by travelwands · Published 1 July 2018 · Last modified 19 November 2018
ABOUT 20 minutes or so onboard a small plane from Puerto Rico toward the east coast of is a small slice of idyllic paradise surrounded by the bluest waters of the Caribbean Ocean. The island is called Isla de Culebra. From the air, the first sight that attracts one’s attention to Culebra is a long...
Sunset falls over the Saipan lagoon, turning the waters into golden and orange hues. Sunsets in Saipan and the Northern Mariana Islands are so stunningly beautiful the whole year-round.
Go beyond the end of the paved roads in the island and discover pocket beaches that you didn’t think existed. These ‘pocket’ beaches which are usually nestled between coves along the rocky shoreline are usually hidden from view by thick blankets of shrubs, and are not usually photographed by anyone else except for those who...
If you only have at least six hours stopover, grab the chance for a quickie tour of the flower city for free. Changi International Airport is a dream. One of the world’s most modern airports that you would appreciate being stranded in for even a whole day and there is so much to do it’s like having a free vacation in a luxurious resort.
Northern Mariana Islands / Saipan
by travelwands · Published 21 August 2015 · Last modified 17 November 2018
Any trip or stay on Saipan would never be complete without visiting the Grotto, a sunken pool of amazingly azure waters that is connected to the ocean by passages underwater. For divers, the Grotto is one of Saipan’s best spots but non-divers too can enjoy the spectacular views the place has to offer. Come with...
TAIWAN—Forgive me if I start this article by saying that growing up with so many cats in the household, I’ve had my fill of them and don’t want to do anything with them anymore, not even if they are cute kittens. I pushed my cart along the seemingly endless corridors of Taoyuan International Airport looking...
The Forbidden Island is just one spectacular plateau that looks like it was sliced it off from the main island and pushed a bit off the shore but there is more to this slab of a rock than meets the eye. I have seen the Forbidden Island from the overview and close from the base...
TINIAN—I have passed by this particular spot on Tinian so many times in the past years thinking that it was just an ordinary abandoned structure left by the owners from years ago. I had always been intrigued by the grills and bars and the small rectangular slits for windows but never got to ask anyone...
ROTA — One of my favorite spots here is the abandoned Coconut Village, a row of wooden cottages facing the Pacific Ocean. Driving from Sinapalo to Songsong, you can see a signboard by the road side directing you to the Rota Coconut Village Hotel about a third of a mile away. If you are new...
AN afternoon floating lazily on the Lazy River at the Pacific Islands Club was something I always thought was a great thing to do if you’re a tourist. I had said no to many invitations until my very persistent buddy Tom refused to take no for an answer. – We skipped lunch but munched on...
I'm Raks. My joys are simple– writing and sharing adventures, shooting sunsets, landscapes and anything and everything that moves or does not, traveling, watching clouds, listening to the crashing of the waves on the rocks, coffee, dreaming, capturing and freezing moments forever. Come with me and let’s explore places. It’s a big wide world out there.
