Best Trips of 2011 -- A Retrospect

I am dedicating this post to my friends who are planning their getaways next year (special mention to Deng and Nard). May I remind you that this is free of charge but it wouldn't hurt if you'd include me in your list. *wink*

January ✈ 
Manitoba, Canada

Stopover
It was a Looong Flight
The Town at Night
Routine
Breakfast All Day
A Trip to the Superstore
Polo Park
Cherry Love
Around the Town
Buffet Square
Winter Wonderland
Home Bound

May ✈ 
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Transit in Kuala Lumpur
Taste of Asia
Decanter Restaurant
Marrybrown
Foodtrip in KL
Hotel Sentral Pudu

May ✈ 
Siem Reap, Cambodia

Off to the Kingdom of Wonders
Hello Cambodia.. Finally!
Tara Angkor Hotel
Before Visiting the Temples
Temple Chronicles: Banteay Srei
Restaurant with No Name at East Mebon
Temple Chronicles: East Mebon
Temple Chronicles: Ta Som
Temple Chronicles: Neak Pean
Temple Chronicles: Preah Khan
Scenes at the Old Market
Koulen Restaurant, SR
Temple Chronicles: Angkor Wat
Temple Chronicles: Baphuon & Terrace of the Elephants
Temple Chronicles: Phnom Bakheng
Temple Chronicles: Ta Keo
Streets of Siem Reap
Temple Chronicles: Angkor Thom
Ta Prom Restaurant, SR
Temple Chronicles: Ta Prohm aka Tomb Raider Temple
Khmer Kitchen Restaurant, SR
Night Market at Siem Reap

June ✈ 
Singapore

Changi Airport, SG
Robertson Quay Hotel, SG
Mondo Mio, SG
Eye Candy at Universal Studios, SG
Universal Studios, SG
Bugis Street, SG
Weekend at Singapore-lah!

August ✈
El Nido, Philippines

Enchanting El Nido
El Nido Beach Hotel
Squido's Restaurant
Seaslug's Bar and Restaurant
A Day in Paradise Known as El Nido

September ✈
Davao, Philippines

Davao City -- A Rundown
Pearl Farm Marina
Pearl Farm Resort -- Day One
Pearl Farm Resort -- Day Two
Maranao Restaurant at Pearl Farm Resort
Karlo's Gourmet and Coffee
Eden Nature Park and Resort
Eden Nature Park Buffet
Marina Tuna Seafood Market Restaurant

September ✈
Baguio, Philippines

The Manor at Camp John Hay Baguio
The Manor Baguio -- The Sweet (Suite) Room
Philippine Military Academy
Sizzling Plate Baguio
Cafe by the Ruins
Le Chef at The Manor Baguio
Little John's at CJH
Tam-awan Village

December ✈
Macau and Hongkong

Manila ✈ Hong Kong ✈ Manila
Macau in One Day
Hotel Benito, HK
Sky 100, HK
Tim Ho Wan, HK -- The World's Cheapest Michelin-Starred Restaurant
Lamma Island, HK
Maxim's Food, HK
Places I Love in Hongkong

I wonder where my feet will take me in 2012. Hanoi? Another Hongkong trip perhaps? South Korea?

But my mind says, Europe! *wink*

A Day in Paradise Known as El Nido

Most of the people I traveled with were first timers in El Nido so an island-hopping tour is necessary. Our good friend who's based in the island offered the services of his cousin who runs a travel and tours business in town. We chose the most basic tour which includes a trip to the Big Lagoon, Secret Lagoon, Simezu Island, Small Lagoon and Seven Commandos all for Php600 per person lunch included.

From 12noon to 5pm, we were transported to the most beautiful and postcard-worthy spots in El Nido.

First stop was the Big Lagoon. Known for its turquoise-colored waters, this is one of the best places I have ever been to. According to Wikipedia, scientists believe that this was once a cave millions of years ago which collapsed and the lagoon emerged from it.

We were not able to go deeper into the lagoon because it was low tide
so we turned around and proceeded to the next pit stop.

Next stop was the Secret Lagoon. See the tiny hole in between the rocks? That's the only way to go to the lagoon. By this time, we had to put our aqua shoes on to avoid being cut by the sharp corals.

The water was freezing cold! Grrrrr..

Our manong guide

We had an early lunch at Squido's and had lunch again two hours after at Simezu Island as part of the tour package. My friends and I swam and snorkeled in the pristine waters of the island while our guides were busy preparing our lunch.

We even played piko like little girls do to pass the time.

After our sumptuous lunch of grilled seafood, we took our banca a couple of meters away from the island where the fishes are!

Snorkels -- Check!
Flippers -- Check!
Bread for the fish -- Check!

Let's dive!

Some 10 minutes away from Simezu Island is the Small Lagoon. The water is too shallow but the corals are too sharp so kayak is the best way to go.

It was raining but the water was still warm.

Last stop was the Seven Commandos Island which according to our guide was derived from the story of the seven American soldiers who were left here during the World War II and were rescued when the war was over.

Coconut was being sold at Php30 each at the only store in the island

El Nido is one truly amazing place.

Seaslug's Bar and Restaurant

Torch-lit dinner by the beach. Amazing food. Soothing acoustic background music. Perfect weather in August. Great company of friends and colleagues. 

The Gang -- tired and tanned but happy!

The place was packed with tourists so the delay on the arrival of our orders was somehow understandable. Besides, we were being serenaded by the relaxing voice of the artist and some of the guests -- it was an open mic night!

On the table

Kinilaw na Tanigue

Sizzling Pusit

Garlic Tiger Prawns

Seafood Pizza

Fish Steak

Steak with Homemade Mashed Potato

The meals were a bit pricey but dining by the beach is an experience in itself. It was all worth it. Burp.

~o~o~o~

Seaslug's Bar and Restaurant

Hama St., Brgy. Masagana

El Nido, Palawan

Philippines