My 2014 Travels: Less But More

2014 was not really a big year for me for travelling because if I compare them to my previous years, I can call this sparse in comparison. But, these few trips that I had last year were very note-worthy and definitely hit a spot in my memorable trips list.

So here they are:

MONTH: January
1. BACOLOD 

Hello, King Kong! I can see your cavities!
This was taken at the Campuestohan Highland Resort. Fairly new but was getting positive nods by local Bacolodnons and tourists because this was something different. Clouds are literally level with you at times, weather is fine and attractions here are fun. Family-oriented getaway for sure.

A lot of picture-worthy moments when you visit here. Visiting here is encouraged. You may also spend the night, they have cute cottages with reasonable rates.
TIP: If you will go on a day trip only, be sure to leave the resort before dark because the roads leading back to the city are not lighted yet (when I was here last January) and it was kind of scary, but exciting. Hehe! Our transpo was stopped by soldiers at a checkpoint and seeing their rifles/guns were a bit unnerving. 

MONTH: March and April
2. MANILA

The newly-opened Manila Cathedral after a 2-year hiatus due to massive renovation efforts. It was worth the wait. It is now more beautiful than ever!

Luneta Park and Kilometer 0 marker.

Revisiting National Museum every now and then is good for us. A reminder of our historical past never ceases to surprise me. Exploring the two buildings will give you quite a walking workout. Highly recommended!

Facade of the Manila City Hall and the crochet exhibit of a friend at the Museong Pambata.

Paco Park will take you back in time.
 And it's a great place to just sit down and unwind. This is also the place where our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was interred after his execution.

For love of beautiful sunsets.
You need not go far because one of the spectacular sunset views can be witnessed at the Manila Bay area. 

MONTH: August
3. TACLOBAN, LEYTE

Revisited the Leyte Landing Memorial Park.
 Last time I came here was way back 2007. This trip was a memorable and touching one because this was post-Typhoon Yolanda. We got to hear stories of survival and also saw how the locals are coping after the devastation.

Hello Samar! Hello Leyte! I've stepped on both provinces! I still was not able to do my plan which was to walk the entire length of the bridge but still, this recent walkathon was much farther than my last attempt. 

New landmarks.
The fallen ships that were swept onshore by Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan. 

MONTH: August
4 PALOMPON, LEYTE

Kalanggaman Island.
3 hours away from Tacloban. The island was devastated by typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan and locals feared that the two sandbars would not return to normal but it did. So beautiful! This is one of the sandbars. We were not able to go to the other one because we were fully satisfied with this beauty already.

MONTH: September
5. TAIWAN

At the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial Hall.
 The heat did not deter us from enjoying ourselves. 

Taipei 101.
 This building houses the world's fastest passenger elevator, per Guinness World Records.

Taipei Zoo.
The largest zoo in Asia. Of pandas, koalas, elephants and hippopotamuses. 

Touring the city.

Epic lunch at Din Tai Fung.

Ampalaya shake, anyone? Once is enough for me though.

Food tripping at the Shilin Night Market and Ximending Night Market. Top reason why I would come back to Taiwan is because of their street foods. So good and so cheap!

Hoping for big time travels for 2015! I'm claiming it! =)


~Lovelee~


Check out my 2012 and 2013 travel summary here:

2012 Travels

2013 Travels