Hawaii 2012: Waikiki Beach Strip

Waikiki Beach – the essence of Honolulu.  Finally, I’m writing about it.  The anticipation I felt until I get to write this post pales in comparison to the anticipation of going here as soon as I first set foot in Hawaii. 

I think this photo sums up my expectation of what Hawaii looks like.  Sunbathers sprawling across the white, powdery sand; coconut trees lining up the perimeter; surfer dudes; cool blue water… and lofty hotels in the backdrop.

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Hawaii 2012: Oahu Island Roadtrip

At last, I was in Honolulu!

As soon as I got off the plane, I wanted see the famous Waikiki strip! I don’t want to burst your bubble but before I focus on the specifics, I’d like to dedicate this post to the whole island of Oahu. This island (one among four major islands in Hawaii as I’ve mentioned here) is not just Waikiki. It is a paradise all around.

One sunny (of course) weekend, we went on a road trip around the whole island of Oahu. Everywhere I looked, it was a beautiful sight.

There are beaches, mountains, greens, rivers…

… and a pineapple plantation.

If Waikiki beach gets too crowded, there are many other options around the island to choose from. Hawaii is never short of beaches.

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Singapore 2012: East Coast

Singapore’s East Coast is mostly a residential area.  We went there so we could see what the city looks like in the suburbs.  What I can stay is that the area is clean and green and perfect for biking.

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Singapore 2012: Sentosa Beach

I was looking forward to writing this post revolving around the beautiful pictures I have taken.  The exact reason why Singapore became one of my most favorite destinations is because of Sentosa.  It makes Singapore not just a finance center, all grayed out by the tallest buildings, but a city that marries progress and nature.

Sentosa is a small island easily accessible by train.

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Siquijor 2011: The Church, Waterfalls, and the Beach

After our Dumaguete trip, we went to the island of Siquijor.  We rode on a couple of these mini jeepneys to get around.

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Dumaguete 2011: Apo Island

Dumaguete is a city in Southern Negros. It is famous for Siliman University and Apo Island, among others. Apo Island is one of the top snorkel and dive sites and what’s unique about it is the abundance of pawikans or sea turtles. I actually saw one just near the coast! Too bad I didn’t have an underwater camera.

I hope my “on land” photos make up for it.

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Cebu 2011: Imperial Palace and Island Hopping

Part of my job is to get professional and industry updates. That year, the destination of an annual conference was in the Queen City of the South, Cebu! Specifically, it was in Imperial Palace, a 5-star resort in Mactan, which is basically an island surrounded by pristine white beaches.

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Camiguin 2011: One-Stop Shop

A Camiguin local once told me back in 2009 that their island is a one-stop shop.  They have beaches, cold spings, hot springs, you name it.  Unfortunately, I was not able to tour back then because I was too busy examining a closed bank (hmmmph!).

On my second time going to Camiguin, my friends and I did it all!

Waterfalls

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Vietnam 2011: Nha Trang

When going to another country, it’s not enough to just see the city.  Seeing the rural side is also a must!

And so we found Vietnam’s beachside, Nha Trang.  From Saigon, we took a six-hour overnight train to reach this breath of fresh salty air.

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Cebu 2010: Camotes Islands

Our Team christmas parties are always out of town. Awesomeness.  That year, we were in Cebu’s Camotes Islands.

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Bohol 2010: The Beach Club

I am part of this professional organization that holds annual conventions.  It’s a real privilege to be sponsored by my company to attend that year.

I have to admit I was a bit disappointed that it was in Bohol. Not that I don’t love the Bohol. I do! I think the place is great!  But as you’ve seen in my previous posts, I’ve been there, done that.  I really hoped to go somewhere new.

But oh well.  Free travel is free travel, right?

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Bohol 2009: Panglao Beach

The Chocolate Hills are not the only ooohhh-worthy sight in Bohol. The beaches there are also divine!

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