/**/ July 2017 - Travel + Decor + DIY

NORTHERN IRELAND ROAD TRIP: GAME OF THRONES

The UK has always been one of my dream destinations, so before I left Dubai, I made sure to step foot on the land of British tea and scones (also the Queen). When I was plotting all the things I want to do, a friend of mine sent me a message and she was excited for my trip (it’s somehow a Filipino trait), that I will get to visit the Game of Thrones (GOT) shooting locations……right…..well, to be honest, I wasn’t really thinking about it (SHAMEFUL), I was in a way, thankful that my friend blunted that out and I ended up plotting these places around the map of Northern Ireland.

[caption id="attachment_5307" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip game of thrones locations travel blog trip Travel brochure hoarder! haha.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5308" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip game of thrones locations travel blog trip Plotting our Wild Atlantic Way route (with GOT locations as our priority).[/caption]

Good thing about it, I am traveling with an Irish local and our route was from Belfast going to the Republic of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Though a lot of GOT scenes are heavily done in CGI, they still use beautiful actual-locations as the basis for these scenes.

Thank God for the internet, I was able to find several resources to help me plot each location. The official Tourism Website of Ireland has a detailed DIY Itinerary all dedicated for Game of Thrones fans, that’s how serious Ireland on being a Game of Thrones Territory. (if you don’t fancy doing a DIY tour, there are a lot of independent tour operator banking on the Game of Thrones bandwagon).

So here are the places we successfully visited. Some, we got to visit not knowing that it is a shooting location, while some I have to research about it (some a bit underwhelming) but hey, it is GAME OF THRONES!!!

We started our journey in Belfast. We were there to attend a wedding, YES, I crashed a wedding and it was amazing (hopefully I'll get to write about this soon).
TOLLYMORE FOREST PARK - HAUNTED FOREST

[caption id="attachment_5302" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Tollymore Forest game of thrones locations travel blog trip Touring Tollymore Forest on a horseback[/caption]

Believe it or not, I didn’t know that the Tollymore Forest Park is a known Game of Thrones shooting location. I went there to do some horseback riding with friends as this is a good spot to walk the horses around.

Surprisingly this is also the location of the very first Game of Thrones scene, the Haunted Forest. The place where the first encounter with the White Walkers happened. Also, this is the location where the Stark family found the newborn direwolves.
TITANIC STUDIOS - GAME OF THRONES STUDIO SET

[caption id="attachment_5306" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Titanic Studios game of thrones locations travel blog trip Titanic Museum[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5305" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Titanic Studios game of thrones locations travel blog trip On the far right, you can see the Titanic Studios.[/caption]

The Titanic Studios is the main Game of Thrones studio set. Here, they do a lot of green screen and studio scenes. We weren’t able to explore the set that time, so we just toured around the Titanic Museum haha. (we can see the studio from a distance though).
CUSHENDUN CAVES – THE SHADOW PRINCE

The Cushendun Caves located at the small village of Cushendun is the location of one of the darkest scenes in GOT history, the birth of the Shadow Prince. During our visit, there were no signs stating this, you just have to trust the map and your instinct. Until know, I am assuming that the cave we went to was the correct one.

[caption id="attachment_5303" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Cushendun Caves game of thrones locations travel blog trip The entrance of the Cushendun Cave[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5311" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Cushendun Cave game of thrones locations travel blog trip Somewhere there, Melisandre gave birth to the Shadow Prince.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5312" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Cushendun Cave game of thrones locations travel blog trip The beautiful view outside the Cushendun Cave[/caption]
MURLOUGH BAY – SLAVERS BAY

Although located just in between Torr Head and Fair Head, we had a hard time finding Murlough Bay. We parked at Torr Head and just walk around the area assuming that we were already at Murlough Bay (the landscape here is amazing).

[caption id="attachment_5315" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Murlough Bay game of thrones locations travel blog trip Taking all this beautiful scenery in[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5314" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Murlough Bay game of thrones locations travel blog trip Such a peaceful place. Can't believe that this is the location of Slavers Bay[/caption]

Murlough Bay is the location for the Slavers Bay. The scene where Tyrion and Jorah encountered the slavers on their way to Meereen .
BALLINTOY HARBOUR - HOME OF THE IRONBORN

[caption id="attachment_5320" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip game of thrones locations travel blog trip Ballintoy Harbour[/caption]

Ballintoy Harbour is the location for Pyke. The home of the Ironborn. There were several scenes shot here. The arrival of Theon Greyjoy after his long “captivity” at Winterfell. The beach also witnessed the drowning of Euron Greyjoy to become the kings of the Iron Islands.
CARRICK- A -REDE   - RENLY BARATHEON CAMP IN STORM’S END, STORMLANDS

[caption id="attachment_5318" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip game of thrones locations travel blog trip Posters of GOT locations around Irelend[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5325" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Downhill Beach game of thrones locations travel blog trip The walk trail going to the Carrick-a-Rede[/caption]

The Carrick- a – Rede is a famous rope bridge in Northern Ireland, it is just a walk away from the Ballintoy Harbour; you are hitting two locations in one stone (plus it is near Giant' Causeway--so basically 3 locations). Though the bridge itself isn’t part of any filming locations, the nearby Larrybane Quarry is the site of Renly Baratheon’s Camp (before he got killed by the Shadow Prince --- SPOILER!! Haha).
DARK HEDGES – KINGS ROAD

I think this is the most famous and picturesque GOT location in Northern Ireland. The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees planted during the 1800s. The lined (huge) trees creates an eerie feel while you cross along the road.

[caption id="attachment_5317" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Dark Hedges game of thrones locations travel blog trip The beech avenue along the Dark Hedges[/caption]

The Dark Hedges is the location set for the Kings Road, remember in season 1 where Arya left Westeros to escape the Lannisters and traveled along with the Night’s Watch.

[caption id="attachment_5304" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip game of thrones locations travel blog trip Getting the selfie thing going.[/caption]
DOWNHILL STRAND - THE LORD OF LIGHT

Last but not the least, we ended our location hunting at the Downhill Strand as it was already late when we arrived there. Also, this is a good place to catch the sunset.

This place was seen also during the 1st season of Game of Thrones where Stannis Baratheon rejects the seven old gods of Westeros while Melisandre proclaimed him as the champion of the Lord of Light.

[caption id="attachment_5322" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Downhill Beach game of thrones locations travel blog trip The location of the Lord of the Light proclamation of Stannis Baratheon. Far from being a bloody place.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5321" align="alignnone" width="800"]Northern Ireland Road trip Down Hill Beach Mussenden game of thrones locations travel blog trip The Mussenden Temple overlooking the stretch of the Downhill Strand[/caption]

There are a lot more Game of Thrones locations around Northern Ireland which we weren’t able to cover on a full day roadtrip. But in the end, just to stand on one of the sets feel really good and a big tick on the Bucket list as an avid Game of Throne fan.

Leaving Game of Thrones behind, Northern Ireland is indeed very beautiful. The landscape is very rich with vast plains and jaw dropping cliffs. Surely a place worth visiting. I definitely write about the whole Ireland (North and Republic) on a future blog.

Northern Ireland Road trip Downhill Beach game of thrones locations travel blog trip

 

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines

Baragatan Festival sa Palawan: Celebration in the World's Best Island

My second official festival in the Philippines came as a surprise. I was invited just a few days before the official festival will start (1 day to be exact), good thing, the LGU (Local Government Unit) who invited us decided to split the blogger groups into 2. One group will cover the first half while the rest will cover the later events until the finale (closing).

WE ARE GOING TO THE BARAGATAN FESTIVAL IN PUERTO PRINCESA PALAWAN! YEY

The main festival in the most beautiful island in the world!? How will I say no?

Baragatan Festival is a 2-week long festival leading to the celebration of the anniversary of  Palawan's civil government foundation. During this time, all municipalities of Palawan gather together in Puerto Princesa, the provincial capital. Appropriately, Baragatan is a Cuyunon word that means, gather, or meet.

[caption id="attachment_5283" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Festive street dance from the Municipality of Quezon[/caption]

We had our flight early in the morning. YEY. I love first flight out, cause I will not catch the crazy Manila traffic. Instead of roughly 2 hours travel from Marikina to NAIA 4, I will only get it at 30 min (of course, I have to deprive myself of sleep, a small sacrifice than stressing out with the rush hour jam). I met bloggers (@ChristianAligo and @Aci_girl) whom I will be traveling with for this trip at the check in counter. Funny how we get to meet each other for the first time in the airport then became good friends after the trip; story of my life.

[caption id="attachment_5271" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa My official Baragatan Festival Blogger pass[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5280" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Traveling with these peeps. @capturingfootprints @aci_girl[/caption]

Our flight was perfectly on time. We arrived at the new Puerto Princesa airport around 10 am and waited for our pick up. Don’t judge us, but we were expecting some garlands as a welcome gesture from the local government, but we didn’t get any hahaha (served us right for expecting haha).

The last time I was in Palawan was during a trip I did in El Nido. Read about it here

First things first, after dropping our bags, we immediately went to the Capitol to meet with the LGU officer who invited us for the trip. Also to know what are the things we need to cover for the festival and also what to expect!

SO EXCITING!

They handed us a print out of the Barangatan Festival sa Palawan events. It was overwhelming. Everyday, there were loads of activities happening around town. For this blog, I will mention the activities that I enjoyed the most and the ones I will be suggesting for you to watch/visit on the next Baragatan sa Palawan Festival (in the hopes that you will also join next year).
LUTONG ATENANEN

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVjtUCNgwi8/?taken-by=kennethsurat

At first, we were clueless on what to expect here. We were walking inside the Legislative Building looking for something colorful/festive just to know that we are in the correct location. We didn’t see any, there were only 2 long tables with packed food. Hmmmmm. To be honest, it was a little underwhelming for our first event feature. Then suddenly, they started serving us the food. OH MY!

[caption id="attachment_5272" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Cuyunon food packs. Looks very simple but packed with YUM power[/caption]

The food spread highlighted the rich Cuyunon dishes in the province.

They served us “danggit” ( crispy dried fish) with okra salad, fresh seaweeds called locally as “lato” and the highlight, a dish called “lauya”. This was the first time I tasted this. It is a mix of red beans, jackfruit, beef/pork and lemon grass. They said that you can find “lauya” being served in almost every special occasion in Palawan. All I can say is YUM!
KARAENAN SA BARAGATAN 

[caption id="attachment_5288" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa One of the stalls at the Karaenan area at the Puerto Princesa capitol[/caption]

A foodcourt-style area located inside the provincial capitol. They are open for lunch and dinner; serving patrons of the Baragatan Festival. During our stay in Puerto Princesa, these food stalls became our go-to place for almost every meal (lunch and dinner). I think we have tried every stall here hahaha.

These stalls serve a variety of local dishes; from a simple adobo to a very savory grilled chicken barbecue.

[caption id="attachment_5277" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Lot's of grilled food..BBQ madness![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5276" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Lechon anyone?[/caption]
BARAKALAN SA BARAGATAN TRADE & EXPO

I am an advocate of anything local products. As an artisan myself (@suratjournals) I appreciate the craftsmanship being poured out in every product. The Barakalan sa Baragatan Trade & Expo displays a lot of these local goodies. These products came from different municipalities around Palawan. From food to handicrafts.

[caption id="attachment_5287" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Handicraft stalls lined up for the Barakalan sa Baragatan Trade & Expo[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5273" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Happily waiting for customers[/caption]

This is the best place to buy gifts for your loved ones (pasalubongs) or even for yourself.
TUNOG PALAWAN AND KARAOKE CHALLENGE

Of course, being Filipinos, a festival will never be complete without a singing competition. The Baragatan Festival, showcased local talents through these events. First was the Tunog Palawan where each contestant showed their talents in singing as well as song writing.

[caption id="attachment_5279" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa A group performance for the Tunog Palawen competition.[/caption]

Next talent program was the Karaoke Challenge. I was very surprised and amazed at the same time that there was a VIDEOKE competition ( on stage). It was entertaining though.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVlYr9SgzVl/?taken-by=kennethsurat
MUTYA NG PALAWAN

One of the highlights of the Baragatan Festival was the Mutya ng Palawan. It ran for almost the whole duration of the festival. From the parade, national costume, talent portion and the coronation night. We were fortunate to watch both the talent portion and the coronation night.

[caption id="attachment_5282" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa The queens at the recent Mutya ng Palawan where the candidate from Brooke's point won the coveted title[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5281" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Mutya ng Palawan hosts, Gabby Concepcion and Venus Raj (Bonnga!!)[/caption]

Filipinos are suckers for beauty pageants; and it was very evident how the whole Cory Park was full packed with people (carrying big banners).

It was a night full of beauty and glam where each district sent their representative to get the most coveted crown as Mutya ng Palawan 2017. In the end, the delegate from Brooke's Point bested everyone and became the queen of the night.
SARAOTAN SA DALAN (STREET DANCE COMPETION)

For some people, their highlight was the Mutya ng Palawan, for me, it’s the “Saraotan sa Dalan” (street dance competition). I got high expectations with festive street dance ever since I watched the performances last Manggahan Festival.

[caption id="attachment_5284" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Game face on. These teens endured the scorching heat to us such an awesome performance.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5285" align="alignnone" width="800"]Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa Happy faces!![/caption]

There were 3 districts that participated. Quezon, San Vincente and Narra. To be honest, any of these groups can actually be the winner. The colors, the beat and their game faces were on point.

My expectation was met (with flying colors)! It was the best! I am still amazed how these kids danced as if their lives depend on it. JAW DROPPED!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVxJDkrg1m6/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Watch the street dance highlights here

For my second Philippine Festival, Baragatan didn’t disappoint. It showed that it really is MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES.

Although we weren’t able to go to the beach on this visit, I can say that it was all worth it. Being known as the best island in the world, Palawan definitely proved that it has more to offer than its pristine and beautiful beaches.

 

Baragatan Festival sa Palawan Philippines travel blog vlog dubai puerto princesa

 




This post is in collaboration with the local tourism government unit of Palawan during the Baragatan sa  Palawan Festival 2017. 

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines

Malaysia Travelogue: Exploring KL from Above with Ascend Skytours

By this time, I can say that Malaysia has become a very familiar city to me. Not that I am now an expert, but I a way, now I know where to go and what to do. Let’s say, I will never run out of things to do and places to go to.

The perks of having local “influencer” and blogger friends, they can drag you along and know that the place they will bring you to will be worth it.

I was fortunate enough to connect with Ascend Skytours through my friends at @aboutkl.my. Ascend Skytours offer an extraordinary tour around Kuala Lumpur…yheap, I did say EXTRAORDINARY! …. Ok nothing fancy, just roaming around KL on a helicopter, simple right? Hahaha

HELICOPTER! YES! When they offered me a ride, I immediately jumped out of my seat and wanted to sign all papers needed (waivers and all). Unfortunately on the day we planned to go, it rained so I have to go back the next day to try my luck. Safety first!

The next day, the sun shined so bright and my hope was colorful as a rainbow ^^. This is the day!

The last time I got excited with heights was the time I went skydiving in Dubai.

ALSO READ MY SKYDIVING EXPERIENCE IN DUBAI 

I will be riding with 2 of my blogger friends, Lily and Neysa. Although they are both Malays (and living in KL) it was also their first time to tour around the city in this perspective.

[caption id="attachment_5245" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog With our trusty pilot (do you call someone flying a heli a pilot? )[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5247" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog My friend Neysa volunteered to be in front  (me = #bitter)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5244" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog Lily beside me![/caption]

Ascend Skytours offers 4 flight (tour) packages. It really depends on what you want to see and also your budget.

Here are the packages (note: I copied all the descriptions from their brochures hehe).

KL EXPRESS: 6 minutes Helicopter Ride

  • Fly by Kuala Lumpur’s essential landmarks as you see the majestic city center from the whole new perspective

  • Places to see: KLCC, KL Tower, Dataran Merdeka, National Palace, National Mosque

  • Price: 630 RM


CITY EXPLORER: 15 minutes Helicopter Ride

  • An aerial adventure of greater Kuala Lumpur that takes you right up to the majestic limestone cliffs and golden statue of Batu Caves.

  • Places to see: Batu Caves, Federal Territory Mosque, Dataran Merdeka, KLCC, KL Tower

  • Price: 1,550 RM


JUNGLE ESCAPE: 30 minutes Helicopter Ride

  • Escape the concrete jungle, marvel at the beauty of nature as you soar over magnificent rainforest and sparkling lakes

  • Places to see: Batu Dam, Quartz Ridge, TM Tower, National Palace, KLCC

  • Price: 3,050 RM


Mountain View: 45 minutes Helicopter Ride

  • Ascend above Kuala Lumpur’s gleaming skyscrapers to the rolling hills of Genting Highlands with our signature tour. It’s the ultimate indulgence.

  • Places to see: Genting Highlands, Templer Park, Batu Caves, KL Tower, KLCC

  • Price: 4,410 RM


We took the first package, which is a 6 minute ride around the city center. For someone who wants to experience this (and on a budget) this option is just right. 6 minutes seems short, but to be honest, it covered so many things. There might be a point that you’ll panic (like me) figuring out if you’ll shoot a video, photo or do an Instastory. Also, for the price, because we were 3 we can divide it and end up paying just 200 RM for the experience (tip: drag someone to join you).

Here are some of the photos I took during the whole tour.

[caption id="attachment_5246" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog Our view upon take off[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5253" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog Probably the best view to see Petronas Tower[/caption]

ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog

[caption id="attachment_5249" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog The King and Queen of KL. Petronas Tower and KL Tower[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5252" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog The KL Tower[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5251" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog Berjaya Times Square aka HOME! :)[/caption]

The first time I arrived in KL, I have been researching where to get the best photo of the Petronas Tower and the KL Tower, I guess, now I know.

This really was an epic experience and I will never forget it. I am happy to have spent it with some of my very good Malaysian friends, we truly enjoyed our HIGH moments (get it?).

[caption id="attachment_5248" align="alignnone" width="800"]ascend skytours kuala lumpur malaysia helicopter travel blog vlog Chubby cheeks! Showing my excitement (and being overwhelmed) with this experience.[/caption]

Watch my VLOG below (also subscribe to my youtube channel :) )




 



To know how you can experience this, check out the details below



ASCEND SKYTOURS

Info@ascend.me ; shariza@ascend.me


+603 7845 4677 ; +603 7845 8804


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All flights departs from the KL City Titiwangsa Helipad






This post was in collaboration with Ascend Skytour and About KL.