The Island Explorer

A recent business trip to Singapore opened my eyes to a city that I once thought was boring. This series on Singapore may just be in time for the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix (not attending though). So let's begin, with the most obvious new attraction - Universal Studios Singapore. Universal Studios is located in massive Resorts World in Sentosa Island. From Vivo City (take an MRT to Harbourfront), you can cross to Sentosa via its monorail. This is perhaps the most convenient and fastest way to visit Sentosa. The first stop on the monorail is Resorts World. I came on a Sunday, which means tickets are almost impossible to get, especially if you arrive 30 minutes after opening. I don't know if this is still the case, but during that time, I had to purchase my ticket for the next day. Thus, I wasn't able to get into Universal. Instead, I explored a new Sentosa. More of that on my next entries. So, moving on to the next day, I was finally able to get inside. The first thing yo

I've been declaring that the best resort in Mactan is Shangrila, and yet, I have never written about it. And I'm frustrated that after looking through all my pictures, I don't have much on Shangrila. This recent visit with my family was the only stuff I have. For some reason, when I'm in Shangrila Mactan, I forget about my camera. Goes to show that when I'm in Shang Mactan, I really get to have a vacation. There are several reasons why I love Shang Mactan. One is of course the setting. The resort is sprawling with gardens, coconut trees and even a forest. There are outdoor lounges everywhere, facing the gardens, facing the sea. I also love its beach. Though it is already "enhanced" and manicured, the beach feels very natural. This makes it the best beach in Mactan next to Maribago Blue Water. The beach get so many beachcombers though, all wanting to spend an entire day on its sands. It is also the best swimming beach in Mactan, as the waters are clear and

The Imperial Palace is a relatively new resort in Mactan, Cebu. Opened in 2008, it has been touted as a true Shangrila opponent. I've been here a couple of times already, so let me share to you what it looks like. Like Shangrila Mactan, the place is also sprawling. It looks brighter probably because it is still new. Imperial Palace is owned by the Koreans, and has other locations in Fukukoa in Japan and in Seoul, South Korea. Did Imperial Palace live up to their name? Does it look like a palace? With its marble floors and gigantic pillars, it does feel like one, but I find something off with the over-all design. It strives to have an outdoor feel, with a lot of open spaces and views from the lobby. And since it is owned by Koreans, the clientele is composed of Koreans, mostly on a honeymoon, who are dressed in matching attire. As you go out of the main building, you will feel the grandess of the resort. The pool is huge, and located at the heart of the resort. I think they lacked t

I first visited Crimson when it wasn't opened yet. I passed by Cebu for a meeting and decided to hold it in a resort in Mactan. I was intrigued by some road signs that had the logo of Crimson. We eventually found the resort, but was disappointed to see that it was still closed. We were given a quick tour of the resort instead. After that tour, I made it a point to stay for a night there, when it opens. And so I did. In fact, I have stayed here twice already since it opened in July 2010. The first one was another attempt to dine after a flight from Davao. I was so tired after that day, that I decided to check in the resort. This wonderful room greeted me. As my daughter said, it's the best room she has stayed in. Though driven by excitement, I knew what she meant. The rooms were well-appointed and beautifully designed. The bed was heavenly. The bathroom opened up to the entire room. The next morning, we had breakfast in their main restaurant, Saffron. They didn't have buffet

When we talk of white sand beaches in Davao, we are actually referring to the beaches of the Island Garden City of Samal. We always thought the quintessential Pearl Farm Resort is situated in Davao, since it is posted in most pictures of Davao, when in fact, it is just one of the many resorts that dot the pristine shorelines of Samal. Pearl Farm Beach Resort has been one of the pioneers of luxury resorts in the Philippines. With the burgeoning of high end resorts in different parts of the country, Pearl Farm still maintains its exclusive image. From its private wharf in Lanang in Davao City, you board an outrigger that takes you to the resort in Samal Island. If you get there before the scheduled departure times, you can get to relax in their wharf lounge, or even take a dip in a swimming pool. As you arrive in the resort's pavilion, a guest relations officer will brief the entire group about the activities one can engage in. They also show you a map of the entire resort. The pavil