Travel Lokal in the ‘New Normal’

Marky Ramone Go May 30, 2020

Despite more than two months of community quarantine and minimal venturing into the outside world—mostly on supply runs—majority of us are fighting cabin fever humoring our predicament and making the most of our downtime. In our minds, we are still living out our wanderlust through reading books, binge-watching, learning online courses, writing and whatever that may stir the pot of our creativity.

Can't wait to hit the road? You shall be back on the road soon (On a bus somewhere in Southern, Cebu)

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Things to do in the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Hoi An, Vietnam

Marky Ramone Go May 26, 2020

While time travel will always be a leading emblem of science fiction, it doesn’t restrict us from getting a peek and a feel into the world of the yester-centuries. The Ancient town of Hoi-An in Vietnam possesses an olden vibe dating back to the 15th century. Highlighted by its well-preserved structures that have shaped a storied past of a former Southeast Asian trading hub, it has become a major tourism draw in Central Vietnam. Going back in time doesn’t need to come in the form of a capsule machine, a walk through the old streets of Hoi An might just do the trick. As I boarded my bus from Ho Chi Minh to Hoi An, I already pictured a lovely age-old town awaiting for me.

To make your journey back in time more worthwhile, here are other things to do in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An.

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Admiring the Fine Architecture of the Chhatris of Orchha | India

Marky Ramone Go May 05, 2020

I was roused from my sleep as soon as I feel our Mini-bus rolling into a bumpy off-road trail. I opened my eyes into a view of the Betwa River and its murky waters. From the corner of my eye I catch a glimpse of a towering structures with arresting looking tips.

Our guide then hollered and pointed to us "that is the Royal Chhatris of Orchha". Still reeling from my brief slumber, I said “what” meaning to only address myself. Our guide heard me and so he offered aloud a brief explanation. “These are actually the cenotaphs dedicated to the Bundela Kings of Orchha and some members of their families”

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Save a Prayer at Sigiriya Rock | Sri Lanka

Marky Ramone Go April 25, 2020

Despite missing out on Duran Duran's peak of popularity, their music videos still left a valuable mark in my consciousness. One of it was their song "Save a Prayer". Shot on location in Sri Lanka, it features intoxicating scenes of temples, golden beaches and ancient ruins. One particular part of the video stood out for me; it's the scene where Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes are performing the song on top of a massive boulder surrounded by what look like a set of ancient ruins.

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The Mesmerizing Architecture of Taj-ul-Masajid Mosque | Bhopal, India

Marky Ramone Go April 18, 2020

I was feeling benumbed when I stared out the window of the bus and saw the sky reddened with strokes of sunrise. “Dawning of a new day” I told myself and instantly, burst of excitement shot up my body as this meant a new opportunity to explore. It was the first morning of the Madhya Pradesh Travel Mart where I was invited to cover. Before the event started, the organizers took our group of travel writers for a short incursion to the city’s landmark known as the ‘Crown among Mosques’—the biggest mosque in India, the Taj-ul-Masajid.

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A Walk Along the Streets of Tokyo (part two)

Marky Ramone Go April 09, 2020

After spending the first couple of days under the mercy of a gloomy sky, the sun finally appeared in all its shining glory on the third day. The bright daylight coupled with the wind of the autumn season made for a perfect brisk walking condition—and walked I did—for miles and miles over sidewalks and subway floors. Every thump of my feet got audibly in harmony among the multitude of Japanese commuters’ rickety medley of footsteps, that sounded like an orchestral beat box.

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Pench Tree Lodge: A Quaint Den for Nature Lovers | India

Marky Ramone Go April 08, 2020

It took me almost a day of traveling—including a long layover in Kuala Lumpur—before I landed at Nagpur Airport from Mumbai. Upon arrival, I immediately rendezvoused with my friend Karla at her hotel. Wasting no time, me met our driver from Pench who was already waiting in the lobby to drive us on a three-hour ride to Pench in Seoni, Madhya Pradesh.

Karla and myself were invited to attend and cover the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Summit happening a week later. Fortunately, the good people from Pench Tree Lodge and Pugdundee Safaris invited us for a complimentary stay and to experience a safari tour inside Pench National Park.

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Things to do in the Sacred Town of Pushkar | India

Marky Ramone Go March 22, 2020

Pushkar is a small town near Ajmer in the desert state of Rajasthan. Daily life and other activities here—including religious ceremonies and rituals—centers on Pushkar Lake, a sacred Hindu Site. Surrounding the lake are more than 50 Ghats where Pilgrims bathe and the nightly aarti are held. Narrow alleyways lined up with bazaars housed in centuries old havelis (traditional Indian mansions) and hundreds of temples surround this small town. Brimming with a rich history, colorful culture, savory cuisine and revered religious events—more than a charming town—Pushkar still hid many gems every traveler would delight in discovering.

To learn more about Pushkar, here are some information you can use to help you plan your trip to this fascinating town someday.

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Things to Do in Rishikesh, India: The Yoga Capital of the World

Marky Ramone Go March 20, 2020

Known as the "Gateway to the Himalayas" and "Yoga Capital of the World", the city of Rishikesh is considered as one of the holiest places to Hindus. As a pilgrimage site, it is dotted with centuries-old temples. The River Ganges—considered as sacred in India—starts streaming in the state of Uttarakhand, where Rishikesh is located. Made famous when the Beatles came to visit in the winter of 1968, the city of Rishikesh has now become a place where one finds spirituality, tranquility, adventure, culture, good food and then some. To discover more about this place, here are some things to do and places to see in Rishikesh.