Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Abu Dhabi Theme Parks in Yas Island

In my recent visit to the Middle East 3 out of 8 days were spent exploring the city of Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi is the capital of UAE it is an 1 hour and half drive and approximately 120kms from Dubai.


On our first day, since its my sisters off from work, we planned our trip to Abu Dhabi. We went to the famous Ferrari World which is the largest indoor theme park in the World. It also has the world’s fastest roller coaster called Formula Rossa.

    


The ambiance of the park is very cozy since it is fully air conditioned. You will be amazed with all the actual Ferrari Cars displayed especially if you are a car enthusiast.





Most of the rides are related to the history and creation of Ferrari, it was named after the founder Enzo Ferrari. There are rides specifically for kids where they can practice driving their own miniature F1 car and drive in a small race track. Aside from the Formula Rossa, don’t miss the Speed of Magic which is a 4-D ride just like the Transformers in Universal Studios in Singapore. Other must try rides are Fiorano GT Challenge, this is a roller coaster as well. Tyre Twist, Ferrari’s version of the traditional tea cup ride and V12, a flume ride through the heart of a Ferrari 599 engine







Aside from the rides they also have shows called the RED: A Theatrical Spectacular of Speed and Passion. They have pas de deux performances, scarf dances, choreographed trampoline displays, juggling acts, German wheel sets, stunt skating and racing antics. You will surely enjoy the show.




The next theme park is the Yas Waterworld, in local version it is like the Splash Island but bigger and better rides, it is a must try for fellow travelers like me. It has 43 rides, slides and attractions in four thrill level. When visiting the park make sure to bring a towel or you can also rent a towel for a fee. Lockers for are available for rent in small, medium and large sizes. Maong shorts, sandos and shorts with zippers are not allowed on some of the rides so better wear the right swimming attire.


All the Extreme rides Dawwama, Liwa Loop, Hamlool’s Hump and Jebel Drop is a must because it gives you the adrenaline rush. I’m a huge fan of water rides but while waiting in line I was kind of hesitant and thinking twice but I did it anyway and it was worth the adventure. The weather is hot but the water in the pool is cold and very refreshing. If you don’t want to stay on the queue for a long time you can easily go to the Lazy River or Yadi Yas for an instant ride.



To have a better idea of the water rides try to watch their videos in YouTube.

Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld is just beside each other but it is not advisable to do it the same day so you can maximize both parks.

Expenses:
Ferrari World – 240 AED but they have resident promo which is less than 40 AED. So we got the ticket at 200 times 12 (12 Pesos = 1 AED) or 2400 pesos each.
Yas Waterworld – 240 AED each but they have a buy 4 pay 3 promo. So we got it for 180 each or 2160 pesos each. Locker Rental 35 AED.
Food – Around 55 AED per meal with huge serving size.
Total: P6300 for both parks with meals.

They also have promo where you can enjoy both parks for 365 AED instead of 480 which is valid 14 days from first use. - Cara

8 Days do it your own Itinerary in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

I have a sister that works in Dubai for 5 years now, so when Cebu Pacific recently offered flights from Manila-Dubai it didn’t took much time to plan our next family trip there and visit her. When Cebu Pac offered there piso fare to Dubai me, my mom and sisters booked for a flight for next year.

May 30, 2014, the long wait is finally over after 1 year of advanced booking. My sister who works in Dubai, prepared our itinerary for our 8 day trip to the Middle East. I would like to share my experiences and few tips on what I learned and discovered on this trip.

Here is our complete itinerary. (I have already edited the itinerary based on what happened on our trip) I will expand further and try to give the estimated cost in my next posts.

ARRIVAL: (May 30, Friday) Departure: 2:20PM
Flight Arrival in Sharjah: 7:20 PM via 5J7990 (Note: No flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) due to runway closure from 01-May-14 to 20-Jul-14) So we had to re-route our flight to Sharjah 1 hour away from Dubai.

8:30 PM – Pick up at Sharjah Airport to
9:30 PM – Dinner in Shimmers Restaurant in Souk Madinat

11:30 PM – Go home to Dubai Investment Park (Accommodation)

Day 1: (May 31, Saturday)
07: 30 – 09: 00 Travel Time to Abu Dhabi plus stop over to have breakfast
10:00 – 07:00 Ferrari World
07:00 – 07:30 Travel time to St. Regis Saadiyat Island
07:30 – 10:30 Dinner in Turquoiz Restaurant St. Regis
10:30 – 11:45 Travel time to DIP

Day 2: (June 1, Sunday)
09:30 – 10:00 Travel time to Burj Al Arab (With Lou and Camil)
10:00 – 12:00 Burj Al Arab site visit
12:00 – 02:40 AT.MOSPHERE Lounge at Burj Khalifa for Lunch
02:40 – 04:00 Drive to Sofitel Downtown Dubai to leave the car and safari pick up from there
04:00 – 10:00 Desert Safari
10:00 – 10:45 Travel time to DIP

Day 3: (June 2, Monday)
08:00 – 08:30 Will drop you in the Big bus tour station
09:00 – 07:00 Big Bus Tour
7:00 – 10:30 Dinner then Shop at Dubai Mall

Day 4: (June 3, Tuesday)
09:20 AM – 11:00 AM – Continue with the Big Bus Tour (Jumeirah Mosque and Public Beach)
11:00 AM – Lunch and Shop at Dubai Mall
07:00 PM – Pick up at Dubai Mall after work and go to Mall of Emirates to shop and have dinner

Day 5: (June 4, Wednesday)
10:00 – Rest and Woke up Late
03:00 – 04:00 – Go to Dubai Mall
04:00 – 06:00 – Shop in Dubai Mall while waiting for Me
06:00 – 08:00 Coffee, Walk through Souk Al Bahr plus watch Dubai Fountain
09:30 – 10:00 Travel time to DIP

Day 6: (June 5, Thursday)
09:00 – 10:00 Travel time to The Palms Jumeirah
10:00 – 02:00 The Lost Chambers in Atlantis
02:00 – 03:00 Travel to Jumeirah Beach Residence for Lunch
06:00 – 09:00 IBN Battuta Mall for Shopping and Take Out
09:00 – 10:15 Travel Time to DIP

Day 7: (June 6, Friday)
07: 30 – 09:30 Travel Time to Abu Dhabi plus stop over to have breakfast
10:45 – 07:00 Yas Water Park
08:00 – Dinner at Montazah Tower
11:00 – Check in Hotel Mercure

Day 8: (June 7, Saturday)
08:00 – Check out at Hotel go to Montazah
08:30 – 09:00 Emirates Palace just to take pictures
09:00 – 10:00 The Grand Mosque Visit
10:00 – 11:30 Travel Back to DIP for final packing with your luggage’s
12:00 – Go to Mall of Emirates for last minute shopping and early dinner
04:00 – Travel to Sharjah Airport Flight Departure in SHJ: 08:50PM via 5J7991

DEPARTURE
Need to leave before 2 half hours before flight departure
Flight Departure in SHJ: 08:50PM via 5J7991

My sister works 5 days in a week from 9AM – 6PM so in order to save fare on Taxi we hitched to go out of the house and waited for her after work so we can get a ride back home. She placed notes after days where it is her Days Off so we can plan ahead.

I hope this itinerary helps you to plan your own tour in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Hit me if you have any questions.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Calaguas Island (Perks and Disadvantages)


We came to conquer the island of Calaguas last May 29-June 1. It was one of the best and worst islands I have ever been to. Travel tips to be provided once your read the whole experience.



Day 0
Itinerary Group CostIndividual Cost
20:30:00Meet-up DLTB Cubao (Ride Deluxe bus via Daet)650
3 Stopovers in between (bought siopao)25
21:00:00Departure to Talobatib

We left for Daet Thursday evening to avoid the Friday traffic and bulk of people expected to visit Calaguas on a summer weekend.

It was a blessing in disguise that only Deluxe tickets were available. Travelling for 8 hours at night time would require sufficient leg space and leaning chairs for a more comfortable sleep.


Day 1
5:00:00Arrival at Talobatib
Breakfast50
5:30:00Ride tricycle to Paracale36090
Stopover to market400
(Buy food, drinking water, ice)
7:00:00Ride a boat to Calaguas 3500875
Tourist assistance10025
9:00:00Hello Calaguas
Beach bumming, Put up tent, Eat, Sleep/ Dinner Socials
Entrance100
Cottage35025
Bought fresh fish for dinner at the island25037.5
Ice (10/pack)12030
Charcoal (10/pack)4010
Liquor/additional food400100



Once we reached Talobatib, a lot of tricycle started to approach us to offer their services. It's a good thing that I read that standard rate is at 200. Drivers were offering to bring us to Paracale for 300 and advised us that we need 2 tricycles since there were 4 of us. We immediately declined then a nice driver approached us and offered to bring us to Paracale for P300 for 4 of us.

Travel from Talobatib to Paracale will take 30-45minutes. Advise the driver to drop you off the market before going to the port. Make sure to buy all necessities as prices triple once you reach the island. We gave a tip of P60 since the tricycle driver was so patient waiting for us finish marketing.

We headed to the boatman's (Mang Boy) home after buying stuff, much to my dismay he handed us over to another person. The boatman said that there is a line and he could not accommodate us. All requests I asked from him (cooking stuff, utensils, plates, sleeping bags, etc) which he agreed on bringing were no longer provided. He could have advised us earlier. Mang Boy could be confident to lose customers now that his name is always brought on different blogs when asked for Calaguas boatmen. I think it is just respectful to advise customers ahead of time if he cannot commit to the trip.

The water was very calm as we traveled to Calaguas. I was highly anticipating waves as this was the feedback I have read. Luckily, we didn't even pass through one single wave. The weather was perfect.




Upon reaching the island, the boatman brought us to the rightmost portion of the beach. The boatman referred us to Mang Errol who will take care of us during our stay at the island. The boatman left us and headed back to Paracale. 

Mang Errol led us to a cottage but advised us that someone will be using it the next day. We still agreed to occupy the cottage since a lot of cottages are in the area. That decision would affect our stay, this will be pointed out later.


The sand is comparable to Boracay's Station 1 fine sand. Since it was a Friday, only a few people were camping and we had the area to ourselves. 

We started to set up our tent and cook lunch. The sun was scorching hot so we decided to stay in the cottage to rest after eating. We started swimming at 4pm when a fisherman approached us and was selling the fishes he caught. The rate he provided us was P150 per kilo. The rates for residents is at P70 per kilo so you should haggle before buying.







Electricity is available in the Island from 7pm to 12pm. I asked one woman in a store to charge my phone and she gladly agreed. This was free of charge. At last something free in Calaguas! A water pump is available for bathing and restroom use. The water is free during weekdays but costs P10 per pail during weekends.



Day 2
Itinerary Group CostIndividual Cost
6:00:00Trekking to see view of Calaguas Island25
Bought fresh fish for lunch at the island15037.5
11:00:00Cook lunch
14:00:00Transfer to Balagbag Island400100
16:00:00Trekking to see view of Pacific Ocean
19:00:00Dinner/ Socials

After the usual drinking socials we all look forward to on every beach travel, we slept on the sand due to the humid weather that night. The next morning, we missed the sunrise but view of the crystal clear waters that morning was spectacular. 

We were all set to trek that day to see the top view of the island.





Cost to see the view of the whole island is P25/head. Entrance can be found on the leftmost portion of the beach. There is no receipt provided meaning we do not know where all money being collected will go. 



After climbing the top and having some pictures taken, we went down to see the back portion of the island. The view was again picture perfect. 


Once reaching our cottage, a lot of tourists where already coming in and we were advised to vacate our cottage since another set of people reserved the cottage before hand. We then got to know that Calaguas prioritizes those who take the tourist package instead of DIY travel.

We decided to leave the island when Mang Errol offered us  to stay at another remote island which is a 5 minute boatride away. Boat ride will cost P400 for one way trip to the island. Costly but since we had no shade + scorching sun + hundreds of new tourists in the island, we agreed to move to Balagbag. 


Balagbag Island is known as a snorkeling site. There are also cottages available. Downside of this island is there is no fresh water to use and shore is mostly stones and pebbles.

We still enjoyed the island and decided to climb uphill to see the Pacific Ocean. We stayed here overnight and was assisted by the caretaker. We also asked Mang Errol to ask our boatman to fetch us here the next day.



Day 3
Itinerary Group CostIndividual Cost
6:00:00Fix things
Cottage 20050
Entrance100
7:00:00Boat pick-up back to Paracale
9:00:00Wash up at Aling Nimfa's house
11:00:00Lunch at Carinderia60
12:00:00Trike pick-up
Sidetrip at Paracale church
14:00:00Ride DLTB bus bound for Manila450
23:30:00Arrival at EDSA-Boni3240

We left Balagbag Island around 7am and washed at Aling Nimfa's house. We had lunch at a nearby Carinderia before leaving for Manila. We also passed by Paracale Church for some pictorial before leaving for Manila.

Travel time back to Manila reached 12 hours as we had to pass by every town in Quezon province lol! 



Travel Tips:
1. Go to Calaguas during summer, on a weekday.
2. Buy everything you need before reaching Calaguas Island. 
3. Try to contact a boatman who would vouch to bring you to Calaguas and help provide all camping things needed.
4. Bring sunblock, hat, battery packs and even extra slippers in case it gets misplaced or stolen.
5. You can ask your tricycle driver to get bus tickets for you.


My Thoughts: The island is starting to get popular that residents use this as their main source of income. They prioritize campers who get the tourist package (inclusive of boat fare, catered food, tent, etc). If you are a DIY traveller like me, it would be better to go on a weekday  to make sure that you won't lose your boat, cottage or anything  else to another group.

Total Cost of the Trip for a group of 4pax: P3240/head for Calaguas 3days/2nights