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In it for the long haul

In and around Philippines

Dear doods. Thanks for logging on. In between doing my PADI dive theory, shopping for iodine and Febreze-ing my hammock, I've decided to set up a bit of an online diary for the next five weeks of poverty jetsetting, aka backpacking, to Malaysia and the Philippines. Not sure how good the internet access will be in deepest Palawan, since the December undersea quake ripped up a couple of cables, but it's got to be better than Brum dialup. I'll update it when I can so keep checking back. Travelling with Justie for first two weeks so he might well have a bar of this blog, then London chum, Peter, then all alone... sniff. No feature style here - work later! - but will try to keep you entertained with our pratfalls, deep insights, bedbug situ and the like. Feel free to send comment or email me at the usual hotmail address.

Route taken and entries by Real Traveler Funonha

  1. 1

    Why the Philippines?

    Birmingham, United Kingdom | Mar 13 '07 | Reviews: 0

    It's all Doug and Julie's fault! In 1994, on my first ever trip to Asia, I met this Canadian couple who worked the Euro ski resorts all winter... Continue reading »

     see 1 photo »  
  2. 2

    Kuala Lumpur

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Mar 16 '07 | Reviews: 0
    Well, we have arrived... in more ways than one. Martinis in the Sky Bar in our own little sunken saffron booth overlooking the rooftop pool on one sid... Continue reading »
     see 1 photo »  
  3. 3

    Manila

    Manila, Philippines | Mar 18 '07 | Reviews: 0
    My worst nightmare... thick thundery clouds clearing occasionally to reveal mountains a thousand or so feet below. Yes, a bumpy ride to Manila but we... Continue reading »
     see 1 photo »  
  4. 4

    Palawan: Port Barton

    Palawan, Philippines | Mar 19 '07 | Reviews: 0
    When we booked a holiday to the tropics, little did we think we'd end up being kicked out of our 4WD Toyota Hilus and having to squelch our way bare f... Continue reading »
     see 2 photos »  
  5. 5

    Palawan: El Nido

    El Nido, Philippines | Mar 23 '07 | Reviews: 0
    A four hour bangka ride (boat with wings!) and an engine louder than the African Queen (ear plugs next time) brought us to El Nido. Which we really li... Continue reading »
     see 2 photos »  
  6. 6

    Palawan: El Nido2

    El Nido, Philippines | Mar 26 '07 | Reviews: 0
    I gots my PADI license. Am now qualified to dive the deep depths though I feel no more advanced than 2 weeks ago in Acocks Green pool. No dramas today... Continue reading »
     see 2 photos »  
  7. 7

    Palawan: Puerto Princesa

    Puerto Princesa, Philippines | Mar 29 '07 | Reviews: 0
    Valium or Stugeron? Something to calm me down or something the stop me throwing up. That was this morning's dilemma when faced with the thing I'd been... Continue reading »
     see 3 photos »  
  8. 8

    Bohol: Alona Beach

    Bohol, Philippines | Mar 31 '07 | Reviews: 0

    ...lay directly ahead of me underwater off Balicasag Island at 8 o'clock in the morning. Far too early for such a sight. Was I seeing things? Can a... Continue reading »

  9. 9

    Siquijor

    Siquijor, Philippines | Apr 04 '07 | Reviews: 0

    Siquijor Island for Holy Week: one of the places in the world that marries up traditional religion with local voodoo/animalistic/folk medicine ... Continue reading »

  10. 10

    Negros: Dumaguete & Apo Island

    Dumaguete, Philippines | Apr 08 '07 | Reviews: 0

    Today the sea water is a little more salty and the sea levels higher for the tears I have shed... directly into it. Yes, once again, the two d... Continue reading »

     see 2 photos »  
  11. 11

    Bohol: Loboc River & Cebu: Mactan Island

    Loboc, Philippines | Apr 11 '07 | Reviews: 0

    Emerged from the 'jungle' at 5.30am, via boat, taxi, ferry, jeepney and backpacker's slump through dodgy downtown Cebu. It's 9am and have just had... Continue reading »

  12. 12

    Malaysia: Cameron Highlands

    Cameron Highlands, Malaysia | Apr 18 '07 | Reviews: 0

    Yesterday I found myself in possibly the most ludicrously named spot in South-east Asia (challengers anyone?). Yes, I finally found my way to Titiw... Continue reading »

  13. 13

    Malaysia: Kuala Selangor

    Kuala Selangor, Malaysia | Apr 20 '07 | Reviews: 0

    After nearly 36 hours of answering positively to 'how you like/what you think Malaysia?' from my homestay family, I discovered on the bus home... Continue reading »

badlady avatar badlady on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
Phew it took me ages to sign in...I need a holiday now! Will have to travel vicariously through you. Can't wait to hear all the debacles! Remember when Peter accidently peed on that guy's head in the dark bushes in Goa? Just watch where you lay your head when he's around!
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Áns avatar Áns on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
Oh Dudie, what shall I do without thee? I will check this blog religiously so you'd better be 'on point' with it, as the Cromeister would say. Have a fab time and chill with the Still. x
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chris seymour avatar chris seymour on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
Missin you already but glad you off for a bit of phillipean paradise. Have a fab time, love u loads xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Maxie avatar Maxie on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
Have a fab time! You dont want a stowaway do you? You and Justie look after each other! Will check every day. Maxie x
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Princess Nic avatar Princess Nic on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
hi fiffles and justine how it thine holidays? is it terrible without me???? no?? ok i am writing my coursework and it is boring. i am jealous and want you to come home right away. please dip your toes in the nearest available sea for me and enjoy! luv, nic xx paul says hiiiiiii x
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Scooby Doo avatar Scooby Doo on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
Hi Fay, Congratulations on your new license! remember don't drink and dive.. It took ages for me to feel at ease under water so stick with it, sounds like your having fun tho. All you need now is an underwater housing for that shiny new Canon EOS, go on you know you want one! I can borrow it for a couple of months and then show you how it works ;-) xx
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Scooby Doo avatar Scooby Doo on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
Have a fab adventure, I know you will. Remember what I said about the smallest bubble! take care xx
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Maighread avatar Maighread on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
Sounds fantastic. Good luck. Thing of us all stuck in sunny brum !!
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Princess Nic avatar Princess Nic on Mar. 13, 2007 @ 08:44PM said
by the way i saw james herriot from All creatures Great and Small in the pub today. i didnt say hello. i think hes an alchoholic.he had a big nose. i glad to see you got your PADI licence - its ironic cos my friend just got his forklift truck licence - coincidence or what you may ask? what is a mallhole? ha ha justin is a snorkelling slag. xx
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