7 days DIY Thailand Tour!

Day 1 : Getting to know BANGKOK!

Yay! It's been a while since I went on international trip so I am a bit thrilled for my Thailand trip. I did my research and planned out things on what to do and what to expect when I reach Thailand. It's a bit tiring but exciting as well. :)

It all started when I booked my Thailand trip a year ago with Cebu Pacific Airline. I really planned out to book ahead so that I would still have time to do my assignment at the same time, save up for this trip. This is it!!

Since I am not a fond of solo travelling because I hate to be lonely during the entire trip and I don't talk much to stranger, I tagged along my sister and my boyfriend. Our departure time was at 1:40 AM but we went early to make sure that everything will go smoothly. Unfortunately, our flight to Manila was delayed for 2 hours (3:45 AM) which usually happens with the said airline. By the way, since there is no direct flight from Cebu to Bangkok, we had to connect flight to Manila. I was already a bit nervous because we might not be able to catch up with our connecting flight but just maybe, Cebu Pacific would be considerate enough because we will just transfer on the same airline. So, after an hour, we arrived in Manila (4:45 AM to be exact). We had to run around the airport because we were not familiar with Terminal 3 of NAIA. Also, we had to go to Transfer booth of Cebu Pacific so we can be assisted with the transfer, however, the lady was not helpful at all. She also pointed us the wrong way going to the transfer area. Phew! Good thing we did not have a checked in baggage or else it would consume some of our time. So when we arrived at the second floor, we did not know where to go or which gate we should be going because the transfer booth lady did not say anything about it. When we asked the guards, they didn't have any idea at all as well. Darn! So what we did, we locate where the immigration area was located, good thing there were directions.

Our meal on the plane. 

When we arrived at the immigration area, there were a lot of travelers in line and I was like, Oh no! We won't catch up our plane because it was slow moving. I felt like crying at that time, it was a pain in the ass. I could not even find any single Cebu Pacific employee who could at least help us expedite the process. There was nothing we could do but to wait in line and the Cebu Pacific plane we should be in was already calling our names for the last call. Good thing, the immigration officer who attended me did not ask anything and just took a picture of me and stamped my passport. :) .So all of us were able to pass through the immigration department. We were catching our breath because our gate was like at 108, it was way too far! Anyhow, the good news was, the plane waited for us.

The travel time from Manila to Suvarnabhumi airport took around 3 hours. Though the weather was a bit gloomy in Manila, it was sunny in Bangkok. I have read that the weather in Bangkok from July to October is rainy so I expected that there will be several rain showers. When we arrived at the airport, everything went well. There were no issues with the immigration. We only showed our passport and the arrival slip given to us by the Cebu Pacific crew while on the plane. Also, we landed safely! :)

At the airport, we bought a sim card from DTAC happy sim which costs for 299 THB. I actually read some blogs that internet connection is not available everywhere in BANGKOK so I would highly suggest that you buy yours too. It's very useful especially with using the google maps around the area. Let the attendant insert the sim card on your phone and adjust the settings. Also, make sure that the SMS that you received from DTAC would show 7-8 days or depending on the number of days you want to use the sim card. By the way, their booth is located near EXIT 3. Before that, we had our 100 dollars changed to Thai Baht currency so we can use to purchase the sim at SIAM Money Changer. Their dollar exchange rate was actually a bit low. I would recommend that you change your dollars outside the airport for a higher exchange rate. Anyhow, in our case, when we went down to the Airport Rail Link located on the 2nd floor, we saw another money changer booth and it was way higher compared to the one we first had our dollars changed. If I remembered it right, we changed our money on the booth near the City Line escalator.

As per research, there are a lot of hotels or hostels that you can book ahead depending on your preference. Mostly, foreigners would stay in Khao San Road or near Silom Road because of the night life. For us, we stayed in Sap Road near the Silom road. I chose the place because of good reviews and it's actually just 3-5 minutes going to Sam Yan MRT. I've heard that MRT or BTS are not accessible to Khao San Road so you really have to either take taxi, tuktuk or motorcycle. So going back, we rode the airport rail link going to Makkasan BTS where we had to change to Petchaburi MRT going to Sam Yan. For tourists, you have the option to just use the single journey ticket/token or the 30 day pass card where you can reload it on the ticket booth. With the single journey, you can go for the ticket booth or the ticket vending machine. It was a bit hard at first but we got used to it after using several times. If you won't use the BTS or MRT most of the time, like you will just go to one place vice versa, I would suggest that you go for the single journey token/ticket.

Upon arrival at the hostel, we paid 1,960 THB each for 6 nights. I find the hostel really cheap but yeah, it's not really a luxury hotel because it is only for backpackers. We got the 4 bed-bunk room. Since we were only 3, the extra person would definitely be a stranger. Exciting! Lol. After washing ourselves up and arranged our stuff, we went out to Terminal 21 mall for a quick stroll. So we used the MRT Sam Yan station going to Sukhumvit station and we paid 25 THB for the fare. The Terminal mall was just ordinary. Nothing special so after a few tour around the place, we decided to just go somewhere Lumpini park going to Silom road where we planned out to eat our dinner. We were excited at first but we did not expect the Lumpini park to be that big. It was a bit exhausting to walk around the park when you did not have enough sleep. :(. So we just took a few photos and then off we go to Silom Road. And again, the Silom area was a bit far for me or maybe we were very tired already so we didn't enjoy the place much. Just did a lot of walking and our feet were already sore and aching. haha. I recommend that you either take the train or just skip the walking part if you are tired. :).

food choices on one food stall in Silom Road

Documents we brought for immigration purposes but were not asked but bring it just in case.

1. Roundtrip tickets.
2. Hotel accommodation printout with dates.
3. Company ID /PRC ID (was asked from my boyfriend since he doesn't look like a nurse. lol)
4. Certificate of employment (if working).
5. Printed copy of your DIY itinerary.
6. Passport (of course! expiration should be before 6 months). Just bring your old stamped passport if you have one, just in case).
7. ITR ( Income Tax Return, if you have one).

Expenses for this day (in thai baht). Prices are for reference only.

1. 1,960 THB - hostel accommodation.
2. 299 THB - DTAC Sim card.
3. 35 THB - fare from Airport Rail Link to Makkasan BTS,
4. 28 THB - fare from Petchaburi MRT to Sam Yan MRT.
5. 99 THB - Lunch at the hostel.
6. 25 THB- fare from Sam Yan MRT to Sukhumvit MRT.
7. 21 THB - fare from Sukhumvit MRT to Lumpini MRT.
8. 40 THB - Dinner at Silom Road.

Today is a wrap! Looking forward for tomorrow's agenda! :)

Please click on our DIY Day 2!
Day 2: Visiting Bangkok Temples!

Finding My Self Worth

Another relationship after the other. No breathing. Even after painful breakups, I'd enter into a new relationship hoping I will find my sole purpose in life. To love and be loved in return. Wishing one day I'd feel happy, contented and satisfied with what we call life. To be able to find meaning from another person. To be able to find greater inner peace with oneself once I find my perfect match. I was wrong.

After my recent break-up, everything starts to sink in as if God is talking to me. As if, He is telling me to slow things down. To stop and appreciate the things I already have. It's like He is giving me a break to at least love myself and do the things I wanted to do before I settle down. Resolve issues within myself in order for me to fully love the person He prepared for me. To embrace imperfections of life and that is okay to be imperfect once in a while.

To be honest, it's been a while since I was single. Most of the time, after every break-up, I'd date as not to feel alone and miserable though in my heart I know it's not something I wanted. It's not something God wants me to do with my life. Now that I am 30 years old, me and my boyfriend of 4 years broke up. I saw it coming yet I added more salt to the injury. I know I've crossed the line and everything ended just like that. How could I ever forget all the things we've been through? All the heartaches and happy moments we've had. None. I just have to feel the pain until it will hurt no more.

Through all my past experiences, I've learned a lot. I've learned to see more about life. To do things I've never done before. To appreciate all the treasures God have given to all humankind. To value the people who deeply cares for me. To value family first before anyone in this world. To enjoy the present while looking forward to the future and hoping for the best to come. To be grateful to God for all the blessings He shared to me especially my life. To be thankful for the people who come and go in my life who taught me to become who I am right now. For all the challenges that made me stronger than before.

When you fully let go of the things that kept you from moving forward, that is the time that you'd be able to breathe and see things clearly. You will be able to see things in a different perspective. You will realize God's way and plans are better than yours. Right now, finding my self-worth is the best thing I can do for myself, to be able to appreciate things and live my life without any bitterness. To move forward without regrets. To enjoy my singleness and live my life without being dependent on others. Being happy alone. To be able to set my own standards without settling for less by grabbing anyone available for the moment. To live a simple life and be who I wanted to be without stressing myself of what others want me to become and be the best person I can be. To be closer to God. Let his will be done.

“One of the greatest regrets in life is being what others would want you to be, rather than being yourself.” 

― Shannon L. Alder

Thank You Letter To My Parents

Right now, I am all alone. Staring at the ceiling of my room. Thinking about life. Re-evaluating things. Suddenly,I missed my parents. It has been almost 10 years since I saw my dad and 5 years that I've never seen my mom personally. I know it's part of life to detach yourself from your parents but I could not imagine myself doing it. They will always remain as part of me and my life. 

Time flies so fast that I have grown up so fast too and my parents are growing older too. I felt like I have been busy all my life and forgot to at least say thank you to them for taking care of us.  I could never imagine how hard it was for them to raise three beautiful kids all by themselves. Well, that's how powerful they are. Parents will always be parents. Wherever you go. Whatever you do, you will always go back to them. You will always miss them. You will always ask advice from them. 

I want to have this opportunity to write this thank you letter to my parents to make sure that they are being appreciated at the same time, loved. Here it goes: 

Dear Mama and Papa. 

Thank You. For all the time you've been with us. 

For all the sacrifices you've gone through just to give us 

the wonderful life you want us to have. 

For keeping with all the sleepless night when were still a baby

until we've grown up into a big one. 

For never leaving our side when we were sick. 

For preparing our things. Cooking food. Washing the dishes.

For doing all the household chores even if we are big enough to do it on our own.

For always taking good care of us. 

For always working hard so we can go to a good school.

For loving us wholeheartedly. 

For being someone we can lean on when we have no one. 

For being a friend. 

For scolding us when we do stupid things. 

For making sure that we will grow into a responsible person.

For making sure that we will do the same to our future kids. 

For being a good parents to us. 

Thank you!

This letter is never enough to tell them how much their love for us. My parents are the best gift I received in my entire life. For now, I wish to God that he will give them long life so we would be able to spend more time with them. To always take good care of them when they do things like working. To provide them good health always so they would stay stronger and healthy even if we are not around to take care of them. 

"How Long Will I Love You"

Intro: 

How long will I love you?

As long as stars are above you

And longer, if I can.

How long will I need you?

As long as the seasons need to

Follow their plan.

How long will I be with you?

As long as the sea is bound to

Wash upon the sand.

How long will I want you?

As long as you want me to

And longer by far.

How long will I hold you?

As long as your father told you,

As long as you can.

How long will I give to you?

As long as I live through you

However long you say.

How long will I love you?

As long as stars are above you

And longer, if I may. 

[Spoken:] 

We're all traveling through time together 

Every day of our lives. 

All we can do is do our best 

To relish this remarkable ride.

If I decided to get married soon, I would want this song to be played during the wedding. :)

My Peaceful Solitude In Bantayan Island

In my 29 years of existence, there was never a time that I traveled alone away from home. I am always afraid to try it out because of unknown fears. I always think that it might be too risky, dangerous, or worst, get lost in an unknown place. I never thought that one day, I finally have the courage to do it. Negative thoughts and fears are still there but the determination and positivity outweighed everything.

I prepared my things the night before. I made sure that I have enough money for this trip. Even though, I have been to Bantayan several times, I still don't know what will happen if I am alone. I chose this place because I fell in love with their beaches and the people. I always have this feeling of freedom, contentment and unexplained happiness every time I am in this island. The place has not been developed that much so you can still see the natural gifts of God in this island. White sands. Clear waters. Several coconut trees. Low life living. I admit, this place is really a must visit for those who haven't been here. 

January 7, 2016, I woke up early and re-checked my stuff. Rode a taxi off to North bus terminal then rode a Ceres bus bound for Hagnaya port. Fare was 132 pesos and 170 pesos for RoRo. Since it was not a peak season, I decided not to book a room ahead so upon arrival, I went directly to Sugar Beach to get a room for myself. Good thing that I was able to bargain. From 900 pesos, it went down to 600 and the room was good for 4 persons. I arrived around 4 PM so I went directly to the market to find good food. I rented a bicycle so it would be easier for me to tour around the island fro around 260 pesos good for 2 days.

For two days of staying in the island, I was able to think about my life and what I really wanted. I thought that being away from the city or being alone would give me back my sanity. I was wrong. I felt sad. I felt lonely. I felt that I don't like what I am doing . I don't like the feeling of being alone. I don't want to do this again. I don't want to be alone anymore. Honestly, at first, it was a fulfillment for me but later on, I felt bored and lonely especially during at night when most of the people are asleep as early as 7 PM or 8 PM.

During the night, I would sit outside my room looking at the beach and stars. It was scary because it was too dark and I can only hear the sounds of the crickets. Nothing else. The silence of the night really bothered me because I am not the type of person who wanted a silent life. I wanted to have fun, exciting and extraordinary life. Though there are times that I don't like noisy environment but I grew up with it. I've been living in a house beside the road with all the sounds of the cars, trucks and people passing by. Somehow being alone in Bantayan helped me to recharge. To be in my nothing box. However, I can only give myself a day for that then go back to being myself. To being a happy go lucky person. To being able to explore what the world has to offer.

Day two in Bantayan. I had a great time during the morning because I went biking again. I went to the market then had my breakfast. As usual, I ate at my favorite spot. At noon, I went to Ogtong cave. I've been there several times but still love to visit the place. Good thing it was not crowded like it used to. Bad thing is, I was not able to have a short dip in the beautiful water of Ogtong Cave because I didn't have swim wear with me. At around 4 PM, I went back to my place and had a short swim at the beach. I just loved how clear the water was and how peaceful it was. Just couldn't resist it's beauty. I really wanted to go biking during the night but it's really dark. According to the locals there, electricity was partially damaged because of Typhoon Yolanda.

During my last day in Bantayan, I had so much fun. I didn't use my bicycle anymore. Instead, I walked from my place to the market so I can eat my breakfast. Did some video taking with my Go Pro. The place was really heaven. I wanted to stay another day but of course I really cannot stand the loneliness during the evening. Lol! After all the moments of talking to myself while walking, I went back to my place, packed up my stuff and left. Around 5PM, I was already in Cebu City.Welcome home!

In this trip, I realized that "No Man Is An Island" quote is really true. I just couldn't stand the loneliness of being alone. The sad feeling of me having no one to spend the rest of my life with. It's just me. :)