List of Hotels in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei

BADI’AH HOTEL
Address: Badi'ah Complex Mile 1 1/4, Jalan Tutong, Jalan Laksamana Abdul Razak, Bandar Seri Begawan
Phone: (673)241-8888 | (673)241-2555 | (673)241-7222

The Empire Hotel & Country Club: The Most Elegant Hotel in Brunei

Another highlight of our travel to Brunei, other than the Jame'Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque is the famous Empire Hotel & Country Club. I was fascinated by this hotel from the pictures I’ve seen in the internet, not to mention it’s rated as a six-star hotel so I want to see it for myself.

Radisson Hotel, Brunei

 
This newly renovated hotel is conveniently located along the road to BSB central. It's a walking distance from/to Royal Regalia, Brunei History Centre, Tasek Lama Recreational Park and restaurants that offer authentic food.

Jubilee Hotel & Plaza, Brunei Darussalam

I will give Jubilee Hotel a five star for letting us checked-in even before the check-in time. And they upgraded our room from Standard Suite to Family Room, with a kitchen, a big living room and 2 bedrooms, though we only used 1 room since we are only 3 and all girls.

Kampung Sungai Matan Homestay

Kampong Sugai Matan Homestay is a bed & breakfast located at the Water Village (Kampong Ayer). It's just by chance that we found this home stay when we explored the village from the Gallery.
The head of the home stay is very accommodating and friendly. As soon as he sees us, he greeted us and asked us to go inside.

The Royal Regalia Building

The museum is built to commemorate the 1992 Silver Jubilee of His Majesty's ascension to the throne. I find this museum as one of the beautiful museums in Brunei.

The Lapau (Royal Ceremonial Hall) & Dewan Majlis

The Royal Ceremonial hall or locally known as Lapau is where royal traditional ceremonies take place. Significant events such as the Istiadat Berusuruh Diraja or Royal marriage proposal ceremony takes place in this beautiful structure.

List of Mosques in Brunei Darussalam

Last Updated: September 15, 2016
I'm a Catholic but that doesn't mean I don't admire other religious sites. And that doesn't mean either that I can't visit their house of worships or prayers. I just keep in mind to follow their rules and restrictions, be polite and respect their belief. Their belief is different than mine but we only have one purpose, to worship the God we believed in.

Malay Technological Museum (Muzium Teknologi Melayu)

Updated: October 14, 2016
Located not far from Brunei Museum is the Malay Technological Museum that exhibits various types of traditional technologies utilized by the indigenous people of Brunei Darussalam. Contrary to its name, this museum's displays are not about information technology, like I thought, but the traditional lifestyles and practices of Malay.

Brunei Darussalam Museums and Galleries

Brunei is one of the countries I love, not only because it's my first out of the country visit, but also because it has a lot of historical sites. I'm more of historical sites person than shopping malls or a nightlife.

I'm not regretting that Brunei was my first out of country, even though people asked why I visited Brunei when there's nothing to see. Well, for me there are a lot of places to see in Brunei and 3 days of staying there is not enough.

Brunei Darussalam Do's & Dont's

Bruneians are generally very tolerant and will understand that visitors are not familiar with all of their customs and Islamic traditions. But to show your respect and appreciate their culture, please keep these few thing in mind:

Brunei History Centre

Established in 1982, this centre aims to conduct research into the 600 year old history and culture of the country with special focus on the history of the Brunei sultans.

Brunei Arts & Handicrafts Training Centre

Is a governmental center coordinated by the Brunei Museum. It was built with just a main purpose, to revive the country’s heritage in traditional arts and handicrafts. Originally, the center was established in 1975 and was moved to its new and current location in 1984 in conjunction with the Brunei Independence. Brunei Arts and Handicrafts Training Centre is the only place where mostly Brunei oldest Arts and Handicrafts survived from extinction.

Mausoleum of Sultan Bolkiah

Sultan Bolkiah Mausoleum is located on a hill ridge at Kota Batu, overlooking the Brunei River. His Majesty reign Brunei from 1485 - 1524 century AD. He’s the most famous of all sultans of Brunei. 

During his reign Brunei Empire was at its peak; almost all the sultanate in Borneo were under his sovereignty including Sambas, Kotaringin, Pontianak, Kutai, Pasir, Tuli-Tuli, Banjarmasin and Burau. He even seized Manila briefly with the help of a cannon called Si-Gantar Alam (He Who Makes the Earth Shake)

House of Twelve Roofs (Bubongan Duabelas)

This is another attraction that I wasn’t able to visit when we were in Brunei. This sultanate's oldest extant building is now a museum dedicated to the longstanding 'special relationship' between Brunei and the United Kingdom. The museum displays many fine shots of Queen Elizabeth II.

Kampong Ayer Cultural & Tourism Gallery

Opened in 2009, this gallery is in a perfect location and a good place to start exploring the water village. Located at the heart of the water village, this complex features five mini galleries, that house all the important information and pictures on history, traditions, society, arts as well as handicrafts and relics from the origins of the water village dating up to the 10th until the 20th century.

Kampung Ayer (Water Village): The Venice of East

Kampung Ayer or Water Village is one of my recommended places to see in Brunei. Not only because it's interesting being the world's biggest stilt settlement, but also it's rich in history. The village is considered one of the important centers of Borneo's trade and said to be the very core of Brunei.

How to Get to Kampung Ayer?


There are two ways to get to Kampung Ayer. It actually depends if you have extra time and if you have that adventurous side.

Getting Around Brunei Darussalam

Majority of Brunei's attractions lie within walking distance of each other in the heart of the capital city, Bandar Seri Begawan. You have many transportation options to get around Brunei.

Where to Stay in Ilocos Norte?

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I've only visited Ilocos Norte once so I was able to a couple of hotels, but that doesn't mean I can't give information on other hotels.

These are the hotels where we stayed when we visited.

Northview Hotel

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To truly enjoy your visit here, you must, at least, stay a night here.  We have a car so we decided to stay a night at the Northview Hotel.  It's near the downtown proper and other tourist sports.  Read more>>

List of Hotels/Lodgings/Inns/B&Bs in Ilocos Norte

Last Updated: August 31, 2016
Please find below the list of accommodations in Ilocos Norte. This is just a list and does not guarantee the current room rates, addresses, contact numbers and quality of service of the hotels. It is advisable that you do a full and thorough research about a specific hotel before booking.

What to Eat in Vigan?

We always end our tour by eating, and this was no exception. Since we are soon checking out the hotel, we decided on having lunch in their restaurant. 

Vigan is known for their bagnet, empanada, longganisa, ukoy, poqui-poqui and chichacorn so make sure you try these before you leave.

Vigan Empanada
Empanada is another food that Filipinos love to eat.  Not only because it's delicious but also it's affordable for a complete meal. Read more>>

Bagnet and Pinakbet with Bagnet

 
Bagnet is a deep fried pork belly and from what the local said to me when I asked, it's sun dried for a long time to make it more crispier.

It's considered the top favorite among the Filipinos.  Almost everybody knows this delicacy and no-one can't deny this, except me, though. It's delicious but too salty for me.  It's made like that to preserve it after deep frying and sun drying. 

I love it though when included in any vegetable recipe, it served as the salt and of course the meat. One of that is the Pinakbet (Mixed Vegetables Saute with shrimp paste). Another local favorite in Vigan. I love it and I would love to try it again.

This is from the restaurant at Grandpa's Inn.

Vigan Ukoy

Ukoy, sometimes called Okoy is a flavorful Filipino appetizer with a golden color and crisp.  It's made of unpeeled shrimps, but sometimes, others used peeled shrimps. It's best to serve after cooking to enjoy the crispiness. 

Where to Stay in Ilocos Sur?

I've only stayed one night in Vigan so I was able to stay at one hotel only, but this really is a must if you need an accommodation in Vigan, Ilocos Sur. Your home away from home.
 
Grandpa's Inn & Restaurant





Grandpa's Inn is an old house, or more like a mansion, that was converted into a hotel. Located just a few minutes away from Calle Crisologo in Vigan City. Readmore>>

Where to Stay in Cebu?

Last Updated: December 12, 2017
Cebu is one of the very popular provinces in the Philippines and has a lot of luxurious hotels. If you want the best accommodation, book at one of the hotels in Mactan Island, where all the exciting events happen.

What to See in Cebu?

When you visit Bohol province and have extra day or two, spend it exploring the neighboring city, Cebu.

These are the places we've visited for just a day. We started at 8:00am and finished at 4:00pm. If your flight is not until late evening, you still have enough time to explore the resorts at Mactan Island.

Mactan Shrine
Also called Liberty Shrine or Lapu-Lapu Shrine is built in honor of  Datu Lapu-Lapu, Ferdinand Magellan and the Battle of Mactan. In the site the first thing you'll see when you enter is the Magellan Shrine. Read more>>

Leyte Province: The Promised Land

Leyte is an island in the Philippines that consists of two provinces, Leyte Province (Northern Leyte) & Southern Leyte. The province is known for the longest bridge in the Philippines, the San Juanico Bridge, that connects the provinces of Leyte and Samar.  Seems impossible but former President Marcos made it possible, for his wife Imelda Romualdez Marcos, so people say.

Where to Eat in Bohol?


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Food always go along with attractions, so if you get tired or get hungry while exploring Bohol province in the Philippines, eat your tiredness away!



Floating Restaurant @ Loboc River
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Lunch at a floating restaurant while cruising Loboc River is one of the top things to do in Bohol. It's the best way to end your morning after visiting the many tourist attractions.  Read more>>

21 Must See Attractions in Bohol

Last Updated: January 19, 2017
Bohol offers a lot of tourist attractions from historical sites to falls, caves, and of course, white beaches. With so many places to see and things to do, you’ll need a lot of time to fully explore the province.

Two days are definitely not enough to explore Bohol. Nonetheless, we still managed to visit these 21 amazing attractions in two days.

1. Sagbayan Peak Resort & Recreation
If you are coming from Cebu via Tubigon Port, Bohol  and want to start your adventure right away, the best place to go is the Sagbayan Peak. Sagbayan is one of the 3 among 1,776 chocolate hills that was developed into a resort for tourism purposes.  This government owned mountain resort is the best place to have a sneak peek of the famous chocolate hills....read more>>

Where to Stay in Bohol?

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If you need a place to stay in Bohol, Philippines, you have the options for a cheap lodging to a very expensive resorts. We only stayed there for 1 night so I can only give you an idea for one resort. But please refer to the list for more choices. 

Dumaluan Beach Resort
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Dumaluan Beach Resort used to be just a family weekend getaway resort with nipa hut cottage.  When friends of the family started coming they began building more nipa hut. Readmore>>


What to See in Ilocos Norte?

Ilocos Norte is one of the provinces in the Philippines that offer a lot of beautiful attractions and historical sites. Very far from Manila, but it’s all worth it once you start exploring.

Make sure to see these places when you visit the province. 

Paoay Church (St. Augustine Catholic Parish Church)

Formally called St. Augustine Catholic Parish Church, Paoay church is one of the oldest churches in the Philippines and inscribed as UNESCO’s World Heritage list...read more>> 

The Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag
This centuries old 45m bell tower is the first thing you'll see when you arrive at Laoag's town proper.  Reputed to be the most solid, massive and tallest tower in the Philippines...read more>>

Laoag Cathedral (Saint William Metropolitan Cathedral)
Another reason I want to come back in Ilocos Norte is this church.  Also known as St. Augustine Catholic Parish Church, one of the biggest and oldest churches in the country...read more>>

Malacanang of the North
This beautiful house of two-storey sits on a five-hectare property with a magnificent view of Paoay Lake.  It has grand living rooms; seven bedrooms, an expansive terrace and a beautiful garden overlooking the lake...read more>>

Paoay Lake 
Paoay Lake is declared as a National Park in 1978 and locally called dakkel danum, which means large body of water.  It is a legendary lake because of the interesting and enchanting history passed upon by forefathers to present generations...read more>>

Batac Church (Immaculate Concepcion Parish Church)
This is the church of the former President Ferdinand Marcos' birthplace. One of its priors wrote the "Relacion", retelling Diego Silang's rise against the Spaniards...read more>>

Marcos Museum & Mausoleum
This museum is where you will find both memorabilia storage and the current resting place of former President Ferdinand Marcos.  It is situated in the heart of Batac City, Ilocos Norte...read more>>

Paoay Sand Dunes (La Paz Sand Dunes)
This national geological monument expands from the boundary of Currimao and Paoay to La Paz in Laoag City.  The scenery going to this place is not that pretty but when you get to see the sand dunes...read more>>

Sarrat Church (Santa Monica Parish Church)
Originally known as San Miguel Church, this church is renowned as the largest church in Ilocos Norte.  What interest me most of this church is the bell tower, standing proudly just beside the church...read more>> 

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse (Burgos Lighthouse)

This lighthouse is a cultural structure located at Burgos, Ilocos NOrte. This is not the tallest lighthouse in the country like what others believe,  but it is however the most accessible lighthouse in Luzon...read more>>

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Is a formation created by forces of the ocean on the rocky coast of Burgos, located just a few minutes further from the lighthouse...read more>>

Bangui Wind Farm (Bangui Windmills)
Is the first wind generating farm in the Southeast Asia. This was built due to insufficient power provided by National Power Corporation in the province. What amazes me when I saw first saw these, was how...read more>> 

Patapat Viaduct
Patapat Viaduct is a coastal bridge connecting Ilocos Norte and Cagayan Valey Region. It's really amazing to see this snake-like bridge in between the ocean and the mountains. It's the 4th longest bridge in the country...read more>>

Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud
We were not able to explore more of Pudpud because we don't have much time.  We only visited the Blue Lagoon, had a dip, sleep then went home...read more>>

If you are planning on visiting Ilocos Norte, make sure you have a lot of time, so you'll enjoy to the fullest.  And you will be able to see a lot of tourist attractions.

What to See in Ilocos Sur?

Each of us have a preference of what we want to see and do. But most often than not, historical sites have this appeal to most people. And I am one of those most people :) I love histories and old houses; Vigan is perfect for my taste.

These are the recommended places to see when you visit Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, Philippines. 

Calle Crisolo
Calle Crosologo, also known as Mena Crisologo Street in Vigan City is the most popular tourist attraction in the province of Ilocos Sur.  Named after Mena Pecson Crisologo, one of the most respected sons of Ilocos Sur...read more>>

Where to Stay in Puerto Princesa?

I’ve been to Puerto Princesa once and we only stayed in one hotel. However, if you want to check the hotels around, please check this post. 

Tropical Sun Inn 
Since what we got during our trip to Palawan is a package we have to stay here.  It's a very homey inn and they are not very strict.  On our last day, it's the Island tour and we need a place to wash the salt water and sand. We booked one room for 6 of us so we can use the bathroom.  But the hotel let us use their outside bathrooms too! 

Address: 152 Manalo Street, Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Phone: +63484336493
Fax: +63484338288

Please click here for the list of hotels/Inns in Puerto Princesa.

Where to Eat in Puerto Princesa?

Of course, it has become a customary that when I go to other provinces, I try their delicacies and other well-known food.  We weren't able to try other restaurants, but these for me, were good enough. 

KaLui Restaurant 
This is the most popular restaurant in Puerto Princesa and they said your trip is not complete without eating here.  Well, I can guarantee that...read more>>

What to See in Puerto Princesa?

Puerto Princesa is one of the provinces I love along with Leyte. I've been to Leyte twice already and I'll make sure to visit Puerto Princesa again....soon. 

In the meantime, if you are planning on visiting Puerto Princes, make sure to visit these places. 

Plaza Cuartel 
From afar, this looks like just a simple park, but behind it is a tragic history.  This place is a restored ruins and a reminder of the Palawan Massacre during the World War II...read more>>

Sagada Province

Sagada is one of the six municipalities in the province of Mountain Province, known for its tranquil and undisturbed beauty.

What to See in Sagada?

Sagada, even though small, is blessed with natural resources and historical sites. Make sure not to miss these places when you visit the province.

Bomod-Ok Falls
Bomod-Ok Falls is one of the popular tourist attractions in Sagada. This falls is located in Banga-an, 45 minutes to an hour walk from the town proper. Read more>>

Men and Flowers

"Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men or animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock." ~Henry Ward Beecher
How men and flowers are alike? Generally speaking, men and flowers are very alike. Both have different characteristics, types and descriptions. 

Museo It Akean

Museo de Akean is the province private museum housing the rich history of the province. Aklan being the oldest province in the Philippines is very rich of many wonderful cultures and histories.
It showcases the memorabilia of the Archbishop Grabiel M. Reyes. Jars, potteries, pina textiles, religious relics and other artifacts from Spanish era are displayed in there too.

I was not able to explore the museum when we went there because it's closed. But It's another reason why I would love to come back to Kalibo. To know and see the remnants of Aklan's history. 

The museum is located adjacent to the Kalibo Cathedral and near the Pastrana Park. 
 
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