowing that we were going on a  speedboat. I was on a smaller motorboat to Koh Phi Phi four years back and it wasn't a good experience. Don't get me wrong. The captain of the boat did a good job but driving it in big waves scared the life out of me. (Truth is  I   have a dislike for anything that goes or runs so fast. Period.)

Fast forward to that day, I had finally agreed to go. The  tour operator picked  us all up. It was half past nine. Kind of late but it's a private charter tour so we were in no rush. I chose the back seat, facing the vast ocean. I wouldn't want to feel the strong jolt just in case we had a bumpy ride.

A Meal That Fell Short of My Expectations

I had the privilege to visit Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan with a friend and some wealthy Chinese she was touring around. All expenses  were shouldered by her guests. What a blessing!  We didn't bring any sustenance as we were told there were a couple restaurants on the island. While my friend, a female guest and I enjoyed the first few hours partying on the boat, the others went into the water to do some snorkeling. Lunch time came we were all famished! The captain of the boat they rented was kind enough to give us 2 options. We could eat on the island or tour the next island first, then food later on the way back to Samui. We all agreed to have our lunch first. He drove us to a decent looking restaurant. I anticipated to eat something nice on that trip.  The restaurant only has set menu and with a fixed price. When I looked at the menu, I knew exactly what I would get.

Fisherman's Village - Bophut, Koh Samui

The big sign. You won't miss it.

My sister came down to Koh Samui with my cousin and a friend in tow. No words could describe my excitement and happiness when I saw them for the first time in three months. Yeah. Three months was not a long time but given our closeness, it seemed forever.

They were here for only four days so I made sure they maximized the short time they had. I took them to Fisherman's Village in Bophut . On Fridays the place is transformed into a walking street. It was Monday when we went. The area was quiet. Such a perfect time to catch up with everyone and enjoy dinner.

Snake Temple - Penang, Malaysia

I had a whole day to relax before going back to Thailand so I went with a friend to check out snake temple in Bayan Lepas. It was a forty minute bus ride from George Town.


The Snake Temple (Chinese: 蛇庙; pinyin: Shé Miào; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tsuâ-biō) is situated in Sungai Kluang, Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia and is perhaps the only temple of its kind in the world. The temple is filled with the smoke of burning incense and a variety of pit vipers. The vipers are believed to be rendered harmless by the sacred smoke, but as a safety precaution, the snakes have also been de-venomed but still have their fangs intact, visitors are warned against picking up the reptiles and placing them on their bodies for taking pictures. Local devotees believe that the temple's snake population has come there of its own accord.

The temple was built circa 1850 in memory of Chor Soo Kong (祖師公), by a Buddhist monk. Chor Soo Kong (also known as Qingshui) was born with the Tan surname (陳昭應, or Tan Chhiau-eng) in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). He was very serious about spiritual attainment and was ordained at a young age. Legend has it that Chor Soo Kong, who was also a healer, gave shelter to the snakes of jungle. When he died at the age of 65 after a lifetime of good deeds, he was bestowed the honorific title Chor Soo, meaning an eminent historic figure continuously revered by a community generation after generation. After the completion of the temple, snakes appeared on their own accord. The Snake Temple was originally named the "Temple of the Azure Cloud" in honor of the beauty of Penang's sky.

 (Source: Wiki)

Little India - George Town, Penang, Malaysia

 I had no chance to see Little India when I went to Penang 13 years ago. Visiting it was on my "to-do" list. I got really excited when I learned that the area was just a walking distance from my guesthouse. When a new friend mentioned having Indian food for breakfast that day, I asked if he could take me and my other two friends to the same restaurant. He wanted to go Indian for dinner that day so four of us went.

Strolling around George Town, Penang, Malaysia

A street in George Town

 I spent my second day in Penang strolling around George Town. The architecture is of local, Indian, Islamic and Chinese influence. The buildings serve as attractions in themselves. Here are some which caught my attention.

My Penang, Malaysia Trip - Enjoying food down Chulia Street

I was in Penang, Malaysia again after more than a decade. So much has changed in the Malaysian state since my first visit in 1999. I was not aware of a lot of things during my previous visit. I did not even try Malaysian food. When I visited a few weeks back, I made sure I don't miss out on eating  local cuisine.

A few steps away from the guesthouse where I stayed was an eatery selling a wide selection of Malaysian and Chinese dishes. It's a self-service restaurant. I'd been there a few times and each time I went, I tried different dish. The food was all good and cheap too! If you happen to be on Jalan Chulia (Julia Street) at Georgetown, try them for yourself. The restaurant is close to Banana Guesthouse.

Street Food in Penang

For any budget travelers, eating street food makes traveling easier. George Town in Penang has it all. I had  noodle soup as my first meal. The noodle was bland but it did fill my hungry stomach.

Koh Samui's Street Food

Thailand is one of the best spots in the world for street food. When I travel, eating street food is one thing I enjoy doing the most. On Samui island, I was lodged near Nathon pier, far from the touristy Chaweng Beach. A friend took me to an area  full of small stalls selling salads, Thai fast food dishes, meat/fish dishes and even desserts at  reasonable prices. Samui is a tourist place and eating at restaurants can be costly, if not expensive. If you happen to be on Samui, check out  Nathon town at night and try what they have to offer.

Koh Samui

I went to Koh Samui (Samui Island) for a business trip for a couple days last week. It was my second visit to the third largest island of Thailand. Although it was a short stay, I made the most of it.

Nong Nooch Botanical Garden and Resort, Pattaya

On the last day of the Marianos' trip to Thailand, we rented a van and drove to Pattaya to visit NongNooch Botanical Garden and Resort. Pattaya is  a two-hour drive from Bangkok. Entrance ticket to the garden is Thai Baht 500 each ($16).

The Temple of the Emerald Buddha and the Grand Palace Bangkok

A must-see sight for any travelers to Bangkok is this magnificent Grand Palace and Temple of the Emerald Buddha located at the heart of the city. These complex of buildings are in one compound.  I can't count the number of times I have been there. The entrance ticket has changed several times in the last thirteen years but it's worth the money. This time, my guests and I paid Thai Baht 500 each.(around $16).

Floating Market Damnoen Saduak

One and a half  hours away from the bustling metropolis is Thailand's most popular floating market. It is located in Damnoen Saduak District in Ratchaburi province, 105 kilometers away from Bangkok. My guests and I joined a guided tour of the floating market. We also went for a walk along the canals. The canals were packed with boats selling fruit and vegetables and local food. The tour cost Thai Baht 1000 per person (around $30). The price includes trip to floating market, buffet lunch and Samphran Elephant ground and zoo.

Wat Si Saket (Si Saket Temple)

Wat Si Saket was built in 1818 on the orders of King Anouvong (Sethathirath V.) Si is derived from the Sanskrit title of veneration Sri, prefixed to the name of Wat Saket in Bangkok, which was renamed by Anouvong's contemporary, King Rama I. Wat Si Saket was built in the Siamese style of Buddhist architecture, with a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof, rather than in the Lao style. This may have kept it safe as the armies of Siam that sacked Vientiane in 1827 used the compound as their Headquarters and lodging place. It may now be the oldest temple still standing in Vientiane. The French restored Wat Si Saket in 1924 and again in 1930. (Source: Wiki)

Ho Phra Keo Museum (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)

Full view of Ho Phra Keo

My friend and I headed to Ho Phra Keo Museum (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) after our descent from Patuxai. The temple was built in 1565 by King Xaisethathirath of Lanexang Kingdom to house the Emerald Buddha. It is situated just across from Wat Si Saket. It is the former royal temple of Lao Monarchy.

Patuxai - Lang Xang Avenue, Vientianne Laos

War Memorial

My next stop was Patuxai, a war memorial on Lang Xang Avenue in Vientianne. The monument was built to honor those who fought for independence from France. It resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and hence it is called Patuxai Arch or the Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane.

Visiting Pha That Luang - Vientianne, Laos

Pha That Luang

For Thai visa run, I think Laos is a better alternative than Malaysia. Travel time is shorter and expenses cheaper. I just got back from Laos where I did my  visa renewal. I stayed with a cousin who has lived there for 12 years.  I have been to the country many times before but I had never really got to see what Laos has to offer. My cousin's boyfriend who is an amateur photographer volunteered to take me around. After submitting necessary documents for visa application at the Royal Thai Embassy, I hopped on his motorcycle and we visited some of Vientianne's tourist areas.

A Glimpse of Marinduque - The Heart of the Philippines

Highlights of my quick visit to my hometown, Marinduque.

Riding the roll -on/roll-off ship (Roro) to Marinduque

My Holiday Food in the Philippines

I'm back! To kick off my first blog entry in 2013, I'm going to share photos of food I feasted on during my recent Philippine trip. Hope you enjoy.

Breakfast

1. Mom's homemade soymilk
2. Vegan pancake made of soy pulp, young coconut, mashed banana and flour.
3. Oatmeal topped with banana slices. (My uncle supplied us with loads of bananas while there).
4. Pan de sal - a bread roll made of flour, eggs, yeast, sugar and salt.

Hua Hin Getaway - The Beach and the Train Station

We had finally reached our destination! I had no high expectations due to the fact that it is a touristy area.  Don't get me wrong. I love to be around people but I prefer solitude when I get away from the hustle and bustle of city life ( I live in Bangkok). Something like the places where I lodged in Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Krabi  and Aunty Z's house where I enjoyed the privacy fully. For me, nothing beats a place where I can find time to contemplate, relax and rejuvenate.

The sign at the entrance