If you’ve ever been to Macau, it’s almost impossible to miss the Macau Tower, standing tall against the historically quaint but rapidly urbanizing special administrative region. Located in the south side of Macau Peninsula, Macau Tower is among the most popular tourist spots and, of course, the most photographed as well. Coming from the Taipa district where our CouchSurfing host Darren lives, the Macau Tower and the Sai Wan Bridge is always a sight to behold, same way on the way back, day or night. As Leah and I cross the Zhujiang River estuary through the Governador Noble de Carvalho Bridge, I tried to hold my breath and made a wish. I don’t remember what it was anymore but I guess it must have come true, coz so far, it’s been really good. 🙂 Maybe it was to go bungee jumping at the Macau Tower next time!
Monsoon season in Maharashtra is said to be one of the best times for this West India state, primarily because it is gifted with natural beauty that comes alive and vibrant during the months of June to September. Marathi monsoon masti is [my] catchphrase for rainy season fun in Maharashtra. Together with some couchsurfers, I organized a river rafting trip to Kundalika River, about 2 hours or so from Mumbai. One couchsurfer had a car while Sravan, my neighbor couchsurfing friend, brought his bike, with me as its passenger most of the time. I can’t remember how long the river rafting ride was exactly but it’s a long river trail. Kundalika River, at least the water rafting part, would be longer than the Davao river rafting section, where I did water rafting for the first time. I think Kundalika River will have between class 3 to class 4 rapids — which means, get ready for a fun ride! 🙂 Don’t worry, actually falling into the water while paddling your way out of a whirlpool is a legit excuse to bathe into Kundalika River’s waters! And if you missed that chance, you can always go in at the calm section of the river. Best to go during rainy season as the water levels at Kundalika River will be higher and, if you’re lucky, rains add up to the fun and excitement of river rafting!>
Bordered by the Arabian Sea, Kashid Beach is a popular destination, especially from weekend escapists of Mumbai. It’s about 3 hours from Mumbai, with more than 90kms of plains, mountains and valleys to be seen along the way. Apart from the beach, Alibag is also popular for its forts and some temples. It’s kind of a hillside or hilly area so the weather is cold and quite nice. We went there on July 2012 (my good friend Sravan from CS invited me to their company team thing) and it was awesome! Kashid beach itself is nice enough, especially when you’re looking forward to some playtime with the waves. Be warned, however, that you might need a massage session after! The photo I chose for Kashid beach is actually one of the most photographed scenes and very recognizable to Indian travelers and nature trippers. If you want to see more photos and read more about our playtime at Kashid beach, visit my blog on living in India. 🙂 >
I’ve always wanted to go to Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan — but I never did. Well, until my friend Matt brought it up that is.
I guess I could say I’m lucky in this regard — I’m surrounded by people who not only share the same passion I have for travel but are also game for almost anything almost all the time!
In one rather sunny August day, me and some friends from couchsurfing decided to push through with a quick weekend escape to Laiya, Batangas — a coastline of white sand about three or four hours from the paved highways of Manila.
Beach at Laiya Balacbacan
We actually talked about the trip a week before but weren’t really sure if we’d push through. Laiya isn’t exactly known to the Manila populace as a cheap place for a quick getaway. When you say Laiya, it’s possible that the first thought are the big and fancy resort hotels that charge you about 4000 per person for the weekend — which, I think, for the services, amenities and package food menu that is included is just fair for a touristy weekend vacay.
The Diarist Wanders 