2012 Travel Round up: A Good Year

As 2012 comes to an end and 2013 is fast-approaching, I think this is the best time of the year to stop for a moment and look back though the past months and reflect on great adventures, journeys and travels. So as far as the end of the world is not happening this year, I would like to partake my 2012 memorable travels. I’m a little bit sad that I only ticked off a few bucket list compare to last year nevertheless this year gave me an opportunity to work in Malaysia. Now is the time to dwell on the great wanderlust, memories and to thank God for all the blessings.

A new beginning in January

I ran off to Bicol, I celebrated New Years Eve wakeboarding in Camsurs’ popular watersports in CWC. I tortured myself with excitement and adventure every time I hit the board since I am not really into sports. The scars and bruises matters not. I spent a day at Mt. Isarog to rejuvenate myself unto its therapeutic hot and cold springs. I revisited the perfect cone shape of Mayon Volcano, hiked Lignon hill for the nth time and indulged myself into the mouth-watering authentic foods of Albay.

End of January, I went to Hongkong to celebrate Chinese New Year and revisited Macau with friends. I’ve got to experience winter in both countries, ate Chinese and Macanese foods, hopped into the cable car for the first time, haggled shopping, met not just one but 10,000 Buddhas, and finally revived my childhood dream of visiting Disneyland.

February on the road

I found myself canoeing in PPUR– the world’s largest underground river in Palawan. I am definitely proud of my country and being able to visit one of the new wonders of the world. Basked in Honda Bay, tasted tamilok and crocodile sisig for the first time and cancelled my flight back to Manila to hit the road to El Nido, one of my dream destinations in the Philippines and I made it! I met a couple of Russian women, spent in the islands on a budgeted tour and had my most wonderful island hopping ever. I can say El Nido is one of the main highlights of my 2012 travel.

Just before the love month ends, I flew back to Bicol and revitalized myself in the hot springs of Sorsogon. I travelled back in time with its old churches and ruins. I spent long rainy days pampering at orange and pink spa, food tripping and getting along with the locals.

Typically on Foot in March

First weekend of March, I conquered the most stunning Mt. Pinatubo. The trek was exhausting but the rewarding view of the crater was fantastic. I’ve seen Aetas for the first time and swam unto the turquoise water of the lake to soothe myself.

Mid March I’ve got the chance to witness the BTS show of Pop Talk where I met Anton Carranza of Pusangkalye. It was a combo trip: Kabayan, Blue Coral and La Luz Resort in San Juan Batangas.

I had my pre summer trip to Coritos Garden, a Bali inspired resort in Batangas where I spoiled myself swimming, eating and simply just sipping a cold beverage to beat the heat.

The Joy of April

While everyone is rushing to hit the beach, I headed to a not so crowded Burot Beach in Batangas. I soaked myself unto its serene water, cooked grilled pork and merely laze around the undeveloped beach away from the hustle bustle of the metro.

Mid April I transported back in the Spanish regime at Intramuros, Manila with Reyfi. I was his tour guide that time. We had an amazing bonding despite the heavy rain.

Just when I thought I had more summer escapades in the Philippines. I had an offer to work in Malaysia – truly asia. I left the Philippines with heartache at the end of April and after 2 days in KL, I got the chance to see the twin towers of Petronas.

Hangover in May

I celebrated my birthday in Cyberjaya and Putrajaya. I met new friends both Filipinos and Foreigners. I was able to witness the Youth Tourism Fair in Putrajaya.

Shopped all the way and explore the best of Putrajaya. I climbed the 272 steps to Batu Caves, a hindu temple of Lord Murugan. The first hindu temple I visited. Overloaded food at China town where I had my first Makan Makan and Jalan Jalan experience.

Lost in June

I got lost in the woods of FRIM in Kepong with Robbie Bautista of the “TheTravellingDork“. It was a surprising trek and walked through the magical canopy walkway where I saw rainforest of Malaysia for the first time. It’s a nice piece of jungle, exciting and awesome trek with a little bit twist of being lost and found ourselves back in the trail.

I had a gastronomic taste of a 48 year old-style Kopitiam restaurant in KL at Yut Kee which Rebecca Saw, a Malaysian Blogger introduced to us. There I had the chance to met two awesome Pinoy Travel Bloggers, Mica Rodriguez of Senyorita and Edgar Alan Zeta Yap of Eazy Traveler. I was blown away by their delicious Hainanese Pork Chop. It was an amazing treat from Becky. Meeting new friends with the same passion for travel and food was a wonderful experience.

Fly high in July

I have a confession to make, I heart Parasailing and I did it in Batu Ferringhi, Penang. The view was remarkable. Penang’s trip was the most relaxing trip of this year.

The food served in Penang was definitely a heaven in my stomach. I visited the famous chinese, buddhist and even burmese temple in Georgetown and I really enjoyed haggling in Penang’s awesome night market in Batu Ferringhi. I also got the chance to witness Floria 2012 in Putrajaya.

Food Porn in August

Instead of ending into shopping spree in Hari Raya’s Sale. I ended checking out the old temples in KL, Masjid Jamek and Sze Ye Temple.

A walk in China Town’s Petaling Street and getting into food porn in Bukit Bintang’s Jalan Alor was awesome.

Rainy September

This month was the busiest month of my career. I only indulged myself into food tripping in Cyberjaya at Malaysian, Indian, Chinese and even Persian Foodies.

An escape to Taman Tasik’s lake was my official stress reliever of this month. Nothing beats seeing nature at its best!

October—fest

I was amazed by the bright lights of Shah Alam’s I City. Played games like the ones in the Perya, great way to enjoy after a hectic days at work.

The LED lights looks great to my eyes. Got drunk in Bukit Bintang with friends.

Almost November

I visited Masjid Wilayah Persekutan, a nice blue mosque in KL. I covered my hair as respect to the mosque. I found it really amazing despite the under constructions going on. I checked out Bukit Jalil’s street foodies and once again the food tripping never stops!

I was happy to finally meet the special couple Sky and Summer of Bound for two. We had staycation at D’Melor during Sky’s birthday. We had fun swimming and eating. Probably the last Pinoy Travel Bloggers I’ve been with this year but still hoping to bump another member of PTB before the year ends.

Jonker December

I traversed back in time in Mallaca’s historical site. I finally experienced Jonker Walk. I rode a cable car again but this time in Genting Highlands. It was a bit cold, only had more interactions with the indoor activities than the outdoor since it was raining. I checked out Chin Swee temple over a cup of tea. I walked on the cobblestones of Colmar Tropicale – a french themed resort. Wore kimono dress for the first time in Japanese Village in Berjaya Hills. I am currently looking forward to my upcoming tour in Langkawi this December 28. I hope that i will have a blast on New Years Eve.

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One of the things i love 2012 was to experience the PNR train, moving out to Malaysia and more unplanned trips. 2012 was A-W-E-S-O-M-E!

This is my entry to the ;Pinoy Travel Bloggers‘ ;Blog Carnival for December 2012 ;with the theme ;

“2012: This Year In Travel” hosted by Gay Mitra-Emami of Pinay Travel Junkie
and Regine Camille Garcia of Between Coordinates.

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;For previous Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival topics, click the logo below.