Best Beaches - Justine Cuenco

her trip
June 2014
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The Sum
Backpacker
or Flashpacker
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Your Guide
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Best Beaches
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JUNE 2014 ISSUE 06
Her Trip
The Summer Issue
49
3 DAYS IN MEXICO’S
RIVIERA MAYA
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how to make the most of
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>> Feature Stories
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40
BORACAY:
THE ISLAND FOR EVERYONE
Contrary to popular belief, this Philippine
island is so much more than just a party
paradise
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Justine Cuenco
Editor-in-Chief
Justine Cuenco
Executive Editor
Justine Cuenco
Beauty Editor
Justine Cuenco
Executive Editor
Justine Cuenco
Design Director
Justine Cuenco
Entertainment Editor
Justine Cuenco
Photo Editor
Justine Cuenco
Managing Editor
Justine Cuenco
Staff Writer
Justine Cuenco
Features Editor
Justine Cuenco
Photo Editor
Justine Cuenco
Copy Editor
Justine Cuenco
Fashion Editor
FLASHPACKING IN BANGKOK
How to have a rockin’ time (and get more
bang for your buck) in the dynamic
capital city of the Land of Smiles
58
WHAT TO WEAR
WHEN YOU’RE THERE
The latest fashion trends regardless of
where you’re headed this summer
THE TRUTH ABOUT TRIPCASE
Is this new travel app worth all the hype?
>> Pack This!
45
SLEEP EASY
The best (and most bag-friendly!) travel pillows
>> Your Trip OST
55
FIVE FOR THE ROAD
Five amazing covers for your trip playlist
>> Backpack Raid
61
WHAT’S IN YOUR CARRY-ON?
Three travelers share their must-have items
>> Feature
Boracay:
The
Island for
Everyone
Arguably the most popular out
of the Philippines’ 7,107 islands,
Boracay has become the place
to be for all kinds of travelers.
by Justine Cuenco
T
here is no doubt that Boracay Island, located in the
southern Philippine province of Aklan, has come a
long way from being the remote, low-key backpackers’ paradise that it was in the 1980s. Today, the island’s biggest
and most popular beach–aptly named White Beach for it’s
stunning white sand often likened to baby powder –attracts
hundreds of thousands of travelers from across the country and around the world each year. Since the 1990s, Boracay has enjoyed superstar status thanks to numerous travel
publications and TV shows that have dubbed it one of the
best beaches in the world. Likewise, Boracay has served as
the backdrop for many high-profile photoshoots including
Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue. Although it is
no longer the exclusive, well-guarded secret enclave that it
once was, Boracay Island certainly has plenty to offer regardless of one’s budget and travel style.
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For the luxury traveler
Boracay has no shortage of upscale hotels and
resorts for those who are looking to be pampered during their stay. For prime beach-front
accommodation, check into Astoria (rooms
start at $190/night), which is located in the
least crowded section of White Beach. If you
want an even more exclusive, private enclave to
call home while on the island, head on over to
Shangrila Boracay, which offers rooms from
$400/night to $2,500/night for the Presidential
Suite that includes round-the-clock butler service. While you’re there, try the resort’s exclusive Italian restaurant, Rima. Indulge in one
(or more) of their signature dishes, such as the
beef tenderloin served with a cream gorgonzola
sauce ($45). Another must-try is Sirena, which
specializes in fresh seafood dishes ($25-$95/
plate).
For the party animal
For the backpacker
Although Boracay was originally known as a haven for backpackers, the island actually did not
have any hostels until recently. However, budget
accommodation was always available in the
form of cheap guesthouses and budget hotels.
Lucky for you (if you’re a backpacker wanting to
meet other travelers), the MNL Boracay Beach
Hostel opened its doors in 2013. The hostel offers dorm rooms ($15/night) as well as en-suite
private rooms ($25/night).
Another option is Frendz Resort. Originally a
budget resort with private huts ($26+/night),
Frendz now has dorm-style accommodation
beginning at $13/night. For cheap eats, head
over to Smoke Restaurant, a long-time favourite among the locals. For a little less than $5, you
can get a full meal (try a local dish, which they
specialize in, or a Thai rice bowl). Another place
to try is Nagisa, which serves Japanese cuisine
that typically ranges from $3-10/dish.
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If you’re into meeting like-minded people
who all want to have a great time, consider
signing up for a Boracay Pubcrawl. For $25,
you get free entrance to 5 bars and clubs, free
drinks and drink specials, and numerous
freebies along the way. Notable bars are Epic,
which is a restaurant by day and a popular party venue at night, and Cocomangas,
which is the home of the world-famous “15
Shot Challenge” ($30).
For those seeking RnR
As expected, the general rule of thumb is
that only upscale hotels (and a handful of
mid-range ones) offer their own in-house spa
services to guests. If the place you’re staying
at isn’t one of them, or if you’re looking for
something different, head over to Tirta Spa.
Massages start at $80 for an hour and a half.
For a slightly cheaper alternative, check out
Bella Isa Spa, where massages start at $30/
hr. They even offer an exclusive “King and
Queen” package ($170/person), a 7-hour ordeal involving spa treatments capped off with
a sunset sail and a candlelit dinner for two.
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>> Feature
Flashpacking in B
Bangkok
ack in the day, you could hardly say
the words “backpacker” and “Bangkok” in the same sentence without conjuring images of shady guesthouses in
by Justine Cuenco rough neighborhoods filled with young
travelers dressed in week-old t-shirts,
shorts, and flip-flops (dreadlocks are
In recent years, Thailand’s capital city optional). However, in the past several
has continued to boom. More chic
years, Southeast Asia, especially the imnew hostels, shops and eateries have mensely popular Thai capital of Banghas seen the mass arrival of a new
opened their doors for business. It is kok,
kind of traveler: the flashpacker. Typiobvious that the concept of
cally comprised of young professionals
who are educated and savvy, flaskpack“budget travel” is taking on a whole
ers have more flexible budgets (read:
new meaning as far as Bangkok is
more money) and more refined tastes
concerned.
than your average backpacker.
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Her Trip decided to do some exploring in what Where to eat & drink
has been dubbed as Asia’s “City of Angels” to Located in Upper Sukhumvit, Chef Bar is a casufind out what keeps flashpackers coming back al, Aussie-inspired resto that has garnered some
rave reviews from locals and foreigners alike. Try
for more.
the wagyu beef burger ($13) or the beef meat pie
($9). For a chic Mediterranean dining experiWhere to stay
If you’re looking for a safe, well-situated “home” ence, pop into the Seven Spoons restaurant. $20
in Bangkok that’s impeccably clean and has a will get you their fillet mignon with melted gorhealthy social atmosphere without sacrificing gonzola cheese and lingonberry sauce.
privacy, consider checking into Lub D Hostel.
Because of its popularity among flashpackers, the Meanwhile, if it’s authentic Thai cuisine that
hostel has two branches located in equally acces- you’re looking for, head over to Su Tha Ros losible parts of town: One is in the commercial dis- cated inside Hotel Muse. The Lamb Massaman
trict of Silom while the other is near the popular Curry ($15) is a must. Finally, if after all that food
shopping district of Siam Square. Both are with- you find yourself craving some cocktails, Moon
in walking distance of the BTS Skytrain. Dorms Bar, located on the roof top of The Banyan Tree
Hotel (61 floors in total), is a worthy choice.
start at $17; private rooms from $50/night.
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>> Feature
3 Days in
Mexico’s
Riviera
Maya
Just south of Cancun is the Riviera
Maya, a stunning, must-see
destination for any traveler. Find
out how to make the most of it
when the last thing you have is
the luxury of time.
by Justine Cuenco
Day 1
After landing in Cancun International Airport just past noon, I
buy a one-way bus ticket worth roughly $12 to get to Playa del
Carmen. Since this trip is only going to be for three days over a
long weekend, I decided beforehand to skip the party scene and
go for some much-needed downtime instead. For this, Playa del
Carmen, or simply Playa, seemed to be a perfect alternative to
Cancun. I catch the bus just outside the airport (tickets can also
be booked online at ado.com.mx) and, from there, it’s a fairly
pleasant hour-long trip. Buses typically stop in Playa’s main terminal located downtown. Since it’s more of town rather than a
big, bustling city, most hotels and guesthouses are within walking distance from the terminal. To save myself from any hassle, I did a bit of online research a few days before the trip and
reserved a room in a quaint bed and breakfast called Posada
Picalu ($55/night including VAT, daily breakfast, and friendly
service), just a few blocks off Playa’s main beach. After a swift
check-in, I head over to Mamita’s Beach Club for some RnR.
Described as a European-style, full-service beach club (think a
hip but laidback lounge by the beach) that doubles as a
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popular party and events venue at
night, Mamita’s is perfect for relaxing
by the beach all-day sans any stress.
Since I was staying for a few hours, I
opted to rent a beach chair and umbrella, which cost $6 for unlimited
use for the day. After essentially being
booted out of Mamita’s at closing (6
pm on a regular day), I luckily chance
upon El Fogon, which serves authentic Mexican food at bargain prices. I
highly recommend their chorizo quesidillas ($5)!
Day 2
Unsurprisingly, I sleep in but, fortunately, the lovely B&B caretaker
named Omar serves me breakfast (or
early lunch!) anyway. In the afternoon,
I explore the rest of the town on foot
and do a bit of shopping at Avenida
5, arguably the town’s most popular
shopping area. Admittedly, it is pretty
touristy but for a quick visit in Playa,
there’s nothing to feel too guilty about.
Before I know it, it’s supper time. For
this evening, I decide to try Mayan
Bistro. I cannot stress how worth it
is, and in comparison to typical resto
prices in Canada, it offers great value
for money. The mixed seafood ceviche
($11) is divine.
Day 3
For my last day in Mexico, I thought I’d
book an all-inclusive tour that would
take me to three places in one day:
Tulum (home of the ancient Mayan
ruins), Xel-ha (equivalent to a national
park also described as a massive “natural aquarium” that allows for swimming, snorkeling, rafting, and more),
and Xcaret (eco-archaeological park).
The tour was my biggest splurge at
$270. However, this does include taxes, round-trip transfers, access to four
(!) of the all-day buffets in Xel-ha, and
a dinner show in Xcaret. All-in-all, the
experience is well worth it.
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