Best Destinations and Airlines to Go Around the Philippines

The Philippines are a group of islands in Southeast Asia that are known for their beautiful scenery, lively culture, and friendly people. The Philippines are known for their beautiful beaches with white sand and clear water. Some of the most beautiful beach spots in the world can be found in places like Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao.

The Philippines has quickly become one of Asia's most popular travel destinations. Consider the Philippines for your next vacation destination. You should check flight to Philippines on the Traveloka website and app. 

The flight length from Malaysia to the Philippines varies depending on several things, such as the route chosen and the time spent in transit. Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Manila, on the other hand, usually take between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the weather and air traffic.

Best Airlines to Fly in the Philippines 

Here are a few airlines that often operate flights to the Philippines that are available on Traveloka. 

1. Philippines Airlines 

As the national carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines offers flights to and from various destinations, including Kuala Lumpur. They generally provide decent service and connectivity, including direct flights. 

• 02.00 a.m. - 6.05 a.m.

• 12.10 p.m. - 04.40 p.m. 

• 8.10 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. 

• 10.10 a.m. - 02.05 p.m. 

2. Air Asia 

AirAsia is a low-cost airline that operates flights from Kuala Lumpur to several destinations in the Philippines. They are known for their affordable fares and frequent flights, with two flight schedule options. 

• 08.10 a.m. - 12.15 p.m. 

• 18.00 p.m. - 10.10 p.m. 

3. Malaysia Airlines 

Malaysia Airlines is the national carrier of Malaysia and offers flights to various destinations, including those in the Philippines. They tend to provide a higher level of service compared to some low-cost carriers, with flight schedule options to the Philippines below: 

• 08.10 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. 

• 10.10 a.m. - 02.05 p.m. 

4. Scoot 

Scoot Airlines, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, is known for operating flights to various destinations in the Philippines. Scoot Airlines is a budget airline that often offers affordable options for travelers. They have been known to operate flights from Kuala Lumpur to cities like Manila, Clark, and Cebu in the Philippines, with flight schedules below. 

• 22.20 p.m. - 05.50 a.m. 

• 21.35 p.m. - 05.50 a.m. 

• 21.35 p.m. - 05.50 a.m. 

• 22.20 p.m. - 06.35 p.m. 

The Best Destinations to Visit in the Philippines 

Here are some places that are interesting to visit while in the Philippines. 

1. Boracay

This small island is famous for its beaches and lively nightlife. People go there for water sports, rest, and beach parties. White Beach on Boracay is known for its white sand and beautiful sunsets.

2. Palawan

Palawan is often considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world because of its beautiful scenery. El Nido and Coron are known for their very clear turquoise waters, their limestone cliffs, and their secret lagoons. The Puerto Princesa Underground River is also a must-see. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Cebu

Cebu is a busy province with sights in both cities and the countryside. Magellan's Cross and Fort San Pedro are two critical sites in Cebu. Just a few hours away are Oslob, where you can swim with whale sharks, and Moalboal, an excellent place for swimming and snorkeling.

This concludes our recommendations for flights and flight schedules to the Philippines and destinations to visit. If you plan to visit the Philippines, remember to book your flight tickets only through Traveloka

Traveloka makes trip planning easy and offers cheap flight tickets. Besides the Philippines, you can find the best flight to Brunei in this all-in-one application. 

Trying Yin's Kombucha-riffic Brunch Delights!

Yin's Sourdough Bakery

In the heart of Uptown lies a hidden gem that captured my taste buds during my health-focused journey back in 2019 - Yin's Sourdough Bakery. Unlike traditional bakeries at that time, Yin's offered a delightful selection of sourdough bread and pastries that instantly kombucha-ted my interest. I vividly recall my first visit when I indulged in an Ice Americano paired with their sourdough almond croissant - a match made in heaven. As I introduced my sister to this culinary haven, we savoured their limited yet delectable brunch menu, with their best-selling sourdough pizzas.

What sets Yin's apart is their commitment to creating healthier options, thanks to their sourdough starter, naturally fermented without sugar. This not only imparts a unique flavour but also elevates the nutritional profile with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and a lower glycemic index and gluten content. 

find sourdough pastries & cookies here


from pies, breads and cakes too

they have their own in-house fermentation lab

a new expansive menu for the family to enjoy

As Yin's popularity grew, so did their offerings. During the MCO, they fearlessly expanded their reach, opening new outlets, including the latest one at Kiara Bay The Beat in Kepong. Their menu expanded as well, boasting an array of dishes spanning breakfast, brunch, and dinner. True to their philosophy, they prioritise wholesome, kitchen-made foods, evident in their in-house jams, kaya, and sourdough cookies, crafted with 100% natural ingredients and no artificial additives or preservatives.

RISE OF THE KOMBUCHA

Intriguingly, Yin's fused the charm of sourdough with probiotics like kefir and kombucha. The latter, a fizzy, probiotic-rich drink made by fermenting black tea with a scoby, gained immense popularity during the pandemic for its antioxidant benefits and gut-friendly properties. It's no surprise that they took the opportunity to kombucha-tify their menu!

Probiotic Brews kombucha and kefir from Yin's Fermentation Lab

Kombucha is like a trendy, fizzy drink that's got all the cool vibes! Picture this: it's made by mixing black/green tea with something called a "scoby" (sounds weird, but it's just a living culture that makes the magic happen). This scoby thing works its fermenting magic, turning the tea into a bubbly, probiotic-rich beverage that tastes a bit like sparkling apple cider vinegar, but way more fun!

And you know what? It's not just some random drink; it's got legit health benefits! People are sipping on it to keep their guts happy, boost their immune system, and even reduce inflammation. It's like a party for your taste buds and your tummy!

But guess what? Kombucha isn't just for sipping anymore. Yin's Sourdough Bakery is taking it to the next level by infusing it into their brunch dishes! They've got all sorts of kombucha-tastic creations, like salads with a tangy kick, savory soups that'll blow your mind, and even pasta with a little extra pizzazz.

Brunching at Yin's Sourdough Bakery

Among their notable kombucha-infused brunch offerings are the refreshing Pear Pomegranate Kombucha Salad, the salmon-ly satisfying Salmon Wonton Kombucha Soup, and the velvety Creamy Kombucha Clam Soup. The Rokraut Chicken Sandwich and Green Chilli Beef Kombucha Pasta are sure to please with their tangy and aromatic profiles. 

As an exciting addition, Yin's best-seller Avocado Toast with Cured Salmon is a must try while the Grapes & Berries Tartine provide an extra layer of temptation to their diverse menu.

Pear Pomegranate Kombucha Salad RM20

A vibrant and meatless salad celebrates the harmony of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Made with baby spinach, creamy feta cheese, and juicy pomegranate seeds, perfectly complemented by the sweetness of poached pear slices. The star of the show is the invigorating kombucha dressing, which lends a tangy and refreshing twist to this salad.

Salmon Wonton Kombucha Soup RM25

Yin's Sourdough Bakery leaves no part of their salmon trout to waste, recycling shavings into these delicate salmon wontons. The result is a delicious hearty soup where the tender wontons swim gracefully in a rich and smoky garlic-infused kombucha broth. The dish is beautifully rounded off with sourdough toast sticks, ready to be dunked into the heartwarming soup.

Creamy Kombucha Clam Soup RM28

A chef's recommendation. Dive into a bowl of of fresh clams swimming in a lusciously creamy kombucha-infused broth. This delightful dish is perfectly paired with sourdough toast sticks, ready to soak up all the deliciousness. The marriage of the rich, velvety texture and the tangy twist of kombucha creates a flavourful hearty clam broth for seafood lovers out there.

Rokraut Chicken Sandwich RM28

Introducing The Rokraut Chicken Sandwich, a delightful toasted sourdough creation that brings together juicy grilled chicken, zesty homemade sweet and sour rokraut infused with the tang of kombucha, and gooey mozzarella, all perfectly accompanied by a fresh side salad. Complete the experience with our signature in-house ketchup, a taste reminiscent of marinara sauce!

Green Chilli Beef Kombucha Pasta RM35

paired well with a matcha kombucha

A fiery and flavour-packed dish for chilli worshippers! Prepared with Yin's Sourdough Bakery's housemade green chilli kombucha sauce. Savour the tender premium beef slices, generously topped with parmesan shavings that infuse a creamy richness to each bite. To balance the heat, every bite is studded with tender green peas shoots, providing a refreshing pop of color and flavor. 

Avocado Toast RM25 with add-on Cured Salmond RM7

paired well with Avocado Banana Kefir Smoothie RM19

A meatless treat that brings together the freshest ingredients and an explosion of flavours. The sourdough toast generously spread with creamy guacamole and topped with ripe avocado slices and a perfectly poached egg. For an extra indulgence, add RM7 to enjoy the in-house cured salmon. The burst of pomegranate seeds adds a pop of sweetness, while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy finish. A must-try brunch option that guarantees a delightful start to your day! 

Grapes & Berries Tartine RM20

made with in-house berries compote

A meatless, open-faced sandwich showcasing a medley of sweet and juicy grapes and berries, spread over hearty sourdough, offering a burst of natural sweetness with each bite. Made with our in-house tangy berries compote, the juicy grapes dance harmoniously on a canvas of luscious cream cheese. The velvety caramel drizzle adds a touch of decadence to the crunchy yet soft sourdough toast.

Bon appétit everyone

Me and Baby G had a hearty brunch before starting our day. He's been helping me as my hand model, so I could photograph our food before it's destroyed. I asked him what he would reorder from today's tasting, and he said he'll definitely come back for the Avocado Toast. As for me, I couldn't get enough of the chili beef pasta and the tantalizing tartine! The tartine was a delightful surprise, like one of those dessert toasts, but with a savory twist that made it perfect for sharing.

To be honest, Yin's Sourdough Bakery made a brilliant decision by expanding their menu to offer a wide range of wholesome and flavourful dishes, perfectly complemented by their signature sourdough. The addition of probiotics like Kefir or Kombucha ensures that not only our taste buds but also our guts are in for a treat. When you sit down for brunch, the only trouble you'll face is deciding which delicious dish to order first! 

While kombucha brings a world of flavours to Yin's dishes, it may not suit everyone, particularly those with gut issues such as IBS or Crohn's disease. Remember to listen to your gut when making choices!

📍 Sourdough Bakery and Cafe
(opposite Starling Mall)

Uptown, 41G, 37, Jalan SS 21/37
Damansara Utama Petaling Jaya 47400,
Selangor, Malaysia

Daily 7.30am - 10pm
IG: yinssourdough

Eat, Play, Ipoh : What We Did in a Day in Ipoh

what we did in Ipoh for a day

Our day in Ipoh started bright and early at 6.30 am, eagerly preparing for an adventure. The journey began with a ride on the MRT to KL Sentral, where we caught the KTM ETS train that would take us to the charming city of Ipoh. As the afternoon sun bathed the city, we checked into the rustic Belakang Kong Heng hotel retreat homestay, the setting the stage for our Ipoh exploration. I'll share a separate review about this place if you're curious to know about our experience staying here.

Happy Ghost 2.0 | 开心鬼 | Cakoi Ipoh

With our hunger pangs calling, we ventured to Happy Ghost 2.0, a cakoi cafe owned by our friend Kelly Yee. The secret recipe is passed down by her grandma and unto her mother Madam Happy at the Hollywood Canning Food Court. Her daughter Kelly, then modernise it by establishing Happy Ghost 2.0 with creative ways to pair cakoi with local Ipoh delights and seasonal creations. Cakoi aka 'you char kuay' or 'u char kway' means long piece of dough, deep fried until golden.

We relished her famous cakoi paired with a refreshing ice Ipohcano, a special concoction of Ipoh white coffee kurang manis (less sugar) and a hint of bitterness. Oh, how I miss her delightful chee cheong fan with spicy yin yang sauce and mushroom! The dessert cakoi with caramel kaya dip was a treat, and we couldn't help but admire the lovely plants adorning her café.

Ais Cendol Super, Deen CT Corner, Ipoh

Following Kelly's recommendation, we headed to Ais Cendol Super (Deen CT Corner) just across from her place for some authentic Ipoh pulut ais cendol 🍧. The Cendol JPK, featuring Jagung, Pulut & Kacang (a combination of corn, glutinous rice, and peanuts) refreshed our soul under the Ipoh heat. We saw takeaways orders were more bang for your. buck as they came in plastic bags of bigger ice shaven portion. We enjoyed our icy dessert while seated on the concrete area, and the friendly uncle bid us farewell with a warm wave as we left. They have die-hard customers who stop-by everyday just to have a bowl of cendol after work.

Concubine Lane Ipoh

Belakang KongHeng Ipoh

how many can you spot? I spotted 4 haha

To burn off some calories, we strolled back to Concubine Lane, where we explored touristy stalls where one can buy a whole watermelon to drink, souvenirs, snacks to eat. We also enjoyed visiting the Yasmin at KongHeng Newseum hidden under the basement of Book Xcess Ipoh which was equally spell-binding with creative interior and book displaying ideas. Along the way, we were amazed to discover giant 3D food models outside various shops and stalls, including a Giant Coffee Bean at B. Belly Lab Ipoh, giant Cakoi at Happy Ghost Ipoh, giant Croissant at Chloe & Co Ipoh, and giant Kuma Rainbow Cheese Toast.

Fourteen Studio Ipoh

As evening approached, our friend Faara Fara surprised us with a tour of her delightful selfie studio, Fourteen Studio. We had a blast taking couple photos with a remote control and utilizing the fun props available. Even without professional hairstylists and makeup artists, the unedited shots turned out stunning, resembling Meitu filters with vibrant colors. The experience was so enjoyable, and the price was reasonable. We received soft copies of all our photos and selected four printouts to cherish the memories. Prices starts from RM70. This selfie studio concept is truly a unique gem in Ipoh 📸🤳.

Rainbow City Food Court Ipoh

Our friends then took us to Rainbow City Food Court the Ipoh version of Jalan Alor, a bustling food court lined with numerous stalls offering mouthwatering Ipoh street food at reasonable prices. The seating areas are inside and outside the area, and open air car park opposite or inside the area. Each table is numbered so you can just give the table number to the stall. Each stall is also numbered making it easy for you to search for your favourite stall. Here, we tried our first Pumila Jelly ais dessert, a refreshing lemon lime jelly shaved ice dessert that rejuvenated our souls after a day of exploring under the scorching sun. Order from stall no. 27.

Time flies when you're having fun, and it was time to bid farewell to Ipoh. The next day we checked-out from Belakang KongHeng and boarded the 12pm train back to KL, and the quick 10-minute walk from our homestay to the Ipoh train station made our departure smooth and easy. Goodbye, Ipoh! You've given us unforgettable memories, and we had an absolute blast during our short but sweet visit. We'll cherish these moments forever! 💖

Places we stayed/visited:

Belakang Kong Heng (光興後座)
Address:  89 & 91, Jln. Sultan Yussof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

Happy Ghost 2.0 | 开心鬼 | Cakoi
Address: 24, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Daily 9am - 4pm except Monday close

Ais Cendol Super (Deen CT Corner)
Address: 21, Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri, Taman Jubilee, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Daily except on Friday close.
11.30am - 6.30pm

Concubine Lane
1-29, Lorong Panglima, 30000 Ipoh, Perak

Yasmin at KongHeng Newseum (Book Xcess Ipoh)
91, Jln. Sultan Yussof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Weekdays 10am - 5pm / weekends 10am - 10pm

Book Xcess Kong Heng, Ipoh
91, Jln. Sultan Yussof, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
Daily 10am - 8pm

Fourteen Studio
Address: 21A, Jalan Ampang Baru 6a, Ampang Baru New Village, 31350 Ipoh, Perak
Daily 10am - 6pm except Friday
(close for prayers 12 - 3pm)

* Only as a guide. Please double check the opening hours before visiting with the respective place

Botanica+Co Bangsar South is like a Green House

a day out in a green house

When Triumph Malaysia extended an invitation to attend the Flex Smart Summer/Spring 2023 media launch at Botanica+Co in Bangsar South, we couldn't resist. Having previously frequented the Alila outlet when I worked at Menara UOA Bangsar, I was familiar with the area's charming interior and abundance of plants. During my visit to Bangsar South in 2019, I explored potential event venues and was taken aback by the price tags, but couldn't deny the beauty of the place, bathed in bright, indirect sunlight, reminiscent of a greenhouse.

The Bangsar South area is divided into different buildings or zones, giving it a trendy and vibrant vibe akin to a mini town. It's a haven for Instagram-worthy spots!

Now, let's talk about the event itself, where I had the pleasure of meeting Illy Sulaiman, a celebrity chef and a charismatic womanpreneur. Inspired by her journey, I asked her to share an inspiring quote for the gram, and here's what she had to say!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tammy Lim (@hellotammylim)

source: Botanica+Co

source: Botanica+Co

The Bullgari RM55

Smoked beef bacon, beef salami, portobello mushroom,

roasted capsicum, mozzarella cheese, grated Gran Moravia cheese, tomato sauce

Mediterranean Chicken Souvlaki RM41
grilled meat skewer, Tzatziki sauce, pita bread. mediterranean salad

Ice Americano & Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake

Overall, playing the role of "tai-tais" for a day was quite enjoyable. The ambiance and interior decorations at Botanica+Co hit the mark, reminding me of the restaurants in Melbourne. The area attracts a large number of office workers, making it a strategic location for businesses like this! Alila and Bangsar South are buzzing with working adults who are more than willing to spend their money.

The pricing at Botanica+Co falls in the mid-range category—not overly expensive, but not cheap either—and the portions are generous. However, I must say that the service here falls a bit short compared to Alila. It's a great spot, in my humble opinion, for working adults to meet clients, hold gatherings, host meetings, enjoy team lunches, or even celebrate special occasions. Now, let's talk about the food. It's as visually appealing as the ambiance, but it didn't leave a lasting impression—it was just average.

In conclusion, Botanica+Co at Bangsar South offers a visually pleasing ambiance and a decent dining experience. While the food may not be outstanding, it's still enjoyable. Keep in mind that the service could use some improvement, especially when compared to the Alila outlet. It's a recommended spot for working adults looking for a suitable place to meet clients, hold meetings, or enjoy casual get-togethers.

Botanica+Co Bangsar South

G5 Podium, The Vertical, Bangsar South City,

No. 8 Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

(Parking at Basement Carpark of VE Hotel and The Vertical)

Opening Hours

Mon to Fri : 11.30am – 10pm

Sat, Sun & Public Holiday : 9.30am – 10pm

Kitchen and Bar Last Call : 9pm

+60 16 965 6422  | info@botanica.com.my

Thank You Datuk Kamarudin Meranun

woke up to this one day

 

Taking a mental health break from my career, I have been doing some travelling for a bit and sharing my experiences either on my blog or my Instagram. Writing helps with what I am dealing with right now, the anxiety and all. One day, I woke up to my friend tagging me on Instagram. 

CEO of Tune Protect Din. Meranun

When I checked, it was the Instagram of Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, the Chairman of AirAsia and CEO of the Tune Group. Then I saw my blog post on his feed. Almost fell down my bed in shocked. It turns out one of my Instagram friend Sofia read my blog post and felt it was a good testimonial so she shared it to her CEO who though the same, and screenshot it and shared on his Instagram.

Seriously, I almost cried when I saw this because, I started blogging not because I wanted to be famous, or be given things. I was genuinely sharing my stories as a consumer, of my love for shopping, and what's good and what's not good. Of course, it would be great for someone to appreciate me, and definitely even better if I could earn a living with it but I have always thought of this as my hobby. 

So I cried when I saw this. Thank you Sofia and Dato. Din Meranun for reading my blog.

Loyy Hotel Chiang Mai Review

Loyy Hotel, Chiang Mai, Thailand

This has to be the best all-around budget hotel we stayed at during our recent Chiang Mai trip. We stayed for the first five days and came back again on the last night because it was that good. Located in the city center, Loyy Hotel is the perfect place for travellers of all sorts, especially solo travellers. It is a minimalist hotel that's clean, modern, accessible, and complete with facilities for your stay. We had so much fun here, and I felt really safe!

Let me take you on a guided tour around this place. Swipe to see the pictures to get a taste of this place!

front facade - reception, bike area

It takes only 15 minutes from the airport, along the rows of bars, massage shops, and convenience stores. Opposite is a big temple with security guards keeping watch so it's a plus point for the hotel. The front facade is white, with a garden, outdoor tables, and a rent-a-bicycle corner which from what I understand, you only need to give a 300 baht deposit to use the bike? (pls double check with reception). The reception is right at the entrance, with a friendly team. There's a tourist activity area where you can book a cooking class or tour around Chiang Mai.

surrounded by greenery, very nice and calming open air concept

the first floor where the sky hammocks are at

One of the design elements of this place is the cute wild animal plushie seats that welcome you at the front and also on the 1st floor, where the sky hammocks are. With my fear of heights, I dare not chill on it, but Baby G just walked over and laid there like it was a sofa. This is just one of the many chill-out areas provided by this hotel on nearly every floor. I heard they're installing a pool table on the top floors as well.

common area facilities throughout each floor

from the top floor balcony, u can catch the mountain view

On the 7th-floor dorm rooms, there's a giant tatami area near the window for book reading. We found our Japanese friend here one day, just chilling. There are a total of nine floors. One of them even has a swing area, and another floor opens out to a balcony overlooking Chiang Mai and the beautiful town and mountains.

the communal work, dine, play area

facilities that you need for the stay

The common ground area is the best! A large seating area surrounded by greenery where one can cook, eat, chill, or work. In the open kitchen, ice from the fridge, beverages of all sorts (water, infused water, tea, coffee), and snacks such as biscuits, fruits, and whatnot might pop out. I loved the coffee machine; you can make all sorts of hot beverages with it, including Thai Milk Tea! FOR FREE! You must try their flower-shaped pineapple tarts, which are so tasty with a cup of tea or water.

All are available right here, along with a breakfast in the morning for all guests (cereals, eggs, etc.). During our stay, the breakfast is free, but we don't know how long this will be for! It's like a surprise for the guests says the hotel. Nothing too lavish, but it made Baby G happy! He woke up just for that.

A great place to travel solo or with friends, and meet like-minded travellers all in one place! Baby G made friends with a Japanese guest here during his stay. Apparently he's a travelling nomad! 

The same floor is also a place to work and play. There's a big TV, books, board games, and even an air-conditioned private room to work in as well. Washer and dryer is available for I think 40 baht about for each cycle? Do check with reception.

The resident kitty named Loyy is a popular mascot here, going about checking the common areas and making sure everyone is happy.

the private air-conditioned room hidden behind the tv area

our double-bed room only usd20 more or less a night

Our double-bed room was spacious, clean, and cold throughout our stay (air conditioner). It has basic facilities such as a shower bathroom, tea or coffee with a kettle, a simple clothes rack area, and a mini-fridge. Our room came with a dining table as well. Our bed was comfy, with firm pillows. For the price we paid, $20 more or less for our room, we are super duper happy!

p.s: I am a Agoda Gold Member so I booked all my stays on Agoda app coz it's just dam good for flash deals, rates, and coupons/codes.

plenty of eating stops, massage around us, walks away only

The location is really good, as Chiang Mai isn't a big town. It is very near everything, including the popular Phae Gate, elephant sanctuary, coffee cafes, and night markets. Just 10 minutes away is a street full of night markets and food courts, left and right. You seriously won't go hungry; 100 baht per person is enough for a hearty meal here. Hawker stalls are plentiful in the evening until late-night. Fancy a thrilling cabaret show? Check out Chiang Mai Cabaret Show at Anusarn Market.

Big C is also down the road, so anything you need for your stay is available without digging deep into your bank!

I love this place and Chiang Mai. I will come back!

📍

Loyy Hotel
64 2 Loi Kroh Rd, 

Chang Khlan Sub-district, 

Mueang Chiang Mai District, 

Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand