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10/07/2019

Travel travel lang kung may time at budget diba?

19/04/2017

Summer Adventure

08/01/2017

Join the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival 2017

05/08/2015

A guide to Vietnamese coffee

by Elisabeth Rosen· Jun 30 2015

Strong and flavourful Vietnamese coffee makes converts as quickly as it raises pulses. French colonists might have introduced coffee to Vietnam, but the morning cup of ca phe soon became a local habit. With variations that make use of yoghurt, eggs and even fruit, Vietnamese coffee has developed a style of its own.

Same but different

The preparation process, as well as the blend of beans, helps give Vietnamese coffee its particular style. Coarsely ground beans go into a French drip filter (called a phin), which sits on top of the cup. The beans are weighted down with a thin lid, hot water is added to the phin, and then the water slowly trickles through into the cup. Most people drink the resulting dark, strong brew with sweetened condensed milk, a practice that began because the French couldn't easily acquire fresh milk. In the north of Vietnam, this mixture is referred to as ca phe nau (brown coffee), while in the south it’s called ca phe sua (milk

Types of coffee

Vietnam has far more to offer in the caffeine department than just coffee with milk. Below are a few more unique variations to look out for.

Like coffee, yoghurt was originally brought to Vietnam by the French and has been adopted into local culinary tradition. Rich and creamy, it’s served with various toppings, from fresh mango to fermented rice – and even coffee. This might sound like an odd combination, but the rich yoghurt pairs amazingly well with a drizzle of black coffee.

Egg coffee (ca phe trung)

Egg yolk whipped with condensed milk into an airy froth meets dark coffee in this rich concoction: think of it as a Vietnamese take on tiramisu. Egg coffee first made the scene in the 1940s, when milk was scarce and egg yolks provided a convenient replacement.

Coffee smoothie (sinh to ca phe)

In recent years, coffee has even found its way into smoothies. Popular juice shops perk up creamy blends of fresh fruit with a touch of Vietnamese coffee, sometimes tossing in yoghurt or cashews. In Hanoi, try sinh to ca phe chuoi bo (coffee blended with banana and avocado). In Ho Chi Minh City, go for sinh to ca phe sapoche (coffee blended with sapodilla, a tropical fruit with a custard-like taste). Both are delicious ways to get your caffeine fix and your vitamins at the same time.

Where to drink

Hanoi remains the undisputed centre of cafe culture in Vietnam. While modern-style coffee shops have grown in popularity, traditional sidewalk cafes still fill up from morning to night with drinkers of all ages, who linger for hours over a single glass. However, you can find quality coffee all over Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, coffee is usually served in taller glasses and is slightly cheaper.

For the experience: Trieu Viet Vuong

Known as ‘Coffee Street’, this stretch of Hanoi’s historic Hai Ba Trung District might contain more cafes per block than anywhere else in Vietnam, ranging from family-run shops to more fashionable places popular with teenagers. Hanoian favourite Cafe Tho (117 Trieu Viet Vuong), which has been here for three decades, brews a powerful cup that still draws consistent crowds.

For dessert: Cafe Giang

No trip to Hanoi is complete without a taste of egg coffee at the place it was invented. Cafe Giang (39 Nguyen Huu Huan), on the edge of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, was the first to begin whipping up this drink/dessert in the 1940s. Since then the atmosphere has changed as little as the recipe. While the tiny stools here might not be the most comfortable, the drink itself is top notch. Those who don’t drink coffee can sample the egg foam with sweetened mung beans or cocoa.

For the view: Cafe Pho Co

Accessed via an entrance concealed in the back of a shop, a spiral staircase leads up to Hanoi’s Cafe Pho Co and a stunning view of Hoan Kiem Lake. From the quiet balcony overlooking the lake and surrounding streets, you can enjoy a coffee while watching the seemingly never-ending stream of traffic pass by.


For a blast from the past: Cafe La Tamia

A retro cafe in Ho Chi Minh City, La Tamia (38/05 Tran Khac Chan) offers visitors a glimpse into old Saigon. Relax on a vintage sofa or browse the cafe owner’s collection of antique TVs and gramophones while enjoying your iced coffee.

Drink like a local

A few coffee-drinking tips for your Vietnam trip:

Milky way Don’t even try to ask for decaf. If you prefer your coffee mild, do as the Vietnamese do and order ca phe bac xiu, coffee with lots of extra condensed milk.

Sweet spot As condensed milk is sweetened, there is no white coffee without sugar. True coffee connoisseurs should opt for ca phe den (black coffee). A touch of sugar will bring out the complex flavours, just as it does with dark chocolate. However, if you want to ensure that your drink isn’t too sweet, ask for it duong (less sugar).

Avoid hunger Cafes in Vietnam don’t typically serve food. Some newer cafes do offer quick eats, but you’re better off following the local custom of eating first and then heading to a cafe to relax. In a pinch, you can always nibble on hat huong duong (sunflower seeds).

Read A guide to Vietnamese coffee by Lonely Planet

02/08/2015

River Cruising at Polo, New Washington, Aklan

06/02/2014

The Best Beaches of the Philippines...
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The Philippines are generating a buzz as a less-discovered alternative to southeast Asian beach hotspots like Bali and southern Thailand. It's not hard to see why. The country has more than 7000 islands, most boasting at least an idyllic beach or two. It's easy to navigate (English is widely spoken) and increasingly affordable to get to, as regional budget airlines add Manila to their route maps.
With such a wealth of coastal pleasures on offer, it can be tricky to pick your spot. Here are a few areas to hone in on.

Southern Negros
If you want to sample several world-class beaches in one short trip, look no further. Fly into Dumaguete, the regional capital of Negros Oriental, and you are within an hour of Apo Island, a top dive site with backpacker-friendly accommodation on an utterly isolated stretch of sand - escapist paradise Tambobo Bay, and dreamy Siquijor Island, rung with bone-white beaches and exceptional value accommodation. Further afield (four hours away) you'll feel like you've reached the end of the Earth at Sugar Beach (allegedly named by a Lonely Planet writer in the '80s).

El Nido
The dramatic limestone formations of the Bacuit Bay Archipelago keep the postcard vendors in business, but unless you're a serious rock-climber you'll spend more time on the archipelago's beaches. Most are within an easy pump boat ride of this laid-back North Palawan town. And there are enough that you can usually find one to have all to yourself.

Boracay
The crown jewel of Philippine beaches has experienced a surge in popularity as travel publications rush to add it to their world's-top-beaches lists. What took them so long? Boracay's 5km signature White Beach has been dropping jaws for decades. All that publicity has spurred development and turned Boracay into a big-time party beach. Still, the island remains mellow compared to regional luminaries like Kuta Beach and Ko Samui, and you can escape the crowds without too much trouble. Kite surfers love it too.

Cebu
This banana-shaped island has accessibility going for it - international flights from Asian hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore fly right into the Visayas' largest city, Cebu City. Near the airport on Mactan Island you'll find a variety of high-end, family-oriented resorts such as Shangri-La's Mactan Resort & Spa. Or travel three hours by car to the northern tip of the island, where pump boats make the 10-minute trip to dreamy Malapascua Island, home to blinding-white Bounty Beach and, for scuba divers, thresher sharks.

Pagudpud
Easy to access it is not, but those with a sense of adventure are well advised to travel to this town on the northern tip of the Philippines' main island, Luzon. The highway up here is the Philippines' answer to the Great Ocean Road or the Pacific Coast Highway. It zigzags around dramatic headlands and skirts seemingly endless beaches such as Blue Lagoon, where Luzon's whitest sand and bluest water conspire majestically to be situated in one place.

Siargao
It's best known as the Philippines' top surf spot, but an all-day loop around this island brings you up close and personal with beaches equal to any in the South Pacific. Cloud Nine is ground zero for surfers, but to escape the crowds head offshore to any number of uninhabited islets, or drive up to Burgos near Siargao's northeastern tip, where coconut palms back a three-kilometre crescent of powdered-sugary soft sand, and perfect waves peel off in several directions in the bay.

Other good bets for beaches include Baler (Luzon), Anda (Bohol), Coron (Palawan) and Camiguin Island (off Mindanao). Or just check out a map of the country, point to an island, and go. You'll inevitably find a lonely stretch of sand that few tourists have trod on before - your own private patch of paradise.

05/02/2014

Useful Travel Tips for Paris....
(Please like our page https://www.facebook.com/NKTravelTours if like our post or comment for suggestions...thanks you)

All pubs and clubs are near the Champs Élysées. Must also see the Moulin Rouge and the Lido show.
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Carrying a hat and sunglasses is recommended. A good city metro map is also important. A printable version of the map is available here.
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Some helpful French phrases - Bonjour - hello, good morning ,S'il vous plait - please, Merci - thank you,Au revoir - goodbye, Désolé je ne parle pas francais - sorry I don't speak French. Parle Vous Englais - Do you speak English? Learn french online at Duolingo for free.
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June to September is an ideal time to visit due to pleasant weather. Should pack a light jacket and an umbrella.
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Important Phone number 17 - to call police or ambulance
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Impossible to list a particular restaurant, there are too many. Must have a steak with fries in Paris. Also not to be missed are the pastries and the variety of cheeses. Sancerre is one of the best wines money can buy. Doner Kebabs from Arabian outfits are available across the city for low budget meals. Some good restaurants are Ze Kitchen Galerie, Il Vino D'Enrico Bernardo, Les Fables de la Fontaine, Le Restaurant. Le Napoleon is also worth exploring.
+4
From CDG airport one can take either a suburban train, bus or taxi to get to Paris. All major train stations are within Paris itself. around
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All tourists must buy a travel pass. Available according to the duration of a tourists stay, it allows unlimited use of all 4 modes of transport - bus, metro, suburban trains and tram. It is advisable to check the zones while buying depending on what you plan to visit-Zones 1 and 2 will suffice for Paris. Travel passes are available at all metro and train stations. Get more information about travel pass online. around
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Begin your search for hotels in Paris here.
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One can change money anywhere near Saint Michel in the 5th district of Paris. Most of the shops accept Visa and Mastercard. currency
+4
Must visit-Eiffel tower, Sacre Couer, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde square, Louvre Museum and Notre Dam. All are easily accessible to bus and metro. Other popular tourist spots include the following Place des Vosges, Marché des Enfants Rouge, La Flèche d'Or, Place Ste-Marthe, the view from le Pont de Solférino or le Pont des Arts when the sun sets, the view from Montmartre at about the same time + Quartier de la Goutte-d'Or, Place St Georges / Rue des Martyrs / Avenue Trudaine i.e. South Pigalle area
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Famous local market is at Sevres Babylone, which is also the name of the metro station. Expect super fresh foods, fruits and meats on sale. Chatelet also offers a variety of shopping options. Champs -de - Elysee offers all the premium brands- Cartier to Prada on a single street.

05/02/2014

TIPS FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD...

If you are planning your next trip abroad, there are a few things you should know before you go. Here are my tops tips for travelling abroad.

* Check your insurance and make sure you are covered abroad. If not, it is recommended to take out travel insurance. While many countries offer free medical care at emergency rooms, not everyone does. Do some research to make sure you are covered.

* Bring multiple copies of your passport. If you lose your passport abroad, it can be quite a process to get a temporary one issued so you can get back home. Having a copy will help. Electronic copies count as well!

* What's a dollar worth? That depends on where you go. Keep an eye on conversion rates to make sure you budget properly.

* Not everyone takes credit cards. And atm's don't give the best rates. Convert some cash before you go at the airport just to be sure. In some countries, most places won't accept debit or credit cards. It's best to have some cash on hand.

* Some countries, like Cuba, have entry and exit fees. You will have to pay a tax to enter and exit the country. Some of them range from $25 to $200 so do some research first.

* There's an app for that! There are some many travel apps to choose from, you will certainly find the one that is right for you with just a little research. These apps can help you organize hotels, flights, excursions, expenses, and even sometimes documents.

* Beware of adapters. A simple US to European converter is not the best idea for your electronics. They don't have the right voltage and can fry your very expensive electronics. Spend the 10 euro to get the right charger for that country and save your $900 phone.

* Pack on the lighter side. No matter what you think, you will go shopping when you are on vacation. One of the biggest nightmares travellers have is how they are going to bring home their newly bought memories. You can find tank tops for 2 euro at local markets so save space and pack light.

03/02/2014

A pose of Mr and Miss Photogenic near Buruanga, Aklan, Philippines....

You are all cordially invited for scuba diving.

03/02/2014

Tallow Beach, Byron Bay. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The diving: just 2.5km offshore, Julian Rocks is one of Australia’s best dive sites. Like a mini Galapagos, the mixing of tropical currents and cooler waters around this volcanic bluff attracts a bounty of marine life including turtles, rays, wobbegong sharks and over 1000 fish species.

Why learn here: the water just gets colder south of Byron, and this hip surf town is more accessible to budget travellers than the Great Barrier Reef. Both Byron Bay Dive Centre (www.byronbaydivecentre.com.au) and Sundive (www.sundive.com.au) offer competitive course rates.

When to go: diving is year-round, with summer drawing leopard sharks and manta rays. Cooler winter waters lure endangered grey nurse sharks, and humpback whales are commonly sighted from May to September.

Ko Tao, Thailand
Ko Nangyuan, Ko Tao. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
Ko Nangyuan, Ko Tao. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The diving: untouched by the 2004 tsunami, Ko Tao is also one of the few places on earth where it’s possible to spot whale sharks (March to April) along with tropical fish, reef sharks, rays and barracuda during your dive course.

Why learn here: unlike neighbouring party island Ko Pha-Ngan, relaxed Ko Tao is all about diving; calm, shallow sites like Japanese Gardens are perfect for nervous novices. Check out tour dive facilities including Ban’s (www.bansdivingresort.com) and Scuba Junction (www.scuba-junction.com) before signing up.

When to go: diving is year-round, with July to September offering the best visibility. Some outfits close during the November to December rainy season.

Caye Caulker, Belize
The diving: dwarfed only by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System lies less than a mile from Caye Caulker. Its countless dive sites house everything from delicate sea fans to majestic coral gardens, but its iconic Great Blue Hole is best left to advanced divers.

Why learn here: course fees at this idyllic, low-key Caribbean island are among the highest in Central America, but the diving here is by far the best. Enquire at Frenchies (www.frenchiesdivingbelize.com) and Belize Dive Services (belizedivingservices.net).

When to go: diving is year-round, with conditions near perfect around May. During the rainy season from December to April, seas can be choppy.

Dahab, Red Sea, Egypt
Green toadstoll coral by Tim Sheerman-Chase. Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
Green toadstoll coral by Tim Sheerman-Chase. Creative Commons Attribution Licence.

The diving: with stunning coral habitats literally steps from the beach, relaxed Dahab offers some terrific shore diving and, for advanced divers, there’s also a blue hole.

Why learn here: Dahab feels less chaotic than Egypt’s main dive centre Sharm el-Sheikh, 90km south, but there’s still a decent tourism infrastructure with plenty of dive outfits – Poseidon (www.poseidondivers.com) and Big Blue (www.bigbluedahab.com) come recommended. Bolstered by a year-round visibility of 30m, the Red Sea is ideal for beginners.

When to go: diving is year-round, but most travellers find it more comfortable to avoid the blistering heat from May to September.

Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
Spotted drum off Utila by Ross Garner. Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
Spotted drum off Utila by Ross Garner. Creative Commons Attribution Licence.

The diving: backpacker haven Utila enjoys access to the southern tip of the stunning Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Over-fishing has had an impact on marine life density around Utila, but new divers would never notice.

Why learn here: while the diving is arguably better at neighbouring Roatan, Utila courses are phenomenal value – sign up with Underwater Vision (www.underwatervision.net) or Utila Dive Centre (www.utiladivecentre.com). On Roatan, Ocean Connections (www.ocean-connections.com) is worth a look.

When to go: diving is year-round, but it’s worth visiting between March to April or September to December for a chance to spot whale sharks.

Gili Trawangan, Gili Islands, Indonesia
Sunrise seen from Gili Trawangan. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
Sunrise seen from Gili Trawangan. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The diving: Indonesia boasts an aquatic Babylon – the warm, clear waters around Gili Trawangan (off Lombok) are home to more than 3500 marine species including reef sharks, turtles, pygmy seahorses and colourful corals.

Why learn here: competition between mostly European-run dive operators (like Manta Dive – www.manta-dive.com – and Blue Marlin – www.bluemarlindive.com), keeps course fees in check on this relaxed little island, which is also great for snorkelling.

When to go: Gili Trawangan diving is year-round, though many travellers avoid the November to April rainy season.

Port Vila, Efaté, Vanuatu
The diving: boasting easily accessible wrecks along with brilliant coral reefs, Vila provides the perfect warm-up for those hoping to tackle the SS President Coolidge, one of the world’s top wreck dives, over on Santo Island when certified.

Why learn here: perfect for wannabe divers with time constraints, Vila outfits, including Nautilus (www.nautilus.com.vu) and Big Blue (www.bigbluevanuatu.com) cram open water courses into two-and-a-half days (as opposed to three or four). And resort-style lodgings, most with their own dive outfits, abound.

When to go: diving is year-round, with visitor numbers increasing from April to October when the water is particularly calm and clear.

Santa Cruz, Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
Marine iguana. Image from Wikimedia Commons.
Marine iguana. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The diving: located at the convergence of three ocean currents, this otherworldly archipelago offers a truly unique diving experience. There’s not a lot of coral, but the (friendly) hammerhead sharks, sea lions, turtles, marine iguanas, rays and such should keep you entertained.

Why learn here: with its strong currents and chilly water, Galapagos diving can be challenging. But reputable dive outfits like Scuba Iguana (www.scubaiguana.com) and Macarron’s Scuba (www.macarronscubadiver.com.ec) in Puerto Ayora on main island Santa Cruz host their courses in the calmest spots. Freshly certified, you can shark spot at advanced sites like Gordon Rocks.

When to go: diving is generally year-round, but January to May offers the best weather for those planning to cruise in the region.

The Visayas, Philippines
Cephea jellyfish in Cebu, the Visayas, by Tanaka. Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
Cephea jellyfish in Cebu, the Visayas, by Tanaka. Creative Commons Attribution Licence.

The diving: located at the centre of the world’s ‘coral triangle’, the Philippines are considered to house the richest concentration of marine life on the planet, with 5000 species of clams, snails and mollusks alone.

Why learn here: surrounded by coral reefs, the Visayas (a central Philippine island group) are perfectly set up for divers. On Negros Island, plush Atmosphere Resort (atmosphereresorts.com) leads dives to the magnificent Apo reef, while those seeking something more Survivor-style (and the chance to spot thresher sharks) should make for Malapascua Island. Try Evolution (evolution.com.ph) on Malapascua. With lovely beaches and easy dive site access, Boracay Island is also popular. Try Free W***y Diving (www.freewillydiving.com) on Boracay.

When to go: diving is year-round, but the November to June dry season offers the warmest water and best visibility.

North Male Atoll, Maldives
Tropical fish in the Maldives by Nattu. Creative Commons Attribution Licence.
Tropical fish in the Maldives by Nattu. Creative Commons Attribution Licence.

The diving: the best explored region of the Maldives, North Male Atoll is riddled with brilliant dive sites. Coral remains healthy despite widespread bleaching, but abundant tropical marine life is the big ticket, buoyed by warm water and great visibility. Popular sites include Banana Reef, Kuda Haa and Manta Point.

Why learn here: as most resorts offer good dive courses, choosing one will likely be determined by your accommodation budget. With the biggest dive centre in the region, Kurudu Resort (www.kuredu.com) is a good choice, while those seeking solitude may prefer to bed down at Robinson Crusoe-style Gili Lankanfushi (www.gili-lankanfushi.com) which is partnered with Ocean Paradise Divers (www.oceanparadise.com.mv).

When to go: year-round diving is possible, but the best conditions prevail from November to April, when seas are calm and ocean currents attract manta rays.

Know before you go: pre-course checklist
PADI or SSI are the world’s two main diving certifiers, recognised globally.
Do your research – it’s important to ensure your instructor is legally certified and their dive gear is up to scratch. Also check where the closest decompression chamber is located in case of emergencies.
It’s recommended you don’t fly for at least 24 hours following a dive to prevent decompression sickness.
Check if your preferred dive outfit offers an e-learning component of the course you can complete before your visit, to free up more diving time.
Strike a bargain – many outfits offer free or discounted accommodation if you dive with them.
Sarah Reid is a travel writer who always seems to arrive at a whale shark hotspot just after the beautiful beasts have left. She tweets at .

Dive and snorkel the Cape Byron Marine Park with Byron Bay Dive Centre. Experience the underwater brilliance of Julian Rocks Marine Reserve, one of Australia’s top ten dive sites.

02/02/2014

Best Western Camino a Tamarindo Hotel

Property Location When you stay at Best Western Camino a Tamarindo in Tamarindo, you'll be near the airport and within the vicinity of Conchal Beach and Tamarindo Beach. This hotel is within the vicinity of Playa Brasilito and Las Baulas de Guanacaste National Marine Park. Rooms Make yourself at home in one of the 25 air-conditioned rooms featuring plasma televisions. Your bed comes with cotton sheets and down blankets. Rooms have private balconies where you can take in pool and garden views. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature makeup/shaving mirrors and hair dryers. Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities Enjoy recreation amenities such as an outdoor pool or take in the view from a garden. Additional features include complimentary wireless Internet access and tour/ticket assistance. Guests can catch a ride on the complimentary shuttle, which operates within 10 km. Dining Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. Breakfast is available in the breakfast area for a fee. Business, Other Amenities Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and a 24-hour front desk. Planning an event in Tamarindo? This hotel has 172 square feet (16 square meters) of space consisting of small meeting rooms, banquet facilities, and exhibit space. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free parking is available onsite.

Room Rate: Php 3,827.00 including daily breakfast

01/02/2014

UFC coming to Philippines, White promises
ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 02/01/2014 8:33 PM | Updated as of 02/01/2014 8:33 PM

MANILA, Philippines – If everything goes right, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is pushing through with its plan to hold a fight card in Manila this year.

During its media day for UFC 169, UFC president Dana White said he wanted to bring UFC to the Philippines because of the Filipinos love for mixed martial arts.

“Everybody's saying, we're not doing enough fights... there's places that are starving for it and that's what we set up this year. We're travelling all throughout in Asia. We wanna get down to the Philippines,” he said in an interview with Gretchen Malalad.

“We know there's so many fans out there and Filipinos love the UFC and love fighting.”

The UFC executive said they were supposed to hold a card in the Philippines years ago, but things fell apart due to sponsorship issues.

“What happened was we plan on doing that thing and we had a big sponsor behind us and the sponsor fell through,” he said. “[But] it's getting closer and closer now. What we're doing in China now, Philippines is next.”

The UFC is working in tandem with ABS-CBN’S Balls Channel, which has brought UFC superstars to the Philippines to promote MMA.

Among the UFC stars who have visited Manila are Georges St-Pierre, BJ Penn, Chuck Liddell, Alexander Gustafsson, Cung Le, Brandon Vera and Mark Muñoz.

White added that they are also preparing a UFC program to find local talents who could sign up with the MMA promotion.

“There are MMA gyms in the Philippines, I'm sure there's many. But again boxing's really good too because of Manny Pacquiao, so there's a lot of boxing gyms,” said White. “The reality is guys training down there can get into the UFC through this Asia program we put together.”