Friday, June 27, 2014

Budget Backpacker Accomodation: Where I stayed in Langkawi, Malaysia

This is the airconditioned dorm I stayed in Langkawi, Malaysia. Rate was 15MYR. The aircon is on from 10pm til check out time (lunch). There are 5 bunks in the mixed dorm, and 6 common toilets.

There are also local restaurants nearby.








This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info


Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

This is the airconditioned dorm I stayed in Langkawi, Malaysia. Rate was 15MYR. The aircon is on from 10pm til check out time (lunch). There are 5 bunks in the mixed dorm, and 6 common toilets.

There are also local restaurants nearby.








This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info


Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Read More »

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Budget Backpacker Accomodation: Where I stayed in Ko Phi Phi, Thailand

This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info


I was a walk in guest in the island, and upon reaching Ko Phi Phi, i knew I wouldn't need more than 3days in the island. It was quite crowded; too many tourist for such a small island.

From the port, there were a lot of accomodation offers, but rather chose to stay in what was listed in the Wikitravel Article. I stayed in The Rock Backpacker inn, which was quite a walk from the Port.

There are several other backpacker dorms offered closer to the port that you may want to check out. Meantime, here are pictures of the Rock Backpacker, where I stayed for 2 nights. I must confirm though that the washrooms here are clean indeed

arrivat at Ko Phi Phi Thailand


The Rock Backpacker in Ko Phi Phi Thailand

dorm in The Rock Backpacker in Ko Phi Phi Thailand


The Rock Backpacker in Ko Phi Phi Thailand

walls of The Rock Backpacker in Ko Phi Phi Thailand



This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary


Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches
This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info


I was a walk in guest in the island, and upon reaching Ko Phi Phi, i knew I wouldn't need more than 3days in the island. It was quite crowded; too many tourist for such a small island.

From the port, there were a lot of accomodation offers, but rather chose to stay in what was listed in the Wikitravel Article. I stayed in The Rock Backpacker inn, which was quite a walk from the Port.

There are several other backpacker dorms offered closer to the port that you may want to check out. Meantime, here are pictures of the Rock Backpacker, where I stayed for 2 nights. I must confirm though that the washrooms here are clean indeed

arrivat at Ko Phi Phi Thailand


The Rock Backpacker in Ko Phi Phi Thailand

dorm in The Rock Backpacker in Ko Phi Phi Thailand


The Rock Backpacker in Ko Phi Phi Thailand

walls of The Rock Backpacker in Ko Phi Phi Thailand



This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee link for more stories, detailed expenses and itinerary


Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches
Read More »

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Budget Backpacker Accomodation: Where I stayed in Penang, Malaysia



Below are pictures taken from 75 Traveller's lodge in Penang, Malaysia. I've found their information from Wikitravel, which has been reliable so far with the choice of accomodation. 

It seems this corner of Penang has been a backpacker haven for the number of budget accomodations available. 

I paid 15MYR per night at 75 traveller lodge, and is absolutely recommended. Wifi is working (and the dorm has reach to the community wifi that is free, after registration). Well maintained, and facilities are good as new; Hot shower working.


entrance to 75 traveller's lodge in Penang, Malaysia

Contact Information for 75 Traveller's lodge in Penang, Malaysia


Dorm room in 75 Traveller's Lodge in Penang, Malaysia

hall in 75 Traveller's Lodge in Penang, Malaysia

Toilet of 75 Traveller's lodge in Penang, Malaysia


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info

Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches



Below are pictures taken from 75 Traveller's lodge in Penang, Malaysia. I've found their information from Wikitravel, which has been reliable so far with the choice of accomodation. 

It seems this corner of Penang has been a backpacker haven for the number of budget accomodations available. 

I paid 15MYR per night at 75 traveller lodge, and is absolutely recommended. Wifi is working (and the dorm has reach to the community wifi that is free, after registration). Well maintained, and facilities are good as new; Hot shower working.


entrance to 75 traveller's lodge in Penang, Malaysia

Contact Information for 75 Traveller's lodge in Penang, Malaysia


Dorm room in 75 Traveller's Lodge in Penang, Malaysia

hall in 75 Traveller's Lodge in Penang, Malaysia

Toilet of 75 Traveller's lodge in Penang, Malaysia


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info

Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Read More »

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

10 of my favorite Tricycle Designs in the Philippines

After two months travelling overseas, I think I must be missing Philippines; The odds of travelling rugged paths; From taking a plane/bus to the province, then to a jeep to the town, and most probably, a tricycle to the actual destination.


Especially in the provinces, the tricycle has been my most reliable resort: whether missing the last trip, muddy, deserted, unpaved terrain, short or long distance, it gets me there.

In Metro and most areas in Luzon, we have a common, regular design for the passenger sidecar but farther away, there is more to just moving the passengers. 

I collected a picture of every province's tricycle design, and below are the best I've seen.


1. Mindoro, Lubang Island. Only found in this part of the Philippines, I've never seen anywhere a tricycle with the casing of a jeepney. Lowball though for this design I think is that the casing tend to be very heavy hence slowing down the speed and pulling so much energy. It carries up to 6 passengers though.








2. Maguindanao, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. While anyone may recall this town as the site of the globally publicized media killing, the Pink government buildings and this hip (with real loud high wattage speakers) will calm you a bit when you get to this town. Real Funky and Cool.

Tricycle in Tugguegarao, Cagayan Valley (north), Philippines


3. Batanes, Sabtang Island. With a roofing that's quite a signature to Batanes, these motorbikes normally service tourists (and occasionally locals who don't have or know anyone with motorbike) in this island town. It's pricey to get services from these though compared to the rest of the country, as Batanes is so far off from mainland.


4. BukidnonMisamis Oriental (Cagayan De Oro), Compostella Valley, Camiguin, and Cagayan. Emulating the design of the jeepney, these motorbikes has elongated body to fit more passengers into the ride, for cheaper (sharing) fare

Tricycle in Cagayan De oro, Philippines

Tricycle in Bukidnon

Add caption
Tricycle in Camuigin






5. Zamboanga Del Sur, PagadianWith the province being hill-ish, the reclined seating is supposed to make it easier for tackling the slopes of the terrain. Fits up to 6 passengers too on sharing basis.







6. Palawan (Puerto Princesa)BasilanSuluTawi Tawi, & Davao Oriental (Mati)The casing may be a bit bulky, but it certainly makes it look more lavish; and shows how well we value and give regard to how little we may have :-)



Tricycle in Isabbela, Basilan, Philippines
Tricycle in Jolo, Sulu
Tricycle in Bongao, Tawi tawi
Tricycle in Davao del Sur

Tricycle in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines







7. Camarines Norte (Daet), & Masbate (San Pascual, Burias). The designs may be quite basic and like the regular 3 seater tricycle, but this one has extensions for 3 additional passengers. Seating gives you a choice of which view you'd like, front, side, or back.


Tricycle in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines





8. Bohol. Just like the tricycles from no 6, this Bohol tricycle has a unique geometric casing that serves no more than to add color and detail to this transport. Unlike those in 6 though, this don't have provision for additional passenger seating.





9. Capiz This seemingly regular tricycle can fit, not only three, but can fit up to 8; 3 inside, 2 behind the driver, 2 at the rear, and 1 more atop the welded metal provision atop the 3rd (side )wheel.






10.  Compostela Valley (Monkayo). This bike may not have the third wheel to technically call it a tricycle, but it does far more than the other ones. It carries up to 8 passengers, where, when one gets off, the passengers will have to be re-seated to balance the weight distribution on both sides of the bike. 



will add the pictures from the other provinces sooon :-) Once I complete my compilation 



update 2016:
Now look at these fast&furious tricycles from Ilo-ilo currently being marketed (2016) in Ilo-Ilo
(disclaimer: photos taken from the seller in facebook. I did not intentionally miss the details, I just forgot to take note. Nevertheless, there is a watermark for Abella Transport Manufacturing Industries so I think that's them)




After two months travelling overseas, I think I must be missing Philippines; The odds of travelling rugged paths; From taking a plane/bus to the province, then to a jeep to the town, and most probably, a tricycle to the actual destination.


Especially in the provinces, the tricycle has been my most reliable resort: whether missing the last trip, muddy, deserted, unpaved terrain, short or long distance, it gets me there.

In Metro and most areas in Luzon, we have a common, regular design for the passenger sidecar but farther away, there is more to just moving the passengers. 

I collected a picture of every province's tricycle design, and below are the best I've seen.


1. Mindoro, Lubang Island. Only found in this part of the Philippines, I've never seen anywhere a tricycle with the casing of a jeepney. Lowball though for this design I think is that the casing tend to be very heavy hence slowing down the speed and pulling so much energy. It carries up to 6 passengers though.








2. Maguindanao, Datu Saudi Ampatuan. While anyone may recall this town as the site of the globally publicized media killing, the Pink government buildings and this hip (with real loud high wattage speakers) will calm you a bit when you get to this town. Real Funky and Cool.

Tricycle in Tugguegarao, Cagayan Valley (north), Philippines


3. Batanes, Sabtang Island. With a roofing that's quite a signature to Batanes, these motorbikes normally service tourists (and occasionally locals who don't have or know anyone with motorbike) in this island town. It's pricey to get services from these though compared to the rest of the country, as Batanes is so far off from mainland.


4. BukidnonMisamis Oriental (Cagayan De Oro), Compostella Valley, Camiguin, and Cagayan. Emulating the design of the jeepney, these motorbikes has elongated body to fit more passengers into the ride, for cheaper (sharing) fare

Tricycle in Cagayan De oro, Philippines

Tricycle in Bukidnon

Add caption
Tricycle in Camuigin






5. Zamboanga Del Sur, PagadianWith the province being hill-ish, the reclined seating is supposed to make it easier for tackling the slopes of the terrain. Fits up to 6 passengers too on sharing basis.







6. Palawan (Puerto Princesa)BasilanSuluTawi Tawi, & Davao Oriental (Mati)The casing may be a bit bulky, but it certainly makes it look more lavish; and shows how well we value and give regard to how little we may have :-)



Tricycle in Isabbela, Basilan, Philippines
Tricycle in Jolo, Sulu
Tricycle in Bongao, Tawi tawi
Tricycle in Davao del Sur

Tricycle in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Philippines







7. Camarines Norte (Daet), & Masbate (San Pascual, Burias). The designs may be quite basic and like the regular 3 seater tricycle, but this one has extensions for 3 additional passengers. Seating gives you a choice of which view you'd like, front, side, or back.


Tricycle in Daet, Camarines Norte, Philippines





8. Bohol. Just like the tricycles from no 6, this Bohol tricycle has a unique geometric casing that serves no more than to add color and detail to this transport. Unlike those in 6 though, this don't have provision for additional passenger seating.





9. Capiz This seemingly regular tricycle can fit, not only three, but can fit up to 8; 3 inside, 2 behind the driver, 2 at the rear, and 1 more atop the welded metal provision atop the 3rd (side )wheel.






10.  Compostela Valley (Monkayo). This bike may not have the third wheel to technically call it a tricycle, but it does far more than the other ones. It carries up to 8 passengers, where, when one gets off, the passengers will have to be re-seated to balance the weight distribution on both sides of the bike. 



will add the pictures from the other provinces sooon :-) Once I complete my compilation 



update 2016:
Now look at these fast&furious tricycles from Ilo-ilo currently being marketed (2016) in Ilo-Ilo
(disclaimer: photos taken from the seller in facebook. I did not intentionally miss the details, I just forgot to take note. Nevertheless, there is a watermark for Abella Transport Manufacturing Industries so I think that's them)




Read More »

Monday, June 23, 2014

Budget Backpacker Accomodation: Where I stayed in Gili Trawangan, Lombok, Indonesia


We were met up by Eiki from the port, who offered us 130,000 Rupiah per night for a room for 2 inclusive of breakfast, and with my share of 65,000 in the double room, we all agreed on the price.







The rooms in this guesthouse in Lombok, Indonesia (Indonesien) tend to be warm at daylight since they're concrete, and are in the village, so the wind doesn't really get in.

The water in the faucet tend to be salty, but I think this is generally the case within the island. (Gili Trawangan has the saltiest running water since it is the farthest from the mainland Lombok).

Towel is available in the room. As for Wifi, we were told there is wifi, but it doesn't seem to be connected to the world wide web. Eiki said it was a network problem, but it has not connected even once in the whole 5days stay. They're only using the hotspot function on the phone, so I don't think it can really handle it or so..

Meantime, when Eiki mentioned about the breakfast and coffee, I asked if coffee is unlimited whole day, and he agreed. He also mentioned we can cook, so that saved me a lot of money (Cheapest food in the local warungs is 15,000 rupiah for nasi goring).


See this article for how to keep costs low in Gili Trawangan Indonesien


see here for an outlook of the 3 Gilis

Contact Eki (Pondok Hadi) 0878 64091919 or 
egiktralala@yahoo.com. Kindly say referred by Ian ( the Filipino).


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info


Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches


We were met up by Eiki from the port, who offered us 130,000 Rupiah per night for a room for 2 inclusive of breakfast, and with my share of 65,000 in the double room, we all agreed on the price.







The rooms in this guesthouse in Lombok, Indonesia (Indonesien) tend to be warm at daylight since they're concrete, and are in the village, so the wind doesn't really get in.

The water in the faucet tend to be salty, but I think this is generally the case within the island. (Gili Trawangan has the saltiest running water since it is the farthest from the mainland Lombok).

Towel is available in the room. As for Wifi, we were told there is wifi, but it doesn't seem to be connected to the world wide web. Eiki said it was a network problem, but it has not connected even once in the whole 5days stay. They're only using the hotspot function on the phone, so I don't think it can really handle it or so..

Meantime, when Eiki mentioned about the breakfast and coffee, I asked if coffee is unlimited whole day, and he agreed. He also mentioned we can cook, so that saved me a lot of money (Cheapest food in the local warungs is 15,000 rupiah for nasi goring).


See this article for how to keep costs low in Gili Trawangan Indonesien


see here for an outlook of the 3 Gilis

Contact Eki (Pondok Hadi) 0878 64091919 or 
egiktralala@yahoo.com. Kindly say referred by Ian ( the Filipino).


This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info


Travelling Philippines? Follow CheapBedsPH on Instagram for geotagged backpacker accomodation for easier searches

Read More »

Friday, June 6, 2014

Day 39-43 (June 01-05, 2014) of the #LimbonisASIA trip: Gili Meno, Lombok, Indonesia and My first volunteering work

I'm finally leaving Gili Trawangan after 4nights and 5days, and while the folks are going back to Lombok, and the other to Bali, I decided to check out Gili Meno. I'm just close and I don't want to regret soon not having seen Meno and come back because I may have missed something.

Had to wake up real early as there are only 2 trips to the other islands (public ferry); One at 9:30 and the other at 4pm. I wanted the earlier one as I don't have any reservation there; Besides, there's pretty much nothing more to do in Trawangan, and I don't want to rot between the check out time and the departure time of the boat.

The trip took only 10mins, and as soon as I arrived, I looked for Bird Park Resort, which internet says, has backpacker dorm for 40,000 per night.

It was easy to find it, as it was just a straight 250m walk inland from the harbor. When I asked for the dorm, I was told there are 2 currently occupants in the dorm, one boy and one girl, and the supervisor did not want to accept anyone more (I don't get it; it's not even that they paid for all the beds). Anyway, the next available room they have is a 150K/night room, which is no way i'm taking.

I walked further to the island, looking for cheaper accomodation; In fact, the plan then was either to camp, using my hammock, or if not, worst case, take the afternoon trip to Gili Air, where I can probably check at 7seas cottage which has backpacker dorm (and pool) for 70K.

As I was walking, I chanced upon a hostel that seems under construction. I realized, it may be the one I browsed thru from Helpx.net. Too good, I took a screenshot of the listing, and there was a mobile number in the information. I called the number, and Michelle, the owner, asked me to come by.






posting on HelpX for volunteer work in the guesthouse

Michelle welcomed me in the team, and did my orientation. It was time for lunch, and we all walked into their usual Warung (local restaurant). Then, a little nap, and was ready to hit the hammer and machine saw. 

my free accomodation and my hammock pitched right next in Gili Meno



campsite in Gili Meno Eco Hostel

Campsite in Gili Meno Eco Hostel


So, today, in;-stead of the planned 2nights, it seems i'll be staying for 1 whole week. 



The priority at work is to finish the beams and posts so the bar can be ready for roofing by the local guys. We used some hard wood (manually peeled off its bark) which was heavier than i ever carried.

Meantime, I was allowed to played around the bamboo and somehow managed to organize the kitchen a bit. As a permanent bummer of our home kitchen back when I was still a home buddy, the kitchen was an interesting project for me.

Using bamboos, saw, some nails, chisels, ruler and string, I made cup and plate holders, spoon, fork and turner holders, and an extension of the table to allow the electric cookers to sit next to the utensils.

this was how the "sink" looked like (almost) before I began working (-minus the cupholder).

This is what i've done

and a plastic bag organizer


Ian Limbonis working on the extension for the sink


the trash organizer :-). With provision for Biodegradable, Recyclable, and Non Biodegradable



I also made a placement case for the bins as I did not want them nowhere close to the cooking and cleaning area.

I made an organizer for used plastic bags too so they don't just stick anywhere, and be flown too by the strong wind.

I enjoyed the time quite a lot. In fact, i'd sometimes be working beyond the requested hours, just because i'm having a good time with what I can create out of the scrap bamboos.

some kids I spotted enjoying my hammock


Looking forward to going back, especially on the finishing ;-)



This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info



I'm finally leaving Gili Trawangan after 4nights and 5days, and while the folks are going back to Lombok, and the other to Bali, I decided to check out Gili Meno. I'm just close and I don't want to regret soon not having seen Meno and come back because I may have missed something.

Had to wake up real early as there are only 2 trips to the other islands (public ferry); One at 9:30 and the other at 4pm. I wanted the earlier one as I don't have any reservation there; Besides, there's pretty much nothing more to do in Trawangan, and I don't want to rot between the check out time and the departure time of the boat.

The trip took only 10mins, and as soon as I arrived, I looked for Bird Park Resort, which internet says, has backpacker dorm for 40,000 per night.

It was easy to find it, as it was just a straight 250m walk inland from the harbor. When I asked for the dorm, I was told there are 2 currently occupants in the dorm, one boy and one girl, and the supervisor did not want to accept anyone more (I don't get it; it's not even that they paid for all the beds). Anyway, the next available room they have is a 150K/night room, which is no way i'm taking.

I walked further to the island, looking for cheaper accomodation; In fact, the plan then was either to camp, using my hammock, or if not, worst case, take the afternoon trip to Gili Air, where I can probably check at 7seas cottage which has backpacker dorm (and pool) for 70K.

As I was walking, I chanced upon a hostel that seems under construction. I realized, it may be the one I browsed thru from Helpx.net. Too good, I took a screenshot of the listing, and there was a mobile number in the information. I called the number, and Michelle, the owner, asked me to come by.






posting on HelpX for volunteer work in the guesthouse

Michelle welcomed me in the team, and did my orientation. It was time for lunch, and we all walked into their usual Warung (local restaurant). Then, a little nap, and was ready to hit the hammer and machine saw. 

my free accomodation and my hammock pitched right next in Gili Meno



campsite in Gili Meno Eco Hostel

Campsite in Gili Meno Eco Hostel


So, today, in;-stead of the planned 2nights, it seems i'll be staying for 1 whole week. 



The priority at work is to finish the beams and posts so the bar can be ready for roofing by the local guys. We used some hard wood (manually peeled off its bark) which was heavier than i ever carried.

Meantime, I was allowed to played around the bamboo and somehow managed to organize the kitchen a bit. As a permanent bummer of our home kitchen back when I was still a home buddy, the kitchen was an interesting project for me.

Using bamboos, saw, some nails, chisels, ruler and string, I made cup and plate holders, spoon, fork and turner holders, and an extension of the table to allow the electric cookers to sit next to the utensils.

this was how the "sink" looked like (almost) before I began working (-minus the cupholder).

This is what i've done

and a plastic bag organizer


Ian Limbonis working on the extension for the sink


the trash organizer :-). With provision for Biodegradable, Recyclable, and Non Biodegradable



I also made a placement case for the bins as I did not want them nowhere close to the cooking and cleaning area.

I made an organizer for used plastic bags too so they don't just stick anywhere, and be flown too by the strong wind.

I enjoyed the time quite a lot. In fact, i'd sometimes be working beyond the requested hours, just because i'm having a good time with what I can create out of the scrap bamboos.

some kids I spotted enjoying my hammock


Looking forward to going back, especially on the finishing ;-)



This post is part of the #limbonisASIA tripSee here for detailed expenses and more info



Read More »

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