Author: Vlog Smarter

Ayala Museum Guide – Makati City Philippines

Posted on by Vlog Smarter
Ayala Museum

Ayala Museum is located at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, the Philippines, it provides a relaxing and educational breathing space from the busy city.

Ayala Museum showcases a huge range of displays about people of the Philippines, discovering their journey from ancient history to the present day.

The entire ethnological and archaeological displays relate to the history, culture, art, and heritage of Filipino as well as overseas collection in collaboration with artists from around the world and local artists.

Related Article: Yuchengco Museum Travel Guide

Ayala Museum Guide

The Filipinas Heritage Library

The Filipinas Heritage Library located on the sixth floor of the museum since 2013. FHL is a one-stop digital research center in the Philippines.

FHL consists of Filipiniana collections and other Philippine arts, history, and culture as well as maps and photographs.

The public can access the collections and database virtually through the online public access catalogue from a hundred partner libraries across the Philippines.

Ayala Museum is a museum in the city keeping the Philippine arts and culture which worth visiting in Makati. You can buy home décor, art books, stationery, and other gift items on the official website.

Location: Greenbelt Park, Makati Avenue, corner Dela Rosa Street, Ayala Center, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines
Phone: +63 2 7759 8288
Website: www.ayalamuseum.org

Galleries

Ayala Museum consists of 4 floors of galleries displaying both temporary or permanent arts and cultures exhibitions.

One of the highlights and permanent exhibitions is Gold of Ancestors displaying more than 1000 gold objects from cultures that existed in the Philippines before the Spanish colonization.

Gold accessories of rich ancestry like necklaces, earrings and finger rings, bracelets, and anklets. There are many objects in this exhibit that are unique and have never been seen in public.

An impressive selection of trade ceramics from Southeast Asia and China are also on display in the exhibition; A Millennium of Contact a showcase that displays more than 500 Chinese and Southeast Asian Trade Ceramics in the Philippines that long-term loans from the Roberto Villanueva Foundation.

It is one of the most comprehensive collections of Chinese and Southeast Asian wares found in the Philippines that were used for trading in the past.

Diorama

If you’re into miniatures, you will love The Philippine Diorama Experience the 60 handcrafted dioramas which designed and depict the history of the Philippines from the ancient day to the modern-day and some of which are featured in the international Google Art & Culture Exhibition Project.

In Ayala Museum you can do an audio narrative tour for a better deeply engaging experience and understanding of the events, architecture, costumes, technologies, and topographies of the times they represent.

Ayala Museum Art Collections

Art and the Order of Nature in Indigenous Philippine Textiles is an exhibition that consists of 111 textiles collections generously donated by Mercedes Zobel representing indigenous communities in the Philippines from the Cordilleras in the northern Philippines and Mindanao in the south, including the Muslim regions in Western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago.

The exhibition is the collaboration with the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London. Another highlight in the Ayala Museum is the exhibition featuring the collected works of Fernando Zobel, the founder of the Ayala Museum. The collection includes paintings, sketches, and photographs that display in regularly changing exhibitions.

Workshops

Ayala Museum regularly organizes workshops, talks, various history programs, contemporary art, music, and photography for adults and children which able attract people of all ages to pay a visit no matter tourists, families, or arts and culture lovers.

Ayala Museum officially launched the Ayala Museum Virtual Exhibitions, where the museum can continue bringing Philippine art and culture to the public.

The virtual exhibitions include showcasing the paintings of National Artist like Fernando Zobel: Prints & Drawings, and KISAME: Visions of Heaven on Earth showcasing the photographs of Ceiling Paintings from 17 Bohol Colonial Churches.

This virtual tour also includes the Art & the Order of Nature in Indigenous Philippine Textiles exhibition as well as Gold In Our Veins by Mark Lewis Lim Higgins.

Besides that, the museum also organizes music programs like The Rush Hour Concerts feature the Manila Symphony Orchestra in enchanting nights of live classical music, and ST’ART, introducing children to various artistic styles and the pioneers behind them through fun arts and crafts workshops.

Online Program

Ayala Museum launched Ayala Museum Kids online providing activities, videos, and more for kids to learn and discover history in more fun ways.

There are all sorts of printable able activity sheets and downloadable a module available on the website. Ayala Museum Virtual Field Trip is an online interactive field trip for kids from Grade 4 to 6 students to explore places in the Philippines and a more fun way to understand the history and cultures.


The free Education Resources are provided for students from lower school to high school, teachers, parents, or anyone interested in deeper learning.

List of Museums in Makati:

  1. Yuchengco Museum
  2. Makati Museum
  3. The Mind Museum
  4. ArtistSpace Gallery
  5. Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
  6. Finale Art File

Suggestion: Best Places to Visit in Southeast Asia

Frequently Asked Question

How to get to Makati?

Makati is located in the central part of Metro Manila and is accessible from neighboring cities and airports. You can either take a bus that travels across North to South of Metro Manila or take the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) to Makati if you come from other major cities of Metro Manila like Pasay, Quezon City, Pasig, and Mandaluyong. This is the cheapest way to get to Makati. If you are coming from the airport, you can take the regular metered white taxi or the premium yellow taxi.

How to get around Bacolod City?

To get around in Makati, you can take the classic Philippine jeepneys to travel around the major routes of Makati that go through different paths within the city. Bear in mind that you might need to hoop on more than one jeepney to reach your destination. Another option for you to travel to Makati would be local buses. The easiest and fastest way is to book a taxi or car from a transportation app like Grab.

What else I can do other than explore museums in Makati?

Makati is also known as urban jungle because there are few recreational areas and park in the city. There are Ayala Triangle Gardens, Salcedo Park – also known as Jaime Velasquez Park, and Washington SyCip Park. If you love shopping, Makati is also known for its luxury shopping malls and departments that feature local and international retail stores and dining options.

Conclusion

Makati is one of the most urban cities in the Philippines. It is one of the most visit cities by local and foreign tourists because it has skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment hubs.

10 Beautiful Places You Shouldn’t Miss to Visit in Abra-Philippines

Posted on by Vlog Smarter
Abra

Abra is an excellent combination of history and mother nature. Abra has numerous attractions for tourists this province is absolutely a great destination for your next Southeast Asia adventures.

10 Best Places to Visit in Abra.

1. Piwek Rock Formation

Piwek Rock Formation is one of the most picture-worthy spots that can be found farther down the road from the Apao Rolling Hills.

It is just an hour’s drive further along from Apao Rolling Hills is the village of Alaoa. This natural beauty is a group of white limestone rock formations situated along the riverbanks of the Tineg River.

Getting there you can either hire a local guide that takes you across the river on a bamboo raft from Barangay Alaoa in Tineg.

There are more exciting and harder to get there which involves a rough jeepney ride, river crossing, hiking and requires a bit of rock climbing over large boulders. Bear in mind that difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations, trust me it definitely worth it!

Suggested: Best Time to travel Southeast Asian Countries

2. Kaparkan Falls in Abra

Kaparkan Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Philippines. The multi-tiered wonderland stretches of Kaparkan Falls are one of the highly recommended to add to your list of things to do in Abra!

Kaparkan Falls is a sight to behold because of its unique structure compared to other bodies of water. The falls consist of multi-layered white limestone terraces as waters flow continuously downwards.

Admiring this unique and beautiful waterfall from afar is one thing, but having the chance to swim at this waterfall is an experience that you certainly can’t resist.

This is not your typical waterfall where you take a short trek in, go for a dip and take photos, but rather an adventure as it requires a 4×4 ride along very rough roads and once you arrive there all the pain and hardships are forgotten as you immerse yourself in the legendary pools, walk down to the Tineg river to see the waterfall, and enjoy jumping and swimming in the Blue Lagoon.

The ride from Bangued takes around 2 to 4 hours, depending on road conditions. Trust me, this is a place you can’t afford to miss when you visit Abra, it is truly magical!

3. Apao Rolling Hills Abra

The Apao Rolling hills are a series of wavelike rolling hills which is a famous tourist spot in Tineg, Abra. From the viewpoint across the high valley, you can enjoy a cool breeze & beautiful scenery of dry grassland topped mountains.

The hills provide a panoramic view of the entire scenery. It is more popular during sunset and sunrise when you can spectacular daily occurrences from viewpoints 650 meters above the Abra River Valley below.

The Apao Rolling Hills is popular for different activities like hiking, mountain biking, and climbing because of its picturesque trails and witness the majestic panoramic view of Abra.

A little trek through these hills will give you many viewpoints which are perfect for your photography session.

4. Kili Falls & Hot Spring

Kili is already home to an amazing collection of natural waterfalls, hot springs, rice terraces, and scenic views of the valley.

The Kili Falls is one of the natural attractions that you must visit in Abra. The Kili Falls attracts visitors all year round from far and wide.

This is a truly magical waterfall that will take your breath away once you lay your eyes on it and its surroundings.

You will notice how the scenery is complemented by smooth gray rocks and the continuous bursts of water near the cliff edge. What’s amazing about it is you can expect that the waters will be cold and clear.

The main attraction here is not just the waterfall there is a hidden hot spring that flows into a river, you will experience the perfect balance of hot and cold.

The hot spring waters are filled with high sulphuric mineral content, that great for easing tense muscles and good for the skin.

Moreover, hot springs can offer a sense of relaxation when you want to deal with stress on a daily basis in your life, and this provides you with just the right thing to do and feel you will be refreshed and full of energy.

5. Tayum Church & Heritage Houses

Tayum Church also known as The Santa Catalina de Alejandria Parish Church is a 19th-century Baroque church located in Abra, Philippines.

Tayum Church was constructed in the early 1800s by the Augustinians and was dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria.

|The town of Tayum celebrates its town fiesta every 25th of November in honor of its patron saint.
Tayum Church was identified as a National Cultural Treasure for its cultural significance and distinctive architecture. One of the remarkable features of the church is the use of Burnay jar motifs on the church’s facade.

The church ground is wide and expansive and at the side are century-old trees with cement tables and seats which is perfect for a late afternoon visit and just gazing at the beautiful architecture. An old convent, now unused is in front but outside the perimeter fence.

6. Don Mariano Marcos Bridge Abra

Don Mariano Marcos Bridge is the third-longest bridge in the Philipines. This bridge is located along the Abra Kalinga National Road, which connects the towns of Barrio Bumagcat, Tayum, and Barrio Mudiit, Dolores.

You will pass through it on your way to Tineg. You can stop on the Don Mariano Marcos Bridge for scenic views of the riverbanks, and mountain views and watch sunrises also sunsets.

7. Teofilo Garcia Tabungaw Guord Hats

One of the things you shouldn’t miss when visiting Abra is to strive to meet Teofilo Garcia, the National Living Treasure of the Philipines.

He specializes in making the traditional Kattukong or Tabungaw Hats in San Quintin. Mr. Garcia is one of the last Tabungaw hat makers left in the Philippines. He may be the very last who still makes these unique masterpieces.

He has been invited to give talks and demonstrations in the Philippines and abroad, and teach local school children the art of Tabungaw making.

You get to meet him to learn a lesson on how to make the traditional gourd hat made from Tabungaw or Upo gourd also known as Bottle Gourd or White Pumpkin at his workshop and you can also buy a hat in support of keeping the traditional Tabungaw-making alive and vibrant.

8. Pinsal Falls

Pinsal Falls is an 85-foot waterfall located in the town of Santa Maria, which is also the home of the UNESCO-inscribed Santa Maria Church. Pinsal Fall also known asl “Tugot ni Angalo” by local. According to local myths, the biggest among these pools is said to be the footprint of a giant named Angalo, who was in search of his wife, Aran.

Locals also call it “Twin Falls” as it reveals magnificent cascading water separated into two. You can trek to the top of the waterfalls where you get to see the beauty of the falls and enjoy the countless natural pools.

Trekking at Pinsal falls to get to the top can be quite challenging but it’s definitely worth it. It will definitely be a fun experience on a bamboo raft and getting close to the falls!

9. Gabriela Carino-Silang Gallery of Fine Arts

Gabriel Silang Gallery of Fine Arts is located along Teodoro Balmaceda Street in Poblacion, Tayum. It is a few minutes walks away from the Tayum Church.

The Gabriela Silang Gallery of Fine Arts provides a glimpse of Filipino history, especially during colonial times when Spaniards ruled the Philippines.

The gallery is located in a house formerly the refuge home of one of the country’s national heroes, Gabriela Silang (the first female leader of a Filipino movement for independence from Spain)

The gallery is full of a priceless impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, artifacts, documents, and books. There are other authentic art pieces made by famous Filipino and foreign artists such as Pablo Picasso, Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Domenico Ghirlandaioto as well as paintings made by the retired Philippine Ambassador Rosario V. Carino. Some of the other relics are furniture, ceramics, and chinaware.

10. Victoria Park

Victoria Park is a new tourist spot located in Casamata Hills, also known as Cassamata Hill National Park. The park is a protected area of the Philippines located in the municipality of Bangued, Abra.

You will be rewarded with panoramic views of the small town below as well as the whole expanse of the Abra River valley flanked by the Cordillera Central and Ilocos mountain ranges. The park is a perfect spot where you can watch the magnificent views of sunrise or sunset.

Guide to Yuchengco Museum – Makati City

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

Yuchengco Museum opened its doors to the public in September 2005 and it is famed among art and history lovers.

The museum is to exhibit and showcase the personal art collection and artifacts of Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco. Ambassador Alfonso T. Yuchengco was a successful businessman, diplomat, collector, philanthropist, patron of the arts, and advocate for education in the Philippines and beyond.

The art collection of the museum includes the artworks by local Filipino artists like Juan Luna (1857 – 1899), Fernando C. Amorsolo (1892-1972), and Carlos Botong Francisco (1913-1969).

Yuchengco Museum is located at the heart of the Makati Central Business District, the Philippines. The objective was to promote to the public the appreciation of art through the finest international as well as local, cultural, historical, and design exhibits and programs.

The museum not only exhibits art collections, but also hosts exchange, debate, and education.

Yuchengco Museum Ultimate Guide

Visiting Information

Location: RCBC Plaza, Corner Ayala Avenue and Senator Gil J. Puyat Avenue, Makati, 1200 Metro Manila, Philippines (the headquarters of Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation)

Hours:

Sunday Closed
Monday- Saturday 10am – 6pm

Phone: +63 2 8889 1234
Website: http://www.yuchengcomuseum.org
Email: [email protected]

Admission Fees:

Adults: PHP 100.00
Senior citizens: PHP 50.00 (60 years old and above with senior citizen ID)
PWDs: PHP 50.00 (persons with disabilities with PWD ID)
Students: PHP 50.00 (high school, senior high school, and college students with student ID)
YGC employees: Free (staff ID)

Parking

Guest parking is available at Basements 5 and 6 of RCBC Plaza. The parking fee is PHP 60 for the first two hours. Free valet service is also available. Please call (632) 843-8322 for more parking information.

Wheelchair Access

All public areas of the museum, including the upper-floor galleries and second-floor restrooms, are wheelchair-accessible.

Amenities & Shopping

Public restrooms are located on the second floor near the elevators.


The museum’s permanent art collection includes works by celebrated Filipino artists such as Juan Luna (1857 – 1899), Fernando C. Amorsolo (1892 – 1972), and Carlos “Botong” Francisco (1913 – 1969).

The museum’s Books & Gifts Corner in the lobby offers a wide array of merchandise reflecting art from our collections and exhibitions, as well as the best in Filipino and Sino-Filipino art and culture.

Find exhibition catalogs, notecards, books, inexpensive gifts, and luxury items. The shop accepts payments made in cash and credit card (Bankard, MasterCard, Visa, and JCB).
Permanent Exhibits

Juan Luna (1857 – 1899)

Juan Luna represents the Filipino’s highest achievements in the international art scene during the 19th century. He remains unsurpassed by any Filipino or Asian artist up to the present. His academic-classical style represents a high point of Western influence in Philippine visual arts.

Fernando Amorsolo (1892 – 1972)

Fernando Amorsolo represents the mastering of the Filipino genre of painting, celebrating key features of high and popular culture–beauty, nostalgia, pageantry, the fantasy of how the Philippines was, and the dream of how it should be.

Carlos “Botong” Francisco (1913 – 1969)

Botong Francisco represents the high point of mural painting and is often called the greatest muralist and modernist in the Philippines. His elegant draftsmanship and flair for sensuous shapes and complex design–coupled with the popularity of his themes–glorify community life and love of country, and vividly record the legendary courage of the ancestors of the Filipino

Suspended Garden

The artwork resembles a floating Japanese Zen garden that was created for the 2010 exhibit Pumapapel: Art in Paper. Conceptual tension is achieved by the idea of heavy rocks “floating.”

Rizal Collection

The museum dedicated to National Hero Jose Rizal (1861–1896) aims to bring Rizal’s values and thoughts on the national character to a larger audience. Among the treasures on display here are Rizal’s educational diplomas and certificates, portraits and photos, private correspondence with family members and friends, and more items.

Yuchengco Group of Companies Collection

The Yuchengco Group of Companies (YGC) Gallery displays collectibles related to the Yuchengco family’s Chinese heritage, the history of the YGC, and Ambassador Alfonso Yuchengco’s business and diplomatic career.

Temporary Exhibition Gallery

A Temporary Exhibition Gallery featuring the very best of temporary exhibitions from the world exhibitions circuit.

YFilms.PH

Yuchengco Museum developed YFilms.PH is a digital platform that will provide the public access to the Top Quality Filipino Classic and Commercial Films, alongside Professional, Student, and Upcoming Filmmaker Full-Length Features and Short Films. The platform will run numerous Thematic Online Film Festivals.

List of Museums in Makati:

  1. Makati Museum
  2. The Mind Museum
  3. ArtistSpace Gallery
  4. Museum of Contemporary Art and Design
  5. Finale Art File
  6. Alaya Museum

Recommended: Best Time to travel Southeast Asian Countries

What to See Nearby

The Yuchengco Museum is surrounded by interesting things to see. The Ayala Triangle Gardens is a 2-hectare landscaped urban park in Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines.

It is a triangular public garden and courtyard in the center of the Makati Central Business District.
Greenbelt is a shopping mall that offers a mix of high-end retail shops, restaurants, amenities, leisure, and entertainment.

Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park or simply Luneta, is a historic urban park and it is considered one of the largest urban parks in Asia, covering an area of 58 hectares.

San Agustin Church, also known as the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation and Cincture or the Immaculate Conception Parish, is a Roman Catholic church it is the oldest stone church in the Philippines.


Frequently Asked Question

  1. How to travel around Makati?
    Makati is located in the central part of Metro Manila and is accessible from neighboring cities and airports. You can either take a bus or take the Metro Rail Transit (MRT). You can take the regular metered white taxi or the premium yellow taxi.
  2. What else I can do other than explore museums in Makati?
    Makati is also known as the urban jungle because there are few recreational areas and park in the city. If you love shopping, Makati is also known for its luxury shopping malls and departments that feature local and international retail stores and dining options.

Conclusion

Yuchengco Museum is a museum in the city keeping the Philippine arts and culture worth visiting in Makati. You can buy art books, exhibit books & catalogs, hand-painted artworks, gifts, and many more.
.

10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Cat Ba Island Vietnam

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

Cat Ba is one of the largest and most beautiful islands in the World Natural Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island is blessed with pristine beauty like limestone mountains, lush mangrove forests, and untouched sandy beaches.

There are a lot of Cat Ba Island things to do swimming at Cat Co Beach, kayaking to explore the amazing caves, visiting Floating Village, trying the incredible locals, and more.

If you have difficulty in deciding or are short on time doing all the above things, below is a list of the 10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss in Cat Ba Island Vietnam in Southeast Asia that you should try at least once while visiting this wonderful island.

1. Try Cat Ba Kayaking

Kayaking is on the top list of things you shouldn’t miss on Cat Ba Island. The most popular Cat Ba kayaking destination is Lan Ha Bay, which features the jaw-dropping landscape of towering karst, beautiful caves, and islets throughout the clear calm emerald waters lined with untouched white sandy beaches.

Kayaking is the best way to discover the beauty of Lan Ha bay where you can explore rock arch, hidden lagoons, water caves, and floating fishing villages.

Lan Ha Bay is less crowded compared to Halong Bay making it the perfect spot to spend your day paddling around.

You can self-organize your kayak or book a half-or full-day kayaking tour on Cat Ba Island. However, you are recommended to take a Cat Ba Island cruise which includes kayaking in its itinerary. There are different options for taking a Lan Ha Bay cruise.

You can choose to spend an overnights cruise to get the chance to enjoy the incredible sunrises and sunsets at Lan Ha Bay. Or you can just opt for a day trip Lan Ha Bay Cruise.

Some cruise tours will offer to take you to remote spots and make sure you experience its tranquility away from the crowds of other tourist boats. You can spend time lounging on the deck and having a quiet and peaceful time.

Suggestion: The Ultimate Guide to Jeju Island in South Korea

2. Rock Climbing

If you are real explorers who dedicate to exploring the areas in a different way, Cat Ba Island is surely a perfect choice. Cat Ba Island is one of the best sites for rock climbing.

Thousands of limestone karsts hanging over turquoise waters are just the dream of rock climbers, beginners, and professionals rock climbers.

This island is a spectacular place where you can do both sport climb and deep water solo. Some tours offer a vast range of tours suited to beginners through to experienced rock climbers.

The most beautiful cliffs on Cat Ba Island such as Dau Be, Van Boi Island, Fish Cave, Tien Ong Island.

3. Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park is at the heart of the UNESCO Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve and is home to thousands of species including plants, unique animals, birds, and more.

It is one of the most famous tourist attractions on Cat Ba Island for both domestic and foreign visitors.

The national park is blessed with amazing vast landscapes, seascapes, and a variety of stunning marine ecosystems, it is definitely a paradise for those who love to explore nature and hiking.

It is highly recommended to take a short hike to the top of Ngu Lam Mountain for a panoramic island view.

The Cat Ba National Park consists of many unique ecosystems including a mangrove ecosystem, a tropical rainforest ecosystem on limestone hills, and a marine ecosystem with coral reefs.

One other unique feature about the Cat Ba National Park is that it is home to the Cat Ba Langur or the white-headed langur, which is known to be a critically endangered primate and one of the rarest as well.

4. Go Swimming and Sunbath at Cat Co Beaches

There are three gorgeous golden sand clear, turquoise color sea water beaches on Cat Ba Island which are named Cat Co 1, 2, and 3 which are located quite near the central town. Cat Co 1 Beach is the largest beach of all that is surrounded by cliffs.

You will see tourists relaxing and sunbath by the beach. Cat Co 2 is the most beautiful beach that is blessed with pristine white sand beach with turquoise blue waters and stunning limestone cliffs.

Cat Co 1 and 2 are also beaches where you can witness a magical natural phenomenon bioluminescent plankton.

Cat Co beach 3 is a quite beautiful building and modern tourist services here quite perfect from the beach, relax, eat and drink. These 3 main beaches offer plenty of local food and drinks as well as beachside activities.

5. Explore Hospital Cave and Trung Trang Cave

If you are interested in Vietnamese history, you should visit the Hospital Cave (Quan Y Cave) which is an underground bomb-proof hospital.

The cave served as a place for treating wounded soldiers, shelter, and a hideout for Viet Cong leaders during the American War from 1963 to 1965.

The cave is located about 10km from Cat Ba Town near the entrance to the national park. This incredibly well-constructed three-story cave hospital was abandoned after 1975 but its historical value remains. The cave hospital has become one of the popular tourist attractions on Cat Ba Island.

Highly recommended to hire a tour guide as it will help you to know the know deeper history of Hospital Cave and you can grab some local food at the onsite restaurant.

Trung Trang cave is known as one of the typical and largest caves in the cave complex in Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve. The cave is located about 1km from the center of Cat Ba National Park and 15km to Cat Ba town. Trung Trang cave not only attracts thousands of foreign tourists but also domestic tourists each year.

Trung Trang Cave is one of the most interesting with limited and sensitive lighting designed to enhance rather than detract from the natural characteristics of the formations.

Locals remark on the cave’s spectacular stalactites, which have earned the natural wonder the name “golden treasure” or “princess’s treasure”. If you visit Cat Ba Island you should not miss visiting this breathtaking cave.

6. Visit Viet Hai Village in Cat Ba Island

Viet Hai village is a hidden paradise that you must not miss when visiting Cat Ba Island. The village is covered by high mountains, in the midst of jungles, and a vast ocean.

The village is located in the heart of Cat Ba National Park, which belongs to the Cat Hai district of Hai Phong city.

To visit the village, you can either trek through the forest through Cat Ba National Park or book a boat from Cat Ba to Viet Hai Harbor to enter the village.

The beauty and unique experience you will get from visiting the village is definitely worth it even though entering this hidden paradise will cost you lots of effort.

You will find there are around 80 houses that are made of bamboo, wood, leaves, and mud. The villagers make a living by fishing, farming, and breeding. You will feel the tranquil and peaceful atmosphere and forget the busy city life.

7. Visiting Cai Beo Fishing Villages

Cai Beo fishing village is only about 2km from Cat Ba town, also 2 km to Monkey Island. On the way to Cat Ba Monkey Island, you can stop by to visit the Cai Beo fishing village.

Cai Beo fishing village is the largest and oldest floating village in Vietnam, which is well known for its beautiful scenery, friendly villagers, and wooden house rafts floating houses.

This village is blessed with poetic natural beauty, and when combined with the dynamic life of the fishing village, it brings a rare beauty.

Take this precious opportunity to witness the fishing and fish farming activities of Vietnam from experienced fishermen.

You can experience the exciting activities of hiring a boat and exploring the village also enjoy the local specialties made from fish, shrimp, geoduck that are raised by the people here.

Visiting a fishing village is a pretty good choice for those who enjoy a peaceful life and want to escape from the noisy urban life.

8. Monkey Island (Cat Dua Island)

Monkey Island is one of the tourist attractions shouldn’t miss on Cat Ba Island. The untouched nature and beautiful scenery on the island make it become a hot spot for nature lovers to explore when visiting Cat Ba Island.

The island was previously known as Cat Dua (Sandy-Pineapple) because there are many wild pineapple trees on the island, even the pineapple looks delicious but inedible. The local people use them to make traditional medicine.

Later the island was called Monkey Island because of the large number of monkeys inhabiting this island. Most of them were brought to the island by forest rangers.

The crystal clear blue water and soft sand make the Monkey Island beach the ideal place to swim or sunbathe while enjoying the sea breeze.

9. Cannon Fort

Visiting Cat Ba island, you should not miss a trip to the historical site which is located on the top of a hill with an elevation of 177m above sea level known as Cannon Fort. The Cannon Fort was founded by French colonists, it was completed by the Japanese who occupied the island during World War II.

The fort was used by the French, Japanese, and Viet Cong until about the end of the Vietnam War. At Cannon Fort where you can find tunnels, cannons, observatories, and other historical tools from the wars.

You get the opportunity to admire the beauty of the Cat Ba archipelago from many angles. The Cannon Fort on Cat Ba Island has long been a famous spot to enjoy the sunset with a view directly to the surrounding islands and Lan Ha Bay.

10. Local seafood, nightlife & Getting around

It will be a big mistake to not try local seafood in Cat Ba. Cat Ba Island offers the freshest and best quality seafood. If you are a seafood lover, Cat Ba is the best option.

The restaurants not only offer the best food but also a great seaside view. Geoduck clam (Tu Hai)is truly a specialty of Cat Ba Island that you should not miss. Geoducks are rich in flavors, and they are juicy and chewy at the same time.

When it comes to any local restaurants or eateries, make sure you try Horseshoe Crab, Lobster, Sea Serpent, Red Snapper, Cobia, and a shrimp noodle.

Although nightlife on Cat Ba Island is limited compared to other islands. However, you will definitely get to experience a relaxing yet memorable by enjoying drinks and live music at bistros.

You can rent a motorbike and explore the island. You stop by at the sidewalk stalls and restaurants to dig in a bowl of Hai Phong which is a local famous rice noodle soup with crab meat this would be a wonderful experience to do in Cat Ba town at night.

The Ultimate Guide to Jeju Island in South Korea

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

 

Jeju Island is surrounded by a rich local culture quite distinct from the mainland. Here you can see statues made from
volcanic rock called dol hareubang – the name dol hareubang derives from the Korean word for “stone”, plus the Jeju dialect word hareubang, meaning “grandfather” or “senior” in Standard Korean, was coined in the mid-20th century.

Covering an area of 1833.2 kilometers Jeju Island is South Korea’s largest island. This popular island in South Korea is called the Hawaii of Korea. The island has many beautiful beaches, stunning places and plenty to do, and breathtaking scenery for relaxation.

One of the best islands in Southeast Asia, Jeju Island is stunning and has several beautiful landmarks you should not miss.

 

 

How to get to Jeju Island

Travel By Plane

Most travelers choose to get to the island by plane and you can get there from a few different airports in Korea, you just
have to figure out which airport is closest to you. Here are the airports that have an available trip to Jeju Island.

  • Gimpo Airport
  • Wonju Airport
  • Cheongju Airport
  • Gimhae Airport (Busan)

 

Travel By Ferry

It’s easy enough to get to on a ferry especially if you live down south. There are lots of options to choose from. You can book tickets before departure online. After booking a ticket online you need to check in at the ticketing booths to check your IDs.

Ticket booths close 10 minutes before departure even if you’ve reserved seats so make sure you’re there in time.
Walk-in passengers, they require to arrive at the passenger terminal at least 40 minutes before departure.
Passengers taking a car are asked to arrive 1-2 hours before departure.

Related: Cat Ba Island – Vietnam

 

Getting around the island

It’s easy to get to the island but once you’re there, you’ll probably want to rent a car if you want to see more and do
more of the adventure. If you don’t know how to drive or don’t plan on renting a car, just make sure you stay near
the sites you want to explore because buses are few and far between, you could potentially spend a ton of time waiting.

Here are some options if you want to get around the island:

  • Airport transfer
  • Rent a car
  • Private Car
  • Tour Services
  • Jeju City bus

 

Jeju City

Not so similar to other cities in Korea, Jeju City offers extremely inspiring and beautiful scenery. It is a convenient
place to stay as it’s near the airport and other attractions. Jeju City is a hub for transportation on the island and every bus will likely get to the city. The city has a ton of the best restaurants and cafes and pretty much everything you could want for an easy stay.

 

Jeju City Attractions

  • Yongduam Rock & Coastal Walk
  • Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest
  • Jeju Horse Pastureland
  • Jeju Loveland
  • Jeju Museum of Art
  • Gwaneumsa Buddhist Temple

 

 

Where To Stay In Jeju City

  • Hotel Regentmarine The Blue
  • Maison Glad Jeju
  • Ramada Plaza Jeju Ocean Front
  • Hotel Nanta Jeju
  • Shilla Stay Jeju
  • LOTTE City Hotel Jeju

 

 

Where To Stay In Northwest Jeju

 

  • Jeju Marevo Resort
  • Aguila Hotel Jeju
  •  Jeju Sorang N Farms Village
  • Best Western Hotel Jeju=
  • Ramada by Wyndham Jeju City Hall

 

 

Things to do in Jeju Island South Korea

  • Visit Jeongbang Waterfalls
  • Experience cart riding at Wind 1947 Jeju Extreme Circuit
  • Discover the Oedolgae
  • Explore Jusangjeolli Hexagon Lava Cliff
  • Visit Jeju Folk Village
  • Enjoy Jeju Woman diver show\
  • Trek Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak
  • Explore Jeju Venice
  • Visit Teddy Bear Museum
  • Trek Mount Halla
  • Visit Hallim Park
  • Enjoy Play K-Pop Museum
  • Try Jeju Horseback Riding
  • Wander along Gwangchigi Beach
  • Try Korean Food
  • Discover Jeju Loveland

Gracos Downhill Resort – Negros Occidental

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

Gracos Downhill Resort offers tranquility, peace, and most importantly exclusivity. Located in the mountains of Hda San Antonio, Barangay Sta. Cruz, Murcia in Negros Occidental, this property is lush with trees and beautiful nature which brings an abundance of fresh air and a soothing ambiance. The pool is fed by running water keeping it fresh and rejuvenating, a truly unique experience!

There are a lot of things you can see when you go to Gracos. Before you reach the resort, you will be greeted with a cool atmosphere surrounded by lots of trees and unique houses along the way. Because of its balance weather, the area is an ideal spot for conditioning fighter fowls, farming, and keeping other live stocks.

What to see

126 Rainbow stairs

Take the challenging 126 steps reaching the top of a hill. Once you get to the top you can see the bird’s eye view of the resort.

Beautiful gardens

Gracos Downhill Resort is designed with well-maintained gardens full of colorful flora.

Funny wood signs

Take a photo of you or your friend with a background of these hugot lines, funny dramatic statements expressing love, heartbreak, and misery.

Bird watching

Gracos is surrounded by tall trees which makes it a good spot for watching different species of birds.

Where to eat

Gracos Downhill Resort offers delicious food and drinks in their canteen. Enjoy the best traditional Filipino
cuisines including tapsilog, longsilog, tinolang manok, and sisig or international dishes like beef nachos,
pizza, and spaghetti. They also offer the best beverages like hot or cold coffee, fruit juices, milk tea, soft drinks, and many more.

Menu

Gracos Downhill Resort Rates

Entrance ₱50

  • free entrance for 3 years old and below children
  • 20% discount for senior citizens and PWD

Corkage fee ₱300 (food and drinks)

Cottages

  • ₱400 good for 10 persons
  • ₱500 good for 15 persons

Related Content:
Best Time to travel Southeast Asian Countries

How to get to Gracos Downhill Resort

By Private Vehicle or Taxi

From Bacolod City public plaza, head south to Araneta street.
Take a left turn on Alijis road going to Murcia public market
From Murcia public market head east going to Gracos

By Public Transport

To commute from Bacolod City public plaza

  • Take a jeepney going to Libertad Public Market
  • From Libertad going to Murcia Public Market you can take Mambukal via Libertad bus
  • or Murcia via Bacolod jeepney
  • From Murcia Public Market you need to rent a tricycle going to Gracos
  • 5 to 6 persons per tricylce (₱250 per tricycle)

Other Resorts in Murcia Negros Occidental

  • Graceland Hotel and Resort
  • Mambukal Resort
  • Twin River Resort
  • Pandanon Valley Resort
  • Del Carmen Forest Park and Resort
  • Baluarte Resort

Cat Ba Island – Vietnam

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

Located in Northern Vietnam in Southeast Asia, Cat Ba Island is the largest of the 365 islands spanning 100 square miles that comprise the Cat Ba Archipelago. The island has a surface area of 110 square miles and maintains the dramatic and rugged features of Ha Long Bay.

Cat Ba Island means “Women’s Island”. According to the legend many centuries ago, three women of the Tran Dynasty got killed and their bodies floated to Cat Ba Island. Each body washed up on a different beach where the locals built a temple for each woman, and the island soon became known as Cat Ba.

Cat Ba Island has experienced a tourism surge in recent years. Along with its lovely bay, the central hub of Cat Ba Town is now framed by a chain of low-rise concrete hotels along its beaches, but the rest of the island is largely untouched. This is one of the reasons why the island is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. Are you ready for the next island adventure in Vietnam? Here is the Cat Ba Island Travel Guide to help you plan.

The best time to visit Cat Ba Island

The hot summer season on the island is from June to August when you can enjoy most water sports. The milder weather starts from October until March. Cat Ba Island has four seasons, the rainy season is from May to September and the dry season is from November to March. Most travelers from different parts of the world suggest that the very best months to visit the island are March, April, September, and October.

Cat Ba Island Map

How to get to Cat Ba Island

From Hanoi

Take a bus from Hanoi highways going to Cat Ba Island (3-5 hours)

Common Bus Operators

  • Good Morning Cat Ba
  • Orient Travel
  • Daiichi Travel
  • Cát Bà Express

From Halong Bay

From Halong Bay, the best way to get to the island is to take a ferry going to the northern side of the island (an hour)
Take a taxi to Cat Ba town
From there you can take a speedboat or ferry going to the island

Things you don’t wanna miss

  • Enjoy native dishes
  • Going on a cruise
  • Visit some caves
  • Visit Monkey Island
  • Enjoy the sunset in Cannon Fort
  • Visit Viet Hai village
  • Enjoy the beach

Where to Eat

Seafood is very popular on Cat Ba Island. Some recommended restaurants offer great food that will bring the flavor of delicious meals from native to international cuisines including vegetarian dishes. Here are the top restaurants to enjoy the food in Cat Ba Island.

Where to stay

Cat Ba Island offers plenty of hotels and hostels to make your stay more comfortable. Most of them are located on the waterfront even though some hotels have recently opened a bit more inland. There are a lot of hotels that offer a luxurious experience on the island. Here are some of the best on the island.

  • Cat Ba Island Resort & Spa
  • Hotel Perle d’Orient Cat Ba
  • Nam Cat Island Resort
  • Sea Pearl Cat Ba Hotel
  • Cat Ba Violet Hotel
  • Cat Ba Thailand Hotel
  • Monkey Island Resort

Where to eat?

  • Nhà Hàng VQG Cát Bà
  • Quang Anh Restaurant
  • Catba Green
  • Cat Ba Sweet Potato Homestay & Restaurant
  • Yummy 2 Restaurant
  • Quan Cat Ba
  • Phoung Nhung Restaurant

10 of the Most Beautiful Islands in Asia

Asia is a continent that is home to beautiful natural landscapes, unique cultures, ancient architecture, and food. If you are looking for an island getaway, Asia is the perfect choice for you. Here is our list of the Top 10 Beautiful Islands in Asia.

  • Sipadan Island
  • Siargao Island
  • Jeju Island
  • Cat Ba Island
  • Similan Islands
  • Bangka Belitung Island
  • Orchid Island
  • Ubin Island
  • Koh Rong Island
  • Macleod Island

Sipadan Water Village Resort

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

You can’t get a more beautiful oceanfront than Sipadan Water Village! The resort is a rustic arrangement of 45 beautifully appointed individual guest cottages connected by walkways to the resort’s lavish dining and guest facilities and the best dive center.

There is no better place to learn about marine life and behavior than the Sipadan Water Village. Surrounded by a rich environment for aquatic animals. from frogfish to massive schools of colorful fish.

One of the best resorts in Sipadan, Sipadan Water Village’s traditional architecture is inspired by the Bajau Laut Tribe yet offers a wonderful experience of great amenities of a modern hotel room, with hot and cold showers, minibars, coffee makers, including air-conditioned bungalows.

Suggestion:
Best Time to travel Southeast Asian Countries

Sipadan Water Village Features

You can still connect with friend and family back home even you’re in a tropical splendor remote island in Malaysia, Sipadan Water Village Resort offer wireless internet service in the lobby so you can still get connected online.

Not only swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving, but avid anglers who bring their fishing rods can also take advantage of the opportunity to fish in nearby fishing spot, then let the restaurant prepare their catch for NO additional charge.

The island or ocean view is superb on each cottage’s private balcony. Sipadan Water Village offers great services including the use of a safe deposit bag, wake-up calls, telephone services, express checkout, camera rental, film processing, and video services. The spa is also available at the resort which includes
body massage and foot spa.

Diving at Sipadan Water Village

The Sipadan Water Village Resort Dive Centre is fully equipped with everything needed for novice to experienced Divemasters.

They provide showers, lockers, toilets, and a rest area with complimentary snacks, coffee, and tea. Customized boats make three dive trips a day accompanied by a captain and divemaster specially trained in the marine ecology of the area and more than willing to share the knowledge and passion.

Beginners can start learning how to dive by taking the course and discovering the fun. They also offer a refresher course for those who haven’t dived in a while. PADI Recreational Certified scuba diving courses are available for the novice through advanced open water divemaster certification.

The diving package includes 3 daily boat dives at Mabul, Sipadan, and Kapalai. Unlimited house dives at Paradise 1 and 2. There are 13 dive sites in Kapali and 17 in Mabul, in addition to the most famous diving sites at Sipadan Island.

Accommodation

For a total of 45 chalets, Sipadan Water Village Resort is built in the unique local architecture of the Bajau Laut tribe. The tribe who spend their lives on the water. Each cottage is uniquely appointed with local décor featuring rich luxurious hardwoods, rattan, and wicker.

The resort offers rooms with overhead ceiling fans, and six standard and two deluxe cottages that are equipped with air conditioning. A private bathroom is available in every chalet with a hot and cold shower, as well as a minibar and tea or coffee maker.

Each guest cottage features a spacious private balcony offering spectacular views of Mabul Island or breath-taking scenery of the waters of the Celebes Sea.

Types of Accommodations:

  • Junior – 6 cottages
  • Standard – 33 cottages
  • Deluxe – 2 cottages
  • Grand Deluxe – 2 cottages

How to get to Sipadan Water Village

Getting to Sipadan Water Village is pretty simple! Many airplane trips can get you to Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore. From there, you can take Malaysia Air to Tawau.

Fly to Tawau Airport. Popular routes to Tawau are via Kota Kinabalu (BKI-TWU) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL-TWU). Plan to arrive by 2 pm or earlier. Otherwise, you will have to spend a night in Semporna or Tawau and only reach the resort the next day. The resort staff will meet you at the airport arrival hall.

From the airport, you will be shuttled to Semporna Jetty for your boat transfer. The journey will take 90 minutes. You will be transferred on the earliest scheduled boat transfer from Semporna Jetty to Sipadan Water Village on Mabul Island. The scheduled boat transfer times are 9:30 am, 12 noon, and 3:30 pm. Travel time is about 45 minutes.

Best Time to travel to Southeast Asian Countries

Southeast Asia is the geographical southeastern sub-region of Asia. It consists of the regions that are south of China, east of the Indian subcontinent, and northwest of Australia.

Southeast Asia has some fairly large climatic variations as you move around. Whatever time of the year you pick, you have to plan to be seriously lucky to avoid bad weather altogether. Continue Reading…

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort Travel Guide 2022

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

 

Sitting on sturdy stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is one of the best resorts in the Sipadan Islands. Built-in full style as a relaxing and comfortable water village with no land in sight. The resort offers the purest image of beautiful natural serenity.

Dive spots from Sipadan Kapalai Resort are extremely close and can be reached in just a few minutes. Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is an ideal destination for divers and non-divers alike seeking a great holiday experience. Are you ready for an adventure this summer? Here’s the Guide to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort in Malaysia.

 

The Best Diving Spot in Malaysia

 

Sipadan Kapalai Resort Dive Centre provides diving, snorkeling, and kayaking gear for rent. The resort also offers a variety of diving courses (Professional Association of Diving Instructors or PADI) which is best for first-time divers. The courses include Open Water and Introduction to Night Diving.

Diving around Kapalai is exceedingly easy and shallow but quite spectacular. The corals and the sandy bottom host an amazing array of colorful underwater animals making diving here an unforgettable experience. The island is home to the weird and brightly colored flamboyant cuttlefish rumbling on the bottom creating the most spectacular underwater display.

 

Dive Resort Facilities

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort offers an innovative concept with a touch of a traditional Malay-style village. Kapalai’s chain of chalets are all linked by miles of wooden walkways.

The resort is made of 59 wooden chalets offering twin and triple sharing accommodation are attached with a clever balcony which offers the total sought privacy by the lovers of sunbathing and sun tanning. Chalets are equipped with bathrooms with bathtubs, showers, and toiletries. It is also equipped with coffee and tea-making machines.

Other facilities:

  • Broadband Internet Access
  • Satellite phone
  • Freshwater from mainland

Dining Services

Delicious meal served in buffet style under the terraced, open central structure. A huge western sundeck with a sitting area that allow divers to have a drink, a great spot for relaxation while enjoying the view of Kapalai’s fabulous tropical sunset.

Dining Timetable

Breakfast: 7 am – 10:30 am
Lunch: 12:30 pm – 2 pm
Dinner: 7 pm – 8:30 pm

Related Article:
Havana Mutiara Belitung Hotel

 

Rental Price for Extra Equipment

Kayak – MYR 35 per hour
Kayak transparent – MYR 50 per hour
BC Jacket – MYR 38 per day
Regulator / Gauges – MYR 38 per day
Mask, snorkel – MYR 23 per day
Fins – MYR 13 per day
Wet suit – MYR 32 per day
Booties – MYR 12 per day

 

How to get to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

From your location, fly to Tawau, the nearest town to Kapalai Island You can fly to Tawau either from Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, or Singapore.

From Tawau
The resort shuttle service will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to Semporna town (50 minutes)

From Semporna
Take the resort speed boat to Kapalai Island (40 minutes)

Scheduled boat transfers from Semporna to Kapalai Island

  • 10:00 am
  • 12:30 pm
  • 3:30 pm

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort Map

Other Resorts and Hotels Near Sipadan Kapalai

  • Seafest Hotel
  • Green World Hotel
  • 7 Inn
  • Sipadan Inn 2
  • Wave View Hotel
  • Grace Hotel Semporna
  • Pacific Inn
  • Dragon Inn Floating Resort
  • Ocean House
  • Han Palace Hotel

Havana Mutiara Belitung Hotel

Posted on by Vlog Smarter

Havana Mutiara Belitung is one of the best hotels you can stay when you are visiting Bangka Belitung Island in Indonesia. The facilities and services in this hotel will surely accommodate and satisfy all travelers. Here are the things you need to know about Havana Mutiara Belitung.

COVID-19 Restrictions: This destination may have COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. Check the latest national, local and health advisories for this destination for more information.

Havana Mutiara Belitung Features

Havana Mutiara Belitung has 64 rooms that can surely accommodate guests from any parts of the world. The hotel also offer the best rooms with private bathroom, television, and extra bed for family in vacation.

It offers a comfortable stay while enjoying the nature and the beauty of Bangka Belitung Island. Airport shuttle service is available from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM for guests who want to come or leave the hotel.

Havana Mutiara Belitung Main Amenities

  • 64 guestrooms
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Near the beach
  • Restaurant
  • Business center
  • Airport shuttle
  • 24-hour front desk
  • Coffee/tea in a common area
  • Air conditioning
  • Laundry service
  • Conference space
  • Concierge services
  • Free Wi-Fi and free parking

Check-in Requirements

  • Credit card, debit card, or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18

23rd Street Cafe

23rd Street Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They offer refreshing drinks including fruit punch and mocktails. 23rd Street Café serves great food like Nasi Goreng, Pisang Goreng, Beef Teriyaki, and more. They also offer delicious pizza, French fries and pasta.

Places to Visit Near Havana Mutiara Belitung Hotel

  • Langkuas Island
  • Tanjung Pandan Museum
  • Tanjung Tinggi Beach
  • Tanjung Pandan Port
  • Tanjung Pandan Beach

Havana Mutiara Belitung Map


✈️ Jalan Depati Endek No 23, Tanjung Pandan, 33411, Kepulauan Bangka Belitung, Indonesia

Other Important Informations

  • Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
  • This property does not have elevators.
  • Noise-free guestrooms cannot be guaranteed.
  • Guests can rest easy knowing there’s a fire extinguisher, a security system, a first aid
  • kit, and window guards on site.
  • Pets are not allowed