2013: Best Year Ever

2013 – A year of reflection and unplanned trips. It was like strolling along the seashore searching for something and discovering wonders within the imperfections of life. I’ve been baffling inside. Depressions, herzschmerz, realizations, letting go of the things that are not meant to be but on the other hand traveling is my only refuge. I feel so blessed in 2013. I can only look back with a smile and I am finally ready to close the chapter of my wanderlust adventures in 2013 and embracing new exciting journeys in 2014. Another year of memories to count on, cherish and value. So here’s a look back.

1. NYE on the Beach: Langkawi Style

That moment you realized you belong to the new heroes zone called OFW. I’m no hero but living in Malaysia for almost two years now has been an eye opening for everything. Being away, It makes me value my family more than anything else. So no matter how far I am to my real family, I am truly blessed to the family I set for myself here in Malaysia. Hit the road to Langkawi and welcomed 2013 with a blast on the beach. The Cable Car Ride, the Seven Wells, the crowd, the sound of the waves, the lanterns on the sky, the people, the alcohol and sun rays that sieve through the leaves of trees. New Year has never been the same.

2. CNY in Krabi, Thailand

The road to Krabi was probably the most spontaneous trip ever. Unplanned adventures that turned out to be beyond wonderful. I can’t imagine I crossed out one of my Bucketlist in 2012 – The Beach – Maya Bay, Phi Phi Island and discovering Bamboo Island which eventually became one of the best beach I’ve been to. Who would have thought that I’ll enjoy the Phalusses in Phra Nang Cave? Just kidding. It’s weird but I like it. All the efforts of being a chance passenger, crazy overland trip, lump on the throat in immigration area all paid off.

 

 

 

3. Back in Malacca

I never thought I would go back to Malacca sooner than I realized. My legs were injured when I first set foot in Melaka. On my second visit, I was relaxed. Spending it with a fellow traveler who also wants to take Melaka slow was more enjoyable. Melaka is a charming city with its historical sites. Places of interest includes Jonker Street, Heritage sites, temples, Melaka River Night Cruise. We did Coffee Hopping from Calanthe Art Cafe to Lao Qian Cafe. Food trips at Capitol Satay Celup, Jonker 88 and The Baboon House, Chung Wah. The Baboon House is my favorite hanged out in Melaka. I will certainly go back all for Baboon Beef Burger! Never knew the place exists. Thanks to Robx! Chung Wah is hands down. Now I know why the queue there seems to be like a movie blockbuster. Three words to sum up our Melaka trip: CHICKEN RICE BALLS

4. Summer in the Philippines

A year without exploring the pristine beaches and hidden gems of the Philippines is an incomplete year for me. Covering Beaches in LuzViMinda I dare say is more fun in the Philippines. Happy feet, happy people, happy vacation and best zaaammmerrr of all time.

Luzon: I’ve been eyeing Fortune Island since 2009 and visiting the abandoned Luxury Island in 2013 with friends was amazing despite the strong waves. The journey was all worth it, in the name of the ruins of Grecian Pillars. Amen!

Visayas: What is traveling without spending it with loved ones? It has been a decade since my last visit in Isla de Bantayan. Bantayan Island is one of the most wonderful island in the Philippines. Home of the fine white sand and pristine beaches. Bantayan Island is considered as a haven of paradise for travelers and tourists but for me Bantayan is where my family is. My mom’s hometown which I considered my second home next to Negros Occidental, it is where I used to play with my cousins and other close relatives when I was a kid, where we go every summer for relaxation, where I escaped when dilemma arise. Bantayan is HOME. I could enumerate thousands of memories in this island but it will take forever to note it down. It’s just heartbreaking that the Island I called home was hit by the cruelty of the typhoon Yolanda.

Mindanao: Catching the waterfalls of Tinuy-an, the glimpse of the rainbow and the sprinkle of the waters while on a bamboo raft was an intense feeling of bliss. I never thought to marvel the Islands of Britania which isn’t even part of the plan. Despite the habal-habal accident on our way to Enchanted River. My Surigao del Sur days was still amazing. Tri-Aqua achievement unlocked.

 

5. Theme Park All The way

Reyfi visited me in Malaysia and we went to the usual Petronas towers, Putrajaya Sightseeing and suddenly our feet brought us to Sunway Lagoon where staffs did not allow me to Bungee Jump due to wounds in my leg I got from the Motorcycle accident in Hinatuan. It has always been our dream to conquer our fear of heights and Bungee Jumping was a plan! it was a plan! I was disappointed but I don’t want to take that leap to jeopardize my health. I don’t know if its me or whenever I plan for something there is 90% chance that it wont happen.

 

The very next day, we were blown away by transformers ride in Universal Studios Singapore. I don’t know how did it happen but we don’t fancy Amusement Parks. Turns out we had an amazing ride of our adults life.

6. Vietnam – Cambodia – Thailand Solo Backpacking Trip

I booked a last minute flight to Ho Chi Minh and a bus ticket from Hatyai back to KL. I wasn’t quiet sure what I’m to. It was my birth month and I want it to be memorable.

I fell in love with Nguyen’s Cafe Sua Dua. I learned that the best way to travel is to take everything slow and the wonderful things happen when you begin to walk. I love walking how near the attractions in Saigon. Visited Cu Chi Tunnels where I met new friends from Canada and US. I spent the night drinking Saigon beer and discovered this place called Up Cafe where everything is upside down. I met a new friend in Siem Reap and Bayon became my favorite temple in the complex of Wat. Back to Bangkok after half a decade, spent time with Tanya in one of the Coolest Coffee shop in Sukhumvit. I was disappointed with Pattaya five years ago but the place deserve a second chance. I celebrated my birthday in Tien Beach Koh Larn with friends and getting hammered over a couple of Chang.

Had an elephant ride in Hatyai, not the best ride but I still charge it to experience. I’ve found the cheapest Bee Tai Bak served in clay pot in Khlong Hae Floating Market in Hatyai. Spend the rest of the time relaxing at Samila Beach.

The Solo Backpacking trip was too fabulous I had post-travel blues.

7. The Flower Festival

They call it FLORIA. Every year they held this event in Waterfront Putrajaya with exciting theme. Last year was Bougainvillea enduring beauty and this year is Orchid Tropical Treasure. What I love most about the event is the Night floral Parade in Seri Wawasan Bridge. It’s always magical and looking forward to witness this event next year.

 

8. All About Tea and Strawberry

That spur of the moment you hit the road out of fernweh. We drive through Pahang for tea, strawberry and whatnot. The tudor-style of the houses and hotels, lush greenery plantation of Cameron Highlands was reinvigorating. It somehow felt like Baguio all over again.

9. Staycation at The Crib – Bukit Bintang

I won a free night worth RM368 stay at The Crib Bukit Bintang Kuala Lumpur. How did I win? I just like their FB page, posted and tagged on my FB wall that I like The Crib Bukit Bintang and voilà, I was selected as one of the 5 lucky winners. It was definitely a decent stay which is ideally in the heart of the Shopping Center in KL and a few walks to Sungei wang Plaza, accessible to the nearest Imbi Monorail Station. I stayed in a 1 Bedroom Deluxe Apartment, I stroll around Pavillion, Jalan alor, Sungei wang like a first-timer. I love the location!

10. Tioman is an Island

Nothing beats the sound of water lapping against the shore. Tioman Island tropical breeze, gorgeous waters and a haven for divers. It’s duty-free Island! It’s not easy to get cheap liquor in Cyberjaya so I got myself a bottle of Jack, Martini and a few french wines. All tax free of course! My adventures in tioman was cut short due to limited time but I swear to go back next year.

 

11. Hari Raya Holiday in Koh Samui

While everyone’s taking a Raya Holiday break back to their home towns and Cyber is nothing but a walking dead zone. We can’t let the holiday pass without spending it somewhere nice. In spite the expected traffic in Malaysia, it didn’t stop us to hit the road to Surathani Province. Koh Samui has a lot to offer from serene beaches, Emerald Lake, Chaweng crazy party nights, fire dancing, temples here and there, three islands connected in a sand strips to weird rocks with genital shapes. Amazeballs!

12. Land of the countless Temples

Last time I checked I was just craving for Pancit Canton but I realize my desire for travel is much stronger. My craving for travels never stop. The inevitable to travel solo happen again. Before the year ends, I knew i’ll uttered these words “Mingalaba Burma!” It was one of the best travels of the year. Classic temples, awesome people, festive food, thanaka experience and the people I’ve met on the road was priceless. My Myanmar journey was full of surprises. I never expect my trip to be as wonderful as the country itself. I am crossing my fingers to go back especially now that its VISA FREE!!!

 

Meet ups:

First off, it was retrovailles. After a couple of months my best friend and I met again. It was like nothing has changed. I moved to Malaysia and she recently lived in Qatar. Friendship knows no distance. We staycation at Sama Sama Hotel, Stroll at Shah Alam’s I-City and Makan Makan in Jalan alor like an epicure.
It was a whole day meet up with Kat and Claire. We explored Putrajaya under the hot sunny sunday afternoon. From Mosques, lakes, federal buildings to bridges and we could converse forever like we’ve known each other for a long time.

Aha, I’ve met Sky and Summer last year and our friendship grows since then. It’s amazing how people you’ve met because of travel can become your real friends. We organize a meet up with Mai – the queen of Budget Byahera and Mj – Fashion Travels in Nandos Klcc. I was happy to finally meet them and I hope it wont stop there.

 

A meet up with Doi gave me a chance to meet some of Cebu Travel Bloggers. Food, drinks and Smalltalk in Chinatown. Getting to know people who share the same travel interest before the year ends was awesome. It was nice meeting all of you: Doi, Sinjin, Dylan, Ayn, Carla, Angeli, Thank you Melo for the treat and for the take home – Char Kuey Teow!

Lastly, I participated in Malaysian Travel Bloggers Meet up at The Centre for Asian Photographers One jaya hosted by Sedunia Travel. Casual setting to share stories and mingle with other bloggers. There was also a talk Q&A to help bloggers improve their blog. It was an opportunity to met bloggers, people from Social Media and Tourism.

Routine and Boredom are my greatest fears. I am glad 2013 turns out to be different and crazy! Another year of travel achievements and experiencing the world on my own. Curtains closing now. Good bye and Thank You 2013! Looking forward to welcome 2014 on the top of the hills of Genting.

Happy New Year & Safe Travels!

 

This is my entry to Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival for December 2013, with the theme: “Closing the Curtains on 2013: Love, Learn and Living.” Hosted by Brenna Bustamante  of The Philippine Travelogue.