VIP Treatment at the Magaul Bird Park

A quick detour to Subic Bay on our way to Las Casas Bataan 

 (See related post here Las Casas de Acuzar Bataan Tour) led us to Magaul Bird Park.  

Magaul Bird Park is a birds' amusement park with shows and interaction programs located inside Subic Bay's Jungle Environment Survival Training (JEST) Camp.  This camp is known for its jungle survival training programs. 

The park was named after Magaul a magical, mythical bird also known as "Sarimanok". It is said to bring good luck to anyone able to catch it. It is also bird that pecked the bamboo from where "Malakas and Maganda" were born from. 

When we visited the park, CHED has just recently issued a moratorium suspending off campus activities including field trips in the country, following a deadly school field trip bus crash leaving about 15 students dead.

This left the Jest Camp almost without visitors (due to cancellation of scheduled field trips)  ~ we literally had the park all to ourselves (yup like VIPs).

Entrance to the Magaul Bird Park costs P350, inclusive of park tour, jungle survival demonstration and the bird show.

There are two (2) shows scheduled at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm on weekdays with an additional show at 4:00 pm on weekends.

Most of the birds we saw were inside cages, though there were a handful of ducks and peacocks running freely.

We love this little guy the most,  we were just passing by, when he made a ruckus that made us come back.  Our assigned tour guide, was so nice, we gave us bird seeds to feed this guy.  

We got to enjoy the Bird Show a lot, as we were the only ones there.  We got to take part in every portions of the show. We were the ONLY Volunteers (Lol)!!!  

After the bird show, we went to see a Jungle Survival Demonstration.  Our instructor showed us how to extract water from tree vines, make kitchen utensils from bamboo and start a fire without matches.  

Starting a fire without matches (with nature's resources).

Our instructor making stuffs using bamboo looks so easy, NAH!

Water taste good actually.

This experience, taught me that in a Zombie apocalypse,  I won't last a night in the jungle and would probably be left in the city as Zombie food. 

FINAL VERDICT

• A trip to Magaul Bird Park as VIPs is a truly wonderful experience. We were attended to literally like royalties. It was cool to have the park to ourselves. 
• The place is perfect for families with young school age children.  It is a good place to teach about love for nature and environment. 
• We have been to bird parks and zoos outside the country, the best one being the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park in Singapore. Although, Magaul Bird Park failed in comparison, the effort and determination to educate the public, especially the children the love for nature cannot be downplayed.   
• There are plenty of activities inside the park, that will certainly keep both kids and adults entertained such as: Angry Bird play area, Winged Wonders Bird Show, Brunch with Birds, Goliath Swing and Kiddie Rappelling.

Magaul Bird Park 

 Jungle Environment Survival Training Camp
Upper Mau, Cubi-Triboa, Subic Bay Freeport Zone,
Zambales, Philippines

For questions and inquiries

Email: adventure@jestcamp.com

Phone: Telefax: 63 47 252 1489

Smart: 639088207048
Sun: 639228832763
Globe: ‎639770938435

Website: www.magaulbirdpark.com

Business Hours: 8.30 am – 5.00 pm Everyday

DAY 4 - TOKYO JAPAN (UENO)

For our DAY 4 in Tokyo, we went to UENO PARK.  

We left ASAKUSA at 8am for UENO Park.  Ueno is just 3 stops from Asakusa via the Ginza Line.

830am - Breakfast at Hard Rock Café.  We wanted to fill our tummy big time, before touring Ueno's huge park.

Ueno Park is a vast area comprising of a zoo, a huge pond and numerous museums.  It is generally a good  place to go people watching especially on weekends. Tons of Japanese families head here with their children for some family bonding time.

We came in a little late for the Sakura festival ~ when cherry trees are I full bloom.  We were just glad that there were still a few cherry blossom trees lining Ueno park when we visited (I guess they were waiting for us).

 

There were a lot people performing in the park to keep guests entertained (there where various dancing, playing musical instruments and even magicians). We chanced upon this group of Japanese in kimono doing, which we guessed is a traditional Japanese dancing.

There was a little drizzle of rain, so instead of doing Ueno Zoo, we decided to do one of Ueno's multitude of museums - NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE.

TIP: Compared to MIRAIKAN, which we visited in Odaiba, the National Museum of Nature and Science offers an English Guide that guests can rent.  I recommend you rent one to make your tour of the museum more worthwhile.

The English Guide is so easy to operate.  You can request one at the admission counter.

TIP: Don't miss Theater 360degrees. This movie theater in the round is enough reason to visit this museum. 

We left the park at 4pm and headed to Ameyoko. It is a Japaness version of  Manila's Divisoria, but clean.  Prices of goods here is lower compared to the ones I have seen in Nakamise in Asakusa.

It is good place to do your "pasalubong shopping". 

Before heading home, we had dinner at Fridays. 

We were famished from all our walking and needed the carbo to bring us home.

Happy Day today...  nobody got lost :P

Follow our Tokyo Japan Adventure to:

Day 5 - Tokyo Disneyland Resort

More travel tips from our Tokyo Japan vacation here:

DAY 1 - TOKYO JAPAN (ASAKUSA)

DAY 2 - TOKYO JAPAN (ODAIBA)

DAY 3 - TOKYO JAPAN (EDO WONDELAND NIKKO)

Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences ~ Stylish Abode in the Heart of Makati

I was on a hunt for an affordable place to stay in Makati on a Christmas time weekend that is walking distance to Ayala Triangle, as we planned to view Ayala's Festival of Lights Show. 

I found the perfect place in a group buying site ~ Picasso Boutique Serviced Residences for a little over P4000 inclusive of breakfast.

Theming drew inspiration from Pablo Picasso.  The rooms are named after places in Pablo Picasso's life.  Paintings and art adorns the hotel lobby and rooms ~ you would begin to wonder whether you are in a hotel or just stepped into an art gallery.

We booked a Malaga Studio Room. 

Our room theming is inspired by an abstract deep yellow painting.   

  

L-R/T-B: (1) There is a balcony that opens to the road down below; (2) The inspiration painting for our room; (3) A full study area with free wifi; (4) Decent sized and really comfortable beds

L-R (1) Complimentary coffee and tea; (2) a good selection of cable channels; (3) Safety deposit box.  

Clean and spacious rain shower bathroom.

My son loved that the place is located just a minute away from the Salcedo Park.  

(Note: The park turns into a fair/market Saturdays from 7am to 2pm.  We have been to the Salcedo Market and there are real wonderful finds for foodies)   

VERDICT:

• Picasso is a chic accommodation in the heart of Makati.  The place is perfect for business travelers who need to be at the Makati Central Business District in a jiffy. 
• The place is impeccably clean and stylishly designed.
• Location is about 15-20 minutes walk to the closest shopping center. But has numerous dining places close by. 
• Service is excellent.  Check-in and check-out fast and efficient.
• Breakfast at Pablo's came free with our accommodation.   Breakfast is filling and comes with refillable coffee and open bread, salad bar.  But with limited options and a bit expensive if not included in your room package
• Unfortunately there is no pool. But it does have a spa, a gym and an art gallery. Picasso has a small art gallery ~ Altro Mondo Arte Contemporanea, which was a refreshing stop for me and the boys. 

Thumbs Up for Picasso Boutique Residence!

For inquiries and booking, you may visit

Picasso Boutique Residences website:

www.picassomakati.com

Location: 

119 L.P. Leviste St.

Salcedo Village, Makati City

Philippines 1227

T: +63 2 828.4774

F: +63 2 828.9141

E: reservations@picassomakati.com

  

Are you artsy and want to learn more about the life and art works of Pablo Picasso?

 Follow this link and read about his bio and view over 800 of his works here:  www.artsy.net/artist/pablo-picasso 

Check also our festival of lights experience here:  Ayala Festival of Lights

To view paintings from the Art Gallery, please follow this link: Altro Mondo Arte

Legoland Hotel ~ Lego fanatics Dream Hotel!

To complete the LEGOLAND Theme Park experience, we have decided to stay over night at the Legoland Hotel.




Legoland Park is located in Malaysia's Southernmost city Johor Bahru, which is an hour away by land travel from Singapore. 


THE TRAVEL

We went here via a private taxi "SGMYtaxi", I booked on-line.  SGMY is efficient and travel is convenient and hassle free.

Note: You need not pay anything right away. Payment is made in cash after reaching your destination.


The owner Mr. KY is very easy to talk to and very generous, if I may add.  Our ride was upgraded from a Toyota Innova to a Toyota Alphard.

THE HOTEL

The Legoland Hotel is located right next the Legoland Park and WaterPark. With a two days combo park and waterpark tickets, hotel guests can leave and enter both parks anytime for two consecutive days, so you are assured you get the most out your vacation.

The moment we entered the hotel confines, I immediately felt the
excitement from my boys eyes.  My youngest rushed to the lobby and started digging in a pool of Lego blocks to start building!


The hotel's lobby alone was enough reason to visit the hotel. 

The boys were pleasantly surprised to find Lego mascots and toy models.  The discotheque elevator was also a welcomed surprise.


The fun doesn't end there.  We have been upgraded to an Adventure Themed Premium Room.  The room is huge, with a separate sleeping area (which my youngest called the "double-decker couch") for the kiddos.

The room has 2 televisions, 1 in the adult room and another at the kid's sleeping area - so there is no fighting over the television remote.

All rooms invite kids and kids at heart to a Treasure Hunt.  My boys gamely took the challenge and immediately started with their treasure hunt.

Other plus:

• Each room also contains a Lego bucket to busy the kids.
• Aside from the basic amenities,  kids get to have their own bathroom sink.
• Splendid View of the LEGOLAND Park 

 

 

• Room packages also comes with a buffet breakfast for 4 at The Brick.

VERDICT 
(Warning:  My boys are Lego fans, my review can be a bit favorable).

My boys love LEGOLAND Malaysia.  They had so much fun at the Legoland Park and my youngest won't leave the Water Park.

That being said I think there are still room for improvements, especially on the following areas:

• Food - they serve mostly Malaysian and Indian food, which were quite spicy to for our liking. If the hotel food was a miss, you may try Medini Mall  located right next to Legoland Hotel. There are a number of Western Restaurants at Medini - we were able to try Secret Recipe.
• Check-in is at 4pm, while Check-out is at 11am. Early check-in is highly appreciated. 

Staying at the Legoland Hotel (LH) is more costly than staying at nearby hotels, but we find it more convenient staying at LH.

• LH is just a few hops away the Theme park and the Water park.
• The 2 days combo ticket is  exclusive to hotel guests.
• Guests can enter the park 30minutes earlier than other patrons.

And the experience staying in a Lego themed hotel, is really priceless.

For Legoland Hotel bookings and inquiries, please visit their webpage: LEGOLAND MALAYSIA

Legoland Malaysia (A Dream come true for Lego Fans)

Legoland Malaysia is a dream come true for Lego lovers and fanatics. The park is located in Johor Bahru, Malaysia's southern most city.  It is actually closer to Singapore than Kuala Lumpur, hence the suggested point of entry is via Singapore. 


The Park is divided in 6 major zones. These are (counter-clockwise): 

1. Lego City is where you can find most of the kiddie rides and attractions.  

• Lego Rescue Academy*. The boys love this family firemen role-play competion with other families.  My boys did all the work, as I cheer them on.  Of course, we WON!!!

• Lego City Airport. My son piloted a plane while I co-pilot.

  

• Boating School*.  The boats were quite difficult to navigate.  My eldest was very good at it, while my husband and youngest struggled a bit...

My serious boat captain.

• The Driving School* was one of my boys' favorite attractions.  My youngest was quite proud to drive his first Lego car and get his own Lego driver's license after (He wore it the entire duration of our Singapore-Malaysia vacation. Yup, even in USS - check out his USS picture with his Papa here).  

• Junior Driving School for toddlers (pass).

• The Shipyard is a playground for younger children (pass).

• The LEGOLAND Express* is a mini train that goes around the park.  It is a good and easy way to tour the park, while resting your tired feet.

2. Land of Adventure takes you to:

• Lost Kingdom Adventure* is a ride to an Egyptian-themed landscape on board a jungle vehicle, while armed with laser blaster.  Your goal: to shoot enemy mummies and tomb creatures.

• Beetle Bounce (pass)

• Dino Island* is a river raft jump ride similar to Enchanted Kingdom's Jungle Log Jump (pass)

• Pharaoh's Revenge is a play gym for small children (pass) 

3. Imagination is a place for Lego fans creative minds. Here guests can bring their imaginings to life. 

• Kid Power Tower you pull yourself up to get a vista of the park (tiring - pass).

• Observation Tower is actually an observation deck, that gives you a 360 degrees view of the park.

• Lego Studio** is a LEGOLAND's theatre showing Lego movies with 4D features.  If you have time suggest you watch all the movies.  Click here for the latest schedule - Lego Studio Shows.

• Duplo Play Town is an interactive playground for small children (pass)

• Duplo Express is a mini train for much smaller children (pass).

4. Lego Kindgoms is a legend and myths themed zone. 

• Forestmen's Hideout is a play gym for school age children (pass). 

• Dragon Apprentice* is mini roller coaster ride for school age children.

Courtesy of LEGOLAND Malaysia webpage.

• Royal Joust is a medieval contest on a Lego horse.  Boys particularly loved riding the Lego horses all dressed up in medieval outfit. 

• Merlin Challenge is a high speed carousel (pass).

• The Dragon is Dragon Apprentice's mommy.  It is a huge roller coaster for thrill seekers. None of my boys wanted to ride with me after the Dragon Apprentice experience (pass). 

5. Lego Technic has action packed rides and exciting workshops for older children.  

• Technic Twister you spin the wheel to control your ride (pass)

• AQUAZONE is a wave surf type of ride, where viewers can water bomb riders (pass - not cool, unless you want to get wet)

• Project X* is an 18 meters high crazy ride. I so wanted to ride this one, but you know about the Dragon Apprentice experience already, so I would no longer elaborate (pass).

• Lego Star Wars Miniland* is the latest of Legoland's attractions.   The park has recreated various scenes from the Star Wars  movie.  On display are about 2000+ well known Star Wars models  and iconic scenes.

6. Mini Land* is the center piece of  the LEGOLAND theme park.  We were awestruck to learn it took LEGOLAND Master Builders three years and 30 Million Lego Bricks to recreate some of Asia's best known landmarks. 

We so Love LEGOLAND where everything is Awesome!

Please check LEGOLAND Malaysia website on how to get there, pricing and latest promotions -
LEGOLAND MALAYSIA WEBSITE.

Must see attractions and rides are in "*", meanwhile we did not ride attractions labelled "pass".

Feel free to ask me questions about LEGOLAND Malaysia, I would be happy to help.