Food Trips in Beijing at Nanluoguxiang and Wangfujing Night Market

I am really surprised to know that there are lots of things one can do in Beijing. I spent a lot of time thinking what to visit next, and yes, apparently, cheap and interesting food is something that always strikes people that I would likely have and experience whenever visiting a new city. I ended up visiting a hutong neighborhood close to my hostel and one of China’s famous night markets. I was certainly up for a look out for tasty yummy treats, that’s for sure.

exotic street food at Wangfujing Night Market

Two Days around Surigao Del Sur: Itinerary, Guide and Travel Expenses

I never heard much about traveling on the side of Eastern Mindanao and was quite surprised when I watched a TV feature about the Enchanted River that was actually located in Surigao Del Sur. Me and some office mates booked a flight with the goal of seeing the said body of water and SOCCSKSARGEN in the duration of 8 days.

Highlights of our trip to Surigao del Sur

Tinuy-an Falls: Pride of Bislig, Surigao del Sur

Our second day at Surigao del Sur was a bit jam-packed, though we had enough time to appreciate the beauty of Enchanted River of Hinatuan and see the passion for toys and food by the married couple Willimans at Ocean View Park at Bislig, we were soon at a habal-habal ride for our last stop at this province, Tinuy-an Falls. It was a bit bittersweet to have our tour of the province end soon as we were juggling with a tight schedule, but I am glad I was able to fit all the highlights of Surigao del Sur within two days.

Tinuy-an Falls, Surigao del Sur

Ocean View Park: Restaurant and International Doll House - a must-do at Bislig, Surigao del Sur

Upon our visit at Britania Group of Islands at San Agustin and Hinatuan's Enchanted River, our tour of Surigao del Sur was supposed to end at Tinuy-an Falls. It was lunchtime when we arrived at Bislig and I was feeling great hunger and wanted to have a proper meal first before proceeding to the falls. After entrusting our bags at a sari-sari store, we headed to this place that was recommended by some folks online and even by most of the locals.

a view of "Chocolate Beach" - seen at Ocean View Park, Surigao del Sur

Interesting walk at Qianmen Street and 798 Art District of Beijing

I had no itinerary when I went to Beijing, I had no time to plan and so I had some last-minute Google search for activities on what to do on my first day in the city. I ended up doing the thing I hate the most during summer when it is hot, sticky, and humid – long walks. China has tons of those long shopping and restaurant-filled streets that would not bore any traveler but I chose to spend my first day in this city at 798 Art District and Qianmen Street.

cool graffiti at 798 Art District

Enchanted River of Surigao del Sur - Enchanting Indeed!

I first heard about this place when I saw Drew Arellano's feature for GMA News TV. I was really at awe, I couldn't believe that a pristine beauty like that could exist in Mindanao! The color was just surreal, I had to see it with my own eyes to believe that it was real and not edited. I made it a goal last year to book a flight to Butuan to be able to see this wonder, and thank goodness for piso sales that this trip was able to finally materialize.

Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

My obsession with Café Monaco, Banawe Branch

Searching for yummy but cheap eats has been one of my goals now ever since I started paying for my family's bill every time we went out for a meal. At the same time, I wanted to share with them my love for international cuisine. So far, a place that we often go to is at Banawe street. Banawe is famous not just for having that strip of car repair shops, but also for having a cheap buffet restaurant called Tramway. However, for those who have gone bored with their dishes already (like me), you can sample the plethora of eateries around the area. Most offer Chinese food due to the large Chinese community also living around the area, but the one that we frequent every so often is a small restaurant called Cafe Monaco.

Le parents at Café Monaco

Surigao del Sur's Britania Group of Islands

It was such a delight of having been able to finally make my Mindanao trip come true. After planning for some trips that did not push through due to work constraints, my 8-day trip to this region this December finally took place. We booked a trip going to Butuan as me and my companions wanted to see Enchanted River, and the easiest way in is via Bancasi Airport. Upon doing some research, I found out that Surigao del Sur has lots to offer other than the pristine river, so I made plans to make our first two days dedicated to Surigao del Sur, and our first stop was at Britania Group of Islands located in Barangay Britania, San Agustin.

Britania, Surigao del Sur