The Island Explorer

There are some places in the Philippines that I consider special. It's rare to find these places, especially in a country where culture doesn't seem to be preserved as much as it deserves. But somewhere in the coastal town of historical Bagac in Bataan, just less than 3 hours away from Manila, a resort is trying to change the way we look at our heritage. This is what makes Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar special.

We left Sugar Beach and headed further south to another beach destination in Sipalay: Punta Ballo. I couldn't believe me eyes when I saw islands like these pictured below. I was pointing again to the islands to our boatman, but he said that most are privately owned, and that we couldn't dock just anywhere. Another frustration.

Not much Filipinos know about the beaches of Negros, except of course if you are Ilonggo. Negros doesn't really stand out as a beach destination for most. Since I began traveling, I've been hearing about this beach that the Ilonggos go to, say an escape from Bacolod. They call it Sugar Beach.

The sun was up bright, and I was all set to explore the islands. It's been a while since I have gone out for a whole day to island hop, so I was pretty excited. Rene, the manager of the resort, arranged a pump boat for me for P2,000. I said I just wanted to visit as many islands and beaches we can. 

Among all the islands of the Visayas, my most least explored is the island of Negros. Usually, when I'm in Negros, I just devour in Bacolod or passby in Dumaguete. I have been to most cities and towns, but mostly for work, so I haven't gotten enough time to really discover new places. So, after another business trip to Bacolod, I took three days to explore, and my choice was the town of Sipalay and its surroundings.

Let's go back the Philippines once again, and head for the beach! One of my newest destinations is also one of my most surprising beach destinations. Can you guess where this beach can be found?

Located at the heart of the cosmopolitan district of Xinyi, the W Taipei is one of the trendiest hotels in the city. Aside from its central location, the W has also become a popular hot spot for the social set of Taipei, making it the most hip and happening hotel in Taiwan. 

I can't stop raving about Taipei's night markets. So far, they are my favourites in Asia (haven't been to Japan and Korea yet though). There is something in these night markets that breathe life and it's certainly addicting.

I didn't get up early for Day 3, since after that trip to Hualien, I sort of partied the night at a local bar. It was also a cold and damp morning, so it was just irresistible to stay in bed (even if my bed wasn't comfortable). At around 10AM, I pulled myself out and headed to the North Bus Station, just beside the Taipei Main Station. 

Day 2 of my Taiwanese escape began early. I woke up at 5AM to catch at 6AM train to Taroko National Park in Hualien, in eastern part of the country.