Roadtrip in Sabah, Malaysia

During our Kota Kinabalu (KK) City Tour we met a taxi owner/driver Vincent, who drove us to KK City Mosque and Signal Hill Observatory Tower. He offered us to drive us to KK's neighboring towns on the next day when he learned our itinerary. To maximize our time we accepted Vincent's offer because bus transportation to and from KK and its neighboring town is a bit difficult for us. So read on to know our route is you happen to visit Sabah, Malaysia in the future.

Kota Kinabalu City Tour and Food Searching

KK City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu or KK is the capital state of Sabah, Malaysia. It's a home of Mount Kinabalu where the city name was derived. KK is the popular gateway for tourists visiting Borneo, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. during our 3 days visit in KK we managed to explore the city on our own and with the help of friendly locals and fellow travelers and we also experience the culture and the local way of life.

Crossing Borders: Malaysia and Brunei

Most people, locals or tourists from/to Sabah, Malaysia - Brunei cross border either by land or sea. There are available flights too and it's the most easiest and convenient way but it also the most expensive. Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam shared borders in the Island of Borneo.

I got my first passport stamp

Marlin Statue in KK 

It was my first time to travel outside of my country and I was afraid and nervous because I heard so many first time traveler "horror" stories. To avoid bad experience, I made sure to carefully plan my sister and I's travel. To help my fellow traveler who will travel for the first time, here's my personal preparation and tips.

Siargao Island: My First Solo Backpacking

Boardwalk at Cloud 9

There are less concern for a male solo traveler but for a female there are lots of safety concerns. I have heard different horror solo travel stories in the past but these days solo travel is now trendy especially among young professionals. Despite the warnings from my friends and family who obviously haven't tried traveling alone I carefully plan my first ever solo backpacking trip.

Discovering Real Quezon

Unfortunately, we had to cut our 3-day Polillo Island trip short due to some circumstances including bad weather. While on the way back to Real, Quezon our jump-off town going to Polillo Island we were discussing where else to do. Are we going straight home or go somewhere else?

Misadventure: Backpacking Polillo Island - the off beaten path

google map

Polillo Island is a group of islands located in the north-eastern side of Quezon Province. It is subdivided by three towns namely, Polillo, Burdeus and Panukalan. It is the most off-beaten town in the country that I've been to so far. Getting there as backpacker requires a lot of patience just like getting to the other islands of the country. 

Travel Guide: Pandan Island Resort in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro

Pandan Island Resort Beach

Pandan Islands - the islands of Pandan Grande and Pandan Piqueño were declared as one of the historical markers on the Municipality of Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro. These islands have harbored several submarines and warships during World War II. Both of the islands are home to several thousand square meters of coral reef.

The Pandan Grande Island has a small private resort, called Pandan Island Resort. The resort has attracted several tourists, both domestic and foreign not only because of the golden-white sand beach and turquoise water around the island but also its peaceful environment.

Travel Guide: Apo Reef Natural Park, PH wonder beneath the earth's surface

Apo Island

Apo reef is the world's second-largest contiguous coral reef system and the largest in the Philippines, approximately thirty four (34) square kilometers. The reef and it's surrounding waters are protected areas, means fishing or taking any marine life around the area is prohibited. The reef is administered as Apo Reef Natural Park in the town of Sablayan, province of Occidental Mindoro. Even it is a protected area, tourism is open and administered by the local government of Sablayan and local office of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).