Travel Archives ⋆ Leia Khu

Malaysia Travel Guide and Tips for Less than 48 hours

Posted on July 27, 2019September 2, 2022 by Leia Bartolome

Malaysia is composed of over 800 idyllic islands filled with secluded beaches, biologically diverse rainforests, iconic cityscapes, historical places, and sacred sites – all of which cannot be fully explored given just 48 hours. Yet for those of us with limited time, we can still enjoy the highlights of Malaysia on a fast-paced trip.

The capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is the economic and cultural powerhouse of the country. It is home to many glittering skyscrapers, architectural landmarks, majestic mosques, stunning temples, shopping malls, and tantalizing cuisines. Not far from Kuala Lumpur is a UNESCO-listed city named Malacca (or Melaka as what locals would call it). It is one of the most interesting parts of Malaysia because of its rich history and fascinating blend of Dutch, Portuguese, British, Chinese and Malay cultural influences. An enriching cultural day tour to Malacca is highly recommended to see a glimpse of its colonial past, well-preserved structures, and breathtaking historical sites.

TIMEZONE, CLIMATE, AND WEATHER

Timezone
The Philippines shares the same time zone with Malaysia. That being said, there is zero time difference between the two countries.

Weather
The weather in Malaysia is hot, humid, and rainy all year round. The average temperature falls between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius. The humidity is almost always above 80 percent.

Climate
Malaysia has an equatorial climate which means it’s hot and humid all year round except during the monsoon seasons. The best time to visit Malaysia is between March to early October so to avoid the worst rains.

LANGUAGE

The official and national language of Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu. English, Chinese dialects (primarily Cantonese and Mandarin) and Tamil are also widely spoken.

Here are some useful Malay words/phrases:

cantik – nice
makan – eat
samasama (colloquially shortened to sama) – you’re welcome
selamat datang – welcome (as in arrival)
selamat pagi/pentang/tengah hari – good morning/evening /afternoon
tandas – toilet
terima kasih (abbreviated as tq in SMS) – thank you
tidak – no
ya – yes

CURRENCY, EXCHANGE RATE, TAXES, AND FEES

Currency
The currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. The currency code is MYR and the currency symbol is RM.

Travel Tax
Upon departure from the Philippines, all Philippine nationals are expected to pay 1620 PHP for the travel tax.

Miscellaneous Fees
Expect to pay terminal fees. Rates differ and depend on the airport you are departing from.

Exchange Rate

HOW TO GET THERE

By Air
Take a direct flight from Manila, Clark, Cebu, or Davao to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or AirAsia. Travel time is approximately 3 to 4 hours.

You can check the flight schedules on Google here. Please note that the rates and schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

By Land

If you’re commuting from Singapore, take a bus to Johor Bahru by public transport via Woodlands Causeway. The trip may take 40 minutes to 2 hours depending on the traffic situation.

From Johor Baharu to Malacca is a bus ride that will take 3 to 4 hours. We personally prefer the bus company, Causeway Link.

Lastly, Malacca to Kuala Lumpur is about a 2-hour bus ride. Choose KKKL Express.

For all bus/train schedules and walking routes, Google Maps is your friend.

WHERE TO STAY

NU Hotel
When in Kuala Lumpur, I highly recommend NU Hotel. All within walking distance are a train station, a shopping mall, convenience stores, and several 24-hour hawker stalls.

Image result for nu hotel kuala lumpur — NU Hotel

But there are many easy-to-use and secure websites that can help you choose your accommodation based on your personal preferences and budget.

Agoda/Booking
Agoda and Booking have a great network of hotels to choose from at competitive prices. I’ve booked hotels through them a number of times and I love them both.

Trivago/Hostelworld/Traveloka
Other online travel platforms that are worth checking out are Trivago, Hostelworld, and Traveloka. They have great deals and a wide selection of accommodations to choose from too.

Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a great online hub where you can meet locals and get a chance to hang out or crash at their place for FREE. Yes, you read that right. Couchsurfing can help lower your expenses and save you a lot of money in return.

AirBNB
AirBNB offers the most unique travel rentals, tours, and experiences led by local hosts. This is a personal favorite.

HOW TO GET AROUND

Public transportation is very affordable in Malaysia but their railway stations can be quite confusing and unreliable when it comes to schedules at times. Don’t be afraid to ask locals for help.

Also, do be wary of taxi touts. Taxis generally have a bad reputation in Malaysia because a lot of them exploit passengers (especially tourists) by refusing to use meters so they can overcharge. Keep in mind that a journey within Kuala Lumpur usually costs around RM 20. Should you take a taxi, GrabTaxi is the way to go.

WHERE TO GO

If you only have under 48 hours to explore Malaysia, here are the places that should not be missed:

MALACCA (also spelled as Melaka)
A UNESCO world heritage city that has a rich historical past
with Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences

PETRONAS TOWERS
The tallest twin tower complex in the world

BATU CAVES
A Hindu shrine hidden in a cavern on a limestone hill

Since we arrived late at night in Kuala Lumpur coming from Malacca, we didn’t get the chance to see other places like the National Mosque, the King’s Palace, and the National Museum. But all of these can be visited in just one day when you book yourself a city tour on Klook here for as little as 400 PHP or almost 90 RM.

MALAYSIA TRAVEL TIPS

Ready to travel to Malaysia?

Passport
Philippine passports now have a 10-year validity for holders 18 years old and above. Keep in mind that it is a standard requirement for passports to have at least 6 months of validity remaining. Make sure to renew your passport if it is expiring in 6 months after the intended departure date.

Click here for Philippine passport requirements.

Bring your passport with you everywhere you go in Malaysia. There may be instances when it’s needed for purchasing goods, availing certain services, or when claiming a tourist tax refund.

Cash
Money changers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport operate 24 hours a day for the convenience of all tourists. But for more favorable rates, get your money changed to MYR whilst in the Philippines or money changers at malls around KLCC or Bukit Bintang .

But if you’re coming from Singapore, you can change your money at JB Sentral. Use your SGD instead of PHP to buy more MYR.

SIM Card
Make this your first purchase upon arrival at the airport for your data needs. But if you’re coming from Singapore via bus, you can buy one upon arrival in Johor Bahru at JB Sentral Bus Terminal.

The main providers in Malaysia are Maxis, Digi, U Mobile, Tune Talk, and Celcom.

Smartphone
Here is a list of helpful apps you must download and install on your smartphone:

Klook – Discover great deals on attraction tickets, fun activities, exciting tours, unique experiences, and more.
Google Maps – Create a personalized itinerary by adding pins and setting routes for places you want to go to.
Grab – In times you don’t wanna take the public transit, this ride-hailing app allows you to book conveniently through your phone safely and securely with just a finger tap.
Waze – Navigate the streets of Malaysia with ease using this GPS-navigation app. Get real-time traffic and road info updates as you take a bus or a taxi cab.

Portable Fan
In a place like Malaysia where the humidity is high all year round, a portable fan will be your best friend. Buy one if you don’t have it yet.

Umbrella
The equatorial sun is intense and rains are sporadic. Make sure to always keep an umbrella in your bag.

Comfortable Wear
Malaysia is an Islamic country so it is important to dress conservatively. But choose items that are made with lightweight fabric (like cotton and linen) for maximum breathability and comfort.

Universal Travel Adapter
The voltage in Malaysia is 230 volts and the power plugs and sockets are type G. Best to bring a universal travel adapter with you. This is to ensure that you can use your gadgets and chargers there.

DON’TS

Displaying public affection
Pointing with your index fingers (use thumbs
with four fingers folded under instead)
Giving or receiving objects with the left hand (use right hand instead)
Accepting unmetered taxis

Where to Eat on a Budget in Singapore | Cheap Eats Guide

Posted on February 15, 2019February 15, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Singapore is notoriously expensive for tourists. But fret not because here is my guide on where to eat on a budget in Singapore.

KOPITIAM

Kopitiam is the prime site where residents and tourists go to for a diverse range of affordable food and beverages. Founded in 1988, it has since expanded to 80 outlets in different locations across Singapore and is now a quintessential part of every Singaporean neighborhood.

There are plenty of local dishes that you can sample at Kopitiam but here are my top two favorites:

There’s no better way to start a day in Singapore than enjoying a filling breakfast meal consisting of kaya toasts, soft boiled eggs, and a hot cup of coffee that vaguely tastes like sikwate.

Price: 2.30 SGD (approx 90 PHP)

Leia Khu | Laksa, Kopitiam, Singapore — LAKSA

Laksa is a flavorful coconut curry noodle soup loaded with rice noodles, tofu puffs, fresh bean sprouts, meat (shrimp or chicken), and spices.

Price: 3 SGD (approx 115 PHP)

CRAWFORD LANE

Prepare to queue for Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle‘s bak chor mee. This Michelin-starred egg noodle dish is mixed with fish sauce, lard, chili paste, black vinegar, minced meat, pork liver, sliced pork, wonton, and fried fish bones. It comes with a bowl of complimentary soup.

Price: Starts at 6 SGD (230 PHP)

LITTLE INDIA

Tekka Centre is a colorful, multi-level commercial complex in Little India which is a market, a shopping mall, and a food court all rolled into one. This is a place you definitely should stop by when it comes to eating on a budget in Singapore.

Stepping inside the food court of Tekka Centre may be a little overwhelming at first because the selection of food stalls there is aplenty. There’s just so much to see and taste!

But out of all the food options available there, my favorite has got to be briyani.

Leia Khu | Briyani, Tekka Centre, Little India, Singapore

Briyani is an aromatic Indian one-pot rice dish prepared with fried onions, various fragrant spices, yogurt, meat, eggs, coriander, and mint leaves. One serving is enough to power you for the entire day.

Price: 4.50 SGD (approx 175 PHP)

Leia Khu | Beverages, Tekka Centre, Little India, Singapore

Make sure to try the local beverages in Tekka Centre too. All of them are refreshing and delicious. Mango lassi definitely should not be missed.

Average Price: 1.20 SGD (approx 50 PHP)

CHINATOWN

Another must-visit spot for budget-friendly meals is Chinatown. There you can find street kiosks, restaurants, and hawker stalls offering the most authentic Singaporean dining experience.

Leia Khu | Hong Kong Soya Noodle, Liao Fan, Chinatown, Singapore

Located in Chinatown Food Complex, Liao Fan is a humble hawker stall known for serving the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal. Their iconic chicken noodle dish is definitely worth the long queue! You can customize the dish by selecting your preferred meat cut or by adding more ingredients.

Price: Starts at 4.80 SGD (approx 185 PHP)

ORCHARD ROAD

Orchard Road is world-famous for its long stretch of glitzy shopping malls where affluent consumers shop and dine. Yet, if you look hard enough you can still find something to eat there without breaking the bank.

Leia Khu | Ice Cream Sandwich, Orchard Road, Singapore

Ice cream sandwiches are a delight to have after walking all day round in the humid streets of Singapore. These bricks of ice cream come in different flavors (green tea, chocolate chip, peppermint chocolate chip, durian, mango, chocolate, raspberry ripple, red bean, blueberry ripple, vanilla, sweet corn, yam) and you can choose if you want them served in a cup or between two slices of rainbow bread or wafer biscuits.

Price: 1.20 SGD (approx 50 SGD)

LUCKY PLAZA

Along the glittery Orchard Road, there’s a nondescript mall named Lucky Plaza filled with souvenir shops, remittance centers, money changers, boutiques, and food stalls which mainly caters to the Filipino diasporas.

Classic Pinoy masa favorites like Jollibee and Tapa King can be found here. But apart from Filipino food stalls, there are also other local homestyle food options to choose from.

Nasi Padang serves an eponymous rice meal with various choices of delicious pre-cooked Indonesian viands.

Price: 3.80 USD (approx 200 PHP)

7-Eleven

Last but definitely not the least on where to eat on a budget in Singapore is 7-Eleven. This ubiquitous convenience store has a lot of tasty ready-to-eat meals at prices everyone can afford.

Price: Starts at 2 SGD (approx 80 PHP)

Traveling to Singapore for the first time? Click here to read my travel guide.

Singapore Travel Guide and Tips for First-time Travelers

Posted on January 20, 2019April 4, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Singapore is a cosmopolitan island city-state located at the southern tip of the Malayan Peninsula. Legend has it that Singapore owes its name to a 14th-century Srivijayan prince named Sang Nila Utama. According to the Malay Annals, the prince was sailing to the white sandy shores of Temasek Island and caught sight of a lion from a distance. He took that as a good omen, established his kingdom where he spotted the auspicious creature, and renamed the tiny island to ‘Singapura’, Sanskrit for ‘City of the Lion’.

For a small country, Singapore has plenty of modern attractions and exciting activities for every traveler to enjoy. Sure, there is a number of transients that consider Singapore to be too sterile, commercially-focused and heavily manufactured with no distinct national identity. And I have to agree yet this doesn’t mean it is soulless and devoid of culture.

Singapore boasts itself as a pluralistic society that preserves and celebrates different cultures, traditions, and religions of the country’s four core ethnic groups, namely Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian. The diverse, multiracial tapestry and colonial past of Singapore brought forth unique culinary and cultural experiences making it a worthy stopover and an amazing holiday destination.

TIMEZONE, CLIMATE, AND WEATHER

Timezone
The Philippines shares the same time zone with Singapore. That being said, there is zero time difference between the two countries. It is worth noting that in Singapore the sun typically rises at 7 A.M. and sets at 7 P.M.

Weather
The weather in Singapore is hot, humid, and rainy all year round. The average temperature falls between 25 degrees Celsius and 31 degrees Celsius and the humidity is almost always above 80 percent.

Climate
Singapore has two monsoon seasons: the Northeast Monsoon Season (December to March) and the Southwest Monsoon Season (June to September).

In between those seasons is the Inter-monsoon Period (April to May and October to November) where showers in the afternoons and early evenings are expected.

November is noted to be the wettest month of the year.

LANGUAGE

Singapore is a multilingual country with four official languages, namely, Mandarin, Malay (Bahasa Melayu), Tamil, and English.

These four languages heavily influenced the Singaporean dialect called Singlish, a patois that combines English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil together. Here are some Singlish words that may come in handy:

chop – stamp
chope – reserve
da bao – take out
kopitiam – coffee shop
jam – traffic jam
makan – eat
shiok – great

CURRENCY, EXCHANGE RATE, TAXES, AND FEES

Currency
The currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar. The currency code is SGD and the currency symbol is ‎S$.

Travel Tax
Upon departure from the Philippines, all Philippine nationals are expected to pay 1620 PHP for the travel tax.

Miscellaneous Fees
Expect to pay terminal fees. Rates differ and depend on the airport you are departing from.

Exchange Rate

HOW TO GET THERE

Take a direct flight from Manila, Clark, Cebu, Davao or Iloilo to Singapore with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, or AirAsia. Travel time is approximately 3 to 4 hours.

You can check the flight schedules on Google here. Please note that the rates and schedules are subject to change without prior notice.

WHERE TO STAY

There are many easy-to-use and secure websites that can help you choose your accommodation based on your personal preferences and budget.

Agoda/Booking
Agoda and Booking have a great network of hotels to choose from at competitive prices. I’ve booked hotels through them a number of times and I love them both.

Trivago/Hostelworld/Traveloka
Other online travels platforms that are worth checking out are Trivago, Hostelworld, and Traveloka. They have great deals and a wide selection of accommodations to choose from too.

Couchsurfing
Couchsurfing is a great online hub where you can meet locals and get a chance to hang out or crash at their place for FREE. Yes, you read that right. And in a place like Singapore where accommodations are notoriously pricey, Couchsurfing can help lower your expenses and save you a lot of money in return.

HOW TO GET AROUND

The best way to go around in Singapore is via train or bus. Their public transportation is affordable, efficient, convenient and highly reliable.

WHERE TO GO

Leia Khu | Arab Street, Singapore — ARAB STREET
A vibrant district with rich Islamic history and culture

Leia Khu | Haji Lane, Singapore — HAJI LANE
A lively and quirky neighborhood filled with hip and trendy cafes, restaurants and boutiques

Leia Khu | Gardens by the Bay, Singapore — GARDENS BY THE BAY
A colorful and futuristic horticulture attraction

Leia Khu | Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, Singapore — MARINA BAY SANDS AND MERLION PARK
The quintessential tourist spot and a great starting point to explore other nearby attractions

Leia Khu | Art Science Museum, Singapore — ART SCIENCE MUSEUM
A modern museum of art, science, design, architecture, and technology with immersive digital art installations

Leia Khu | Little India, Singapore — LITTLE INDIA
A buzzing community with rich Indian culture

Leia Khu | Botanic Gardens, Singapore — BOTANIC GARDENS
A national landmark featuring a 158-year-old tropical garden which is the first and only UNESCO site in Singapore

Leia Khu | Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore — BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE
A four-story temple and museum housing Buddhist relics

SENTOSA
A premier leisure destination featuring Universal Studios Singapore theme park,
man-made beaches, casinos, and many more

SINGAPORE TRAVEL TIPS

Ready to travel to Singapore? Read on for a fun and hassle-free holiday in The Lion City.

Passport
Philippine passports now have a 10-year validity for holders 18 years old and above. Keep in mind that it is a standard requirement for passports to have at least 6 months of validity remaining. Make sure to renew your passport if it is expiring in 6 months after intended departure date.

Click here for Philippine passport requirements.

Bring your passport with you everywhere you go in Singapore. There may be instances when it’s needed for purchasing goods, availing certain services, or when claiming a tourist tax refund.

Cash
Money changers at Changi Airport operate 24 hours a day for the convenience of all tourists. Unfortunately, they have poor exchange rates. For more favorable rates, get your money changed to SGD in the Philippines or at The Arcade in Raffles Place, Lucky Plaza on Orchard Road, Mustafa’s Foreign Exchange in Little India, and People’s Park Complex in Chinatown.

Tourist SIM Card
Make this your first purchase upon arrival at the Changi Airport. Enjoy 4G 100GB local data, unlimited Facebook access, text messaging, and local/international calls. Depending on your mobile needs a hi!Tourist SIM card by SingTel costs 15 SGD, 30 SGD or 50 SGD. There are cheaper SIM cards by other carriers sold at authorized mobile retailers in downtown Singapore. Just note that the price difference is inconsequential.

Smartphone
Singapore is a technophile nation and a lot of their netizens are heavily dependent on Internet-connected devices and mobile apps. Here is a list of helpful apps you must download and install on your smartphone:

Klook – Discover great deals on attraction tickets, fun activities, exciting tours, unique experiences, and more.
Google Maps – Create a personalized itinerary by adding pins and setting routes for places you want to go to. Explore Singapore with ease by getting live public transit updates (train, bus, bike or ferry) for your commute.
Grab – In times you don’t wanna take the public transit, this ride-hailing app allows you to book conveniently through your phone safely and securely with just a finger tap.
Waze – Navigate the streets of Singapore with ease using this GPS-navigation app. Get real-time traffic and road info updates as you drive or take a bus ride (very helpful in knowing what’s the next stop).

EZ-link Card
Next on your must-have list is Singapore Tourist Pass, a special EZ-link card that offers unlimited travel on Singapore’s basic bus and train services. With this pass, you can enjoy great savings on public transport for up to 3 consecutive days.

Should you plan to stay in Singapore for a week or longer, get the regular EZ-link card. Just buy and top up (reload) at any MRT station or bus interchange.

Portable Fan
In a place like Singapore where the humidity is high all year round, a portable fan will be your best friend. Buy one if you don’t have it yet.

Umbrella
The equatorial sun is intense and rains are sporadic. Make sure to always keep an umbrella in your bag.

Comfortable Wear
Expect to walk around a whole lot in Singapore. It is important to wear well-ventilated shoes (I swear by Nike Tanjun) and clothing made with lightweight fabric (like cotton and linen) for maximum breathability and comfort.

Water Bottle
It is easy to slip into dehydration when walking in the hot, humid concrete jungle that is Singapore. I cannot stress enough how important it is to carry a refillable water bottle with you at all times. No need to look for water refilling stations. Their water is guaranteed to be clean and safe for drinking. Just refill from any tap (even in public restrooms)!

Universal Travel Adapter
The voltage in Singapore is 230 volts and the power plugs and sockets are type G. Best to bring a universal travel adapter with you. This is to ensure that you can use your gadgets and chargers there.

DON’TS

To say that Singapore is a “Fine City” means two different things. One, it is a gorgeous, clean, and safe metropolis. Two, it has plenty of fines and penalties for those who disregard rules. Here are some of the things you should not do where you’re there:

Bringing in illegal drugs (you get the death penalty if caught)
Jaywalking
Spitting in public
Smoking in public (except at designated smoking areas)
Urinating in public
Eating or drinking on public transport
Vandalizing
Littering
Plucking plants
Feeding birds
Forgetting to flush and clean public toilets after use

and many more… Any of these violations can set you back 150 SGD to a whopping 100000 SGD plus jail sentence. Just read and follow signs to avoid getting penalized.

Ice Skating at SM Cagayan de Oro Downtown Premier

Posted on July 25, 2018October 7, 2018 by Leia Bartolome

SM CDO Downtown Premier just launched Cagayan de Oro’s first ever mobile indoor ice skating rink!

sm cdo ice rink — *Photo courtesy of Stefanie Laya Uy*

This state-of-the-art installation is situated on the ground floor of the city’s premier urban shopping location so more Filipinos can now enjoy this winter sport in our tropical island nation.

Before you step onto the ice, the skating rink staff will assist you in fitting on a pair of ice skates and walking your way to the rink.

Ice skating is an exciting sport but it can be a little intimidating, especially for first-timers. Fortunately, there are cute penguin and polar bear skating aids to help with balance so skaters, with little to no experience, can gain confidence inside the rink.

With a little patience and practice, you can slide and glide with ease in no time.

Experience the magic on ice for only 180 PHP per hour on weekdays or 200 PHP per hour on weekends and holidays. Skating aids cost an additional 60 PHP for every 30 minutes. You must be at least 4 feet tall to be able to skate. Please refer to the image below for rules and code of conduct.

Adventures on Ice: Ice Rink Experience is only available for a limited time. Make sure to mark your calendars and create a fun, memorable experience with your friends and family. It’s open from July 25 to September 30, 2018 from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M. only at the coolest place in town – SM CDO Downtown Premier.

I had a spectacular time yesterday during their press launch and now it’s your turn. I’m giving away two Adventures on Ice tickets to one lucky winner!

Simply…

Like me on Facebook.
Follow me on Instagram.
Tell me your Facebook and Instagram handles plus why you want to win the tickets in the comment section below.

This giveaway contest runs till the 10th of August. The winner will be announced here on the 11th of August. Open to Iligan and Cagayan de Oro residents only.

Netong’s Batchoy Original La Paz Batchoy

Posted on July 5, 2018January 21, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

On our trip to Iloilo last year, we navigated the marketplace of La Paz district to visit two classic holes-in-the-wall which played a significant role in the social life and food history of the Ilonggos, namely, Madge Cafe (where we had our afternoon pick-me-up as mentioned on my previous post) and Netong’s.

Netong’s is known and beloved by the Ilonggos for their batchoy, an unpretentious and comforting noodle soup made with meat scraps.

Leonito “Netong” Guillergan, the namesake of the eatery and great-grandfather of the present day owner, was married to a butcher’s daughter. He took discarded slivers of meat and used them to create the batchoy that we know of today. Legend has it that this dish is of Chinese origin and the word batchoy is allegedly derived from 肉粹 (ba-chui) which literally translates to “meat water”.

Netong’s maintained the original recipe of batchoy since they first introduced it to the public in the 1930s. It was meant to be a simple, lowbrow grub but it got so popular that it eventually became Iloilo’s landmark dish and pride.

What is seemingly a simple dish actually has a complex depth of flavor that comes from the slowly cooked bone broth, spices, pork meat, pork offals (kidney, liver, and spleen), Ilonggo ginamos (salted, fermented shrimp) and miki (oriental egg noodles). It is then topped with chopped scallions, crushed chicharon (pork cracklings), ground black pepper, fried garlic bits and an optional cracked egg. The contrasts of flavors and textures make it a unique and delicious meal.

This hearty, historical dish is affordably priced – 80 PHP for Super Special, 100 PHP for Extra Special and 120 PHP for Mega Bowl. Puto (steamed rice cake wrapped in banana leaves) makes a superb accompaniment to this dish and it is best-enjoyed piping hot. Soup refills are available upon request.

Netong’s is only a few steps away from Madge Cafe which is absolutely convenient for us tourists who want to hit two birds with one stone. I was pleasantly surprised that Netong’s is fully air-conditioned which makes for a more comfortable atmosphere and their service is lightning fast. They also have branched out in Mandurriao at Iloilo’s newest lifestyle hub, The Shops at Atria.

Madge Cafe

Posted on July 2, 2018January 21, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Madge Cafe is a small, open-air coffee house that is perpetually packed with customers. With almost 80 years of service (as of this writing) under their belt, they are considered to be the oldest running coffee shop in the city. They started brewing locally-grown Arabica coffee in the 1940s and since then this unpretentious watering hole has become a center of social interaction for people from all walks of life.

During our Iloilo excursion last year, we hit the bustling marketplace of La Paz to tick off two items from our bucket list – one of which is to visit a coffee shop that has been a staple of the community for generations.

We browsed around the market as we zigzagged our way in and asked some vendors along the way for directions. In the words of someone I know, “Basta na’y baba, dili mawala.” For non-Cebuano speakers that roughly translates to “you’ll never get lost if you just ask for directions.”

Despite the incidence of urban development in Iloilo, this area has been left untouched by gentrification. And thankfully so. Its traditional charm, that has withstood the test of time, makes it welcoming to the common man and a great tourist haunt.

Their walls boast their rich history by displaying mugs marked with the names of their most notable patrons through the years.

The barista manually brews coffee using a colador – a reusable cloth sieve filled with fresh grounds which is then wet with hot water. This method allows the natural oils of the grounds to pass through while filtering out the sediments – allowing for a more rich, smooth coffee. I was pleasantly surprised that their coffee is actually at par with other modern artisan cafes for a fraction of the cost. Every drop was satisfactory. I now understand why Madge Cafe is an institution.

Their hand-crafted coffee blends, which can be enjoyed hot or cold, include Media Cafe (strong coffee with milk), Media Regular (regular coffee with milk), Media Tab-ang (mild coffee with milk), Media Puro (strong black coffee), Puro Regular (regular black coffee), Puro Tab-ang (mild black coffee), Cappuccino and Vanilla Latte. They also serve non-coffee beverages, sandwiches, pasta, rice meals, noodles and other snack items.

I love how everyone can enjoy a nice cup of coffee here without burning a hole in the pocket. Prices start at 40 PHP only.

Madge Cafe has now branched out in Mandurriao at Iloilo’s newest lifestyle hub, The Shops at Atria.

Hotel de Susana and Resort

Posted on June 7, 2018January 21, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

About a year ago, I joined a raffle contest and won a romantic getaway for two at Hotel de Susana and Resort!

Only three hours away from my hometown, this serene mountain resort is a haven for those who wish to get away from all the urban noise.

As soon as my husband and I stepped in the receiving area, their cordial staff gave us a very warm, friendly welcome and made sure we had a comfortable stay.

Hotel de Susana and Resort offers spacious air-conditioned rooms that feature free WiFi connection (obligatory in today’s standard), hot and cold shower, a hairdryer, two pairs of slippers, a coffee station, a sofa, and cable TV.

Our room has a balcony that gives a panoramic view of their outdoor pools.

A weekend here is enough to make you feel rejuvenated as the nippy Bukidnon air kisses your face in the midst of harsh summer days.

A night at Hotel de Susana and Resort with complimentary breakfast starts at 2500 PHP. Check-in time is 2 PM and check-out time is 12 PM. Click here to know more.

They are conveniently located along Sayre Highway, Hagkol, Valencia City.
Bonus points: Roadhouse, Manna X Quail, and Eiffel Kubo are only a stone’s throw away.

Thanks, Hotel de Susana and Resort for the rad time!

Upside Down World Cebu

Posted on October 25, 2017January 21, 2019 by Leia Bartolome

Other than rebounding on trampolines, another fun thing to do indoors when in Cebu is taking gravity-defying photos at Upside Down World in City Time Square.

As its name suggests, this whimsical photo studio has everything the wrong way up. Their topsy-turvy themed rooms are filled with furniture and decor fixed on the ceiling that you can interact with. A little imagination and creativity are all you need to have fun here.

Do note that all kinds of footwear (socks exempted) are strictly prohibited inside their sets to maintain cleanliness. Footwear and other belongings can be stored in their lockers for no extra charge.

As someone who is spatially-challenged, I’m glad they have cordial staff who guided us all the way on how to position ourselves in front of the camera so they can help us get perfect shots! Be warned though. You may need to do a little stretching for all the back-breaking stunts you may not be prepared to do. Enjoy the photo dump 😉

KITCHEN

DINING ROOM

LAVATORY/LAUNDRY ROOM

MARKET

LIBRARY

CASINO

MAGIC ROOM

LIVING ROOM

BEDROOM/PLAYROOM

If you enjoy taking wacky photos, do make a quick stop at Upside Down World. It’s a fun and memorable place to bond with family and friends. Kids of all ages (ahem) will surely enjoy. They’re open daily from 10 AM to 9 PM. City Time Square is located at Phase 2 Mantawi International Drive, Mandaue City.

Tickets are priced as follows:
Adults – 350 PHP
Kids (ages 4-12) – 250 PHP
Kids (ages 0-3 years old) – Free Admission

Extreme AeroPark

Posted on October 21, 2017January 21, 2019 by xerox

Five months ago, I went to Extreme Aeropark with my best friend’s sister, Alyssa and her cousin, Breanna. It is the first indoor trampoline park in Cebu City and it is conveniently located on the second floor of Parkmall.

To get started, we went to the information desk and signed a waiver form. We then proceeded to the cashier to pay and claimed our wristbands for entry. After that, we went to the briefing area to watch a safety video.

Before we proceeded to the jump area, the marshall made us do some stretching exercises to warm up the body.

We were required to wear these special reusable grip socks that have a sticky sole. Not only do these socks reduce the risk of injury by keeping us from slipping when jumping, they also help control the spreading of germs and bacteria.

With 1700 square meter of fun and excitement, it’s a spot where kids (and kids at heart) ages 6 and up can come and play.

Jumping on a trampoline is actually considered to be a great form of exercise! Did you know that just one hour on a trampoline will burn you more calories than jogging for an hour? Its health and fitness benefits include (but not limited to):

increases bone density
increases muscular strength and flexibility
improves posture, balance, and coordination
helps detoxify the body
boosts the immune system
improves cardiovascular system and lymphatic function

Other fun activities that you can enjoy in Extreme Aeropark are Wall Climbing, Dodgeball, Parkour, Foam Pit, Slam Ball, Ninja Arena and Laser Tag.

If hitting the gym ain’t yo thang, definitely give Extreme Aeropark a go. They’re open daily from 10AM to 9PM. Parkmall is located at Ouano Avenue, Mandaue Reclamation Area, Mandaue City.

For rates, please refer to the photo below:

What to Eat in Tawi-Tawi

Posted on September 20, 2017August 29, 2021 by xerox

SEAFOOD PLATTER
This seafood platter from Mardo’s Restaurant captures the wonder and bounty of the sea and is quite literally the taste of the island life on a plate. The dish is good for 4 to 6 people (or 2 famished ones) featuring a beautiful selection of grilled fish, curried crabs, seaweed, fried squid rings, grilled squid, baked clams and pyanggang (this is actually blackened coconut curry chicken just thrown in there for good measure). Everything is fresh and cooked to perfection served with a generous serving of sambal. This should not be missed.

SEA MANTIS

There are several ways to enjoy sea mantis – one of which is to stir fry it with garlic and butter. This alien looking sea bug that tastes like a cross between a shrimp and a lobster can be an acquired taste. It is considered a delicacy in Tawi-Tawi for its soft and delicate meat. You can also try this in Mardo’s Restaurant.

FRESH CATCH

I know… more seafood because you can never have enough of it in Tawi-Tawi. This bucket full of assorted seafood is sustainably caught by the Badjaos not too far from the shores of Panampangan Island. All of that for only 50 PHP!

TIYULA ITUM
Finally, something that’s not seafood for a change. Tiyula Itum comes from two Tausug words “tiyula” meaning soup and “itum” meaning black. Its distinctive dark color comes from “pamapa” which is powdered burnt coconut mixed with coconut milk, chili, turmeric, lemon grass, galangal, and other spices. Although any meat can be added to this dish, beef is typically used. This dish is usually served at Tausug weddings and other celebrations. It is best enjoyed with rice. You can have this at Beachside Inn Hotel and Restaurant.

ARROZ CALDO

Near Sanga-Sanga Airport is a hole-in-the-wall eatery where locals and frequent visitors go to when in need of something warm. Their version of the humble, unpretentious bowl of rice soup is the best one I’ve tried. It is perfect as it is. No need of any more condiments. Something you need to try before leaving Tawi-Tawi.