Darmada haven by the off the beaten track

Sidemen in Bali, Indonesia is considered by guidebooks as one of the off the beaten tracks.  One can go on endless treks without meeting other tourists.  You can simply enjoy the place by yourself.  But, this doesn't mean that the place is replete of places where you can lay your head to rest...  There are simply places that pampers you.  Darmada is one of those places...

 

Caving at Ha Long

While preparing for my 3-day trip to Hanoi, the most I could do was decide the choice places to go.  I spent most of my time looking for the correct footwear.  Why?  I was scared to encounter an unnecessary accident in negotiating the 'famous' cave in Ha Long.  It took me two agonizing days to search and look for the right footwear.

So I reached Ha Long Bay ever ready to tackle any type of cave with a no slip formula.  However, I found out that the cave we went to was too friendly and I was just preparing for the 'worstest' scenario.  Still, it was a good cave that we were into.

Ha Long Rocks

Either way you read the title of this blog.  You may understand this in many ways.  But truly, Ha Long Bay is  a standout.

I detest the mass tourism of the area.  The unimaginable ecological impact brought to the place is way too much.  For example, the water is so murky.  I never thought of taking a dip in those waters. 

But the rock formations is another topic.  Hands down, it was what I came in for.  And for whatever criticisms I can talk about the place, the rock formations is still a winner.

Elsewhere, in those cliffs, you get a glimpse of the towering gods.

rock formation inside a cave.

colorful stalactites

I looked up looking for something great and got rewarded with something way much greater.

The Blue Mansion

One of the must-visit sites in Penang, Malaysia is the Blue Mansion.  Located just at the center of Georgetown is this amazingly blue-painted mansion of superior heritage and stories to tell.  One needs to come in one of the four guided tour schedules in a day to know more about the place.  The guides display love of the place and guards the area (no photos inside) like it were theirs.  Here are some photos of the place.

A vigilant personnel (he sees to it that no one clicks photos inside the mansion)

The guardhouse

First section of the house

the bikes

Ching, trying out a pose

my colleagues in their final pose

the 'upstairs'

the door

the guide explained about feng shui.  i was half listening

the gate

enjoying the bluish background

Other Activities when in Penang, Malaysia

The whole area of Georgetown is a UNESCO heritage area.  It is where most of the artsy, fancy and touristic stuff happens.  However, there are more exciting things to do more than being with the happy shutters all the time.

1.  Take a walk.  Yes, I know.  Georgetown is by itself a walking city. What I mean here is to take the hard walk.  Go to Penang Hill.  It is a cardio walk.  (If you don't want to pay 30RM for the funicular ride, you may start tackling the hill from the Botanical Garden nearby.  It is for around 3-4 hours walk uphill)

It was simply the fun of being together that kept us going

Slowing down but persistent

Something caught their curiosity...

2.  While at Take time to enjoy the diversity of its flora and fauna...

The monkey cup

spot the monkey

3.  Take the funicular.  Actually, not just once.  Kek Lok Seh Temple also got another one.

4.  Go to more temples.  (I'll blog more about Kek Lok Seh)

5.  Enjoy the food.

6.  Enjoy the company of friends or yourself.

A vegetarian in Penang

First vegetarian Lunch in Penang

Apparently, we spent our first lunch at the wrong place.  One of my friends entered into a place that spelt a total vegetarian atmosphere.  I the enthusiast who followed him inside was in all awe and wonders.  The local was a bit disappointed.  He wanted us to get into the best banana leaf place.

accidental but lovely mistake

last lunch with a deacon

we finished out meals

We ordered an authentic vegetarian lunch to share.  

 It was a food with the word ‘ulam’ on it… Over-all, I liked the ambiance of the restaurant.  The staff were very gentle and accommodating.  We enjoyed taking photos there.

More tips:

1.  Vegetarian food is cheaper than meat.

2.  If you are unsure, ask.

3.  Honestly declare that you are vegetarian.  There is no harm in letting the kitchen know that you mean business.

Backpacking 101 for veggies and lone travellers

How did I spend in my 6-day trip to Penang?  I didn't splurge.  I lived.

Here are some helpful discovery learned in my latest travel:

Am always amazed by graffitti

Wishing Ribbons.  Yeah, wishes are too colorful and free...

The Hindu Temple by Penang Hills

The caption looked too healthy but clearly, it is not.  hahaha

1.  Pack lightly.
2.  Plan your luggage well.  Don't forget the laundry soap.
3.  NAIA 3's best food shop for vegetarians is 7-11.  They sell fresh fruits.  I spent P56 pesos for a hearty lunch. 
4. Arriving at LCCT,  do not grab the first fruit, salad or veggie stall.  Take time to go around.  I settled for the rojak store.  A local helped me in finding the right mix.  8 RM.  Fruit juice for 4.5 RM.  A popular juice stand before the entrance of the terminal sells juice for 11 RM...
5. The Emporium shop sells cheaper food and drinks inside the pre-departure area.  A water bottle is for 2 RM  In some shops, it is for 5 RM...
6. I caught up with sleep on the plane.  I anticipated for delayed arrivals and late pick up.
7. The vegetarian restaurant at LCCT serves Indian food.  Be decisive on what to order and then smile...
8. Don't expect to get a good internet connection in airport terminals.  Stock on e-books or take time to edit.
9. Take more photos.  It is free...
10. Connect with friends.  (And then being alone is truly relative)

Visiting places where climate change is so real

CHILDREN EVERYWHERE  (our official welcome party)

ADAPTABILITY since water could be just everywhere, even the pigs are secured.  They stay with humans sometimes...

I went to a densely populated isle...  Where climate change is lived and where the people normalized this occurrence. 

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT.  But this is nothing when the waters come rushing in.  The king of the island is simply the tides.

THE WATERS...  At least, the waters were not murky.  The ocean tides closed in.

NORMALIZED.  The kids welcome the water with glee (and all other creatures living and non-living). The microbiologists say otherwise.

ANOTHER ORDINARY DAY.  The lady washing her clothes beside the house pig while another kept them company.

WAITING.  Mother and child looking at the water...