THE WANDER GIRLS’ TOP 10 +1 TIPS: MACAU

By: Ysabel Villaflor

1. GRAB A MAP AT THE AIRPORT AFTER IMMIGRATION.

Why? When most of people don’t speak English and when those who do seem so unclear, the MAP is your best friend. Don’t worry, it’s free and it’s translated in different languages. Be sure to get one in your language. If you do forget to grab a copy at the airport, don’t fret, there are free maps available at the Tourism Office at Senado Square.

2. TRANSLATE YOUR DESTINATIONS IN CHINESE.

If you’re riding a taxi or taking the bus routes, the best way to communicate with your cabbie is showing him your destination in Chinese. Why? Most of the people in Macau hardly speak any English. Case in point: when my friend and I arrived in Macau at 12am, we didn’t have a tour bus waiting for us. So we decided to take the taxi. Before we went out the airport, we approached the Airport Information Desk and had the officer translate the name of our hotel in Chinese. It only took a nod for the cabbie to get it, and in no time, we were already at our destination. No misunderstanding, no Charades. You can also try getting the hotel's business cards since most are written in Chinese with English translations.

Added Tip: When in the Tourism office, grab brochures of your destination. Usually, the pics from the brochures is enough for the cabbies to understand where you want to go. J

Another tip: Lining up for a taxi is not a practice some locals do. So be fast to grab on to your cab unless you want someone else to go ahead before you.

3. CONVERT CURRENCY IN HK$.

If you are going trans-country between Hong Kong and Macau, it is better to convert your money in HK$. Why? Because HK$ are widely accepted in Macau BUT not vice-versa. 1 MOP (Macau Pataca) is almost equivalent to 1 Hong Kong Dollar anyways. It saves you time from going again and again at a money exchanger.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FREE SHUTTLE SERVICES!

The Venetian, the Wynn just to name a few, offer free shuttle service.

Whether you will be coming from the airport or the ferry, these buses can drive you to and from their hotels. A bus leaves every 15-minutes so it’s convenient and saves you a lot of time and money.

5. AVOID THE CROWD, GO AT NIGHT

Going around the famous spots like the Ruinas can be a pain if you go during rush hour. The crowds are thick and there maybe some shoving involved. The best way to see Senado and the Ruins is at night. No crowds. No shoving. The best part: all the sites are lit up at night for better appreciation: here's a Link to know what i mean: http://wandergirls.blogspot.com/2010/12/macau-at-night.html

6. BRING A UNIVERSAL ADAPTOR

The electrical outlet in Macau is 3 pronged with the two prongs at the top arranged horizontally and the third one vertically. Unless you want to look for a hardware or electrical company in Macau, having universal adaptor is your best bet.

7. ASK VACANCY AT BUDGET HOTEL IN THE MORNING

Don’t bother asking at night. Most of the receptionists at these hotels would only accommodate pre-booked clients via travel agency or websites such as macau.com or agoda .com who have their rooms ready. In the morning, when most guests check-out, it is the best to ask. Besides, the night receptionists who are at these budget hotels don’t speak any English and their jobs are purely ministerial i.e. giving the keys to the guests.

8. BRINGING HOME THE EGG TARTS

The best souvenir to bring from Macau is the famous Portuguese Egg Tart. Looking for them is another story. If you are buying at the Venetian on the way to the airport, Koh Kei Bakery charges MOP1 more than if you buy outside the Venetian.

9. BRING HAND-CARRY SIZED LUGGAGE ON THE FERRY/ TAKE NOTE OF EXCESS BAGGAGE REQUIREMENTS

Most ferry companies charge MOP20 for oversized luggage. So the best bet is to bring hand-carry sized bags because they won’t cost you. It’s nice to shop at bargain prices but take note of your airline’s excess baggage charge. Your bargains might bite you back in the butt. If you’re flying via Cebu Pacific, the maximum weight is 15kgs per person and 7kgs for the hand carry luggage. Any excess will be charged MOP30 per kilo.

Another Tip: Once you go through the X-ray machine of the Macau International Airport, try not to open your bags and take-out or put in stuff in your bag. Why? Because you would have to re-do going through X-ray AGAIN for putting stuff in or out of your bag. True story. I can attest to that.

10. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE FREE FOOD

The street leading to Rua Do Sao Paulo is laden with free goody treats… so take advantage of the free food while experiencing the sights. You might be surprised how good those cookies are. Egg Tarts however, don’t have free tastes.

+ 1 TIP: BRING BONAMINE OR ANTI-MOTION DRUG.

The ferry ride can be bumpy. Do yourself a favor and drink 1 tablet before you go.

Love,

WGysabs

December 28, 2010

CANYON BOUTIQUE HOTEL, AMMAN, JORDAN
“My Favorite Hotel in my Holyland Trip”

Canyon Boutique Hotel
Adeeb Wahbeh Street | PO Box: 144590, Amman 11814, Jordan




By: Ysabs Villaflor

LOCATION: off the main road in downtown Amman, right in front of grocery store with 24-hour service.

FEEL: very modern, clean, small, luxurious boutique inn with only 5 stories. very intimate and very charming.

PERSONAL: I was with a group of tourists and it was the last hotel we stayed at from a number of hotels in the Holyland tour. I would like to say that this hotel left a very nice impression on me. It was such a nice surprise since most of the hotels we stayed at during the tour were mostly big hotels which have franchises in different countries.  This was such a welcome change.

THE ROOMS: are spacious, clean, and very new. they have modern facilities like flat screen television, nice lighting/ had a queen size bed all to myself and had an amazing time sleeping on the very comfortable bed.









THE BATHROOM: is spacious, without a tub. There is a heater, an intercom in the bathroom. The toiletries are always refreshed and the towels are always laundered.

my sick niece in her bed, requested for Adobo.

THE FOOD: is good! I tried the breakfast buffet which has a variety of continental and middle eastern fare. Compared to the other big hotel buffets I tried during the tour, the dishes are more adjusted to Western taste but still middle eastern. Dinner is fusion of international and middle eastern dishes. Both times, delicious. Dishes could also be requested. My niece who was sick, requested for a Filipino dish, which the chef was able to come up with- it was so good, my sis-in-law asked the Chef how it was made so she can duplicate it at home!  The Chef, gladly gave away his recipe.


THE SERVICE: the staff will make you feel right at home and always willing to help out in which ever way they can. Most of the managerial staff are big handsome men, in very snazzy suits, and always with a ready smile. Since it is a small boutique hotel, most of the staff are multi-taskers and may be assigned to do more than one thing. Our waiters are always willing to help us with our questions regarding anything.

breakfast buffet

OTHER AMENITIES: a computer at the lobby to catch up on emails, 5th floor roofdeck which has a restaurant and shisha bar- with an amazing view of th city. it is the perfect way to spend a lazy night chatting with friends and drinking coffee

MY RATING: 4 out of 5 STARS !

the view from the 5th floor of the Canyon

Midnight Snacks at the 5th floor of the hotel with friends I met on the tour

LOCATION: a few minutes away from the town proper. a ride can cost P9.50 per person on a tricycle or walking can be an option too.

FEEL: a homey, quiet, laid back resort. They have an assortment of bungalows in the traditional Philippine architecture and rooms to choose from.

THE ROOMS: clean and roomy. The extra mattress in the room was so comfortable that you wouldn't even think that you slept on the floor. But since it is a garden resort, you will have the occasional sounds at night - from crickets to large lizards. Note the murals all over the walls. Each cottage had its own theme.

THE BATHROOM: - unusually huge with heater.However, you would have to bring your own shampoo and toiletries since the only thing they offer is soap and toilet paper. The spacious bathroom is due to the plant life space in the bathroom which also serves as a drainage when water flows out the shower. Very clever and very practical.

THE COST: For a 4 day stay at this place, I was surprised at the amount I paid - unbelievably cheap - a cottage costs P1880 or around $40 for 4 persons. (Note: This was in 2009 so you have to check again)

THE FOOD: the best breakfast in Coron! They make their own Pancakes. And it's not the regular thick kind! It's thin - bordering on "crepe-like" BUT absolutely delicious! They make them fresh ala minute (to order). Pretty impressive.

DO TRY - Mango Pancakes, Apple Pancakes, Banana Pancakes. You can even request your own fruit pancake. Don't forget to try the pancakes with the local Palawan Honey -- it's so YUMMY!!!

THE SERVICE: the staff is mostly comprised of women. Unless you tell them through a sign at the door to clean your room or you tell them directly to clean your room, they won't. The staff is helpful when touring and can lend a hand while arranging transport to the airport.

OTHER AMENITIES: the children can have fun with the additional big swings and the kiddie

pool. There are also available toys like volleyball and soccer the kids could borrow and play in the large garden area.

the kids trying out their new playground

PERSONAL: Our group booked 4 cottages with airconditioning, each had it's own murals and themes. It kind of reminds you of children's playrooms which will make you feel comfortable and at home at once.

Note: This resort is for those who don't mind getting a bit adventurous and playful. :) It's on the unconventional side, but definitely homey and comfortable. I would go back here in no time.

Photo Credits: Juvie Villaflor, Koke Villaflor, Ysabs Villaflor

My rating: 3 STARS

We stayed at Milflores for 4 days during peak season of Christmas (Dec26-29). I was with a very large group that we took up the entire 3rd floor of the building. I was pleasantly surprised with the amenities and the quality of this place. When you get a hotel with a certain price range, you sort of expect a certain quality. With Milflores, the price was a steal! You get a room which feels like a luxury hotel at a very underrated price! Plus, the staff will make you feel right at home and the quality of service makes you feel like you're the only client that they have. I'm so happy with the stay that I am considering making it my home when in Boracay when I go back for summer. check this place out. It is so WORTH your money :)

the rooms have 2 Queen size beds that are so comfortable with extra pillows

arriving at Milflores. Note the smile: very impressed already.  See on right: restaurant which serves pre-chosen breakfast the day before

catching a few zzzzzz's before going off for a very late merienda

the hotel features paintings by Filipino artists like Beth Parrocha

our balcony at Milflores De Boracay.

that's Silver, the go-to-guy at Milflores. taken from our balcony

the view from across the hotel.

note the flat screen and many storage areas