Ambot ah! Travel Blog

Viewing Google Maps while Offline on your iPhone or iPod Touch

Want to view Google Maps in your native iPhone or iPod Touch map app even if you’re online? Here’s how I did it!

So why is it important for me to have access to offline Google Maps? For one, If I’m traveling to some unfamiliar place, Google Maps are extremely helpful to explore the area and get from point A to point B. The iPhone/iPod Touch has a built-in maps application but can only be used if there’s WiFi internet around. Even if you do get connected online, once you close the maps app, all stored (chached) maps are cleared and if you open the app again, only a small portion of the map will be available for viewing. If you’re an iPhone user, you can always connect to the internet through your wireless carrier but you will still be depending on whether there’s a cellphone signal or not.

2255694322 751db327a7 Viewing Google Maps while Offline on your iPhone or iPod Touch photo by stevegarfield

I’ll try to explain the steps to viewing maps offline in a simpler way but this initial guide is more targeted for power users (should know what “jailbreaking” and SSH are) and also iPod touch users since I don’t own an iPhone.

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Hidalgo St. Quiapo – cheap camera shops in the Philippines

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If you’re wondering where you can buy dSLR cameras and other photographic equipment in the Philippines for the cheapest/lowest prices, then it’s in Hidalgo, Quiapo. I know Hidalgo Quiapo, in general, is notorious as one of Manila’s shabby and crime infested areas (full of pirated CDs/DVDs, counterfeit electronics, snatchers, garbage).

I was surprised myself after finding out that it’s highly recommended by other photographers in the Philippines as a place to find a wider range of photographic/videographic equipment at a cheaper price than in malls. I bought my first camera, a Canon Powershot A700, in Hidalgo Quiapo when I was in college and a Nikon D40 last year.

I have nothing to complain about the quality of my purchases there.

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Planning at trip to Cuyo, Palawan

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There’s no other place in the Philippines (and even South East Asia) that captures the image of an exotic tropical paradise better than Palawan Province, at least to my knowledge. Palawan is HUGE with a various destinations that will take months to fully explore. This summer, I’m set on traveling to Cuyo Town located in the middle of Sulu Sea between the main islands of Palawan and Panay. Cuyo was heavily popularized by the movie, Ploning, and Amanpulo Resort, one of the most expensive resorts in the Philippines with rates over $1000/night. Of course, I’m not rich enough to stay in Amanpulo but with 45 islands composing the town of Cuyo, there are many other beautiful islands to visit.

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Exploring the Islands of Concepcion, Iloilo – 2D1N DIY Itinerary

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For travelers planning on visiting Iloilo, the islands of Concepcion in Northern Iloilo is one of the “must sees” in the Province. Even though I’ve gone there a considerable number of times already, I just can’t get enough of it! Here’s my recommended 2 days and 1 night (overnight) itinerary when in Concepcion, where you can experience white sand beaches, clear waters, long winding sandbars, island hopping tours, coral gardens, fresh seafood, simple island life, and very friendly locals.

4245440372 d02ed047fc Exploring the Islands of Concepcion, Iloilo – 2D1N DIY Itinerary
The view from Agho Island in Concepcion, Iloilo

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Back to Aliwan Fiesta 2010 plus two surprise trips in April

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I’m still shaking my head on what I got myself into for my travel plans next month. I was originally planning on going to Manila during the third week of April and spending a couple of days to watch Aliwan Fiesta 2010, a showcase of festivals all over the Philippines on April 22-24 but then I extended it to a little more than one week after finding out about the 6th Philippine Blogging Summit to be held on April 16 – 17. So I booked my round trip flights online but after series of unexpected events, I ended up rebooking both flights and with two more “surprise” trips that I’m so excited about!

The Laoag City Float during the Aliwan Fiesta last year

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Planning a Trip to Bangkok, Thailand Speedlinking

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Thailand is best known as the “land of free” derived from the fact that it’s the only country in South East Asia that has never been colonized. With that rich culture intact, it isn’t a surprise that Thailand has become a popular international travel destination. Like most westerners, I’m also drawn to the exotic sights of Thailand since I live in a country that has had much western influence thanks to centuries of colonial rule.

1354059559 0c69d9bf80 Planning a Trip to Bangkok, Thailand Speedlinking
photo by vtveen

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Planning a trip to Batad and Banaue Rice Terraces Speedlinking

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Ifugao Province is best known for the Banaue Rice Terraces, one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Philippines. Though, many seasoned travelers can attest that the best view of the ampitheatre-like rice terraces isn’t actually in Banaue town but in nearby Batad. It would be great to explore both areas to see which has a better view for yourself and also go on a hunt to find out the exact view where the Banaue Rice Terraces in the backside of the PHP1,000 bill was painted. Here’s a helpful list of links when planning on visiting Batad town in Ifugao, Philippines.

2410137216 e48d678151 Planning a trip to Batad and Banaue Rice Terraces Speedlinking
Photo by asteegabo

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Planning a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia Speedlinking

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Traveling around the world has never been easier today all thanks to travel bloggers, who have been very helpful in posting about their experiences, itineraries, and guides. I like to research as much about my trips online before traveling or even just planning. I know it’s hard and tedious work to rummage through search engines for helpful blog posts and forum threads so I hope this will be helpful. Cambodia is one of my top places to visit, I’ve always dreamed of walking through the ancient roads and pathways of Angkor Wat. If plans push through, I might finally be able to step foot in Cambodia soon, so I need to finish my itinerary ASAP.

photo by Stuck in Customs

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Ambot-ah Major Redesign for 2010

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For regular readers of Ambot-ah, you might have already noticed some changes in the look and feel of the blog. This is only the first step in my plans of improving Ambot-ah to a whole new level. This is in light of my plans of venturing out of my hometown, Iloilo, this year and traveling to more places around the Philippines. I’m very excited! I wonder where I’ll end up in the months to come.

9004131 9f68639ccb Ambot ah Major Redesign for 2010