Where to Stay in Kuching : The LimeTree Hotel

Strategically situated at the busy city center of Kuching and just a few walks away to the nearby Padungan area, there lies a hotel made easily renowned for its name—the LimeTree Hotel, a tribute to the original owner’s passion for limes which are oftentimes dubbed as “green lemons” for the similarity in their taste despite the obvious difference in outward appearances.   

What exactly is the LimeTree Hotel?

As a business of several years in service since having started operation in 2009, the LimeTree Hotel is not outdated when it comes to architectural design for a business of its kind—it is as contemporary as it gets for its time. Yet, for one whose idea of naming was founded in the love of limes, the design, too, is said to be based on the vibes that come from the actually grown plant—the feeling of zest from the trees of limes.

Complimentary fresh lime juice at the rooftop bar

Years prior to 2009, however, the building that is now the LimeTree Hotel was once an office building until its acquisition in 2007.

With a building spanning 50 unique rooms and suites, each of which equipped with the modern-day amenities that keep us comfortable like a free Wi-Fi internet access, LCD TVs, soft beddings, and the like, you get everything you would need in a mid-range boutique hotel as this place.

Superior Twin (No Window)

Deluxe King

Executive Deluxe Twin

Executive Suite 

Family Suite

Trying to set itself apart from the common cookie-cutter approach of many cafes in various hotel, LimeTree Hotel’s Café Sublime and LimeLight Rooftop Lounge feature drinks and foods based on lime-inspired recipes in line with Sarawak delights. The inclusion of limes in those foods and drinks made an obvious difference.

What are there to like with LimeTree Hotel?

As an awardee of the TripAdvisor awards for three consecutive years since 2012, any person will be intrigued enough to know what’s in the place.

For a hotel known to have been established based on the concept inspired on limes, the LimeTree Hotel is unsurprisingly eco-friendly in its approach to business—the green ways. From the choice of opting for more environment-friendly contraption, to energy-efficient means of saving and reusing energy, use of lime’s pulp and peeling for cleaning, as well as the policies—such as the no smoking policy—that made the indoors of the hotel as health-friendly as possible, LimeTree Hotel truly promotes a green environment for its guests to enjoy a healthful stay at the place.

If you are a professional who is always on-the-go and could not afford to stay at home, choosing to stay at the LimeTree Hotel would be just as good as home for the hotel’s almost home-like features like having paid laundry and cleaning as well as ironing which you can manually do yourself upon request.

Flying for outside the country is not a problem either, thanks to the hotel’s airport transfer service which lets you move to the airport using the business unit’s own van upon reservation.

Goodies from the hotel's in-house souvenir shop

Thai Smiles announces new Bangkok-Cebu-Bangkok direct air service

Thai Smile Airways, the budget subsidiary of Thai Airways International has recently announce it will fly direct to Cebu, Philippines starting October 2016.

Photo Credit : www.philippineflightnetwork.com

The said airline will fly to Cebu on a daily basis with three times weekly in the morning and four times weekly in the afternoon using an Airbus 320 with 162 dual class seats (12 business class and 150 economy class).

 

Thai Smile Airways is the regional airline and wholly owned subsidiary of Thai Airways. Based in Thailand, it began operations in July 2012.  The daily Bangkok-Cebu-Bangkok route is in addition to Thai Smiles’ five international routes and twelve domestic routes in Thailand.

 

Mr. Wutcharin Thatan, Thai Smiles executive, said the airline expects a good amount of traffic from both ends considering that Bangkok is one of the popular destinations for Filipino business and leisure travellers.  Likewise, Thailand is located strategically between the Philippines and Europe, the Middle East, and India, where visitor traffic to the country is registering double digit growth annually.

 

Mr. Thatan also explained that the non-stop service between Cebu and Bangkok will be faster and more convenient for travellers from the Central and Southern Philippines than the current option which is to fly from Cebu to Manila onward to Bangkok, saving up to one and half hours of domestic flight and a few thousand pesos for local fares.

 

The airline executive, together with the Market Development Group of the Department of Tourism (DOT), recently visited Manila, Cebu, Bohol, and Clark to gather information and to meet airport officials in preparation for the coming flights.  Mr. Erwin Balane, Head of the DOT’s Route Development Team, said that the new route will provide an additional 58,968 international air seats per year to Cebu.  This will provide expanded opportunity for the country to generate foreign exchange and employment.

 

The new route is an offshoot of the Philippines’ hosting of Routes Asia 2016 held at the SMX Convention Center last March 2016 in Manila.  The event was considered as the biggest aviation event in Asia where airlines, airports, and tourism authorities met to discuss possible aviation opportunities.

 

DOT Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. said the new route complements the agency thrust to intensify promotion of direct flights to other international gateways such as Cebu by stimulating air traffic demand in opportunity markets.

 

Thai Smiles currently has 15 units of the Airbus 320 which are intended to serve the market gap between low-cost carriers and full service airlines.

 

Homeless in Singapore: How Expedia Ruined My Vacation

I booked a bed in a hostel in Singapore as I will only be staying in the country for less than 12 hours so it's most practical to book for a bed than a hotel room which is expensive in Singapore. My flight from Davao arrived in Singapore at past 9PM and I arrived at Gusti Bed and Breakfast around 10PM. I was already tired and hungry so all I wanted was to settle my things in the room and go out to have my late dinner.

The guy at the counter looked confused, so I ask what's going on since I already waited at the reception for over 10 minutes. He said there was an issue as he can't find my booking. He called his colleague and they scan every logbook they have to look for my booking. I waited patiently for about an hour then I asked if what's really going on and the guy at the counter told me that they are fully booked and they were not informed by Expedia of my booking. I was furious but I kept my cool. The guy at the counter talked to the owner and he passed the phone to me.

The owner explained that there was a glitched in the system and they have not received my booking. I told her I have a copy of the confirmed booking which I showed to the guy at the counter earlier. She offered me to sleep in the couch at the reception area or transfer to another hostel. I was like, what? Are you serious but then again, I was tired and did not argue. I told her I'd rather stay a night at another hostel so the guy at the counter accompanied me to the new hostel. It wasn't that near but it was a walking distance. It wasn't fair because I booked at Gusti because of its proximity to the MRT and it has good review. Then I was billeted at another hostel a little bit far from the MRT and looks dirty and old. I didn't have much of a choice so I stayed. I was supposed to leave at 9am but decided to leave at 7am because it wasn't really a good experience.

While at Gusti, I emailed and tweeted Expedia hoping that they will respond but they did not. Nothing. I know it was not a huge amount but it was much of an inconvenience. They should at least confirm the booking with the hostel/hotel to be sure.

I had a second thought and gave them a benefit of the doubt because maybe my booking was overlooked by the hostel but when I arrived in Hotel Sentral in KL, I was shocked that they can't find my booking as well. Good thing they are not fully booked so when I showed the confirmed booking via email, they allowed me to check in. So there you go, book with Expedia at your own risk. Never again!

Top 10 Things To Do In Cebu

Cebu is one of the most frequently visited tourist destination in the country, thanks to its mesmerizing shoreline, excellent dishes and the overly friendly locals. The richness of their history and the beauty of the antiquity of the cities here is unparalleled by any province in the Philippines. This gives tourists plenty of things to do while they are in the province. To help you decide on what to do there, here are the top 10 things you should try while in Cebu. (Read: 10 Must-try Food in Cebu)

1. Meet and greet with many creatures under the sea

When it comes to diving, there are so many diving hotspots that you can choose from. Because Cebu is an island province, the possibility of discovering new species of marine animals and plants is very big. You can choose from more than 50 diving spots all around the province. Among the top choices are Capitancillo Island, Mactan Island and Kasantik.

A photo posted by Kat Guerrero (@piggyguerrero) on Jun 21, 2016 at 5:17am PDT

2. See the Magellan Cross

The arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in the Philippines marked the beginning of the Spanish occupation in the country. The Magellan cross is a very iconic structure in the country, as it signaled the conversion of the Filipinos to Christianity.

Magellan's cross in Cebu City. #travel #cebu #philippines #travelmore #escapemanilaincebu

A photo posted by Glen Santillan (@escapemanila) on Aug 8, 2014 at 7:27am PDT

3. Pray and marvel at the Basilica Del Sto. Niño

Speaking of Christianity, another epic infrastructure in the province is also highly visited because of its significance in the history of Christianity in the province and in the country. This church is dubbed as the oldest Catholic church in the Philippines. This church is located in Cebu city.

A photo posted by Riez (@blazingriez) on Mar 25, 2016 at 10:24pm PDT

4. Savor the richness of the history of Cebu

Cebu was the location of the first Spanish settlement in the Philippines. Cebu city, the capital of the province is the oldest city in the country. Because of this, Cebu is also filled with many stories from the past. There are many historical places you can visit like the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the Taoist temple in Cebu City and the Fort San Pedro.

A photo posted by Joaquin Dayapan (@kenokenopiii) on Mar 17, 2016 at 10:58pm PDT

5. Stuff yourself with the delicacies of Cebu

Philippines is well known for its variety of interesting dishes. In Cebu, you get to have a wide variety of food items that you can try, like those street food found in Barangay Tisa, the famous Lechon of Cebu, puto and sikwate found all over the cities in Cebu, and the many types of dried seafood.

My sinfully delicious lunch! Lami kaayo. Lahi ra gyud ang lechon ng cebu. Salamat sa recommendation Sinjin @thelibotero

A photo posted by Glen Santillan (@escapemanila) on Jan 22, 2015 at 10:54pm PST

6. Fall in love with the beautiful beaches

White, black, and grey sand beaches, whatever color you prefer, you will surely be swept away by the shorelines of this province. You can check out the beaches in Bantayan Island, Camotes Island, Malapascua Island, Badian and Moalboal. 

The beauty of Bantayan Island. #travel #cebu #visayas #philippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines

A photo posted by Glen Santillan (@escapemanila) on Jun 21, 2015 at 4:24pm PDT

7. Celebrate with the Cebuaños during the Sinulog Festival

The Sinulog festival started way back in Spanish occupation. Legend has it that the festival started from a group of the vendors selling in front of the Augustinian Church of Cebu. Sinulog came from the word Sinug which is a prayer dance routine done in honor of the young Jesus Christ.

A photo posted by levita (@levita_photography) on Jun 28, 2016 at 8:48pm PDT

8. Swim with the beautiful and gentle giants of Oslob

Oslob, Cebu is frequented by the Whale Sharks or Butandings. These breathtaking marine animals are well loved for their friendly behavior towards tourists. Most of the tourists say that seeing these creatures alone is definitely memorable.

The world's finest wilderness lies beneath the waves 🐳

A photo posted by C Y R I E L L E (@cy.garcia) on Jul 16, 2016 at 6:04pm PDT

9. Take a picture in the sea of flowers

Not only do you enjoy marveling at the wondrous underwater world in Cebu, but you also get to take tons of pictures in the Celosia Flower Farm in Sirao, Cebu. The farm is planted with different colors of  “burlas” or celosia.

A photo posted by Francine Raflores-Mercado (@franzcine) on Jun 30, 2016 at 9:38pm PDT

10.  Drop by the many souvenir shops for a take home gift for your friends and family

Aside from taking tons and tons of pictures, don’t forget to bring home an item that will remind you of the beautiful province of Cebu. Take home an otap, dried mangoes, necklace made by the locals, keychains and even refrigerator magnet.

Cebu Pasalubong. #shamrock #otap #galletas #rosquillos #food #pinoyfood #travel

A photo posted by Glen Santillan (@escapemanila) on Aug 13, 2014 at 9:48pm PDT

How to become a professional travel blogger?

The life of a travel blogger seems ideal. You get paid to travel around the world and write about your experiences. However, if you are an aspiring professional travel blogger, you need to understand that the lifestyle has its share of challenges.

Professional travel bloggers earn a living exclusively from their blogs. You have to have certain skills in order to make this work for you. It’s a big decision and you’ll have to learn on the job because this career isn’t taught in schools. You have to learn how to travel to different locations, how to get the best travel and accommodation deals as well as how to budget for your trips to avoid running out of cash.

The good news is, you can start small and gradually build your blog and skills to become a full-time professional blogger. Here are some tips on how to go about it:

• Have a passion for traveling.

You need to be passionate about traveling to become a successful travel blogger. You have to be curious about new places and different cultures. Additionally, you should know how to live out of a suitcase and embrace the uncertainty that traveling brings with it.

• Have a way with words.

You need excellent writing skills to be a travel blogger. You should know how to tell your stories in a flowing narrative that keeps your audience entertained and informed. You need a keen eye for detail and the ability to turn an otherwise ordinary location into one filled with adventure.

• Work on your blogging prowess.

The next thing to do is to combine the two previous tips and come up with useful content for your blog. Build a loyal readership by providing a steady stream of travel tips, accommodation reviews and food recommendations. In addition to narrating your adventures, advise your audience on what to see and do in any new place you visit. Keep things interesting by seeking out novel places off the beaten track and peppering your blog posts with beautiful photos and videos.

• Polish your marketing skills.

If you want to make a living from your travel blog, you need to market it. Major media outlets can be a vital source of income so don’t be afraid to sell yourself to newspapers, magazines or online publications. Make sure you always have a portfolio of your best work ready to send out. These days online printing companies have websites to help you to quickly and easily design your portfolio. You can upload your design of choice on these sites and even purchase a presentation folder to carry all your business cards and samples in. This way, you can stay organized during your trips.

• Harness the power of social media.

Social media is a valuable asset for any blogger. You can market your blog, build an audience and network on various social media channels. Remember to engage with your followers and fans and regularly update them on what you’ve been up to. This makes you look approachable and credible.

Life as a professional travel blogger might be full of challenges but it is highly rewarding. If you work hard at it, you are very likely to achieve success.

10 Must-Try Food in Cebu (And Where to Find Them)

Cebu is a top tourist destination for both locals and foreigners. There is so much of interest that you will always have something new to experience. However, if you are planning a food trip, then  you really need to know when to find these 10 must-eat food.

Cebu Lechon

Cebu is famous for its lechon. It is quite distinct from the usual roasted pig you find elsewhere in the Philippines as it does not need lechon sauce to make it tasty. Some people find it a little salty, but in general, it is a delectable treat. The best Cebu lechon is hard to pinpoint, but you could try Rico’s Original Lechon, found along Highway 77 in Talamban City. If you're into spicy food, you must try Rico's spicy lechon. It's so good, I am drooling while I am writing this article. You can also try the boneless variety from Cebu's Original Lechon Belly. You can find it in the Parkmall C.D. Seno in Mandaue City.

My sinfully delicious lunch! Lami kaayo. Lahi ra gyud ang lechon ng cebu. Salamat sa recommendation Sinjin @thelibotero

A photo posted by Glen Santillan (@escapemanila) on Jan 22, 2015 at 10:54pm PST

Tuslob Buwa

It may sound a little strange to dip cooked rice (called puso) in a sauce made of cooked pig’s brain or liver, fish sauce, onions and seasonings, but it is surprisingly tasty. It is perhaps not fine dining, but when in Rome...Tuslob Buwa (which translates to dip in bubbles, by the way) is street food, so you can find it almost anywhere in Carbon or Pasil. If you’re picky, though, you can try the one at Azul in the Taft Business Center on Gorordo Ave, Cebu City.

A photo posted by eval bento (@evalbento) on Jun 29, 2016 at 9:55pm PDT

Pochero

There are many different types of pochero, but the ones served in Kusina Uno (GND Building, F. Cabahug, Cebu City) and Abuhan (F. Ramos St, Cebu City) are quite delicious. It is more bulalo (it has a clear soup) than the Tagalog pochero, though, so set your expectations.  You can choose the standard soup, or sizzling, and one order is good for two people.

Yummy Pochero at #KusinaUno #travel #cebu #food #iluvcebu

A photo posted by Glen Santillan (@escapemanila) on Jul 29, 2015 at 4:26am PDT

Siomai sa Tisa

Is it strange to feature siomai for Cebu food? It is, but here it is. Siomai sa Tisa is a far-cry from most commercial siomai, even those from fancy Chinese restaurants. Maybe it’s the Filipino twist in the flavoring, or the meats used. Whatever it is, you should not eat it because you will not be satisfied with other siomai again. If you are determined to live in frustration forever, you can find the real original at Tisa, Labangon, Cebu City. Be careful, not all those purporting to be Siomai sa Tisa are D’Original Siomai Sa Tisa.

A photo posted by Kate Edoloverio 🍓 (@katieekat14) on Apr 23, 2016 at 6:33am PDT

Lansiao

If you are not squeamish, (and can supposedly help put the ram in your rod) you should really try this soup, which is made of the genitals of bulls. If you are ready to take the bull by the, er, horns, there is a carinderia in the Ramos market that specializes in it. It is pretty good, and something you can write home about.

A photo posted by @j0eel on Feb 4, 2016 at 9:31pm PST

Ngohiong

A variation of the spring rolls, it is a crunchy Cebu favorite, particularly because of the 5 spice used in it and the special dipping sauce. The best place to try this is at Carlos Special Ngohiong, which has a branch near Mabolo Church and also in Guadalupe.  The original is a house in Mambaling.

A photo posted by Ai Rene (@ai.rene) on Jun 30, 2016 at 12:43pm PDT

Bam-i

This is a noodle dish using a mix of canton and sotanghon noodles, and cooked with tengang daga, shrimp, pork, and chicken.  It is seldom you get authentic bam-I outside Cebu, but you can find it in most carinderias in mid afternoon.

A photo posted by Ryan Joseph Romano Tapawan (@arjhay_taps) on Jun 15, 2016 at 2:01am PDT

Humba

Humba is a more familiar sight in Cebu than the perennial favorite adobo, and it is actually braised rather than fried or boiled. It is sweet rather than salty, and often accompanied by black beans. The best place to get a good humba is in a Cebuano home; failing that, you can try any carinderia or at Wellcome Hotel's restaurant.

Humba, anyone? #food #cebu #philippines #itsmorefuninthephilippines

A photo posted by Glen Santillan (@escapemanila) on Aug 14, 2015 at 7:58pm PDT

Baby Back Ribs
Casa Verde’s Brian’s Ribs is something you should try when in Cebu. It tastes good and the serving is huge for an affordable price.

A photo posted by Joseph totti Labarda (@iamtotti) on Jun 15, 2016 at 5:16am PDT

Danggit

A trip to Cebu would not be complete with at least one breakfast of crispy danggit, fried rice, and scrambled eggs. You can buy it as pasalubong from Tabo-an Market, where they sell it by the kilo. A little goes long ways, so don’t buy too much, and be sure to bargain. You can also find other interesting food there, including dried squid (nukus), dried mangoes, and Otap. 

Good morning Cebu @ Taboan Market. #travel #cebu #philippines #pasalubong #escapemanilaincebu

A photo posted by Glen Santillan (@escapemanila) on Aug 4, 2014 at 4:37pm PDT

#EATinSEA : A Gastronomic Journey in Southeast Asia

So, here I am at Davao International Airport on my way to Singapore for another adventure in some parts of Southeast Asia. This time, I am going to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Miri in Malaysia, Pontianak in Indonesia and Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.

I am very excited as this will be my first time to explore Indonesia and Brunei. I am looking forward to visiting its local attractions and even more excited to have a taste of their local cuisines. To me food is happiness so I am drooling now as I write this post. I can't stop thinking of Laksa, Char Koay Teow, Nasi Lemak, and Chicken Rice. The first thing I am going to do when I arrive in Singapore is eat. There's no wasting time. 

Let's #EATinSEA! Can't wait to have an authentic chicken rice, laksa, char koay teow, nasi lemak and more! #escapemanila #yoursingapore #CEBTravels
Posted by Glen Santillan on Saturday, July 9, 2016

This trip is more about food than destinations so follow my journey on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #EATinSEA and #EscapeManila. <3

15 Young Wanderers Participated in Cebu Pacific's Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge 2016

Now on it's fifth year, Cebu Pacific has once again successfully showcased how fun it is to travel around the Philippines. Fifteen young adventurers from different universities nationwide traveled to different places in the Philippines for seven straight days. These lucky young wanderers enjoyed endless escapades and boundless discoveries as they conquer the best of the Philippines.

By the end of the challenge, #JFFJuanTeamPH was hailed as this year's Ultimate Backpackers and received the most epic prize - a Travel-All-You-Can pass.This entitles each member of the team to as many free flights to domestic and international short haul destinations as they want within one year. They also got to take home gift certificates from Cebu Pacific's partner brands such as Tripologie travel store, Merrell shoes, and Boreas travel bags.

Representing Bacolod, #JFFJuanTeamPH started their journey in Iloilo and made their way to Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Surigao, and Butuan. They chose to visit Mt. Mayon in Legazpi, Albay as their final stop. The team was composed of Glenn Layola, Audrey Ramos, and John Ray Blance, students of La Salle Bacolod. They were guided by their adventure coach, TV host and VJ Robi Domingo.

Karlo Carranza, Marie Tuason, and Samantha Rice of #JFFTeamPura were declared as 1st runner up. They visited Bohol, Cebu, Dumaguete, Siargao, Iloilo, and Davao. Bogart the Explorer was their adventure coach.

The team from Davao who called themselves as #JFFTeamWork was proclaimed as the second runner up. The team members are Serge Calumpong, April Nacion, and Jaysson Presores who came from different universities in Davao. The team chose to explore Laoag, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao. Their adventure coach was Jude Bacalso , a writer from Cebu who made sure the team succeeded and made unforgettable memories in each stop.

Completing the Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge 2016 contenders are Brendan Tangan, Linus Pagulayan, and Cherson Bariuan of #JFFTeamPablo and Tricia Quintero, April Baldovino, and Gian Nicdao of #JFFTeamTAG.

The Cebu Pacific Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge 2016 was endorsed by the Department of Tourism and Commission on Higher Education. 

To know more about how fun the adventure was, visit the Juan For Fun Backpacker Challenge 2016 website at www.juanforfun.com.