The Island Explorer

After Mongolia, I had a short visit in Shanghai, which excited me more than the nomad country. It's been 4 years since I visited Shanghai, so this trip I knew must be memorable. And even though it was a 4 day trip only, I decided to change accommodations every night! My first hotel was one of my most anticipated ones, considering it was a member of the Design Hotels group . Also, it was owned by Singapore's famous hotelier, Loh Lik Peng , who conceived New Majestic. Recipient of a T+L Design Award and landing in the Conde Naste Hot List, this hotel is surely making waves. The Waterhouse at South Bund looks nothing like any hotel you've been to. Upon seeing the building's facade, you'll know you're in for a treat. My luggage as left behind in Seoul as I dashed to my connection there. Hence, I arrived in the hotel with only my hand carry. The hotel noticed my lone bag, and intuitively asked if I had lost my luggage. I explained what happened and th...

Finally, one dream has come true. This June 14 to 17, I will be personally leading a tour in my most favorite destination in the Philippines - Surigao del Sur.  If you have read my blog entries on Siargao and Surigao, you will see why this destination is truly something that should be in your bucket list. And, to make it extra special, I will be with renowned travel photographer George Tapan who will guide us in capturing every angle of Surigao's hidden beauty.  This tour includes photography sessions with George Tapan and tours to Sohoton Caves and Jellyfish Lake. It costs only P26,000 per pax for 4D/3N. The price is inclusive of full board and water cottage accommodations (triple sharing) in Club Tara, roundtrip airport transfers from Surigao airport. Airfare not included, but can be arranged by iTravelerAsia, my newest travel agency. All taxes and other surcharges are already included. Airfare to Surigao airport can be costly though at around P6,00...

In every trip I take, I always make sure I visit a high calibre restaurant, whether it be one of the top restaurants in the region or a Michelin starred one. For this trip to Bali, I finally secured seats to the elusive Mozaic. 

As you know, I visit Bali every year. Let's say it's a pilgrimage I make already. Bali is one of my favorite spots in the world, even though it doesn't have great beaches such as ours. And when in Bali, I always take the trip up to Ubud, that quaint highlands town known for its art and culture.

After that short visit to the Terelj, I was dead set in finding another location. Unfortunately, it was just so difficult to book plane tickets to the Gobi and even just the overland tours. I also had a schedule to follow, so in the end, I surrendered to the fact that this trip will only be a glimpse of Mongolia. 

I woke up early the next morning as Mongolia is 4 hours behind Manila. To early though that no one was awake. So I still had to wait before I could book a trip to the countryside. Not wasting time, I researched more on excursions. 

I've always been asked about my bucket list. Well, that list changes every year. I usually set a list of destinations that I would like to go to for the year. So I don't really have one that sticks for a lifetime. Mine changes. However, there are some destinations that keep on falling back to my list if it doesn't happen in the year I planned it. One of them has got me excited ever since I thought about setting foot in that country. Well, I am proud to say that I can finally tick that off my list. Friends, I am happy to finally share to you, one of the most remote countries in the world, Mongolia.