The Closing Note : Rickshaw Challenge 2014

I have heard cross country races sponsored by leading automobile companies,large tyre companies,Tobacco companies of the world.First time I came across a 1000 km race done on Auto Rikshaws or Tuk Tuks  only by Foreigners in Madras.As eight teams from U.K,Germany,Australia and Norway were taking part in the Rickshaw Challenge Classic 2014 on a multiy city tour to see the glimpses of Rural India.

Hongkong Entry-Paper Bit Visa in Passport

I have seen Visas being affixed by Embassies in Passport.I have come across E Visa issued by countries.I have experienced Visa being laminated in Passports at the port of entry by countries.Also Visa On Arrival being stamped by many countries.But when I entered Hongkong a rude surprise awaited me.The officer coolly took a paper bit printout like one gets in Super markets and stapled it in one of the pages in my Passport.I was astonished to see this.

VISA:No Visa Fees to Enter Philippines..!!

It is common to include visa fees when we plan our trips to South East Asia countries.The visa fees normally varies between 20  USD to 75USD .Many times we tend to keep the cash ready in hand at the airport immigration to have a smooth entry when we go for Visa on Arrival rout.,But the Philippines Government allows you a free entry without paying anything.But there is a catch.You must have valid US or Singapore visa with Multi entry status with it.

When you present your passport at the immigration they stamp you with a 14 days visa to see Philippines
which is more than what you ask for.But the immigration officer is more comfortable with your US Visa as they will be able to check on line,it appeared so,as officer showed a smile in his face after entering my passport number in the system.You can also extend the Visa by going to the nearest embassy by paying a fee.


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Saturday Shoot Bits # 7 :Each Day is a Day of Fascination

Win The little Big Battle - Climbing Mt.Bromo,Indonesia

After finishing the Sun rise tour which was covered with heavy fog which made me disappointed,we moved through the whispering Havannah to reach the base of Mt.Bromo.Fog had covered the hill tops but the ground level vicinity was excellent.Nearly 50 Four wheel drive Range rovers were parked near the barbed fencing and our jeep also joined.Immediately we got down and started walking towards the volcano base.But we could not walk fast as the ground was covered with dark black volcano ash which slowed us heavily.

Surprises in a Village-Sunset in Corong Corong,El Nido,Philippines

After having finished the Tour B in El Nido through Servant Tours ,I was excited to go and see the sunset in Corong Corong.Sunset will not be visible in Elnido as it is blocked by Limestone cliffs on all sides.I took a tricycle along with 2 people and reached the market place of Corong Corong.

11 Things You Must Plan When Doing a Trail

I am no exception when I plan a Walking or Hiking trail,I always feel that I am fit enough to do so any length at any point of age.But I have made mistakes in the past .I want you to prepare yourself well in advance usually 4 weeks before undertaking a trail.Well I give below some points in my Travel quip

Wow The Game of Sparrows-Famous Streets in Penang,Malaysia

Many World Traveller who land in Malaysia will visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in George Town and start exploring the city by taking the famous walking trails to explore its street art and architectural buildings.They do not miss the surprises in store.The streets of George Town have many hidden histories behind.I give below a glimpse of the ancient streets and their participation in various historical events.

10 Things to Do Before Becoming a World Traveller

Every ones dream is to travel around the world and experience the culture and people.But to make this happen one has to have a good health ,neat habits and flare for Travel.The world is open to all who dare to travel and enjoy the un spoilt nature in its own surroundings.

Here are my favourite Travel Quips to prepare yourself the long journey of Travelling around the World.

Saturday Shoot Bits # 6 : Beyond The Boundary

Beyond Hongkong,View Deck in Wisdom Path,Lantau Island

Many travellers to Hongkong which is a city for Fortune 500 companies take the 5.7 km long Ngong Peng 360 gondola ride which throws out a spectacular amazing views on sea and hills to reach the Big Buddha statue weighing over 200 tons in Lantau Island which is largest of the 200 offshore Islands .But the stop with that and return by bus to reach back to Tung Chung bus station..Very few try to explore the places around it. After visiting the Lantau 36 meter high largest seated Big

HOSTEL : TAY MILOY INN in El Nido,Philippines

One thing which comes to my mind ,once I am in my destination is a magnificent comfortable accommodation.When I got down from the bus after 7 hours of journey from Puerto Princesa (I was told the night bus takes only 5 hours) soon the Tri rickshaws men surrounded me.When I told about Tay Milo the Philipino understood and took me to his place in the town.I was enjoying the magnificent scenery with coconut trees,plantain plants,with the hillock at the back drop.

Nest:Expensive Birds Nest Soup Improves MACHO !!

El Nido in Philippines is  a small town with narrow streets parallel to the beach gets its name because of its edible birds nests (Nido in spanish is for nests) in cliffs.around the 45 lands it has in its fold..This was told by our boatman when we were coming back from one of our day Tour to islands when I saw a bamboo platform jetting out in one of the cliffs as we were passing a island.on our return back and asked him about that facility.

A Magical Tale of Henderson Waves

Many people who travel never realises the importance of a Map as all the Logistics portion are taken care by the Tour operator.But for solo travellers like me ,the first thing we look as soon as we land in a country is the Maps.We just go straight to the Tourism office to collect the Maps.It is a common sight to see many travellers who travel on their own, group together and will be discussing the next plan of action in any Public transport place.

Spaced Out in Whispering Savannah,Probolinggo,Indonesia

I was ready for the early morning sunrise view of. Mt.Bromo.Our group all were huddled in sweaters,protective overalls,rain coats,muffler putting an extra weight of 10 kg to keep out from the pretty cold night.yes we were ready at 230 am and were waiting for the mini van to come up.Previous night I had made a very good deal with the van guide to take a trip to see Mt.Bromo.I was give a attractive 50 percent discount for the tour as he had two vacant places in the van.I was the one who was interested in the early morning trip from our Lava Lava Guest house in Probolinggo.

Saturday Shoot Bits # 5 :Set Your Appetite on Fire

Love Lock !! Hanging Bridge of Banaue,Philippines

It was my second day in Banaue.After a historic 48 hours journey from Manila by ohayami because of Typhoon Sati,I was sitting in Sanafe Lodge restaurant veranda and enjoying the scenery below.I could see fully grown rice terraces and a stream  and winding roads and a beautiful two storied brightly coloured homes at farthest.And I could see a Iron bridge connecting my place and the road below.

TRANSPORT:Holidaying On A Beca Or Trishaw in Penang

The first means of Transport for me to go around an UNESCO World Heritage Town is a Tri Rikshaw or Beca as called in Malay.The person who pedals this eco friendly Rickshaws are quite Knowledgeable about the historic past and can give very good information about the people,the society and how slowly the transformation took place and now how everyone is part of this Heritage Town.These guides are very honest,reliable understands a Tourist and also friendly.

Sad Notes Of Ijen Volcanic Mountain,Indonesia

Indonesia is located in what is called the pacific rim of fire,which is one of the most active volcanic areas of the world.Indonesian country alone has 150 volcanoes.They erupt at frequent intervals and the lives of the people are always in the verge of uncertainty in these volcanic regions.

How To Do AdventureTrails in Hongkong !!

When ever, any one tells about Hongkong what comes to every ones mind is the bustling Financial capital and its busy streets and skyscrapers lining across Victoria Harbour.But having visited Hongkong this winter I was stunned by the other face of Hongkong.Its Calm,quiet beaches,beautiful mountains,secluded Bays and spectacular skyline as seen from Happy valley Race course and the famous Adventure Trails.

CAVES : Mysterious Connecting Caves of Sagada,Philippines

Normally  caves remind us of our Neanderthal period of  living, away from civilisation..Yes it was true and were taken back to that era once we saw the entrance of Sagada caves.Uneven rocks protruding and a nascent crack in the hills and pitch dark.Once we enter,a oblivion surrounds us.I am going to explore the beauty inside.

Saturday Shoot Bits # 4 :Positive Notes

How I got Caught Into Chew Jetty in Georgetown

It was early evening and the sun was setting in Butterworth side and here I was walking on the Cornish of the Penang Ferry Landing side. There were lots of old wooden shandy type structures in front of me. I just peeped in through an opening between two shops and Wow! I got caught in the mesmerising view of old wooden structures and the welcome sign of Chew Jetty

TRAILS : 120 Million Year Old Magical Rainforests of Cameron Highlands,Malaysia

Located at about 4 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur, I am at Cameron Islands- hiking in one of the most beautiful natural reserves. To be honest, I was very much excited to do all the 14 jungle Trails. After being in a cosmopolitan city in the previous week, I was thinking of the hike which is going to be one of the rarest jungle adventures ever I have taken alone.

Eggs:Weird Balut The Filipino's Haute Cuisine

I was walking down the streets of Elnido in Palawan,Philippines..A man on motorbike was carrying a basket and was shouting Balot..Balot and people were eagerly waiting to buy .When I went near What I saw was eggs.Looked like Duck Eggs.I thought why people were buying eggs from street vendor.We do not see any where people selling eggs on road.

BANAUE :WOW, Mud walled Rice terraces of Philippines

If you see the Twenty peso bank note of Philippines the Banaue rice terraces are placed with its wonderful carved slopes.We reached Banaue in the wee hours after spending 2N1D in the bus battling Santi Typhoon Our Sanafe Lodge was closed with a no disturbance board and our ringing of bells did not help in anyway.

How to Bargain in Big Markets of KL,Malaysia

The Jalan Petaling market in Jalan street comes to full life in the afternoon when all the tour buses dropping the tourist in the china town area of Puduraya in KL.The tourists from different countries were all spellbound seeing so many shops which displays many useful day to day articles and the prices quoted by the vendors are very much attractive to them.

Do you Know Polish Bell of Happiness in Singapore

It was an early morning  with a cloudy sky and we were on our long walk in one of the appealing trails which takes us through covered forests in the centre of Singapore.Suddenly at the highest point on the trail in one of the restaurants facing the sea we came across a surprising Big Bell and a plaque installed near by and a magnificent Christmas tree.