Sole Sisters

Manila's Backpacker Heaven: MNL Boutique Hostel

After experimenting with the ~~location independent lifestyle~~ being homeless starting early February, I still find myself in Manila from time to time. Usually between flights or bus rides and only for a few days. Most recently, after a trip to Sagada, I stumbled on a traveler's gem in the heart of Makati, of all places.

MNL Boutique Hostel is a backpacker's heaven like no other. First of all, the location is central. I love how everything is a short cab ride away. Malls, bars, a food market, grocery and even a laundry shop, an authentic falafel hole-in-the-wall and massage place (the legit kind) right next door. I simply had to check it out.

I spent a few lovely days at the MNL Boutique Hostel and enjoyed this backpacker heaven in a comfortable and semi-luxurious environment. The words boutique hostel sound like an oxymoron, doesn't it? But here's the curious mix:

Glampacker (a taste of luxury)

✓ Hotel grade linen
✓ Clean, fresh smelling towels
✓ Heated power rain shower

✓ Squeaky clean environment

✓ Secure key card access and safe neighborhood

Poorpacker (the grungy bit)

✓ Meeting random strangers from all over the world over "bring your own beer" on a table by the sidewalk
✓ The usual hostel rooms with cramped spaces that mean you have go out and mingle

✓ Shared kitchen and common area give you more motivation to make new friends
✓ Funky decor and artwork all over the hostel that scream "FUN"

I chatted with the entrepreneurial 20-something partners, Celina, Maica and Gonz and learned more about their passion business.

Starting Point

Celina and Maica are travel buddies who have been to India, UK and Greece among other trips. They both wanted to start a travel related business and thought- why not hostels? At the time, they realized that the Filipino concept of travel is more of a holiday or luxury vacation. Since they have traveled extensively, they wanted to introduce an alternative way to travel- on a budget, but still in comfort and style. They met Gonz through a mutual friend and loved his artistic side. Together, they started the hostel just early this year.

The Boutique Hostel Idea

"Boutique hostels let you sleep comfortably, enjoy creative design ideas in interesting locations, give you all the services of a specialty hotel, yet still allow for that impromptu drinking game in the lobby and the liberating idea that the guy next to you at breakfast might be a doctor from Germany or a student from Chile, but he’s also left his friends and his home and is right in the same boat you are, ready for anything and looking for people to share it with."

- Brian Meissner, Matador Network

Hostels are usually the inexpensive alternative to hotels and guesthouses. But more often than not, you get what you pay for: cheap linen and the occasional bed bugs. What these guys want to offer is a place that has comfortable beds, clean sheets and fabulous showers (Trust me, I slept so well in these beds and enjoyed long, hot showers- so luxurious for this poorpacker!) and yet still upholds the backpacker philosophy of openness and connectedness.

The price is backpacker friendly too: shared rooms only cost about 500-600 PHP/ bed and 1400PHP for a private room for 2 people. This place often attracts solo travelers who usually end up meeting travel buddies in the hostel.

Central Location

It's not at all surprising that they opted to set up shop in Makati rather than Manila. The team put themselves in the mindset of a traveler- what would you like to do or see? Makati and the neighboring area has a good mix of a tourist friendly environment and yet it's still accessible.

Manila, My Manila

But more than the hostel experience, there's an underlying reason why they chose to stay true to the MNL theme. From what they have observed, most travelers see Manila merely as a jump off point. A necessary stopover rather than a city to explore and get lost in. One of their goals is to promote Manila as a tourist destination. They also want to create a hub that will allow travelers to connect with locals so they can appreciate the city more. Whenever guests stay at the hostel, they give maps of city of the city as well as their personal recommendations. They also aim to imbibe a culture of independent travel- that more people with different backgrounds and purpose for travel can explore at their own pace and time.

Passion for Travel

The trio is in this business for their love of travel. They have visited other hostels in Europe and love the idea behind running them- that even while staying in one place, you still get to travel every single day. Because the main thing about travel is meeting people. They consider all guests to be friends, and everyday to be different.

And what lessons have they learned since putting up a hostel? Here's what they have to say:

Maica: Always have an open mind. We constantly deal with diverse cultures from all parts of the world and it helps us understand the universal language of respect.

Gonz: A hostel is the worst place to judge people. Because you can’t when you deal with all sorts of people from diverse backgrounds.

Celina: Love everyone and drink beer.

And that pretty much sums up my brief stopover at the MNL Boutique Hostel. It's the type of place that makes you feel like you're coming home to an old friend. There's always someone who will listen to your stories and give you recommendations for the next destination. All that, over a cold bottle of San Miguel.

MNL Boutique Hostel is located at Valdez St. cor. Santiago St., Poblacion, Makati. You can reach them through +6325117514 or check them out on facebook.

What are your favorite hostels from your travels? Share them by commenting below!

Happy hostel hunting,

Sole Sister Lois

Photo credits: Tanya Hotchkiss

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My Maldivian Adventure Continues in Kurumba

My Maldivian dream hasn’t quite ended yet! From Male, I was picked up by a speedboat from Jetty No. 6 around noon. I was so kilig that I was the only passenger in such a luxurious yacht! I was welcomed with a refreshing drink and cold towel by one of the boat men.

Kurumba, the very first island resort in the Maldives is just 10 minutes away from Male. It was established in the 70’s, back when the country had no telephones, no airports and no banks. Old black and white photos of the once-rustic resort are showcased at the lobby. After a few decades, Kurumba has now magically evolved into one of the most luxurious resorts in the Maldives. As an owner of a humble surf resort, I found this story very inspiring.

Leah, a Filipina and Sales & Marketing Manager welcomed me as I stepped out of my boat. Viktoria of the Guest Relations team toured me around the resort and its facilities while I had yummy coconut ice cream!

There were eight different restaurants, a couple of swimming pools, a spa, play area, tennis court, library and all kinds of water sports imaginable.

I was taken to my room by one of the hotel buggies. I thought to myself, “I could get used to this life!”. My favorite part of the villa was the open style bathroom that had a mini-garden beside the bath tub. After living in a tiny condo for years, having long lazy bubble baths is what I miss most!

Unlike the local Maldivian island that I previously stayed at, I was ecstatic to find out that bikinis are not a problem here. The beach was just a few steps away from my doorstep so I settled into my sunbed for a siesta and swam in the turquoise blue waters. I bumped into two guys who were just coming up from snorkeling the reef around the island. They were on a live aboard dive trip the week before and were ending their Maldivian vacation at Kurumba. Was proud to see that there was some Pale Pilsen in our mini-bar so I made them try it! I joined the brothers for a late dinner at the Italian restaurant, La Cucina. We ended the night with yoga on the beach and swam among the glowing plankton in the ocean. It was unreal!

Snorkeling

Guests can borrow tennis rackets and snorkeling gear from the Recreation office with compliments of the resort. I borrowed a mask and fins so I could join my beach buddies the next day. The island’s shallow circumference is protected by walls made of rocks. In between them are small openings into the deeper ocean that allow for snorkeling and diving. We stayed in the 15-20 feet deep reef encircling the island and saw amazing marine life such as baby black tip sharks, manta rays, parrot fish, clown fish, and some specie of fish that looked like it had electric blue eyeshadow on its eyelids!

Veli Spa

From our happy hour, I barely made it on time for my 6 pm spa appointment! Veli Spa was beautiful and the ambience was lovely. The Thai therapist gave me a Balinese massage. The all natural oil felt so luxurious on my skin. It was so relaxing that I fell asleep just after a few minutes. After my slumber, I was escorted to another room for my post spa treats of tea and fresh fruits.

Sunset Dolphin Cruise

I must admit I was first hesitant to take this cruise because I hate it when people chase after endangered or protected species. But Mady from the recreation team, who also was part of a recent National Geographic documentary about marine life assured me that the dolphins are not harmed in any way. His in-depth knowledge and genuine concern about the various marine species amazed me.

I was pleased to see that Glen, a Filipino and recreation Manager, was hosting the cruise. So of course I got the best seat in the boat and overflowing champagne! Our boat headed out into the Indian Ocean and parked in a channel where dolphins and whales like to hang out. Several species call the Maldives home, including Spinners, Bottle-Nosed Dolphins and Pilot Whales.

During the two hour cruise, we watched how these majestic creatures frolicked in the wake of our boat. When the boat pushes water out of the way, dolphins can actually surf in the bow wave, getting an exhilarating free ride. It really seemed that they craved for human interaction. The louder we whistled and screamed, the closer and the higher they jumped for us. Heading home, we had the privilege of seeing some Beluga whales as well. The sunset that bade us farewell at the end of the day was the perfect icing on the cake of a perfect Maldivian adventure.

How to make this trip happen:

-Manila to Kuala Lumpur via Cebu Pacific roundtrip ticket costs about $200 USD

-Kuala Lumpur to Male 2 hours via Malaysian Airlines, roundtrip ticket costs about $500 USD

-Male to Kurumba Island is 10 minutes by speedboat, complimentary of Kurumba

-Allow a minimum of 3 hours between landing and check-in time of connecting flights to avoid being left behind.

-Whether your layover is in KL or Singapore, keep in mind that you might have to travel to a different airport for your flight to Male and allow at least 30 minutes for the transfer.

-Most flights out of Male are late at night so request for a late check-out in advance.

-A free 30-day tourist visa is granted upon arrival for Filipino citizens

-Prepare your hotel confirmation vouchers and departure ticket out of Male in case immigration wants to see it.

1 US Dollar = 15 Maldive Rufiyaa

*This information is updated at of May 2013

In search of more beautiful beaches,
Sole Sister Adi

Adi escaped from the corporate life years ago and her life now happily revolves around surfing, yoga and traveling. Her goal is to live a totally eco-friendly lifestyle and inspire those around her to do the same. She dreams of sharing her AntiGravity Yoga and Vinyasa practice in beautiful tropical destinations around the world and also to speak Spanish fluently! Her family is building Secret Spot Baler one hut at a time. Follow Adi's adventures on Wahine Yogini Travels.

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Top 3 Must Try Restaurants in Hong Kong Disneyland

Disneyland is always on every kid's dream destination whether they're 5 or 65. So when I had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong Disneyland for the first time, I wanted another kid with me. Enter Stephanie Torres of Satori Photography. Steph emailed me recently to ask if we could collaborate on some projects. I wanted to get to know her better and invited her to join me on this whirlwind exploration of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Steph and I were pleasantly surprised that one of the highlights of our Hong Kong Disneyland experience was the food! I mean, we love Disney for the characters, the rides and the wonderful feeling of being 5 again! But we never expected to enjoy the cuisine as much as all those. We’ve walked around the Hong Kong Disneyland in search of deliciously gorgeous food and here are our top picks!

Crystal Lotus

Our first stop was the Crystal Lotus Restaurant inside Disneyland Hotel. Who wouldn’t get excited upon seeing specially created Disney Dim Sum like "Duffy" Steamed Lotus Red Bean Puree Bun, "Chicken Little" Steamed Lotus Seed Puree Bun and "Little Green Men" Pork and Vegetable Bun? And that was just for starters!

Then we had a deliciously sweet Pumpkin Puree Soup with mushroom and chicken. It was so good and healthy! For the main course, we enjoyed wok-fried Veal Tenderloin and Fresh Asparagus in black bean sauce and braised tofu with crab meat! What a tasty treat- it’s Chinese food with a twist of Disney fun!

We ended our delicious meal with cold fruits like cantaloupe, melon, strawberries and grapes. We couldn’t get enough of all the “Spot the Hidden Mickey” shapes in fruit.

And it wasn’t just the food that we enjoyed. The staff gave amazing service by offering Steph some vegetarian and seafood options when she told them her preferences. We took our time enjoying the ambiance and view from the restaurant and had good coffee afterwards.

Enchanted Garden Restaurant

Our first breakfast in Disneyland was a nothing short of a celebration. We were treated to a fabulous international buffet at the Enchanted Garden Restaurant still inside the Disneyland Hotel. I got very overwhelmed with the selection of Mickey shaped waffles, bacon, eggs, ham, beans, fruits, noodles... Let's just say a few hours is not enough to sample the indulgent feast that they prepared for us!

We were spoiled rotten not just by the food and service- the entire dining experience was nothing short of magical. While we were having brunch at the Enchanted Garden at Disneyland Hotel, we were surprised to meet Mickey and the whole gang!

Steph and I couldn't resist and we jumped in to have our photos taken with our favorite Disney characters. Of course, Mickey Mouse was a popular choice!

Corner Café

One of the most beautiful meals we had at Disney was the Magical Afternoon High Tea Set at Corner Café on Main Street. We took a full 20 minutes to just step back, admire the sweets piled in front of us, as well as photograph and instagram them of course! Everything was served delicately in pristine china on an elegant tray. It was almost too pretty to eat- almost.

So those are our top recommendations for the best eats in Hong Kong Disneyland. Which ones would you like to try? Share your picks on the comments below.

Watch out for our next feature on the Hollywood Disneyland Hotel!

Delighted in Disneyland,

Sole Sister Lois

*Most images are credited to Stephanie Torres Photography

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Sole Sister Spotlight: Wahine Yogini Adi

Adi and I first met during last year's Flow Surf Yoga Samba retreat in Baler. We realized we had too much in common- a chronic case of wanderlust, love for surf and insatiable thirst for new, exciting experiences. We have shared a few more adventures after that and I just had to ask her to be part of of the Sole Sisterhood- women who make travel happen. Here's a quick interview with Adi:

What’s a favorite place you have visited and why?

The southern coast of Lombok, Indonesia is my secret island. So many different beautiful beaches in such a little island and I feel at home here. The Maldives comes a close second! It's heaven on earth!

Sole Sister Spotlight: Wahine Yogini Adi8

What’s the best lesson you have learned from your travels?

Plan early, book your tickets ahead and plot your destinations on google maps to see if you're taking the best route. But don't hesitate to change your plans either if you feel like staying in a certain place longer. Be spontaneous, talk to people, take lots of photos and wash your own clothes to save money!

Sole Sister Spotlight: Wahine Yogini Adi2

Photo Credit: Ezra Efondo

What's your favorite travel moment?

In the Maldives, I got an impromptu watsu massage from a friend in the Indian ocean moonlight. I floated in a white mini dress watching the thousands of stars in the night sky above us. Every subtle movement made the plankton glow. It was surreal!

What's your worst travel moment?

I traveled with the Flow girls through India and wanted to see a dreamy place called Jaisalmer which had no airports. We had to take the stinkiest overnight sleeper train with some rats! It was probably everyone's worst travel moment but was so worth it because we ended up loving the place and the people in that town as well.

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Is there any work you had to do or you are currently doing in order to beef up your travel fund?

I trained as a yoga teacher so that I can work anywhere in the world. Although I haven't really started earning from that yet, basically I have investments that grow even without my supervision. 2013 is a really good time to invest in stocks and mutual funds in the Philippines as well. Do your research!

Sole Sister Spotlight: Wahine Yogini Adi1

Photo Credit: Ezra Efondo

You can also rent out your condo, house or apartment on vacation rental sites like wimdu and roomorama for additional pocket money! If you have a car but are planning to travel long term, sell it and invest the proceeds so that your money grows while you are away instead of letting the car's value depreciate. You can always buy another one if and when you decide to come back home!

Also, if you wanna travel more, you'll have to skimp on some luxuries at home. I make my own coffee and juices, cook a lot and never ever buy designer bags and clothes anymore! One of those temptations could be equivalent to a month in Thailand!

What are the things you can’t travel without?

iPhone - The best camera is the one you have all the time.
Sunblock - I love tropical destinations so SPF 45 is a must!
Flow eco-bag - I try to be eco-friendly even when traveling.

Sole Sister Spotlight: Wahine Yogini Adi13

What’s your favorite travel memento?

Aside from the thousands of photos I've taken over the years which I treasure most, I've brought home some decors like the antique Indian embroidery that hangs above my headboard, a red wooden elephant from Jaisalmer, an Om carving from a hippie store in California and a surf poster hand carried by Lois from Indonesia!

Who is the most memorable person you have met on your travels?

A Brazilian surfer who treated me like a princess during one long Bali trip. At a supermarket, he talked to me because he thought Lois & I were lost and offered us a ride home. We ended up hanging out for the next couple of months. He'd drive me around on the back of his motorbike with our boards to different surfspots, took me to dinner and always brought me chocolates. I have yet to find him and repay him for his kindness.

What's your most embarrassing travel moment?

Falling off the stairs in Cloud 9's boardwalk in Siargao. As I finished a sunset surf sesh, I was still disoriented from wiping out. I climbed up the slippery wooden stairs when a wave rushed in and I hit my head on the steps. The little kids around me had to help me up!

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Have you ever fallen in love while on the road? Describe.

Yes, and it gets better every single time! ;)

What's your advise for the women who want to make travel happen?

Don't wait. If you always wait for your boyfriend or friends to go somewhere, it might take a while because your schedules might never be in sync. Get comfortable traveling alone. Asian travelers are rarely seen exploring the world on their own. Let's change that, shall we?

Sole Sister Spotlight: Wahine Yogini Adi14

Photo Credit: Ezra Efondo

When people ask me who I'm with and I say I'm alone, some gasp in horror as if its the worst thing in the world. And then they look at you with puppy dog eyes quietly assuming you don't have any family and friends. Yes my dear, you might get the same reaction. It's equivalent to being in a wedding and everyone sits as a couple and you're the odd one out at the table. But no worries. Who cares, right?

While some look at you in admiration and respect. Some regret that they should have done the same when they were younger. Some cheer you on and encourage you to do everything you want while you're still single, have no kids and little responsibilities. It's empowering to choose a place, plan it, work for it and actually make it happen.

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If you haven't taken the leap to travel alone and are wondering what people actually do when they do... anything and everything they want! I think that when you travel by yourself, you're never really alone. Anyone can be your friend. It's really up to you to make things happen and take advantage of the situation.

So travel when you want, where you want! Life is too short to keep on waiting for everybody. Take flight, Sole Sisters!

Sole Sister Spotlight: Wahine Yogini Adi9

Adi escaped from the corporate life years ago and her life now happily revolves around surfing, yoga and traveling. Her goal is to live a totally eco-friendly lifestyle and inspire those around her to do the same. She dreams of sharing her AntiGravity Yoga and Vinyasa practice in beautiful tropical destinations around the world and also to speak Spanish fluently! Her family is building Secret Spot Baler one hut at a time. Follow Adi's adventures on Wahine Yogini Travels.

Want more? Read other features on Sole Sister Spotlight.

Do you know of female travelers who conquer the world one country at a time? Sole Sisters are fearless women travelers who find ways to travel within their means and have a lot of fun along the way! We would love to interview them for Sole Sister Spotlight. Please send us an email at solesisters (dot) weare(at)gmail(dot)com. We look forward to your suggestions!

Looking for women who make travel happen,
Sole Sister Lois

Get a FREE copy of the Sole Sister Guide to Planning an Epic Trip by subscribing to our newsletter. You can also hang out with us online on Twitter, Facebook & Stumble Upon.

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