The proboscis monkey is native solely to the island of Borneo. These remarkable primates, characterized by their prominent pendulous noses and rounded bellies, are truly captivating as they move with grace through the trees lining the riverbanks. Despite being a bit distant, we were fortunate to observe several proboscis monkeys during our excursion.
Category: Wandering
A Walk in Kota Batu
Kota Batu is situated on the outskirts of Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei. In historical terms, Kota Batu held considerable significance as Borneo island’s primary town before the emergence of Kampong Ayer, the largest water village globally. Known as “Kota Batu,” meaning “Stone Fort” in Malay, this area once served as the esteemed Bruneian Empire’s capital. It encompassed an ancient palace, administrative center, and mosques, tracing its origins to Brunei’s third sultan, Sharif Ali.
The Bruneian Sultanate
Brunei, having gained independence from British rule in 1984, has since embraced the national ethos of the Malay Islamic Monarchy. Bruneians take pride in their nation’s distinction as home to the world’s oldest continuous monarchy and the sole surviving Malay Islamic Monarchy.
Majestic Brunei
Brunei Darussalam was the 22nd country I visited. Although Brunei is generally safe, its limited transportation options make it less than ideal for tourists. Nevertheless, investing in private tour guides to discover its stunning attractions, albeit costly, is highly rewarding
Presidential Car Museum
The Presidential Car Museum showcases the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ collection of vehicles used by former Presidents, meticulously restored to their original glory. Given its inauguration on August 19, 2018, these historic cars were previously stored in a private warehouse in Pampanga.
Revisiting Fukuhara Sansou
Fukuhara Sansou is a picturesque destination that left a lasting impression, despite our brief visit to Obihiro. Its tranquil ambiance and aesthetics evoked memories of my seven and a half years living in Japan, transporting me back to cherished moments and experiences from that time.
Sun Moon Lake
The scenic alpine Sun Moon Lake lake is nestled in the heart of Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, the lake gets its name from its distinctive shape—resembling a round sun on one side and a crescent moon on the other. The crystal-clear waters mirror the tranquil landscapes, forming a captivating panorama.
Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs
The Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs feature 127 drawings including a wide array of figures, animals, and symbols etched into the rock face. Among the most striking are depictions of people, various animals such as frogs, lizards, and turtles, and even abstract symbols that continue to baffle researchers. Each carving seems to tell a story, though its true meaning remains a subject of ongoing study and debate.
Binangonan Church
The Santa Ursula Parish Church, commonly known as Binangonan Church, stands at the center of Binangonan, Rizal, and has a rich history spanning 224 years. This historic church is a part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Antipolo and holds the distinction of being one of the seven Jubilee churches within the diocese.
The Historical Barasoain Church
On September 15, 1898, the Malolos Congress, which served as the nation’s inaugural constitutional assembly, convened within the confines of the Barasoain church. In this momentous assembly, the initial Philippine Constitution was officially endorsed, signifying a pivotal stride toward achieving independence. As the first Constitution across the entirety of Asia, the church earned the moniker “Cradle of Democracy in the East.”
Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Antipolo, Rizal
The Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Antipolo, Rizal is fairly recent, having been constructed in 2011. It is devoted to St. Therese of Lisieux, who is also recognized as St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face. St. Therese, a French Carmelite nun who lived from 1873 to 1897, is celebrated for her “Little Way” spirituality, which highlights the significance of simple acts of love and devotion as a means to achieve holiness.
Otto Shoes Mini Museum
Otto Shoes was established by its founder Manuel P. Samson in 1979. The journey began in the backyard of his ancestral residence in Marikina, with the inauguration of the first retail store in Pasig in the same year. Subsequently, the brand expanded, setting up additional retail outlets and providing footwear to various malls. Presently, Otto Shoes has 66 boutiques across the nation.
Amoj In Wanderland 