As soon as we got off the bus at KLCC, we went straight to Suria KLCC Mall located at the base of the Petronas Twin Towers. Walking under the imposing twin spires was exhilarating as ever. I was still awed by the Petronas Twin Towers even though it has already been overthrown as the “tallest building in the world” and continue to drop in rank among the world’s tallest. I still marvel at its beautiful architecture - an awe-inspiring blend of steel and glass in a well-balanced fusion of curves and edges. We spent most of our time taking photos of the Petronas Twin Towers during our stop at the KLCC. There wasn’t anything remarkable with the mall itself. The Philippines has been blessed with best “mall experience” in the region, in my opinion.

Getting to Suria KLCC Mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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The KL Tower along with the Petronas Twin Towers are two of the most recognizable landmarks of Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Going up the skybridge of the Petronas Twin Towers was one of the highlights during my trip to KL last year. This time, I had the chance to go up the KL Tower observation deck. Kewl! Another chance to enjoy an aerial view of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

421-meter KL Tower, the 7th tallest freestanding structure in the world

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Thean Hou Temple (or Tian Hou Temple) is a large Chinese (buddhist/taoist) temple built by the Hainanese community living in Kuala Lumpur. It was the first stop on our “shore excursion” day tour of KL. After arriving in Port Klang during our cruise to Malayisa, we hopped on the ”shore excursion” bus and went straight to the Thean Hou Temple. It took only one hour from Port Klang to KL. Great to be back in Malaysia!

Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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Orchard Road is known as the premiere shopping destination in Singapore. I’m no a shopaholic but I do enjoy my trips to the mall. I always look forward to visiting shopping centers during my trips, especially because I’ve always been frustrated at the limited options in my city. While waiting for the late afternoon boarding call of our cruise to Malaysia, I decided to have a quick visit to Orchard Road. I didn’t have enough time to make a worthwhile shopping run so I decided to do a quick walking tour of Orchard Road instead. I just really wanted to get a glimpse of this well celebrated shopping mecca.

Orchard Road generously shaded by tall trees.

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I’ve been longing to get a sweeping aerial view of Singapore. Great to finally have my Singapore Flyer experience! The Singapore Flyer is one of the city-state’s biggest crowd drawers. Giant Ferris wheels (at least ones built taller than the original Ferris Wheel) aren’t exactly an original idea. Many cities around the world have already ripped-off the concept behind the London Eye. Though, the Singapore Flyer beats all others by being the tallest Ferris wheel in the world at a dizzying 165 meters. Talk about taking your run-of-the-mill children’s ride to the next level!?

Full view of the Singapore Flyer, the tallest Ferris wheel in the world.

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I was back at Dangkalan Beach Resort at 7am. I got worried since I still needed to do the long commute from Bulusan, Sorsogon to Legazpi for my 2pm return flight to Manila. I hurriedly packed my bags, took quick morning shots of Dancalan Beach, and flagged the first jeepney to Sorsogon City. I hope I’d make it in time, I’d have to spend another night in Legazpi if I miss my flight.

Dancalan Beach in Bulusan, Sorsogon

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We went straight to Fragrance Hotel Selegie after a fulfilling dinner at Pasta de Waraku. Every passing moment is an opportunity to discover something new, especially if its in a foreign land. It took just one person to say the idea aloud to find out ALL of us were secretly plotting the same game plan: Taking a midnight walk in Little India. We visited Mustafa Centre despite the tiring 3-hour flight to Singapore. Great to know I’d be spending the next three days with like-minded travelers :D

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Lake Bulusan got me curious after reading how it has been described as the “Switzerland of the Orient.” I was excited to finally get to visit a sizable mountain lake for the first time. I would have already satisfied that goal in Lake Lanao if it weren’t for my major Marawi mishap :( It was already dark when I arrived in Bulusan (I came all the way from Caramoan) and I still had no idea where to spend the night. The van driver told me there weren’t much accommodations in Bulusan town proper and suggested I stay at one of the beach resorts along Dancalan Beach, located just before the town proper area. Since I wasn’t able to research about places to stay in Bulusan, I had to take his word for it :( I really just needed to find a safe place to spend the night so I can visit Lake Bulusan early morning the next day.

Colorful  kayaks docked at Lake Bulusan in Sorsogon Province

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My plan was to do a commuting tour of three towns/cities dotting the western coast of Albay (Tiwi, Tabaco City, and Santo Domingo) before going on the long ride from Legazpi City to Bulusan, Sorsogon. I dropped off infront of the Tiwi Church after an amazing jeepney ride along the PARTIDO coastal highway. I first knew of Tiwi, Albay because of its famous hot springs, a regular item on our Philippine geography class waaaay back in elementary school.

Tiwi Church (San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish)

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