Get a letter of invitation or travel support (for Russia tourist visa)

What is a Letter of Invitation or Travel Visa Support Letter ?

This is the most important document that you need to present but should not be confused for a hotel reservation. A Travel Visa Support letter is not the same as a hotel voucher/reservation. A hotel voucher is not necessary to get you a visa but a Travel Visa Support letter will.

What is the difference ?

A hotel voucher may be obtained by booking a hotel through various entities such as the hotel itself, hotel booking engines such as booking.com , travel agents .

A Travel Support Letter (one that is required by the Russian embassy) must come from an authorized Russian Travel Agency or Russian Hotel.

Where to get it ?

Option 1: Email your hotel in Russia and ask for it. 

Option 2: Get it from your local travel agent to lessen the stress and hassle of getting one.

Option 3: Get a letter on your own. 

Option #3 gives you the freedom to shop around. Please bear in mind that the travel support letter is not free nor does it have a fixed price. My best option was to look for the most affordable service fee i can find.

The travel support letter fees i found in the net ranges from 30usd to as high as 60usd per applicant. 

Here's what a Travel Support Letter looks like :

TRAVEL SUPPORT LETTER 

There are 4 important components (encircled in violet) of the Travel Support letter that should appear in your application form:

1. Name of the Host Company

2. Address of the Host Company

3. Reference Number

4. Confirmation Number

Note : The hotels and travel dates declared in your travel support letter must be the same as in your application form.

And here's how to complete the Russian visa application form . 

How i got my Russian Tourist Visa

Philippine passport holder need a visa to enter Russia. Compared to other countries that i have previously applied for a visa like Schengen , Japan , Taiwan , China etc , Russian tourist visa application is fairly simple and non-complicated . 

Upon checking  their website , there are only five (5) documents to prepare .

TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS :
1. Duly filled up application form 
2. A valid passport (passport must be valid not less than 6 months from your date of departure from Russia)
3. One passport sized photo (attached to the application form with glue)
4. Travel Support/Confirmation from an authorized Russian Travel Agency.
5. Airline Tickets (travel dates must be the same as the confirmation and application form)

1, HOW TO FILL UP THE APPLICATION FORM

The application form is available at visa.kdmid.ru 

The link will open to the site as pictured above. Choose your country and language. Read the information in the blue box and then click Complete New Application Form .

Note : The application must be filled up online.

You must create your password so you can retrieve your application form in the future . One must also take note of the Application ID for future reference.

VISA DETAILS

Select Tourism as your purpose of visit . Common Tourist as visa category. 

The date of entry and exit to/from Russia must be same as in your airline tickets. It should be the exact date of your entry date and exit date.

PERSONAL DETAILS

Personal details are pretty much explainable but at this point you may save your work as draft. You may retrieve it again by using your password and application ID (which hopefully you have stored). Next page enter your Passport details which basically you will find in your passport :)

PASSPORT DETAILS

Now here's the tricky part :

VISIT DETAILS

Remember? One of the requirements is a Travel Support/Confirmation from an authorized Russian Travel Agency. If you have been able to contact one prior to filling up this form then input the info regarding the Name of Organization , address , their reference number and the confirmation number they have provided.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

The information being asked above is basically your permanent address and work details.

APPOINTMENT DETAILS

Appointment will be set at the Embassy of Russia in Manila.

Click the Next button and a summary of everything will be displayed. Check very carefully if you have missed / mispelled info from your entries. 

If you feel you are satisfied with it then you may Click and Submit .

Print the application form and glue your passport sized photo .

Don't forget to affix your signature.

Here's a sample print out of the application form :

Yellow highlighted part were intentional to protect our personal identity. Thank you.

As you can see it's fairly simple. Once you have printed the form , gather all the remaining requirements and head to their office in Makati . Don't forget to bring your payment :):)

The embassy also allows representative or travel agents to submit documents on behalf of the applicant. 

Visa Section of the Embassy of Russia in Manila address :

Room 402 A , 4th Flr , RCI Building

105 Rada Street Legazpi Village

Makati City MM Phils

Contact them at :

810-9581

Visa submission days :

Monday - Wednesday - Friday

0900am - 1200nn

Visa Fee : (updated Feb 22, 2017)

P 3,750/applicant - single entry

But do please check their website for more information . All information in this blog has been my personal experience and I will not be held liable if there are  changes in information. It is best to contact the authority before submitting your application.

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING THIS MATTER? I WOULD HAPPILY ACCOMODATE AND ANSWER FROM BELOW :)

Guide in applying for a Japan Tourist Visa (for Filipinos)

With the advent of low cost carriers offer of  cheap airfares to Japan  (hello Ceb Pac Piso Fare and Jetstar Friday Frenzy) comes the surge of Filipinos wanting to travel to the Land of the Rising Sun. But hold on to your credit card and do not buy that ticket just yet (eventhough it's super cheap and irresistible). We Filipinos need a tourist visa (like you don't know?). 

So without further ado, here are the simple steps in getting one :

The official website of the Embassy of Japan in Manila is a gold mine of information . Everything you need to know can be found under the Visa Section Information. Read thoroughly on which visa to apply and its corresponding requirements .

And if you feel that there is an overload of information on the japan embassy website then just continue on reading here so i can spoonfeed you (hahaha)

For tourists , requirements are :

1. Original Passport - must be at least 6 months valid at the time of departure from Japan and must have at least 2 blank pages .

2. Visa Application - duly filled up  (you may download it here) - must be printed in A4size paper

3. One recent 2X2 photograph  (white background)

4. NSO Birth Certificate (must be valid within 1 year) 

5. NSO Marriage Certificate (if applicable)

6. Day to Day Itinerary or Schedule of Stay

7. For Employees - Certificate of Employment , Leave of Absence, ITR

8. For Business owners - Business permits , DTI , SEC , ITR

9. Bank Certificate

Where to submit your application ?
The Japan Embassy does not accept walk in applicants . They have a List of Accredited Travel Agencies wherein you can submit your application. Or you may visit your favored Travel Agent and they can also submit your application for you for a nominal fee.

If you are filing as a group or family you may assign a person (must be part of the travelling group/family) to submit the application in behalf of the group/family. Just make sure everything is in order and complete because your representative cannot answer for you if you have missing forms/requirements.

The visa fee is "gratis" but the travel agencies collect a handling or service charge . 

Processing time
It normally takes 3 to 5 working days to process your visa. If you receive a call from the agency it's either you lack some documents and you need to furnish them asap or your passport is ready for pickup.

Good luck and enjoy your ramenlicious visit to Japan! :)

How i applied for a Schengen Visa through Czech Republic Embassy in Manila

Ahhh....Europe... Everybody's travel bucket list. But getting there is half the fun. Amidst the planning and saving for the trip , one thing we dread most is applying for the most coveted entry visa.

I applied through Czech Republic Embassy in Manila because i will be staying the longest days in Prague. My itinerary is 5 days in Prague  Czezh Rep , 3 days in Paris France and 4 days in Rome Italy and so i had to apply through the Czech Rep Embassy.

Since this is my first schengen visa application , i  browsed the internet in search of blogs that would help me with my agenda. I only found a few who shared their experiences during their application process through Czech Rep embassy. I was worried that this embassy is notorious in denying visas.

Preparing the requirements
Anyway, i proceeded to preparing the required documents. Based on the official website of the embassy here are the requirements for Tourist visa application.
1. Duly filled out application form  (pls download it through the link)
2. Valid Passport - should at least be 6 months valid at the start of your travel date
3. One passport sized photo - must be recent
4. Hotel accomodation confirmation
5. Proof of financial means - Bank Certificate and Bank Statements (3months)
Note :The Official Bank Certificate must include a paragraph containing waiver of rights to release information to the Embassyof the Czech Republic - Visa Section. If this is not possible, a separate authorization letter addressed to the bank concerned must be produced, signed by the accountholder and acknowledged by the bank representative (whether by signature or by stamp), a copy of which must be submitted to the Embassy at the time of application.
6. Flight Reservation
7. Travel Medical Insurance
8. For Employees - COE and Leave of Absence
9. For Business owners - Business permits/DTI/SEC
10. For students - Certificate of Enrollment
11. For minors - Affidavit of Support , Copy of parent's passport, NSO BC, DSWD clearance (if not travelling with parents)

Hotel accomodation confirmation , Flight Reservation , Travel medical insurance can be obtained thru your trusted travel agency for a nominal fee.

Once i am pretty sure that i have completed everything , i need to set an appointment .

Appointment Setting 
After preparing all the requirements , i needed to set an appointment with the embassy to submit my documents. You cannot just walk in and announce to them your visa application. Appointment setting is done through VISAPOINT.  (https://visapoint.eu/disclaimer)

Visa lodging days are Tuesday , Wedneday and Thursday ONLY at 0900am to 1200pm. Personal appearance is required for biometrics and a thorough interview.

On the day of my appointment 
My appointment was at 0900am and i was there 1 hour before the set time. I was specially early because i meant to avoid the traffic. It is better to be early than miss my chance to be interviewed. The guard at the 30th floor of the Rufino Tower where the embassy office was located informed me to go to the canteen first and come back when the embassy open. Their office is quite small and there are no lounging areas.

I came back after 1 hour and i was ushered into the office where other visa applicants are waiting. I was 3rd to be interviewed. We were asked to sit in the waiting area before our turn comes for the interview. I can hear the exchange of questions and answers between the visa officer and the applicant since the room is quite small.

When my turn came , i went into the room and one male visa officer (Czech national) and one female assistant (Filipina) was standing in front of me. I greeted them good morning and I immediately handed them my documents. Then they proceeded with the biometrics (fingerprinting/photo/signature). After which then came the questions.

Here are some of the questions asked (as i recall)
1. What are you going to do in Prague ?  Ans : For tourism / vacation
2. How long are you going to stay in Prague ? Ans : 5 days
3. Do you work ? What do you do ? Ans : told them my line of job and business i have
4. How many siblings do you have ? What kind of job do they have ?  Ans : narrated my siblings work
5. Which countries have you been to ? Ans : told them the list of countries ive visited already

Male visa officer was a good natured guy but his Filipina assistant is quite cynical. Or maybe she was just like that to scare people off. Maybe its a strategy of embassy staff to be hostile to test if you are telling them the truth.

Be honest with your answers. These people are trained and they can tell if you are lying through your teeth. And if they feel you are not telling the truth it may cost you your application. Remember that the visa fee is non refundable.

Visa Processing time 
My interview was on a Tuesday and they told me to call them Monday (the following week) to follow up if my passport is ready for pickup the next day (tuesday). They normally give a decision within 5 working days after the interview/submission. Wow ! only 5 working days! Unlike other embassies which normally takes at least 15 working days to release your passport.

In other individual cases , it may take up to 30 to 60 working days . But mine was released after 5 working days.

You may also authorize other person to pickup your passport. Pickup days are Tuesdays , Wednesday, and Thursday at 1200nn to 100pm only.

I hope this will somehow help you with your Schengen Tourist Visa application.
Please comment below if you have questions. I would be glad to help you in any way i can. :)

How to apply for a Schengen Visa ?

Applying for a travel visa is something we Filipinos have to endure. Preparing the documents , submission , the interview and the waiting game that comes along with the process brings stress and dilemma to each and every traveller . No pain , no gain as the old adage says. I , for one went through it. 

The application process may slightly differ depending on which embassy you are intending to apply to but the required documents are almost the same. I also have read that there are embassies that has a higher visa approval rate compared to others. 

The advantage of getting a schengen visa is that  one visa gives you freedom to travel to 26 different EU nations. Below are the list of EU nations under the Schengen Agreement.

Austria                                                      Portugal

Belgium                                                    Slovakia

Czech Republic                                        Slovenia

Denmark                                                  Spain

Estonia                                                     Sweden

Finland                                                     Switzerland

France                                                      Lichtenstein                      

Germany  

Greece

Hungary

Iceland

Italy

Latvia

Lithuania

Luxembourg

Malta

Netherlands

Norway

Poland

And so, what are the steps in applying for a Schengen Visa?

I have applied through the Czech republic embassy in Manila before and i just followed these simple steps. 

Step 1 : Determine which embassy to submit your application

If you are travelling to only one EU country then you have not much of a problem but if you are intending to travel to 2 or more state then you must follow the rule . It is highly suggested to apply in the embassy of the country you will be staying the longest. What if you'll be spending equal number of days ?  Then apply to where you will be entering first according to your itinerary.

For example : 

(entry) 4days France + 3days Spain + 7days Italy (exit)  = Apply in Italy Embassy

(entry) 4days France + 4days Italy (exit)  = Apply in France Embassy

It will also help if you have an itinerary prepared for your trip to determine exactly your embassy . 

Step 2 : Prepare your Documents

Now that you have determined which embassy to apply to check the official website of that particular embassy for the required documents. As i have said every embassy has their own set of required documents. Others such as the French Embassy require a Cover Letter but the Czech Rep Embassy and the Netherlands Embassy does not need one. So read through and carefully take note of the requirements because it can make or break your chances of getting a Schengen Visa. Remember that these embassies are quite busy and they are quite unforgiving if you appear before them with incomplete/missing documents.

So check, double check the requirements. If you are unsure or have questions  , you may contact them prior to your appointment . 

Generally speaking the required documents for Tourist Visa are :

1. Original Passport

2. 2x2 photo 

3. Duly Filled up Application Form

4. Proof of Employment - Certificate of Employment , Leave of Absence, ITR

5. For business owners - DTI/SEC/ ITR

6. Proof of sufficient means of substinence - Bank Certificate , Bank Statements (6months)

7. Day to Day Itinerary 

8. Proof of accomodation - Hotel Reservation

9. Airline Reservation

10. Travel Insurance 

Numbers 7-10 can be acquired from a travel agency for a nominal fee.

Step 3 : When to apply

You may apply as early as 3 months prior to your intended travel date and the latest at least 20 working days before your travel date. Give yourself enough time because you will never know if the release of your passport will be delayed. 

One rule to apply here is, DON'T BUY your tickets yet. The embassy does not require you to buy your tickets . In fact it is not an advantage if you show them a finalized ticket. 

Step 4 : Set an appointment 

You need to call the embassy or the visa application center (handling the visa of a particular embassy) to set an appointment for interview and submission of documents.

Step 5 : Submit your requirements/Pay the Visa Fee

Some Embassies conduct interview upon submission of application some do not. Certainly, biometrics are taken upon submission. You should also prepare your payment in CASH (peso currency) or a Managers Check (in the case of a Visa Application Center). 

Be sure to bring all pertinent papers because as i said it can make or break your application. The embassy may also ask for additional documents from you if they deemed it to be necessary.

Step 6 : Waiting Game

The embassy or the Visa Application Center will designate a date of release of your passport (with ot without a visa stamp). All you have to do is wait and pray that your application shall be successful. Processing time varies with each embassy .

If you are granted a visa be sure to abide by the rules and DO NOT OVERSTAY. 

But what if you are not fortunate to get a visa? You may apply again depending on the rules of the embassy . Inquire through the embassy.

Good luck to all visa applicants of Schengen :)

You may also want to read how i got my Schengen Tourist visa through the Czech Rep Embassy in Manila.

Baguio - Educational Field Trip

Our students from Bulacan State University was overly excited on the 3rd day of our educational field trip. The first few days spent in the Ilocos Region was a complete success but very tiring because of the heat. They enjoyed most part of their trip especially during the boodle fight served in Ihawan sa Caoayan .

See happy faces. Clearly enjoying the good weather in Baguio.

Baguio is well loved by many tourists because of its clean air, fairly cold weather, and good food. It is the summer capital of the Philippines and just 6 hours away from Manila.
We left Vigan at around 3pm and arrived in Baguio approx. 8pm in time for dinner. It was an uneventful land trip because everybody was tired and opt to sleep the rest of the way.

Oh how the students loved Baguio. They became giggly when they see Igorots in their traditional wear . They jumped for joy when they visited the La Trinidad Strawberry Farm and saw for the first time a strawberry plant . And no matter how cold it was , they were too eager to eat a strawberry flavored ice cream. Even the Taho is strawberry flavored.

Strawberry Flavored (Dirty?) Ice Cream sold at La Trinidad Benguet

Then we toured them at the Taoist Temple/Bell Church.

Bell Church

Other places we visited : Philippine Military Academy, The Mansion , Wright Park, Session Road, Baguio Cathedral, Mines View Park, Burnham Park

Boating @ Burnham Park

Burnham Park and its legendary sunflower plants

Burnham Park hasn't changed a bit since I last visited. Well maybe for some renovations and other add on vendors but it still evokes a feeling of calmness and of sweet childhood memories.
The students enjoyed exploring Burnham Park and buying souveinirs/pasalubong from the nearby Maharlika Market.

We stayed another 2nights in Baguio. It was a successful trip giving the students a much needed break from their thesis writing .

On the 5th day , we safely travelled back to Bulacan where the parents and guardians of our students are patiently waiting for our return. I was more than thankful that I was able to deliver back the students to their respective parents safe and sound.

For travel questions and requests , you may go to our FB page (search : VIAJE ROYALE TRAVEL SERVICES)

We'd be happy to assist you :)

Ilocos Region - educational field trip



Confucius says "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life"
While some of us are blessed with our dream jobs , some still suffer from the rut. I have gone through the worst 9 to 5 routine in the past , jobs that I dreaded , boss that freaks me out , colleagues that were not too friendly, pay that were sub living standards etc. But now I'm happy that I'm in control. The best part is, I can travel whenever and wherever I want.

The best I love about my job is whenever I am at work I can play and play ,(when i'm on vacation) can be a business opportunity. It's a win-win situation eh?

My trip to the Ilocos Region is one of those days that I had to work and play at the same time with 50kids in tow. Graduating Engineering students of the University of Bulacan chose to travel to Ilocos (and Baguio) to cap off their College life. It's an educational trip to kick off and launch their adult life .


Graduating Engineering students of Bulacan State University in tow for an Educational Trip in the Ilocos Region (2015)



Day 01 :
We commenced our trip by visiting Metro Clark Waste Management and Clark Water Treatment Facility . As it was on the way going to Vigan , we spent half day in Clark for the obligatory Plant Tour Visit which was headed by the representative of the Clark Tourism board , Ms Lyzia Marzan.

IE students listening intently on the process of waste management implemented in Clark

Their spokesperson inviting the graduating students to apply at their facility after graduation. Ha!



A quick lunch @Ikabud Restaurant in San Fernando and we were on our way to Vigan.
Vigan is 7 to 8hours from Manila . Or from Clark it's a solid 5 to 6 hours by land. Students took this opportunity to catch some Zzzzzzsss because  pickup at the school premises was early morning.

It was past 9pm already when we arrived in Vigan and everybody was really hungry. And so instead of checking in first we had dinner @Ihawan sa Caoayan. It's a boodle food fight type of serving. Really nice , filling , delicious , authentic and inexpensive. Highly commendable. #Musteat when in Vigan.


Sorry for the crappy picture. It was late at night. Everybody hungry. No more energy for posing .
Long line of boodle fight food served only @Ihawan sa Caoayan. The Best!
 

Day 02:

Save this day for Laoag and Pagudpud. From Vigan we headed to Laoag which is approx. 1hr and 45mins away. 

Beautiful Paoay Church.

 

Paoay Empanada. My Tour Guide Claire says it is different from the Vigan Empanada in terms of filling.
Must Eat! And don't forget to dunk it in sukang iloko. Makes me hungry now while typing :)

And while the students are touring the Paoay Church , I cannot resist the urge to try their famous Paoay Empanada. It costs around 50pesos and delicious! It kept me fueled until we reach our destination in Pagudpud which is another 1hr and a half.

Bangui Windmills

En route to Pagudpud , who wouldn't notice these gigantic fans ? Bangui Windmills is a tourist attraction in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. It's a power generating windmill farm . Need I say more ? :)
This area is best for picture taking only. No swimming please. Water current and waves is strong and the public are advised to stay out of the water. Entrance is FREE but it would not hurt if you buy some trinkets from the locals as souveinir. Help them survive.

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
 

My tour guide , Claire reminded the students to be careful when traversing the rock formations. One slip and you may hurt yourself . And if you're really tired ,there are horses to take you there for a fee .



Group picture @Patapat Viaduct.
Happy students makes us happy too!
 

Day 03 :
Our last day in Ilocos was spent touring Vigan. We started off in Baluarte.

Free entrance in Baluarte. Gov Chavit Singson's pet animals are showcased here.

 

Other Vigan attractions we visited are : St Paul's Cathedral , Burgos Museum , Paburnayan (Jar making), Heritage Village (where you see old houses preserved and souveinir shopping), Bantay Church and Bell Tower .
My favorite place of all Vigan is Plaza Burgos where I can enjoy piping hot Vigan Empanada.

See how it differs in color with the Paoay Empanada. The brightly colored emapanda is enticing to the eye as against the pale colored one in Paoay. My verdict is...... Still Vigan Empanada :)

While my students are touring the Heritage Village, I was munching on this perfect empanada. Sorry students I gotta eat here :)

Our last meal in Ilocos before going up to Baguio is Ihawan sa Caoayan.
To enjoy this fare you must dig in with your bare clean hands.

Now after lunch our students were quite excited because our next stop would be : BAGUIO!!


For travel questions and requests , you may go to our FB page (search : VIAJE ROYALE TRAVEL SERVICES)

We'd be happy to assist you :)






Tour El Nido Palawan

I started this blog when i was in my 30-ish , at the point in my life when i quit the comforts of a monthly paying job and try to earn money from business. I promised myself that if i earn enough that i would treat myself to some luxury such as trips abroad or domestic (within phils). Things i cannot afford when i was still tied up with the corporate world. I am proud to say that i've traveled to most part of Southeast Asia and covered at least 75% of the Philippine islands (that's over exagerating coz we have 7,107 islands in the phils.:):):)). I have my favorites. Apo Reef in Occidental Mindoro tops up my list for its simple beauty. Coron Palawan for its pristine waters and friendly people and grilled fish. I'd go for Boracay for a  beachcapade. And for a really quick getaway i head to Batangas for a diving/snorkeling session.

As you may notice, i like being in the water . I love the beach. My mother would always tell me not to soak up too much sun because i'm brown already (she always has whitening products for me to try on). But alas, no motherly persuasion can deter me from El Nido's warming embrace. :)

El Nido

El Nido has always been compared to Coron. Some people say they prefer Coron over El Nido and some say otherwise. As for moi? I LOVE them both. I love their Karst limestone formations, secret/hidden lagoons , turquoise waters, prehistoric caves , waterfalls, powder fine beaches . I think El Nido has more island tours to offer than Coron. Our 4 day stay in El Nido was so limiting that we had to combine 2 tours in one. Here's our itinerary :

Day 01: Arrive 0900am Puerto Princesa ; airport pickup for transfer to El Nido town.
             Land travel via private van (6 hours) . Arrive town at 0300pm . Check in.
             Buy food supplies from the market for island hopping tour next day.
             SIDETRIP: Marimegmeg beach

Day 02: Tour A & C combination
Helicopter Island
Hidden Beach
Matinloc Shrine
Star Beach
Secret Beach
Hidden Lagoon
Big Lagoon
Small lagoon
Simizu Island
Seven Commando

Day 03: Tour B & D combination
Vigan & Snake Island
Cadugnon point and cave
Pinasil Island and Cathedral Cove
Cadlao Island
Pasandigan beach
Natnat and Ipil beach
Bucal beach
Paradise beach

Day 04: Transfer back to Puerto Princesa city

Tour rates are as follows:
Tour A 

Standard Cost: PhP 700 per person
Main Destination: Miniloc Island
Places to visit:

• Small Lagoon (Miniloc Island)
• Big Lagoon (Miniloc Island)
• Secret Lagoon (Miniloc Island)
• Simizu Island
• Entalula Island
• 7 Commando Beach

Tour B

Standard Cost: PhP 800 per person
Places to visit:

• Snake Island
• Cadugnon Cave
• Pangulasian Island
• Cathedral Cave
• Pinagbuyutan Island

Tour C

Standard Cost: PhP 900 per person
Main Destination: Matinloc Island
Places to visit:

• Matinloc Shrine (Matinloc Island)
• Secret Beach (Matinloc Island)
• Hidden Beach
• Tapuitan Island
• Helicopter Island

Tour D

Standard Cost: PhP 700 per person
Main destination: Cadlao Island
Places to visit:

• Cadlao Lagoon
• Bukal Island
• Ubugon Cave
• Paradise Beach
• Natnat Beach
• Pasandigan Cove

Touring El Nido must not be rushed. I highly suggest you to have at least one (1) week allotted for travel/tour/transfers . But if time is of essence then choose the best tour for you. My personal favorite is TOUR A and TOUR C. I definitely enjoyed the secret passages to hidden lagoons small or big . Truly a paradise for snorkeling and kayaking.

Island Hopping tour essentials (what to bring):
1. Snorkeling gears - mask , snorkel, fins. If you have one at home then you must bring it for hygiene purposes (wink). If you do not own one then the tour company will provide . Request for fins so you may propel yourself better in the water.
2. Dry Bag - or any plastic to protect your belongings from getting wet.
3. Sunblock cream - hey we're in a tropical country and even when you're in the street sun rays can be very very potent.
4. Mosquito repellant cream - we had to bring this for the little ones. We were informed by the boatmen that mosquitoes in Matinloc Shrine can be very nasty. So better be safe than sorry.
5. Swimsuit/rash guard - my swimming attire preference is to always don a rash guard coz i spend most of my time in the water and i easily get ---> you guessed it right ---> rashes .
6. Breads - for fish feeding.
7. Waterproof Camera -best investment you can get if you love being in the water.
8. Snacks / Bottled water - swimming can zap your energy just like that . You cannot find Sari Sari (convenience) stores in any of the islands so bring something to munch on in between activities.
9. A good book - but be sure to stash it in #2.
10. Friends/Family - or if you're a solo traveler it's the best way to create new friends.

See our faces? They're grinning from ear to ear. love the place. @ Matinloc Shrine

Ways to get to EL NIDO (cheap and expensive way)

It's been months and i miss EL Nido Palawan already. Who wouldn't? If only time and much needed resources would permit i would jump on a plane and beach bum until my skin would roast no more. But you see, El Nido is not just a long way from Manila but also direct flights come with a price tag. Don't you worry price is subjective . What might be expensive for me may be affordable for you. Mind you i am just such a miser. I always try to find the most affordable way to travel because i need to cure my itchy feet at least 4 to 5 times a year.

There are two ways to get to El Nido from Manila the cheaper longer route version and the more expensive but shorter route. As of writing there is only one carrier who flies directly to El Nido and that is ITI or Island Transvoyager Inc. They have daily flights from Manila to El Nido and back . Please see below their flight schedules:

Manila to El Nido
etd 0730am - eta 0845am
etd 1130am - eta 1245pm
etd 0300pm - eta 0415pm

El Nido to Manila
etd 0930am - eta 1045am
etd 0100pm - eta 0215pm
etd 0500pm - eta 0615pm

Fares:
One Way - P 6,000++ (adult)  P 4,000++ (child)
Roundtrip - P 12,000++(adult) P 9,000++(child)

You are allowed 10kgs baggage only. In excess you will be charged with P100/kg. Take note that your luggage may be offloaded in the event of aircraft overloading so just bring your essential necessities if you don't want your precious luggages to be left behind. You only need your swimming apparels in the islands because you will be doing a lot of immersing in the water. El Nido's beauty is best viewed in the water under or over it if you know what i mean :)

El Nido airport is just 4 kms out of town. Upon arrival you may hire a local tricycle to bring you to town. Or alternatively, if you've made prior arrangements with your resort for airport pickup then that would be less of a hassle for you.

Tip: Book your flights the earliest possible especially during the peak seasons (Holy Week, Christmas, New Year, Chinese New Year, summer months of April to May). The aircraft can only carry 19 passengers at a time.

Contact them through:

E-mail: elnido@mailstation.net 

Website: www.elnidoresorts.com

Contact No. (632) 894-5644 . Fax (632) 810-3620

Now for the less expensive option which i would take at any given time. You may fly from Manila to Puerto Princesa Palawan and from then on do a 6-7 hour land trip to El Nido. This may be done by boarding a RORO bus or renting a private van if you're a big group.

Airlines flying from Manila to Puerto Princesa are Cebu Pacific, Air Asia Zest , Pal Express

Before leaving for El Nido i have read numerous blogs pertaining to ways on how we can do it the cheapest way . Aparrently there are RORO bus plying the PPS to EL Nido route but as i have learned it would take longer to travel because of stops along the way . We have 3 kids on tow so we opted to get a private van . We arranged it through our guesthouse and saved money with this kind of arrangement because they picked us up at the airport instead of going to San Jose Terminal (in Puerto Princesa City) first.

For a more comprehensive and detailed instruction on how to get to El Nido by land and/or even water, i found this very helpful.

I must tell you that it was a loooonngg and bumpy ride for the most part of it but it was surely worth it. The oooohhhss and the aaahhhs i heard from my family upon reaching El Nido was priceless. It surely was comforting for someone who arranged this itinerary.

What about you? How would you like to travel to El Nido?