Monday, September 24, 2018

The Ultimate Packing Guide: Here’s What You Need to Bring On Your Trip to Malaysia

Planning to visit Malaysia soon? That’s good! It’s an amazing country that boasts amazing food, gorgeous landscapes, and friendly locals. Not to mention, it’s so easy to book a Kuala Lumpur accommodation, get the best hotel deals, and enjoy a stay that’s so near the vibrant districts.


However, before we talk about reservations and destinations, let’s talk about what every traveller is afraid of: packing. There’s just so many things we want to bring to make sure we get the best trip possible. But we all know that between the limit set by the airlines and the luggage we have available, bringing everything we want is just not possible.


For a place like Malaysia, your packing must be light and smart. Don’t worry, here’s a helpful guide to make sure all you’ve packed will make your travel experience unforgettable.


General Climate



The key is packing according to the climate of your destination.


Most countries in Asia only experience wet and dry seasons, and Malaysia is one of them. In terms of when you can visit the country, it’s pretty much an awesome destination to go to all year round. Having said that, do take note of the wet months. This is the country’s rainy season, and the intensity differs depending on if it’s just rain or a typhoon. Wet months include March to April and September to November.


The peak months in Malaysia is during the summer season, from May to August and December to Friday; which these are the hotter months too.


Storms do not usually last for more than two days. However, since we cannot really predict weather behaviour these days, make sure to stay updated. Websites like Accuweather is not too accurate with their forecast, but it is good enough to give you a general idea of what the weather is going to be like on your visit.


What You Need and Want to Bring For Your Trip



Even if you’re a seasoned traveller, there are still times when you either pack so little or so much. So to curb that problem, it’s always helpful to list down what you need to bring first:


Clothing that will help you stay cool



Expect a hot and humid weather when you’re in Malaysia, so it is important to pack light, cool clothes to help you feel comfortable. If you can, bring sweat-wicking clothes since you will probably be walking around most of the time.


Of course, do remember that Malaysia is a Muslim country so be mindful of the types of clothes you are wearing. I recommend packing shorts (not too short), shirts, flowing cotton skirts and dresses, denim, and joggers.


Footwear good for walking



Bring sensible shoes for your trip. The last thing you want is an injury caused by bringing the wrong footwear; that will definitely limit the activities you can do. Consider sticking to just sneakers/rubber shoes, sandals, and flats.


Hair essentials



You probably already know to bring your hair products with you on your trip, but there are accessories that you might want to bring. For instance, hair ties and bobby pins are perfect when the weather is being intensely humid. There’s nothing like putting your hair up and feeling a bit of wind on your skin.


Swim and sun gear



On your trip, you’ll find that Malaysia is filled with beaches, resorts, and hotel with gorgeous swimming pools. You wouldn’t want to miss out on the chance to bask under the sun and get that perfect tan look. So don’t forget to bring your swimming gear plus essentials like sunscreen, goggles, and beach towels.


You should also bring a hat to protect you from the bright heat of the sun, not just in the beaches and resorts, but also while you’re walking around the city.


When picking sunscreen, choose one with a broad-spectrum protection, and ones that have a label against both UVA and UVB.


Rain gear



In the event that you schedule a trip during Malaysia’s wet months, bring the appropriate rain gear with you, plus a scarf for strong, cold winds. In any case, you can just buy an umbrella in Malaysia at any of the local convenience stores.


First aid kit for emergencies



If you have prescription medicine, make sure to bring them with you because you might have a hard time finding them in a pharmacy near your hotel. For all the other medications like pain relievers or anything generic, you will most likely not have a problem finding those locally.


Also include in your kit medication for motion sickness, flu medicine, sanitisers, wet wipes and tissues, alcohol, and band-aids.


Gadgets and related gear



A smartphone is usually enough to bring on a trip, but there are travellers that want to capture the whole experience in as many ways as possible. You may choose to bring a camera like a DSLR or any of the vintage-like models that are coming out. A GoPro and drone camera are also good to bring.


However, once you bring your gadgets make sure you’ve brought what you need for proper clean and care like adaptors for charging, wipes for the lenses, and a case if the gadgets have one. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a portable charger for your phone.


Day bag



Your day bag is a smaller backpack or messenger bag where your gadgets, wallet, and other important items should be in. This is the bag you will bring on your day trips and must be secure at all times. There are bags that already come with locks so you might want to consider bringing those. Otherwise, you can always use a padlock to secure sections of your bag where your airport and other documents are contained.


You can leave one zipper, that is the main section of the bag, unlocked since this is where you will pack your water bottle and umbrella, and should be accessible at any time.


Packing Tips and Tricks




Now that you know what you can bring, the next problem is how you can actually pack them in your bag. While you are doing this, do keep the baggage limit in mind. Remember that you want to be able to move easily during your trip, and part of this is packing sensibly. Once you stick to this list, there’s less chance to bring overpack and bring unnecessary items.


The Pareto Principle



The Pareto Principle is an economics term that says that 80% of effects, for any event, come from 20% of the causes. It may seem ridiculous to associate that with traveling, much less packing, but let’s try to apply at least the concept here.


The idea is to bring the clothes that you normally wear when you’re not on a trip, but taking note that you cannot bring clothes for every situation. This means that 80% of the clothes you will wear should just be 20% of what you will pack.


Limit to a week’s worth of clothes



An effective way to avoid packing your whole wardrobe is to set a limit for yourself. Whether you’re staying in the city centre or are planning to backpack through Malaysia, make sure to bring only a week’s worth of clothes. You may just choose to do laundry every night so you can wear your clothes again. It’s more cost effective, too, since excess baggage is much more expensive than paying for laundry. Besides, you can always just wash your clothes again.


Wear your bulkiest and heaviest clothes



As much as possible, do not pack your heaviest and bulkiest clothes in your luggage. Instead, hand carry them or wear them so that you have more room in your bags. A lot of people are having a hard time following this, but these tips might help:


  • Limit yourself to just on heavy coat.
  • Bring only two pairs of shoes, which already includes what you will be wearing for the trip.
  • Choose shoes that can go with any of the clothes you you’ve brought with you.


Pack for layers

To avoid bringing heavy clothes with you, just layer what you have. For instance, your cotton shirt can serve as primary layer. If it gets cold or windy in Malaysia, you can put on a cardigan and a scarf to shield you from it. When it gets intense, that’s when you can wear your heavy coat.

Bring versatile clothes

Consider bringing clothes that have multiple functions to lessen what you need to pack even further. An example would be a sarong which you can use as a beach cover-up, blanket, or a bag. You may also bring clothes which you can wear multiple times for various kinds of clothes like loose slacks or a sweater.

Dryer sheets to layer around the bag

If you want to keep your clothes looking fresh and clean, you can layer dryer sheets in your bag before putting your clothes in. You can also use a few drops of your favourite essential oil on a tissue can also work, if you don’t have dryer sheets.

Laundry bag

To avoid mixing dirty clothes with your clean ones, make sure you have a bag exclusively for your laundry. You’ll be washing your clothes every night for the duration of your trip, so will most likely use this during the last days of your trip when you do not need some of your clothes anymore.


Practical trips shouldn’t stop at packing



All these packing tips and hacks should make your trip easy and light. But more than that, traveling to Malaysia will be more enjoyable if your accommodation allows you to go to and from its wonderful destinations without a problem. Which is why city centre hotels like the Ramada Suites KLCC is the ideal place to stay.


Right now, they are offering a hot deal for guests who will book directly on their page. The promo is the Hot Deal! Stay 3 Nights and Pay 2 Nights.




When you book a 3-night stay at Ramada Suites KLCC, you will only need to pay for 2 nights. Plus, it comes with a buffet breakfast spread, featuring local and international cuisine prepared to satisfy your cravings.


Now that you know what and how to pack, and the promo deal that can make an amazing Malaysia trip unforgettable, you’re ready to start your research into what destinations are waiting for you. Check out this space again for our next Malaysia article: The Ultimate Guide to Malaysia’s Best Destinations!

Alona Beach is Named After A Sexy Star Plus 4 Other Mind Blowing Facts You Didn’t Know About Bohol

With the closure of the popular Boracay, a lot of other tourist destinations have gained attention, just like Panglao, Bohol. Beach resorts populate majority of the shores of the island making it the perfect getaway for a tropical paradise.

But apart from the powdery white sand beaches of Panglao and the mind-boggling switching of colors of the Chocolate Hills, Bohol is also home to other mind-blowing things that contribute to its value as a tourist destination.

Here are 5 fun trivia about Bohol that will probably leave you enthralled.

1. A Church Made of Food


One of the most historical places in the Philippines can be found in Bohol. The Baclayon Church, which is the second oldest church in the country, is considered a National Treasure and historical landmark. Built in 1519, this church’s foundation was made out of coral stones and were cemented together using egg whites. Yes, you read that right—egg whites.

Who would have thought that the most basic ingredient we can find in the kitchen could be used to erect sturdy buildings that last centuries? Mind-blown? So are we.

2. Milk Chocolate Hills


Probably the most famous attraction in Bohol, the Chocolate Hills has been visited by many people from all over the world. With its colors that change from green to chocolate brown, it has indeed astounded many tourists both local and international. However, just recently, we were surprised to know that these Hershey Kisses looking hills aren’t actually purely chocolatey.

A recent earthquake has caused some of the hills to crack open, and people were surprised to see that the insides of it were actually white. Who would’ve thought that this delicious looking display of nature could get any yummier?

3. Sexy Alona Beach


When it comes to where to stay in Panglao, Alona beach is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. With its powdery white sand and beautiful shorelines, there’s no doubt that this place is one heck of a dream tropical destination. But have you ever wondered why a provincial beach would have an extremely sexy sounding name?

According to locals, its name was taken from a Filipino sexy star, Alona Alegre who filmed a liquor commercial in the shores of this very beach wearing a revealing 2-piece swim suit. Ever since, the locals have called the place Alona Beach due to this iconic commercial shoot. Didn’t know that, did you?


4. Mahogany Forest Initiative


Whenever you would browse your Instagram (or even the internet) for photos of Bohol, one of the most famous photos that you would see is the towering canopy of mahogany trees lined along the countryside roads of Bohol. But this postcard worthy display of nature is actually not a natural forest, but one that was initiated by the local government.

As a response to the worsening problem of slash and burn (aka kaingin), the planting of these trees was a reforestation initiative to counter the negative effects of soil erosion in the area. No doubt these trees are almost perfectly lined, achieving that surreal forest feels.

5. Solar Panel Powered Airport


Continuing their pursuit to salvage mother nature from further damage, Bohol’s government have furthered their programs toward sustainable tourism. One of their biggest projects is the new Eco-Airport, the first international eco-friendly airport in the country, where 1/3 of the passenger terminal buildings are powered by solar panels.

Dubbed as the “Green Gateway to the World,” it also makes use of natural ventilation to lessen carbon footprint, and in turn, cause less harm to the environment. While there aren’t exact dates of when the airport is going to be operational, it’s definitely one additional reason to visit Bohol.

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These are but some of the cool trivia about Bohol. We’re pretty sure it is home to more interesting facts as it is one of the most historical places in the country. So when you get to visit this place, aside from lounging in luxury in your Panglao, Bohol beach resort, take some time to go out and ask the locals about stories. We’re sure you’ll get something out of the ordinary.

Friday, September 7, 2018

5 Things to Enjoy in Leyte That is Not Kalanggaman Island


After troubling yourself about where to stay in Leyte, the next thing to worry about is arranging your itinerary to maximize the experience. And when people think of Leyte, the first thing that comes to mind is Kalanggaman Island. Famous for its blue waters and fine white sand bar, this island has attracted many tourists from all over the world.

However, Leyte has more to offer than this beautiful strip of sand. Here are 5 non-mainstream tourist destinations in Leyte that is not Kalanggaman Island.

Ulot River Torpedo Boat


Resembling the thrills and adventure of white water rafting, riding a torpedo boat along this 10.5km river is perfect for adventure seekers. Let the water lead you to Deni Point where you can enjoy additional activities like having snacks, sipping some fresh coconut juice while wading in the water, or taking a plunge at this refreshing natural stream.

Sohoton Cave


Cradled in Sohoton Natural Park, this cave is full of astounding rock formations. Explore a glorious world that is not known to many and be amazed by stalactites and stalagmites that form columns inside this cave. Apart from spelunking, you can also opt to ride a kayak to head to its majestic natural bridge.

Fire Dance


Considered as one of the best hotel in Palo, Leyte, The Oriental Leyte have exquisite dining options that provide you more than just the delectable dishes. Enjoy your evening with fire dance performances as you munch on your sumptuous meals at Samsara Restaurant or the Sand Bar.

MacArthur Park


A great historical marker to all Filipinos, this park is a protected area that commemorates the return of General Douglas MacArthur to liberate the Filipinos from Japanese colonization in 1944. Perfect for some history and cultural immersion, this place also doubles as a good Instagram bait where you can take stunning vacation photos.


San Juanico Bridge


Spanning 2 kilometers in length, this ingenious infrastructure used to be the defining icon of Leyte. The San Juanico bridge takes the form of the letters S and L to symbolize the initials of the provinces it connects, Samar and Leyte. You can witness the sight of this engineering marvel without having to go far if you decide wisely on where to stay in Leyte.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

The First-Timer’s Travel Guide to Bohol, Philippines

Hotels and beach resorts in Bohol are a constant favorite among travelers wanting to see the best of the Philippines’ Central Visayas Region. And the usual number 1 tour destination after check-in: the Chocolate Hills, a group of about 1,700 grass-covered hills that turn brown during summer. But with all of Bohol’s history and natural beauty, this attraction isn’t all that you can look forward to for your vacation.

Here’s a pocket guide for first-timers who want to explore the province’s tourist spots.

1. Blood Compact Shrine

Located along Carlos P. Garcia Circumferential Road, the Blood Compact Shrine is a memorial to the historic friendship pact between Filipinos and Spaniards. On March 16, 1565, Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and then Bohol chieftain Datu Sikatuna slit their wrists and dropped blood in wine. This ritual is locally known as “Sandugo”, which means “one blood”.

2. Baclayon Church

With religious relics dating back to the 16th century, Baclayon Church is also a destination not to miss. Located in the municipality of Baclayon, just 6 km from Tagbilaran, it the second oldest stone church in the Philippines.

3. Punta Watch Tower

Punta Watch Tower is a triangular edifice in the municipality of Maribojoc, some 14 km west of Tagbilaran, overseeing the seas of South Bohol. It was originally created as a lookout against pirates. From its topmost window, you will enjoy a view of Siquijor, Cebu, and Mindanao.

4. Balicasag Island

Because of the province’s natural underwater beauty, snorkeling and diving are also among the top activities here. And one of the default destinations for this is Balicasag Island. The easiest way to plan a trip is asking assistance from your beachfront resort in Bohol.

5. Bilar Manmade Forest

Another favorite stop among tourists is the Bilar Manmade Forest in Carmen Town. It spans 2 km and boasts a lush spread of red and white mahogany trees.

6. Hinagdanan Cave

Located on Panglao Island, Hinagdanan Cave is a naturally lighted limestone cavern that features a deep lagoon and many large stalactites and stalagmites. “Hinagdanan” literally translates to “laddered” — to get inside the cave, one has to go down using a ladder.

Choosing an accommodation that offers tour packages is never a bad idea. Easily explore these destinations on our list with beach resorts in Bohol like Bohol Beach Club. Discounted room rates and special promos are available on its website.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

3 Reasons Why Bohol is the Perfect Destination to Have Your Wedding

A significant increase of Google searches about “Bohol beach wedding packages” proves that tropical weddings are becoming a thing. We can speculate that maybe the picturesque nature in the backdrop during the ceremony just adds to the romance of exchanging vows. But a curious question remains: why Bohol in particular?

24Seven investigates and here’s what we’ve found. Bohol is the perfect destination to have your wedding because of these three reasons:

1. If you want a traditional wedding, Bohol has some spectacular churches, many of which are declared national historical landmarks.

This is according to an article released by Lamudi Philippines. They’ve mentioned the La Purisima Concepcion de la Virgen Maria Parish which is a Neoclassical structure that was completed in 1727. Another beautiful historical church on their list is the St. Augustine Church, or Panglao Church, which is one of the oldest churches in Panglao.

2. Bohol is famous not only for its Chocolate Hills or its tarsiers, but also for its powdery stretches of white sand, mountainous terrains and rocky hills.

Positively Filipino had a run-down of some of the best tourist spots and attractions in Bohol that make the province ideal for weddings. Among the many attractions include the Loboc River Cruise — imagine going for a ride immediately after the ceremony — the hanging bamboo bridge, an array of museums, and of course, the tarsiers.

3. South Palms Resort in Bohol is no stranger to hosting beautiful picturesque weddings.

This holiday destination in Panglao, which offers affordable wedding packages in Bohol, is specifically mentioned by Gawin Blog as an ideal place for tying the knot. Imagine the salty ocean air, the ocean as your backdrop, and sand between your toes. What else could you want while exchanging vows?

Check out South Palms Bohol beach wedding packages here.