Thursday, October 31, 2013

Island Hopping Adventure in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand

There are four (4) world-renowned beaches in Asia, namely: Bali, Boracay, El Nido, and Phuket. And this is......  Phuket at its best! =)

Day 3 - Phuket, Thailand

Through the auspices of Sino Inn hotel, I was booked anew in another adventure. But this time, the island hopping adventure in Phuket.

I chose the Happy Boat Travel.
125/411 Moo 5, Rock Garden 5. Ratsada, Muang, Phuket 83000 Thailand
Tel/Fax 076 528730 
Mobile 080 5269090 / 086 4763977
E-mail: pom_3977@hotmail.com

It was a 7 points/3 Islands Tour package for 3,000 Baht/pax. And my pick-up time was 8:00 am.


The following morning, I was fetched from my hotel and we proceeded to the berthing point. We were given a 15-minute orientation about the travel and we boarded our speedboat and cruised along the clear blue waters of Phuket. The scenery was really marvelous, breathtaking and fascinating! I seated myself in front of the speedboat in order to get the best view and take the best pictures! And there I met the Aussies.. =)

We were speeding our way along the shores of Phuket, and in about 1 hour and 30 minutes, we reached our first stop -

Phi Phi 
Ley Island



We docked along the shores of our Second Stop - 

Maya Bay 
This beach was featured in the movie "The Beach".  We stayed in the beach for 45 minutes. 


Notice the milky-white sand of Maya Bay! This is the reason why the movie "The Beach" was shot here.

Our Thai guide told us to walk on the opposite side of the island in order to see the famous - 
Loh Samah Bay and I did!


It was a 10-15 minute walk depending on your pacing. But once you are there, you will forget the effort you made.





Fourth stop -

Pileh Lagoon

It took us less than 15 minutes from Maya Bay before reaching the lagoon. We were told to take only pictures in the lagoon as the speedboat will not stop in the lagoon.









Fifth stop -

Viking Cave

From Pileh Lagoon, only a 10 minute cruise to see the cave. According to our guide, the cave is 400 years old.




Sixth stop -

Monkey Beach

It was high tide and this was the closest that we could see the monkeys. We were allowed to throw bananas and feed the monkeys. Five minutes journey only form Viking Cave.



Seventh Stop - Snorkeling! (near the Monkey Beach)

I did not participate in this adventure. Simply because, I did not want to get wet! lol

After 45 minutes of snorkeling, we went to our next stop -
Phi Phi Don Island 
(Ton San Bay)

It was a buffet eat all you can lunch!



Last stop - Khai Nok Island

We stayed in the island for almost 2 hours. We relaxed on the white sandy beach and did a little bit of snorkeling and swimming.




The best part of the tour was that I was seated beside Laura (Australian) in the speedboat and we took pictures of each other and enjoyed the tour.

She is really beautiful! Two-thumbs up for her! =)

I wandered around the beach and frolic around.

We stayed in the island until 4 pm and afterwards went back to the berthing point. We were transferred back to our respective hotels.

And the memories lived on..

Thanks Laura! =)




Khai Island (panoramic view)


Amazing Thailand!!!






















Phang Nga, Thailand (Adventure Travel)


In my 6 years of travel around the Philippines (and still traveling), Adventure has always been part of my itinerary. I never missed any spot wherein there is a unique or death-defying adventure. And here in Thailand, that legacy continues...

Adventure Travel in Phang Nga, Thailand!

I was staying in Sino Inn (350 Baht/day only) in Phuket town proper in Thailand. It was my first day in Thailand and I was wondering what kind of adventure awaits me in Thailand. I asked the front desk about the tourist spots and the adventures and she happily showed me the brochures which features the different places, spots and thrills in Thailand. And I chose the most expensive package which included the following:

TOUR CODE: REA
Adult 3,500 Baht  / Child 3,000 Baht
Duration 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
- pick up from the hotel
- Visit monkey cave (Suwan Khuha Temple)
- White river rafting 5 kms
- ATV riding 30 minutes
- Lunch with delicious Thai set
- Swimming in sparkling waterfalls
- Transfer back to hotel

Adventure Travel and Tour
42/2 Moo 6 T Kathu A. Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
Tel (66 76) 355966-7 Fax (66 76) 355967 
www.adventuretraveltour.com
E-mail: info@adventuretraveltour.com

I booked through the help of the hotel and paid 3,500 Baht. I was told that the pick up time was 8:30 am the following day (October 24, 2013). I was delighted to hear that all the pieces were set in order and I took a respite and slept soundly that night.

The following day I woke up 7 am and brought the following, namely: sungaless, hat, sunblock lotion, spare t-shirt, shorts, slippers, towel, insect repellant, camera.

I was picked up in the hotel on time and we traveled for almost 2 hours before reaching our first stop in Phang Nga.

First Stop -
ATV Ride! 


We were given a 5-minute instruction on how to operate the ATV and there we go!

We had ATV riding for 30 minutes in the jungle and along the riverbanks. 

Some of us were sliding and bumping each other while driving the ATV.  I could not help but scream as I was enjoying every minute of it!! 

That was REALLY FUN!!! =)






 Second Stop -

Tompariwat Waterfall Trekking!

From the jump-off point, we had to do a 10-minute trekking before reaching the spot.


But the scenery along the trek was fascinating, I was awed!

We took souvenir photos and wandered around.

 

Some of my tourmates jumped into the water and enjoyed the cool waters of the falls. But I did not join them, I simply took pictures of the place and enjoyed the scenery!


Before going to the next spot, we had our group picture photo. Different nationalities, namely: Australian, Arabs, Americans, Russians, Thai, and of course a Filipino!

Third Stop -

Sealand Camp for our Lunch












The set menu lunch was really superb! Two-thumbs up! =)

After 1 hour of resting, we went to our next adventure.








Fourth Stop - White River Rafting!


Another group photo but this time for White River Rafting!

It was a 5 kilometer river rafting! I've done this in Cagayan De Oro, Davao and Chico River in the Philippines. But the thrill of it still boosts my adrenalin every time I'm onboard the raft.



Fifth Stop -

Elephant Trekking in the jungle of Phang Nga










It was a 30-minute trekking along the muddy, rugged and perilous trail in the jungle.

I even screamed like Tarzan while I was elephant trekking.

I was having the time of my life!!









This is one adventure I will never forget! 

Last stop -

Monkey Cave
Suwan Khuha Temple

And there are so many of them...



I entered the Suwan Khuha Temple and was amazed of the structures inside.

After the temple visit, we were transferred to our respective hotels.

We bid goodbyes to each other.
Exchanged numbers and calling cards and parted with each other

But the adventure lingered!



Amazing Thailand!!!

Basic Thai words

Good Morning - Sawad Dee Tou Chao
How much? Taw Rai
Expensive - Peng
Discount - Lot Noy
Yes - Day
No - May day
Beautiful - Suway
Thank you - Khop Khun Kap
Welcome - Sawaadee
Ride back to the hotel - Klab Kong Rem
Pecca - excuse me
Totot ka - sorry






Malacca (Melaka), Malaysia


From Johor Bahru, Malaysia, I went to Melaka. Originally, the plan was going to Kuala Lumpur. 
But the six hour travel is too much to bear and so I decided to go instead to Melaka. 
And it was one of my best decisions in my 8 years of  traveling! =)

my guest house
From Singapore, I rode a bus to JB, Malaysia. Reaching JB Sentral, I hired a taxi to Legoland for 100 RM. Then, from Legoland, another taxi ride to Larkin Station for 150 RM. And from Larkin Station, I took a bus ride to Melaka for almost 4 hours for 25 RM.

By the way, there is a bus (25 RM only) and a train ride from Singapore direct to Melaka. I just needed to drop by in Legoland.

Many long-distance express buses connect Malacca with both Kuala Lumpur, Seremban, Johor Bahru, Singapore and other parts of Peninsular Malaysia.
All long-distance and local buses now operate from the Melaka Sentral bus terminal, a good 4.5 km from the historic core of the city.
Express buses will also drop you off at Malacca Central/Melaka Sentral. The famous bus operators in Melaka includes Delima Express, 707 Express and Transnasional.
Reaching Melaka Sentral, I hired a taxi ride to my guest house for 25 RM.

There are so many guest houses in Melaka such as Jalan-Jalan Guest House (www.jalanjalanguesthouse.com / jalanjalanguesthouse@yahoo.com) and Sayang Sayang Guest House. But my Singaporean friend told me to go instead to Kawan-Kawan (606) 281 8272 / www.kawankawan.com.my / 012-219-6788 / 012-973-8923 / 019-657-2728) No. 36 Jalan Tukang Besi 75200 Melaka (near Hard Rock Cafe). I paid only 70 RM for the accommodation. It was past 3 pm when I reached Melaka and I rested a bit and started walking and exploring Melaka.




Becca

Malacca or Melaka is the capital of the state of Malacca, on the west coast of Malaysia. It is rich in historical and cultural background from previous Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. The city center was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in July 2008, along with Geogetown, Penang, Malaysia.


When you are in Melaka, you can ride the Becca as part of your tour of Melaka.

It is better yo have the Melaka Street Map and/or the Jonker Street Map before starting with your street walking adventure.

Here are the spots that you should not miss!


Queen Victoria Fountain











Christ Church









Little India









St. Francis Xavier's Church








Dutch Middlesburg Bastion







Melaka River and Jetty Melaka River Cruise


St. Paul Church
St. Paul Hill






A Famosa









Proclamation of Independence Memorial



and the last stop for your walking... 



Menara Taming Sari
(first revolving gyro tower in Malaysia) 




Aerial view of Melaka while onboard the gyro tower


All the walking made me hungry and I was tempted to eat in one of the best restaurants in Melaka! I had to taste the famous Chicken Rice Ball!

Melaka's Must Eat Food
Satay Celup (at Ban Lee Siang  (606)  284 1935 / or Old Village 606-284-8778)
Chicken Rice Balls (at Melaka Raya Chicken Rice 016-6622255 / Kinmen Restaurant -012-3622209 / Hoe Kae Chicken Rice Ball 606-283-4751) 
Nyonya Food (at Melaka Nyonya Food - 012-638-9915)
- Ikan Bakar
- Asam Pedas
- Nyonya Laksa
- Cendol


And finally, it was a good thing it was a Sunday that day because from Friday to Sunday they have the Jonker Walk Night Market. (6pm - 12 am at Jalan Hang Jebat)and I truly enjoyed this experience in Melaka!

Other hotels
Marina Well Hotel - (606) 288 0168
Dreamz Hotel - (606) 286 8188
Venus Boutique Hotel - (606) 286 8111

  
Truly Asia!