2 MALAYSIA 2014: A NIGHT WITH THE MAJESTIC PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS

Close up view of Petronas Twin Towers.

After so many many years, I finally got to see myself and witness this spectacular infrastructure and an icon of Malaysia. Straight from Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, we headed to the KL Sentral via Sky Bus then took LRT straight to the Petronas Twin Towers. Technically it is our first day in Malaysia and we will be heading to Singapore before midnight but will definitely go back here after two-day stay at the Lion City.

Since we will be arriving in KL by 6PM and our schedule trip to Singapore is 12MN, we got six hours to spend to go around downtown KL. Thus, I have decided to drop by at the Petronas Twin Towers. After all, no one visited Malaysia without having visiting the most popular icon of the City. It is also I guess lovelier to witness the majesty of the towers by night as the bright lights sparkling around the towers which attracts the eye of the people walking down the streets. Although no more chance to see the skyline of Malaysia by reaching on the view deck at the bridge connecting the two towers because the time we arrived it’s already close. 

The three of us are first timers in Malaysia so all of the directions are only based on my research. We had dinner first at the Suria KLCC Mall where the twin towers are standing. Afterwards we looked for the exit leading the fountain park where you can see the towers unwrapped.

Here's the fountain park, adjacent to the Peteronas towers is also a state of the art building in golden lights.

The two soaring towers of Petronas taken from the fountain park.

Bright lights surrounded at the towers.

Upon stepping out at the exit door, I know when I look up I would be able to see the magnificence of the Twin Towers. I know the muscles of excitement linger on my veins so I quickly grabbed my camera and take a photo while standing on the foot of the towers. The feeling is tremendous; the only word whispered on my ears was “W-O-W”. Truly is majesty.

I asked my buddies to walk straight all the way to the end of the fountain so we can get better photos in front of the towers. Like I said the feeling is indescribable so while walking I couldn’t help but to stare the towers – I was walking backward. Reaching at the end of the park, there were quite number of foreign and local tourists alike, and of course group of Filipinos. They were all busy taking their best shots and so we are. But let me remind you though that taking photos will really give you an extra effort. No need to explain why but I recommend to visit this place to experience and that would answer the question, why?

Okay so here's our obligatory post in front of your heir majesty. And yeah it is really necessary I guess, however in order for you to get this shot with Petronas tower in full body including the antennas then it would really need an extra effort.

Ang matikas na si Jerome..ang Robin Padilla naming kasama.

Yours truly..pawis na pawis ako niyan.

Ang kaisa-isang Gabriela Silang, si Hartgraves.

We spent about an hour already in front of the towers so I asked my buddies to leave as we still need to travel to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) to catch our schedule trip via Bus all the way to Singapore.

I would like to acknowledge also the person we met in KL Sentral who helped and guide us how to use the Token Machine and technically joined us the way to KLCC where the Petronas Towers standing. To Ryan and his friend, thank you for lending your time and for the assistance.

That is Sir Ryan the first local we met who helped and guide us going to KLCC.

Ryan and his friend, both shy in the camera.

Waiting for the train to arrive going to KLCC, if you are in KL Sentral make sure to stand at Platform 1.

HOW TO GET TO PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS:

If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA or KLIA2), take bus that would bring you to KL Sentral LRT Station, then from KL Sentral take GOMBAK via KELANA JAYA LINE then alight at the KLCC Station. Petronas Twin Tower is at KLCC Station!

Make sure first to have printed the LRT Transit Map, you can get it via Google Images or when you get to the Airport, make sure to grab free brochures about their Transit Maps.

Jerome and Hart in KLIA2 with their Malaysia Magazine.

Skybus that will bring you from KLIA2 to KL Sentral vice versa.

Dim Light inside the Skybus.

At the KL Sentral Station of the LRT Transit Lines.

SIGNPOST ABOUT THE PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS via WIKIPEDIA:

The Petronas Towers, also known as the Petronas Twin Towers are the twin skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. According to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH), they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and remain the tallest twin towers in the world replacing the World Trade Center in New York. The buildings are a landmark of Kuala Lumpur, along with nearby Kuala Lumpur Tower.


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0 REXONA RUN 2014: A RUN FILLED WITH COLORS AND THE MOST VIBRANT

I’m just feeling grateful that am able to join this year’s Rexona Run 2014, #RunToYourBeat. I believe this is the only running event in the country with full of excitement from the most vibrant hip of the beat and the colorful tunnel with trendy neon lights and sounds. Although 2014 is not the year when I started running but this year where I ran most. Thus, it is my first time to join the Rexona Run.

I can see pictures the previous year and it was a total fun filled event. That's why I made sure to be part of this year's Rexona Run. First time with them and honestly they've never failed my expectation except one. THE B-A-N-A-N-A! Haha.

Upon arriving in the venue at the Mall of Asia seaside, I already heard loud sounds coming from the concert grounds, though the place is still dark at 2 AM yet it was enveloped with vehicles and runners joining the event. The 21k category starts at 3 AM and I was on the second batch. While waiting for the go signal I prepared my running app that would measures my run activity. I’m actually using Nike+ though I heard that with RunKeeper you can use it without the Internet Access.

When the signal started for the second batch, we were welcomed by the Statoin1 tunnel after three kilometers away from the starting line. It’s the Electrica Avenue as shown from below pictures; it is filled with strobe lights in different neon colors. There are photo walls for selfie and groupie ops. If you are after the time then I advised not to stay longer here.

I'm so sorry for low quality of images, I'm only using phone camera here.

After the picture ops at the tunnel we geared again back on the road to cover the time we spent and lost at the first tunnel. Even though I enjoyed running, you can’t just avoid aim to break your personal record from your previous runs. That’s why I ran non-stop after 11k mark.

At the 11k mark there where my trouble started. I am so so so so hungrrrry. If my memory serves me right, I was on my way to Luneta near Buendia Bridge. Water is not enough and I started feeling dizzy. I had carboload that night but I guess it is important to have meal again at least two hours before the official run.

My actual plan is to break my personal record. My best so far for half marathon is 3 hours and 3 minutes, I know this is still fail but hey I’m just starting. And I don’t think I can reach 2 hours record because of my weight. Anyway, my plan is no longer successful. I had to do the walk-run-walk pace instead of slow and continuous. I was really in trouble, I was thinking of buying street foods but I realized I don’t have money on my pocket. That is another thing I should consider on my next run – to have cash all the time.

When I get to Luneta area, I told myself that I’m near the finish line, it’s about 7 kilometers to go. When I feel recovered coming from a longer walk I have to start running again – slowly and non-stop.

When I’m near the CCP I was expecting that the B-A-N-A-N-A-ish is on my reach. I know Runrio provides Banana aside from bursting Gatorade and Water Stations. That’s why I love Runrio. Unfortunately nothing! So I had no choice but to continue and finish run.

And then I reached this Station2 Tunnel. As Rexona takes music powered run to the next level. Martin Pulgar is on the job. I got no choice but to have selfie again asking other runner to take me a souvenir photo. 

At the Station3 is where the hot cars parked and some of the hottest DJ’s in town. I guess only 21k runners have the chance to experience all three tunnels. That's why we get high on this Rexona Run! They're actually taking runners into Do More kind of philosophy which stimulates runners into music in different genres.

Then few minutes later, I finally finished my half marathon and per my running app I finished it in 2 hours and 50 minutes which is 10 minutes ahead of time from my previous run. I’m still in.

REXONA RUN 2014 RACE RESULTS:

• Please click this link for 21k result.
• Please click this link for 10k result.
• Please click this link for 5k result.

Here are some of the photos during Rexona Run after party.

3 PAINS: POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN NEGATIVE SITUATION

"If you can learn from the worst times of your life, you'll be ready to do into the best times of your life.". I grabbed this quote from the internet and I guess it's a perfect reminder from my past and incoming wanderings. To learn to become best at the worst moments. You can't really avoid things to happen but when you learn from it, I'm sure next time, things will be in place.

So far in my rambling experiences I haven’t have horrific experienced yet and maybe when you hear my story you would want to think that it’s "mani" or "chicken" compared to your story. However this story of mine is so far the most depressing and I guess more experiences to come and should be ready.

We were planning to celebrate Christmas in Baguio and Sagada. We've been to the summer capital a couple of times but not yet in Sagada so we give it try since we heard good feedback about this place. However it’s really hard to travel for longer hours so we decided to stay in Baguio for a day then have to catch the trip early morning tomorrow. That night we planned to meet old friends and have some drinks. The next morning, we woke up around 7AM, although it’s late but it is on the itinerary to be at Old Dangwa Station before 8AM.

Surprisingly there were huge number of passengers going home in the Mountain Provinces and not that I expected the upsurge. Nevertheless I’m not worried at all. I know GL Trans, the only Bus Company that travels from Baguio all the way to Sagada has 6 trips daily. If we can’t catch the first or even second trip we still have the remaining four trips to take.

I was on the line; stepping forward inch by inch and you’ll never hear any objections from me. The first trip just left and the second trip is waiting for us. After more than two hours on the line, at last I can see the girl behind the ticket booth and when my turn comes she just simply said that no more tickets and there are only two trips today.

"Please be here early tomorrow", her final word.

Mga Kurimaw! Ay kapurbida..!@#$%^&**()

I couldn't recognise how my face looked like. I was so dismay and very disappointed. I quickly called our contact person in Sagada told her about what happened and asking if there would be another option or else we will be cancelling our hotel reservation for that day. She said we can catch The Rising Sun Transport at the Slaughterhouse Road en route to Bontoc, then take jeep to Sagada for about 20 minutes.

  

After that call we grabbed taxi straight to another terminal. There were less people compared in Old Dangwa but you wouldn’t want to like it. There is no ticket reservation or even any line. When bus arrives it’s up to you how quick will you be to reserve seat. The challenge triples the MRT situation during rush hours. And when the bus arrived, you wouldn't want to imagine how people gone crazy. I thought I’m prepared enough since I ride MRT almost everyday. I'm sure words are not enough to explained the drastic scene.

We know for sure that Sagada no more for that day, unless we are willing to pay 5,000 PHP for a van -for-hire that would bring us there. Hotels in Baguio are all jam-packed, more local tourists visit highlands during the holidays to experience the spirit of Christmas weather.

We then searching over the internet for available hostels at least the cheapest price. Fortunately we found this Upstairs Bed and Bath that is good enough to cover our dead body from freezing atmosphere for that night.

We woke up early the next morning and left hostel about 4 AM, yes that is too early because we already learned what happened yesterday. Also it was 24th, day before Christmas so expect of more commuters are going back home. When we get at the Old Dangwa Station, there were hundreds of people already on the line waiting for the ticketing office to open. You wouldn’t be surprised at all but you would ask where the heck people coming from? They're probably sleeping at the terminal.

I got no choice but to fall in line again and hugging the cold weather of the highlands. Aside from the clatter of the engines, commuters chose to be quiet while covered with thick sweater while other busy sipping hot coffee. I pulled up my headset and decided to entertain with some hip-hop music. The office opens after an hour and start giving out tickets. That time we’re not certain if we could get tickets despite being too early. And then I heard people chanting in local dialect so I had to ask them what the commotions about. They said that there are only few tickets available.

That time we were already terrified, all we want is to experience Sagada. 

So this would be another worst moment, do we just stand and wait for some gracious gift from heaven? The clock runs so fast, we haven’t secured tickets yet. My partner asked me to stay on the line and he will do something unfavorable. He went near the booth and talked to people one by one. They only give three tickets per person, good thing this old lady who is traveling alone agreed to buy tickets for us in exchange for a free ride. So there you go!!!

After butt-numbing seven-hour ride we finally set foot in Sagada. We only have one day to explore the whole place and no more reason to follow the prepared itinerary. We rest at hostel for an hour then shower then went straight to Yoghurt House to get some brunch. Afterwards we headed to the tourist center for the Echo Valley Tour which started from Sumaguing Cave, to CalvaryHill, Episcopal Church, and the Hanging Coffins. We got no choice but just stay at the town proper. 

Nevertheless with all the setbacks it feels so grateful to experience Sagada in just a short period of time. In fact in less than 24 hours.

The next morning, we woke early to experience the Kiltepan viewpoint and orange picking at Café Bodega. Afterwards we led straight to hostel to check out and catch the only trip going back to Baguio. According the GL Trans office they only have one trip at 8AM so make sure to be there before that time to reserve seat and catch the trip.

We arrived at the terminal by 7:30AM which is only walking distance from hostel. Unfortunately the officer said that the bus left around 7AM.

What the heck! Juice colored.

I thought we’re all done with misfortunes within this trip but there you go again.  Locals advised us to take jeep going down to Bontoc but not sure if there will be bus schedule to Baguio since it’s December 25. Wow, I can’t believe will be getting the most crazy experience in the middle of Christmas day. Thankfully when we get to Bontoc, the last and only trip was about to leave and we made it!

With all the misadventures I learned a lot of things, how to cope up when bad things happen. It is indeed positive attitude in negative situation.

I learned that being frustrated isn’t going to solve anything. Problem is already there, if I will not do something nothing will happen. I got a chance to stay in Baguio for another night and experienced sleeping in a backpacking lodge where you can see other guests next to your bed. Though it was my first time yet I think it’s perfect to socialize with other travelers that you barely know.

I learned that there’s always a choice. Although no more chance to get to Sagada but the other choice is why don’t explore Baguio by night.

And the most of all always look forward to overcome the challenges. Like what they say: Life is a journey of learning and growth, and everything happens for a reason. So whatever the obstacles maybe think something to divert your frustrations and eventually you will get over the challenges. 

PAINS is my first ever entry to the PTB Blog Carnival, October 2014 edition with the theme: “The Worst Travel Moments”. This edition is hosted by Jona Branzuela Bering of backpackingwithabook.com

0 THAILAND: SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT, HOW TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CITY

It is indeed the biggest airport hub in Thailand. Suvarnabhumi Airport (IATA: BKK) pronounced as Suwannaphum opens on September 2006 for domestic and on international commercial flight after 14 days of operation. This airport earned as the most photographic airport award in the influx of social media like Instagram. And I would say that they have the best architecture in an H-Shaped. The roof is covered with glass panels and fantastic ceiling.

Suvarnabhumi is located in Racha Thewa or about 25 kilometers from downtown Bangkok. I heard the name was chosen by their incumbent King Bhumibol Adulyadej which means the golden kingdom. This is the 16th business airport in the world and 6th in Asia.

In 2014 recent survey, Suvarnabhumi is awarded as the Top3 in World’s Best Premium Service Airports.



After almost four hours of flying, I finally have the chance to see this Airport hub. And of course setting foot for my third country visit after Hongkong and Macau. Or I don’t know if you can consider the latter two as country, I think they’re just an administrative region of China. Whatever, I still have stamps on my passport.

Arriving in Thailand, it was my first time to see the gigantic A380. As the person with so much fondness of aircrafts, it feels so much excitement when I get the chance to see right before my eyes the biggest passenger plane in the world. Suvarnabhumi is the main hub of Thai Airways International that is known for different fleets both Airbus and Boeing.

When pilot announced that we may now alight the aircraft, I have this enthusiastic energy to get out and witness myself Thailand’s megastructure. They’re airport is really huge and it immediately sinks to your mind that you are in another country. Thailand flags are scattered everywhere at the airport plus their Sanskrit text.

We lined up immediately at the immigration counter, and since I’m a Philippine passport holder no need to present visa. ASEAN has an agreement that all travelers belong to ASEAN region will not require to apply visa and granted 30-day stay. 

This airport has a quite number of walkalators, or they call it travelators. It feels like you don’t have the chance anymore to walk by foot because of these lator-ish setups.  I’d like to believe that they have the most organized facilities, more counters open especially immigration.

The mural above in yellow-orange-blue colors is I guess the Suvarnabhumi Dowwadung which is the most import concept for Thai society.

Since we arrived past 12 midnight, we decided to jump out from the airport after spending short period time taking pictures inside the airport.

But when we bid goodbye in Thailand, I know I will have plenty of time to explore if possible the entire airport while waiting for boarding back in Manila.

Just like a promise, during our waiting period I wandered the passenger lounge and take photos of these beautiful and stunning gigantic figures of the airport. There are four-giants seem like guarding the place. They are called Yaksha – the Guardian Giants. If you already traveled the city, those faces will be familiar to you as the figures are scattered all over the region.


HERE ARE THE PHOTO GALLERY INSIDE THE  PASSENGER HALL:

After our five-day tour in Bangkok we finally set foot again at Suvarnabhumi airport to say our sweet goodbye to this beautiful country. Since we arrived early and while waiting for the window to open, I have the chance to go around and take photos. Their architectural remnants are all enveloped in golden charm.

And what I really want to see is this dragon. Before we arrived in Bangkok I was searching about Bangkok and I always see this charismatic three-headed dragon with four-arm figure standing in the middle. I thought I’m gonna see this on arrival but you will only have to chance to meet them on departure out from Bangkok.

HOW TO GET IN AND OUT OF THE CITY:

AIRPORT RAIL LINK: 

The best option to get in and out of downtown Bangok is via rail. It’s the fastest way to get in and out considering the hustle bustle traffic in the City. Express train leaves every 20 minutes going to Phaya Thai in 18-minute journey. Fare is 19 THB.  From Phaya Thai station, from there you can transfer around the city via BTS or Sky Train.

METERED TAXI: 

Taxis are located on the first floor of the arrivals area. Since we arrived past 12 midnight, we got no chance to ride the rail since the operation ends at exactly 12 MN. So we only take pink and yellow taxis to get into the city. You will be lined up at the taxi stand and let the dispatcher know where are you heading and then your destination will be written on a piece of paper that will be given out to the taxi driver. Please note that you have the right to say no if they will ask you for a flat rate. If the driver insists, then get out and let the dispatcher know. You will be paying extra 50 THB surcharge on top of your meter rate. I think that’s the driver fee. Since we booked hotel near Petchaburi our meter read almost 300 THB.