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Feb 28

Day 4: Lost in Bangkok’s Chinatown!

To China Town

What could be worst than getting lost in a foreign country whose language you don’t speak? Well, it’s getting lost in that country’s very own Chinatown. Our last day in Bangkok was dedicated to another day of shopping. This time, we wanted to check out the products at Chinatown. Also, my bf wanted to find this specific Tamiya car store which was supposed to be located in Chinatown. Knowing only two landmarks – a bridge and KFC – identifying the location of the store, we still headed to Chinatown. We figured we could ask around.

lost in China Town

Asking around proved to be quite a challenge. It was like a mini charades game every time we tried to ask where we could find a KFC and bridge. After an hour of searching, we did find a KFC but no bridge in sight. Communicating the concept of a bridge proved to be the ultimate challenge.

After searching for this specific store for over 2 hours, we decided to stop. We weren’t getting anywhere to near to finding the place. If we were on Amazing Race, we would’ve lost. So much for wanting to join that show. So after the failed hunt, we decided to just go check out the other Tamiya store, where he actually had an address and direction.

the malls!!

After he got to splurged on his Tamiya toys, it was my turn. We headed to Platinum Mall. It was huge. Too bad, they don’t allow you to fit the clothes. But if you’re petite, you probably won’t have to. Most of the clothes here are only available in one size; it’s the assumption that one size fits all. Fortunately, there were tons of bags and shoes selections to distract me from the lack of available clothes that fits me. But then again, I was already on a limited budget. So despite all the bags I wanted to take home with me, I only managed to buy one for my mom.

taxi to MBK and eating at MBK

Afterwards, we made our way to MBK. We already visited the mall the previous day after our Ayutthaya trip. We were going back so I could buy the bag I found the other day. Because of the price, I had to sleep it through before making the decision. And well, I couldn’t get it out of my head so I just had to get it.

By the middle of the afternoon, we dashed back to our hotel and packed our things. I landed in Bangkok with just two bags – a big one and a carry on – and leaving with three. Next time, I’m really packing light.

the adventure to the airport

I don’t know what got into our heads and decided to just take the train to the Airport. We read about the new Airport Skylink and how it would save us a couple of bahts. Fortunately luck was on our side and we were always there just before the train leaves. Still, there was definitely a lot of running involved.

And just like everything else, this fantastic vacation has to end. I’m looking forward to going back to Thailand soon!

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Posted in Travel airport bags Bangkok China Town Chinatown clothes MBK Platinum Mall Sampeng Lane shoes shopping Skylink stores Tamiya Thailand Toys Travel

Oct 31

Day 4-5: Palawan – El Nido Trip

On our 4th and supposedly last day of our vacation, our group, again, woke up early. It’s actually more accurate to say we stayed up until 3 am in the morning. Since it was our last day, we wanted to make the most out of it – of course, while wide-awake. Mind you, our flight back to Manila was scheduled at around 5 pm. There was no need to hurry. BUT, of course we just had to decide to take a side trip to Sabang and explore the Underground River / Cave. We were already IN Palawan; it would be a shame if we didn’t visit one of the wonders of the world.

We talked this over with Kuya Neil, our trusty driver and pseudo tour guide, and verified the ‘feasibility’ of “the plan”. Note that our scheduled flight was at 5 PM; we had to be in the airport an hour before that. And if you can remember from the Day 1 post, the trip from Puerto Princesa to El Nido was roughly around 6 hours. When the clock struck 4 am that day, our tight schedule began. So here’s how our schedule went…

04:30 AM – 11:00 AM
We departed El Nido town proper at approximately 4:30 AM in the morning. It was hello to rough roads again. I’m amazed that I actually slept through it all.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
We finally arrived at Sabang. This is where we hired a boat to take us to the Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park (located in another island) where the Underground River/Cave is. Unlike the informal island tour setup we had in El Nido, arranging the Underground River/Cave tour was more systematic. You go to this government office, pay the necessary fees, go the boat rental and hire a boat. [Entrance/Environmental Fee: P150/head, Boat: P700/boat]

Sabang Port

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Boat ride to Puerto Princesa Subterranean National Park.

12:00 PM – 12:10 PM
Once we got to the island, we still had to walk our way to the entrance of the Underground River/Cave ‘port’ location (I’m not sure if that’s how it’s called). It’s the place where you get the necessary equipment (hard hat and life vests) and hop on a small bangka. One bangka can fit in around 8 people that includes the tour guide.

Entrance to the Park

During our walk to the ‘port’, a cute golden retriever walked with us. He’ll stop walking when we stop walking. Cute!

Our guard & guide dog during our walk to the underwater river bank

12:15 PM – 01:00 PM
The Underground River Cave tour. If you’re not used to dark enclosed places, I suggest you condition yourself before going in. Once you go deeper into the underground river cave, the only light source you can depend on are the flashlights provided. The tour guide, who was also paddling and navigating the boat, gave an interesting and entertaining spin of the cave’s history. He was also able to engage our imagination as he pointed out rock formations resembling vegetables like carrots, eggplant and cabbage, holy figures like Mother Mary, the holy family, and Jesus’ face and animal figures like a horse and a cow.

getting ready to enter the underwater cave!

Our only source of light

the Holy Family

The seahorse

Rock formations

it's the end of the tour!

obligatory picture!

01:00 PM – 01:15 PM
Boat ride back to Sabang Beach

01:15 PM – 03:00 PM
Another two hours travel time to Puerto Princesa Airport.

03:00 PM – 04:00 PM
At around 3:00 PM we arrived at Puerto Princesa, and with time to spare for ‘pasalubong’ shopping. Good job, Kuya Neil!

04:00 PM
We arrived at Puerto Princesa Airport. And this was where the universe conspired to let us stay in Palawan for another day…

waiting for our plane

someone's hungry!

05:00 PM
Cebu Pacific announced the our flight was delayed. We waited and waited and waited…

06:00 PM
Cebu Pacific announced that our flight was cancelled. Chaos ensued. “Where do we stay?”, “Do we sleep in this airport?”, “I don’t have money left!!” were some of the things that ran through my head.

in line to get our checked-in luggage back

After we got our checked-in luggage back and rebooked our cancelled flight to tomorrow, we called on several hotels near the area if they still have rooms. One of our friends, who were also vacationing in Puerto Princesa, suggested a place to stay, De Loro Inn and Restaurant. De Loro has a barkada room package for 8-10 people. When we called, lucky for us, they still had a room available. We immediately confirmed and waited for their van to transfer us to the hotel.

De Loro Inn

Once we were in De Loro, we immediately checked their barkada room and flopped on the beds. I, for one, didn’t want to think about anything. We were stuck in Puerto Princesa with few cash left. Unfortunately for me, most of the establishments here don’t accept credit card. Good thing though, we didn’t really plan on moving or doing any activities for tonight – aside from eating – and for tomorrow.

After we settled in our rooms, we went out to look for a restaurant that was still open at this time. We found one, which I forget the name. We were their only customers, probably because it was late already. Their food was great. I would definitely recommend this place if only I remember the name. =P When we got back, the owners of De Loro of saw us and invited us for a few drinks. After a few rounds of drinks and chitchatting with the owners, one by one, our sleepy bodies gave up. I believe only 3 of them were left to finish off the drinks. Haha =P

FOOD for hungry stranded people

stranded people

Day 5
We were just literally bumming around. We didn’t have to wake up early this time so most of us slept until around 9 am. We had our breakfast and proceeded to use De Loro’s videoke room. Around 2pm, we checked out and went to the airport.