Travel Archives | Page 6 of 24

Fall in Korea Day 5: Autumn Foliage in Nami Island

October 7, 2015

Much has been said and written about Nami Island. Yet, it’s unspoken beauty and charm seem underrated.

Made popular by the Korean drama Winter Sonata, it’s the typical tourist trap, visited by thousands and thousands of foreign and local visitors alike. Even on weekdays, the island welcomes hordes of tourists, who occupy every inch and corner of the lone republic. When you think of traveling to South Korea, Nami Island always seems to top the list of must places to visit.

From the moment we arrived at the subway station nearest the island to the line that welcomed us before boarding the ferry, we knew that we’d be faced with tourists no matter where we look that day. But do I regret it? Not even close. Pardon me for joining the bandwagon, but Nami Island was seriously beautiful in its golden and red hues during fall.

I have no idea how it looks in other seasons, but autumn in Nami Island almost made me want to live there forever. I hadn’t even left yet, but I already wanted to go back in spring, winter and summer. It looked so magical in autumn that I couldn’t help wonder how it would look during other seasons.

I firmly believe that Namiseom Island is one of the best places to visit when you want to see gorgeous autumn foliage. [Read more…]

Mt. Batulao Day Hike: Foggy Sights, Cold Drinks, Happy Heart

September 18, 2015

These days, weekends are meant for resting and falling asleep in the most awkward places. But two Sundays ago, I braved to leave the comforts of my bed and went for a day hike up Mt. Batulao, the ever popular destination for newbie hikers. I haven’t traveled much this year, so I was itching to go back on the road again. It was the best decision I had in months, but I almost regretted it halfway up the trail.

While Mt. Batulao is often regarded as the mountain to climb for beginners, it was still physically exhausting and challenging for me. However, the view from the top, and even from the trail, was more than worth it. I realized that if you wanted to be rewarded with pretty sights, you need to work hard for it.

Good thing we pushed through with the climb, because the night before, it was raining heavily in Manila that we almost postponed the hike. Luckily my friends have better instinct than me, and they foresaw that it wouldn’t rain the next day. And it didn’t! Though it was cloudy and most of the mountain ridges were obscured with fog, we were blessed with a great weather condition all throughout the day.

After a two-hour bus ride from Manila to Nasugbu, we started climbing at around 9 in the morning. We decided to take the New Trail back and forth for prettier views and shorter route.

Though Stan and Elzer thought we’d arrive at the summit at 3PM because Tihn, Erika and I were taking too many photos (mostly Tihn) and taking too many rest (mostly me), we actually arrived before lunch!
[Read more…]

Fall in Korea Day 4: Exploring Hongdae and Edae in Seoul

September 2, 2015

Buzzing with youthful activity all day and all night, Hongdae and Edae are two university neighborhoods that serve as great destinations when you’re looking for something more laidback.

Despite staying in Hongdae during our visit to Seoul, we didn’t spend a lot of time exploring the neighborhood. We had an hour or two everyday, but that’s not enough to see all the corners of the quirky neighborhood.

Hongdae is the collective term for the neighborhood surrounding Hongik University. Here, you’ll find all kinds of cafes, shops and restaurants. It’s actually a pretty good alternative to Myeongdong when you want to go shopping. However, it’s all the activities that make the place seem so alive. I thought it’s just every Saturday, but apparently it’s buzzing everyday with live bands and youth groups holding events.

On our fourth day, we went back to Hongdae after spending the morning at the Ihwa Mural Village. I was pretty excited because it was the first time I’d meet up with an online friend! [Read more…]

Saturday Afternoon at Pinto Art Museum, Antipolo, Rizal

August 3, 2015

I’ve heard of Pinto Art Museum through word-of-mouth, or more like through Instagram posts. I’m not a very artsy-fartsy person, as I’m someone who has trouble understanding what a painting or any artwork aims to convey. But the white, wide spaces and interesting art installations I see floating around the interwebz were enough to pique my interest.

After months of planning with friends, we finally visited the museum on Jinky’s birthday! Aside from being tons cheaper than paragliding in Carmona Ridge, Cavite (hehe), it’s also just an hour away from the city.

I couldn’t find online a decent direction on how to get there, but Pinto Art Museum is relatively easy to reach via public transportation. At Valero St. in Ayala, Makati, we looked for a UV Express going to Antipolo, and boarded one passing through Ynares Center. From the Ynares Center, we rode a tricycle going to the museum. The total travel time was just an hour or so, but going back to Makati took us a longer due to heavy traffic.

Still, Pinto Art Museum is a very worthwhile place to visit especially on a lazy Saturday. Even for people who aren’t that into galleries will find something they like. [Read more…]

#SweatEatOut2015 at Olympic Point Island Resort, Tingloy, Batangas

July 6, 2015

Before the country’s bombarded with one typhoon after another, our company trooped all the way Anilao for two days of fun under the summer sun. I was extremely excited for two reasons. First, it was my only beach trip this summer! And second, it was my first outing with the new friends I made in my new company. I heard it’s the grandest outing in the company’s history, so I am more than glad to be a part of it.

Coming straight from our shift and from a week of cheer dance practice, I thought I wouldn’t enjoy the outing and would only sleep it off due to fatigue. But there were too much activities from the moment we arrived at the resort in Batangas down to our last hour in the island that skipping the activities wasn’t an option. It sure made the event memorable, though, and it’s probably the best company outing I ever had. [Read more…]