Lights and Sounds of

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls by Night

It's the time of the year that you have the chance to rediscover and feel the holiday season in Niagara Falls. You will  be amazed with the spectacular view of the falls lit in all colours of the rainbow. It has been happening for many years so while there's still time, come visit the Niagara Falls with the whole family.

This year, experience the CAA Winter Festival of Lights.  Enjoy millions of dazzling lights and hundreds of lighting display including the Enchantment of Disney.

For the benefit of those who's visiting the Falls for the first time, here are some important information that you may want to know.  Niagara Falls is a little over an hour drive from Toronto and twenty minutes away from the Buffalo International Airport.  There is so much to do in Niagara all year round.  I will be listing the activities and things to do while you are in Niagara; Attractions & Rides, Casino, Day Spas, Falls Experiences, Festivals & Events, Golf, Historic Sites, Nature, Nightlife, Religious, Shopping, Sightseeing Tours, Theatre & Shows, Themeparks and Waterparks, and Wineries.

In and Around Niagara with friends & family

For the list of hotels and restaurants for your fine dining and comfortable stay experience, and for other things to do ~ click here.

I have visited Niagara Falls on all four seasons of the year, now is the time for you to experience this great wonder of the world!

Come visit Canada!

Happy Holidays!!

Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Travel

Written by Marie Rea

In this era of global economic downturn, can ordinary families still afford to travel or enjoy holidays?

Our family can, so can yours!  You can do it too, through careful planning and budgeting.

Guell Park SPAIN

Instead of showering our boys with material things or brand named clothes, gadgets and the like, we prefer to expose them to the world at large.  This way, they are gaining a broader understanding of their environment, learn about different cultures and help them make informed choices for everyday living.  Travelling as a family has always been a more lasting experience for us and has helped us get closer than ever!

It is quality time at its best! 

Here are some General Tips:

ANZ Stadium Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Make sure though that your kids will not be disadvantaged.  Plan the vacation dates towards the end of school terms about one week ahead.  Or vice-versa,  towards the start of a new term when your kids won't be missing too much school, depending on how long you'll be away.  Make sure you inform the school and their teachers.  You can also request for handouts and other important notes and organize rescheduling of tests, homework submissions, etc. 

• During school holidays, travel by train is cheaper using Countrylink. There is a deal where kids travel for one dollar with two paying adults and up to three kids, all for a dollar each!  Check the website or the nearest Countrylink in major train station

Wollemi National Park Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Before going to the holiday of your choice, research places of interest which offer free entry or free escorted tour.  Many Australian government-owned museums are free to the public and go there first.  In Canberra, the Australian War Memorial and Australian Parliament is free to the public.  There are heaps of things to see and learn from a visit to this place.  You will be able to impress upon your children the importance of preserving peace and the sacrifices our forefathers did to preserve it!  At Australian Museum (Sydney), after 4 P.M. is free also.  Do check before going as rules sometimes change with the seasons.

Harbour Bridge Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Compare fares, accommodations and holiday packages using reputable websites and show these to your travel agent.  See if he/she can give you a better deal or equal what you got in the net without having to go back to those sites.  Sometimes, it is better travel agents do the work if you have multiple trips.  One site that we always use is expedia.com.au (I booked our Japan and US trips here) as air and hotel packages are offered at discounted rates.  These days, I also book with bestcruises.com.au (South Pacific cruise), ozcruising.com.au (for our Tasmania cruise) ~ this one even has a 5-day cooling off period when you book.  Then a small deposit and you pay six weeks before your sail so it is like a lay-by-plan!  Another good site is cruiseaway.com.au where I booked our New Zealand cruise and our latest one for 2012, another cruise to several points in Asia.

• Follow the exchange rates of your currency and go when the Australian dollar will have a greater exchange rate. 

Archibald Fountain at Hyde Park Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Take some essentials with you when travelling to save time and money.  If you are family of four like us, you are allowed at least 80 kilos of luggage for international flights so you can take sachets of coffee, powdered milk, choco drink, even your kids' favourite cereals in case you do not know the area where you're going at first.  Little snacks, biscuits and small drinks in tetra packs (must be in your checked-in luggage and depends on the customs regulations there).  Or, get them at the local supermarket.  Don't forget to take basic family medicines like paracetamol, antihistamines, and puffers for allergies/asthma.  You need doctor's prescriptions/letter for off the counter medication.

• Your kids need not necessarily see all the theme parks which are often expensive, or zoos/aquariums in a particular place.  Instead, National Parks/Reserve (especially in Australia) are usually free or have discounted rates to families so better go there where there's something for everyone.  It will be fun spotting native birds and other animals on your own.

Darling Harbour Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Always take a small cooler bag with you and some disposable plates and cutleries when travelling domestic or abroad.  After a few days, eating in restaurants can not only be expensive but tiring for the kids so having your own take away food or if you can cook your own meal, or barbecue in parks with barbecue facilities will also be equally appealing for the whole family.  No need to worry kids will misbehave or annoy anyone.

Tobogganing in Sydney AUSTRALIA

• Make sure you join the frequent flyer program of the airline you're flying.  They are usually free.  For example, it is Asia Miles for Cathay Pacific Airlines in partnership with Qantas and many airlines.  As member, you're also allowed more luggage, like 23 instead of 20 kilos for some frequent flyer clubs.  A very good one is Etihad's Guest program as I just recently got my free Tablet (Creative Ziio) from redeeming our miles from last years', including free delivery which was within a week.  We still have a good number of points ~ my boys are just having a hard time choosing what to get!  Who said Japan is expensive?  We saved around AUSHongkong.  Many Pinoys also use Philippine Airlines so make sure you join PAL's Mabuhay Club.  The points can be transferred to relatives as far as I know.  Sometimes, points can be redeemed for domestic travel.

• If flying or cruising is expensive for you (which you can save up for in the future), then one cheap way is to go camping.  If you are a member of NRMA (motoring organization) this group can help you plan your getaway easily.  Or get together with your family and friends for a night or two or even a week of pure adventure  with the barest of essentials!  There is a huge number of family friendly caravanning and camping places to choose from anywhere you are.  Let your fingers do the walking.  You can even download maps, location, places of interest, etc. from the various sites.  A good one is visitnsw.com  Even driving directions are there, you have no excuse for not going.

• If all else fails, you can always do a "staycation."  That is, stay home but take the family on day trips to your local reserve and take a picnic with you!  Or check your local papers for activities sponsored by your council as they are often FREE.

So, have fun with your family!  You don't need to buy them expensive presents or clothes, toys and computer games that usually don't last anyway.  Your time spent with them will be with them for as long as they live.  Trust this mum of two boys ~ 12 and 16!  So far, the boys have been to over twenty countries and counting.

Cheers and happy travelling!

Note: Re-posted with the permission from the Author. Published in "Ang Kalatas" a community newspaper in Sydney, Australia

Author Bio: 
Marie is a Tasmania-based columnist whose writings appeared in journals and community newspapers in Australia. Her work "If I were a flower" won in a writing competition held in Melbourne. She is the founder of Global Citizens Care Movement helping needy children of her native country, the Philippines.

The Wonder of Puerto Princesa

A chain of mountain ranges and wide plains run through the middle of Puerto Princesa, dividing the east from the west.

On our Way to Underground River

Puerto Princesa is one of the largest cities in the Philippines based on land area which is 2,500 square kilometres. It lies at the mid-section of the long strip of the Palawan Island.  It is a little over an hour travel by plane from Manila.  My three short nights in this gorgeous city was like months due to the many activities I had which was unforgettable.  Transport facilities are very convenient to go around.  There are many local public jeepneys, but the most popular is what they call tricycle. Moreover, if you are touring for the first time and not familiar with the place, it would be a good idea to arrange for special transport, whether it be a jeepney or an air-conditioned van few weeks before your arrival.  In Puerto Princesa alone, you will find a couple of agencies that cater to package tours.  My trip was indeed very pleasant. It was due to the well-organized package that our tour guide Marlo and his team. 

 

Rock Mountain

Subterranean River National Park
It features a limestone mountain landscape with an 8.2 km navigable underground river.  A distinguishing  feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly to the South China Sea.  It is located about 50 kilometres north of the city centre of Puerto Princesa.  This park is also known as St. Paul's Subterranean River National Park, or St. Paul Underground River. 

Entrance to the Underground River
The Underground River in Puerto Princesa is a real wonder. I have seen this extraordinary beauty, and this is the reason it won a spot as one of the Seven Wonders of the World's provisional winners.  It is not final. Underground River got the sixth spot. The Swiss foundation will announce the 7 countries in 2012.  It's about time to blog about the Underground River. The government under Mayor Edward Hagedorn deserves a commendation for taking part in this very challenging competition. He has turned the city into a source of pride for Palawan.

The entrance to the river is a short hike from the town of Sabang.

We took a small motorized boat to get into the river. We were asked to wear a neon orange life vests before getting into the boat.  When everyone has been sitting comfortably, our boat guide asked to hold the lamp to direct the boat to the cave. It was so dark.  The lamp has illuminated a lot of bats flapping overhead.  Water was dripping down the sheer rock walls and off the ceilings into the river.  Our guide tells us where to point the lamp.  He knows exactly where to find the giant caverns and stalagmites, and the mushroom rock formation.  It took us an hour or so to finish the entire tour.  All went well and we emerged from the cave in disbelief.  It was an amazing trip to the Underground River.
Address: Sabang, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan 

Underground River

Boats of Puerto Princesa
My trip to Puerto Princesa reveals the different boats I saw on my way to island hopping.  It is good to know that this city has a lot of different boats plying around that contributes to a progressive city.  

We do not see this sight everyday, so if you are into island hopping and have your camera ready to take a picture of all kinds of boats that come your way, then, come and join us.
Address: Puerto Princesa, Palawan
Direction: Puerto Bay to Honda Bay and Underground River

Honda Bay At Its Best
I had the chance to have the best adventure of island hopping in Honda Bay.  Consisting of several islets with white sand beaches and magnificent landscape.  Visitors will surely enjoy swimming, diving, snorkeling, and dolphin watching.  Seeing corals of different colours is breathtaking! I also had the chance to hop Pandan, Starfish, Lu-li, Senorita islands, and the popular Dos Palmas Beach Resort.

Honda Bay is the perfect experience and one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines and the best place around the city of Puerto Princesa.

A Pod of Dolphin

Dolphin Watching in Puerto Princesa
Another adventure aside from snorkeling is to search and wait for the dolphins come into view.  There is nothing as exciting as seeing the dolphins occasionally leap above the water surface and sometimes perform acrobatic figures.  I have seen and took photos of the long-snouted Spinner Dolphins leap and play at the waters of the island.  They swim in groups.  I cannot set my eyes on one particular dolphin because there's just so many to choose one.  They were so fast until one or two dolphins shoot up above the water and dives back again taking you by surprise.  The experience in seeing these creatures out in the wild open is definitely memorable and meaningful.

Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden Park

A garden filled with butterflies of various colours. It's interesting to see a haven of different butterfly species in their natural habitat where plants and flowers all around the garden. There you will have to walk a few small pebbled trails while chasing them.  

Some people who visits Palawan miss seeing the garden maybe because of its size, but small as it is, it could be a nice way to spend a sunny day with butterflies dancing above your head. I decided to visit the garden as this is only around 20 minutes drive from the city of Puerto Princesa. 

Crocodile Farm

Wildlife Rescue & Conservation Centre
You will find the Palawan wildlife around 35 minutes from the city centre.  Formerly called the Crocodile Farming Institute and still referred to as the Crocodile Farm.  You will have a chance to join a guided tour of the crocodiles of different sizes.  In this conservation centre, you will also find Palawan's endemic species of wildlife .  I am not into wild animals but it is worth seeing and deserve my support.

Church in Puerto Princesa

This is the cathedral of the Immaculate Concepcion, the patroness of Puerto Princesa, one of the tourist spots in the city.  You can find easily the blue & white angular structure across the Plaza Cuartel.  Most of the time these two places are part of the city tours.  I have visited the church a couple of times as it is very close to the pension house I stayed.
Address: Rizal Avenue, Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa, Palawan

Iwahig Penal Colony Post Exchange

Iwahig Penal Colony
Thirty minutes drive from the city centre is this good example of a true correctional institute.  It is different from all other prison in the world.  You will treat the people not as inmates as they are living normal lives with their families.  Most of them are allowed to toil their farms or make mahogany handcarving and other handicraft which is a good buy for the tourists. It becomes the prisoner's  source of income and one way to earn a living. 

Room in Puerto Pension

Puerto Pension: "Best & Homey in Puerto Princesa"
I like the atmosphere in this pension house, as it has a homey ambiance.  Only ten minutes drive to and from the airport and very accessible as it is situated between the pier and the main bus and jeepney terminals. It is convenient to stay here being near the city centre.

Rooms at the Puerto Pension are air-conditioned which is comfortable.  Enjoy the hot and cold shower, cable coloured television and mini bar amenities. You can go out of your room, into the balconies just outside your door; sit and eat on the wooden tables and chairs provided outside each unit.   

You will be surprised with the pension's reasonable room rates that includes breakfast.   There are lot more information about Puerto Pension, but if you want to stay outside the city, there is a bunch of other beautiful pension houses and hotels few kilometres away.

Puerto Bay - Puerto Princesa

A View of Puerto Bay 
A panoramic scene of the bay at night and during the day was very pleasant. These are visible from the roof deck bar and cafe of Puerto Pension. Puerto Bay is a good place to relax and stroll along the boardwalk especially at night to watch the spectacular view of the stars. Enjoy Puerto Bay and find reasons of coming back.

  

Ka Lui Restaurant

It is one of the best restaurants in the city of Puerto Princesa. Your tour is not complete if you haven't visit this place.  The place is made of wood and bamboo and has cozy ambiance. It is well-kept and you would not mind to walk barefoot . The staff are friendly and accommodating. This is a popular restaurant serving variety of menu especially in Filipino dishes.  You can reach the restaurant by tricycle.