Guide to Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour in Hong Kong

January 10, 2023

Guide to Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has been one of the hotspots in Asia when in terms of travel and leisure as a destination. This country, even though it’s small, the culture, the vibes, and the number of things to do are as much as a big country. Being rich in natural resources and manmade attractions, Hong Kong has definitely caught so much attention as a place for people to travel from all over the world.

One of the best of the many things you can do in Hong Kong, especially if you are a first-timer is to book the Hop On Hop Off bus. It’s a great way to visit every possible attraction in the city (and more fun too) aside from using the trains. You can also see the city from a different view by using this kind of transportation.

READ: CherryRoam Travel WiFi Review [China, Macau, Hong Kong Travel]

Hop On Hop Off Experience

Our bus tickets were booked in advance online through Musement. They are a new player in activities, attractions, and experiences’ online booking platforms so I and Jane gave them a try. We love to try new things out and all the time, it works perfectly.
We are not new to riding a hop-on and hop-off bus since we already did this to other countries as well like Malaysia and Taiwan. Every time is a new experience.
The tickets we reserved/booked are the PREMIUM TICKETS because we are allowed to hop on the bus (unlimited) for 48 hours and there is also an option to go to the Peak Tram and or Sky100.
If you wanna know the benefits of getting a Premium Ticket, see below.
The Premium Tour takes you to see all of Hong Kong’s top sights ad attractions in 48 hours. Hop on and off along the Hong Kong Island Tour, Kowloon Tour and Stanley Tour, showcasing the incredible skyline, cutting-edge architecture, ancient temples and beautiful beaches that the city has to offer.

48-hour hop-on hop-off Big Bus ticket
Choice of Peak Tram Sky Pass or Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
Return ticket for the Star Ferry
Sampan Ride
*BONUS: Starbucks Free Upgrade

Getting your Bus Tickets

Once you are in Hong Kong, you can redeem your tickets. You can redeem your vouchers at the Big Bus Tours Information Center at Shop i2 located on the first floor of the Central Ferry Pier 7.
Don’t be confused if you don’t see a shop, the shop/kiosk is located in front of the Central Ferry Pier 7. We didn’t find them at first because we were both thinking it was inside a shop, but no, they are operating using a kiosk.
Luckily, the operators/staff were both Filipina so communicating with them was a lot easier. They scanned our QR codes in the voucher to verify if tickets were legit and valid.
After verifying our vouchers (you can print them or just show them your voucher via your phone), they will give you your tickets and your additional access to attractions. Again, you can choose if you want to use the Peak Tram Sky Pass or Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, a round trip ticket for Star Ferry from the Central Ferry Pier to Tsim Tsa Tsui Ferry Pier, and a Sampan ride (which we were unable to do because of time constraints). We’re also given 2 pcs of earphones which we can use during the bus tour.

A hand-out or Hop On Hop Off bus guide was also given to us so we could check the destinations and time of each bus.

THINGS TO NOTE:

You can ONLY CHOOSE ONE if you’ll go to Peak Tram Sky Pass OR Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. You can check the schedule at the booklet.
Sampan Ride is FREE and only from 11:30 am until 5:30 pm. (via Green Line)
The ferry tickets you have will be available for 30 days from the day of redemption so you can use them later.
You will also be granted a Starbucks Coffee Free upgrade ticket, but only available at the Starbucks located at Central Ferry Pier.
Every 40-45 mins, a bus will arrive at every stop so check the time if you want to use the bus more.

READ: 5D4N Hong Kong and Macau Itinerary | Travel Guide 2018

Starting your Journey with the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour [RED LINE]

As for our adventure, we started off with the Red Line (and also since that is the first stop after redeeming our tickets) and decided to use the Peak Tram Sky Pass to see The Victoria Peak.

We opted to seat at the top and open seats so we could see the high buildings and skyscrapers in Hong Kong while at the bus and it was quite a mesmerizing view. Everywhere were tall buildings and people in busy streets.
About 10 or 20 minutes later, we have arrived at the Peak Tram. Traffic wasn’t bad and there was no lag for the ride at all. We went off the bus and started going where the people are heading too, the Peak Tram. We’re excited because it’s our first time in Hong Kong!

The most awaited part we want to experience was really to ride the tram and enjoy the panoramic views while in it. However, the weather was unfavorable that day and all we saw was fog and clouds. Nevertheless, the ride was great and the views and things to do at the mall were also nice.

We didn’t see the entire city though due to the clouds and fogs. It was raining that day.

We spent quite a good time at Victoria Peak even though we weren’t able to see the city from above.
Next, we were planning to head to these destinations, but our time was very limited that day. So we opted to visit what we can.
Here are our suggested places to can go to with hop-on hop-off buses.

Destinations You Can Visit using Hop-on Hop-Off Bus [Red Line]

Golden Bauhinia Square
Times Square
Victoria Park (near Park Lane Hotel drop-off)
The Peak Tram / Victoria Peak
Central Park
Man Mo Temple
Madame Tussauds

Using Green Line

In order for you to transfer to the Green Line, you need to drop off and interchange where both red and green line stops.If ever you have the booklet, those are stops number 1 (red line) and 17 (green line) and also stop number 6 (red line) and 18 (green line).

Destinations You Can Visit using Hop-on Hop-Off Bus [Green Line]

Peak Tram
Ocean Park
Aberdeen Tunnel
Repulse Bay Beach
Tin Hau Temple
Stanley Market
Murray House
Jumbo Floating Restaurant
Sampan Ride

There actually are more destinations and attractions you can visit while riding the hop-on hop-off bus. You can check nearby attractions by using Google Maps. Just make sure that you always check the time too and be at least 3-5 minutes earlier at the pick-up point so you can hop on immediately. If you lose track of time, you’ll have to wait another 40-45 mins again before you can catch the next bus.

READ: 7 Secret Places To Visit In Hong Kong For The Best Instagram Photos

PS: At the time of our visit to Hong Kong, the Blue Line was unavailable because of the ongoing protests so we are unable to use the Blue Line. The staff said that they’ll have to reroute the blue line stops before it can be operational again.
TIP: If you are done with your tour for the day, you can then use the Star Ferry tickets before sunset and go next to the Tsim Tsa Tsui area and stay or walk around for the rest of the night.

How to Book your Hop on Hop off Bus tickets via Musement?

Visit their website – www.musement.com or this direct link for Hop on Hop Off Bus.
Read the What to Expect so you’d know what to type of tickets suits your taste.
Click Check Availability (on the right side of the screen).
Choose your tour of choice (Night, Classic, Premium, Deluxe).
Click Select and put number of pax/person.
Click Book Now.
Next, click Pay Now.
Fill in your Personal and Payment details.
Click Book Now.
You will receive an email for your voucher that you need to present on the Big Bus Tours kiosk in Central Pier.

WiFi Access in Hong Kong

There are quite a number of free WiFi hotspots in the country but the most convenient is to rent travel wifi before your travel. We recommend Big Sky Nation Travel Wifi, it’s always our travel partner when we go to Japan, China, and other countries. You can also use this discount code: THEJERNY for a 15% discount off their services.

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

We stayed via an airbnb near Causeway Bay Station. Airbnb is what we recommend if you will be traveling for longer. You can sign-up here for a Php 2,200 discount on your first booking.
If you are quite an adventurous one, you definitely could stay at hostels which costs from Php 350 up to Php 1,000 per night or hotels that could go from Php 1,200 to Php 10,000 depending on how luxurious you are. You can check hostels via Agoda or Booking, wherever you feel like booking most. We have used both booking platforms and so far, all our stay was good.

How To Make Money Hosting Airbnb Experiences

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

January 10, 2023

Airbnb is normally known for its home or room-renting options around the world. Unbeknownst to many, the platform also offers numerous activities that are outside the norm. From yoga classes to coffee tours, you can count on these events to be culturally immersive. All of these can be attributed to Airbnb Experiences.

Traveling the globe is more than just booking a place to stay and seeing the touristy spots. While these are undoubtedly essential in just about any itinerary, there are also undiscovered and underrated activities. All too often, these activities have yet to be given the due attention they deserve. What makes these experiences one-of-a-kind is that these are done under a local’s point of view. This allows tourists to become travelers rather than simply passing through.

Airbnb is more than just a place to book or rent rooms. Today, it has become a place where individuals can go for out-of-the-box activities. These activites have a local and cultural perspective. If you want to partake in this slice of life, you’re in for a treat. If you don’t have a spare room or your own home, here’s how you can make money hosting Airbnb Experiences.

Image source: womensleggingsandtights.com

What Are Airbnb Experiences?

Airbnb Experiences are activities and happenings that are designed and led by locals. Activity providers and locals who want to offer unique tours and experiences can be connected to individuals looking to try these activities. Although local tour guides for historical landmarks and tourist places are still among the top activities booked by travelers, locals may offer something different.

Normally, locals specialize in curating activities based on what they already love doing – such as photography tours, surfing and hiking activities, or even exploring foodie destinations. With living like a local at the core of Airbnb Experiences, the company allows travelers to experience a different culture and way of life that still helps these people know more about the place they are in.

The best thing about the platform is that local guides and tour operators don’t need to put their homes on the internet to host events. Instead, travelers may avail unique activities that appeal to them via the app or website.

Making Money On Airbnb Experiences As A Host

Choose A Specialized Activity

Pore over your interests and see which one you enjoy the best to see how you can invite individuals to share in your passion project. This specialized activity of yours must not only be something you are passionate about, but also something you are largely knowledgeable on. As a would-be tour operator, you must also be keen on meeting and hosting new people.

The specialized activity should also call for guests to partake in two or more meaningful activities and something they won’t be able to find on their own. Whether it’s food tours or a bicycle-photography tour around the city, your experience should be special in order to be approved – and to generate income.

Create A Profile

To get started, create a profile that will help you stand out from the crowd. This application will be your starting point so make sure it sets your service apart from other operators. Be thorough in describing your tour and provide visuals to help entice travelers to join you.

Upon submission, your profile will be reviewed by the company. Should your listing be approved, your specialized experience will be made available on the platform. However, if your application gets denied, you may easily revise your application.

Understanding Rules And Rates

Once your profile and service have been approved, wait for individuals to book your specialized tour or activity. The Airbnb team and its platform will be responsible for marketing your service and even bringing people’s attention to your activity. Therefore, this is a beneficial partnership. However, Airbnb charges a 20% commission fee – covering their aid in payment processing as well as insurance coverage. So, make sure to price your curated experiences accordingly.

A good way to attract customers is pricing low. As you garner more positive reviews and more bookings start rolling in, gradually increase your rates and you’ll be making bank from these events in no time.

Image source: vox.com

The Bottom Line

With individuals craving more unique travel experiences, you can certainly leverage Airbnb Experiences’ platform to your advantage. Plus, you meet new people and provide specialized activities. In addition, you’ll also get the chance to make money while doing what you love.

Hong Kong Disneyland [Getting There, Getting Tickets, Experience]

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

January 10, 2023

Hong Kong Disneyland [Getting There, Getting Tickets, Experience]

When you think about Hong Kong, what comes to mind first? Is it food? the culture? the people? Probably yes, but for many, it’s Hong Kong Disneyland.

Since childhood days, Disneyland is one of the most sought after attractions in Hong Kong. It was commonly known as the happiest place on Earth because almost all of us have grown with Disney characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and others.
Jane and I were particularly looking forward to experiencing most Hong Kong Disneyland has to offer as well. But the weather on the day of our visit wasn’t in favor.

READ: Sapporo Ninja Experience via KKday: Must-try Activity When in Sapporo

Getting your Tickets for Hong Kong Disneyland

We highly recommend booking your tickets online to avoid the hassle of falling in line just to buy tickets. When you book tickets online, you only need to present your ticket at the entrance and that’s all of the processes you would experience. Once they have scanned your ticket’s QR code, you have already then entered Hong Kong Disneyland grounds.
Our tickets were booked online via Musement. That’s where we also booked our tickets for the Hop on Hop on Bus Tour and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.

Getting to Hong Kong Disneyland

via MTR

Take the MTR train towards Tung Chung.
Alight at Sunny Bay Station.
Transfer to Disneyland Resort Line.

Via MTR / train is the best way to get to Hong Kong Disneyland fast and comfortable. It will just take a few transfers. The Disneyland Resort Line couches are different and will make you feel more excited to go to your destination.

Hong Kong Disneyland Experience

I can tell you we were excited to go to Disneyland Resort, however, before we went there, we went first to Ngong Ping 360, so the time we had at Hong Kong Disneyland wasn’t really long, wasn’t even a full day, and it was drizzling. As mentioned earlier, the weather wasn’t really cooperative that day of our visit.

READ: 8 Traveler Tips for a Great Vacation in Vietnam

We also could not move the date of our visit even when it’s allowed because we will be heading to Shenzhen, China the day after that. So really, timing is everything. When you go to Hong Kong Disneyland, make sure to check the weather, that the sun is shining brightly for you to take good photos and have a more fun-filled experience.
If you are planning on visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, you can make use of a full day to check on all attractions especially the Lion King.

There also are other types of tickets, by the way, one day pass and a two-day pass.
In case you wanted to really go explore all attractions and activities in HK Disneyland, you must get the two-day pass because one day is not enough in the park.
A one-day pass is recommended if you are not going to get through all the rides and attractions offered by the park, and when you just wanted to take photos of the location.

From the iconic entrance, we started going in the right direction to the Iron Man Experience, Ant-Man Experience, and Space Mountain.

We went inside Iron Man Experience first. It’s a 4D experience like you will be inside of an Iron Wing – a technological masterpiece from Stark Industries.
Ant-Man Experience was a different one. You will be on a ride where you’ll have laser guns and targets to point to. Your score will depend on how many reactors you have disabled. It’s an interactive and competitive experience for everyone.
Space Mountain gives you a simple but still thrilling roller coaster ride. Jane doesn’t like to go on roller coaster rides so she opted out of that, but I love roller coaster rides so I gave Space Mountain a try. It was still fun!
Next up, we visited “It’s a Small World” attraction. You will be hailed on a boat and going into different destinations around the world with dolls as the main attraction while the song “It’s a small world” is playing on a loop. If you are afraid of dolls or if you have Pediophobia (fear of dolls), this place is not for you. Once you hear that the song is on different languages, then it marks the near finishing of the ride.

READ: Best Places to See and Visit in Canada and the USA during Winter

We have visited many other attractions, but as mentioned earlier, we lacked the time. We weren’t able to visit each and every attraction possible plus with the rain and bad weather, even the night parade was canceled – so there’s really nothing much we could do about that.

The Night Parade has to be the most anticipated event in Hong Kong Disneyland, but even mascots were not allowed to go outside because of the rain, we didn’t even see a single mascot of well-known Disney characters.
The Disney Castle is also under construction so, yep, timing is really of importance.

Our visit to Hong Kong Disneyland was really out of timing due to the weather, but nevertheless, we still felt like we enjoyed our time even though it was very short.

WiFi for Hong Kong Disneyland visit

Disneyland Resort has its own WiFi but not the whole of the resort is not totally covered by it so it’s still better when you have your own. With this, Jane and I recommend getting the service of Big Sky Nation Travel WiFi. It’s the most reliable travel partner we had since 2018 and until now, we still prefer them to be our travel wifi provider.
You may book with them and their services with a 15% discount using our voucher code: THEJERNY and enjoy seamless wireless coverage.

Where to stay near Hong Kong Disneyland

If you want to get the most out of your experience in Hong Kong Disneyland, we advise you to book at their own hotel, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.
If you think that’s kind of too pricey for you, then here are your other options in this link.
Best bet is also when you go look for a room near Sunny Bay or Tung Chung Station.

5 Best Travel Credit Cards with Air Miles – How to Apply

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

January 10, 2023

Imagine this – you get reward points for the miles that you have flown around the world, and you can reuse these points the next time you book a flight. Doesn’t that sound like a dream-come-true for a frequent traveler like yourself? This is exactly what you get when you sign up for travel credit cards.
Travel credit cards offer you great deals like discounts on flights and not to mention complimentary access to airport lounges to relax before your next flight. What’s more? Opting for plastic money will help you travel with a lighter wallet and earn a little something called air miles, on the go.
To earn air miles, one strategy is to sign up for a rewarding (and cost-effective) credit card and book your next flight with it. You can also earn points on other purchases and transfer them to air miles. But, before you start signing up for every travel card out there, you must do your due diligence. So what are some of the best air miles credit cards around? Let’s take a look.

Citi Prestige Card

When you sign up for the Citi Prestige Visa Credit Card and spend $4000 within the first 3 months, you can earn 50,000 bonus points as a welcome gift to put towards your next trip. These points are redeemable for $500 in travel.
Along with this, Citi offers 5 x Points on air travel and restaurants, 3 x Points on hotels and cruises and 1 x Points on all other purchases. All of these points can also be transferred to selected airline loyalty programs.
As a few extra bonus points, Citi offers up to $250 travel credit every year, access to all those cozy-looking airport lounges you’ve been eyeing off and the 4th night of your hotel stay is on them.
Applications for the Citi Prestige Card can be made online via the Citi website. Note that an annual fee of $495 and an APR of 18.49% – 25.49% (depending on your credit history) apply.
Citigroup is located at 388-390 Greenwich St. New York, NY 10013 and can be contacted on +1 800-950-5114.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Capital One has gone above and beyond to make the travel-lover inside you happy. Upon joining their pool of elite credit card clients, you can earn 20,000 bonus miles if you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months. The everyday miles you earn are also immortal, granting you 1.25 miles for every $1 spent. You can transfer these miles to 10+ selected travel loyalty programs.
With the Capital One VentureOne card you can forget the annual fee for a lifetime and make use of 0% interest for the first 12 months. After that, the APR will be set at 13.49% – 23.49% depending on your credit history. No foreign transaction fees are also a worthy mention.
Applications for the Capital One VentureOne card can be made online via the CapitalOne website. CapitalOne is located at Capital One Tower McLean, Virginia and can be contacted on 1-800-227-4825.

‘Discover it’ Miles

‘Discover it’ has come up with a good deal with their Discover it Miles card. When you embark on the journey of signing up for this card, you will get 1.5 miles for every dollar spent, unlimited bonus rewards at the end of the year and no blackout dates. Just like their Discover it card, Discover it Miles also comes with no annual fees.
The unlimited bonus rewards work like this: After the first year of using the card, the bank matches all the Miles you’ve earned, automatically. So if you earned 35,000 Miles during the year, you’ll end up with 70,000 Miles, the equivalent of $700 in travel. And if you don’t wish to redeem the miles for travel or statement credit, you can get cash instead.
Applications for the Discover it Miles Card can be made online via the Discover website. Note that an APR of 0% applies for the first 14 months, followed by a rate of 13.49% to 24.49% (depending on your credit history) thereafter.
Discover is located at 502 E. Market Street, Greenwood, Delaware and can be contacted on +1-800-347-2683.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles card is made just for businesses. Upon booking travel for employees, businesses can earn 5 x Miles on hotels and car rentals when booked through the Capital One travel platform. 2 x Miles are earned on all other purchases. These miles can be redeemed for flights, hotels, travel packages and more.
Upon signing up and spending $5000 within the first 3 months using this business credit card, Capital One Spark offers 50,000 bonus Miles. On top of bonus Miles, this card also comes with a variety of benefits, including up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre, free employee cards and no foreign transaction fees.
Applications for the Spark Business card can be made online via the CapitalOne website. Note that there is an annual fee of $0 for the first year and $95 after that, and an APR of 18.49%.
CapitalOne is located at Capital One Tower McLean, Virginia and can be contacted on 1-800-227-4825.

United℠ Explorer Card

United℠ Explorer Card is a handy partner if you want to roam around the world and save at the same time. With no annual fee for the first year and $95 thereafter, this card will enable you to earn 2 x Miles on every dollar spent on United purchases, hotel bookings, and restaurants plus 2 x United Club one-time passes on each anniversary.
In addition, you can save $120 per round trip, pay no foreign transaction fees, be the first to board United-operated flights, get 25% back on inflight purchases and stand a chance to earn up to 65,000 bonus Miles within the first three months.
Applications for the United℠ Explorer Card can be made online via the Chase website. Note that a variable APR of 17.99%–24.99% applies.
Chase is located at 270 Park Avenue, New York, NY and can be contacted on +1 302-594-8200.

Disclaimer: There are risks involved when applying for and using credit cards. Consult the bank’s terms and conditions page before making any final decisions.

Casa Belinda (Lipa, Batangas) | Private Staycation and Country Living Combined

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

January 9, 2023

Casa Belinda (Lipa, Batangas)

Batangas is known to have resorts that could accommodate families and a whole group of friends and is much known as a quick go-to place whenever summer or team building activities come in. Whenever summer starts, people also think about places to go for a quick trip to beat the summer heat. And in Batangas, we found Casa Belinda – Malarayat in the city of Lipa.

Casa Belinda is also known as Casa Belinda Bed and Breakfast or Casa Belinda Malarayat. It’s a ranch and private rest house that has been converted into a family-friendly private resort. The owners of Casa Belinda doesn’t stay long in this home so they decided to turn it into a business. They used to raise horses in the area and now, they have also alotted part of the land to an organic farm where lettuce and other crops grow.

How to Get to Casa Belinda – Malarayat

From any bus lines in Manila, ride a bus heading to Lipa.
You may opt to drop off at SM Lipa and hire a tricycle going to Malarayat Golf and Country Club or Malarayat Country Estate. Nearby is Casa Belinda, in front of Villa Irene.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The exact location where Casa Belinda is, will be disclosed once the booking is confirmed. No walk-ins are allowed.

Casa Belinda: A Farm Stay Experience

There are 7 rooms in Casa Belinda and I think we happen to stay at the Guest Room which is located on the second floor of the main house. Btw, the main house is off limits. You can only go to the second floor.
The guest room has its own veranda which is perfect when you just need to relax outside your room. It comes with a complete sofa set and a table which makes country living totally picturable.

The room was good for only 2-3 people and since I’ll be with Jane, we occupied this one. It has its own entertainment set, a cable TV, radio, speakers, and a few. The room also has its own refrigerator and a microwave oven. Also, this room also comes with a hot and cold shower and toilet which is good if you seek privacy.
Our experience of staying in the guest room was great. We had the total privacy we need as a couple, we got a room with a nice view outside, and we have all we need inside our room. More complete than a hotel actually. I recommend you staying in this room if you want not to get disturbed all the time.
And since we found so much comfort on our room, we were able to sleep soundly for like a good 2 to 3 hours after 3 pm. I was actually looking forward to the sunset but unfortunately, I overslept. When I got a glimpse of light while inside the room, I thought it was only 5 PM and the sun was just setting but when I get up, it was already past 6 pm where the night is already winning against daylight. So my golden hour just passed by so fast.

Dinner, Swimming Pool, and the Game Room

During the night, a sumptuous dinner was served with Adobong Manok, Grilled Liempo, fresh and organic lettuce leaves to partner with salad, and a few more I could not easily remember. After dinner, we took a dip in the pool and hang-out with fellow friends chatting about almost everything that comes to mind while in the cold waters of Casa Belinda. It wasn’t really that cold but as the wind blows through our body, we feel the chill.

A few moments later, they have already started invading the game room. The game room is where the videoke machine, the billiards table, and the darts are located and so after a while, we also found ourselves singing our hearts out in every song.
It happened to be a long day so after a few songs, one by one, everyone went back to their own rooms and bid goodnight.

Rooms at Casa Belinda

You can definitely share rooms with other people in your group. The total people Casa Belinda can accommodate is 24 and you have to pay for all them and it’s like paying for an exclusive stay.
The Cottage – good for 4-6 people, with kitchen.
The Deluxe Suite – good for 4-6 people.
The Deluxe Room – good for 4-6people.
The Guest Room – good for 2-3 people.
Once you are booked, you will have the complete access and use of the pool, garden treehouse, game room, parking, and barbeque grill. Wifi access and daily breakfast are also included. If you need a meal to be prepared, let them know and they will cook it for you with a fee. You also could go and explore around the farm areas or take a picture with the goat and other livestock at the farm.

Things to Note at Casa Belinda

Check-in starts at 2 PM and check-out at 12 PM the next day.
They require a security deposit of Php 5,000 upon check-in which is refundable upon check-out if there are no damages and losses to the property.
IDs are required for all adults entering the property. Make sure you bring your identification cards.
If you want exclusive use of the property and your group is less than 15 people, there is an additional fee of P10,000 per day.
Max occupancy is 24 people.
Free Breakfast and Wifi are included.
No walk-ins are allowed.

How to Book Casa Belinda, Malarayat

You can message them thru their Facebook Page about your interest in booking one of their rooms.

2. You can book thru Airbnb where you can get a discount. Just register first using our link (click here) and enjoy up to P2,500 off when you book. Click here to book via Airbnb.
3. You can book the room we stayed in thru Booking.com. Click here to check rates or book.

For reservation concerns and resort inquiries

Facebook Page- Casa Belinda, Malarayat
Airbnb listing- Casa Belinda, Lipa
Contact # (Ms. Lingling Ringler)- 0917 849 7699
E-mail – ling2.casabelinda@gmail.com

WARNING: Club Ultima / Crown Regency FREE Hotel Accommodation – A Professional SCAM

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

January 9, 2023

Recently, I received a mysterious call from one of the agents of a company named Club Ultima.

FREE 3D2N Hotel Accommodation courtesy of Crown Regency

The agent stated that I have been chosen (with other 14 winners) from all other entries to receive a gift certificate worth 3D2N stay FREE hotel accommodation from Crown Regency. Upon hearing this, I was like struck with delight. We all love gift certificates and free items, who would not want to get those?

He said that the gift certificate has no financial obligation and that I have nothing to worry about. By then, he started asking my credentials, name, status, number, etc, to be eligible for the gift certificate. Being an excited one, of course, I gave out my details. We’re travelers after all. As much as possible, we would like to kick in on cheap and or free hotels. And by the name Crown Regency, which is a 5-star hotel, my senses came to life. I was so interested and excited.

[READ: What benefits do you get as a member of Club Ultima?]

I was still wondering how they got my information so I asked him. He told me that there was someone who checked in at the hotel and added my name and number to the referrals. Every year, Crown Regency / Club Ultima gathers all these referred names from guests and draws 15 names for the raffle. He also mentioned that this was done by Crown Regency every year as part of the anniversary celebration. For the guest who checked in at one of the hotels, he said that the information was confidential.

What did they say I had won? A Family Package (4pax, 2 adults + 2 kids) worth of 3D2N stay in ANY Crown Regency hotel. Any numbers exceeding the required pax will be shouldered by the guest. I was like, wow! Thank you, Crown Regency!

To claim the gift certificate, I would need to go to their office Club Ultima / Crown Regency in Makati, in line with RCBC tower. He told me to wait for the next call and someone like an account manager will be in contact with me. He sent me information regarding the office location and number to contact as well.

Extra Delay in the Offer

Two weeks passed. I have never received any phone calls. Being too curious if this is legit or not, I decided to contact them via the phone number they sent me via SMS. They asked for my information and the agent I was able to spoke with before. She (the one who picked up the phone) told me that I will be called by one of the account managers.

After around 10-20 mins, I received a phone call from the agent who I spoke with. He again verified my identity and asked for my credentials, status, number, etc, and stated that before I could get the gift certificate, I would need to attend their short presentation regarding the hotel promotion. There would also be a dinner served while watching the presentation and after all that, I would be able to claim the gift certificate entitled to me. He said that the offer is only available one time and at that particular day only and failure to commit attendance will also forfeit the eligibility for the gift certificate.

I re-verified him the details he told me before, 3D2N FREE hotel accommodation in Crown Regency Cebu or Davao, no financial obligation, that I just have to attend the event so I could claim the gift certificate.

I was then transferred to an account manager after our conversation.

The account manager stated the same thing. She said though that there is a reservation table for me and my girlfriend and I would need to attend, rain or shine. She also told me that all the information I gave them will be purely confidential.

I think I got too excited and said yes, that I will attend the presentation by 5 pm, rain or shine.

After all the thinking and analysis that ran through my mind that day after the call, I have decided to take a look if there are all other blogs or articles out there with the same concern. And to my surprise, I found many!

I immediately browsed two to three articles, and they all both confirmed my suspicion. Here’s what I have found.

What is Club Ultima?

This is a legit company with annoying marketing tactics.

Club Ultima is a marketing club arm of crown regency hotels. Seems legit, actually. They would offer major products of Crown Regency at a discounted rate, according to sources. However, the products are non-exclusive, so even a non-member can avail these offers. See that? Just for the money. They would offer you a product and it could be paid in cash or installment.

I would still be able to receive the gift certificate even if I reject the offers to be a member of the club.

However, if you’re going to use the gift certificate, there would be a booking fee. The booking fee I found was of different numbers ranging from 3000 pesos and above. Not actually bad if you’re going to stay for 3 days and 2 nights. The thing was, they stated that I would not have any financial obligations when availing the certificate. See how contrary it was from their first statement.

Next issue based on research, if I am not a member and tried to avail the gift certificate, I would have problems with booking the rooms. They will confirm that the GC is legit, however, the room/dates I will be staying at the hotel will always be fully booked. Hence, they have now the option and authority to give me another option to stay at another hotel managed by Crown Regency. The Five Star hotel dream will then be over. You will be asked, if you pursue the booking dates, to reside on one of their hotel arms and that’ll leave you no other choice. Bye bye, Crown Regency dream. You got the certificate for Crown Regency, yet you’re not going to stay at one.

Reasons I Didn’t Take the Bait

I and my girlfriend are budget travelers, we would even enjoy our vacation in a tent. Hotels are just a plus, and a better sleep at night. I wouldn’t want myself to spend more than what I would need.

Free dinner is good but if after the presentation I would be offered too many stuff, I would be vulnerable and may give in. It’s gonna hurt my pocket and nobody would want that.

They said there will be no financial obligation but there’s going to be a booking fee of 3000 Pesos and or $100, so it’s definitely a no-no. It’s already a flight for two to another destination.

I don’t want to spend time on something that wouldn’t benefit me much in the future. Offers after the presentation? Club membership with monthly fees? No way!

They said it was a “one-day-only” event but they texted me that there will be another one the next day and another one again after that day. Sneaky! And they keep on calling my phone, I had their numbers blocked already, but they’re persistent.

So, for the people out there who received the text message or got a call from Club Ultima, I would suggest declining their offer even if it looks so real and legitimate. Yes, we love free items because they are free, but not if we’re told it’s free even when it’s not. Better be wise. Don’t be fooled. Read the comments below for other’s experience.

What’s your take on this? Do you have a similar experience with Club Ultima or another similar scheme?

Travel Bans – How To Get Flight Refund

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

January 9, 2023

The World Health Organization has declared coronavirus to be a pandemic. Since then, numerous countries and cities around the globe have started to issue travel bans and restrictions. In fact, staying at home and isolating yourself has been called for both by health officials as well as governments. Because of this, more and more individuals are avoiding travel, including flying.

With the airline industry at the core of this crisis, you might have a difficult time changing your travel plans or even canceling flights. After all, the airlines themselves are dealing with an entirely new landscape. However, in light of all these cancellations, you should at least attempt to get a flight refund.

Getting a refund on flights can be challenging. Especially when you have purchased a non-refundable or non-flexible ticket. But did you know that there are still a number of ways you can try to get your money back?

How To Get Flight Refunds

Review Flights And Cancellations In Light Of The Travel Bans

Travel bans have been issued left and right, from Italy to Europe at large to the United States to even Australia and New Zealand. Many countries are imposing flight restrictions to urge individuals to self-quarantine and isolate for 14 days.

To check if your flight has been canceled and if you can are entitled to a flight refund, see if the airline has already issued a cancellation or refund for the said flight. Normally for these cancellations, passengers will be given the option to rebook their flights or get a refund. This is true even if they have booked a non-refundable ticket.

Cancel Within 24 Hours

Airlines usually provide free cancellations within 24 hours of booking. If your flight is at least seven days away, you may still get a refund with no cancellation fee if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking it. Other airlines have policies of holding the said reservation for a day and will make you pay first before refunding you the full amount.

Check The Airline’s Policy

In this special case wherein a pandemic has taken over the world, more airline companies are starting to waive their rebooking and refund fees. To see if you qualify, take a look at the airline’s terms and conditions page.

Call The Airline

In light of the travel bans issued by the United States, Europe, and other parts of Asia, different airline providers have issued a travel waiver or refund for individuals looking to cancel their flights or change their plans.

Three big names in the aviation industry in the United States, such as American Airlines, Delta, and United Airlines, have already issued these waivers for individuals traveling from March to May.

To get a flight refund, feel free to reach out to the airline through their hotline. You may also call them via their mobile number, website, or through their mobile app. If you course your refund request via the app or through the website, you may simply open a refund procedure and you’ll be redirected to the airline’s policy page.

Apps And Websites Aimed At Flight Refunds

AirHelp

AirHelp provides legal help in obtaining a flight refund and compensation when affected by travel bans and other circumstances. Their claims agents work with airlines to get you your refund by filing complaints on your behalf. The company will collect compensation only when customers have their compensation.

Flight Refund

Flight Refund is an online service provider that gives passengers access to refunds and compensation for flights that have been canceled or delayed. If your flight was affected by travel bans, you may claim compensation of up to 600 euros. However, company’s payment for these services amounts to 30% of the total compensation given.

The Bottom Line

Staying at home and taking the necessary precautions is essential, which is why travel bans are currently in place. If you are experiencing the same dilemma when it comes to your flight and travel arrangements, make sure to peruse these tips so you can get a flight refund.

#SEATSALE: Fly for as low as P22 Base Fare with Cebu Pacific on all Destinations!

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

January 9, 2023

Celebrate Cebu Pacific’s 22nd anniversary by booking your favorite destination for only P22 base fare!

Book now until March 9!
Online payments only!

SALE PERIOD: UP TO MAR 9, 2018 OR UNTIL SEATS LAST
TRAVEL PERIOD: NOV 1, 2018 – MAR 30, 2019

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Cagayan de Oro to Bacolod, Dumaguete, Iloilo or Zamboanga
Clark to Boracay (Caticlan) or Kalibo
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Iloilo to General Santos or Puerto Princesa
Zamboanga to Cotabato or Tawi-tawi

CLICK HERE TO BOOK FOR P22!

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How to Get to Boracay via Caticlan Airport

Jerny - Two Budget Travelers

January 9, 2023

How to Get to Boracay via Caticlan Airport

Flying from Manila and arriving at Caticlan airport by night is not unusual. However, upon exiting the arrivals area, there will be locals that will ask you to avail their transport directly to your hotel. It may be convenient but this offer is more expensive than you can think of. So here what you need to know.
1. Exiting from the arrivals area of Caticlan Airport, turn to the right side of the road or ask a local where to find the tricycle heading to Caticlan Port. This ride will only cost you 50 pesos, max of four people per tricycle.
2. Once you have arrived at the Caticlan Port, you will be required to pay a Terminal Fee of 100 pesos, Environmental Fee of 75 pesos, and Boat fee of 30 pesos before you could enter the port. Make sure to keep the receipts and fill out the small information sheet before you head to the boat. From Caticlan Port to Boracay by boat is only 10 mins.
NOTE: Children below 5 years old are free of charge for the additional fees.
3. From Cagban Jetty Port (Boracay) to any hotel of your choice, just hire a tricycle or a motorbike. This will cost you around 100 to 150 per one-way ride depending on the location of your hotel. Most drivers know the location of any hotels. This is a 10-15 minutes ride depending on the road traffic.

caticlan to boracay
boracay from caticlan
boracay via caticlan

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TWO BUDGET TRAVELERSWorld Travelers on a Budget

TWO BUDGET TRAVELERSWorld Travelers on a Budget

Guide to Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour in Hong Kong

Hop On Hop Off Experience

Getting your Bus Tickets

THINGS TO NOTE:

Starting your Journey with the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour [RED LINE]

Destinations You Can Visit using Hop-on Hop-Off Bus [Red Line]

Using Green Line

Destinations You Can Visit using Hop-on Hop-Off Bus [Green Line]

How to Book your Hop on Hop off Bus tickets via Musement?

WiFi Access in Hong Kong

Where to Stay in Hong Kong

What Are Airbnb Experiences?

Making Money On Airbnb Experiences As A Host

Choose A Specialized Activity

Create A Profile

Understanding Rules And Rates

The Bottom Line

Hong Kong Disneyland [Getting There, Getting Tickets, Experience]

Getting your Tickets for Hong Kong Disneyland

Getting to Hong Kong Disneyland

via MTR

Hong Kong Disneyland Experience

WiFi for Hong Kong Disneyland visit

Where to stay near Hong Kong Disneyland

Citi Prestige Card

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

‘Discover it’ Miles

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

United℠ Explorer Card

Disclaimer: There are risks involved when applying for and using credit cards. Consult the bank’s terms and conditions page before making any final decisions.

ABOUT 2GO GROUP, INC.

Casa Belinda (Lipa, Batangas)

How to Get to Casa Belinda – Malarayat

Casa Belinda: A Farm Stay Experience

Dinner, Swimming Pool, and the Game Room

Rooms at Casa Belinda

Things to Note at Casa Belinda

How to Book Casa Belinda, Malarayat

For reservation concerns and resort inquiries

WHAT TO READ NEXT

FREE 3D2N Hotel Accommodation courtesy of Crown Regency

Extra Delay in the Offer

What is Club Ultima?

Reasons I Didn’t Take the Bait

How To Get Flight Refunds

Review Flights And Cancellations In Light Of The Travel Bans

Cancel Within 24 Hours

Check The Airline’s Policy

Call The Airline

Apps And Websites Aimed At Flight Refunds

AirHelp

Flight Refund

The Bottom Line

Celebrate Cebu Pacific’s 22nd anniversary by booking your favorite destination for only P22 base fare!

Book now until March 9! Online payments only!

Philippine Destinations

For as low as P22

How to Get to Boracay via Caticlan Airport

Book now until March 9!
Online payments only!