The Start of Singapore Adventure

Singapore was the first country I visited. It has a very small area, but it belongs to the top ten richest countries in the world. It is also one of the cleanest countries. True enough! You will encounter no dust and no car smoke as you walk around Singapore. The people are much disciplined. They follow traffic rules. The drivers are courteous enough to give way to the people to pass in the pedestrian. There are so many things to know about the country, and surely you will love the place like me.


On our first day, we explored the Marina Bay area. Tourists who travel around Singapore should not miss to see the place. It is where the famous Merlion Park and Esplanade were built. There are two lions in the park – the big and the small. Near the park are different cafes and restaurants which can feed your hungry stomach. At the opposite side of the Merlion Park is the newly constructed mall called The Shoppes at Marina Bay.


Prepare your feet for a long walk. The Shoppes at Marina Bay may seem near from the Merlion Park. Yet, when you go to the other side, you will know how far it is. However, it worth the walk! On the way, you will see more beautiful places. The Fullerton Bay Hotel, Raffles Hotel and other establishments are some of these places you will encounter.

Marina Bay, Singapore
With Teacher Halzi
May 2010

Curious of Singapore’s Humble Beginnings: A Trip to Singapore National Museum

We decided to visit the Singapore National Museum on our second day to witness the rich culture and tradition of the country from the very start. We rode the MRT from Farrer Park and get off at Dhoby Ghaut Station. We passed by the Plaza Singapura and trudge the way to the Singapore National Museum.


I have never been to any museum. For me, museum will just make me bored and sleepy. Yet, Singapore Museum is different! After paying the entrance fee of 10sgd, we were handed down of a remote control. The control is very important as we stop in every station inside the museum. It works as a tour guide. When you press the number, it tells something about the station to where you are in. The control needs to be returned after the tour.


Aside from the remote control as a tour guide, another thing that fascinated me was the music area. I had seen two Chinese kids as they enjoyed listening to the song while dancing. When they were gone, I substituted them. The songs they had were really wonderful.


The third which captured my attention was the big television screen. It showed the classic movies. In this area, you can sit and relax as you relish the movie scene.


There are so many things found inside the museum which may amuse you such as the jewelries, crowns, clothes, cloths, and a lot more. Allotting half of your day is not enough to see all the exhibits and cherish the time you spend in each station.


On our way back home, we passed by the Singapore Management University. It is one of the top universities in Singapore.


Across the SMU is the Singapore Art Museum.


Singapore National Museum, Singapore
With Teacher Halzi
May 2010

The Enchanting Island of Sentosa (Day 3 in Singapore)

On our third day in Singapore, we visited Sentosa Island. There are numerous of activities to do in the island. To reach it, you need to ride an MRT going to Harbour Front. From there, you have to walk to the third floor of Vivo City (0.2 kilometers away) to look for a connecting MRT that will take you to Sentosa Island. A payment of 5sgd (or at least 150php) is needed for an unlimited transportation ride in the island. You do not have to pay when you ride in the tram, bus, and MRT within Sentosa as it is already included in the 5sgd fare you have paid.



There are four stations in Sentosa Island.



Sentosa Station is the first station along the Sentosa Express. It is where you are going to purchase a ticket that will allow you for an unlimited ride in the island. After paying 5sgd, you are going to wait for the monorail to arrive. Prepare yourself for an exciting adventure in the island!



Waterfront Station is the second station of Sentosa Express monorail. Lime green is the color code of this station. Here you can visit the Resorts World, theme park, and the famous Universal Records. The entrance fee in the UR is 55sgd.



Imbiah Station is the third station along the Sentosa Express. Its color code is purple. In this station, you can try the Imbiah Lookout which allow you to see the whole view of Sentosa from above. There are also other attractions that will keep you occupied such as Sentosa Luge & Skyride, Images of Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, Sentosa 4D Magix, Butterfly Park and Singapore Cable Car. The Images of Singapore exhibits a unique performance called “Songs of the Sea”. A wonderful combination of sing, dance and acting presentation plus magnificent fireworks will melt your heart out! You will never regret with the 10sgd (around 330php) you have paid!



Beach Station is the fourth and last station along the Sentosa Express monorail. Blue is its color code. The three famous beaches in Singapore such as Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and Tanjong Beach can be found in this station.

Sentosa Island, Singapore
May 2010
With Teacher Halzi

Selamat Datang Ke Indonesia

Batam Island is 45 minutes away from Singapore by ferry boat. It is used to be a poor place, but because of its strategic location (being close to Singapore and Malacca Straight), this island is slowly improving in terms of economy.



If you have plans of having a day trip from Singapore to Batam, be sure that you know your destinations once you reach Batam Island. The residents of Batam can hardly speak the English language. There are some (only a few, very few) who knows a bit, but they are not that conversant. They may know how to speak English, but they cannot express it well and so you cannot also get the information you need.



The first place that you will see once you reach the island is the Batam Centre. Batam Centre is a place where you can shop for souvenirs. There are also eating places where you can dine to feed your hungry stomach.



During our visit in the island, we did not enjoy much because we were not able to see their tourist spots. We did not have much information about the place because their Tourist Information Center that time was closed and also their residents could not express well about the attractions that they have. To be safe, we just toured around the place by foot.

Lesson learned: If you are going to explore a place, research ahead!

Batam Island, Indonesia
May 2010
With Teacher Halzi

Malaysia, Truly Asia!

Johor Bahru, also known as JB, is the capital city of Johor in Southern Malaysia. It is the second largest urban area in Malaysia next to its capital, Kuala Lumpur. Also, it is one of the biggest business centers in the country.

You can go around the city by riding a taxi. From JB Central, you need to walk to its adjacent mall City Square. From there, you ride a taxi that will take you to Plaza Kotaraya. The taxi fare is at least 5 RM (Malaysian Ringgit), which is equivalent to 75 pesos. The famous buildings are just near to the place.

Johor Old Chinese Temple

Johor Old Chinese Temple is one of the oldest structures in the city of Johor. This temple is a place of devotion and it symbolizes unity among the five groups of Chinese dialects. As you enter the temple, you can see the exhibits of century-old Chinese stuffs. The Chinese characters are posted on the wall including the picture of the famous people in their history.

Grand Palace (Istana Besar)

The Grand Palace was built by Sultan Abu Bakr as his official residence. Now, the palace has become an extension of the Royal Abu Bakr Museum. The treasures of the royal collection have been displayed in the palace.

Royal Abu Bakr Museum

The Royal Abu Bakr Museum is located at the north of the Grand Palace. It displays the exceptional and beautiful treasures from all over the world. However, the exhibit has been transferred to the palace and the museum has been closed.

Sultan Ibrahim Building

Sultan Ibrahim Building is a unique structure in Johor Bahru and it symbolizes the country. It is the home of the state secretariat and the other departments of the state government.

City Square

City Square is used as a venue for public events like parades and stage shows. This has a large stage, a fountain, and a clock tower, that is presumed to be the biggest in the region.

Plaza Kotaraya

Plaza Kotaraya is where the Singaporeans and the local residents flock on weekends to buy some things that include stylish clothes, electric products, and much other stuff. You cannot find any pork and alcohol here because of the presence of a mosque in the complex.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia
May 2010
With Teacher Halzi

Allure Them All, Bohol!

Bohol is one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is two-hour away from Cebu by a fast craft or five-hour travel by a ship. If you are from Cebu, Leyte or any neighboring town, you can explore Bohol for one whole day.

Several transportations are offered in Bohol so you can tour around the place and see all its enticing tourist spots. You can have fun travelling around Bohol by riding a habal-habal (motorcycle), tricycle, car or van.

The mode of transportation you are going to use is up to the number of the travelers. For a single person or two, I suggest you rent a habal-habal. However, habal-habal is only available in Carmen (the place of Chocolate Hills). From Tagbilaran, you ride a tricycle to Dao terminal for 10 pesos fare. Then from there, ride a bus that will take you to Carmen for a fare of 50 pesos. Don’t be shy to tell the driver or the bus fare collector your destination. The bus will stop right there and then as what you have wished for. You can take a habal-habal again going to the Chocolate Hills or you can just walk if you want. You are going to pay 50 pesos for the Chocolate Hills entrance fee.

For the travelers of three, you can rent a tricycle in Tagbilaran for your tour with a rental fee of 1200 pesos. If you are going to travel in a group of four or up, you can rent a car or van. The rental fee of the car is 1800 to 2200 pesos and 2000 to 2500 pesos for the van.

Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, Loboc River, Man-made Forest and Panglao Island are the five main destinations you should visit and experience.


Chocolate Hills is the number one pride of Bohol. All tourists should not miss visiting this wonderful site. This is called Chocolate Hills for its color turns to brown during the dry season. Chocolate Hills is found in Carmen, Bohol which is a two-hour away from Tagbilaran City, the province’s capital.


Tarsier is the smallest monkey in the world. It is a nocturnal animal. The camera flash is being turned off if you are going to take pictures since it can affect the primate’s eyesight.


Loboc River is the famous river in Bohol. You can see the beauty of this river if you are going to cruise. In Loboc River, there is a Floating Restaurant where you can enjoy a sumptuous buffet meal as you sail amounting to 350 pesos including the entrance fee.


Man-made Forest is also one of the attractions in Bohol. It is planted with Mahogany trees. This forest serves as the habitat of the wild pigs, snakes and many other forest animals. When you pass by this forest, you will feel the coldness of the atmosphere.


Panglao Island is found at the other side of Bohol. From Tagbilaran City, you can reach Panglao for a minimum of 45 minutes. You need to take a tricycle to Bohol Museum and ride a jeep that will take you to Panglao Island. In the island, there are many beaches you can choose from. If you are on a tight budget, Dumaluan Beach Resort is a good choice. You will savor the clear water and white sand for a payment of 25 pesos as entrance fee.



If you still have time, you can also explore other beautiful places and experience the fun adventure in Hinagdanan Cave, Simply Butterflies, Forest Camp, Hanging Bridge, Blood Compact, and Baclayon Church.

Bohol, Philippines
June 2010
With Mama and Alma

The Island of Olango

Olango Island is an island found in Cebu. The place is famous because of its bird sanctuary. However, when we visited the place, we were not able to see the sanctuary.

It was April 2010 when the faculty had a year-ender trip to Olango Island. It was unplanned, or maybe a trip that was really not planned well due to other circumstances. But still, we pushed through with the plan.

From Lapu-lapu, we rode a boat going to Olango Island. When we reached their port, we took a tricycle going to the beach resort. I enjoyed the trip because of the delicious food we brought and due to the good company I was with. Yet, I did not have fun swimming because the water and the sand frustrated me.

Olango Island, Cebu, Philippines
April 2010
With CIE Cebu Teachers

Discover the Beauty of Malapascua Island

Malapascua Island is an unexplored island in Cebu. You need to take a boat to reach the place. You will be more excited when you feel that the boat goes like a coast ride because of the waves.

Though it is not yet fully developed (like the other two islands Camotes and Bantayan), the beauty of this place already manifests. It possesses great white sand and clear blue water.

The sea in this part is wild. When we went there, we needed to transfer in the other side of the beach because we could not swim as the sea waves were really strong. In the place where we transferred, we as if owned the area for no one was there. We had so much fun swimming and taking photos.

Malapascua Island, Cebu, Philippines
June 2009
With Teacher Halzi, Des and Alex

"Falls" In Love in Badian

Badian is near to Moalboal, Cebu. I recommend this place for someone who loves nature like me. You need to trek in order for you to reach the famous Kawasan Falls. On your way to the falls, you will see green things that will make you feel good. You will also smell and breathe the soothing fresh air.

When you reach Kawasan Falls, you will see two or three levels of the waterfalls. You need to trek again to see all those falls. You can enjoy swimming here and riding a raft.

Badian, Cebu
April 2008
With some CIE Cebu Teachers

Feel the Spirit of Boracay in Moalboal

Moalboal is located at the southern part of Cebu. I have visited the place when the whole faculty decided to have a year-ender outing.

Moalboal is blessed with wonderful nature. I was stunned by how lovely its beach is. That time, I felt like I was in Boracay.

Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines
April 2008
With CIE Cebu Teachers