Wanderlust Diary

One day, I was in Manila, the next in Singapore, the next in Bali. I step off to three different countries in less than 24 hours.  A couple of sleepless nights, I was still to do a KTV session!  Talk about sheer exhaustion rather than vacation!  Fun was an understatement in the world of a 20 something.  I can’t imagine my body can take this kind of stress a decade after…so my philosophy..“travel while you’re young!”

We stayed at a lovely villa which is owned by a French architect who seem to have chosen to stay in Bali for the meantime. Even in my usual experience booking online, I was a bit hesitant in choosing to book a villa online because this might be bogus. Good thing we were not disappointed. There was a bit of miscommunication between us when we arrived because of our ride from airport to the villa however I insisted they include it without us topping up anything because we indicated that we were 7 arriving. (They keep telling me the van can only fit 4). Their language was quite similar to Filipino language so they can easily understand some of our rantings.

My notion of Bali was maybe it was as small as Boracay. Unfortunately, for the most part of our trip, we were usually on the road. From the airport, it took us more than 30 minutes going to Seminyak (our villa area)

The night was perfect, cool crisp air welcomed us in Bali. I could sense a relaxing feel, no bustling city noise however the beach was no where to be found. I imagined how some people find Bali very peaceful.

We walked around Seminyak area to find a great Italian restaurant which surprisingly look so posh inside. Though not a lot of people walk around here, the restaurant was jam-packed. Expats were everywhere, somehow oddly I feel out of place.

The next morning, we rented a van to tour us for the whole day. Cost us 380,000 IDR. We visited only a few of the famous temple sites due to the lack of time. I noticed that it reminded me of temples I saw in Angkor Wat and Thailand’s. Hiring a tour guide slipped our mind so we roam around the open air temples freely. I’m glad temples here are well preserved even though it tourist populated.

Interesting things you must try in Bali:
1. Babi Guling – We were very excited about this, it is the famed pig after all. Our driver was not spared from our incessant nagging if we were to go to the famous IBU OKA yet. Every 30 minutes of our ride, he can easily understand our Babi Guling question! If he only told us what our exact location was to be, it would have been more peaceful for him. I must admit though that the Babi Guling didn’t leave a lasting impression on me because of my nonchalance to spices. But I give credit to the perfect crisp skin!
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I don’t usually drool on vegetarian dishes but since my family would often visit restaurants with highly specialized green goodies, we have no choice. One, because my parents are strict vegetarian for 10 years already. Second, they urge us to eat healthy from time to time.

No complain here whatsoever since I long appreciated the benefits of eating healthy. Maybe I haven’t notice the effect yet, but I know..someday I will be thankful!

Here are my top picks for Vegetarian treats in Manila:
1. Summer Palace (Edsa Shangrila Hotel)
–> Hands down the best in Manila. My parent’s favorite…our favorite! First it serves the best array of Chinese food and more innovative vegetarian ones. Not your usual green leaves, how about some ground pork lookalike (replaced with water chestnut, some lettuce, diced mushrooms, exquisite sauce). I love their homemade tofu with mushroom. Do try to ask around who are Edsa Shang members so you get to have a 20% off discount.

2. Kong Tiak Restaurant (Banawe)
–> This restaurant is owned and operated by a Taiwanese temple sect. They do have a lot of offer however I haven’t tried all. My mom used to love going here but it’s a bit far. We order the usual Lo han Mee, Fried Banana Fritters with almond, Fresh Lumpia, but definitely order their fried mushroom strips. Very addictive!
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Can I say again..Boracay is my best beach EVER!!!

I’ve been there twice this year, I can’t seem to get bored there..I love the sand…I love the breeze…I love the sunset!

When you wake up, enjoy breakfast at Real Coffee and have a taste of their famous calamansi muffin. Savor the time before the scourging heat of noon..walk around the breathtaking beach or if you want to be more active, try theZorb water ball (around P400+).

Having lunch at Manana Restaurant (mexican cuisine) is an off beat munch but will definitely make me so full, you’ll wanna have siesta after. It’s definitely not so expensive so you can go a long way with 200-300/person.

I love having massages at the beach. You can book an outdoor massage in front of Residencia resort along Station 1 while watching the sunset (around 400-450 pesos).

Though I think Jonah’s fruitshakes are a stable of Boracay visit, I feel their neighbor Jony’s got better ones nowadays, try their avocado shake and mango shake. You can get to hang out and watch the sunset while sitting down and ordering some tidbits. No rush as compared to Jonah’s cramped space.

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This actually looks like a petri dish of larva right?  Surprisingly, this was one of the appetizers served to us during our food trip in Seoul with Daniel (Seouleats)

Let me get back on our gluttony session with Daniel (take note: this took place at the same night!). We got out of Kwangjang market after 40 minutes or so. It was just a sneak peek of the tour. We went to my most awaited, Korean BBQ session. We walked to some alley, didn’t dare ask where because I’m sure I wouldn’t know how to go back there. We all trusted Dan to lead us to food heaven, surely he surprised us with some authentic Korean gathering place which I usually see in Korean dramas.

It was the famous restaurant night tent!

It was exciting to eat at venues more popular to locals than tourists.
Must haves for Korean BBQ:
1. Pork/Beef (nice cut) -the specialty here is pork
2. Fresh lettuce
3. Kimchi
4. Fresh garlic/mushroom
5. Soy Chili paste/light soy/white black pepper
6. Soju

I remember that the heat of the grill almost complimented the chilly weather. Might be too hot for some people but crispy warm to me. I miss that contrast. Though the table was a bit cramp of all these foodies, we let our host lead us one by one. If I remember correctly, the owner of this restaurant was a retired butcher so he knows which part is the most tender, yet not fatty. Indeed, a veteran didn’t fail to satisfy! The owner was particular on how the meat should be eaten, he intend us to drown it with soy before getting it mix with other ingredients. I was excited for more soy paste than anything else.

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