DIY Tour of Genting Highlands, Malaysia
22 February 2004
On our last day of KL training of Netscreen firewalls, we hopped unto a train at KLCC terminal going to KL Sentral and bought bus tickets at the second floor going to Malaysia's famous hill station: Genting Highlands.
The bus trip took about an hour up the mountain where it's misty and cold. We didn't come here to gamble but just to take a peek at one of Malaysia's tourist attractions plus an exhilirating ride on gondola of Genting Skyway, a fast cable car service.
picture of Skyway cable car with genting hotel nearby
Inside First World Plaza are replicas of world famous landmarks like Eiffel Tower of Paris, Big Ben of London, Gondolas of Venice, Times Square of New York and many more
There's also a Ripley's Believe or Not gallery or interesting and eerie displays.
After a few photo opportunities, decided to leave early to avoid rush (we bought return tickets as soon as we arrived just to be sure)
Genting Casinos and Gambling tips:
ceiling of genting casino
* Casino de Genting, Genting Hotel
* Monte Carlo Casino
* StarWorld, First World Hotel
Table games: roulette, baccarat and Chinese games (tai sai and pai gow), a little poker and numerous slot machines.
Tip: Gamblers need to sign up with Genting's Worldcard to withdraw winnings
Genting Highlands Hotels and Accomodations:
* First World Hotel
* Genting Hotel
* Highlands Hotel
* Resort Hotel
* Theme Park Hotel
How to get to Genting Highlands from KL:
KL Sentral to Genting Highlands Resort
Genting counter at Level 2, KL Sentral Station
Adult Fare: RM7.30 Child Fare: RM5.70
Buses also leave Puduraya Bus terminal every 30 minutes.
The bus trip took about an hour up the mountain where it's misty and cold. We didn't come here to gamble but just to take a peek at one of Malaysia's tourist attractions plus an exhilirating ride on gondola of Genting Skyway, a fast cable car service.
picture of Skyway cable car with genting hotel nearbyInside First World Plaza are replicas of world famous landmarks like Eiffel Tower of Paris, Big Ben of London, Gondolas of Venice, Times Square of New York and many more
There's also a Ripley's Believe or Not gallery or interesting and eerie displays.
After a few photo opportunities, decided to leave early to avoid rush (we bought return tickets as soon as we arrived just to be sure)
Genting Casinos and Gambling tips:
ceiling of genting casino* Casino de Genting, Genting Hotel
* Monte Carlo Casino
* StarWorld, First World Hotel
Table games: roulette, baccarat and Chinese games (tai sai and pai gow), a little poker and numerous slot machines.
Tip: Gamblers need to sign up with Genting's Worldcard to withdraw winnings
Genting Highlands Hotels and Accomodations:
* First World Hotel
* Genting Hotel
* Highlands Hotel
* Resort Hotel
* Theme Park Hotel
How to get to Genting Highlands from KL:
KL Sentral to Genting Highlands Resort
Genting counter at Level 2, KL Sentral Station
Adult Fare: RM7.30 Child Fare: RM5.70
Buses also leave Puduraya Bus terminal every 30 minutes.
Labels: Malaysia
posted by GingGoy @ 11:05 PM,
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Malaysia KL: The Garden City of Lights
14 February 2004
Accumulated travel wisdom of Tutubi based mostly on his travel to KL, Malaysia in February 2004. This is a work in progress and will be updated once in a while.
Places to see in KL (tourist spots)
Petronas Tower
once the tallest building in the world, most prominent landmark in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), the towers are built with Muslim architecture in mind and the structure is an awesome sight at night ideal for night photography and cityscape photos of KL skyline.
Menora Tower
a short taxi ride away from Petronas Tower, Tutubi actually walked from Petronas Twin Towers to get there. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view of KL from a tower almost as tall as Petronas since it's built on top of a hill. A guided tour of each window is provided via electronic gizmos you listen to while enjoying the sights.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building,
a distinctive landmark on Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur with its moorish architecture and clocktower
Chinatown (Petaling Street)
Raja Chulan Station, KL’s monorail. walking distance from Maharajalela Station
Bukit Bintang (Star Hill)
the shopping and entertainment center of KL located on Jalan Bukit Bintang (from Jalan Pudu up to the intersection with Jalan Sultan Ismail)
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Founded in 1873, the oldest and richest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur situated at the edge of Chinatown on Jalan Bandar (formerly High Street).
Bird Park
How to get there:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport caters to flights from all over the world. Express trains and buses have regular trip schedules going to KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre). Can also be reached by taxi though it's quite far.
Catholic Church in KL
St. John's Cathedral, Jalan Raja Chulan
Beyond KL
Genting Highlands
A hill station with casinos, hotels and theme parks an hour bus ride away from KL
Batu Caves
Batu Caves serves as the focus of the Hindu community's yearly Thaipusam festival.
How to get there:
Take the Putra line (LRT) and alight at Gombak station where you take a cab. Alternatively, you can take Bus 11 or 11d in Chinatown (from Batu Cave there's a bus stop for KL-bound buses located in front of the main gate)
KL to Melaka (Malacca)
St Paul’s Church was built by a Portuguese Captain, the chapel was turned by the Dutch into a burial ground for their noble dead and renamed it `St. Paul’s Church` from the Portuguese’s `Our Lady Of The Hill.` St. Francis Xavier was briefly enshrined in the open grave in 1553 before being shipped to Goa, India.
KL to Penang
KL to Langkawi
KL to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Mount Kinabalu- climb the highest mountain in Southeast Asia
Sipadan island - a popular dive site (reachable from the Philippines via Zamboanga City Ferry to Sandakan followed by a bus ride)
Layang Layang for scuba diving and rare bird watching
Mulu Caves, Sarawak
Gunung Mulu National Park in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, encompasses an array of caves and the world's biggest natural enclosed space.
Beaches Malaysia
Tioman / Redang / Perhentian for a beautiful snorkeling and tropical beach experience
Beyond Malaysia:
Singapore to Malaysia
From KL, you can visit Singapore via bus or train, with travel time of about 6 hours.
Malaysia to Thailand:
From KL, you can proceed to Bangkok, Thailand via bus or train
UPDATED: October 2008
Places to see in KL (tourist spots)
Petronas Tower
once the tallest building in the world, most prominent landmark in Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC), the towers are built with Muslim architecture in mind and the structure is an awesome sight at night ideal for night photography and cityscape photos of KL skyline.
Menora Tower
a short taxi ride away from Petronas Tower, Tutubi actually walked from Petronas Twin Towers to get there. You will be rewarded with a magnificent view of KL from a tower almost as tall as Petronas since it's built on top of a hill. A guided tour of each window is provided via electronic gizmos you listen to while enjoying the sights.
Sultan Abdul Samad Building,
a distinctive landmark on Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur with its moorish architecture and clocktower
Chinatown (Petaling Street)
Raja Chulan Station, KL’s monorail. walking distance from Maharajalela Station
Bukit Bintang (Star Hill)
the shopping and entertainment center of KL located on Jalan Bukit Bintang (from Jalan Pudu up to the intersection with Jalan Sultan Ismail)
Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Founded in 1873, the oldest and richest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur situated at the edge of Chinatown on Jalan Bandar (formerly High Street).
Bird Park
How to get there:
Kuala Lumpur International Airport caters to flights from all over the world. Express trains and buses have regular trip schedules going to KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre). Can also be reached by taxi though it's quite far.
Catholic Church in KL
St. John's Cathedral, Jalan Raja Chulan
Beyond KL
Genting Highlands
A hill station with casinos, hotels and theme parks an hour bus ride away from KL
Batu Caves
Batu Caves serves as the focus of the Hindu community's yearly Thaipusam festival.
How to get there:
Take the Putra line (LRT) and alight at Gombak station where you take a cab. Alternatively, you can take Bus 11 or 11d in Chinatown (from Batu Cave there's a bus stop for KL-bound buses located in front of the main gate)
KL to Melaka (Malacca)
St Paul’s Church was built by a Portuguese Captain, the chapel was turned by the Dutch into a burial ground for their noble dead and renamed it `St. Paul’s Church` from the Portuguese’s `Our Lady Of The Hill.` St. Francis Xavier was briefly enshrined in the open grave in 1553 before being shipped to Goa, India.
KL to Penang
KL to Langkawi
KL to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Mount Kinabalu- climb the highest mountain in Southeast Asia
Sipadan island - a popular dive site (reachable from the Philippines via Zamboanga City Ferry to Sandakan followed by a bus ride)
Layang Layang for scuba diving and rare bird watching
Mulu Caves, Sarawak
Gunung Mulu National Park in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo, encompasses an array of caves and the world's biggest natural enclosed space.
Beaches Malaysia
Tioman / Redang / Perhentian for a beautiful snorkeling and tropical beach experience
Beyond Malaysia:
Singapore to Malaysia
From KL, you can visit Singapore via bus or train, with travel time of about 6 hours.
Malaysia to Thailand:
From KL, you can proceed to Bangkok, Thailand via bus or train
UPDATED: October 2008
Labels: Malaysia
posted by GingGoy @ 9:16 PM,
,
Nice Hotel Cubao, EDSA Crossing, Manila
04 February 2004
Updated: August 27, 2009
Tutubi while riding the MRT on his way to Makati just saw the newly-opened Nice Hotel EDSA Crossing. He searched the Internet for telephone bumbers and official website but couldn't find one.
This post will be updated once information's available
Nice Hotel Cubao
Arayat Market, Cubao, Quezon City
(near MRT Cubao-Araneta Center Station)
Tel. No.:
Location Map:
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=14.6196309&lon=121.0503888&z=18&l=0&m=w
Nice Hotel EDSA Crossing
EDSA near corner Shaw Boulevard
Nice Hotel
C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila
near LRT 2 Recto Station and LRT Doroteo Jose Station
Please call the published contact numbers of Nice Hotel (or visit official website) for room rates, inquiries, events (weddings, baptisms, debuts and other functions) discounts and other promos.
some people rate this nice hotel as a motel for sex and hooker meetups but Tutubi hasn't been there and can't comment on this reputation
UPDATED: August 27, 2009
Related Post:
Eurotel
Tutubi while riding the MRT on his way to Makati just saw the newly-opened Nice Hotel EDSA Crossing. He searched the Internet for telephone bumbers and official website but couldn't find one.
This post will be updated once information's available
Nice Hotel Cubao
Arayat Market, Cubao, Quezon City
(near MRT Cubao-Araneta Center Station)
Tel. No.:
Location Map:
http://wikimapia.org/#lat=14.6196309&lon=121.0503888&z=18&l=0&m=w
Nice Hotel EDSA Crossing
EDSA near corner Shaw Boulevard
Nice Hotel
C.M. Recto Avenue, Manila
near LRT 2 Recto Station and LRT Doroteo Jose Station
Please call the published contact numbers of Nice Hotel (or visit official website) for room rates, inquiries, events (weddings, baptisms, debuts and other functions) discounts and other promos.
some people rate this nice hotel as a motel for sex and hooker meetups but Tutubi hasn't been there and can't comment on this reputation
UPDATED: August 27, 2009
Related Post:
Eurotel
Labels: Accommodations, Hotels, Metro Manila, National Capital Region
posted by GingGoy @ 9:35 PM,
,
Eurotel Cubao, North EDSA, Makati, Manila Las Pinas
03 February 2004
For information of travelers looking for information on Eurotel Hotels
who want their customers to experience Europe. Something for locals but
not for foreigners, especially European tourists-- they didn't come all
the way to experience something different, not like home :(
Eurotel North EDSA
in front of SM City North EDSA, Quezon City
walking distance from MRT North Avenue Station and Trinoma
Contact Number: +63.2.376.7097
Eurotel Cubao
Araneta Center in front of Araneta Coliseum
Cubao, Quezon City
Telephone Number: +63.2.995.8452;
Eurotel Manila
near Robinsons Place, Malate, Manila
Eurotel Makati
Chino Roces (Pasong Tamo) corner Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay road)
in front of Walter Mart and near Don Bosco Makati
Eurotel Las Pinas
in front of SM Southmall, Las Pinas
Please call Eurotel contact numbers or visit Eurotel official website for room rates, bookings, events, weddings, reservations, discounts, promos and other inquiries.
Tutubi has never checked-in at Eurotel Hotels but expect a Eurotel
review once he gets to experience Europe...locally if the claim is true.
who want their customers to experience Europe. Something for locals but
not for foreigners, especially European tourists-- they didn't come all
the way to experience something different, not like home :(
Eurotel North EDSA
in front of SM City North EDSA, Quezon City
walking distance from MRT North Avenue Station and Trinoma
Contact Number: +63.2.376.7097
Eurotel Cubao
Araneta Center in front of Araneta Coliseum
Cubao, Quezon City
Telephone Number: +63.2.995.8452;
Eurotel Manila
near Robinsons Place, Malate, Manila
Eurotel Makati
Chino Roces (Pasong Tamo) corner Arnaiz Avenue (Pasay road)
in front of Walter Mart and near Don Bosco Makati
Eurotel Las Pinas
in front of SM Southmall, Las Pinas
Please call Eurotel contact numbers or visit Eurotel official website for room rates, bookings, events, weddings, reservations, discounts, promos and other inquiries.
Tutubi has never checked-in at Eurotel Hotels but expect a Eurotel
review once he gets to experience Europe...locally if the claim is true.
Labels: Accommodations, Hotels
posted by GingGoy @ 9:09 PM,
,
Bureau of Immigration Office Manila: Visa and How to Get There
02 February 2004
Information Visa fees and how to get to the Bureau of Immigration office in Intramuros, Manila for foreigners applying for Philippine Visa extensions.
Visa Extension Fees, Click here
21 days visa-free entry
after 59 days (21 days + 38 days): PhP
after 6 months: PhP
here's a tip for foreigners retiring, living in the Philippines, instead of availing of the expensive SRRV visa, just come here with tourist visa, apply for extensions annually and get out of the country for a day (or more) to reset your number of days stay to zero. :P
A round-trip to nearby Asian countries is considered cheap these days and you get to travel too.
All applicants for extension are required to dress properly. Applicants wearing shorts, sandos, and slippers will not be allowed entry to Immigration Office.
How to get to Bureau of Immigration, Manila:
Commute: from LRT Carriedo Station, walk towards Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo and board a jeepney with signboard Pier. The jeep will pass by BI. Another way is by taking the Pasig River Ferry at Guadalupe station, walking distance from MRT Guadalupe station. The ferry ride is about 45 minutes from Guadalupe to Plaza Mexico where you get off. Still another one, recommended for tourists and newcomers to Manila, is via the hop on shuttle called Wow Manila Sakay Na Hop On Hop Off service, that will take you directly to the government edifice in Intramuros, Manila.
Immigration office can be most conveniently reached from Manila airport by taking a taxi (taxi fare is estimated at PhP150 or about US$3)
Driving Directions by car or taxi: from Quiapo, cross Quezon Bridge, then turn right immediately on the first road to the right immediately after the bridge. You'll pass by a road crossing under MacArthur Bridge, behind the neo-classical Manila Post Office Building, again under Jones Bridge and National Press Club building before you get to the Bureau of Immigration Building.
Here's a map of the vicinity for your reference.
Visa Extension Fees, Click here
21 days visa-free entry
after 59 days (21 days + 38 days): PhP
after 6 months: PhP
here's a tip for foreigners retiring, living in the Philippines, instead of availing of the expensive SRRV visa, just come here with tourist visa, apply for extensions annually and get out of the country for a day (or more) to reset your number of days stay to zero. :P
A round-trip to nearby Asian countries is considered cheap these days and you get to travel too.
All applicants for extension are required to dress properly. Applicants wearing shorts, sandos, and slippers will not be allowed entry to Immigration Office.
How to get to Bureau of Immigration, Manila:
Commute: from LRT Carriedo Station, walk towards Quezon Boulevard in Quiapo and board a jeepney with signboard Pier. The jeep will pass by BI. Another way is by taking the Pasig River Ferry at Guadalupe station, walking distance from MRT Guadalupe station. The ferry ride is about 45 minutes from Guadalupe to Plaza Mexico where you get off. Still another one, recommended for tourists and newcomers to Manila, is via the hop on shuttle called Wow Manila Sakay Na Hop On Hop Off service, that will take you directly to the government edifice in Intramuros, Manila.
Immigration office can be most conveniently reached from Manila airport by taking a taxi (taxi fare is estimated at PhP150 or about US$3)
Driving Directions by car or taxi: from Quiapo, cross Quezon Bridge, then turn right immediately on the first road to the right immediately after the bridge. You'll pass by a road crossing under MacArthur Bridge, behind the neo-classical Manila Post Office Building, again under Jones Bridge and National Press Club building before you get to the Bureau of Immigration Building.
Here's a map of the vicinity for your reference.
Labels: Government Offices, Immigration, Philippine Visa
posted by GingGoy @ 9:07 PM,
,
List of Highly Urbanized Cities of the Philippines
01 February 2004
The Philippines currently has 32 cities classified as highly-urbanized. In order to belong to the "elite" group of cities, certain requirements need to be met:
* Population of at least 200,000
* Minimum annual income of PhP100M
This is under the Local Government Code of 1991. The President of the Republic of the Philippines needs to declare a city as highly-urbanized which needs to be approved by the city residents in a plebiscite.
Once declared as a highly urbanized city, the city would have its own congressional district, aside from receiving a higher IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment)
Angeles City (Pampanga)
Olongapo City (Zambales)
Lucena City (Quezon)
Iloilo City (Iloilo)
Bacolod City (Negros Occidental)
Cebu City (Cebu)
Lapu-lapu City (Cebu)
Mandaue City (Cebu)
Zamboanga City (Zamboanga del Sur)
Iligan City (Lanao del Norte)
Cagayan de Oro City (Misamis Oriental)
Davao City (Davao del Sur)
General Santos City (South Cotabato)
City of Manila (Metro Manila)
Mandaluyong City (Metro Manila)
Marikina City (Metro Manila)
Pasig City (Metro Manila)
Quezon City (Metro Manila)
San Juan City (Metro Manila)
Kalookan City (Caloocan) (Metro Manila)
Malabon City (Metro Manila)
Navotas City (Metro Manila)
Valenzuela City (Metro Manila)
Las Pinas City (Metro Manila)
Makati City (Metro Manila)
Muntinlupa City (Metro Manila)
Paranaque City (Metro Manila)
Pasay City (Metro Manila)
Taguig City (Metro Manila)
Baguio City (Benguet)
Butuan City (Agusan del Norte)
Puerto Princesa (Palawan)
Tacloban City (Leyte) (Dec 2008)
In order to get travel information on these cities, please click the Labels on the navigation pane of this page where each city has it's own Category page.
* Population of at least 200,000
* Minimum annual income of PhP100M
This is under the Local Government Code of 1991. The President of the Republic of the Philippines needs to declare a city as highly-urbanized which needs to be approved by the city residents in a plebiscite.
Once declared as a highly urbanized city, the city would have its own congressional district, aside from receiving a higher IRA (Internal Revenue Allotment)
Angeles City (Pampanga)
Olongapo City (Zambales)
Lucena City (Quezon)
Iloilo City (Iloilo)
Bacolod City (Negros Occidental)
Cebu City (Cebu)
Lapu-lapu City (Cebu)
Mandaue City (Cebu)
Zamboanga City (Zamboanga del Sur)
Iligan City (Lanao del Norte)
Cagayan de Oro City (Misamis Oriental)
Davao City (Davao del Sur)
General Santos City (South Cotabato)
City of Manila (Metro Manila)
Mandaluyong City (Metro Manila)
Marikina City (Metro Manila)
Pasig City (Metro Manila)
Quezon City (Metro Manila)
San Juan City (Metro Manila)
Kalookan City (Caloocan) (Metro Manila)
Malabon City (Metro Manila)
Navotas City (Metro Manila)
Valenzuela City (Metro Manila)
Las Pinas City (Metro Manila)
Makati City (Metro Manila)
Muntinlupa City (Metro Manila)
Paranaque City (Metro Manila)
Pasay City (Metro Manila)
Taguig City (Metro Manila)
Baguio City (Benguet)
Butuan City (Agusan del Norte)
Puerto Princesa (Palawan)
Tacloban City (Leyte) (Dec 2008)
In order to get travel information on these cities, please click the Labels on the navigation pane of this page where each city has it's own Category page.
posted by GingGoy @ 8:44 PM,
,