Smart Backpacker: Phuket

Showing posts with label Phuket. Show all posts

Monday, December 28, 2015

Reliving Phuket (last day) 2015

December 29, 2015

My last day in Phuket.

I woke up early and jogged the uphill run to Rang Hill. Second time to do it, the first was not that successful.

Sun was just rising but it was covered by the trees and I had no clear shot.

It took me 20 minutes before I reached the top of the hill. What a way to start one's day!

I stayed for half an hour and descended. Along the way, I was tempted to eat the Thai Beef Noodle Soup!

I packed after eating and did some laundry. Afterwards, I started my last tour in Phuket. The motorcycle showroom tour! I started at Honda Big Wing!

I have to say that the kindest staff belonged to Honda. Honestly, I love Honda!!! In fact, I have 3 Honda motorcycles. 😀

I was fascinated by the variety of big bikes. This is heaven!!!

There were just so many bikes!

Then, I went to Yamaha and Suzuki.

Last stop was Kawasaki and I also love Ninja!

I love motorcycles.

I love the beach and the islands.

I love the adventures.

I LOVE THAILAND!!!

Reliving Phuket (Racha and Coral Island Tour) 2015

December 27, 2015

Third day in Phuket, Thailand

Original schedule was to go to Similan and Tachai Island Tour.

I guess I have to settle for the Racha and Coral Island Tour.

Originally, the price was 1,800 Baht. But Fon, staff of Sino Inn, was able to get it for 1,200 Baht. The following morning, I was waiting in Chalong Pier.

Exactly 9:30 am, we boarded the motorboat to start our tour.

The ride to the islands was really bumpy! The waves were very strong that morning!

After 30 minutes, we arrived at Coral Island. We stayed there for only 1 hour.

The other guests snorkeled, I took pictures and roamed the island.

Next stop, Racha Island (or Raya Island). It took us only 20 minutes before reaching the next island.

Raya Island was the place where we took our buffet lunch. Some of us walked and the others took a taxi!

After lunch, we went back to the beach.

I did not want to get wet! I roamed around the beach and again took souvenir pictures.

We stayed in the island for more than 2 hours. Thereafter, boarded the boat back to the mainland.

I rested at the hotel and then went to the night market. They have night market only during weekends.

And last part of the itinerary was seeing Alen Mae Almazan. Thank you Alen!

I Love Thailand!

Monday, December 1, 2014

James Bond Tour in Phuket, Thailand

The thrill of going back to Phuket never ceases, it will always be there.

And this is one of the reasons why!

boarding the luxury boat

Last year (2013), I enjoyed the Phi Phi Don and Maya Tour. This year it was supposed to be the Similan Islands Tours but unfortunately, the weather was not good, but I was given the best alternative - The James Bond Island Tour in Phuket.

Orientation onboard the boat about the James Bond Tour

My hostel, Sino Inn Phuket, booked me at Phuket Patri Tour for this Luxury Boat Tour. There were 3 choices, namely: 4 in 1, 5 in 1 and the sunset tour. I chose the 4 in 1 package since I have a plane to catch in the afternoon going to Vietnam.

There are other James Bond Tours using the speed boat and the traditional boat of Thailand. But the Luxury Boat 4 in 1 canoe is simply the best! The speed boat does not have the canoe.

Panak Island

The following morning I was fetched by the agency's service towards the docking area, boarded the boat and cruised our way to our first island destination - Panak Island.

boarding the canoe

I have been to so many tours in the Philippines and in 12 countries, but the James Bond Tour experience is simply one of the best (if not the best!). The canoe experience inside the cave is way beyond comparison. I experienced a similar tour at Puerto Princesa Underground River (PPUR). But this one is different in terms of the adventure it offers (though the interior of PPUR is a lot better than Panak Island and that is the reason why PPUR is one of the 8 Wonders of Nature in the world).

inside the cave, notice the guy lying at his back while exiting the narrow opening

The adventure and experience inside the cave are simply awesome! There are narrow and steep portions of the cave wherein you either have to lie on your back or squeeze your way through.

Hooray for the Panak Island Tour Adventure!

majestic scenery while onboard the boat

After staying in the island for almost an hour, we headed to our next destination. The islands of Phuket reminded me of El Nido, my favorite spot in the Philippines. But El Nido is still my favorite! =)

Hong Island

After 20 minutes, we reached our next stop - Hong Island!

Yes, I enjoyed Panak Island but I had twice the fun at Hong Island!

The limestone and karst formation was much better, the canoe adventure was more daring and breathtaking, and the view of the lagoons, two thumbs up!

The sight is something to behold while you are onboard the canoe!

After having the time of my life at the island, we proceeded to our third destination. The trip going to the next island was more than 20 minutes.

Due to the narrow space of the docking area, we were fetched by another boat and we landed at our main destination.

The James Bond Island

We were given 45 minutes to roam and enjoy the island and we did!

After the third destination, we took our sumptuous buffet lunch onboard the luxury boat.

After the lunch, we headed to our last destination where we enjoyed our snorkeling and diving activities. We were given another 45 minutes for the water adventure.

Past 2 pm, we went back to the docking area in Phuket Town.

The James Bond Island Tour is

simply exceptional and phenomenal!!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Revisiting My 2013 International Travels

I make it a point twice every year to travel abroad.

I usually travel March and October during the semestral breaks of my students. Blogging is not my full time job and I have to do my other passion and my full-time job in life which is teaching.

Last year, I visited Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. But there are places which left memories that linger in a traveler's mind. And here are some of those places that make me smile.

Patong Beach

Phuket, Thailand comes very close to my heart with all the majestic scenery, world-class beaches and unparalleled adventures only Phuket could offer. This November 2014 I decided to go back anew just to rekindle the memories I experienced in Phuket.

Malaysia offers a variety of tourist spots but Genting Highlands tops my places to visit. I love the cable car ride going to the spot and once you are there you will surely enjoy the different attractions offered by the Highlands.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam is a must-to-see spot if you are traveling in South East Asia. Known for offering the cheapest shopping goods only Vietnam can offer. It has its own unique ride called "Tuktuk" which tourists must try and a variety of river adventures that await foreigners.

Angkot Wat

Siem Reap, Cambodia opens your eyes to ancient majestic temples such as Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom and Bahket Mountain. Considered as one of the best tourist spots in South East Asia, the early morning sunrise view of Angkor Wat will surely captivate your passion to travel in this ancient city.

And finally, the South East Asian tour will not be complete without going to Singapore! The Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, Merlion, and Universal Studio Singapore (USS) are some of the best spots to visit while you are in Singapore. Enjoy the river cruise in Marina Bay and the world-class adventures in Sentosa!

Monday, December 30, 2013

Phuket (Thailand) v. El Nido (Philippines)

Yes, I am a Filipino!

And I should not be the one making this review or comparison.

But I have visited both the beaches in Phuket, Thailand and in El Nido, Palawan, Philippines. And I will objectively give my comments/ranking of the two renowned beaches in the world.

I will simply select which is better in terms of the following criteria and I will also try to explain why I chose it.

1. Beach - El Nido

The best in the Philippines according to CNN for 2012.

2. Island Hopping Adventures - El Nido

It's the mode of transportation.

3. Lunch at the islands - El Nido

4. Lagoons - El Nido

(Big Lagoon, Secret and Small Lagoon)

5. Diving - El Nido

El Nido is a marine sanctuary, one of the best in the world.

6. Snorkeling and kayaking adventures- El Nido

7. Wildlife adventures - Phuket

Unparalleled! Elephants! Tigers!

8. Hospitality - El Nido

The warmth of Filipino hospitality is way beyond comparison. Am lost for words.

9. Tour Guide - Phuket

Tour guides speak various languages.

10. Nightlife - Phuket

Patong Beach!

11. Accessibility - Phuket

It is an international airport.

12. Affordability of hotels/accommodations - Phuket

13. Best hotels - El Nido

14. Number of airlines servicing the spot- Phuket

15. Food - El Nido

Eating in the islands. The food is prepared by the boatman himself.

16. Weather - El Nido

17. Health - El Nido

Phuket is known for AIDS.

18. Island gems - El Nido

19. Caves - Phuket

20. Diversity of wildlife - Phuket

21. Hiking and mountain climbing - Phuket

22. River adventures - Phuket

River rafting

Tubing

23. Birdwatching - Phuket

24. Historical/City Tour - Phuket

25. Ecotourism tour - Phuket

26. Biking and Horseback riding - Phuket

27. Number of Tourist Spots - Phuket

28. Banks, Hospitals, Museum and Resorts - Phuket

29. Mode of transportation before you reach the beach - El Nido

30. Proximity from its capital - El Nido

31. Cost - Phuket

32. White Sand - El Nido

33. Multitude of People - Phuket

34. Nature photography - El Nido

35. Breathtaking view - El Nido

36. Serenity/Paradise - El Nido

37. Peace and order / Safety - Phuket

38 - Souvenir - El Nido

39. Falls - Phuket

40. Land Adventure - Phuket

41. Streetfood - Phuket

42. Sunset - Phuket

Total

Phuket - 23

El Nido - 19