Exploring Hong Kong's Countryside: Repulse Bay and Stanley Market

Passing through curved roads, cliffs and and a stunning scenery, the south of Hong Kong is always a fun idea. In fact, choosing between which bus to take is absolutely a major decision to make when exploring the part of the city. Whilst buses 260, 6, 6A or 6x will bring you to Stanley Market, passing through Repulse Bay, its the few stopovers that seal the deal. Albeit 6x is considered express bus, 6 or 66 gives you a picturesque glimpse of the countryside. 

The south offers so much of a calm yet vibrant vibe where the bliss in shopping and a cup of coffee is perfectly matched together. The best part is that Stanley Market in Stanley Village is sitting right next to Repulse Bay so having to traveling to this part is such a breeze. 

Catching up with Macau, China

Macau has always been an interesting detour every time I wander the streets of Hong Kong. An hour away from Hong Kong Island, Macau is a whole new world. 

I've seen Macau both in day and night and it always gives me this surreal feeling surrounded in sky high casinos and luxury hotels. But beyond the fancy alleys wrapped in shining shimmering splendid, I have experienced what it's like to be in the candid areas of Macau. 

Unlike my usual visits, Macau welcomed me with an erratic weather, paired with rains pouring tantrums in between cool breezes, I didn't mind though, in fact, I am quite fond of this kind of weather. Because the weather comes in unpredictable around February and March, I came in prepared with an apparel that was easy to customize to whatever the day would give me. 

Traveling with my Folks: Singapore

As a traveler, nothing is more fulfilling than the chance to spend your travels with the ones you love. I always believe that an adventure is worthless if it is not shared. In my goal to remain consistent to that belief, I have worked hard to share my encounters through stories, ergo my blog. 

But nothing is comparable to a true to life experience shared. I have always dreamed of having my parents join my wanders so my goal before turning 25 was to be able to do this lifelong wish. When finally, I was able to tag them along, nothing could have felt so much better than the feeling of wander lust shared with my mom and dad. 

Singapore allures me every time in ways I cannot fathom. Probably because I have always admired being in such an efficient social system although my only hope is that the weather becomes more predictable and less warmer. Regardless, the lovely cityscape has made me fall in love with this city over and over again. On my fifth visit to this city, I wanted to make sure that my mom, my dad and my aunt who were all traveling with me gain nothing less than good times albeit being a "walking city", this may impose a challenge to older folks. 

Surprisingly, there I found myself being caught in amusement to an already familiar environment. Perhaps the unique moments are what differentiates every adventure. 

The Magic of Siquijor

Whenever I hear of Siquijor, the first thing I would think of in an instant are witchcraft, black magic and mystical traditions. I couldn't blame myself on this prejudice, this stereotype is the reason why even neighboring townsmen does not favor spending some time in this eerily silent island. 

We took the guts and went on to prove that Siquijor is worthy to be a destination not just for the brave souls but to anyone who takes pleasure in nature. 

Pattaya of the Philippines: Puerto Galera

Summer has quickly crawled in just as soon as the Yuletide mist has faded. Days have started to become hot and humid and the candies from the recent festivities have melted.

March marks that an entire new season has just began, the second of only two scientific seasons in the Philippines. While the archipelago consists of detinations more than you could ever count through your fingers, there were just a few choices around Metro Manila and that was what I was eyeing for. 

Zuzuni Boutique Hotel Boracay

With rains pouring intermittently, it was basically a lazy vacation and I've mostly kept my attention in taking snapshots rather than feeling the rain, feeling the breeze coming from the shore, listening to the sound of the waves hitting earth and get along with the serenity and emotions brought by those moments. 

What redeemed this could-have-made-better experience was that Zuzuni Hotel was more than splendid as our home over the white sands of Station 1.

Yesinn @Causeway Bay: The Perfect Hostel Experience

A few weeks after leaving Hong Kong, I still couldn't relieve myself from the separation anxiety it has caused me. The trip was indeed one of the longest I had, but apparently it felt just short. I was craving for more though I had enough of the days well-spent in this part of China.

Rewinding, I could still remember how I was endlessly skimming through the numerous accommodation websites such as Agoda, TripAdvisor, HostelWorld and Booking and was meticulously scrutinizing the best beds to stay at in Hong Kong.

Couchsurfing was indeed an option I hope was feasible, but among the major cities in the world, I think couch surfing hosts in Hong Kong are quite few in number.

After reading the overwhelming positive feedback for Yesinn Hostel at Causeway Bay, I was confident enough to present the idea to my wander mates Tom and Ken, and without second thoughts, we booked four nights at their Causeway site.