31 October 2010

Live-Blogging the Hidden Cities, Episode 2: Malaysia [31 Oct 2010]


9:55 p.m.     The Wait.

     I'm waiting for the second episode of History Asia's Hidden Cities, featuring Malaysia, and I'm quite excited.  Host Anthony Morse goes to Penang, Keddah and Perak in Malaysia.

10:00 p.m.     The show starts now!

      Little known historic sites are going to be revealed: forgotten fortresses, a castle and secrets of a lost civilization.

10:01 p.m.     Jerejak Island

      Penang is the biggest electronics manufacturer in Malaysia, or something.  Anthony is going to Jerejak, to Malaysia's Alcatraz.  In and out of the island?  Via the water, of course, like Alcatraz.  Jerejak means fence.  Anthony meets with a technician who worked at the prison.

     According to the technician, there were about a thousand people in the complex at its peak.  After the 1980s, prison population included drug dealers.  It closed down in 1998.  Remnants of the prisoners' stay can still be found, with letters and photos pasted on the walls.

10:006 p.m.  Jerejak as Quarantine Center and British Detention Facility

     See, it really has a dark past.  Anthony with his guide goes to the lost British detention facility.

     They've reached the detention center.  As early as the 1930s, the center had housed detainees.  They went inside one of the cells.  The British abandoned the facility and then it became a shelter for animals, but apparently, its now abandoned, for good.

      The host is now going to one of the wells; there are four in a line, and airholes?  And, they're going inside the well to see how large the bunkers are.  Oh, it's just one chamber for each well.  It's only 15x30 feet.  Locals say the bunkers were used to house prisoners and ammunition but Anthony was looking for evidence to support those theories; he couldn't find any.

10:13 p.m.     One last island surprise: tombstone of leprosy patients

      It was also a leprosy colony in the 1800s, I forgot the exact decade, though.  It was shut down in 1969 to make way for the Jerejak prison.  And it's commercial break.

10:16 p.m.     Penang's Forgotten Hidden Fortress from WWII

      08 December 1941, Japanese army invaded Malaysia, apparently, one of the British army's greatest blunders, or something.

      Anthony is now in Fort Penang.  It was completed in 1939, 40M pounds was used to build it, the largest fort outside of Britain.  The victorious Japanese used it in 1941 when they won against the British.

     There are underground tunnels.  Wow, there's a room with paintings underground.  There's an ammunition hoist and even an escape route.  One of the shelters could accommodate 200 men, and Anthony is walking on one of the tunnels, backwards!  And he looks filthy now.  Oh, he reaches the center.

10:22 p.m.     Places not open to the public

     This is no longer part of the places open for public.  Anthony goes down a tunnel, an ammunition room.  Careful, apparently, there are snakes in there.

     The guide says 50% of the place is still unexplored.  Anthony finds remnants of smaller defenses.  And he found a small shelter where the soldiers could do damage with their machine guns and rifles; no, apparently, it's called a pillbox.

10:29 p.m.   One fortress held: the Kampar Defense Line

     Dang it! Our cable's switching on and off!

     Anthony is talking about a command trench, and he's off to find remnants of the supply chain.  While hastily dug, it proved its worth against the Japanese.  And Anthony gets to see, and test, why the trench held.

     15 February 1942, Malaysia surrendered in Singapore and it paved the way for a 3-year Japanese occupation.

10:36 p.m.     Kampung Tanjung Bangkung 

     Carbide chimney, a remnant of the Japanese arms factory. 

10:37 p.m.     Mysterious Castle built by Malaysia's Tin and Rubber Tycoon

     Commercial break!

10:40 p.m.     Kellie's Castle

     Who built it? William Kellie Smith, and he lived there until 1926, or something.  In 1925, Smith decided to built a castle when his child was born.

    Whoah!  So huge! Smith wanted to have the very first elevator in Malaysia in his castle.  It has Mughal style because around 70 Indians worked on the castle.  The bricks were apricot bricks.

     In 1926, Smith passed away of pneumonia, enroute to pick up his elevator.  His family sold all their lands and went back to Britain.  The castle was never finished.  And Smith's castle has an eclectic mix of architecture.  It has secret passages to hide Smith's wealth to protect his family.

     A spiral staircase going to the yard; a dungeon, and several of them.  Perhaps, even tunnels, too, allegedly, four.  They're now into the wine cellar with an entry into the dungeon.

10:46 p.m.     Digging outside to uncover the stairs to the tunnel

     And host Anthony is digging and getting his hands dirty if only to find a doorway to a tunnel going to an old Indian temple Smith built for his workers.  Of course, he didn't find any; he possibly can't do the digging alone, but it's enough for him to find the first of the stairs.

     Commercial break!

10:50 p.m.     Bujang Valley in Keddah

     2000 years old evidence of a civilization.  In 2009, the excavation team found iron smelting something, oh, a platform jetty.  Probably, a loading and unloading dock leading to the river nearby.  The first one found in Southeast Asia, the first one in our region!

     The process of authenticating the rock samples taken from the iron smelting.  Oh, scientists were able to confirm that the smelting site used high quality iron. 

     And, that's a wrap!


     To those who failed to watch the show, catch its encore showing on 02 November 2010 at 11:00 p.m.; 07 November at 9:00 p.m.; and 19 November at 10:00 p.m.

     Happy travel research!     



Cebu Pacific's Seat Sale: Hello-win Ito! [Promo up to 02 November 2010]

From the Cebu Pacific website:

Seat Sale Promo


Hello-win ito!

  • Domestic & International Seat Sale
  • Pick your favourite seat from as low as P200
  • Supersize your baggage! Pre-book and SAVE up to 50%
  • Get insured in travel insurance.
  • Choose from available domestic and international rooms with Hotels
  • Get exclusive deals! Sign up for SeatSaleAlert!.
Domestic Flights

All Domestic Fligts
50% OFF

International Flights

All International Flights
50% OFF

Sale Period: Up to Nov. 2, 2010 or until seats last     Travel Period: Jan. 1, - Mar. 31, 2011

  • Quoted fares are one way.
  • Limited availability.
  • Fare are exclusive of government fees and taxes.
  • Fares are non-refundable.
  • Flight changes must be made more than 24 hours before scheduled time of departure.
  • Go Lite Fares are available upon booking for guests traveling without check-in baggage.
  • Add P 100 to fare upon booking if traveling with check-in baggage.
  • CAB approved terms and conditions of carriage apply.


     Happy travel planning!

Living Asia Channel



     I've said that the only channel I like with our cable subscriber is the History Channel.  I amend that statement.  I forgot to say that I also like the Living Asia Channel.  It's a 24/7 travel channel featuring  the wonderful places in the Philippines and in other Asian countries.  It is really great for research.

     I am watching the channel right now and there's a long video of Taiwan's famous places.  And, the channel also provides tourism videos of Asian destinations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, etc.  The videos are really good in enticing its viewers to go and see those featured sights. 

     You could also check out their website, here, and see their travel guides, snapshots, and schedule of programs.

   

Manila Chronicles: Dangwa Flower Market

        



     I can't always be traveling around Asia, so to keep this blog going, I decided to have a series of posts entitled, The Manila Chronicles.  I'll be blogging about interesting places in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and its neighboring cities which make up the National Capital Region.  From bargain-hunting in wholesale-haven Divisoria to shopping in posh Greenbelt and visiting churches, I'll try to entice anyone to set foot onto these places.

     For my first post, I'll take you to Manila's premiere flower market, Dangwa. 

     Dangwa flower market in Sampaloc, Manila, derived its name from the bus station beside it.  It is located somewhere between the University of Santo Tomas (UST), my alma mater, and SM City San Lazaro.  To be precise, it's between Dimasalang and Dapitan Sts.; if I'm not mistaken, from Dos Castillas up to Don Quixote.

   You could round up the market in ten minutes, if you only pass by the streets.  More if you visit the new Manila Flower Center.  It's new, at least for me, because it wasn't there yet when I finished studying at UST three years ago.  However, if you really take a good look at the flowers, stall hop and haggle, it could take an hour or two.  Don't worry, walking in Dangwa is not intimidating; after all, people from all walks of life buy their flowers there.  First, it's cheaper, way cheaper than at the malls or flower shops; second, you could buy wholesale flowers here, and third, there are so many to choose from.

     This midnight, we headed off to Dangwa to  buy flowers for November 1, or All Saints Day, to put in the graves of our departed loved ones.  I was with my mother and extended family, and of course, it was so late and yet, Dangwa was bustling with activities.  There were a lot of people buying flowers like us; after all, Dangwa's super peak days include not only Valentine's but also November 1.

     Parking was not a problem.  There were a lot of guys with placards offering parking in the nearby streets for Php 20.00 (USD .50 cents); some unscrupulous ones offer Php 35.00.  But in fact, there shouldn't be a price for parking because they'll just make you park along the public road.  Oh well, it's a quick buck for some.

     While my relatives were buying flowers, I was snapping pictures left and right.  There were a lot of mums, baby's breath, orchids, roses, and then, there are a lot of flowers and plants which I don't even know how to call.  The place was really busy and people were all scurrying, and I was blocking people's path because I would just suddenly stop from walking and take a photo or two.  So, as not to annoy anyone, I took pictures while walking.  Hence, the crappy pictures.  And oh, I saw a jack o' lantern in one of the stalls, and they also sell decorative gourds, I took some pictures and the jack o' lantern's eyes were uneven. I had to laugh because of that.  Heehee.

     We didn't stay long in Dangwa; just around 30 minutes, or so.  My mother bought an arranged flower piece for my father's grave.  It's like tropical inspired.  She got it for Php 350.00, around USD 8.00.  See, I told you, it's cheap, and to think, we bought it during the peak season, so it's actually slightly higher than when you buy it on regular days.

     Dangwa flower market is accessible via public transportation.  If you're coming from Quiapo, hail a jeepney going to Blumentritt and it'll pass by Dangwa via Dimasalang Street.













29 October 2010

Air Asia's Fabulous Fly-Day: Book from 11 am to 4 pm [Promo ended]



      Every Friday, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Air Asia features a seat sale on selected destinations.  They started the promo last week, and for this week, they offer one-way travel to Kota Kinabalu from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark, Philippines, all-in fare of Php 700.00.  Travel is on 09 November to 30 November 2010.   Most probably, it'll only be for limited availability.  

     Happy travel planning!

History Channel's Hidden Cities: Second Episode - Penang, Keddah and Perak, Malaysia


N.B. I live-blogged the episode  HERE.


     On Sunday, 31 October 2010 at 10:00 p.m. (GMT +8), host Anthony Morse will explore the Hidden Cities of Malaysia -

     Malaysia is renowned as the bastion of the Malay spirit and the Islamic faith.  Yet surviving relics from bygone eras and past sovereignties reveal hidden stories pf the country's true origin.


      In this episode, presenter Anthony Morse uncovers the dark secrets of a pristine island off the coast of Penang; explores an abandoned WWII British fortress that rivals their other mega-defenses in the region; tries to get the real story behind a mysterious colonial castle and digs beneath Perak's ancient valleys to find human settlements millions of years old.*
     *From the History Asia Channel website:  http://hiddencities.historyasia.com/

     So, what is my connection with Malaysia?  Hmm...I've been to Malaysia in 2008.  My friends and I took an overnight bus from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and spent a day there, specifically to see the Petronas Towers.   And we weren't disappointed: it was the most beautiful building I've ever seen.  We were also supposed to go to Malacca but our limited time didn't allow us to do so.  I'll be chronicling my adventures in Malaysia, and Singapore, too, in the coming months.  But for now, let us all watch this Hidden Cities episode for our travel research.

     I will also be live-blogging the show on Sunday.  :-)



     

    

24 October 2010

Live-blogging the Hidden Cities - Beijing

     So, the show officially starts now!

     10:03     Underground city

     Okay, so the Chinese built underground shelter in case of nuclear attack. No. 46 Fang Jia Hutong has a bomb shelter?! Hey, can we come and go there?  Woah! It's huge and vast! There was a restaurant, office, machine room and even an elevator shaft.

     10:07     Tunnel in the underground city

     So narrow!  Not for the claustrophobic as it gets narrower. They call it the underground Great Wall.  It was built in the 1950s to the 1960s.

     10:09     Construction of the underground city: Narrative account from an officer involved.

     300,000 people built it; half a square meter allocated per person inside the bunkers.  As long as there is nuclear power, the officer says the bunker will always be relevant.

     10:12     Commercial

     So, No. 46 Fang Jia Hutong, I'm looking at you now.

     10:14     Some bomb shelters have been destroyed

     Oh, a cute Chinese journalist.  They'll go into one of the bunkers again.  Another hutong (Nanluoguxiang), another bomb shelter.  The cute journalist who accompanies the host says some people does not even know that there are shelters underneath.  Oh, they went into another tunnel.  It looks creepy, like straight from a horror movie.

      There are even exit signs, men's toilet signs, even no smoking signs.  They say some have been converted into subterranean hotels before for budget travelers and migrants, but not anymore because of safety concerns.

     10:21    Oh crap, the History Channel's having signal problems.

     10:21    Old Summer Palace

     Five times the size of the Forbidden City.  The host is talking about the looting and destruction of the Old Summer Palace.  Experts are attempting to recreate it in 3d.  And it's commercial break.

     This is one place that I'd really love to visit, I just don't know if I could cajole my friends to do so.

     10:25    Tsinghua University's attempt to recreate the Old Summer Palace in 3d

     Old Summer Palace is huge; 8x the size of Vatican City.  They've completed the western section, the palace where Qianlong Emperor lived.

     They're now in Haiyan Pavillon, now in ruins.  They'll conduct a laser scan, with the professor and two of her assistants.

     Back at the University.  Holy crap! 3d images, of even complex buildings!

     10:31     Tian Yi Tombs
   
     Eunuchs' history.  Important eunuchs were likewise rewarded with massive tombs, such as Tian Yi, and they're visiting his tomb.  The tomb is circular with a dome roof.  Going underneath the tomb now.  Tomb split in two sections, one like a courtyard.  Looters have been inside the tomb.  And, it's commercial break.

     10:40     Religious sites: Beijing a religious hub

     Fayuan Temple, a Buddhist temple.  Then a mosque, Niujie mosque, built in the 10th century.  It's a traditional Chinese structure.  They're showing the cleansing ritual, then to the main prayer room.  Oh, Arabic calligraphy in gold.  The oldest section is built a thousand years ago and it's well preserved.

     10:48     Dining with a Chinese muslim family

     Lively dinner with delectable meal.  And there are 20 million muslim in China.

     10:52     Relic hunting in Bao Guo Temple

     Thursdays and Saturdays have more relics for sale.  The host calls it a glorified garage sale.  95% are newly manufactured.  Few antiques are far and between.  Replicas are mostly from Henan.  They make it look really old.

     Relic hunting in demolished hutongs.
 
     10:57  Beijing recap

     The end.

     The episode was very entertaining and informative.  Hope I could visit some of these places as well.  Learn from the episode: antiques are now far and between, so be cautious.  And, we should try to visit the hutongs before they disappear.


Air Asia's Book in Pairs & Save More Promo [25 Oct 2010 to 31 October 2010]



N.B. From the Air Asia website:

Book in Pairs & Save More!


Booking Period :
25 October 2010 - 31 October 2010    
Travel Period : 1 November 2010 - 30 November 2010
Travel Notes  
- Advanced booking bequired.
- Fares are not available during embargo period.
- Promo fares only apply to bookings of 2 seats per transaction to selected AirAsia destinations.


     Happy travel planning!

History Channel's Hidden City: First Epidode - Beijing


N.B. I live-blogged the episode HERE.

     The only channel I like in our cable provider is the History Channel.  And, just imagine my jubilation when I saw an advertisement for their new show, The Hidden City, to be aired today at 10:00 p.m. (GMT +8).  The show will feature Beijing in China, Penang, Ipoh and Kedang in Malaysia, Java in Indonesia and Taiwan in four different episodes.

     This is the show's synopsis culled from the show's official site, http://hiddencities.historyasia.com/ -

      In and around Asia's most bustling cities lay hidden worlds filled with forgotten palaces and temples, abandoned towns and disused underground fortresses that shelter unbelievable relics and untold stories.


     With the help of local experts that will include writers, historians, archaeologists and scientists, presenter Anthony Morse attempts to investigate and unearth these places, and reveal the tales they have hidden for so long.


     Over four episodes, Anthony will travel to Beijing in China, the northwest states of Penang, Ipoh and Kedah in Malaysia, Java in Indonesia and to the island of Taiwan.

      For their premiere episode today, host Anthony Morse will commence his journey in Beijing, China, coincidentally the city we're going to visit next month.  I can't wait to see the places Anthony will explore, and most probably, if it's not in our itinerary, then, we'll just have to include those places.

     Also, the show would also feature Taiwan, one of my favorite places to visit.

     The host also has a blog on his adventures in Asia's hidden cities.  Do check it out, very informative and entertaining.

     As for me, I'll definitely watch the show for my Beijing travel research.  And, they have a contest where you could win a camcorder, a dslr or a trip to one of the featured cities.





20 October 2010

Air Asia's Seat Sale [18 Oct to 31 Oct 2010]

     Air Asia is offering seats sales for its Asian destinations.  Booking period for the Simply Spectacular Deals is from 19 October to 31 October 2010; travel period is from 03 January 2011 to 31 March 2011.

     Booking period for the Send Love for the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall is from 18 October 2010 to 31 October 2010, for travel on 01 November 2010 to 31 January 2010.

     Also, watch out for this mystery teaser from Air Asia:    



     Happy trip planning!


19 October 2010

Cebu Pacific's Low Seat Sales for Cebu [Until 21 October 2010]

N.B. From @CebuPacificAir via Twitter
On Tuesday 19th October 2010, said:
It's CEBUtiful offer! Grab our low Seat Sale fares to Cebu and other destinations!
DOMESTIC
Manila to Cebu
P399

Cebu to
Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Clark, Davao, Dumaguete,
Iloilo, Surigao or Tacloban
P399

Cebu to
Boracay (Caticlan), Butuan, Dipolog, General Santos,
Legaspi, Ozamiz, Puerto Princesa, Siargao,
Zamboanga or Pagadian
P699

INTERNATIONAL
Manila to Kota Kinabalu
P999

Manila to Jakarta
P1,999

Travel is valid from Dec 1, 2010 - Jan 31, 2011. Hurry, Sale is only until October 21 or until seats last! See you onboard!

      Happy travel planning!

17 October 2010

Philippine Airlines Early Holiday Promo [18 Oct 2010 to 27 Oct 2010]

Early Holiday Promo 

N.B. From the PAL website

     It's never too early to go on a Holiday Spree! Surprising low fares. Valid on specific travel dates.
Early shopping treat from Manila to Guam, Australia, Japan and other selected regional destinations. For sales and ticketing from 18 OCT 2010 until 27 OCT 2010
Book and buy through www.philippineairlines.com using MasterCard or VISA credit card. Or, purchase tickets at Philippine-based PAL ticket offices or travel agents.

Hurry Book now! Limited seats only!

     The offer is likewise valid for Manila to San Francisco and Las Vegas flights and selected domestic flights.

     Happy travel planning! 

 

16 October 2010

Philippine Airlines Midnight Special Sale [Update: Promo ended]



Cebu Pacific's Bangkok and Select Local Flights Seat Sale

 N.B.  From Cebu Pacific's tweet. Sale will commence in an hour or so [midnight GMT+8].  

Di ka magsa-SAWASDEE-to! Our Seat Sale will start in 2 hours! Enjoy low fares to Bangkok and other domestic destinations!

Taipei International Flora Expo: Information




     In order to help out at the PinoyExchange Taiwan travel thread forum, I have compiled useful information regarding the Taipei International Flora Expo which will officially open on 06 November 2010 and it will operate until 25 April 2011.  It already had its soft-opening this October 2010.  Straycat11 from the PinoyExchange forums had visited the site already, and let us await for her first-hand experience once she returns to Manila.

          A.  What is the Taipei International Flora Expo all about?

The International Horticulture Exposition recognized by AIPH was first held in the late 20th century as a major event for lovers of nature and gardening.

The 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will be held from November 6th, 2010 to April 25th, 2011.

This is the first time the event will be held in Taiwan. Taipei is the seventh city in Asia to host such a gardening expo, and this is a chance for Taiwan to show the world its commitment to outstanding gardening and the achievements it has made in the biotechnology sector.

Unlike suburban expositions held in Kunming, Hamanako, Chiang Mai and other cities, the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition will take place in the city center as a response to people’s desire for more urban green spaces. The site plans and designs of this year’s show incorporate urban renewal concepts.

It is estimated that as many as six million tourists will visit Taipei City for the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition. The Expo will help Taiwan share with the world its achievements in the areas of tourism, catering, gardening and biotechnology.

     B.  Logo and Mascots
The Exposition’s Logo
The logo’s dancing petals represent human celebrations and shared values. After a competition that lasted two months, the organizing committee finally decided on a mascot and logo. Designers from Taiwan , Hong Kong , Macao , Europe, Japan and the U.S. all participated in this competition. There were 1669 entries in total, and the winning entry became the unique symbol of the Exposition. The Expo’s logo is based on five simply designed petals, and each petal, flowing with a pattern of moving lines, represents human activities. Each of the five colors—blue, green, red, orange and purple—represents a continent. The five petals combine in abstract images of dancing people. These bright colors also hint at the cheerful atmosphere that will characterize the Expo.
Logo
The Expo Mascot
The Expo’s mascots, flower fairies, play a moving melody about spring, summer, fall and winter. The Expo mascots are inspired by the fairies of the seasons. The band linking them symbolizes the harmony of the four seasons as well as the rhythm of nature. The mascots stand for the four seasons, because in Taiwan , each season brings the blooming of different flowers. The flower fairies form a “flower band.” Together, they serenade us with the melodies of the seasons, and their colorful outfits and friendly smiles express their happiness and passion for the 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition. With the approach of the Expo, our mascot band will bring a cheerful message to every single corner of the world.
吉祥物

     C.  Introduction to the Exposition Site

The 2010 Taipei International Flora Exposition is being held in the Yuanshan area in Taipei City. The expo site is bound by Yuanshan Park, the Taipei Fine Arts Park, Xinsheng Park and Da-jia Riverside Park.
The site sits among some of Taipei’s most fantastic cultural and artistic spots, such as the Zhongshan Soccer Stadium, Taipei Children's Recreation Center, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, Taipei Story House and Lin-An-tai Historical Home. The newly built exposition hall is a new and the completed expo site will have 14 pavilions in total. The total area of 91.8 hectares stands as a testament to healthy and sustainable living in this modern metropolis.
Exposition Areas:1.YuanShan Park Area、2.Taipei Artistic Park Area、3.Xinsheng Park Area、4.Dajia Riverside Park Area

     D.  How to get to the Expo


Information on Access to the EXPO Site
Shuttle Bus from MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) Stations
The Danshui, Luzhou, and Neihu lines of Taipei’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system all have stations near the Expo site, with free shuttle buses from Minquan West Road, Jiantan, and Songshan Airport MRT Stations.
Shuttle Bus from Parking Lots
On weekends and holidays, shuttle bus service to the Expo site will be available from parking lots at Songshan Airport and around Neihu.
         Tour Bus and Intercity Bus Information
Tour bus parking will be available near the Dajia entrance, and there will be a temporary stop for intercity buses at the Xinsheng Park entrance.
Cyclists
Cyclists can take Dajia Park’s bike paths and park in designated bike parking spaces near the Dajia entrance, or park their bikes at the Meiti Pier for the Expo ferry service to Dajia Pier.
“Blue Highway” to the Expo
Sightseeing boats on the Keelung River, calling at Expo locations and nearby points of interest, will be available at the Yuanshan, Dajia, Meiti, and Xikou Piers.
Shuttle Bus Between EXPO Sites
For visitors’ convenience, the north side of the Expo site will be served by free Expo shuttle buses along the Keelung River. The south side of the Expo will be served by free shuttle buses connecting Songshan Airport, Xinsheng Park, and Yuanshan MRT station.
 

     E.  Ticket Prices

     Ticket Information
Ticket Type Terms and Notes Price
Adult Ticket General Admission NT$ 300
Student Ticket Junior high school students and above (with valid student ID) NT$ 200
Discounted Ticket 1. Elementary school students
2. Seniors aged 65 and over (with valid ID)
3. Pregnant women (proof of pregnancy required)
4. Low-income residents (relevant documentation required)
5. Other Taipei City Government-approved discounts
NT$ 150
Afternoon Ticket Admission after 1:00 p.m. NT$ 200
Evening Ticket Admission after 5:00 p.m. NT$ 150
Three-Day Pass Taiwan International Flora Exposition e-ticket card holders (usage limited to a period of three consecutive days, starting from date of first entry) NT$ 600
Flora Expo Pass Taiwan International Flora Exposition e-ticket card holders (unlimited entry over the course of the Expo)
Application forms and photographs are required to purchase Flora Expo passes.  Passes cannot be sold or transferred.  Card holders should enter TIFE venues at the group entrance gate.
NT$ 2,500
Group Tickets Group tickets for parties of 10 or more (entry at the group entrance gate with receipt; tickets effective only on date of purchase) NT$ 180 each
12-Ticket Pack General admission (pack of 12 adult tickets) NT$ 3,300
Free Entry
  1. Children under six years old
  2. Disabled visitors and attendants (one per visitor; “Disabilities Handbook” required)
  3. Bureau of Tourism-certified tour guides accompanied by tour groups
  4. Up to two teachers per school class (reservation required)
  5. Taipei City “Volunteer Service Honor Card” and “Public Welfare Volunteer Card” holders
  6. 2009 Taipei Deaflympics opening or closing ceremony ticket holders (ticket stubs required)
  7. Others that meet Taipei City Government free entry criteria
Free

   
     F.  Where to Buy Tickets

          Just click on the links for ticket purchase and other information (I've tried them and they work).

1.Online
2. CVS Counter:Family Mart Convenience store、Hi-life Convenience store、OK Convenience store

3. Expo Counter:
1.YuanShan Park Area-JiuQuan Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
2.YuanShan Park Area-Children’s Recreation Center Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
3.Xinsheng Park Area-MinZu Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
4.Dajia Riverside Park Area-Dajia Riverside Park Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
5.Blue Highway Entrance(Opening on 2010.11.06)
N.B. This is from the Taipei International Flora Ticket link: http://ticket.2010taipeiexpo.tw/English/ticket03.php


     G.  E-book

         Yes, they have an e-book.  Very informative.  Everything compiled in here.


      All information on this post are from the official website of the Flora Expo and from the links provided therein (click the banner to open the Taipei International Flora Expo website):
     
231x72

Planning for an Adventure in Beijing, China: Part 2 - Visa Requirements

     Yes, we haven't even started compiling the requirements for our travel adventure to Beijing, China, and there are a lot of documents required.  We're applying for a tourist (L) visa, so apparently, these are the requirements taken from the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines:

Air Asia's Seat Sale - Last 2 Days! [Update: Promo ended 17 Oct. 2010]



Booking Period:
13 October 2010 - 17 October 2010   Last 2 Days!
Travel Period: 1 April 2011 - 11 August 2011
Travel Notes
- Advanced booking bequired.
- Fares are not available during embargo period.

     If you're interested to travel to Phnom Penh or Siem Reap in Cambodia, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, or to Chiang Mai, Phuket or Krabi in Thailand, this Air Asia seat sale is for you.  Just plan your travel well, hopping from one country to the next or from one city/region to the other using Air Asia's seat sale.  

     I'm seriously contemplating getting a ticket to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, then fly to Phuket or Krabi, then off to Bangkok, Thailand.  From there, I'll just book a seat sale ticket from Cebu Pacific when it becomes available, to the Philippines.  I'd also want to go to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap but I think I can't go there by myself.

     But then again, I want to go to Japan next year so I might defer any travel plans to countries other than Japan.  Must save for one of my dream destinations.

     N.B. From now on, I'll try to post seat sales for travel in Asia.
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15 October 2010

Philippine Airlines Payday Special [Update: Promo ended]

     From 14 to 15 October 2010, Philippine Airlines gives you a break this payday with special domestic fares.  Travel period: 19 October to 31 December 2010.

     Fares range from Php 788 to Php 1688, one-way, all-in. Limited seats only.

     Happy trip planning!

14 October 2010

Cebu Pacific's 50% off Seat Sale

     All domestic and international flights are 50% off. Booking until 16 October 2010 or until seats last.  Travel period:  Dec. 1 - 31, 2010.

  

Thoughts: Testing - Blogging from Microsoft Word 2010

       

     I bought a new laptop the other day. It's a Sony Vaio E Series laptop [VPCEB23FX] in coconut white. It's 15.5" and has a very excellent 1366x768 widescreen display, an Intel i3 Core, 2.26 ghz, 4g RAM and 320 gb of disk space. It came pre-installed with Windows 7 and Microsoft Office Starter 2010 [Word and Excel only]. Not bad, eh? But it rendered me almost broke. Heh. And I have to pay it in 6 months. Yup. I'm on the edge of being destitute now. Haha! 

 

10 October 2010

Planning for an Adventure in Beijing, China - Part 1


     Now that I've chronicled my Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China, adventures, I'll make entries for my Baguio, Philippines, and Bangkok, Thailand, trips earlier this year, but not extensively.  I will be focusing heavily on planning my Beijing, China, trip for November, like planning where to stay, where to go, how to get there, where to dine and shop, and visa application, among others.

Cebu Pacific's 10 - 10 - 10 Seat Sale [Update: Promo ended]

      In a few minutes, Cebu Pacific's Systemwide Seat Sale this 10/10/10 will start.  Here are the details:


07 October 2010

Hong Kong Adventure - Last Day in Hong Kong Riding the Tram and the Star Ferry

  


     After our Shenzhen adventure, we went back to Hong Kong via train to Hung Hom and the MTR going to Nathan Road.  I didn't eat dinner anymore.  Well, I was so tired anyways. After resting for 30 minutes or so, I took a quick shower then I retired for the night; I don't sleep without taking a bath whenever I spend a whole day outdoors.

     The following day, we checked-out early, before 12 p.m., because we were planning to ride the tram around the city and do some last minute-shopping.  We knew that we would not be able to return to the hotel before our check-out time.  We left our luggage at the hotel considering that we have to return there for our bus pick-up going to the airport.

     We ate lunch at Kanamizu in TST, near the MTR exit.  I had their saba set meal, and I took a picture of the cute guy who was preparing the sushi at the conveyor.  Heehee.  After lunch, we headed to the Star Ferry terminal.




     We walked quite a distance to the Star Ferry from our hotel.  I like walking, and I rarely get tired from walking.  But see, the sun and the heat are not my friends; they can turn me from fab to wasted in a couple of minutes.  Well, when we finally reached the station, I was a mess.  Thank god for the huge ventilating fans at the waiting area!

     After a few minutes, the ferry arrived.  There weren't many people; after all, it was lunch time already.  The view, as always, was great. A little foggy, but still great.  We alighted at Central and set out the daunting task of finding the tram station.




     We found a tram station alright, somewhere in Central, but only after asking people where we could find it.  Again, please learn from my experience: research and preparation are really important.  Getting lost or walking too far a route will just waste your precious time.

     And so, we queued at the tram stop and we were able to ride a jam-packed tram.  You enter from the rear and you exit at the front.  For a fixed price of HKD 2.00, I stood on the second floor as there was no more room on the first deck.  The tram was so narrow. A couple of times, I almost lost my balance.  I was standing near the stairs so I was afraid that I might fall down.  It was an experience nonetheless.  I was able to get a seat two stops before alighting at Sogo, Causeway Bay. 

     Although it was a weekday, Sogo was teeming with people; shoppers everywhere!  It was such a busy place; so busy that we didn't stay for long.  Besides, it was almost time for our bus to pick us up.  This time, we returned to the hotel via the MTR.

     Back at the hotel, we scoured the nearby Sasa for treats and souvenirs for our family and co-workers.  By 5 o'clock, the bus going to the airport picked us up.  I was so happy because the driver had Totoro plushies and tissue holder on the bus.  Definitely a fan of My Neighbor Totoro, like me.  




     Finally, it was time to leave Hong Kong.  I was tired, but I was happy.



04 October 2010

Shenzhen Adventure (Part III) - Splendid China and the Dragon and Phoenix Show (with videos)

     
     After going to two factories, the guide told us that she'll accompany us for some shopping.  We told her that we'd like to avail of their services for Splendid China so we'd see the performances later at night.  Touring with them wouldn't be cheap.  They charged us RMB 280 per person inclusive of the ticket for the show.  I know that the entrance is RMB 120, so, assuming the show is RMB 50 for VIP seats, the tour company raked in around RMB 110 per pax.  We'll I don't know if our tickets were VIP because, if not, general admission tickets should have been free. But we're in the middle section, very near the stage, and it was reserved by our guide beforehand, so what do we know? 

     Anyway, what matters is that we had a tour guide who led us to significant places to visit during our short period of roaming around the park.  And we had a chauffeur-driven van.

     According to our guide, the park is divided into two: the wonders of China (I made that description, I forgot how she said it), and the ethnic tribes of China.  We can only choose one because each part would take two hours to visit, and it was 4:00 p.m. already.  We chose the wonders of China.

     Having a tour guide really helps.  They know where to take you the easiest way possible.  We had an expedited wonders of China tour, and she said it was only a third of it.  We got to see the Potala Palace, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Xian warriors, and many, many more.  The tour guide told us  the names of each sight we visited but I wasn't paying attention, so there. 

     I know, I know.  I'll be in Beijing in two months' time for a six-day trip.  Yup, I'll get the chance to see the Forbidden Palace, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and of course, the Great Wall of China, among others, for real. But it's still a treat to see these sites' mini-me versions, reminds me of  the former Nayong Pilipino  near the NAIA terminal 1 airport my family used to visit when I was just a little girl.



 






 




     It was nearly nightfall and our much-anticipated activity was about to start.  The highlight of the day: the Dancing of the Dragon and Phoenix performance.  The outdoor theater was packed with Japanese and Indonesian tourists; the stage was huge, and so was the video screen.  We settled in our seats early, and there were security people present to usher guests to their seats.  The video screen was playing snippets of the parks three performances: the Oriental Apparel (or something), the Horse-back Battle, and the Dragon and Phoenix  Show.  I have a video of the Horse-back Battle below (people around us were noisy):




   
     The Dragon and Phoenix Show? It was spectacular!  It had everything: comedy, dancing, folklore, customs and traditions, acrobatics, beautiful people and colorful costumes, fire, water, lanterns, flowers, dragon dance, battle scenes, weddings, feasts, horse-back riding, sheeps, and of course, magnificent fireworks, among others.  For one hour, I was transfixed by the show.  Suddenly, I felt that my RMB 280 was worth it.

    An excerpt from the show:





03 October 2010

Shenzhen Adventure (Part II) - Luo Hu Border to the Window of the World, Lunch and Factories

  
 
     You'll definitely get a different vibe once you step outside of the border.  Immediately, the pace gets slower, really, no joke.  And it seems that there are less people milling around; the place is almost sleepy.  Well, it was 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon already, so, perhaps, the people were taking their siesta.




     We, on the other hand, were feeling famished and started eating the bread we bought at the Lowu station while walking with our guide.  She lead us across the Luo Hu Commercial Center, into the almost deserted parking lot, and then to an overpass going to the main street (see pic below).  Apparently, our van was waiting for us there.  The guide told us that she'll be taking us to lunch, which was included in the tour, but we had to stop by the Windows of the World for some picture taking.  One shot would be free, and the others, optional for a fee (they'll print your photo onto a plate, like in the Hong Kong city tour).




     Our guide was friendly and informative.  She told us a brief history of Shenzhen, how the city differs from Hong Kong, why Hong Kong people are starting to buy condos in Shenzhen, about the border crossings, etc.  Of course, she told us about the sights worth exploring in Shenzhen.

     After some twenty minutes or so, with no traffic, we finally reached the spacious grounds of  the Window of the World. We only took pictures outside. But what we saw was beautiful, and though the Eiffel tower's just a replica, it's still huge.  We headed for lunch after taking pictures under the scorching sun.  It's summer after all.






     The lunch we had was a feast.  There were four dishes, a soup, watermelon for dessert, and the hot tea was flowing (by the pitcher).  It's definitely tasty.  The restaurant services tourists by the busloads.  Guess dining is part of the tours in Mainland China.






     The tour guide told us that we're going to two factories, and since we opted to join the tour, going there is compulsory.  Of course, we know why this tour was just for free and optional.  You'll never get around to see anything at all.  If you do, it'll be very little and the time it'll eat, a large chunk.  You'll be ushered into factories whether you like it or not.  Anyway, that's what tours usually do.  When I go to Beijing and join a tour, it'll probably be the same.  The tour companies need to earn money, right?  Anyway, just don't buy at the jade or jewelry factory.  Most likely, it'll be fake.  Jade and gold jewelry at dirt cheap prices?  Nah.  Remember, real gold is never cheap; on the other hand, gold-plated and costume jewelry is cheap.    Anyway, we asked our tour guide about the items inside the factories and she told us that they call it gold but it's not the gold that we know.  She might be referring to gold-plated jewelry. So buyers beware.

  

Updating my Travel Entries

     
     I'm in the process of checking and re-checking my blog for errors.  I'm also re-uploading pictures, and adding some new ones.  I started this blog a couple of months ago not knowing how to post and edit pictures.   In fact, I didn't even know how to post and edit my entries.  I'm so technologically-challenged.  Please bear with me.  

     Thanks for reading my blog!  I hope you find some information somewhere along the lines. ;-)

02 October 2010

Just Dance! Cebu Pacific's Dancing Flight Attendants

     Who says the in-flight safety demo is boring? [Raises hand].  I've flown quite extensively internationally  for vacations, and locally, especially in 2008 till the early part of this year, because of my job. I usually take the Cebu Pacific flights; they're cheaper if you buy tickets during their seat sales.  Well, the first time you ride a plane, you watch the demo with a hawk's eye, but as you fly more often, it gets boring, then, so so so boring, to the point that you don’t pay attention to it at all.

     But then again, Cebu Pacific makes the safety demo interesting.  Their flight attendants are keeping with the beat to Lady Gaga's Just Dance and Katy Perry's California Gurls while demonstrating the safety features of the plane and emergency guidelines.  Yup.  They're demonstrating and dancing.  What a fun idea.  However, don't enjoy it too much lest you end up forgetting about what's really important: the safety demo.

   With almost 1.5 million hits, enjoy the video courtesy of wingco1129:



Shenzhen Adventure (Part I) - Half Day Trip from Hong Kong



     We boarded a train going to the Lowu border.  Keep in mind that the East Rail station services both the Lowu and the Lok Ma Chau borders, so before you hop on that train, make sure it is the correct one.  There are 12 stations in all from Hung Hom to either Lowu or Lok Ma Chau, so it's quite a ride, around 30 minutes or so.  And unlike the MTR, the train runs above ground so there's plenty to see.



     Really, if I could just press my nose against the window, I would.  Though it might be unsanitary, it'll be worth it as the view from the train is really nice: mountains, grass, flowers, buildings, and the vast expanse of  sky.  Besides, I really love trains and train tracks.  It fascinates me.  Yup, maybe because I'm just a crazy girl.








     When the train stopped at the Lowu Station, I felt my anticipation rising.  Really.  I was just a few steps away from Mainland China.  Yipee.  My companions and I walked going to the immigration area which was not hard to find.  Just follow the signs and you'll definitely see it.  On a busy day, our tour guide told us  about the horde of people we'd see, so we should just keep on walking; don't stop along the way lest you get swarmed by fast-moving people.  For non-HK and mainland tourists, keep to your left.  The center sign says for "Hong Kong residents" and the right side for "Mainland Chinese visitors." Then, we finally reached the turnstiles!  It was a good thing that we came on a weekday.  It was not as busy as expected.






     By this time, we've seen the China Immigration sign and we met our tour guide at the immigration counter and she handed our group visa, which was merely a printed document with our names on it and some other details.  We were asked to line up according to the list on our group visa.  And guess what? There were no stamps on our passports that we entered Shenzhen.  We only had a stamp beforehand that we left Hong Kong.  The Shenzhen arrival stamp was placed on the group visa.

     And, we've officially reached Shenzhen!  Once you step into Shenzhen, Lowu becomes Luohu!  Ni hao, Shenzhen!
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