Bulan Villas Siargao: A Picturesque Accommodation in Siargao

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March 14, 2023

When I and my friends are having a look at possible accommodations we could find in Siargao, we stumbled upon one of the picturesque accommodations in General Luna, the Bulan Villas Siargao.

Bulan Villas Siargao

The Bulan Villas is located in front of Mama’s Grill and is in the middle of the Tourism Road in General Luna to Cloud 9 Surfing Spot. It provides an island-style accommodation known to the likes of villas in Bali.

It has a pool area with pleasing aesthetics and design that you will surely adore.
The pool area is also a good place to relax by the end of the day from being exhausted in doing island hopping, doing surfing activities, and or exploring Siargao.

The garden is also well-maintained with guests regarding it as one of the factors that attract them aside from the sunset pool.

Bulan Villas Siargao Rates

The rates in Bulan Villas are quite expensive. Rate starts at Php 2000 for a fan-room, and Php 6000 for an air-conditioned room.
Note: Starting August 22, there would be an increase in price as they will add breakfast to the room rate.
If you are not comfortable with the room rates, you can still check other places to stay in Siargao.

Non-Airconditioned Room

bulan-villas-siargao-a-picturesque-accommodation-in-siargao — Photo taken from Bulan airbnb

Airconditioned Room

Getting there:

From any point in General Luna, tell the tricycle driver to drop you off at Bulan Villas, in front of Mama’s Grill. This only costs Php 20.

How to Book Bulan Villas Siargao

Thru Airbnb:

You can get up to $40 discount when you register a new account using our Airbnb referral link. Click here to sign-up.
Visit this link to see the available rooms – https://www.airbnb.com/users/show/251721536
or these links for:
Non-AC Room: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34791150
AC Room: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/34725022
Set your preferred dates and hit Checkout. The discount will automatically be applied upon payment/checkout.

Thru Booking.com

Click here to check rates.
Select your preferred dates and room type.
Checkout and payment.
Wait for the confirmation email on your booking.

*All photos are mine unless stated not.

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Scintillating South India – 5 Mesmerizing Destinations You Should Visit This Holiday Season

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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March 14, 2023

Scintillating South India – 5 Mesmerizing Destinations You Should Visit This Holiday Season

Outlined by the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the Arabian sea, there rests the southern part of India. Five States positioned in the bottom corner of the Indian map – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, constitute South India. The union territories of Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep, and Puducherry also fall under this region. To put it simply, South India takes enough pride in its rich ancient culture. Likewise, it invites people across the country & abroad to admire its beauty and just fall in love with it.

South India is blessed with the best of both worlds. There are mountains, along with numerous beaches where you can readily collect memories. Similarly, you can experience the delightful summer and a breathtaking monsoon in its purest form. In fact, every little thing here is enough to hold your eyes captive. The lush greenery and the marvelous sky, simply leave you begging for more. No wonder, South India takes its fair position in the list of one of the best places to travel around the world. And here are listed some of the prominent reasons why:

The Scotland of India, Coorg
The Kashmir of South India, Munnar
The Venice of the East, Alleppey
The Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty
The Princess of Hill stations, Kodaikanal

The Scotland of India, Coorg

Overlooking the Western Ghats, Coorg, Karnataka, is one of the most breathtaking places that South India has to offer. The air around here feels vintage and royal as one walks through the rich orange groves and the tea estates.
Travelers feel mesmerized by the vivid sight, gorgeous landscape, and pretty villages of Coorg. There is something magical about the vibes of this place that fills you with peace and serenity.

Around eight kilometers away from Madikeri, a path full of coffee and cardamom plants, takes you to the enthralling Abbey Falls, which you must not miss on your trip to Coorg.
Set amidst coffee plantations, Honnamana Kerre is the spot for rock climbing and trekking.
The Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary offers the perfect trekking experience with an extraordinary view of the beautiful animals there.

The Kashmir of South India, Munnar

Also lovingly known as the Kashmir Of South India, Munnar is situated in the Idukki District of Southwest Kerala. The hill station is at a height of 1600 meters from the mean sea level. Home to the Neelakurinji, one can also have the pleasure of witnessing endangered species like Nilgiri Tahr, the Grizzled Giant Squirrel, the Gaur, the Nilgiri langur, and Sambar.
A perfect destination for tea lovers visiting Kerala, as the temperature ranging between 5 °C (41 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in winter and 15 °C (59 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) in summer, provides the most suitable conditions for tea plantation. When in Munnar, one can find himself standing at an intersection for four different tourist spots — Mattupatty, Thekkady, Adimaly, and Coimbatore. Such is the beauty of the town.

The Venice of the East, Alleppey

Popularly known as Alappuzha, Alleppey is known for its water sports and houseboat rides. Maharaja Express, the winner of the world’s leading luxury trains, is another specialty of this gorgeous city. Main tourist interests around the city are Alappuzha Beach, Alappuzha Lighthouse, St. Mary’s Forane Church, International Coir Museum, Kayamkulam Lake, Vijay Beach Park, and many more.

The Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty

Ooty is situated in the Nilgiri Hills, which makes it all the more popular. Nilgiri Hills literally means blue mountains. It is named so because of a special flower that blooms every 12 years and covers the valley with a blue tint. However, the lands of Ooty are full of beautiful flowers all year-round. This is a sufficient reason to visit Ooty while planning your trip to South India.

The Princess of Hill stations, Kodaikanal

Blessed with cold weather and beautiful lakes, Kodaikanal is a beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu. The best places to visit here are –

Guna Caves
Thalaiyar Falls
Berijam Lake
Coaker’s Walk
Kodaikanal Lake

The whole of Kodaikanal is a beauty untouched by man. It is as beautiful in the day as it is at night, being full of mysteries that will unfold over the time you spent there.
Keralatourpackages.com provides the best deals for Kodaikanal tour packages. Contact them to bag the most excellent deals and savings on your next trip to scintillating South India.

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10 Must Watch Movies of All Time for Kids

By

Jane - Two Budget Travelers

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March 14, 2023

Having fun with your kids and enjoying a classic or modern movie can be an awesome experience. If you have been wondering what to watch with your kids, do not worry; there is an endless array of movies for kids options out there for you to enjoy.

Staying home no longer has to be boring as some of these movies we will be talking about are actually available to stream on the major streaming networks such as Netflix and Hulu. This means that you can watch movies at any time, anywhere.

In our list today, we feature both old classics, as well as the modern movies that you can enjoy with your kids right at home. Read on to learn about some of the must watch movies for kids.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

This movie is still a must-watch holiday classic today, and year after year, parents and their kids sit around the TV to enjoy this story.

You will appreciate this timeless tale of a once hopeless man who realizes the value of his life after he receives help from a guardian angel.

E.T. (1982)

This movie is still one of the best in terms of science-fiction movies. It is about childhood and friendship. The movie coined the famous classic phrase “E.T. phone home”. Almost every moment of the movie will live with you forever. It is ideal for ages seven and up.

Spirited Away (2002)

This is an animated magical adventure film that is considered one of the greatest masterpieces from Hayao Miyazaki. It stars a very strong female protagonist, although the parents of younger kids need to beware of the scary creatures in the movie.

The parents in the movie turn into pigs and even in one scene, the river dragon lingers on to the verge of death. It is rated PG and ideal for kids from ages nine and up.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

This one is a more recent movie where kids get to join the circus and enjoy the uplifting music featured in the movie. The movie loosely tells the story of P.T. Barnum.

Be prepared for the song “This is the Greatest Show” playing in your home, over and over again after the movie.

Frozen (2013)

What kid’s movie list would be complete without Frozen? This animated movie is about the power of family, love, and sisterhood.

It will fill your home with song and dance and for the next few months, your kids will probably be singing “Let it Go” every single day.

Star Wars (1977)

This is a good one, and it’s good to introduce your kids to this epic franchise because chances are that you are a big fan of these movies yourself.

Your kids will love the telepathic powers, the lightsabers, and the space-flight adventures. It is ideal for kids that are eight years old or older.

A League of Their Own (1992)

If your kid ever asks you why girls do not play major league baseball, you can tell them that they do, and then watch this movie together with them.

It features a strong storyline that is based on a real-life story from the 1940s. It is recommended for kids above eight years old.

Willow (1998)

This movie is great for the current Harry Potter generation, and viewing Willow will surely interest them. The adventure is very easy for them to follow.

School-aged kids will enjoy the humor of the two forest fairies plus their strange voices and their snappy one-liners.

Tangled (2010)

10 Must Watch Movies of All Time for Kids — *Image Source: NPR*

This movie will take you on a Disney journey that retells the story of Rapunzel. This is a great movie for all ages, and the songs, magic, and self-discovery will leave your kids enthralled.

Conclusion

If you have been wondering which movies to enjoy with your children, you could start with the movies listed above. All of these films offer something different, so make sure to check them all out!

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Follow These Tips to Find Writing Motivation

By

Jane - Two Budget Travelers

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March 14, 2023

Writers churn out more than just a number of words from their heads and their keyboards. They draw from a well of knowledge and experience, which can dry out every so often. At times, writers even lose the will to write.

Almost every writer around the globe experiences losing motivation to write, especially those that do this for a living. Whether it’s writer’s block or simply a burnout phase, it’s inevitable for one to encounter this roadblock at one point in their lives.

It’s easy to slack off and relax when this happens, which can lead to a slippery slope of events. To keep your writing motivation levels high, below are writing tips you may want to take a note of. Read on to learn more about them.

Follow These Tips to Find Writing Motivation

Helpful Writing Tips to Get You Started

Writers often have a love-hate relationship with their professional. After all, it’s not entirely impossible to encounter creative slumps every now and then. To jumpstart your writing once more, let these writers tips guide you through your journey.

Stick to a Schedule

Let’s face it, there’s no better motivation than having a deadline in place. To submit a piece or draft by a particular time, the best way to do this is by plotting the set date on your calendar – and one which you won’t easily miss. Doing so urges you to put in the work, no matter how small.

While setting a deadline is already sufficient, you may want to take it the extra mile by sticking to a schedule and even listing down your goals. Set a quota or word count as well as specific writing time, especially when you’re more likely to be open and in touch with your inner self.

Sticking to a schedule actually conditions you to dedicate your time to the said activity. Just think of Pavlov and his theory of classical conditioning. The more you’re sticking to what you’re doing, the more likely you’ll be able to establish a routine that can help you become more productive.

Create a Dedicated Workspace

A writer isn’t fully complete without his desk. While you don’t necessarily have to a separate room or studio to work in, having the right tools and equipment – such as a reliable table and a comfortable chair – can do wonders for your writing.

A spot that is flooded with sunlight and is free from distractions (such as noises) will help you do your best writing.

Write, Write, Write

A good writing motivation would be to simply let go and write to your heart’s content. The editing and the structure can come later on – what matters is that you’re able to get your story and your point across.

This is a writing practice that many writers and creative writing groups use, otherwise called as free-flowing. All you need to do is write what you’re thinking and get the words and juices flowing. If you do, you’ll lose your momentum and focus on judging, editing, and even deleting your words.

Take a Breather and Find Inspiration

While this advice may seem counterproductive, taking a breather and switching up your routine actually allows you to get the inspiration you deserve. From getting out of a creative rut by eating your favorite meals or even watching shows or films, there’s nothing a little indulgence can’t fix.

Giving yourself space and time to explore other creative outlets can give you the writing motivation you need. For example, watching a film you’ve always wanted might allow you to absorb some of the nuances the writers have used in the show’s writing.

Besides watching shows or even cooking, you can also get your creative juices flowing through exercises, exploring new cities, listening to podcasts, or even getting in touch with your friends. A chance of scenery once in a while can also do you good when writing.

The Bottom Line

There’s no one way to get your motivation up and running. However, with these writing tips in mind, you can definitely jumpstart your creative process and get your mind working in no time.

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Traveling New York on a Tight Budget: A Quick Guide

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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March 14, 2023

New York City is one of those places you have to visit at least once in your life. It has an allure that only comes from a large, multiculturally diverse city home to millions and millions of people. However, its prominence as a tourist hotspot and its proclivity of being a playground for the rich and famous can often make it prohibitively expensive for those looking to travel on a budget.
However, fear not, as it is entirely possible to visit this incredible city without dipping into your child’s university fund. This post will cover some of the most exciting activities you can do in the Big Apple without breaking the bank.

Use A Third Party To Book Tours

If you are visiting NYC, the chances are that you want to see as many of the famous attractions as you can fit in. The only issue with this is that they are typically costly. New York is a popular tourist destination, and many of these attractions know this and take advantage of it. Without delving into the issue of tourists being overcharged, there is another route you can take that can provide you with the same results at a much lower price.
Many third-party vendors can make incredible deals with local venues and can pass on these savings to you. One company is Hellotickets, which specializes in creating trips of a lifetime in an affordable way. Therefore, you can explore NYC with Hellotickets by seeing which attractions they have on offer and simply booking via their website. By doing this, you will be able to fit in lots of unique activities at a fraction of the price that it might have cost you.

Remember That New York Is More Than Manhattan

When people think of NYC, the image that immediately springs to mind is shiny skyscrapers, yellow cabs, and high real estate costs. However, this is only partially true if you are talking about Manhattan. In reality, New York is split into five boroughs, each with a distinct personality. However, when discussing them within the confines of this post, they are all far cheaper to visit than the iconic manhattan island. The boroughs consist of:

Brooklyn: This borough is arguably the most famous outside of Manhattan but tragically underrated. You can find much of the sophistication of that area mentioned above but at a much lower price.
Bronx: While the Bronx used to be feared for its crime rate, it has become one of the trendier parts of the city. You will likely find something to see and do here if you are a culture buff. It also contains the largest park in NYC.
Manhattan: Don’t lie; this is what you are thinking about when you think of New York!
Queens: If you thought other places in the coyote are diverse, wait until you visit Queens. You will find many interesting and varied cultures that have made Queen’s their home over the years.
Staten Island: The final piece of the NYC puzzle is Staten Island. It has the most considerable amount of green space in the city and is a fantastic place to go for a day to get away from big city life.

READ: Quick Guide on How to Travel on Tight Budget

Make Prodigious Use Of The Subway

Arguably the best way to get around this dense city is to use the subway. The best part is that it connects four of the boroughs together (sorry, Staten Island), meaning that you can go almost anywhere. Moreover, it is incredibly cheap for what you get. While it may be a bit dirtier than other subways in the world, it is surprisingly efficient, affordable, and will get you to where you need to be on time.

Eat As The Locals Do

With sky-high rents and a generally excessive cost of living, you might be wondering how the locals can exist while still having money left over. The trick is in understanding how they eat. IN most cases, food and drink will be your most significant expenses outside of visiting attractions. Therefore, if you want to save money, you will have to find cheaper options.
Fortunately, by eating as the locals do, you will save a significant amount of money without sacrificing anything. You will be surprised at how much you can save by asking the locals where the best places to eat are and ignoring the advice of your tour operator. In some cases, you can feed your entire family for under $10, which isn’t low-quality food. it’s delicious but typically hidden away down the side alleys or on stands on the street.

Make Use Of Free “Tours”

NY offers lots of things to see and do, and if you make a plan, you can often find lots of fun, free activities. This might be taking the ferry to Staten Island and observing the city from afar, or it could be walking across one of the three famous bridges. Whatever it might be, with a bit of planning, you can find many unique activities that won’t cost you a penny (or very little).

Get A Citi Bike Membership For Your Stay

For just under $15, you can get unlimited use of the city’s Citi Bike program for a month. Cycling is a fantastic way to see the city up close and personal while staying fit. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about someone stealing your bike as you simply pick them up and drop them off at any of the many designated stations through the city.

READ: 5 Ways to Reduce Stress While Traveling

Explore The Natural Wonders Of The Many Parks

Although New York might seem like a concrete jungle, there are more green spaces than people realize. You can choose between any of the famous parks such as :

Prospect Park
Central Park
Washington Square Park
Riverside Park

All of these parks are free to visit, and you’ll often find a variety of free activities going on, such as buskers and artists. They make a welcome respite from the busy city center, and in reality, it is easy to forget that you are in a big city.
New York is a fascinating place marked by its diversity and plethora of things to do. With this comes a cost, but if you are smart and think outside the box, you can usually find many exciting options without spending a fortune.

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What to Do in Taipei: Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum via KKday

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

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March 14, 2023

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One of the most things you can do in Taipei (and most sought-after) is to pay a visit to Taiwan’s highest skyscraper and take a look at Taiwan’s history, the Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum. These are a combination of modern and vintage in one day. You’ll get to learn a lot of history from the museum and compare the huge difference now while at the Taipei 101 skyscraper.

Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum via KKday

We went to these places on our 3rd day of staying in Taipei. All the way from Tamsui, we went to Sparkle Hotel to drop all our luggage. This hotel is only across the skyscraper so it was very easy. Check out how was our stay in Sparkle Hotel by following this link.
Note: We availed the KKday Express Shuttle Bus: Taipei 101 Observation Deck – National Palace Museum (₱1,786 or $33.40 each) with tickets to the Observation Deck and the National Palace Museum. It also comes with a return passes to KKday’s Shuttle bus from Taipei 101 to National Palace Museum. According to other blogs I have read, this is a must-do when visiting Taipei and according to experience, this combo is already a great deal for its price.

Redeeming your Tickets and Passes

Once you have availed the package, you will be sent an email with the instructions on how to redeem your tickets. Getting your ticket is actually hassle-free.
First, you just need to go to the 5th-floor ticket booth inside the Taipei 101 Mall.
Second, present your voucher document from KKday and an ID.
Third, you will be provided with your entrance tickets to the Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum.

Easy, right? It’s up to if you would want to use the tickets or use it for a later visit. You can only use those tickets within the day. They will also give you an advice if it’s a good time to go to the observatory especially when the weather is not better. Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum
We opted to go to the National Palace Museum first and decided to enter the observatory in the evening.

Getting to the KKday Express Shuttle from Taipei 101 to National Palace Museum

Since we are new to the city, we had a slightly hard time finding the location but thanks to the clear directions in the KKday pamphlet, we made it to the shuttle bus earlier than expected.

The bus is located outside the Taipei 101 mall at the exit in between the Yves-Saint Lauren and Cartier shops on the ground floor or near the MRT Taipei 101 station Exit 4. If you get to see the shop and the exit beside it, you’d find the KKday Shuttle Bus parked outside. The bus will depart on exact schedule so be sure to get there early.
In less than an hour, you will be arriving at National Palace Museum from Taipei 101 and vice versa. A more convenient way of getting to these tourist spots.

Shuttle Service Hours (from August 1, 2018 onwards):

– Taipei 101 to National Palace Museum: 11:00am / 12:00pm / 1:00pm / 2:00pm / 3:00pm / 4:00pm
– National Palace Museum to Taipei 101: 12:00pm / 1:00pm / 2:00pm / 3:00pm / 4:00pm / 5:00pm

National Palace Museum

General Admission costs NTD $350.
Group Admission costs NTD $320 (10 or more people).
Students and Senior Citizens NTD $150 (with valid ID).
More about the ticket prices in here.

You will be dropped off a few meters away from the entrance. The drop-off point will also be the pick-up point for the shuttle going to Taipei 101. Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum
The National Palace Museum has nearly over 700,000 collected artifacts from the ancient times including artworks. The collection in this museum consists of 8,000 years worth history to the latest ones. Now, is a fully modern museum, the Palace Museum also participates in Taiwan’s National Digital Archives Program, using the latest trends in digital technology to preserve its ancient artifacts digitally. The museum uses high technology to improve the museum experience for visitors.

All artifacts are spread over 4 floors and 2 exhibition halls. You also have the option to rent an English guide or an English audio tour with headphones. But to minimize expenses, you better explore the museum by yourself (which we did).
The most notable items in the National Palace Museum collections are metalworks, artworks and paintings, ceramics, carvings, calligraphy, rare books and documents, pieces of jewelry, and a lot more that are digitally displayed.

See our photos below at National Palace Museum.

We stayed in the museum for about an hour and a half, constantly checking if we have gone and seen all of the artifacts displayed in here. If you’d like a thorough visit to the museum, it is advisable to avail the audio tour with headphones. Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum
Outside the museum is also a stunning view. It’s where most photos are captured. If you’re in for a great photo, the spots outside are better, especially with sunshine.
Other destinations located close to the museum include Zhishan Garden, Shung Ye Museum of Formosan Aborigines, and the Zhishan Art Center.
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Taipei 101 Observation Deck

General Admission costs NTD $600.
Priority Pass costs NT$1,200.
Group Admission costs NTD $540 (10 or more people).
Students and Senior Citizens NTD $540 (with valid ID).
More about the ticket prices in here.

We went here at around 9:00 PM after going down the Elephant Mountain. We know it’s a little bit late but we still managed to spend a great time in the area. Our preferred schedule to visit was actually in the evening for us to see the Taipei city from above. Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum
This is the second observation deck I’ve been to. My first experience at Observation Deck is at KL Tower in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The Observation Deck is located on the 89th floor of the Taipei 101. It is open every day from 9 AM to 10 PM. The closing time of ticket sales and entrance is at 9:15 PM.

Here are things you must know before entering the Observation Deck.

1. Smoking and chewing gum and betel nut are prohibited in the entire premises.
2. Poorly dressed visitors or those wearing slippers will be barred from entry.
3. There may be a large number of visitors, so please follow the tour route in an orderly fashion. Please keep an eye on your personal belongings and safety as well.
4. Do not bring food, pets, prohibited or dangerous items into the premises.
5. Visitors who damage or vandalize equipment or property in the premises shall be responsible for repairs. 6. Please comply with safety inspections of your personal belongings.
7. Please comply with the regulations of the premises and the guidance and instructions provided by our service staff.

Taipei 101’s elevator is also one of the fastest in the world. Just make sure to equalize while the elevator is going up as the pressure builds as well. You won’t get bored while on the elevator as there will be a short light show while the elevator is moving, creating an elevator ride a fantastic experience.
After a short and enjoyable elevator ride, prepare to be amazed by the 360-degree view of whole Taipei. If you want to see the mountains, go in the morning. If you want to see the sparkling view of the city, the best time to get there is in the evening. Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum

Check out our photos below at Taipei 101 Observation Deck.

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We saved quite a lot of cash because we availed the whole package of KKday Express Shuttle Bus: Taipei 101 Observation Deck – National Palace Museum. Imagine if we have to do it DIY, it would take us more than just a few hours – and the tickets wouldn’t be discounted. Taipei 101 and National Palace Museum
UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE: Did you know you can also camp at the observatory? Check this out > Taipei 101 Observatory Skyhigh Camping Experience

Other KKday discounted offers in Taipei

1. Day Tour from Taipei: Jiufen, Yehliu, and Shifen
2. Taipei City Sightseeing Bus Tour
3. Taiwan Northeast Coast Day Tour
4. Day Tour from Taipei: Jiufen Old Street, Golden Waterfall, and Bitou Cape
5. Join-in Tour From Taipei: Yehliu, Pingxi, Jiufen
6. Taiwan Unlimited 4G Pre-Paid SIM Card
7. Taipei Night Market Walking Tour
8. Taiwan High-Speed Rail Unlimited Pass

Stay connected while in Taiwan

We availed the 5 Days Unlimited Data SIM Card for Taiwan via the Pinoy Traveler’s Unlimited Sim Card. Read our review and why we love this particular product sold in the Philippines. As a digital nomad, being connected all the time is my number one priority. REVIEW and HOW TO AVAIL.

10 RECOMMENDED BUDGET HOTELS TO STAY IN TAIPEI

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1. Beimen Wow Poshtel [Agoda] [Booking]
2. Starbox Hostel [Agoda] [Booking]

3. Main Inn Taipei [Agoda] [Booking]
4. Homey Hostel [Agoda] [Booking]
5. Inn Cube Taipei Main Station [Agoda] [Booking]
6. Park Hotel Taipei [Agoda] [Booking]
7. HOLO Hostel [Agoda] [Booking]
8. Ximen Wow Hostel [Agoda] [Booking]
9. Backpackers Hostel Ximen [Agoda] [Booking]
10. Taipei Sunny Hostel [Agoda] [Booking]

WHAT TO READ NEXT

Sparkle Hotel Taipei: Offers the Convenience to Stay near Taipei’s Top Attractions
WESTGATE Hotel Taipei: A Prime Location to Stay in Ximending
amba Taipei Ximending: Best Hotel to Stay at the Lively Center of Taipei
Taipei, Taiwan Travel Guide with Extreme Tight Budget: ₱5000 for 4D3N

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Friday Night Fun Ideas for Children and Families

By

Jane - Two Budget Travelers

-

March 14, 2023

With physical and social distancing orders in place, children and families alike may have been into finding more and more ways to make their Friday nights fun and exciting. After all, this is one of those rare times that the whole family might be together.

While most of the country has been in quarantine and home-bound, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to stick with your gadgets and your television. Sure, watching ‘toons and animated shows are all the rage, but you can certainly find (and create) your own happiness outside of these activities.

If you are looking for new ideas to create memories with your children and family, look no further. We have compiled a list of Friday night ideas for you to try out. Who knows, you might just be tempted to do all of these every night all through the weekend. Take a look.

Movie Night Extravaganza

What better way to spend your night in (and the start of your weekend) than a movie night? If you love watching new films and discovering movies alongside your children (and of course, revelling in their taste of music and characters for the next few weeks or months), then this is for you.

Although a normal viewing experience with a DVD or Netflix, or any subscription channel, is fine, you might want to take it up to a whole new level by putting a projector up in your home or in your children’s room.

More than mimicking the look and feel of a cinema watching, you can also help set a cozy ambiance by hanging up tea lights in your living room or wherever you’ll be watching. You can also make or print out movie tickets and set up a concession stand complete this with snacks such as popcorn and chips.

Watch the magic unfold and you’re sure to have a blockbuster night (pun intended) with your kids and the whole family.

Game Night

If you’re a more competitive bunch, you might want to play board games for game night or some cards. A crowd favorite would be Uno, of course, or some gin rummy. If you’re adventurous, you can even introduce a new board game or card game everyone can participate in.

To take the competition up a notch, you might want to form teams between your family and play against each other. This would do well if you’re playing charades, especially when you try to guess who or what the other team is trying to relay.

Fort Building

Going old school? One of the easiest and most accessible forms of low-fi entertainment you can do within the comforts of your home is building a fort with your kids (or even with your S.O.). This will instantly bring you back to your childhood days when forts guarded you against the outside world.

Even IKEA has released a guideline of sorts that allows you to make a variety of forts that suits your liking. Granted that these take inspiration from their extensive furniture collection, you can simply take inspiration from these and go crazy with your own.

Eat a snack, sleep, or tell stories inside your fort. Your child will surely treasure all of these memories with you and the whole family and may also inspire them to do this with their future children and families.

Family Cook-Off

Fond of eating and whipping up new meals? Why not make a cook-off a la your favorite cooking shows? Just think Sugar Rush for baked goods and pastries and even Masterchef for everything else. To make things more exciting, you can designate a key ingredient for everyone to use.

You can create dishes old and new and even judge each other’s creations at the end of it. If you have old shirts you can use, jazz these up and make your own aprons. Go wild and document your quarantine cooking dishes on social media and you might encourage others to do the same.

The Bottom Line

Staying inside can go beyond the usual boring happenings. With these fun Friday night ideas, children and families can finally enjoy new activities and gain new memories from the comforts of their own homes.

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7 Best Hotels and Resorts in El Nido

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

March 14, 2023

7 Best Hotels and Resorts in El Nido

El Nido is one of the most popular tourist’s spots in the Philippines, second only to Boracay. It’s most famous for private island resorts, beautiful beaches and lagoons, stunning wildlife and nature, and laid-back beach atmosphere.
The best thing about El Nido is the fact it has something to offer any type of visitor. It doesn’t matter if you are single, a couple, or even a large family with kids – you will find fun stuff to do and will surely have a wonderful vacation.
One problem though, as with any tourist destination, is that there are a lot of different hotels to choose from. Information found online is inaccurate, to say the least, and can often lead to you ending up at some overpriced tourist trap. With the help of my friends at Philippinestravelpackage.com, who specialize in all-inclusive vacations in the Philippines, we tried to put up a basic list of recommended hotels. These are not ranked in a particular order, but rather by the type of accommodation they offer.

1. Lagen Island by El Nido Resorts

El Nido Resorts is the company who operates most of the high-end resorts in Palawan, and this is without a doubt their crown jewel. The resort offers a cottage type accommodation in a secluded lagoon, with one of the most spectacular views in the country.
Lagen is truly one of the best places for anyone who wishes to escape reality for a few days and replace it with a paradise. There’s no wonder why Tripadvisor has named it the best hotel in El Nido. The resort offers the perfect setting for couples who want to have a romantic getaway at one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Check Prices for Lagen Island

2. Cauayan Island Resort

Another private island resort, Cauayan is the most luxurious of the bunch. This 5-star estate offers its guest the ultimate all-inclusive experience, where all your smallest desires will be catered to. The resort only has 23 rooms, so it’s a place where your privacy is guaranteed.
Being such a small property also enables Cauayan’s staff to give very personal and friendly treatment to each and every one of their guests. This makes Cauayan the absolute best choice for honeymooners, who value their privacy and want nothing but the highest standards possible.
Check Prices for Cauayan Island Resort

3. Miniloc Island Resort

This is another hotel which is owned by the El Nido Resorts company, so the highest standards of quality are sure to be met. The moment you dock there you will see why this hotel is so popular, as it has some of the most scenic views you’ll ever see in your life.
Miniloc is only a 4-star resort, and still, it’s one of the most expensive hotels in Palawan. While it’s not the best value for money choice, the resort is so beautiful that you’ll always feel like your money was well spent. Since this is the most popular hotel in El Nido, you can sometimes catch very good promotions online. Currently, this honeymoon package for El Nido is the best one we could find.
Check Prices for Miniloc Island Resort

4. Amakan Bed Bunk Breakfast

It’s quite easy to compile a whole list of dreamy private island resorts, but we wanted to keep this guide more diverse. In any case, by now you should get the idea how they are all about and know the best 3 to check out. Amakan, on the other hand, is a completely different type of accommodation, which can easily be named as the best value for money hotel in El Nido.
Amakan is more of a hostel but still keeps a pretty good standard. It has a really cozy and family-like vibe to it, which makes you feel at home from the second you get there. While there are certainly a lot of cheaper hotels in El Nido, this place offers the perfect balance between budget and comfort.
Check Prices for Amakan Bed|Bunk|Breakfast

5. El Nido Mahogany Beach Resort

This is the resort we favor the most if we ever decide to sleep in Corong-Corong. The beach there is so much better than the one in the town itself, and it’s only a short drive away. While Mahogany isn’t cheap by any means, there’s a reason it has been chosen as one of the best beach resorts in all of El Nido and the best hotel in Corong Corong.
This is a bungalow style accommodation, located directly in front of the ocean. The rooms there are very big and comfortable, and there’s even a small private room in some of them. Being relatively close to town but still in a peaceful surrounding also makes this place a great option for families and couples alike.
Check Prices for El Nido Mahogany Beach Resort

6. Cabanas de Nacpan Resort

This might seem like an unorthodox choice, but there are a few very good reasons why this resort is included in the list. Most of all, it’s one of only a few accommodation options in Nacpan – one of the best beaches in El Nido.
Then, there’s also the very special and cool style this place has. This is basically a camping resort, where you sleep in tents right on the beach, but with a luxury twist to it. The conditions there are superb, and you’ll be much more comfortable than you imagine. If you are looking for a unique type of vacation, and are not afraid of sleeping outdoors, this could be a very interesting place to try out.
Check Prices for Cabanas de Nacpan Resort

7. Duli Beach Resort

When you hear of a budget bungalow resort in the middle of nowhere, naturally there are some doubts. Even when that nowhere happens to be the best beach in Palawan, you’ll still be right to question whether or not staying there is the best idea. Indeed, if you are a person who appreciates luxury and comfort above all else, then maybe Duli Beach Resort isn’t where you should stay at.
However, there are also a lot of good things about this resort, without even considering the fantastic beach. It’s without a doubt the ultimate spot for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful nature and a most romantic place for couples in search of privacy. The service is good, and so are the food and the rooms. So, Duli beach resort is a place for those who appreciate the simple things in life, and we are not surprised that it’s top-rated resort in El Nido in popular online booking sites.
Check Prices for Duli Beach Resort
So, What do you think? Did this list help understand the different choices of accommodation in El Nido better? Did you stay at a different hotel and had a wonderful time? Leave a comment and share your story with us!

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Discovery Hotels and Resorts: Inter-hotel Culinary Cup 2019

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

March 14, 2023

An afternoon of friendly competition in this year’s Discovery Hotels and Resorts’

2nd Culinary Cup

discovery-hotels-and-resorts-culinary-cup-2019 — Discovery Hospitality chefs and F&B service people are in competition mode to represent their respective Discovery property as they stretch the limits of their creative imagination to win this year’s coveted Culinary Cup.

discovery-hotels-and-resorts-inter-hotel-culinary-cup-2019

MANILA, PHILIPPINES—Discovery Hospitality, a homegrown group of hotels and resorts, started its first Culinary Cup held in the spacious Columbus function room of Discovery Suites Ortigas last year. Known for its well-loved restaurants and bars in the country, Discovery Hospitality has created a vivacious event where various Food and Beverage teams from all the properties showcase their culinary prowess through a friendly inter-hotel competition.
The Culinary Cup aims to display the artistic chefs and F&B service colleagues of the Discovery hotels and resorts, namely: Discovery Shores Boracay, Club Paradise Palawan, Discovery Country Suites Tagaytay, Discovery Suites Manila, and Discovery Primea Makati.
Discovery Hospitality recently hosted its 2^nd Culinary Cup at Discovery Suites Ortigas. The judges for this year’s competition were: Head of Sales for Don Revy Aries Mayuga, celebrity chef Shiela Lopez, Dine.ph editor Alu Aran and Foodservice Philippines President Adolf Aran Jr.

Table Setting Competition

Bartending Competition (snapshots)

Pastry Competition (snapshots)

The 2019 winners for this year’s Culinary Cup :

Table Setting Champion

Ma. Aurora Abraham-Estolloso from Discovery Shores Boracay

People’s Choice Award for Table Setting

Ma. Aurora Abraham-Estolloso from Discovery Shores Boracay

Bartending Champion

Martin Ben Protacio from Discovery Primea

Culinary Champion Pastry Category

Roberto Dacsil from Discovery Coron
Ranie Espenida from Discovery Coron

Culinary Champion Hot Category

Alvin Christian Trinidad from Discovery Suites
Ronaldo Colis from Discovery Suites

The event is made possible thanks to our sponsors from Engkanto, Pristine Solutions, and Don Revy.
Visit www.discoveryhotels-resorts.com for resort, hotel, and restaurant bookings and inquiries.
Discovery Hospitality is a home-grown Filipino hospitality group, managing the Philippines’ best-loved brands, turning prime locations into dream destinations, and managing a diverse and vibrant collection of properties in the country’s most celebrated destinations.

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Learn How To Play The Guitar At Home – Best Apps

By

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

-

March 13, 2023

Want to learn how to play the guitar at home? Among all the available musical instruments, guitar is, perhaps, the most popular. Given its flexibility, style, and portability, many are quick to turn their eyes on this string instrument.

From rockstars to acoustic artists to reggae personalities, musical icons have long been associated with this versatile instrument. If you want to follow the trend and immerse yourself in playing music, learning how to play the guitar is a prerequisite.

Fortunately, with the advent of technology, you can now fulfill this desire using only your mobile device. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who already knows the basics, there are many apps that will help you. Below, are the best apps that will let you learn how to play the guitar at home.

Yousician

Designed to serve as a personal music tutor, Yousician is one of the best mobile apps for aspiring guitarists.

Available for iOS and Android, this software lets you learn and master a few instruments, including piano, bass, ukulele, and guitar by engaging in fun and educational lessons and exercises.

Specifically, you can access step-by-step video tutorials, as well as over 1,000 training sets. To make the service even more rewarding, you can receive instant feedback. This will help you identify specific areas for improvement.

To date, Yousician can be availed for free in both Google Play and the Apple Store. However, if you want to maximize all its features and services, you can turn to its subscription service, which costs a standard price of $9.99 per month.

Guitar Center

Serving as the official app of the American music retailer chain of the same name, Guitar Center comes with its own set of impressive features you might want to check out and take advantage of.

Specifically, with the said app, you can shop and look for your preferred instrument, explore available deals and product reviews, as well as take online guitar lessons in one go.

Offering convenience and flexibility, Guitar Center is your ultimate buyer’s guide that will help you identify what guitar to buy, where to buy it, and how to maximize what you’ve bought by learning how to use it properly.

The app is available in both Google Play and the Apple Store for free.

Justin Guitar Beginner Lessons: Play Real Songs

Similar to Yousician, Justin Guitar Beginner Lessons is a worthwhile mobile app that accommodates both beginners and intermediate guitar players. As the name suggests, the service lets you follow guitar lessons and tutorials backed by the professional guitarist, Justin Sandercoe.

With basic guitar chords, tabs, scales, strumming, and advanced guitar techniques, an array of topics are covered. To make your lessons even more fun and engaging, the service follows a play-along display that lets you access over 1,000 hit songs. The app is available in both Google Play and the Apple Store. It can be downloaded for free.

Ultimate Guitar: Chords And Tabs

Claiming to be the world’s largest catalog of guitar, bass, and ukulele chords, tabs, and lyrics, the Ultimate Guitar: Chords and Tabs app is your best bet to understanding the arts of playing the guitar.

With the said app, you have the opportunity to discover guitar techniques, edit chords to fit your preferred melody, and even enjoy over 1 million songs.

To make the service even more suitable to any user, the app lets you switch to left-hand mode. You can also create your own playlists.

To date, the app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It also features in-app purchases.

The Bottom Line

Ready to make your way into the music industry? Whether you’re fond of rock, punk, country, soul, reggae, or any other genre, knowing how to play the guitar will help you immerse yourself in music taste even further.

Explore your skills and advance into the next level. Download the best guitar app today to learn guitar at home!

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