I woke up early at around 5 am to prepare for my long day.
I took a taxi for Philtranco Bus terminal which I paid for ~120 peso (~2.67 USD) and I was quite too early for the 8:30 departure time. I was there at 7 am.
After waiting for an hour and a half, the bus left with 4 passengers on it's way for SM Megamall to pick up other waiting passengers. When we arrived at SM Megamall, there were two passengers, so a total of 6 passengers heading for Clark International Airport (DMIA). The cost is 450 pesos (~10 USD) for one way.
The bus arrived at DMIA at exactly 11:00 am, proceed directly inside the airport with out any questions from authorities. So, I seated in the vacant seats inside the airport and realized, I don't have spare cash to spend after I arrive in KK. So I asked for an ATM in one the guards and told me that the ATM is outside the airport. I went out and withdrew some cash, I planned to change half the amount withdrawn to US dollars and the other half would be my spare money.
I went directly in front of the airport after I got my money to wait inside the airport. As I showed my ticket to the officer, he told me that I was too early and the check in counter for my flight would be open at 1 pm. I told him it's okay, I'll just wait inside the airport because it's hot outside. He said, there would no be available stores inside except when I'm on the departure area and that would be impossible for me because I haven't checked in yet. So I asked him where could I buy food for lunch or something and directed me to the right side of the airport, in the arrival area, where some food stalls are located. Fortunately, there's this Mini-stop where I bought my lunch.
While I'm having lunch -- actually I'm finished that time, a late 20's something girl respectfully ask for the vacant seat and we started to have some little conversation.
I learned that she went there because she's having trouble booking for the company trip and she's from Subic. I learned that she already visited KK and told me what to see there and all. She told me that she can accompany me until 1pm so I could go inside the airport. I had a very good time talking because she's smart and she's pretty. She looks like a well educated girl from a well off family. Unfortunately, I forgot to ask for her name. So sad.
After we parted ways, I immediately went inside the airport, have my ticket checked, checked in, paid necessary payments, immigration and at last in the departure area.
I was patiently waiting for my flight, when a guy sat beside me and started talking in english. He's 18 yrs old and he's a malaysian citizen. His mother is a Filipina from zamboanga and his father is autralian-malaysian by blood and doing business here in the country. He asked me about what I'm going to do in KK and I said just to roam around and climb Mt. Kinabalu. He told me there's nothing to see in KK and answered him back that maybe he could say that because he's from KK and everything is familiar for him. By the way his name is Naz, and he asked me where will I stay in KK. I told him I'm going to stay in a hostel (Borneo Backpackers) but I haven't made any reservations but I'm going to try to get a space. I also told him that I'm going to take a mini bus from the airport and make my way to the hostel. Naz, is kind enough to tell me that buses are no longer available at the time we arrive in KK and offered me to go with him in his friend's car.
After some time, our plane's gonna leave and had our seats. The plane ride would be two hours. After the plane took off, I sat beside Naz to talk because it would be a long travel. We talked about different things politics, culture and even religion. We didn't realize that we're almost in KK and the flight attendant told me to return to my original seat.
After disembarking, Naz told me that we'll meet outside the airport. So I had my passport checked in the immigration, get my ckecked in bag and went outside the airport. The terminal 2 airport is for low cost carrier flights so the airport isn't that big. I met Naz outside and we waited for his friends to come. After Naz's cigarette break, his friends came ( I can only remember his bestfriend's name - Jason) and so I stucked myself in and dropped me at Borneo Backpackers. Naz also gave his number so that I could contact him whenever I need some help for directions etc.
Borneo backpackers
So I went to Borneo Backpackers hoping to get some space. At first, they told me that the single rooms are the only available rooms for that day so without hesitation- even it would cost me a relatively expensive rate, I grabbed it. While talking at the counter with Maam edith- the name of the staff- I asked her if there still a space for the aircon mixed dorm ( This room from it's name is mixed men and women dorm type) and she said yes so i instantly told her that I'm going to check in for the mixed dorm so that I could save. They're kind enough to allow me and led me to room 3 near the public wash room.
When I went inside the room, there were currently four occupants. A dannish girl and guys from Spain, Italy and Germany. The german guy talked to me first asking me if where I'm from etc. and after learning that I'm from the Philippines, he asked me " So, I heard a lot of bad things about the Philippines, will you recommend your place to me?" So as a proud Filipino, I answered, "Yes sir!" which he replied immediately "So, you're saying that the Philippines is a safe place" and I answered back "Actually sir, there are places that's quite not safe in the south but generally Philippines is a safe place" . After that he just smiled.
I forgot to mention, when I arrived the light went busted so no lights for that night! After fixing my things I talked to the spanish guy, Sergio.I told him that I was hungry and I need to eat outside and invited him if he wants to go with me. He immediately answered yes and we went outside the hostel to look for a place to eat. We ate at this chinese eatery, and later on I learned that I'm not used to their food and it's quite strange for me. After finishing our meal, Sergio and I went at the coastal area to check the place. We talked about what he's doing there and same as the other guys, hes travelling - backpacking.
After a few minutes, we went back in the hostel, took a bath in a heated shower and went to sleep. Indeed it was a long day and i felt very tired!
The aircon in our room is blasting cold. What I have was thin blanket from the hostel and that's it. Good time to curl up.
Day 2. The End!
the lonely chemist travels. naks ya haha
ReplyDeletehahah panu mag sibscirbe sa blog mo carms?
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