KL-Melaka-SG, Bali, Brunei-KK: A Crazy Backpacking Trip
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with only 30,000 Php (600 USD) each in their pockets,
traveled for three weeks
to six cities/destinations (Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Singapore, Bali, Bandar Seri Begawan, Kota Kinabalu)
in four countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, ) .
*Airfare excluded (PHP 11,442- for all our 4 flights)
How foolish was that? Oh yes, we were that crazy! My friends and I were too busy prior this trip. So none of us made a planned itinerary nor have read nor researched about where we're going. We also weren't able to change our PHP to USD (ganoon kami ka-busy that time, talo tuloy kami sa palitan, sobrang baba ng Peso huhu).
Our mantra- be spontaneous, explore, and be surprised by what these places offer. As backpackers would say , travel with less plans and more freedom. Wala na ngang plano, wala pang pera haha and that made our trip even crazier. But we definitely had fun, getting lost, and eventually being found (bakit may hugot ka besh?). We literally, yaaas literally, just wandered around and let our feet bring us anywhere it wants. For this trip wasn't intended to be a vacation, but an adventure, and indeed, it became one.
This was our actual travel route. We had a total of four flights, and three bus trips. We flew from the Philippines to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Took a bus from KL to Melaka , then explored Melaka for a day. Then hopped on another bus from Melaka to Singapore. Flew from SG to Bali and Bali to Brunei (we had a 9hr layover at KL). And finally took a bus from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu and flew back to Pinas. Oh , we found out that from Sendamak, Malaysia you can take a ferry going to Zamboanga , Philippines ( hmmmm sounds fun, maybe one day we'll try this route).
Few tips
1. Research well (sabay harap sa salamin huhuhaha). Have maps. By the way, we didn't buy any sim card and/or pocket wifi. Of course it's better if you have one. But there's free wifi almost everywhere so yeah haha, we didn't bother buying (tipid mode and diskarte moves lang yan).
2. Exchange your money at the airport just enough for a day's expense, then find a money changer at the city center. The most trusted money changer that has good exchange rates in all SEA countries that we've been to is Western Union. Be extra careful, there are a lot of money changer scams, especially in Bali.
3. Pack light. Bring sunscreens, hats, and umbrellas. Weather in Malaysia and Brunei is unpredictable (parang yung gf mong laging may mood swings haha).
4. Use Booking.com app in booking your hotels and inns. Though you can also use Agoda and Air BnB, Booking.com is our personal preference. We only book our accommodations a day or two days prior our trip on a certain destination, and we always made sure that there are no cancellation fees, so we can easily change our itineraries.
5. Respect their culture and their laws. Follow dress codes especially when entering temples and mosques.
6. Smile and greet people. Meeting new people has always been the highlight of all my trips. Really, it's awe-inspiring.
*Pictures are unfiltered, unedited, and raw.
traveled for three weeks
to six cities/destinations (Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Singapore, Bali, Bandar Seri Begawan, Kota Kinabalu)
in four countries (Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, ) .
*Airfare excluded (PHP 11,442- for all our 4 flights)
How foolish was that? Oh yes, we were that crazy! My friends and I were too busy prior this trip. So none of us made a planned itinerary nor have read nor researched about where we're going. We also weren't able to change our PHP to USD (ganoon kami ka-busy that time, talo tuloy kami sa palitan, sobrang baba ng Peso huhu).
Our mantra- be spontaneous, explore, and be surprised by what these places offer. As backpackers would say , travel with less plans and more freedom. Wala na ngang plano, wala pang pera haha and that made our trip even crazier. But we definitely had fun, getting lost, and eventually being found (bakit may hugot ka besh?). We literally, yaaas literally, just wandered around and let our feet bring us anywhere it wants. For this trip wasn't intended to be a vacation, but an adventure, and indeed, it became one.
Few tips
1. Research well (sabay harap sa salamin huhuhaha). Have maps. By the way, we didn't buy any sim card and/or pocket wifi. Of course it's better if you have one. But there's free wifi almost everywhere so yeah haha, we didn't bother buying (tipid mode and diskarte moves lang yan).
2. Exchange your money at the airport just enough for a day's expense, then find a money changer at the city center. The most trusted money changer that has good exchange rates in all SEA countries that we've been to is Western Union. Be extra careful, there are a lot of money changer scams, especially in Bali.
3. Pack light. Bring sunscreens, hats, and umbrellas. Weather in Malaysia and Brunei is unpredictable (parang yung gf mong laging may mood swings haha).
4. Use Booking.com app in booking your hotels and inns. Though you can also use Agoda and Air BnB, Booking.com is our personal preference. We only book our accommodations a day or two days prior our trip on a certain destination, and we always made sure that there are no cancellation fees, so we can easily change our itineraries.
5. Respect their culture and their laws. Follow dress codes especially when entering temples and mosques.
6. Smile and greet people. Meeting new people has always been the highlight of all my trips. Really, it's awe-inspiring.
*Pictures are unfiltered, unedited, and raw.
Day 1
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
1MYR = 13-14 PHP
10:30am= Arrival at KLIA
You can go to the city central either by bus (12 MYR, 1 hour) or by train (35MYR, 30 minutes).
12:00pm=Bus to KL Central ( 12MYR)
Train from KL Central to Pasar Seni (1.3 MYR)
This is the hardest and one of the most exciting part- getting lost on your first day at a foreign country hiha.
1:30pm= Checked-in at Travel Hub Guesthouse (22 MYR/ 308 PHP)
Madaming Pinoy na staff dito, sooo sobrang saya kasi ang bait nila at ang dami nilang kwento.
2:00pm= DIY walking tour and food trip (Food= 20MYR)
Sri Mahamariamman Temple ( 0.20 MYR shoe storage)
Guan Di Temple
Photo Museum
Chinatown
Jamek Mosque and The River of Life
Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka Square
Petronas Towers
While strolling around Petronas Towers, my friend was suddenly dragged by a motor rider. The driver tried to snatch his bag. Praise God, he only had small scratches and had a good grip of his things. Akala namin #onlyinthephilippines lang nangyayari yoon, may ganoon din pala dito #malaysiatrulyasia huhuhaha.
Train from KLCC to Pasar Seni (2.1 MYR)
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A: Kajang
B: Kajang who?
A: KAJANG! May kiliti ako diyan, KAJANG 🎶
We met Ate Eva, Ate Anna, and Ate Mye-mye at Kajang train station. They heard us talking in Filipino (eh ang dami naming chika at patawa) , then suddenly they burst out laughing too. Ate Eva and Ate Anna have been working in KL for almost 11 years. While Ate Mye-mye works in Hong Kong. They too were planning to go to Batu caves the next day, so we decided to go there together.
Random Street Shots
Day 2
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
8:00am= Breakfast at The Attic Bar (Free)
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Attic
B: Attic who?
A: ATTIC I'm in love, ATTIC I'm in love with youuuu 🎶
9:00am= Kuala Lumpur Station to Batu Caves (2.5 MYR)
We met Kuya Vlademir and Bien at KL station. They were on a week-long business trip. So with Ate Anna, Ate Eva, Ate Myemye, we went to Batu Caves all together hiha. We have different itineraries after our visit at Batu Caves. But ,whew, we enjoyed each other's company that we ended up traveling the whole day together. We even named our group "The Royal Family". Ates and Kuyas it was really nice meeting you all. Hope we can bump into each other again. Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy!
Train from Batu Caves to KL Sentral (2.5 MYR)
Snacks and drinks (8 MYR)
1:00pm= Central Market (Pasalubong Center)
Lunch (8 MYR- beef noodles)
3:00pm= The Royal Museum (Old Istana Negara)
Grab from Central Market to the Old Palace
Grab from Old Palace to KL Forest Eco Park (3.5 MYR)
5:00pm= DIY Walking Tour
KL Forest Eco Park
KL Tower
KLCC Park
Train from KLCC to Pasar Seni (1.9 MYR)
9:00pm= Dinner at Texas Chicken (8.20 MYR)
While walking along Chinatown, Joan heard us speaking in Filipino and approached us asking for directions. She's on a solo trip, and it's her first time abroad, so we gladly helped her find her hotel. Super pagoda na kami that time, pero we went out on our way and hinatid namin siya sa hotel niya. Ang gaganda na namin, ang bait-bait pa namin. Buhat bangko ampupu haha. Kidding aside, I super love this day. There's this genuine joy that you'd feel when you meet Pinoys at a foreign land and share stories with them.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
1MYR = 13-14 PHP
10:30am= Arrival at KLIA
You can go to the city central either by bus (12 MYR, 1 hour) or by train (35MYR, 30 minutes).
12:00pm=Bus to KL Central ( 12MYR)
Train from KL Central to Pasar Seni (1.3 MYR)
This is the hardest and one of the most exciting part- getting lost on your first day at a foreign country hiha.
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| Freebie in Western Union |
Madaming Pinoy na staff dito, sooo sobrang saya kasi ang bait nila at ang dami nilang kwento.
2:00pm= DIY walking tour and food trip (Food= 20MYR)
Sri Mahamariamman Temple ( 0.20 MYR shoe storage)
Photo Museum
Chinatown
Jamek Mosque and The River of Life
Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka Square
Petronas Towers
While strolling around Petronas Towers, my friend was suddenly dragged by a motor rider. The driver tried to snatch his bag. Praise God, he only had small scratches and had a good grip of his things. Akala namin #onlyinthephilippines lang nangyayari yoon, may ganoon din pala dito #malaysiatrulyasia huhuhaha.
Train from KLCC to Pasar Seni (2.1 MYR)
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A: Kajang
B: Kajang who?
A: KAJANG! May kiliti ako diyan, KAJANG 🎶
We met Ate Eva, Ate Anna, and Ate Mye-mye at Kajang train station. They heard us talking in Filipino (eh ang dami naming chika at patawa) , then suddenly they burst out laughing too. Ate Eva and Ate Anna have been working in KL for almost 11 years. While Ate Mye-mye works in Hong Kong. They too were planning to go to Batu caves the next day, so we decided to go there together.
Random Street Shots
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
8:00am= Breakfast at The Attic Bar (Free)
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Attic
B: Attic who?
A: ATTIC I'm in love, ATTIC I'm in love with youuuu 🎶
9:00am= Kuala Lumpur Station to Batu Caves (2.5 MYR)
We met Kuya Vlademir and Bien at KL station. They were on a week-long business trip. So with Ate Anna, Ate Eva, Ate Myemye, we went to Batu Caves all together hiha. We have different itineraries after our visit at Batu Caves. But ,whew, we enjoyed each other's company that we ended up traveling the whole day together. We even named our group "The Royal Family". Ates and Kuyas it was really nice meeting you all. Hope we can bump into each other again. Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy!
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| Ingat kayo sa mga unggoy dito nanghahablot sila ng pagkain at bag |
Train from Batu Caves to KL Sentral (2.5 MYR)
Snacks and drinks (8 MYR)
1:00pm= Central Market (Pasalubong Center)
Lunch (8 MYR- beef noodles)
3:00pm= The Royal Museum (Old Istana Negara)
Grab from Central Market to the Old Palace
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| Hindi ko kinaya yung laundry room nila, my galllyyy! |
Grab from Old Palace to KL Forest Eco Park (3.5 MYR)
5:00pm= DIY Walking Tour
KL Forest Eco Park
KL Tower
KLCC Park
Train from KLCC to Pasar Seni (1.9 MYR)
9:00pm= Dinner at Texas Chicken (8.20 MYR)
While walking along Chinatown, Joan heard us speaking in Filipino and approached us asking for directions. She's on a solo trip, and it's her first time abroad, so we gladly helped her find her hotel. Super pagoda na kami that time, pero we went out on our way and hinatid namin siya sa hotel niya. Ang gaganda na namin, ang bait-bait pa namin. Buhat bangko ampupu haha. Kidding aside, I super love this day. There's this genuine joy that you'd feel when you meet Pinoys at a foreign land and share stories with them.
10:00 pm=Travel Hub Guesthouse (22 MYR)
Day 3
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
We were supposed to go to Singapore tonight. But because we fell in love with Malaysia's culture, history, and diversity , we decided to stay for another day and know her more. That's how spontaneous we are haha.
Day 3
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA
We were supposed to go to Singapore tonight. But because we fell in love with Malaysia's culture, history, and diversity , we decided to stay for another day and know her more. That's how spontaneous we are haha.
9:00 am= Breakfast (Free)
10:00 am= DIY Walking Cultural Tour
Museum Negara (5 MYR)
Police Museum
Islamic Arts Museum (14 MYR)
My friend, Verjo, is a huge fan of porcelain and arts, but we thought it was too pricey, so we didn't went inside the musuem. Tapos nung dinner nag-beer siya worth 17MYR, tsk tsk tsk haha, hinayang na hinayang ang lola mo haha. So our lesson for today is...learning one's culture is never a waste of money.
National Mosque of Malaysia
Textile Museum
6:00 pm= Food Trip
Train from Masjid Jamek to Huang Tuah (1.4MYR, )
Train from Huang Tuah to Bukit Bintang (1.4 MYR )
Jalan Alor food trip (10 MYR)
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A: Sai Woo
B: Sai Woo who?
A: SAI WOO and pag-ibig ko, SAI WOOnapako ang puso, SAI WOO parang langit ang paligid koooo🎶
Travel Hub Guesthouse (22 MYR)
Day 4
MALACCA, MALAYSIA
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Malacca
B: Malacca who?
A: Kulang ako kung MALACCA 🎶
Do your remember Joan, whom we bumped into at Chinatown the other day? We invited her to come with us to Melaka City.
7:00 am= Breakfast (Free)
8:00 am = Travel to Melaka from our hostel
Train from Pasar Seni to KL Sentral (1.3MYR)
Train from KL Sentral to Bandar Tasik Selatan (5. 2MYR)
10:00am to 12:30 pm Bus from Bandar Tasik Selatan to Melaka bus station ( 11.4 MYR), bus from Melaka bus station to the City proper (2 MYR)
Good thing we went to the National Museum yesterday, that we got more excited to know Malacca. Malacca is my personal fave. Aside from its rich history and culture , its architecture and streets are truly colorful and lively. This city is inscribed by the UNESCO as a Heritage City last 2008. Due to its strategic location between China and India, Malacca came to monopolize the trading routes in this quadrant of the globe.
12:30 pm= DIY Cultural walk
Food and drinks (25 MYR)
Melaka River in Malacca City, Malaysia was once dubbed the 'Venice of the East' by European seafarers as it was a prominent port of entry for traders from Europe and Asia during the late 16th century.
Christ Church of Melaka
Melaka Museum (10 MYR)
Sultanate Palace (5 MYR)
Jonker Walk
i
7:30pm= Melaka Bus Station
Buses back to the city bus station rarely passes by, especially at
night. So we decided to take the taxi instead (5.33 MYR). Before going to
the city proper , secure a bus ticket first, because bus counters closes at 5 pm. There are public shower rooms at the bus station where you can freshen up, yay ,for that (ligong YFC baby, trained yata 'to haha).8:00= Dinner (8 MYR)
10:00 pm- 3:00am = Bus to Singapore (25 MYR)
Day 5
SINGAPORE
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A: Singapore
B: Singapore who?
A: Sing, SINGAPORE, Make it simple to last your whole life long. Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear. Just sing, SINGAPORE 🎶
1 SGD= 40-41 PHP
We met Ate Anne on our way going to Singapore. She's a Pinay who's been working in SG for almost 10 years. Verjo and Ate Anne had a hard time at the immigration. Verjo's financial status was even interrogated and Ate Anne was interviewed by four IOs. Good thing they both were confident throughout the interview process. Usually , bus drivers do not wait for their passengers if immigration problems happen. Luckily ours was too kind (though other passengers were pissed off), he waited for Verjo and Ate Anne. Since we arrived at SG in the wee hours of the morning, she invited us to stay at her house, so we could have a decent rest huhu, too heartwarming. This is our first couch surfing experience waaaah. It really was overwhelming .We were strangers and she welcomed us into her home. She even let us leave our bags , so we could tour around the city at ease.
*** Oh Lord, today we felt your goodness and guidance through Ate Anne, may You bless her and her family.
Iba talaga ang mga Pinoy, saludo!
9:00 am= Brunch at a local hawker at Pioneer Train Station (3.8 SGD)
9:30 am= DIY City Tour
We bought a 1-day tourist pass (10 SGD = The tourist pass costs 20 SGD but 10 SGD is refundable upon surrendering the card)
Singapore Botanic Gardens (Free)
The Gardens was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Merlion Park and Singapore River
Flower Dome and Cloud Forest (28 SGD)
Gardens by the Bay (Free)
Garden Rhapsody Light & Sound Show (Free)
Marina Bay Sands Wander Full Light and Water Show (Free)
Food and Drinks (28 SGD)
Though we booked a hostel room in SG (600 PHP, again perks of
choosing hostels/inns that doesn't have cancellation fees haha kebs lang maiba ang plano) we
agreed to stay for the night at Changi Airport. We really wanted to try
experiencing a "legit backpacking trip" hiha. Our visit in SG was too
short, so yeah, we have more reasons to come back.
Day 6
SINGAPORE- BALI
CHANGI AIRPORT
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Changi
B: Changi who?
A: CHANGIng ikaw lamang ang aking iibigin 🎶
4:00 pm= Flight to Bali, Indonesia
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Bali
B: Bali who?
A: Ako pa ba kaya ang nasa puso niya? Di BALI na lang kaya? Ngunit mahal ko siya. Di BALI na lang. Di BALI na lang 🎶
7:00 pm= Arrival at Denpasar International Airport
1PHP= 122 IDR
1IDR= 0.0082 PHP
Grab to 24/7 Bed and Breakfast (16K IDR)
24/7 Bed and Breakfast (29K IDR/ 238 PHP)
9:00 pm= Dinner (15K IDR-ice cream , 20K IDR- pizza)
Day 7
NUSA PENIDA, INDONESIA
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| Literal na " We woke up like these" pic |
9:00 am= Brunch at a local hawker at Pioneer Train Station (3.8 SGD)
We bought a 1-day tourist pass (10 SGD = The tourist pass costs 20 SGD but 10 SGD is refundable upon surrendering the card)
Singapore Botanic Gardens (Free)
The Gardens was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And it is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Merlion Park and Singapore River
Flower Dome and Cloud Forest (28 SGD)
Garden Rhapsody Light & Sound Show (Free)
Marina Bay Sands Wander Full Light and Water Show (Free)
Food and Drinks (28 SGD)
Day 6
SINGAPORE- BALI
CHANGI AIRPORT
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Changi
B: Changi who?
A: CHANGIng ikaw lamang ang aking iibigin 🎶
4:00 pm= Flight to Bali, Indonesia
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Bali
B: Bali who?
A: Ako pa ba kaya ang nasa puso niya? Di BALI na lang kaya? Ngunit mahal ko siya. Di BALI na lang. Di BALI na lang 🎶
7:00 pm= Arrival at Denpasar International Airport
1PHP= 122 IDR
1IDR= 0.0082 PHP
Grab to 24/7 Bed and Breakfast (16K IDR)
24/7 Bed and Breakfast (29K IDR/ 238 PHP)
9:00 pm= Dinner (15K IDR-ice cream , 20K IDR- pizza)
Day 7
NUSA PENIDA, INDONESIA
My med friends joined us on our whole stay in Bali. It was them who planned our itinerary. So yeah, Yanyan, Verj, and I was just lax-relax the whole trip. We actually, literally, didn't search anything about Bali haha. I let my med friends plan this trip, go with the flow lang kami ganern. So were kinda not on a backpackers mode on this trip, turista and datingan namin ngayon . And because of that, half of our budget were spent here huhuhaha.
Nusa Penida- Lembongan 2-Day Tour (1M IDR )
Inlcusions of the Nusa Penida Package
Tour guide, transpo, and entrance fees
Pick-up from Hotel
Boat ride to Nusa Penida (Back and forth)
One night accommodation
Day 1 lunch and Day 2 breakfast and lunch
Drop-off at Hotel
Ket' oet Suara is our contact person in Nusa Penida. You can find him in Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ketoetsuara .
5:00 am= Pick up from hotel
8:00 am= Boat ride to Nusa Penida
9:00 am= Check-in
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Boga Segara
B: Boga Segara who?
A: BOGA ka day, BOGA! SEGARA SEGARA itaas ang kilay 🎶
10:00am Start of the tour
Thousand Island (Pulau Seribu) Viewpoint
Photo by Hubert Peña
Kelingking Beach
Lunch= Included in the package
Angel's Billabong
Broken Beach
Atuh Beach
8:00pm= Dinner at Krusty Crab (35K IDR-Chicken wings)
Day 8
NUSA PENIDA, INDONESIA
7:00am= Breakfast (Free)
8:00am =Pick-up at Hotel
The waves were too strong that day that our trip got delayed. We weren't much amused by the diving spots. The water wasn't that crystal clear and there's nothing much to see, except for the underwater Buddha Temple.
2:00pm= Lunch (Free)
5:00pm= Check-in at Swann Inn, Ubud (500 PHP)
8:00pm= Dinner (80K IDR-Nasi Goreng , 30K IDR-Gelato)
Day 9
UBUD, BALI, INDONESIA
8:00am= Breakfast (Free)
9:00am-5:00pm=Ubud Tour Day 1
2-Day Ubud Tour- 150K IDR each
We were able to trim down our rate 'coz we're 6 in the group, and we're cool like that chaasss. We highly recommend Komang. He gets our humor, even though we had language barriers. I guess we were his fave chaaaass (kaya laki ng discount namin eh) or maybe because we always treat his lunch hihihaha. He even said that we were the "funniest" guests he ever had. Our Ubud trip was definitely more fun because of him. You can contact him through his Facebook account- Komang Teja https://www.facebook.com/komang.teja.16
Pura Penataran Sasih (25K IDR)
Photo by Rox Cruz
Goa Gojah (10K IDR)
Lunch (120K IDR)
Luwak Coffee Tasting (10K IDR)
Ubud Swing and Bali Nests at Tegalalang Rice Terraces (150K IDR)
Dinner at Naughty Nuris Warung Ubud (50K IDR- Nasi Campur and water)
Day 10
UBUD BALI, INDONESIA
8:00am = Breakfast
9:00am-5:00pm= Ubud Tour Day 2
Kanto Lampo Waterfalls (10K IDR)
Photo by Hubert Peña
Ganung Kawi (15K IDR)
Photo by Hubert Peña
Lunch (95K IDR)
Snacks and Drinks (23K IDR)
Sarawasti Temple (Free)
After our tour with Komang, we went on our separate ways. Rox, Hubert, and I strolled around the streets for a photo walk. Then Verjo went back to our inn to swim. And Yanyan and Jenia had a coffee date.
7:00 pm= Dinner at The Paon (45K IDR-Nasi Goreng)
7:30 pm= Cultural Show (80K IDR)
Socials Night= Beer and kwento with my frennies
Day 11
BALI, INDONESIA
4:00 am= Travel to Lempuyang Temple (75K each IDR -From Ubud to Lempuyang Temple to Uluwatu)
6:00 am= Lempuyang Temple (No entrance fee, donation only --K IDR)
Photo by Rox Cruz
Photos and words by Hubert Peña
Japamala is a string of prayer beads used by Hindus in performing Jap yoga, a spiritual practice which in a form of meditation. There are exactly 108 beads and just like a rosary, you move from one bead to another after chanting a mantra (Om Namah Shivay) while focusing on your breathing. One chant has the same length on inhalation and exhalation. You don’t just go to a place because of its landscapes, you also try to immerse yourself in their culture and learn.
9:00am= Travel to Uluwatu
1:00pm= Lunch at a local warung (90K IDR- Babi Guling)2:00pm= Check-in at The Hill Ungasan Guesthouse( 626 PHP for two nights )
Grab to Kuta - Uluwatu-Kuta (30K IDR vice versa)
7:00pm= Dinner at Flapjaks ( 90K IDR )
Day 12
ULUWATU, BALI, INDONESIA
It was a chilly rainy day and all I wanted was just to rest. Yanyan , Verj , and I just bummed, swam , and relaxed at the hotel the whole day. And Jenia, Rox, and Hubert went out to wander around.
Food and Drinks (10K IDR )
Photos by Rox Cruz
I fell in love with their pizzaaaaaaa. It's a must try!
Grab to Kuta - Uluwatu-Kuta (30K IDR vice versa)
Day 13
ULUWATU, BALI, INDONESIA- KL, MALAYSIA
On my last day in Bali, I left my friends and went solo hihi. Got lost ('coz ang lakas ng loob ko umalis ng walang net at mapa haha). Then I found this superb spot to sit still , enjoy a moment of peace and serenity ,and just be with myself, my thoughts, my dreams, and my Lord. It was such a perfect Bali trip-ender.
8:00am= Grab to somewhere haha (50K)
I'm planning to go to Nyang Nyang beach and when the Grab driver was about to drop me off, we noticed that it was too secluded. There were no people, establishments, and internet access, hence I might have a hard time going back to our hotel. So I just let the him drop me where I can wander around. Then I found myself at one of the cafes located on the high cliffs of Uluwatu with stunning views of the beach.
Drinks=(20K IDR- Four seasons shake)
\
Lunch= (40K IDR- Carbonara)
1:30pm= Motor bike to hotel (60K IDR)
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| Excuse my large bungisngis face haha |
4:30pm= Flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
We had a 9-hour layover at Kuala Lumpur Malaysia, so we just spent the night at the airport.
8:00pm = Dinner (10MYR-Popeye Chicken)
Day 14
KL-MALAYSIA- BRUNEI
1 SGD =1 BND = 40 PHP
7:00 am= Flight to Brunei
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A:Brunei
B: Brunei who?
A: Habang may BRUNEI, habang may BRUNEI, hanggat ang dugo ko ay dumadaloy, sayo parin iaalay ang aking BRUNEI 🎶
10:30 am= Arrival
There are taxis around Brunei, but they're a bit pricey. There are also public buses, but they rarely pass by. Good thing I have a friend who lives and works here. We were YFC servant leaders in UST back then ( Ahhhh praise God for CFC-YFC community). And almost everyone here has a car and boy there is no traffic. I'm super uber amazed. There are a lot of Filipinos working in Brunei. You can see them everywhere- at restaurants, convenient stores, boutique shops. And our inn's receptionist is also a Filipino, ang saya diba?
12:00nn: Check in at Joy Rest House (579PHP)
1pm= Lunch (1 BND- Nasi Katok) This is a must eat, the price is so cheap , but the taste is grand!
Snacks and drinks (3BND)
Strolled around
Regalia Museum (Free)
Every day from 5:30 pm onwards Renz and Reizel (PB and PK) would fetch us at our inn and accompany us 'till late night.
6:00pm= Dinner at Hot Point -The Mall (7 BND-Laksa)
8:00pm Jame' Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque (Free)
BRUNEI
9am= Breakfast (Free)
10am-12nn= Boat ride around Kampong Ayer (4 BND -12 BND per boat )
Half of the population of the first Bruneians were living in water villages. Now these stilt houses are together called Kampong Ayer. There's a mosque, police station, fire station, gas station, clinic/hospital, bank in this village and oh it has several schools too. How amazing is that?
Random Street Shots
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque
5:30pm= w/ PB and PK
The Empire Hotel & Country Club
Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church
Dinner at Tamu Selera (3 BND- Ayam Penyet)
Starbucks (260 PHP)
Open House
June 23, 2018. Under the faint moonlight and lamp post in Starbuck’s compound, me and my backpacker friends and our hosts, Riezel and Renz, played cards. It was a game of medieval slash magical characters with the aim of finding the wolf. It had rained that afternoon. After eating of Ayam Prayet, we decided to have an iced coffee over mind games. The Brunei’s evening zephyr began to blow. It was cool but not enough to bring shiver.
We were concentrating on who is the wolf when Riezel’s phone rang. She picked up excusing herself in the game.
“We will be joined by my friend later.” Riezel said.
She continued, “And she asked me if you guys want to do an open house.”
Answering like a choir we chorused, “Talaga? We’re game!”
It was the season of Hari Raya. The mark of end of Ramadan. Here in the Philippines we know it as Eidil Fitr. For most of us, we only know this as a special non-working holiday. But there in Brunei and the previous Muslim countries we visited, it is a BANG. A big celebration.
Doing an open house. One of the objective we had while backpacking the Malay World is to experience the open house. Open house means our Muslim brothers and sisters opening the doors of their home, regardless of your religion and beliefs, to join them to celebrate the end of Ramadan season. It is a month long celebration and quite costly in-fact. Expenses could go 2000 dollars in a night. Mind you guys, it is a month long celebration.
An hour later we were joined by Renz and Riezel’s friends. A Filipino couple (whom Iforgot the name) who choose to settle in Brunei for almost a decade now. After saying Filipino pleasantries and never-ending chikahan on what is happening way back home, Renz drove us to the home of a local Bruneian.
After 10 minutes, we entered a sprawling lawn and a big house appeared in our sight. The house was illuminated heavily with LED bulb. We stepped down to the car and we followed our hosts and as a part of courtesy, we left our footwares outside the porch.
“Welcome! Welcome! Pasok kayo!” Greeted by the lady who looked like Sylvia Sanchez.
We were shocked to see that the guest of the house were mostly Filipinos.
To save us from the awe, Renz explained that open house celebrations are good timing for OFWs in Brunei to bond together.
“You guys eat. Don’t be ashamed. There are alot of foods there in the dining area. Help yourselves.” Said again by the lady who looked like Sylvia Sanchez who introduced herself as Ate Virginia.
After helping ourselves on the sumptous dinner filled with sweets, pastries and Halal foods we sat down in the mahogany table. The whole china of different colors strucked my eyes. The house is a mansion filled with anything considered as precious.
“Kumain lang kayo.” Ate Virginia said.
It is a universal truth that dinner time is the best time to know your host. We didn’t waste a chance to know Ate Virginia more. We found out that she is working as a personal aide to the Bruneian couple who owned the house for almost three decades! She further told us that working with them opened a lot of opportunities to improve her own life and her family. That those couple don’t see her as an aide, but a part of their family.
“Maybe because you plant in their heart a good seed. What you are experiencing are the fruits of that good seed. You reap what you sow.”I said to her.
She smiled in agreement.
We asked Ate Virginia if it is okay to take pictures inside the house. We don’t know the cultures of the Bruneians once inside their private homes. They might get offended if we mindlessly document our first open house experience.
Few minutes after taking photos of the guests, foods and drinks, we were called by Ate Virginia so we can meet her employers.
Two elder couple in their seventies smiled and looked at us welcomingly.
“Salamalaikum!”I greeted.
“Malaikumsala”! They answered. “I heard this is your first open house. How is the experience?”
I smiled and looked sincerely on them, “Well Sir, the experience is really great and you guys are very welcoming. We didn’t feel any awkwardness, you guys are very warm too. We feel like as if we didn’t left home.”
The Lord and Lady of the house smiled and offered us another set of pastry before excusing themselves to meet other guests. We politely declined since we’ve been eating sweets since the day 1 of our backpacking trip which we started June 07, 2018.
AS the celebration went by, I learned that June 23, 2018 open house celebration was made by the employer of Ate Virginia especially for her. One of the visible proof on how she is loved by the family.
The clock strucked twelve. Every good moments have to end. Though this is no Cinderella fairy-tale, we were quite puzzled on how time flies so fast.
Of course, there are alot of Filipinos in the room. Group picture-taking will always be a must.
After wishing each other good luck and a happy Hari Raya, Ate Virginia called me and my friends.
“Backpackers! Halika ‘yo dito. May ibibigay ako.”She handed us a crisp envelope with a colorful design of Hari Raya. For the Chinese speaking community, yes, we received an ang pao in Bruneian style.
With all smiles in our faces, we bid Ate Virginia and her employers good bye.
Inside the car, trying to recall the happy moments with the OFWs who pumped billion dollars in our economy, Renz cut my recollection with.
“So how was it for the first time?”
As the car drove fast in the traffic free highway The golden domes of Masjid Omar Saifudin Mosque began to appear.. Glowing splendidly, as if the ray of moonlight blast into it directly.
I answered with a big smile, “Totally Renz, I am sure we had a blast.”
This box of fruit cake was given to us by Ate Joy (our inn's receptionist). She got it from the palace's open house. SOBRANG BAIT NG MGA PINOY DITO ENEBE HUHU SO MUCH LOVE!
Day 16
BRUNEI
9am= Breakfast (Free)
12:00nn Lunch at Thien Thien Restaurant (4 BND- Chicken Rice)
Good gracious this meal is oh-so-delisyoso! It's definitely a must try!
***Knock-knock Joke 😂
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A: Seri
B: Seri who?
A: Is it too late now to say SERI? 🎶
Lugu Lake (Free)
Tungku Beach (Free)
Dinner (7BND-Nestum Chicken )
Joy Rest House (579PHP)
If you were to ask us which trip we loved the most, it is definitely our visit in Brunei. Brunei doesn't have the grandest skyscrapers, exhilarating scenery , nor jaw-dropping attractions. It is the people, the fooooooood, the culture, the peacefulness, the experiences, the stories and laughter we shared with the people we met that made Brunei extra special in our hearts. Indeed it is never about the destination, it is, and will always be about the journey. Thank you Renz and Reizel for accomodating us!
Day 17
BRUNEI-KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
1MYR = 13-14 PHP
8:30am- 4:30pm = Bus to Kota Kinabalu (100 MYR )
12:30 pm= Lunch at a bus stop (4 MYR)
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu you'll have a total of 8 stamps on your passport.
A: Knock-knock
B: Who's there?
A: Seri
B: Seri who?
A: Is it too late now to say SERI? 🎶
Lugu Lake (Free)
Tungku Beach (Free)
Dinner (7BND-Nestum Chicken )
Joy Rest House (579PHP)
If you were to ask us which trip we loved the most, it is definitely our visit in Brunei. Brunei doesn't have the grandest skyscrapers, exhilarating scenery , nor jaw-dropping attractions. It is the people, the fooooooood, the culture, the peacefulness, the experiences, the stories and laughter we shared with the people we met that made Brunei extra special in our hearts. Indeed it is never about the destination, it is, and will always be about the journey. Thank you Renz and Reizel for accomodating us!
Day 17
BRUNEI-KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
1MYR = 13-14 PHP
8:30am- 4:30pm = Bus to Kota Kinabalu (100 MYR )
12:30 pm= Lunch at a bus stop (4 MYR)
Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu you'll have a total of 8 stamps on your passport.
1st stamp – Exit in Kuala Lurah, Brunei
2nd stamp – Entry in Tendungan, Sarawak, Malaysia
3rd stamp – Exit in Pandaruan, Sarawak, Malaysia
4th stamp – Entry in Ujung Jalan, Brunei
5th stamp – Exit in Labu, Brunei
6th stamp – Entry in Mengkalap, Sarawak, Malaysia
7th stamp – Exit in Merapok, Sarawak, Malaysia
8th stamp – Entry in Sindumin, Sabah, Malaysia5:00pm= Check-in at Space Cap Hotel (445 PHP)
7:00pm= Dinner at KK Night Market (20 MYR- seafoods and chicken wings)
Day 18
KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
Yanyan, Verjo, and I decided to go on our separate ways for our whole KK trip. Yeah, that's how we roll! We travel together and also give alone time for ourselves. I love the Pursigidos so muchoooo. Oh well, today I decided to just eat and bum around hihihaha, my kind of me time.
10 am= Breakfast (Free)
11am onward= NOOOOOTHIIIING HAHA!
Space Cap Hotel (445 PHP)
Sunset view from our Hotel
*Nakita namin ni Yanyan na pwedeng bumili ng milk tea sa vending machines so tinry namin. At dahil 'di kami nakakaintindi ng Malay lamguage , hot milk tea pala yung napindot namin. Haha. Habang naglalakad kami sa tabi ng mga food stalls, sinasabi namin " Ate, Ate penge kami yelo". Hindi naman namin inexpect na madaming Pinoy na nagtratrabaho doon hahahah so nagets pala nila sinasabi namin. Then binigyan kami ng yelo nung isang tindera ahaha.
*Nagtatanong kami ng direksyon sa isang security guard eh di siyempre super english naman kami. Medyo magulo yung directions na itinuro niya , tapos bigla naming nasabi " Hala ang gulo, di ko nagets sinabi ni Kuya". Tapos inulit niya yung direksyon sa Tagalog habang natatawa haha.
SOBRANG DAMING PINOY DITO SA KK , ANG SAYA!!!
Day 19
KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA
9:00am = Breakfast (Free)
Grab from hotel to Sabah State Mosque (6 MYR)
Sabah State Mosque (Free)
Sabah State Museum (15 MYR)
 |
| Meet Avera, a future Malay doctor. #claimit |
1:00pm = I hired a Grab driver to tour me around for the rest of the day (25 MYR )
Signal Observatory Hill (Free)
Food and drinks (8 MYR)
Floating Mosque (Free)
4:00pm Tanjung Aru Beach (Free)
Dinner (6 MYR-beef noodle soup)
Space Cap Hotel (445 PHP)
Day 20
MALAYSIA- MANILA,PHILIPPINES
Breakfast (Free)
Grab to the airport (4 MYR each)
Yay natapos din whew haha. Beshie sana nagenjoy ka sa mga kwento ko.
Signal Observatory Hill (Free)
Food and drinks (8 MYR)
Floating Mosque (Free)
4:00pm Tanjung Aru Beach (Free)
Dinner (6 MYR-beef noodle soup)
Space Cap Hotel (445 PHP)
Day 20
MALAYSIA- MANILA,PHILIPPINES
Breakfast (Free)
Grab to the airport (4 MYR each)
Yay natapos din whew haha. Beshie sana nagenjoy ka sa mga kwento ko.
Thank you for reading my crazy travel stories and cheers to more spontaneous adventures!
Thanks for sharing this nice post and travelers would love to visit Manila, Philippines. compare airport parking deals
ReplyDeleteYou backpacking trip was really extraordinary experience, You guys are very keen to follow the itinerary and I think you didn't missed anything.
ReplyDeleteHi! Question, is there other way to go to Brunei or Kota kinabalu from KKL? Is there a bus/ferry or train?
ReplyDeleteYou can ride the bus, that's what we did. But there are also ferries enroute to Kota Kinabalu.
Delete