December 2012 – soloflighted.com

Backpacking Southeast Asia for 9 Months

I resigned from my corporate job last January 2012 because I wanted to go on a long-term travel adventure. I was able to accomplish it by backpacking for nine months in seven countries in Southeast Asia. Vietnam-Cambodia-Thailand-Indonesia-Singapore-Malaysia-Philippines I haven’t exhausted all the places in Southeast Asia which I could’ve done simply by hopping on a … Read more

Cycling to the Town of Dungun in Terengganu, Malaysia

I always enjoyed cycling to the town of Dungun when I stayed at Tanjong Jara Resort in Terengganu, Malaysia. How come? Aside from biking being already a great exercise, I also have a marvelous view of the eastern coast of Malaysia!

Tanjong Jara Resort: Cycling to the town of Dungun in Terengganu, Malaysia

Tanjong Jara Resort bike tour

I was living in the resort for two months and I always looked forward to this physical activity. A perfect time since it was also Malaysia’s summer season.

I would start by borrowing a bike (thanks Peter!) and head my way out. On the left side, they have a smaller road where you will be greeted by pine trees as you begin the journey.

heading to a small road safe for cyclists

bike road

During my trip to Zamboanga City, I was able to visit the gorgeous Merloquet Waterfalls and spend the day at Pink Island. I also made sure to check out different food places to eat. Aside from these, here are other spots you can visit in Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga Trip: Pasonanca Tour, Fort Pilar, Paseo del Mar and City Hall

Pasonanca Tour

It was pretty hot in Zamboanga City and one way to cool off was to head to the upper area of the city. Going on a tour of Pasonanca is a good place to relax and walk. You can find the Pasonanca Park there. During my trip, Jana and I only dropped by the La Jardin de Maria Clara Lobregat which has different flower and butterfly species surrounding the garden. I wasn’t able to take pictures of the place because it was already night time.

metal teepees in Boy Scout Grounds

Boy Scout Grounds in Pasonanca

I had nine days to spend in Zamboanga City. Aside from visiting tourist spots, I couldn’t wait to have a food trip adventure. I didn’t spend my money by going to different restaurants everyday, but I made sure to taste the specialties of Zamboanga.

Zamboanga City Food Trip
December 2-10, 2012

Foodtrip in Zamboanga

The best way to travel in the city is by tricycle. These trikes don’t have a route so be ready to pay a minimum of 50 Php per ride, depending on the destination.

best to travel by trike

Aside from the Merloquet Waterfalls adventure, I was also excited to visit the famous Pink Island of Zamboanga. Aside from wanting to spend a day on the beach, I was curious how “pink” the sand was.

Zamboanga Trip: Sta. Cruz also known as “Pink Island”
December 7, 2012

I was told that the corals before were bigger compared to these corals now.

Prior to the trip, we went to the Department of Tourism (DOT) to inquire about the day tour to the island. I’ve heard that tourists need security escorts to avoid unfortunate incidents like kidnapping. To be honest, I was a little hesitant because of this; but we were assured that it’s safe so long as we had these military men with us.

We registered our names at the DOT for reservation. Alternately, you can directly go to the port in Paseo del Mar as walk-in clients.

security escort with his rifle to Sta. Cruz Island

nice day to be at the beach!

Backpacking Southeast Asia for 9 Months

Cycling to the Town of Dungun in Terengganu, Malaysia

Zamboanga: Pasonanca, Fort Pilar, Paseo del Mar and City Hall

Pasonanca Tour

Zamboanga City Food Trip

Zamboanga Trip: Picnic at Sta. Cruz Island aka Pink Island