De Palma Hotel in Kuala Selangor

When people hear of Malaysia, they often think of Petronas Towers and Kuala Lumpur. How about getting far away? I went far from Kuala Lumpur when I was in Malaysia for a training. I loved the place because it was so tranquil to stay in there. The place is called De Palma Hotel in Kuala Selangor. 

Swimming pool area

De Palma Hotel is a place to me as a person who lives in a rural province. I did not hear cars when I stayed in there. I listend to birds chirping and enjoyed nature. 

Thanks to a Malaysian friend for this picture.

Together with representatives from the ASEAN member countries, there were only two of us from the Philippines - myself (3rd from left) and Dr. Paul Cabahit (2nd from left) of Leyte. In De Palma Hotel, I stayed in a chalet with two women from Vietnam. I enjoyed the bonding with fellow citizens from ASEAN nations. 

Thanks to Dr. Paul Cabahit for this photograph.

Monkeys are everywhere in the hotel complex. You'll see them hanging in the trees or walking side by side with you. These monkeys remain untouched as the Malaysian government and the people care for them. 

Behind the Shades

near our back yard 

San Juanico Bridge

Built during the dictatorship era, the San Juanico Bridge is the longest in the Philippines with a length of two kilometers.

Feeling a little bit nervous.

When I went to Tacloban, I visited San Juanico Bridge. I felt the bridge swaying every time a car passes through. The bridge, for me, is ideal to joggers. Stopping by anywhere in the middle of the bridge is not allowed. Just walk by yourself in order to feel its magnificence. 

Behind the huge steel 

Behind the magnificent steel bars, try to look below and far apart. What an amazing view of Leyte!

Bridge and Logs

Butuan City

What could be more beautiful to see huts and bridge in one?

Butuan City

Then looking further, I see logs floating.

Once There Was A Train

Let me say once there was a train. Yes, once there was a train to Bicol from Metro Manila. The latest trip was on October 2012. Until now, I long for the train to be back.

The train to Bicol was so friendly to local tourists. It takes about 12 hours from Tutuban terminal to Naga City. My last stop supposedly is Legazpi City. Until now I am still hopeful that one day, train from Metro Manila will be able to reach Legazpi City - the Mayon Volcano country.

My family sleeper couch.

Naga City Railway Station

When the Philippine National Railways' trains are still available Bicol-bound, I tried to board the family sleeper. It was a couch for a family of four with two double deck spaces. I counted the number of stones thrown to us as we passed by slum areas totaled to more than 10 before we reached Laguna. It can be noted that one will not enjoy sightseeing because the windows are screened as protection from stone-throwing.

Inside the train that I long to ride again.

Despite the sounds of stones that I feared might pierce through the windows, I enjoyed the ride. The train was so clean and so cold inside. Two police men were on duty roving during the entire journey. Alcoholic beverage is not allowed. 

I was disturbed by a group of 40 local tourists who did not sleep in the night but just enjoyed jamming inside the train. Nevertheless, I understood that they were just having fun as it was the only longest train journey in the country during that time. 

Now, I long to have the train back. I hope that I can try the executive sleeper. Indeed, train system boosts tourism and I wish that we can have it back soon.