Travel Plans for 2012

While others have written their travel plans at the start of 2012, mine came up only now.  As old cliches say, it's better late than never.  So here's a run-down of my travel plans for this year:

March
I'll be challenging myself by climbing the crater of Mt. Pinatubo in Zambales.  It will be a 2.5 hour trek amidst the scorching heat to reach the crater.  A lot of people say that it was worth it because the view on top is majestic.  This will also be a bonding time for me & and my brother because he will be accompanying me to this trip.  We will be joining the group, TravelFactor.

I'll also start a travel series featuring my hometown, Laguna.

April
My birthday month.  Hopefully, the plans to visit Poro Point, La Union will push through. Thunderbird Poro Point is a resort in La Union that was inspired by Santorini Island in Greece. Visiting this place would make my Santorini dream come true (well, almost).

In April, I will also continue with the Laguna series as well as explore the province of Rizal.

May
My big Southeast Asian trip - 9 days, 4 flights, 4 countries.  Me and my friend will be going to Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand.

In Singapore, we will go to Universal Studios and I just can't wait to try the tofu fries from the store,   I ♥ Tamei!  We also plan to visit other landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, Little India, Arab Street and the Esplanade.

Then we will fly to Malaysia.  I've been wanting to see Astaka Morocco in Putrajaya.  I also want to cross the Sky bridge in the Petronas Towers.

Our next stop will be Siem Reap, Cambodia.  It has always been my dream to see the Angkor Wat.  I have read a lot about it and i just can't wait to explore this majestic site. Let's see if I'll also have the courage to try out some of the country's exotic delicacies (tarantulas, crickets and bugs).

After that we will cross the border either by bus or van going to the backpacker's mecca - Bangkok, Thailand.  My goal is to take a picture of the Wat Arun (or the Temple of the Dawn) as the sun sets. We will also be visiting the Grand Palace and the ultimate shopper's paradise - the Chatuchak Market.

June
I plan to join a group tour going to Banaue and explore the Rice Terraces.

July
I will go to Samar to visit the Biri Rock formations.  I booked an airline ticket to Samar as soon as I read about the rock formation feature in journeyingjames.com.

August
Because I miss bagnet and empanada so much, I will be revisiting Ilocos in August.  This time I will be focusing on the Bangui windmills, Pagudpud, Kapurpurawan Rock, La Paz sand dunes, Calle Crisologo and Paoay.

September - October
Explore Cavite and Batangas.

November
I plan to see the Chocolate Hills, have a close encounter with a tarsier and swim in the beautiful beaches of Bohol.

December
I'll be spending the holidays in Laguna

Most of the items here are still in the planning stage, so if anyone wants to join me in any one of my trips, suggest an itinerary or share some info, please feel free to shoot an email at cheontheroad@yahoo.com.  I'll be more than happy to hear from you.  Thanks!