Philippine Holiday 2011

January - 01	Saturday	New Year's Day
February - 25	Friday	People Power Day
April - 11	Monday	Day of Valor
April - 21	Thursday	Maundy Thursday
April - 22	Friday	Good Friday
May - 01	Sunday	Labor Day
June - 13	Monday	Independence Day
August - 22	Monday	Ninoy Aquino Day
August - 29	Monday	National Heroes' Day
August - 30	Tuesday	Eid ul Fitr
November - 01	Tuesday	All Saints Day
November - 02	Wednesday	Special Non-working Holiday
November - 06	Sunday	Eid al Adha
November - 28	Monday	Bonifacio Day
December - 25	Sunday	Christmas Day
December - 26	Monday	Rizal Day
December - 31	Saturday	New Year's Eve

Yayasan Complex Brunei

Yayasan Complex

This is THE place to shop in Bandar Seri Bagawan (if not all of Brunei).  Yayasan is as picturesque a shopping mall as any on the planet. A beautiful mix of modern and traditional architecture, the complex’s elegant walkway includes stunning views of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and Kampong Ayer - water village located on the side of the elegant mosque.

Yayasan Complex opened in 1996 and includes designer boutiques, dining and department stores to browse through. Though most of the crowds have moved to Bandar Seri Begawan's aptly named "The Mall", Yayasan is still beautifully located to check out the city's most popular attractions and do a little shopping at the same time. You would also find our very own Jollibee restaurant there.

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque

The main reason why my brother and I flew from Kota Kinabalu (KK) to Brunei is because of the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque. 

This amazing structure is an eye candy specially at night. 

Air Asia flight is fast and smooth.  From KK It took us only 20 minutes to reach Brunei. I was not done filling up the immigration form when we landed.  Ha ha ha!

Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is a royal Islamic mosque located in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the Sultanate of Brunei.

The mosque is classified as one of the most spectacular mosques in the Asia Pacific and a major tourist attraction.Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is considered amongst the people of Brunei as the country’s major landmark.

Amazing in appearance, the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque is Brunei's proudest architectural achievement. It sits on an artificial lagoon near the Brunei River in Kampong Ayer which is, appropriately enough, known as a "water village." A structure in the water that resembles a ship was at one time used for official state ceremonies.

The mosque is the largest in the Far East, and considered among the most beautiful in the world. It reaches a height of 52 meters and is topped with a gold dome supported by walls of Italian marble, which also forms the mosque's columns, arches, and towers. The stained glass was hand made in England and the carpets are Saudi Arabian.

We were not able to enter the mosque because it was RAMADAN when we went to Brunei. Nonetheless, I super love my shots! Nagbuhat sariling mesa, naman! Pasensya na ganun siguro pag mag isa palagi, nagiging delusional. I almost got hit by a car when I was taking these photos. Tsk,  tsk. The things you'll do for the love of photography! Ha ha ha! Enjoy Brunei!

Cheap accommodation in Brunei

Cheap accommodation in Brunei 

K.H.Soon Resthouse-

Superbly located in the heart of Brunei's capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. It enjoys an extremely convenient position only a few minutes walking distance from the magnificent Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque and the largest shopping mall in town, YaYasan. Also, the famous Watervillage, which is often known as the 'Venice of the East', is just around the corner. The K.H.Soon Resthouse is new and spacious. It has friendly and comfortable atmosphere. All rooms are air-conditioned. You could e-mail them at khsoon_resthouse_brunei@hotmail.com or simply walk-in,


ROOM TARIFF

ROOM TYPE (STANDARD)

SINGLE

ATTACHED BATHROOM/TOILET BND$ 35
WITHOUT ATTACHED BATHROOM/TOILET BND$30


DOUBLE

ATTACHED BATHROOM/TOILET BND$39
WITHOUT ATTACHED BATHROOM/TOILET BND$35


(ALL RATES QUOTED ARE IN BRUNEI DOLLARS AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE)


CHECK OUT TIME:12 NOON

NOTE BELOW: I  am not in anyway connected with this hostel, I just personally stayed there when I went to Brunei.

Frequently Asked Questions for Hongkong PART 8

Balikbayan Box

Worldwide Elite Express. you can call their Worldwide House Central branch and look for Steve - 2774-9736/ 2578-2773. they have the cheapest sa biggest box. 550HKD lang yung metro manila 24x24x36 nila.

Cargo Forwarder

What Items Can Be Taxed Upon Return to Manila?

Brand new electronic items bought abroad, specially those which are boxed. Signature brands might also be taxed. For laptops don't bring home the box.



*Content taken from PEX 

Frequently Asked Questions for Hongkong PART 7

ADDITIONAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I Fly to Macau but Fly Back to Manila from Hong Kong? (and Vice Versa)

YES.

Airport Terminal Information

Hong Kong-bound flights from Manila:

Philippine Airlines - Terminal 2

Cebu Pacific - Terminal 3

All others - Terminal 1

Manila-bound flights from Hong Kong:

Philippine Airlines - check-in at HKIA Terminal 2

Hong Kong Express - check-in at HKIA Terminal 2

Cebu Pacific - check-in at HKIA Terminal 1

Cathay Pacific - check-in at HKIA Terminal 1

Dragon Air - check-in at HKIA Terminal 1

http://www.hongkongairport.com/fligh...chkfltdep.html

Booking Hotels Online

For Hong Kong, Asiatravel and Agoda usually have the best rates for most hotels in Hong Kong. Expedia is also OK. There are also some hotels whose rates are lower in local travel agencies.

Airport Luggage Storage Information 

OK ba ang Noah's Ark?

Most of the feedback online are not very good. Hindi daw sulit ang entrance.

http://www.noahsark.com.hk/

Charlie Brown Cafe
G/F-1/F, 58-60 Cameron Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
http://www.openrice.com/restaurant/sr2.htm?shopid=16427


Recent Acid Attacks

The attacks happened in Mongkok (near Ladies Market) and Yaumatei (near Temple Street). As of today, the perpetrators have not been arrested.

For those looking for non-"gasgas" souvenirs ( miniature buses )





Price varies, meron sub-100hkd, meron din hundreds of hkd per bus.

Store Locations:
http://www.80mbusmodel.com/menu-6.html

How Many Hours Before A Flight Should I Be In The Airport?

At least 2 hours.

Taxi Flagdown Rate + Additional Charges

http://www.td.gov.hk/en/transport_in...ong/index.html

Getting to Lin Heung Teahouse

http://i901.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1247533097

*Content taken from PEX

Frequently Asked Questions for Hongkong PART 6

When is the best time to go to Hong Kong?

Winter Season (December to March) is the most relaxing and comfortable time to go to Hong Kong but besides the weather, there's little else to do since the "Sale Season" occurs during Summer. There are some sales during christmas and chinese new year but 90% of the clothes are for winter. Hong Kong can get very foggy during winter, as such, visit to the Peak is a hit-or-miss affair. A foggy bird's eye view of HK isn't really nice.

Summer Season (May to October) is similar to Manila's weather, very hot but moving around in Hong Kong can get extra uncomfortable because of the high humidity which gives the "sticky" feeling. Hong Kong's rainy season also falls on their summer, July and August has the highest rainfall count and the typhoons also arrive in these months. The Sale / Shopping Festival is from the start of July to the start of September. If the sky is clear, the view from the Peak is great.

Avoid going to Hong Kong when there are large-scale exhibitions or ongoing tournaments like the Hong Kong Sevens Rugby Tournament because hotel prices will be significantly higher.

Estimating Travel Time when using the MTR

http://www.mtr.com.hk/jplanner/eng/planner_index.php

For those planning to do a lot of Shopping

If the thing you are planning to buy is available here in Manila, make sure to check the local price first as a reference point. This way you'll know whether the stores in Hong Kong are cheaper or not.

For those leaving/arriving in HK Past Midnight or Early Morning

There are still airport buses, codes start with N. Instead of A21, it will be N21. Routes are the same.

Places / Things Best Done During the Day

1. Ocean Park
2. Ngong Pin Village + Giant Buddha
3. Nanlian Gardens
4. Disneyland
5. Malls / Markets

Places / Things Best Done During Night

1. A visit to the Peak
2. Strolling along Avenue of Stars
3. A tram ride along HK island (specially Central district)
4. Star Ferry Ride
5. Strolling around Tsim Sha Tsui (Nathan road and the side streets)

Places to Avoid During the Weekends/Holidays (Due to large volume of people)

1. Disneyland
2. Ocean Park
3. The Peak
4. Macau

Average Time You Need for the Famous Tourist Spots

1. Disneyland - At least 6 hours | Recommended = Opening Time to Closing Time to catch Fireworks at 8pm
2. Ocean Park - At least 4 hours | Recommended = Opening Time to Near Closing Time
3. Ngong Ping Village and Giant Buddha - At least 2 hours
4. Avenue of Stars - At least 30minutes | Recommended = 1 Hour
5. The Peak - At least 1 hour | Recommended = 2 Hours
6. Tsim Sha Tsui (Harbour City, et al) - At least 2-3 Hours, also Depends on amount of shopping
7. Mongkok Markets - Varies, Depends on amount of shopping
8. Causeway Bay - At least 2 Hours

Average Time Needed

Airplane Touchdown in Hong Kong until Baggage Claim: around 45 minutes to 1 hour
Airport to Kowloon/HK Island: 45minutes minimum
City to Disneyland by Train: Approximately 45minutes

Where to Buy Pasalubong

Mongkok Ladies Market
Temple Street Night Market
The Peak
Knick Knacks in Citysuper
Grocery&Food Items from Citysuper / Sogo / Wellcome
Hong Kong Egg Tarts
Dimsum
Royce Chocolates from Citysuper*

*Now available locally: Powerplant Rockwell / Greenbelt 5
*Content taken from PEX

Frequently Asked Questions for Hongkong PART 5

Will our passports receive stamps from the Immigration in Macau?

Yes.

Reaching NWFF/China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui for Macau

Take a taxi from any point in Kowloon.

http://www.nwff.com.hk/upload/china_city.jpg

Scenic Bus Ride to Stanley (via Repulse Bay)

Bus 6, 6A, 6X, 66 or 260 from Central Bus Terminal.

Walking around the Districts

Most districts in Hong Kong like Tsim Sha Tsui and Mongkok can be strolled on foot. Do not abuse your legs, use the taxi when needed.

For more detailed maps on each district, please visit this link:

http://www.mtr.com.hk/eng/facilities/lm.html

Factory Outlets in Hong Kong

Granville Road and Granville Circuit, Tsim Sha Tsui
Esprit Outlet, 4-6 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Citygate Outlet Mall, Tung Chung, Lantau Island

Electric Socket in Hong Kong

All hostels and almost all hotels use this kind of socket. Some hostels provide adaptors but some don't. You can buy adaptors in Mongkok and Sham Shui Po. Or buy a universal adaptor in Manila before going to Hong Kong.



Some hostels like Taisan and Marlboro lend adaptors.

You might need something like this for some accomodations, meron sa CDR-King.



Various Tips from Different PEXers

Tips on planning HK trip:
1) browse and discover HK http://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/2) Decide on schedule of visit (via booking)
3) List down costs per person. i.e (50HKD/meal/pax; 150HKD/fare/pax; tickets/pax, hostel/night). always round up for allowance.
4) determine total budget
5) prepare detailed itinerary (transpo/cost per destination; estimated time to spend each location; if possible decide on things and activities to do and places to eat) use MTR and bus websites and MAPSPublish Post6)Printout maps, directories etc and put together your HK kit.

Tip on exchanging money. Do what you think is convenient for you. Saving a few pesos (or even a thousand) is not worth it if you lose so much time searching for the best place and the best way to change your cash. Being too OC about it might ruin your trip. Extra stress pa yan and you don't need that when you are taking a vacation.

Digital Camera Users: The low temperature can cut your battery's life into half. In my case, 1/3 ng capacity ang nawala.

My Almost Rip-Off Electronics Experience: I went inside a store in Wanchai Computer Center to ask the price of the LX3. Nung nakita niyang tourist with a camera, he looked at my dSLR and noticed I didn't have a UV protection. I now realized this is their easiest cheap shot at tourists since I experienced the same exact thing in Beijing. He grabbed my camera and started to clean my lens then got a UV filter. Even without asking me, he started removing the seal/sticker of the product. This prompted me to ask the price immediately, he said it was 150HKD. Eh naresearch ko na yun prices beforehand and it should be around 60HKD only. This pissed me off and i said no, hindi ko bibilhin yan, masyadong mahal. He then said, 100 pero ayaw ko na talaga. He brought it down to 80 but i said i will think about it and got my camera back. Umalis na ako right after. If i didn't stop him from opening the product baka hindi na ako pinaalis without paying the original 150HKD. I bought the exact same thing from Kamfai for 60HKD. 20HKD difference but the point was their cheapshots at tourists. Kahit gawin nilang mas mura hindi ko na sila babalikan. Kamfai immediately gave me the 60HKD price, pinakamababa na agad kahit tourist ako. Kaya Rule #1, know the price range of your product before going to HK.

Sample Pricelist for Pasalubong:
Bossini Shirts - 70-90 HKD
Bosinni Polo Shirt - 125 HKD
Meiji Chocolates - 12 - 20 HKD
Royce Bar Choc- 38 HKD
Royce Nama (Box) - 85 HKD
Souvenirs (Magnets, Key Chains) 10 HKD
Esprit Bag - 59HKd dito P698 (checked sa glorietta)
Giordano Top - 80hkd 



*Content taken from PEX