Stories of Places, People and Photography in the Philippines and Beyond
On the recent major earthquake in China, one of the cities that was majorly affected was Dujiangyan City since it was close to the epicenter of the quake. It’s devastating to know that schools were some of structures badly damaged. I’m dedicating this post to the victims of the quake. Dujiangyan is a pretty little City just lying a little west, up north of Chengdu City. We visited another UNESCO World Heritage Site there which is the Dujiangyan Irrigation System.
Early morning the next day after spending a night at Ha Long Bay, our next activity after having a hearty breakfast was to explore a Hidden Lagoon. Not too far from where we were anchored that night we took a small boat, which can cross through a low passage under a lime stone karst. This would be our last attraction to visit, after this we would be going back to the port of Ha Long and drive back to Hanoi.
There is another lake in Coron, Palawan aside from Kayangan Lake that is worthy a visit. In just a few minutes boat ride from Kayangan, you’ll soon find yourself at the entrance of Barracuda Lake. There is an entrance fee of 75 pesos per person to access the lake.
Tofu has been one of my favorite dishes and whenever I had a chance to eat at a local Chinese Restaurant, I would sometimes order a Mapo Tofu. It’s one of my favorite Chinese dish with tofu, minced beef swimming in the red sea of chili and spicy sauce. This fiery dish has also been popular around the world. When we were in Chengdu, China we made sure not to miss eating Mapo Tofu on where the dish was actually created – at Chen’s Mapo Tofu Restaurant.
Aside from cruising the numerous karst islands of Ha Long Bay, another activity along this UNESCO World Heritage Site is spelunking. There are a number of cave systems on some of the thousands of islands dotting the bay. On our first day of exploration, we were able to visit one of the popular caves at the center island of the bay called Sung Sôt Cave. Found on Bo Hòn Island, the cave has also been known as the Amazing Cave or Cave of Surprises.
Dubbed as the Cleanest Lake in Asia, Kayangan Lake in Coron, Palawan is one of those must visit sites in the area. It’s a true gem if you ask me. It’s hard not to know this place since DOT has plastered most of it’s familiar Kayangan Bay shots on its Philippines promotional materials. Turquoise ocean waters, towering scenic lime stones and crystal clear blue lake. What more adjectives can I describe this place on what many may considers a slice of island paradise.
Bay of the Descending Dragons is such a dramatic phrase. It’s like going into a mythical world where magic and mythical creatures still exist. Quite unlikely in this day and age, but Ha Long Bay, which literally means the same phrase can be a good setting for a fantasy movie. This karst filled bay found in Quảng Ninh province in Vietnam, 170km east of Hanoi, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Let us go on a photographic journey in this natural wonder.
