Growing up in a small city of Olongapo, situated in the central region of northern Luzon, I was blessed with access to the beautiful sandy beaches and lush scenery. I was closer to nature despite the buzzing city and busy streets.

Arriving at Phuket brings back memories of my hometown. The breathtaking and beautiful shoreline packed with tourist and lively bar one after another on the other side. I didn’t pay much attention to going to the beach or walking on the shore since Dubai coastline has equivalent beauty so as the area where we lived back home. I’m looking for an adventure, something different and memorable. I booked a half-day tour from a tour agency across my hotel. I managed to secure a last minute deal of BHT 800 for a half day tour, compared to its normal rate of BHT 1350, I must say my bargaining skills are improving and that includes using my charm.

The tour includes visiting touristic spots area at the top of the mountain overlooking the Karon and Patong beach. Next is a 30 minutes elephant ride which I didn’t enjoy much because – 1st, it was drizzling.  2nd, I saw how the caretaker hits the elephant just to make them carry and walk us along the jagged path. After the ride, one of the many highlights of my tour is visiting The Big Buddha which is located on the highest peak of Phuket. It was an experience of a lifetime. A 360 degrees view of the entire Phuket Island, and a giant Buddha sitting on the top gracing all visitors blessing them with a smile. I witnessed how simple monks live with gratitude and gratefulness. This made me realized how blessed I am having more of what I deserved. I prayed to Buddha to guide and bless me with courage. I also ask for blessing my family and love ones. At the end of The Big Buddha tour, I have the opportunity to meet one of the Buddhist priests who blessed and gave me armband. After a good 20 minutes ride, we then headed to visit Chalong temple which host three well know Thai Buddhist. Again I prayed and ask for blessings. I also got the chance to get a glimpse of my future by shaking the fortune sticks (Kao Chim) at the temple. We also did a side trip to the cashew and honey farm and a 30 minutes visit to Wangtalan jewelry, which I am not very fond of.  Last stop was the old Phuket town which visibly shows how Portuguese colonialization greatly affects the architecture and ambiance of the area. The entire tour lasted for nearly 6 hrs (1:30 PM – 6:30 PM), a bit short but filled with good memories and unique experiences. I wish the visit to the Big Buddha and Chalong temple were made longer because we were only given 20 minutes each to see and imbibe the entire place.

Elephant Ride

Big Buddha

Chalong Temple

Cashew Nut factory Nothing much here

Old Phuket Town

Before the tour commences the next day, I made sure to do my assignment and that includes “what to wear” since I know the fact that it might get really warm and most importantly considering the places to visit. I guess this is one factor that most tourist always neglects most of the time. If Temples or places of worships are included in your  itinerary please wear something decent in respect to its people, culture, and religion. I decided to wear something that closely matches traditional Thai costume and be respectful at the same time. I wore my Splash harem pants for comfort, a souvenir DIY tank top and Asos Kimono. I also wore my Zara woven sandals to complete my on the look. I played with pattern and prints at the same time for a more interesting look.

Note: Some photos were taken by my iPhone 5 (bring extra battery for your camera)