Unplanned and unexpected day hike near Metro? I highly suggest Mt. Sembrano with Pililia Windmill Side trip – budgetarian day hike.
Weekend warriors - If you’re on a tight budget and want to escape from bitterness and stress, you may do a day hike in Mt. Sembrano. It is located in Pililia, Rizal. This is one of the mountains that I can suggest for beginners. I really appreciate the ambiance while climbing to the summit. I always consider the level of difficulty and elevation of the mountain to gauge if I am ready or not most especially for mga biglaang akyat. Mt. Sembrano is specified as minor and has a 3 /9 difficulty with trail class as 1-3.
How to Get Mt. Sembrano From Shaw Blvd:
1. Ride jeep from Shaw Boulevard bound to Tanay. Approximately an hour before you reach Tanay, Public Market. (56php)
2. From Tanay Market ride jeepney bound to Pililia and ask the jeepney driver to drop you at Brgy. Hall of Malaya, Pililla. (22php)
Once you are already in Brgy. Hall of Malaya, register there! Always register whenever and wherever you hike. Always get their contact details for security reason. You couldn’t tell what will happen along the trail. We paid 20php each at the Barangay and headed to jump off. Keep in mind, tour guide in Mt. Sembrano is not required. However, if you are a first timer kindly request one at the Brgy. Hall. (I am not sure how much it cost you since we didn’t hire one). Bring and buy all your essentials before leaving the Brgy. You may also eat breakfast nearby the registration since there’s a lot of sari-sari store and tapsilugan.
From the Brgy Hall you need to walk for about 10-15 minutes before you reach the jump off.
Day before
our flight going to Hong Kong, I did my weekend hobby with my team at Mt. Sipit Ulang and Ayaas in Brgy. Mascap,
Rizal (my casual routine during weekends and also my ultimate stress reliever).
Having said that, I was so tired before my flight going to Hong Kong. By the way,
I want to thank Krizza for making my luggage cover looks fabulous. If you’re
interested to avail her personalized luggage cover please let me know. We are
offering customize luggage cover that can be delivered within 2 to 3 days and
wouldn’t hurt your pocket. (Ofcourse para rin makaiwas sa Laglag Bala or Tanim Bala sa NAIA).
(Photo taken at the summit of Ayaas – Brgy. Mascap, Rizal)
After 6 months, finally our long
wait is over. This was my first time to travel abroad with my high school best
friend and one of my travel buddies. We booked our Manila-Hong Kong during AirAsia
seat sale for only 699php and our Macau-Manila tickets for 2,300php per person.
Were supposed 4 to travel abroad, but for some reason… you’ll find out why were
just 3.
All of us were excited and half
nervous if we will pass the immigration interview. Since our flight is at 4pm,
we decided to eat in Chowking located at the 2nd floor of NAIA
Terminal 3 while waiting for Krizza.
Pre-Departure Procedure
First time to travel abroad? Don’t worry, just calm and bring all your documents. Make sure before you leave your home bring your passport (should be valid at least 6 months before it expires), confirmed plane ticket (return ticket), hotel voucher, company ID, cards (credit/debit-sometimes immigration asks this to prove that you can afford traveling abroad), COE – if you’re employed. Check-in counter opens 4 hours prior your flight for
international flights unlike domestic flights that open 2 hours prior your
flight. Be on time because sometimes the immigration line, travel tax counters and check-in counters have long queue that can consume much of your time. And of
course you don’t want to see your plane leaving the airport without you onboard.
James and Argie decided to check-in
ahead of time since I still need to wait my friend (Krizza) because she forgot to bring our itinerary and our names were on the same plane ticket. We didn’t encounter any
hassle in checking-in for our flight with the help of AirAsia staffs. They were
polite and very helpful. A friendly advised, if the queue is long in check-in
counter better to pay your travel tax first and then proceed to designated check-in
counter for your flight.
Immigration Interview
Most of the first timer to travel
abroad are afraid to face Immigration Officer. My interview
with Immigration Officer was too fast; she asked me if this is my first time to
travel abroad (obviously no! hahaha ), where is my destination, how many days staying there, what is my
work and who’s with me? I was also asked if I have my company ID. More or less 2
minutes, Taadaannn! My passport had another stamp!
Were supposed 4 on this travel,
unfortunately one of my high school friends was offloaded for some reason (lack
of documentation). Again, if you will travel abroad as tourist please bring all
your documents.
After our passports were stamped by the immigration officer we headed to our dedicated gate and wait for the boarding call. Our flight was delayed for 30 minutes but that was fine since we roam
around the airside.
(Picture taking while on our way to Gate 101)
(Drama daw kunware, mag OFW sya sa Hong Kong while having his last Skype Video Chat)
Touch Down HONG KONG!
We landed at Chep Lak Kok
International Airport or HKIA safely and sound. Our flight was smooth though
encountered mild turbulence along our way to Hong Kong. I was too happy when we
landed because the captain informed us that the temperature in Hong Kong dropped to 13’c (warm welcome hahahaha).
Waiting for our luggage
Krizza and I with our personalized luggage cover
After we cleared Immigration in Hong
Kong, we proceed directly to customer service booth where we bought our Octopus
card for 150 HKD (100HKD-is your revolving fund while 50 HKD is the deposit but
you can refund it if you want).
We met 2 Filipina while finding the
customer service booth.
We utilized the Airport Express going
to Central / Hong Kong Station since it was past 9 already; Airport Express is a bit
expensive – 100HKD; HKIA to Central Station. You
may also ride bus from HKIA going to TST; Board an Airbus 21, a double decker
bus to Tsim Sha Tsui (13th Stop).
OUR HOTEL – KOWLOON NEW
HOSTEL
We
stayed at Kowloon New Hostel for 4 days and 3 nights since its location is very
ideal. There’s a bank near the area, money changer, 711, fast food etc. I
booked our hotel through Agoda. I got the Deluxe Quadruple
Room with Free Wi-Fi, hot and cold shower, cable TV for only 5,600php or 933
HKD.
(Please click link for complete direction going to Dragon's back)
Night before of our second day in Hong Kong, we decided that our
wakeup call will be at 5 AM. Unfortunately, because of the gloomy weather we woke
up around 6am and felt lazy that whole morning and can’t really decide where we
go. Our itinerary was totally ruined hahaha (as always – it add spice and thrill).
So being the head of the team, I invited them to join me and hike Dragon’s Back.
(Morning walk with Krizza along Nathan
Road going to Jordan)
Day 3: Lantau Island,
Ngong Ping, Big Buddha, Disney Land, Symphony of Light – Avenue of Stars
Since
this was our last day, we decided to wake up early and utilize our day and we
would like to visit Hong Lantau Island, Big Buddha, Hong Kong Disney Land and
of course Avenue of Stars.
WHoa! Excited? hahaha
How to Get Big Buddha,
Ngong Ping – Lantau Island from TST:
1.
From Tsim Sha Tsui ride MTR bound to Central/Hong Kong Station (Red Lane) and
then connect to Tung Chung Lane (Orange Lane).
2.
From Tung Chung Station ride Bus # 23 bound to Ngong Ping / Big Buddha (approximately
45 minutes – 1 hour ride). We paid 17.20 HKD for single fare since Cable Car
was under maintenance that time. Please be advised that during weekends (Saturday,
Sunday and Public Holidays) bus fare is 27 HKD. Travel time is approximately
about an hour.
3.
The bus will drop you in front of the main entrance so you don’t need to worry
if you don’t have tour guide.
There's a fare difference between regular days and weekends & OH
You may roam around and enjoy the fantastic view. Just keep in mind that there are some places that is restricted in talking pictures most specially inside the temples.
Piece of advice: Bring enough water and crackers to suffice your thirst and to your hungry tummy.
main entrance
James - photo bummer hahaha
Alrigh!
James (My Bestfriend) and I
How to Get Disney Land
from – Ngong Ping - Lantau Island
1.
From Tung Chung MTR Station ride the train going to Sunny Bay Station and then
connect to Disneyland Resort lane (pink lane – the only lane if you are going to
Disneyland).
waiting for the train
Picture taking!!!
We
visited Disneyland and roam around until 4pm since we need to be in the Avenue
stars before 8pm to watch the Symphony of Lights.
How to Get Avenue of
Stars via Hong Kong / Central Station – Ferry
1.
Since we came from Disneyland we just followed the same route going back to
Central Station.
2.
From Disneyland Resort ride again the train going to Sunny Bay (Pink lane).
From Sunny Bay, connect Central Station / Hong Kong (yellow lane). From Central
Station just follow the sign going to CFC Mall where you need pass through
going to Central Ferry Station. You need patience - literally long walk from
MTR station.
3.
Once you already in the Central Ferry just look for Pier 4 bound to Tsim Sha
Tsui where you need to buy the token. Just look for the vending machine where
you can purchase your token.
Ferry leaves in different intervals and also fare may
varies depends on the day when you will use it. We bought our token for $2.50 for
a single journey since that was Wednesday.
I
was so amazed with their ferry service. I really adore how they manage it. It
was really a great experience riding the ferry going to Tsim Sha Tsui from
Central Station – approximately 10-15 minute ferry ride.
Once
you’re already in Tsim Sha Tsui ferry station just turn right and walk going to
sea deck where you can sit and enjoy the city lights.
Symphony of lights
starts at exactly 8pm. We arrived there around 7:30 pm and then waited for
about 30 minutes for the show. James, Izzy and I luckily found good seats
against the volume of tourists that night. If you really wish to have good seat
in viewing the symphony of lights be there at least an hour or two. There’s a
lot of good food shops around if wanted to eat some snacks.
Night before our last day in Hong Kong we had small talk and we planned our final itinerary in Macau. We decided to wake up around 5am to settle everything, fix our things, breakfast and last minute shopping. But due to cold weather, we woke up around 7am and leave the hotel around 9 in the morning. Since our flight going back to Manila was in Macau, we went to China Ferry Terminal where we purchased our Turbo Jet ticket for 164 HKD (single journey). After I purchased our tickets, we proceed directly to immigration and pre-boarding gate. I slept the entire travel from Hong Kong going to Macau.
If you wish to have refund with your octopus card you may do so. Just go to the Customer Service in any MRT station and ask for refund (50 HKD + remaining balance – 9 HKD refund fee).
I was not excited when we arrived in
Macau since I’m not feeling well that time might as well due to bad weather.
After we cleared the immigration, we looked for the free shuttle service of Venetian
(color blue shuttle). Basically, once you are in Macau you don’t need to pay
anything for the transportation since most of the hotels and casino offers free
point-to-point shuttle service.
You
may follow this itinerary for your Macau trip:
From Ferry terminal took a shuttle bus to Venetian Macau
Take the shuttle to Venetian from Sands Hotel (lobby)
Deposit Luggage in Venetian Hotel West Lobby
Stroll around Venetian Hotel (Grand Canal, Casino)
Lunch at Venetian Hotel Food Court
Walk to Galaxy Hotel from the West Lobby of Venetian
Galaxy Hotel
City of Dreams
Dragon Show in City of Dreams
Hard Rock Hotel
Back to Venetian took the shuttle to Galaxy Hotel
Shuttle to San Ma Lo from Galaxy Hotel
Senado Square
St. Paul Ruins
Macau Museum and Guia Hill
Back to Senado Square (Beef Jerky free tasting and Macau Egg Tart Hunt)
Grand Lisboa Hotel
Wynn Hotel
Took the shuttle from Star World Hotel to Galaxy Hotel
Took the shuttle from Galaxy Hotel back to Venetian Hotel
Claimed baggage at West Lobby of Venetian
Took the shuttle from Venetian to Macau Airport
Last picture taking before our flight back to Manila
We are travelling because we need it. This was our second
day in Hong Kong and still haven’t decided yet where to go though we already
have itinerary. Thanks to Justelle for sharing his Hong Kong quick escapade
(super budget friendly literally!). Public transportation in Hong Kong is
superb!
I decided to push my first international climb, so we
went to Dragon’s back.
HOW TO GET DRAGON'S BACK
1.
From TST Station ride MTR bound to Central (Red Lane) and then drop to
Admiralty Station.
2.
From Admiralty Station connect to Chai Wan (Blue lane - 4.5 HKD) and then drop at Shaw
Kei Wan Station and the follow Exit A3.
3.
Take bus 9 at Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminal to To Tei Wan, Shek O Road. (Jump off)
(*
I forgot how much we pay for the bus. More or less 16 HKD)
I
brought extra shirt and swimwear because based on my research Stanley Beach is
near Shek O Road. But due to cold weather, we decided to go home instead.
You can use this MTR map just to make you're on the right track.
This is the mini bus that we rode from bus station going to Tei Wan.
The driver will notify you when you are already in the jump off area. Travel time
from Shau Kei Wan to Shek O Road is about 30 minutes.
This is the bus stop serves also as the jump off.
I'm so excited to see what we can see uphill!
\
Signature pose :D
My travel buddy (Izzi) and James.
Horray! Finally, I'm in the summit.
You can visit Stanley Beach after your hike atleast to refresh there. In our scenario, we weren't able to visit the beach sine it's already late and also the temperature in Hong Kong decease to 14'c.
(Please refrain from eating or drinking in any public
transportation (bus, ferry, and train) unless you want to pay their fine.
Eating and drinking in any public transportation is strictly prohibited.)
I invited my officemate Krystal for a day hike somewhere in
Batangas. I found Mt. Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangasa, since this was her first
time hike a mountain. I started briefing her what she can do and what not.
Me and Tala onboard bound to Nasugbu
I
assumed that there were few hikers that will climb that day since it was
November 1, most of people are celebrating All Saints Day. We decided to meet at Robinsons Galleria
for her safety since she’s living in Pasig (be considerate dalaga pa naman si
ate BWAHAHAH). We met around 4 am at Jollibee - Eton so we can easily ride a
bus bound to Buendia where we need to ride a bus bound to Nasugbu.
Around 5 in the morning and we
reached DLTB Bus Terminal and hopped a bus bound to Nasugbu. We just tell the
driver to drop us in Evercrest. We paid 111php got the bus fare (one way). I
normally not sleeping whenever I travel (I dunno hahaha mas naeenjoy kasi
yung pag familiarize sa place para di
ako maligaw). I really hate riding a bus for more than 2 hours mabilis kasi
akong maimbyerna sa byahe kapag nakaupo. Finally after more than 2 hours we
reached Evercrest where we need to ride tricyle going to Tourism Office.
This time we are required to
hire a tour guide (for some reasons ng mga local). Anyway, I haggled with the
guide and we got his service for 350. Not bad instead of paying 500php (HELLO
DALAWA LANG KAMI NI TALA). It could hurt my pocket ofcourse. Anyhow, having a tour guide is
a great idea since the guide carry her bag most of the time and also mabait
naman si Jeffrey. I shared my foods with Jeff.
** Author’s Point of View
500php is too much for the guide fee. Pwede na siguro
yung 300 – 400php for group of 5.
OLD TRAIL,
NEW TRAIL OR TRAVERSE?
Few days before our hike day, I
researched how difficult climbing Mt. Batulao and also which trail is better? Basically,
Mt. Batulao difficulties is 4/9 which is better for newbies. We decided
traverse from old to new trail at least to have a challenging part first. We
started hiking around 7:30 and then reached the summit around 11 in the morning
with several stops (nakakahingal kasi tumaba ako :D) And then we reached the
tourism office around 2 in the afternoon.
EXPENSES:
EXPENSES
Bus Fare
111
(from Buendia to Evercrest via DLTB
one way)
Tricycle
100
Guide Fee
350
Fee (old trail)
20
Fee (new trail kila Tatay Ruding yata
yon)
30
Bus Fare
(from Evercrest to Ortigas)
130
TOTAL
741
* We didn’t ride
tricycle from tourism office going back to highway since we met hikers along
the trail and they invited us to walk instead.
VERDICT
I enjoyed the ambiance in Mt.
Batulao and I certainly will back there and bring new friends to show the beauty
of nature. What I suggest is to bring enough water to prevent dehydration also
extra clothes. Please travel as early as
you can, so you can reach to its summer before noon time. Also to haggle with
the tour guide to avail affordable guide fee. Lastly, I will recommend to
newbies to try Mt. Batulao.
