Valentine's Day Date: Camping at Pulau Mamutik

Our second Valentine's Day together and we still haven't celebrated it over a romantic candle-lit dinner in a swanky resto. As a backpacker couple, we have more than a dozen other mushy ideas of our own. And yes, camping is one of them.

Our tent, Hurley. His first trip overseas.

Kota Kinabalu Pre-Chinese New Year Celebration

Okay, so we really don't know what the event's called. Last February, two days before Chinese New Year, locals and tourists flocked to the big midnight market - which by the way only happens once a year according to the cab driver who drove us from the airport to our B&B the day before. Whenever we see a frenetic crowd, we sprint the opposite way. This time, we submitted ourselves to the chaos.

Nearby Jalan Gaya, red lamps dotted around a small park.

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

I reckon one whole day is enough to explore Kota Kinabalu City center. A day and a half if you include Sabah Museum. We've seen much of the sights on our first visit 9 months ago, only two left we were eager to see.

Sitting on a bench, Signal Hill. Waiting for the sunset.

Kota Kinabalu: Summer Lodge

The first time we flew from Clark to Kota Kinabalu, Central Luzon was being beaten up by a signal no. 2 typhoon (60-100 kph wind speed). Our death defying Air Asia plane departed on time, and the ride was turbulent until halfway. I found myself praying to a god I have not contacted in ages!

Stairs to Summer Lodge, above Pizza Hut.

The Preggy Traveller

Some if not most people have this notion that marriage and long term travel will never have good chemistry, let alone backpacking with kids in tow. I am determined to prove otherwise (if you are too, throw your hands up at me!). Hubby-slash-backpacking buddy and I do not have our bundle of joy yet, but am 3 months on the way.

Bantayan Island trip at 2 months without hubby. The first pregnancy term is considered crucial, take extra care.

Nagsasa Cove: Camping Newlyweds

Fresh (and frozen) from our Hong Kong-China honeymoon-slash-backpacking trip, we headed straight to Zambales. And when I say straight, I mean landing at NAIA Terminal 3 around 12:30 AM then go home to unload my backpack of winter clothes and replace them with skimpy beach attire then hop on an Olongapo-bound bus at 5:00 AM. Whew!

The group's campsite.

Guangzhou's Orchid Garden

Our last stop in China, and we almost didn't make it. The Orchid Garden is a tranquil hideaway in the middle of a bustling city. A perfect spot to take a breather after our 12-day backpacking trip across four major cities. But before we ended up in the garden, a mishap almost tragically capped off our honeymoon!

Entrance to the Orchid Garden. Serenity awaits.

Mausoleum of the Nanyue King

We arrived a little past 11:00 AM in Guangzhou (also known as Canton), the capital of Guangdong province, after a 27-hour train ride from Xi'an. We had 9 hours to kill before checking in for our 10:15 PM Manila-bound flight. Just enough time to visit one of the best museums in China.

Inside the museum. Exhibit on the second floor.

Xi'an-Guangzhou: The Long and Winding Railroad

A hair-pulling 27 hours. That's how long our train ride from Xi'an to Guangzhou was. The last of our China backpacking trip.

Image of a traveller who fell in love with intercity trains. I actually savored those 27 hours!

The Terracotta Army

One of the greatest archaeological finds in the world, The Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, used to parade around my dreams. Our encounter with them in real life happened unexpectedly.

The army, eerily standing guard. No two warriors are exactly alike.

Attack of the Chinese Bedbugs!

Or whatever they are. Remember how I raved about our affordable luxurious Bell Tower Youth Hostel accommodation? Here's the catch... Warning, graphic image ahead!

Awesome view of the Bell Tower from our window.