By Nathan Allen

Abandoned for many decades, it is the final resting place for many early Chinese pioneers…and currently home to a lot of colorful wildlife–such as kingfishers, woodpeckers, and even a troop of curious monkeys!

Singapore’s Chinese Heritage – Lost in a Jungle

Almost forgotten by time, the dense jungle has taken over much of this historic site. For me, that’s actually a huge part of its appeal. Bukit Brown was named after the original owner, George Henry Brown. He was a British trader that lived on this land.

Brown had sailed from Calcutta in the 1840s, and after purchasing the area, he named it “Mount Pleasant”.

It was then sold to Ong Kew Ho and Huay Kuan, but eventually transferred to the government when the need for a cemetery arose. It served Singapore’s Chinese community for about 50 years, and was actually considered the largest cemetery outside of China. It closed down decades ago, but you can still visit and take a self-guided tour of these mysterious gravesites.

I absolutely loved wandering and taking pictures here…with not a (living) soul around. It’s so solemn and peaceful – a wild and scenic counterpart to Singapore’s well-manicured green spaces (of which I am also a fan).

Photographers, birders, and general nature-lovers feel quite at home here. Have a look at this giant, “rain tree“! These are the kinds of jungle scenes I dreamed of as a kid. I never imagined ferns could grow high up in a tree, but these bird nest ferns feel right at home there.

Some Bukit Brown graves are adorned with stone statues and figurines.

This is one of those times when I wish I could read Chinese…I’m so curious about who these people were, and how they were immortalized and remembered on their tombstones.

A few have actual photos on them…and this helps to paint a picture of who these early Singaporeans actually were.

(continued below)

While exploring these jungle trails on my own, I began to hear rustling in the trees around me. I’m not a very superstitious person, but Bukit Brown is supposedly one of the top 10 haunted sites in Singapore. In fact, the “Asia Paranormal Investigators” are one of the groups working to preserve this historic cemetery!

As it turned out, these “ghosts” were of the long-tailed variety…

Spirit Guardians? – Long Tailed Macaques

Eventually I spotted a curious face through the jungle trees…it was a family of monkeys! There must have been 11 or 12 of them.

I approached slowly, but was still met with a bit of resistance. Most of the group slowly shuffled away, but the dominant male stood his ground and showed his teeth. I did not push my luck, but instead just sat peacefully, hoping to show them that I was no threat.

It worked. The old male kept a watchful eye on me, but he began to relax…and even start foraging for food around him. The female and baby monkeys slowly inched back into view.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Needing to get closer, I switched cameras. With my little Canon superzoom, I continued shooting photos in the fading afternoon light. Some of these monkeys even seemed to pose for me!

They were so fascinating to observe…I can see why anthropologists like Jane Goodall & Dian Fossey studied them so intensely. Their behavior seemed to mirror a human family’s so much…it was uncanny.

The youngest members were the most curious…but the easiest to be spooked as well. This makes sense, as they would be the most vulnerable. These baby monkeys were adorable…and so expressive!

Eventually, curiosity got the better of some members. They began to climb the trees and position themselves above me, so as to get a better look. At one point I had one almost reach down  and touch the top of my head. Of course, I didn’t let things progress too far, because wild animals are, after all, wild.

Still though, these monkeys and I bonded. They were nothing like the super aggressive ones I encountered in India or the Philippines. Those monkeys have no fear of humans, and will even steal food or attack if they feel at all threatened…or are simply in a bad mood! Haha. No…this group, this group was different.

Being in an abandoned jungle cemetery gives them some access to humans, but not too much. They are not too comfortable…but not too afraid, either. I had found a sweet spot. Being allowed to join them, in the wild…in such a humbling and surreal location…was an experience I will never forget.

How To Get There

Bukit Brown is near MacRitchie Reservoir. You can take a bus and get off here. Then walk a few steps down Kheam Hock Road until you see the sign for the cemetery on the left. I think there may be a possibility of guided tours, but I’m not certain.

Tips: If you visit Bukit Brown, I hope you’ll be respectful in this solemn place. Please don’t feed the wildlife, and be sure to pack out all of your trash. Definitely don’t forget mosquito repellent if you’re going in the morning or late afternoon. Other than that…enjoy!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

These Singapore Photos Were Shot During a 50-Cent Bus Ride (Ricoh GR II)

Singapore Street Photography (Ricoh GR II)

My Detailed Comparison of the Sony RX100 vs the Ricoh GR II

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*I am not connected to Canon, I bought the camera myself. However, using my Amazon links will help me keep creating content like this, so I appreciate it!

The post How I Was Adopted By Monkeys in Bukit Brown, a Singapore Cemetery appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

It was a long ride on the motorbike. I had come all the way from Bangon Falls in northern Samar, and being the start of the rainy season, it took longer than expected. Samar is huge, too. I had severely underestimated its size.

When I finally entered the municipality of Marabut, I could hardly believe my eyes. I was greeted by fascinating limestone cliffs and lush tropical trees along the coast. It felt every bit like the exotic landscapes of northern Palawan…only without all the development and crowds. I pulled into the resort just before the sun started going down.

 The staff showed me to my room, and I passed out. I was exhausted. After a good night’s rest, I awoke to some much needed morning sunshine. The resort was beautiful. I loved the rustic, cabana huts along the beach.

 Above are some of the aforementioned limestone cliffs, jutting out from the sea between the cabanas. Such beautiful scenery!

The sea and the beach definitely have a different feel than El Nido, though. The water is less turquoise, and it’s not really a white sand beach. To me it feels more like an exotic tropical lagoon. As a landscape photographer (and adventurer), I absolutely loved this lush, rugged-looking coastline.

On the way back to my room I took some photos of the swimming pool. It’s an infinity pool right up against the sea, so you have a pretty incredible view.

The pool was kept very clean, and I would later enjoy a San Miguel Pilsen here as the sun set.

Photos of my Room

 Conveniently, the rooms overlook the water, and also face the sunset.

Overall, my room was nice…you can tell that the property is kept up well. Wifi can be challenging when you get a bit off the beaten path like this, but I was able to use my Globe Tattoo (pocket wifi) on the balcony of my room.

Everything was quite clean and in perfect working order. Aircon was cool. I particularly liked the view of the pool and island landscapes from my balcony.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in the Restaurant

My meals were definitely a highlight…first of all, the view while you eat could not be better!

Second of all, I was quite surprised by the freshness of the ingredients, especially considering the remote location. Decent vegetables can be hard to come by on the Philippine islands, so hats off to Caluwayan for this!

Third, they have somehow managed to keep the meal prices very reasonable, especially for this quality. I was definitely impressed. Every single meal I had seemed well thought-out and prepared. I was super happy to have a real pancake breakfast – made me feel right at home!

My compliments to the chef. Keep in mind you can also sit at “Bistro Bar” for drinks with a sea view, or check out the occasional music, dancing, and cultural performances @ the Clubhouse.

Overall Review

While the building exterior may be showing a few signs of wear, the interiors, pool, and restaurant grounds have been kept very well. I found the staff to be extremely warm and helpful. The resort somehow walks a line between charming, rustic, and upscale. In fact, it does this quite well.

For this level of service and accommodation, I think it’s well worth the price. Many other resorts of this caliber would come with a much higher price tag, and perhaps a level of pretentiousness that I don’t really care for. For me, Caluwayan is everything a rustic island getaway should be, and I do hope to come back and visit again someday.

TIP: I believe there may be a free boat tour included in the room rate, so ask about it! On a nice day, I imagine it could be beautiful to explore those rock formations out in the water:) You can also visit the resort just to swim (for a fee) or eat at the restaurant.

How To Get To Caluwayan Beach Resort

The resort is located in the barangay (neighborhood) of Caluwayan, in Marabut, Samar. It can be reached via a 45 minute van ride (or direct boat) from the city of Tacloban. Flights to Tacloban from Cebu or Manila can be quite affordable if you check out some of the Cebu Pacific promos.

You also have the option of renting your own car or motorbike…I can most confidently recommend Haven’s in Tacloban for this.

Booking a Room

You can browse more information about Caluwayan Palm Island Resort on their website HERE

Enjoy this beautiful place, and please tell the friendly staff I said hello!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

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  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Little India is quite vibrant and diverse – with people and cultures from all over India. Although not a morning person, for the sake of good lighting, I went on a few early photo walks with my Ricoh GR II.

This is the entrance to a temple which serves the northern Indian community. Also shown are the colorful buildings near “Kerbau Rd”. Kerbau means buffalo in Malay. This was a cattle trading hub years ago. Hard to imagine that, when you consider what a sleek and modern city Singapore is today.

The buildings on the streets of Little India certainly win the award for “most colorful” in Singapore…but this love of color also includes the clothes that locals wear. Never seeming to be content with a bland, white shirt, I think Indians have a great sense of style. The scene above has a bit of a yellow / orange theme.

Crowds in Tekka Food Center, Singapore

The shot below was taken on the way into Tekka Food Center, where I found my favorite Punjabi food. Perhaps I will let you know the name of the stall at a later date… In other words, you must follow along to find out!

Anyhow, the Ricoh kicked up the ISO quite high in the challenging light here, and I had to work to clean up the file a bit. Converting the photo to black and white helped.

By the way, it’s not just the market called Tekka. For instance, locals here call all of Little India “Tekka”. I was surprised to learn the name actually comes from the Hokkien Chinese word Tek Kia Kha, which means base of the bamboo. It was named after the plants found growing at nearby Rochor canal.

Apparently some Chinese stall owners in Tekka Centre even speak Tamil, and some Indians, Hokkien!

Here you see an old man riding his classic motorcycle with sidecar. Little India MRT is in the distance.

The People – Little India Street Photography

Next to Kerbau Rd is Buffalo Rd, and I find that a bit funny…though I guess it makes sense when you consider the Malay & British both lived in Singapore early on. Buffalo Rd attracts many shoppers looking to buy fruits, vegetables, as well as the hand woven flower garlands that are used by temple worshipers.

Along a side street, I also came across these workers unloading a truck. I was struck by the color blue everywhere, and wondered if it was done on purpose.

Just another striking splash of color…this time in red.

As I have shown, hitting the streets of Little India is perfect for making photo albums with a certain theme!
Most people shoot street in black and white with the Ricoh GR II. For me, it would be a shame to photograph a dazzling place like Little India in B & W. However, with its striking contrast, the scene below was just begging for it.

There are always a lot of people walking near Tekka Centre. The community hosts many bazaars and holy festivals here. In the distance you can see “Campbell Lane”, which reminds me of a street where I grew up in California. It’s basically as close as I can get to home right now, being on the other side of the world.

Below you’ll see more colorful shops and houses along Serangoon Rd. These streets seem to get more traffic than other places else in Singapore, though it’s still nothing compared to other Asian countries.

MRT Murals & Kerbau Rd

The Little India MRT is quite a busy station. Tourists come here from all over the world, because of the area’s cheap hostels. That, and the neighborhood’s vibrant tourist draws, of course!

(continued below, but please consider following along with me below…)

Don’t miss the giant murals painted on the walls near here.

It seems I mostly find south Indian food around the neighborhood, but from what I read, Punjabis, Tamils, and Bengalis all live and share their cultures here.

37 Kerbau Rd – A Vibrant, Iconic Neighborhood Landmark

Colorful buildings like this are hard to miss. Say hello to the Tan Teng Niah Residence, and although it’s Chinese, the colors seem to be quite Indian to me. This is certainly one of the most popular locations for Little India Street Photography.

Later, snapped this photo of a man riding his bike past the bus station. Thanks to the Ricoh GR II’s “snap focus” mode, obviously I never miss a shot.

FYI, you can check out my camera and accessories HERE

Ricoh is not a partner of mine, and I paid for this camera. However, you can help support me by using the product links on my pages. Thanks!

Here’s one last black and white shot to keep you “street tog” purists happy…

I really enjoyed this bright and cheery community. I always eat at Tekka when I stay in Singapore, and have made some good friends in the neighborhood there. This neighborhood is surely worth exploring!

In closing, I hope you enjoyed my Little India Street Photography series (other Singapore locations below). I’d love to hear your feedback…

Cheers.

1. Downtown (main page)
2. Chinatown
3. Little India
   

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Feel free to share.

The post Singapore Street Photography: Little India w/ Ricoh GR II appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

Obviously, one reason is that with an f1.8 lens, I can still shoot at night or in low light. The photo below was taken at Chinatown complex after dark. This group of men is hanging on every move of an intense Chinese chess game.

I shoot RAW and do my own black and white conversions, but the RX100 has nice B&W and effect modes as well.

“Zone Focusing”

My Ricoh has a “snap focus” mode, which really helps with split second street shooting. The Sony does not, but I still found a way to set it up for zone focusing. Basically I set the aperture low, like f8…then use a fast shutter speed, like 1/500 of a second. Then, in manual focus mode, I use “focus peaking”, so I can see where (and how much) of the scene in front of me is in focus.

The shot of the man & temple above was probably focused around 1.5 meters in front of me. With those settings, most of what you see behind him will be in focus as well. Keeping the camera set up like this enabled me to take plenty of lightning quick shots here…and make sure they were all candid.

By the way, I realized that the RX100 has a nice focus ring…my Ricoh does not.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2017 is the “year of the rooster”. The photo below shows a massive lantern display, right in the middle of the busy Singapore streets. This gives you an idea of just how serious the Chinese take their traditions.

I used a relatively long exposure setting, so that I could capture the motion of the pedestrians and traffic passing by. It was taken handheld, thanks to the camera’s superb image stabilization. For more about this, you can check out my Low Light & Night Photography w/ RX100.

Below is another black and white evening shot in Chinatown complex. Don’t worry, this old man is only resting.

Singapore Crowds on Pagoda Street

Of all the locations I shot street in Singapore, I think I like my Chinatown the best. I found a never ending stream of people…and from all walks of life. The arc of the sun falls in line with Pagoda street…so there’s nice, even morning and afternoon lighting.

I walked through the shady corridor until I reached the entrance of Chinatown Food Street, another great location for afternoon shooting.

Temple Scenes – Chinatown Street Photography

The Buddha Tooth Relic temple is a striking landmark. I was quite inspired here. I love the way the afternoon sun drops lantern shadows on the walls. The later in the afternoon, the more pronounced the effect is.

After exploring the temple inside and out (a must see), I made my way back to Pagoda Street.

The shadows were growing taller and taller…a sure sign of fading light to come. I returned over the course of a few days, and decided my favorite time for Chinatown Street Photography is about 2 hours before sunset.

The low angle of the sun provides perfect lighting – with a lot of dramatic shadows. 1 hour before sunset might be a bit too late in a big city like this, because the tall buildings may already be robbing your subjects of sunlight.

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Before hopping on the MRT, I noticed one last opportunity for a shot. It turned out to be one of my favorites.

Pleasantly Surprised by Shooting Street w/ the RX100

Overall, taking candid shots with the RX100 certainly impressed me. I already knew the camera was versatile, but I realize it more and more every time I use it. Hope you enjoyed my Chinatown street photography series…be sure to check out the 3rd and final chapter of my adventure below.

Update for 2025: The RX100VII is out now! Those interested in this awesome little camera can find it on Amazon HERE

(I am not a partner of Sony, but if you use the Amazon links on my page, it helps me continue to create content like this. Thanks!)

I’m curious if you’ve used the Sony RX100 for street photography?

Do let me know if you have any questions.

1. Downtown (main page)
2. Chinatown
   
3. Little India

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share.

The post Singapore Street Photography: Chinatown w/ Sony RX100 III appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

Guess where this pic was taken…Vietnam?  Thailand?  Bahamas?  Philippines?  Nope.  It was taken in the U.S.A.!!

No, it’s not April Fool’s Day – it’s July 4th, my home country’s birthday!  I chose this photo to represent how diverse the U.S. really is. 

Some people always had a sense of patriotism growing up, but aside from falling in love with my country’s natural landscapes, I had to get some perspective exploring overseas to truly discover my own patriotism. 

My country and its history are not perfect, especially when it comes to both Native American and foreign policy.  However, I have come to love the innovative and pioneering spirit that I feel the U.S. embodies.  Among other things, I am proud of the original art forms it has given the world – musical stylings such as the blues, jazz, and rock n’ roll.

I am proud of the countless craft breweries in the United States – a tradition going back all the way to the founding fathers, and one that the rest of the world is largely unaware of. 

I love our ethnic diversity.  People from all over the world have come and helped weave the fabric of the United States – we are a melting pot of many vibrant cultures. 

I was fortunate to grow up in the San Francisco Bay Area; there I had access to a multitude of different cultures.  I’m sure this helped inspire me to branch out and discover the rest of the world. 

We are a country of new beginnings.  The U.S. was a hotbed for religious freedom and expression – where fascinating sub-groups such as Mormons, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the “Shakers” took root and grew from.  Others such as the “Wild West” cowboys, hippies, beatniks, and the Appalachian “Hill People” further added to the the rich “cast of characters”.

Lastly, I am awe-inspired by our geographic diversity.  In the U.S. you can find marvels such as the Grand Canyon, giant Sequoia trees, arid deserts, lush temperate rain forests, beautiful beaches (such as the one pictured above in Key West, Florida), and even snowy peaks.  Oh, I almost forgot the carved-granite masterpiece of Yosemite National Park! 

I feel truly fortunate to have explored the country a bit before heading overseas.  There is nothing like a road trip through the U.S.  I met a German relief-worker in Manila who got very excited when I told him I was from the U.S.  We don’t always get a warm reception from Europeans, so this was a pleasant surprise.  He was well aware of the beauty of the U.S., and had many friends here.  He had taken an unforgettable cross-country trip with his family a few years prior.

This is certainly not to take away from the beauty and uniquity of other countries; anybody who knows me realizes how much I love and appreciate many other countries around the world…I just felt it was time to show my appreciation for the country that initially inspired me. 

So yes, happy 238th birthday to these United States!! 

May we not lose our founding values – that “all men are created equal”, and that we will always always fight to preserve our “government of the people, by the people, for the people“. 

– Nathan Allen

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By Nathan Allen

Remembering Mr. Wilson…

“A good teacher is like a candle – it consumes itself to light the way for others”

– Mustafa Kemal Atatürk

Walking down the empty hall by my niece’s classroom today, I couldn’t help but think back to my own time in school.  I was suddenly hit with the realization that the last 15 years of my life probably wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for one particular teacher.  How had I missed this before?

Mr. Wilson was the brunt of many kid’s jokes in Jr. high school.  A short, slender man with nicotine and coffee-stained teeth, he was quite eccentric – and he never tried to hide that fact.  He almost had an air of snootiness to him, though looking back, I think he was just an older man who had become very particular and set in his ways – not uncommon as we all age, I think. 

What really struck me today was not just the impact he had on me, but also how much he and I actually had in common – even all those years ago.  You see, we both got picked on a great deal at that school.  In his case, it was just done behind his back.  Kids can be monsters, and my entire post-elementary school career could be looked back on as proof. 

However, thankfully, what we also had in common was passion – passion for whatever we chose to do in life.  I can recall seeing and admiring this, even as a young boy.  You see, we’re not the type of people to do something just because we can or should.  We are both a very deliberate and passionate type of person, and will do whatever it is to the best of our abilities – because every atom of us demands that we do.  In fact, I’d venture to say that once an idea takes hold of people like us, it’s almost impossible to not take action.  For the sake of our mental well-being, it simply must be done.

Mr. Wilson was our Geography teacher, and this is where his true passion lied.  He was not one to sit at home and read books about these exotic locations around the world – he actually lived them.  He spoke about his travels with great conviction and unending enthusiasm – it seemed that he knew how to pronounce all of the country capitals of the world…just as a local would!

All this seemed to be lost on most of the kids, but there I was – the shy, awkward 12 year-old with practically no friends.  What I lacked in companionship I made up for with a boundless imagination and thirst for his adventurous stories.  However, I was too reserved to ever tell him how much I appreciated his class each day – the very same class the “cool kids” seemed to despise. 

Mr. Wilson’s Legacy

Here I am all these years later, having had some of my own adventures around the world.  I started a travel / culture website, and it has grown far beyond me.  It is a community of thousands of like-minded individuals-true admirers of beauty and culture-and I just wish Mr. Wilson could see what he helped inspire all those years ago.  That was a time before Internet technology, and I’d love for him to see how this technology has enabled me to travel independently, and full time.  I’d like to think he’d get a kick out of that. 

Teachers: Your Students are the “Silent Appreciators”

90% of the time that I post photos and stories on Facebook, I have the same people “liking” and commenting on them.  This can give me the false impression that these are the only people who are seeing my posts.  However, once every few months, I somehow manage to inspire those “silent appreciators” to visibly “like” something – thereby showing me they are still out there following along.  I must say, it’s a great feeling to know that you haven’t lost this connection with people in your life, especially as you begin to reach many more over time. 

My message to you teachers is this: 

As you know, we students don’t always tell you how important you are to us.  Please know that at least *some* of us, even after all these years, haven’t forgotten the lessons you taught us, the stories you shared, and the good example you showed us at that young, impressionable stage in our lives.  Perhaps we neglected to tell you these things when we had the chance, but we will never forget who you are and what you did for us. 

At the end of the day, children may be our future, but you teachers are the ones shaping that future.

…and to Mr. Wilson specifically, from myself and perhaps thousands of others, I can finally say:

Thank you.  Thank you for sharing your passion with me, for showing me that a life of grand adventure was not out of reach to a painfully awkward kid like me.  Thank you for continuing to fight for our education, even when we didn’t seem to appreciate it…or for that matter, you.

Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

PS…I’m not sure if Mr. Wilson is still around to read this letter, but I hope you’ll share this with the teachers in your life, and even consider writing to thank a teacher that had a big impact on YOU.  Teaching is truly a labor of passion  – and unfortunately one that comes with very little compensation. 

Let’s give a little back, and remind our teachers the difference they are making in the world 

Tag and Thank Your Teachers on Twitter! #thankateacher

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By Nathan Allen

It’s quite surprising that I haven’t been to Bali yet, considering all the places I have been, and how much I have always wanted to explore the fascinating sights, sounds and tastes of Indonesia.

When I ask hardcore travelers where they encountered the most warm and friendly people in the world, Indonesia is always up there near the top (right alongside the Philippines, which I have been fortunate to explore quite a bit).

Yes, the hospitality of the locals is legendary, but what else about Bali makes me want to pack my bags and go?

Traditional Balinese Culture

This is the stuff adventurer dreams are made of–I imagine myself trekking through dense, steamy  jungles…with curious parrots and monkeys keeping a watchful eye on me from above.

Suddenly I reach a clearing, and am stunned to unearth some ancient carvings and ruins…

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I see some shadowy figures slip through the trees. Before I know it, they emerge from the thick vines. I am surrounded. With my hands up, I try to communicate that I come in peace…progress is slow going, but eventually they realize I pose no threat. They warm up to me.

Before I know it, we are back in their village, where we begin the process of bridging two very contrasting cultures…OK, OK…so I let my imagination run wild a bit. Travelers are quite unlikely to have an experience like this in this day and age, but a boy can dream, can’t he?  Haha.

Even though the island is quite developed and touristy, from what I’ve read, there is still plenty of rich culture and heritage to explore in Bali.

The Temples

I can’t wait to photograph and explore all the temples! Some that come highly recommended: Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Goa Gajah, and Ulun Danu Beratan Temple (Pictured here).

Do keep in mind that proper attire (sarong & sash) are usually required. These can be rented or supplied with a small donation.

Balinese Food & Drink

Like many people,  my desire for a trip to Bali was re-stoked by watching TV host and chef Anthony Bourdain fall in love with the island. I already know I love Indonesian food, with staples such as nasi goreng (stir fried rice with eggs, prawns, chilis, and vegetables) and mee goreng (the same, but with spicy noodles instead of rice).

However, I’m excited to try some Balinese specialties, such as nasi campur Bali (mixed rice) and betutu, which is a roasted poultry dish with spices.

Also on my menu is kopi Bali (local coffee), and brem, which is a Balinese version of the rice wine that is characteristic of much of Asia. I imagine these two are similar to “Barako” Coffee and “Tapuy” wine, which are their Philippine counterparts, respectively. 

The Beaches…and the Surfing

Word has gotten out about Bali’s surfing…apparently today’s spots are a bit different than the relatively unknown breaks of 20+ years ago. It’s really blown up, but I guess you can still find some glassy calm just as the early morning sun rises.

I just learned to surf in the Philippines, so I’m excited to try my luck in Bali.

From what I’ve gathered, some beaches are more crowded than others. Kuta Beach is where the party’s at, but I’m also excited to explore some lesser known beaches like Pasir Putih and Balangan. There really is so much coastline to explore, I’m excited to rent a motorbike and see as much as I can!

Yes, My Bali Adventure is Calling

Like many “digital nomads”, being based in Thailand gives me easy access to awesome destinations like Bali. The island is so centrally located–I can hop on a budget flight for $50 or less and be there within an hour or two. Not bad! I look forward to covering Bali in much more detail in the future. Stay tuned!

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Thanks for reading, and feel free to share!

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  Words & Photos By Nathan Allen

This is Romblon, Romblon – Don’t Get Confused

Romblon island is the middle of the three islands in Romblon province. The island to the west is Tablas, Romblon, and the one to the east is called Sibuyan, Romblon.

Getting to this island from Tablas was a bit of an adventure itself, but there is a much easier way direct from Manila (I’ll cover that later). I arrived at the port of Romblon Town in the early morning. After a nice, brief rest at my B&B, I headed to JD&G Italian Restaurant. This place was recommended to me, and not only was the food fantastic, but the owner had a motorbike I could rent!

I finished my lunch and hopped on the bike. Within minutes (literally), I was treated to this view:

Yeah, right away I could tell I was going to love this island. Hardly any tourists, with breathtaking turquoise seas and white sand beaches.

About 1km after this overlook, I located the small trail going to a place called Bonbon Beach. I had seen some amazing photos online, so I was excited to check it out.

( If you prefer to use booking.com, you can browse Romblon Hotels HERE )

Well, it delivered. This place was sooo incredible – you can check out my separate Bonbon Beach Post if you’d like.

Colorful Romblon Town

The town itself has a lot of character. Many of the buildings are splashed with vibrant, pastel colors. It gives such a bright, cheery feel. I love it.

“Good Vibes” in Romblon’s Marble?

As you can see in that last photo, marble (the mineral) is Romblon Island’s claim to fame. I noticed many marble shops in town, and quite a few marble sculptures and statues along the countryside roads.  What I also noticed is that, quite simply, Romblon is full of good vibes. Really, there is an unexplainable energy I felt here.

In fact, as I rode my motorbike through the remote parts of the island, my arm literally started to hurt from waiving back at all the smiley locals. There were SO MANY. Don’t get me wrong – the Philippines is the friendliest country I’ve ever visited, but Romblon Island seems to take that friendliness to an exponential level!

Carlos Reyes, owner of Stone Creek House in town, half jokes that maybe it’s something in all that raw marble just below Romblon’s surface. Who knows, stranger things have happened. Whatever it is, I felt it…and it was good.

Fort San Andres

A steep 10 minute climb up some stairs by the market brings you to this historic Spanish Fort. The grounds are lush and well kept, and there are beautiful views of the harbor and sea from the top. You can find some information and history about the fort as well. There will probably be a caretaker who will collect a 20 peso fee (40 cents).

Anyhow, after this I continued south on the motorbike, snapping colorful photos along the way. It was a beautiful day.

Talipasak Beach Resort (San Pedro)

As usual, I didn’t really have a plan. When I saw a road veering off the right, I just took it. I noticed what looked like a huge eagle flying overhead, then the road started leading into a canopy of shady trees. There were kingfishers and other tropical birds all around, and the landscape was quite beautiful. I passed a place called Totoys, then the road dead ended at Dumagat Freedive.

I wanted to have lunch somewhere, and the guy at Dumagat said to check Talipasak Beach Resort next door. I’m so glad I did.

Also known as San Pedro Beach Resort, the food wasn’t incredible, but it was pretty tasty…and definitely affordable! The woman there was quite nice, and I loved the feel of the place. I relaxed in the hammock and then went for a swim and some snorkeling afterward (I brought my own mask). Nothing spectacular…but it was refreshing, at least.

The resort bungalows sit in the shade up a small hill, overlooking Talipasak Beach and the sea. Rooms are clean, but basic. Fan only. Last I checked it was just 700 pesos a night to stay there.

Someday I hope to come back and stay for a few nights. Beautiful, secluded place. I noticed that local groups like to come in and pay for day use. They just bring their own food and drinks to the beach.

If you want to stay here (and you don’t have a motorbike), you need a trike (public transportation) to drop you off. That could cost about 300 or 400 pesos ($6-8). You’ll be isolated out there, but perhaps that’s just what you’re after.

Countryside Landscapes

The southern part of the island brought me through some colorful and friendly local communities. I stopped at a few tropical vistas and lagoons – really breathtaking scenery.

(Ricoh GR II photos)

I heard people talk about going “up on the mountain” from time to time…so I asked how to get there. The last photo above was from a hike I took (the dirt road became too rough and dangerous, and I had to leave the motorbike).I believe the road going up is called Sawang-Cogon Shunt Rd.

As you ascend, the scenery really begins to shift to grassy, windswept hills…and the temperature cools off. Again, nothing spectacular, but it is cool and peaceful. Could be a good place to catch a sunset.

By the way, I also checked out the fascinating corals @ Agpanabat Marine Sanctuary while down south. Link is at the bottom of the page.

Beautiful, Rugged Coastline

Check out these views! These lush, grassy hillsides actually remind me home – the beautiful northern California coast.

I parked the motorbike and took these photos near Calabago lighthouse (not pictured).

(continued below, but I do hope you’ll consider following along with me…)

Continuing up the east side of the island, I found these colorful buildings tucked away in the coconut trees along the beach.

There was also a native style “bahay kubo”, or hut. These were located very near to Lamao Beach Resort (this place seems to be popular with the locals). It’s a pretty remote area out here.

Why Do I Love Romblon So Much?

If the pictures weren’t enough for you, I’ll elaborate more: To me, Romblon Island is the perfect getaway / adventure. It has everything I love: Stunning beaches / swimming / snorkeling, access to a motorbike for rent, few crowds / little development, tropical jungles, windy coastal roads (with scenic vistas), a lot of friendly local culture, AND it’s small enough to circle on a motorbike in just a few hours.

I call Romblon Island “The Sweet Spot in the Heart Of The Philippines”.

To top it off, there is a tiny but tight-knit community of European and American expats there. They are highly entertaining to chat with, and they have even brought some flavors from home. As mentioned before, you’ll often find some at JD&G Italian Restaurant, which serves excellent pizza and calzones. Probably the best affordable Italian I had anywhere in the Philippines.

Anyhow, now to wrap up my story…on the way back to town, I stopped once more at Bonbon Beach. I caught a magical sunset, and captured these two fishermen bringing their boat in from the sea.

What a great way to say goodbye to my new favorite paradise.

How To Get There

You might be able to find a cheap Cebu Pacific flight to the neighboring island of Tablas, but then you need transportation to the San Agustin ferry port an hour away. The ferry only runs early in the morning and at 1pm each day. I think the best bet is to take the 2GO “party boat”, as I like to call it…

It’s an overnight sleeper ferry that goes from Batangas (south of Manila) directly to Romblon Town. It has a bar with live entertainment playing late into the night. Haha. Awesome.

Where To Stay

If you are looking to get away from it all in rustic fashion (warning: you WILL be isolated out there) check out Talipasak Beach Resort, mentioned above.

However, the best option might be sleek Stone Creek House. It’s located right in town proper, and is beautifully designed – with all the conveniences of home. The reason this is so great is because it’s nearby to excellent food, as well as the BEST beach on the island (Bonbon). In town you can easily rent the motorbike @ JD&G and explore more of the island as well.

Hope you enjoy Romblon’s charm as much as I did!

Also be sure to check out my other related posts:

Bonbon Beach 

Agpanabat Fish and Turtle Sanctuary

– Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

My Detailed Comparison of the Sony RX100 vs the Ricoh GR II

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By Nathan Allen

If you plan on visiting Panay island for the Dinagyang Festival, I suggest a side-trip to visit and photograph impressive Miagao Church – probably my favorite Spanish Church anywhere in the country!

I loved the clean air and shady, tree-lined streets here. In fact, I loved this place so much, I stayed for a whole month! Haha.

While there’s no doubt that the church is the center of attention, I found out that there’s more to Miagao than meets the eye…most notably, the local folklore! However, we’ll start with the church:)

Miagao Church, or Fortress?

Yes, there’s definitely something different about Miagao Church…at one time it served as protection from the Moros, so that’s where the fortress-like construction comes from. It also has some distinctly Filipino relief carvings…a depiction of St. Christopher carrying Christ as a baby, under the protection of a coconut tree.

Miagao Church is currently listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, as part of the baroque churches of the Philippines.

Let The Stories Begin…

The locals told me many stories in Miagao. The first was how the town came together to convince a well-loved doctor to run for mayor. They were ready for a change, and against all odds, used the power of the Internet to unite and get him elected. After 30 years of the previous political family, change had finally come to Miagao. This is the story I heard, anyway.

Christ The King Procession

The current mayor (at the time of writing), “Doc” Napulan, learned of my arrival, and was very kind to invite me to join him during the Christ The King Procession through town. This was a great way to explore and take photos, and having a knowledgeable guide like Mayor Napulan along the way was a nice bonus!

The procession started at the church, and slowly wound its way through town from there. I loved hearing bits and pieces about the history as we went, and seeing the altars that were placed in front of many of the houses.

The Legends of the “Bat Castle” and “Golden Ship”

Are they just myths? Who knows…but this is what I heard:

Behind the municipal hall (ask a local), you can find the “Bat Castle”, which is actually just a large tree where thousands of giant fruit bats sleep each day. Around sunset, they begin their departure to hunt for food…and cover almost every square meter of sky!

It is called a “castle”, because supposedly a beautiful actress came to Iloilo one day, and took a cab all the way to Miagao. When the taxi driver dropped her off behind the municipal hall, he was surprised to receive a crisp 50 US dollar bill as payment – with “no need to give change”.

When he looked out the window, he was also surprised to see a beautiful mansion there. Later, when he told his friends the story, they all laughed at him, because they took him back and showed him there’s nothing there but a big tree full of bats. To this day, the tree is said to be enchanted, and nobody would dare harm it. 

As for the bats, these harmless creatures can only be found in the Philippines, and are actually called “Golden-Crowned Flying Foxes”. They are quite large, and only eat fruit. They are endangered, and if this area becomes a tourist draw, I do hope the local Government will do everything possible to protect them.

“The Golden Ship” is another legend. It has reportedly been seen by locals over the years…strangely enough, floating down the small creek that flows through a tunnel at Sulu Garden restaurant. It’s worth a visit to Sulu Garden just for the fish spa and atmosphere of the place – whether you see the ship or not! The food is decent, but for me the highlight was the beautiful garden.

Where To Stay – St. Mike’s Art Gallery / B&B / Dorm

You wouldn’t think you would find an eclectic “bed and breakfast” inside a college dorm, but at “St. Mike’s”, indeed you can! Sir Mike and his wife “Mama Nora” are well-loved by the students, and it’s easy to see why. They fill the place with a warm energy, and good, cheap carinderia food.

They are avid art collectors, and even if you’re not hungry, the restaurant is worth a visit just to see the artifacts and collectibles that decorate the walls!

Note: Many of these items are for sale. The guest rooms have aircon, and are also decorated with an eclectic mix. I believe they recently opened a giant, bamboo bar and dance hall as well! I snapped a few pics before it was finished. Ask them about it! You have to take a small path to get to St. Mike’s from the main road, so go inside Balay Lampirong or the other dorms and ask where it is.

“Like” my page to follow along with me! – Nathan Allen

UPV Campus Photos

Various Photos From Around Town – Miagao Travel Guide

These shots were taken as I explored around the market and town center…you might want to keep an eye out for the many beautiful birds that can be seen around the UPV campus. Also look for the Panay Bird Club link further down the page.

I also visited the “Green Bamboo” Project. Bamboo grows so quickly, and it quite strong….I believe bamboo construction could really ease a lot of the strain put on our environment! This UPV project helps to employ locals who process the bamboo. You can purchase bamboo crafts on site.

Food / Restaurants in Miagao

Now for the eating & drinking portion of Miagao travel guide…try Miagao’s own Batchoy at a local favorite – Nerizens! On the way to or from Iloilo, you can also stop by Doming’s Talabahan by the sea! You can have a large bowl of talaba (fresh oysters) for almost nothing! Iloilo is famous for this at places like Breakthrough and Tatoy’s, but not too many people know about this gem just outside of the city:)

“Vineyard”

I’ll let you in on a little UPV secret: There is a super cheap, hole in the wall cocktail bar right near the church! It’s called “Vineyard“, and you may have to ask the locals where it is. They have some very unique mixed drink creations there…I never expected to find something like that in Miagao! There’s an outdoor patio, and the UPV students love it. I almost expected I would have to give a secret handshake or password to enter. Haha.

How To Get To Miag-Ao

If coming from Boracay or Antique by bus, you will reach Miagao about 45 minutes before you arrive in Iloilo City. Don’t worry, you won’t miss the imposing structure of Miagao church! Haha. From Iloilo, you need to take 2 jeepneys, but unfortunately I can’t remember which ones and from where. Hopefully somebody will answer this here on the post, but you can always ask the drivers when in Iloilo.

Thanks so much to fellow photographer Ruperto Quitag, who assisted me quite a bit there in Miagao. Big thanks as well to Mayor Napulan, Flord Calawag, Veronica Melanio, Mama Nora, and Sir Mike! Being there in Miagao was just the rest and relaxation I needed at the time. I was actually invited to give a TEDx talk at UPV, and I regret not being able to. Next time, I guess!

– Nathan Allen

Related Links:

Birds Of Panay FB Page

My Iloilo Blog Post

My Antique Blog Post

UPV’s Green Bamboo Project

Social Media

Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

The post Miagao’s Secrets – The Church, The Bats, and the Myths appeared first on I Dreamed Of This.

By Nathan Allen

To Honor Santo Niño…

This religious festival is to honor the Santo Niño, which is the oldest religious image of Jesus in the Philippines. Devotees believe it to be miraculous.

However, the event is also to celebrate the arrival of the Malays on Panay island, which was sold to them by the indigenous Ati tribe.

The festival is broken up into 3 separate parts: Ati-Ati Street Dancing, Kasadyahan Street Dancing, and the search for Miss Dinagyang. Performers must wear costumes created from native materials. Each tribal dance includes drumming – much of which is done live.

(More photos)

The dancers really give it their all…sometimes, the performances made me smile. Other times, the intensity humbled and overwhelmed me. I felt so proud. Often, these are high school kids competing, and I couldn’t help but imagine all the hard work that goes into their costumes and routines.

The passion and dedication of these young performers really shines throughout the festival!

So Many Fiestas in the Philippines…

Dinagyang is one of many colorful festivals, or fiestas in the Philippines. If you include town fiestas all over the country, the number is likely over 10,000 each year! Christmas celebrations are the largest, and unbelievably, the festivities extend all the way from September to January! No, it’s not a white Christmas, but it very well could be the longest in the world:)

Dinagyang is impressive, but it hasn’t blown up in popularity yet. That’s another reason why I love it so much…because other well-known festivals like Sinulog in Cebu are quickly becoming choked with crowds.

I am very tempted to come back to Dinagyang again! Next time I might also visit Gigantes Island – Iloilo province’s very own paradise island a few hours away!

More Information About Iloilo, the “City of Love”

I think Iloilo is one of the most progressive and forward-thinking cities in the Philippines. Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog seems to be well loved, and as far as I can tell, sets a great example for other Philippine leaders.

I was also impressed by the “food culture” there in Iloilo – what a wide variety of sleek, independently-owned restaurants they have! Ilongos seem to have good taste. While visiting, try to stop by the Deco’s or Netong’s at the market, so you can enjoy their signature dishes: Pancit Molo, and Batchoy.

Of course, Iloilo is also known for it’s beautiful churches. be sure to check out the “growing statue” of Jaro Cathedral, and the women saints of Molo Church. Also worth noting are the city’s lovingly restored heritage houses.

Many thanks to my “new family” at Days Hotel for taking great care of me during my stay in Iloilo. As always, I only partner with businesses that strive for excellence, and Days Hotel is no exception:)

Please tell them I said hi!

You can find more information in my Iloilo blog below…enjoy Dinagyang!!

-Nathan Allen

www.idreamedofthis.com

Related Links:

My Iloilo Blog Post

My Miagao Blog Post

My Antique Blog Post

Like my page to follow along with me:)  – Nathan

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Have something to add? Feel free to leave a comment…

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