INJAP Hotel, ILOILO

The Iloilo leg of our spur of the moment vacation is a stay at the Injap Tower Hotel ~  a modern boutique hotel, that carries all the basic amenities at affordable value.

The location is superb, it is located just across Iloilo's shoppers' paradise: the SM Iloilo and the Plazuela;  And a short jeepney ride away night-owls' hangout, SmallVille and Iloilo's newest park, the River Esplanade.

Our room is cozy with a window opening to SM Iloilo below.

• There is a mini kitchen with sink and an operational microwave oven. 
• There are 2 beds in the room (which is their standard set up) ~ a queen size and a single bed, both were very comfortable. 
• TV has cable with plenty of channels to choose from.

• Bathroom is clean and spotless, with very good water pressure and complete toiletries.

Injap has a pool, spa area and a gym (we were not able to visit the spa and gym since we were only there for 1 night)

Our room package came with free set breakfast at the Horizon Café, located at the 21st floor of Injap.  Food was so-so, but that was okay, since it is just free. The view from the Horizon Café, however, was splendid.

TIPS

1. Book Injap directly through their website,  I have checked the other websites and found Injap direct to be the most economical.  I am not sure, if I got our Injap accommodation on promo, but I only paid P1250 for 2 pax.
2. There is a Travellers Lounge at SM Iloilo, you can take a shuttle from there going to the airport and save about P400 bucks on taxi ride.

VERDICT:
Injap is a value for money hotel and is perfect for an overnight in Iloilo.   If you are heading to Iloilo or looking for a half-way house to Guimaras, Injap is highly recommended.


For additional inquiries, please check their website here: INJAP TOWER HOTEL



You may also want to check the rest of our adventure to beautiful Iloilo and captivating Guimaras:
Part I - GUIMARAS - ILOILO TRIP
Part II - GUIMARAS - ILOILO TRIP

Guimaras and Iloilo ~ Our 4D/3N Sweet Adventure - PART I

My husband has been complaining, how he never gets to fully relax whenever we travel with our kiddos around.  Our last Singapore-Malaysia trip was no exception, as it left us both exhausted than rested.   

He joked that we should try something unexpected and different, where we can leave the busy metro (yup, electronics included) and just be spontaneous (without the kiddos)!

And so, after our Singapore-Malaysia trip, without much thought, I booked us a round trip ticket to Iloilo, the gateway to Guimaras.

I haven't been to either Iloilo and Guimaras and thought it would be nice to hit two destinations in one trip. 

Iloilo City is a thriving urban city, but still manages to maintain its rural charm.


Meanwhile 15 minute ferry ride away is rustic Guimaras,  an enticing island, with pristine glorious beaches (Oh and lots of mangoes ~ delicious-delicious mangoes).

However, spontaneous as I wanted to be, the Miss Planner in me, decided having a confirmed lodging, is still a must: that would mean a comfortable bed, well ventilated or air-conditioned room, and safe!



Sharing here our 4D/3N itinerary (will add links as I finish writing them):


PART I - GUIMARAS

Day 1 ~ Departure from Manila via Cebu Pacific

(It is a common story by now, our 9am flight via Cebu Pacific owned Tiger Air, was canceled. I received the CANCELATION notice about 5 minutes before check-in time.  We hurried to the check-in counter and demanded for the next available flight - and luckily got seats in the 1130am flight. Lucky us, since the family after us, got transferred to a much later 2pm flight.)

• 12:30pm - Arrived at Iloilo Airport (beautiful airport, clean and spacious).

From the airport, you can take the air-conditioned shuttle (at P50/pax) to SM Iloilo, then a cab (P100 approximately) to Ortiz Wharf or take a private van (P600) and head straight to the wharf.  The wharf is about 30-40 minutes away from the airport.

• 1:20pm - Take the ferry going to Jordan wharf Guimaras.  Cost is about P15/pax. 

If you travelling as a group, you may want to rent the entire ferry to yourselves for P500. Upon alighting the ferry at Jordan, head straight to the Tourism center and register. 

You may also inquire from the  tourism center suggestions on where to stay and confer your itinerary if you are not yet sure on what to do.  The tourism center, will register as well the name of your driver. 

From Jordan to Nueva Valencia,  where we  stayed mini van rate is P500 and tricycle rate is P250.

• 2:30pm - Arrived at Janna Glycel Beach Resort. Today's itinerary, relax, enjoy the beach, and relax some more!

Day 2 ~Land Tour (am) / Island Hopping (afternoon)

• Morning ~ Land Tour. We started at 7am and arrived at Pitstop at around 11am. The entire tour and back to Jannah took us a little over 5 hours.  A wholeday land tour costs P1200.

• Guisi Lighthouse*
• Mango farm
• Neptune Pittman Garden*
• Guimaras Adventure Park
• Guimaras Trade and Information Center
• Lunch at Pitstop Restaurant*
• Trappist Monastery*

• Afternoon Tour ~ Island Hopping  costs P500 for the first 3 hours, and additional P150 for the succeeding hours.
• SEAFDEC** - a marine animal research facility. Must-must visit!
• Ave Maria Islet
• Turtle Island

We were too tired, from our early morning land tour, we decided to pack-up early. Alas, we were not able to finish our island hopping itinerary.

We missed:

• Baras Cave / Baras Beach Resort
• Natago Island
• Isla Naburot

TIPS:

1. In Guimaras, you need not worry you are being over charged, since rates are regulated and may easily be checked via the tourism office. 
2. Places of interests, by land from Buenavista to Nueva Valencia is about 50km (or more), driving is hard labor and not easy, please be generous, additional tip is highly appreciated for these hardworking drivers.
3. Our driver's name is Sauro (Cellphone #0919-3257672) we also got him for our land tour of Guimaras.  He was very helpful, suggesting places to go to and was also our impromptu photographer. He also suggested we get mangoes before heading to Nueva Valencia (he even did the bargaining for us).  If you are looking for a dependable driver in Guimaras, I do recommend you get him.
4. Attractions in "*" are highly recommended. Note to self, do not try to cram your schedule with same day Island Hopping and Land Tour. 

GUIMARAS is a gem waiting to be discovered.  The island has so many untapped potential.  I love Guimaras now, a laid back beauty, but I would not be surprised to see tourist soon flocking on its doors.  

GOAL 1 - to relax: MET 101%

Please check also Part II of our GUIMARAS-ILOILO trip.

Singapore - Malaysia Budget

Sharing our expenses during our December 2014, 8D/7N travel to Singapore - Malaysia.

I admit our budget is nothing close to frugal travelling, but will try to add notes, on how you can possibly save and make the most of your hard earned money. 

Prices are in Philippine Pesos (using Php34 per SGD conversion) as of December 2014 and are broken down by day (except for hotel and combo tickets costs) based on our itinerary.  Cost is for 2 adults and 2 children, ages 6 and 10.

Since we travelled on a peak season, airfare and hotel prices were obviously higher. You would be able to save a lot if you choose to travel on a non-peak season.


If you have very little options and decided still to travel on a holiday, I suggest you book your airfare and hotel accommodations at least six (6) months in advance.  It is very rare that airlines and hotels will even lower their rates during peak seasons (which based on what I have seen starts 16th of December, all the way to the Chinese New Year). Remember: The earlier you book the more you will save.



I. AIRFARE

For 2 adults and 2 children is P 47,000 via Philippine Airlines (Booking PAL later on proves to be a wise decision, since Cebu Pacific had issues on numerous cancelled and delayed flights last December). 


II. TRANSPORTATION
Travel by taxi proved to be both efficient and convenient.  The attractions are not necessarily right next to the MRT or Bus station and still requires quite a bit of walking, which is strenuous if you are towing children.  Travel by taxi is roughly SGD15-20 from Orchard area to most of the tourists' attractions.  

III. FOOD
Price depends where you eat. Cost is expectedly more expensive inside resorts and parks.  I have noticed that most locals bring water container and refills it once empty. 

Meals at hawker center is about SGD5-8 per viand, while prices at fast food restaurants cost SGD15-20. Hotel buffets range from expensive at SGD25-30 (for breakfast) to SGD80-100 (for lunch and dinner).  Note that prices are higher for holiday lunch and dinner.


IV. HOTEL

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
ROYAL PLAZA ON SCOTTS (ORCHARD) - SUPERIOR ROOM - 4 NIGHTS	32,000.00	This hotel is located in Orchard area.  It is very accessible to public transport and taxi fare is never more than SGD20 in most of Singapore's tourists' attractions.  At P8,000/day, we get free mini-bar (replenished daily) and wifi access for multiple devices. BTW, we have been upgraded to a Royal Premier Suite, which gave us access to the Royal club which included free buffet breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner for two.
LEGOLAND MALAYSIA - 1 NIGHT	19,000.00	Rate is for a Standard Room and included buffet breakfast for 4 and two days combo tickets to the Legoland Wetpark and Themepark. We were again upgraded to a Premier Suite.  To make the most out of your Legoland visit I strongly suggest you get a two days combo pass (however, this is only available to hotel guests).
FESTIVE HOTEL RESORTS WORLD - 2 NIGHTS	29,000.00	Total cost is for a Deluxe Family Room and included tickets for 2 adults to SEA Aquarium, Universal Studio and Adventure Cove. Reservations was done through a Mastercard Promotion.

DAY 1 - SINGAPORE CITY

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Asia Travel 3 in 1 combo ticket  - Adult P2400 / Child  P1800	8,400.00	Singapore Flyer, Ducktour and Gardens  by the Bay entrance to the twin conservatories

DAY 2 and 3 - LEGOLAND MALAYSIA

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Singapore - Malaysia - Singapore via SGMYTaxi Private Transfers	7,140.00	There aree cheaper options of travel from Singapore to Malaysia, but we opted for a door to door private transfer.  Cost is SGD105 per way.
Tickets to Legoland Themepark and Wetpark inclusive in the	n/a	Included in our hotel cost.
Cabana Rental	3,220.00	Rental is not necessary, but very nice to have.  Cost is MYR280 for a whole day use.  Inclusive of Cabana rental, with mini refrigerator, electric fan, safety deposit box, 2 lounge chair, 2 lounge bed, 2 huge Legoland towels, 10 bottled drinks and wifi.

DAY 4 - JURONG BIRD PARK and SCIENCE CENTRE

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Park Hopper Special 2 in 1	5,800.00	If you intend to do multiple zoo attractions, I suggest bookings online via zoo.com website and avail of their park hopper special.  We bought Jurong Bird Park and Singapore Day Zoo combo.
Combo Science Center with Transformer Exhibit Tickets	3,672.00	We bought the tickets directly at the Science Center complex.  Adult - SGD32 / Child SGD22

DAY 5 - SINGAPORE ZOO

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Zoo Entrance	n/a	Included in the park hopper ticket.
Breakfast with the Orangutans	3,672.00	My boys enjoyed breakfast with Singapore Zoo's resident orangutans.  Adult SGD32 / Child SGD22

DAY 6 - SENTOSA

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Sentosa Day Pass	10,064.00	The Sentosa Day Pass gives you single entry access to more than 20 attractions in Sentosa. Adult - SGD79/Child - SGD69.

DAY 7 AND 8 - UNIVERSAL STUDIO and SEA AQUARIUM

ITEM	PRICE	REMARKS
Universal Studio Singapore (USS) and SEA Aquarium combo tickets through Asia Travel	4,624.00	Our USS and SEA Aquarium adult ticket came free with our Festive Hotel bookings, so we only bought USS and SEA Tickets for our children. Cost is SGD68 per child.

Please see also the detailed itinerary of our Singapore-Malaysia travel. 

"SINGAPORE - MALAYSIA Itinerary and Tips (8D/7N)".


I hope you find this helpful as you plan your own Singapore-Malaysia adventure.  Let me know if you have questions, will try my best to answer them for you.