Showing posts with label itinerary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label itinerary. Show all posts

August 07, 2026

9 Days in Singapore, Batam & Disney Cruise Adventure: How a Canceled Cruise Turned Into an Even Better Trip

I previously shared our experience at the Marhaba Lounge before our flight to Singapore, so now it's time to begin a new travel series featuring our 9 Days in Singapore, Batam, Indonesia, and Disney Cruise Adventure.


This trip was originally planned to celebrate our wedding anniversary. However, things didn't go exactly as planned. Disney Cruise Adventure moved its Maiden Voyage sailing date to March, which meant our original booking was canceled and we had to rebook our cruise.

I was honestly disappointed at first. It was supposed to be our very first cruise experience and our anniversary celebration, so receiving that cancellation email wasn't exactly the news we wanted. Looking back, though, everything worked out for the better.

Thankfully, I hadn't booked our flights yet, so only the cruise dates had to be changed. Disney Cruise also offered a 50% discount for affected guests who rebooked, and because I booked through a travel agency, the entire rebooking process was smooth and hassle-free.

The unexpected discount even allowed us to extend our vacation to nine days instead of our original plan. The only downside was that my son had to miss a few days of school after their academic calendar was extended. Fortunately, we arrived home just in time for his final exams.

Sometimes, travel plans don't go as expected, but they can still turn into something even better.

Our Planned Itinerary

Day 1
· Manila to Singapore
· Check in at Robertson Quay Hotel
· Dinner at Lau Pa Sat

Day 2
· Singapore to Batam, Indonesia
· Check in at Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam

Day 3
· Batam Private Tour
· Return to Singapore
· Check in at Robertson Quay Hotel

Day 4
· Skyline Luge Singapore
· Universal Studios Singapore

Day 5
· Fort Canning Park
· Disney Cruise Adventure Embarkation

Day 6–8
· Disney Cruise Adventure

Day 9
· Disney Cruise Adventure Disembarkation
· Gardens by the Bay
· Flight back to Manila

Planned vs. Reality

As with most trips, not everything went according to plan.

We skipped our dinner at Lau Pa Sat after receiving a complimentary one-night upgrade to Siloso Beach Resort in Sentosa. Instead of heading to the hawker center, we decided to make the most of our unexpected beach stay.

We also missed Fort Canning Park because my son needed to attend his morning online classes. On our last day, we decided to skip Gardens by the Bay and head straight to Changi Airport, hoping we could change to an earlier flight. Unfortunately, all flights were already fully booked, so we simply enjoyed exploring the airport instead.

Despite these changes, our trip was still packed with wonderful experiences and unforgettable memories.

Day 1: Manila to Singapore

After eight months of waiting, our Singapore adventure had finally arrived.

Before leaving the Philippines, we made sure everything was ready, including our Singapore Arrival Card, eTravel registration, Singapore Airlines online check-in, and our Park N Fly reservation.

It had been years since my son and I last visited Singapore, so we were excited to experience the city again as a family. We booked our flights with Singapore Airlines during one of their travel sales the previous year, which gave us a great airfare deal.


Since travel tax wasn't included in our ticket, we paid it at the airport before check-in. We also exchanged some cash for both Singapore and Indonesia before relaxing at the Marhaba Lounge while waiting for our flight.

Our flight landed ahead of schedule, and we took a taxi from Changi Airport to Robertson Quay Hotel, where I had originally booked three nights. To our surprise, the hotel staff offered us a complimentary one-night upgrade to Siloso Beach Resort in Sentosa. Of course, we couldn't say no!

Because of the last-minute change, we skipped our planned dinner at Lau Pa Sat and headed straight to Sentosa instead. It was a bit of a shame because we arrived in Singapore late in the day, and our ferry to Batam was scheduled early the next morning, leaving us very little time to enjoy the resort.

Still, I was grateful for the opportunity to experience staying in Sentosa, something we hadn't originally planned.


Day 2: Singapore to Batam, Indonesia

Since we've already visited Singapore several times, we thought it would be fun to add a side trip to Batam, Indonesia.

The ferry ride takes only about an hour, making Batam an easy day trip from Singapore. However, because ferry tickets aren't exactly cheap, we decided to stay overnight instead.


For our stay, we chose Radisson Golf & Convention Center Batam.

Preparing for this part of the trip required a bit more work since we had to arrange our Indonesia visa along with the arrival cards for both Indonesia and Singapore.

Day 3: Batam Private Tour

There are several Batam tours available through Klook, but I chose a private tour so we could visit only the places we were interested in.


Interestingly, I changed our itinerary the night before. Instead of squeezing in as many tourist spots as possible, I decided I would rather spend more time shopping and relaxing.

Our final itinerary included:

· Barelang Bridge
· Welcome to Batam Sign
· A local temple
· A souvenir shop
· Nagoya Mall

Our driver even joked that our itinerary was one of the easiest he'd ever handled.

The private tour usually lasted up to ten hours, but since we visited only a few attractions, we reached Nagoya Mall after just two hours. We spent around three hours shopping before our driver picked us up and brought us back to the hotel.

After resting for a while in the hotel lobby, we headed to the ferry terminal for our trip back to Singapore.

Day 4: Skyline Luge Singapore & Universal Studios Singapore

Since Universal Studios Singapore isn't very large, I knew we wouldn't need an entire day inside the park. To maximize our time, I added Skyline Luge Singapore to our itinerary.

We rode the luge first before spending the rest of the day enjoying the rides and attractions at Universal Studios Singapore.



Days 5–9: Disney Cruise Adventure

Finally, it was time for the highlight of our entire trip, Disney Cruise Adventure.


This cruise had been on my travel bucket list for years, so finally experiencing it felt surreal. I never imagined Disney Cruise would become accessible from Asia. With no visa required, reasonably priced flights to Singapore, and shorter cruise itineraries, it has become much easier for families in our region to experience a Disney cruise.

We booked the 5-day, 4-night sailing. Honestly? Even after five days, it still wasn't enough. There were so many activities, shows, character experiences, and dining options that we couldn't fit everything into one sailing.

Our first cruise exceeded our expectations, and I can already tell this won't be our last.

Day 9: Singapore to Manila

After disembarking from the cruise, we originally planned to visit Gardens by the Bay before our flight home. Instead, we headed straight to Changi Airport and tried to move to an earlier flight. Unfortunately, every flight was already full.


Since there wasn't much we could do, we simply made the most of our remaining time by exploring one of our favorite airports in the world before flying back to Manila.

Looking back, this trip didn't go exactly according to plan, and that's perfectly okay. Some attractions were skipped, our anniversary cruise was postponed, and our itinerary changed more than once. Yet somehow, everything still came together into one unforgettable family adventure.

Sometimes the best trips aren't the ones that go perfectly; they're the ones filled with unexpected moments that become your favorite memories.

This is just the beginning of my travel series. In the next posts, I'll be sharing detailed guides, hotel reviews, Batam travel tips, and, of course, our complete Disney Cruise Adventure experience.
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June 24, 2026

5-Day Daet and Calaguas Island Itinerary with Senior Citizens: Family Summer Adventure + Budget Guide

Growing up, I was very familiar with Bicolano cuisine. I love dishes cooked with coconut milk, and pili nuts have always been one of my favorite snacks. In fact, I prefer pili nuts still in their shells over the sweetened varieties. Despite my love for Bicolano food, I had never visited the Bicol Region because I wasn't a fan of long land trips. The idea of spending more than 10 hours on a bus was enough to make me postpone the trip for years.

Everything changed when my mom told me that they were planning a family trip to Paracale to visit her friend and explore nearby destinations. At first, I was undecided. My son's Recognition Day had not been announced yet, I was concerned about our travel budget, and the thought of a long bus ride was not exactly appealing.

Eventually, I agreed to join the trip, but I told my mom that I wasn't particularly interested in Paracale. What I really wanted was to visit Calaguas Island. It had been on my travel bucket list since my early blogging days, but I never pursued it because of the long journey and limited electricity on the island.

Fast forward to this year, and it finally happened. Thanks to AI, planning the trip was surprisingly easy. It helped me organize possible routes, activities, and expenses despite having only a few days to prepare.

The trip was planned almost spontaneously:

Day 1: I agreed to join.
Day 2: I created our itinerary.
Day 3: We finalized everything and booked our tickets, hotel, and resort.

My original plan was to travel from Manila to Naga, explore the city, and then continue to Daet for Calaguas Island. However, my mom preferred a direct Manila-to-Daet route.

So here’s our 5-day Daet and Calaguas Island itinerary from our summer vacation.

Our 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Cubao to Daet
Day 2–4: Calaguas Island
Day 5: Daet to Cubao

We purchased our one-way bus tickets online for PHP 1,046.57 per person. Buying online was more expensive than purchasing directly at the terminal. I also forgot to avail of the student discount for my son, and since the tickets were already paid for online, the bus station could no longer process a refund.

A few days later, my husband decided to join the trip after his leave was approved. He booked a night bus with a restroom onboard for PHP 1,146.

For our morning trip, the bus actually left Cubao earlier than scheduled. The supposed 10-hour trip stretched to almost 12 hours due to multiple stopovers and heavy traffic, not including our travel time from home.

We had lunch at the DLTB Quezon stopover. Budget around PHP 200 per person for a meal with rice and drinks, plus PHP 10 for restroom use.


By the time we arrived, we were exhausted from the long journey. Still, I couldn't complain because my husband had an even more stressful experience. His scheduled bus trip was canceled, and passengers had to wait nearly three hours at the terminal for a replacement bus. Because of the delay, he missed our scheduled boat trip the next morning.


For dinner, we ate at the restaurant of One Platinum Hotel.

Hotel and Transportation

For our first and last nights in Daet, I booked 3 rooms at One Platinum Hotel. We only wanted a standard room, but on our first night, there were only two left.

Stay

     Room

    Cost

First night

    2 Standard Rooms

    PHP 2,800/room

First night

    1 Deluxe Room

    PHP 3,350

Last night

    3 Standard Rooms

    PHP 2,800/room + PHP 900 extra person


The hotel is only one tricycle ride away from the DLTB terminal. Since the senior citizens in our group were not comfortable riding tricycles, a relative suggested using their van and driving us around during the trip.

At the end of the trip, the transportation arrangement cost PHP 18,000. Looking back, the transportation arrangement was more expensive compared with using local tricycles. However, for the senior citizens, the convenience and comfort were worth the extra cost.

The local transportation in Daet was quite affordable. Based on the rates I discovered during our trip, a tricycle ride from One Platinum Hotel to Vinzons Port would likely cost around PHP250–400 per trip, depending on the number of passengers and the arrangement with the driver. Our tricycle ride from the hotel to the DLTB terminal only cost PHP20 per person.

The van was used for:

Day 1: DLTB Terminal to One Platinum Hotel
Day 2: One Platinum Hotel to Vinzons Port
Day 4: Vinzons Port to One Platinum Hotel
Day 5: One Platinum Hotel to Paracale Tour (for the seniors)
 
Day 2: Arrival at Calaguas Island

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we traveled to Vinzons Port for our 7:00 AM call time. With the rented van, travel time was less than 20 minutes.

Upon arrival, we met the boat operator and completed the passenger manifest. Our boat departed at 7:55 AM, unfortunately, without my husband. He arrived at the port just as our boat was leaving.


Fortunately, the boat operator assured us that he could take the next available trip, which fortunately happened, since it was a weekend and more boats were operating that day.

My husband paid PHP 100 for a tricycle ride to Vinzons Port after asking the bus conductor to drop him off nearby.

For our stay, we booked a 3-day, 2-night package at Calaguas White Sand Resort. The package cost PHP 11,500 per person and included:

· Roundtrip boat transfers
· Environmental fee
· Terminal fee
· Processing fees
· Accommodation
· Full-board buffet meals

I'll be sharing a separate detailed review of the resort soon.



The resort offers several activities, including island hopping, trekking, massage services, volleyball, and kayaking.

We chose island hopping. The joiner rate was PHP 500 per person, but since we booked late, we ended up hiring a private boat for PHP 5,000. Since we were a group of seven, the private tour gave us more flexibility and was well worth the cost.

Our island-hopping itinerary included:
· Balagbag Island (add-ons - PHP 75 entrance fee)
· Sandbar
· Snorkeling site near Balagbag Island


It was one of the most memorable parts of our trip; slow-paced, relaxing, and exactly the kind of island experience we had been hoping for.

Our return boat trip was delayed due to low tide. Because of this, we also arrived late at the bus station and discovered that all bus trips for the day were already fully booked. My husband had no choice but to extend his stay for another night. Secretly, I didn't mind because it meant we could travel back to Manila together. 

We purchased our tickets for the next day's trip to Cubao. The bus fare was PHP 943 per adult and PHP 758 for students, which was cheaper than the one-way tickets we had purchased online from Cubao to Daet.

From the DLTB terminal, we rode a tricycle to One Platinum Hotel. The driver asked for PHP 70 for three passengers, and I found out that my brother and sister-in-law only paid PHP 20 per head on their tricycle ride, so rates may vary depending on the driver.

After checking in, we headed to Alvino's Roast, Grill & Fry for an early dinner.


We started the day with an early breakfast and a quick pasalubong shopping trip.

Our stops included:
· Daet Market for pili nuts with shells
· Graceland for pastries
· Jannah's Pasalubong for local delicacies and souvenirs

Conveniently, all of these were within walking distance of the hotel.


For lunch, we had originally planned to try another restaurant, but we were too tired to go out again, so we ended up eating at the hotel restaurant.

We checked out early and rode a tricycle to the DLTB terminal for PHP 20 per person.

One thing we learned: there's no need to arrive too early at the terminal. The waiting area is limited, and passengers are only allowed to board shortly before departure.

The return trip took almost 12 hours again, reminding us that the journey to Bicol is truly part of the adventure. Ironically, the senior citizens traveling from Paracale to Cubao arrived faster than we did.

Final Thoughts

Our first land trip across the Bicol Region turned into a real adventure.

From a 12-hour bus ride to Daet, a 30-minute van trip to Vinzons Port, and another two hours by boat to Calaguas Island, the journey was long but absolutely worth it.


For three days, we experienced island life without phone signals, Wi-Fi, or half-day electricity. Instead, we enjoyed quality family time, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable memories.

Although we didn't get the chance to fully explore Daet, the trip gave us something more meaningful than a checklist of destinations. We came home with bags full of pili nuts, new memories with family, and the happiness of finally setting foot on Calaguas Island after years of dreaming about it.

Estimated Expenses for Our Daet and Calaguas Trip

Bus Cubao to Daet: PHP 1,046.57/person (online booking)
Bus from Daet to Cubao: PHP 943/person (bus terminal)
Calaguas package: PHP 11,500/person
Island hopping: PHP 500/person (joiner) or PHP 5,000 private boat
Hotel: PHP 2,800–3,350/night
Private van: PHP 18,000/group

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April 10, 2026

From Gondola Views to Tea Rituals: A Maokong Experience in Taipei

Looking for things to do in Taipei beyond the usual city attractions? The Maokong area offers one of the most relaxing escapes just outside the city, combining mountain views, cable car rides, and traditional tea culture.
 
In this trip, I experienced the Maokong Gondola using the Taipei Fun Pass, followed by a slow afternoon of tea tasting and local food in the mountains.
 
Using the Taipei Fun Pass, we traveled from Taipei Main Station to Taipei Zoo. Our initial plan was to start at the zoo and take the Maokong Gondola upward. However, while waiting for the zoo to open, I learned that it is already located in a slightly elevated area near the foothills. So we decided to reverse our route instead, starting at Maokong and making our way down.
 
Route:
• Taipei Main Station → Zhongxiao Fuxing (Red Line)
• Transfer to Brown Line → Taipei Zoo Station
• Walk ~5 minutes to the gondola station


A Scenic Ride on the Maokong Gondola

The journey began with the Maokong Gondola, one of Taipei’s most unique and scenic attractions. At the station, we simply scanned our Taipei Fun Pass to redeem the cable car ticket, making the process quick and convenient.
 
By the time we stepped onto the gondola, we weren’t just heading up a mountain; we were slowly leaving the city’s noise behind and entering a completely different rhythm of Taipei.
 
As the gondola slowly climbed, the city gradually faded into layers of green mountains. In the distance, we could even spot the iconic Taipei 101, reminding us how close the city still was, even as everything around us felt calmer and more distant.



 
How It Compares to Other Cable Cars in Asia
 
Having tried cable cars in other parts of Asia, I couldn’t help but compare the experience.
 
The Singapore Cable Car feels sleek and modern. You glide above harbors, ships, and city skylines, heading toward places like Sentosa Island. It’s polished and very much part of the urban experience.
 
The Ngong Ping 360 in Hong Kong is more scenic and iconic, with sweeping views of mountains, sea, and the famous Big Buddha as you approach Lantau Island’s cultural landmarks.
 
Meanwhile, the Ba Na Hills Cable Car in Vietnam is on a completely different scale, longer, higher, and more dramatic. The ride cuts through thick jungle and clouds, leading to the famous Golden Bridge and a mountaintop complex that feels almost surreal.
 
But the Maokong Gondola is different.
 
If Singapore is modern, Ngong Ping is scenic and iconic, and Da Nang is grand, Maokong is calm and soulful.
 
Slowing Down in Maokong

 
By the time we reached the top, the energy of the city had completely faded. The air felt fresher, the surroundings quieter, and everything seemed to move at a slower pace.
 
Maokong isn’t a place you rush through; it’s a place where you pause.
 
And the best way to do that? With tea.
 
We walked to Maokong Redwood House to experience a tea ceremony.

A Taste of Taiwanese Tea Culture


 
Maokong is famous for its tea, especially Taiwanese oolong, and visiting a teahouse here feels like stepping into a tradition passed down for generations.
 
At Maokong Redwood House, we decided to try the tea experience for NTD100 per person. It felt like the perfect way to slow down and fully immerse ourselves in the moment.
 
What made it even more meaningful was that it wasn’t just about drinking tea. We were given paper, an envelope, and a brush pen, and invited to write a letter, our wishes, thoughts, or dreams.



 
After writing, the staff carefully sealed it with wax, placing both the letter and a tea bag inside the envelope. They told us to keep it and open it after one year while enjoying the tea.
 
For something so simple, it felt surprisingly personal and memorable, a small moment we know we’ll look forward to in the future. I just have to remember where I placed the envelope so I can actually open it when the time comes.
 
Lunch with a View
 
Many restaurants in Maokong are designed to highlight the scenery, with open terraces and wide windows facing the mountains. The combination of fresh air, good food, and sweeping views makes even a simple meal feel more special than usual.


 
After the tea ceremony at Maokong Redwood House, we went to a nearby restaurant just a few steps away. While waiting earlier, we had already checked the printed menu outside, so we knew exactly what to order.
 
We decided on the 5-course and 4-rice set meal for NTD 1,600 + Service Charge. It included:
 
Fried fish fillet with sweet and sour sauce
Sliced boiled pork with garlic sauce
Braised Makino bamboo shoots
Seasonal vegetables
Chicken soup
Bottled soft drinks
 
The food arrived quickly, and everything was enjoyable. The portion was generous, meant for about four people, but even though we were hungry, we still couldn’t finish everything. We even had some chicken soup left behind.





 
After lunch, we noticed the tea ice cream for NTD 90 near the entrance and decided to try it. It wasn’t something we would normally crave, but it was a fun experience and something new to remember from Maokong.

 
The Maokong Gondola may be what brings you up the mountain, but it’s not the main reason you’ll remember it.
 
What stays with you are the quiet moments, the tea ceremony, the mountain air, the slow meals, and the feeling of simply being present without rushing anywhere.

In a city as vibrant as Taipei, Maokong offers something rare: a chance to slow down.

But eventually, we had to leave because we still had another stop waiting for us at Taipei Zoo.

 
Maokong Gondola
No. 8, Section 2, Xinguang Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City
Access: MRT Taipei Zoo Station (Exit 2)
 
Maokong Tea Ceremony Experience
Alley 33, Lane 38, Section 3, Zhinan Road, Wenshan District, Taipei City
Access: Maokong Gondola to Maokong Station 
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March 31, 2026

Day 2 in Taipei: Free Walking Tour, Longshan Temple & Ximending Experience

If you're planning a Taipei itinerary, our Day 2 in Taipei was all about culture, history, and food, from Longshan Temple to a free walking tour and a fun Ximending food trip. The cool weather made everything even more enjoyable!
 
A week before our trip, I checked the forecast and expected 25 to 28°C weather. But when we arrived, it felt much cooler, and on our second day, it dropped to 14°C. Perfect for a full day of walking around Taipei!
 
Breakfast Near Longshan Temple Taipei
 
Since CityInn Hotel doesn’t have a restaurant, we left early to find breakfast before our tour.
From the hotel, we reached Longshan Temple Taipei in less than 30 minutes. We arrived around 8:00 AM, giving us plenty of time before our 10:00 AM walking tour.

 
We found a small local restaurant nearby (I don’t know the name since it was in Chinese characters, but thankfully with English translations on the menu). Cash only. 


What we ordered:
 
Radish Meatball Soup Set (NTD 160) – comes with cabbage fried rice and cold tea
Radish Meatball Soup (NTD 75)



It was a simple and comforting meal, though not super filling, perfect for a light start before a long walking tour.
 
Longshan Temple Taipei Travel Guide
 
Before the tour started, we explored Longshan Temple, one of the most famous tourist spots in Taipei. The temple is rich in history and beautifully detailed, making it a must-visit in any DIY Taipei itinerary.



The peaceful atmosphere in the morning made the experience even more special.


 
Taipei Free Walking Tour (Klook + Like It Formosa Review)

We joined the Taipei Free Walking Tour – Historic Route, which we booked via Klook. It’s a tip-based tour organized by Like It Formosa, highly recommended if you want to learn more about Taipei’s history and culture.
 
We were a group of 44 travelers from different countries, so we were divided into two smaller groups.
 
Tour Details:
 
Start Time: 10:00 AM
Duration: 3 hours
Meeting Point: MRT Longshan Temple Station, Exit 1
 
Places Covered in the Taipei Walking Tour
 
This is a great route if you're looking for things to do in Taipei in one morning:
 
Longshan Temple
Bopiliao Ancient Street
The Red House
Presidential Office Building
2/28 Peace Memorial Park






 
We also stopped by Yongfu Ice Cream and tried handmade ice cream for NTD 55—perfect quick snack during the tour.

 
The tour ended at Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall at around 1:20 PM. It was long but very informative, definitely one of the highlights of our Taipei travel experience.
 
Ximending Food Trip & Shopping Guide

 
After the tour, we were super hungry, so we headed straight to Ximending, one of the most popular food and shopping districts in Taipei. If you're into Taipei street food and trendy spots, Ximending is a must-visit.
 
What we did in Ximending:
 
Ate lunch at a Korean restaurant
Tried the famous Xing Fu Tang milk tea
Bought pasalubong (souvenirs)
 
I’ll be sharing a more detailed Ximending food trip guide in a separate post!
 
Taipei Main Station Food Options
 
After a long day, we decided to head back to the hotel to rest. We rode the train from Ximending to Taipei Main Station. Taipei Main Station has a wide variety of food kiosks and shops. If you're doing Taipei budget travel, this is a great place to grab affordable meals.




We bought meal boxes for dinner, simple, convenient, and perfect after a tiring day.
 
Final Thoughts: Taipei Day 2 Itinerary
 
Our Day 2 Taipei itinerary was packed but very fulfilling. From cultural landmarks to local food experiences, it gave us a deeper appreciation of the city.
 
If you're planning your own DIY Taipei itinerary, I highly recommend:
 
Starting your day early
Joining a free walking tour
Exploring Ximending for food and shopping

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