Manila to Bahrain: A 9-Hour Flight

Our first leg departed from Manila at 11:00 AM, bound for Bahrain. The aircraft was clean and comfortable, with ample legroom in the economy cabin. The onboard entertainment system had a decent selection of movies, music, and games to keep us occupied.

We landed in Bahrain at 4:00 PM, greeted by the modern and spacious Bahrain International Airport.

8-Hour Layover in Bahrain

With an eight-hour layover, we had plenty of time to explore the airport’s amenities. One standout feature was Gulf Air’s complimentary meal voucher, which we redeemed at Food Garden. This dining area offers a variety of international cuisines, ensuring everyone could find something to enjoy.

Bahrain to Istanbul: A 4-Hour Flight

Our connecting flight departed Bahrain at 1:00 AM. This shorter segment to Istanbul was equally pleasant. Despite the late hour, the flight crew maintained their exceptional service, providing a hot meal shortly after takeoff. The warm meal was just what we needed to settle in for a restful flight.

By the time we touched down in Istanbul at 5:00 AM, we were rejuvenated and ready to explore the city.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with Gulf Air was a positive experience overall. The seamless check-in process, friendly crew, and well-organized layover arrangements in Bahrain made our trip stress-free. For travelers looking to transit through the Gulf region, Gulf Air and Bahrain International Airport offer a compelling combination of comfort and efficiency.

Have you traveled through Bahrain or flown with Gulf Air? Share your experiences—we’d love to hear them!

A Cozy Stay at IBOŞ Hotel, Izmir Turkey

Arrival and Location

We arrived at IBOŞ Hotel around 10 PM, thanks to a reliable van service from Izmir Airport. Despite the late hour, the staff welcomed us warmly. The temperature outside was a chilly 5°C, making us appreciate the cozy ambiance of the hotel even more. Located in a prime spot, the hotel provides easy access to nearby attractions and has a charming coffee shop for quick caffeine fixes.

Rooms and Amenities

Our group booked two triple-occupancy rooms—one on the 3rd floor for my husband and me, and another on the 6th floor for our two sons.

Room Comfort: The rooms were clean and well-maintained. The beds were plush and cozy, although we would have appreciated thicker blankets, especially for those accustomed to warmer climates.

Bathroom Features: The bathrooms were modern and spotless. A highlight was the built-in bidet within the toilet bowl, which added to the comfort and convenience. The shower provided excellent water pressure and warm water, perfect for the freezing weather outside.

Wi-Fi Connectivity: The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, accessible with a login linked to your passport and room details. The connection was stable and fast, making it easy for us to stay connected during our stay.

Dining Options

The Olympos Restaurant serves a hearty breakfast buffet daily, offering a mix of local and international options to suit diverse palates. We especially enjoyed the freshly baked bread and flavorful Turkish spreads. For coffee lovers, the nearby coffee shop is a great spot to relax and savor a cup of authentic Turkish coffee, “Turk Kahvesi”.

Climate Considerations

Given that the temperature outside was near freezing, the rooms didn’t have air conditioning, but it wasn’t necessary. However, for travelers from tropical countries, like us, additional warmer blankets would have been a welcome touch.

Final Thoughts

IBOŞ Hotel offered us a pleasant and convenient stay during our time in Izmir. Its strategic location, excellent bathroom facilities, and friendly service made it a memorable experience. If you’re planning to visit Izmir, whether for leisure or events like the World Robot Olympiad, IBOŞ Hotel is a reliable choice for comfort and accessibility.

Tips for Travelers:

Bring warm clothing if visiting during colder months, as the temperature can drop significantly.

Don’t miss the breakfast buffet at Olympos Restaurant for a taste of Turkish cuisine.

Book rooms in advance, especially during large events like WRO, as the hotel can get fully booked quickly.

For a hassle-free stay in Izmir, IBOŞ Hotel checks all the boxes for comfort, location, and service.

We stayed at a flat in 101 Newport Boulevard near NAIA Terminal 3 for one night this November to ensure easy access to the airport for our international flight from Manila to Istanbul, Turkey, with a connecting flight in Bahrain.

The check-in process was seamless and stress-free, even though we arrived late at around 10 PM. The caretaker was ready and waiting for us at the lobby, which was a great relief after a long day of travel preparation.

Sun, Sea, and Memories: A Family Adventure on Sumilon Island, Cebu

For those yearning for a tropical escape brimming with natural beauty, Sumilon Island in Cebu is an unbeatable destination. This marked our fourth journey to the southern part of Cebu, and despite previous visits, the allure of Sumilon’s pristine waters and stunning landscape remains as captivating as ever.

Setting Out for the Adventure

Our day began at Island Front Resort and Restaurant, where we enjoyed a hearty breakfast surrounded by the early morning breeze and breathtaking ocean views. The resort’s welcoming atmosphere and delicious local dishes set the perfect tone for the day ahead. We embarked on our island adventure at around 7:30 am, opting for the second boat trip—a slight delay, courtesy of our son’s Mobile Legends ranking game! This small pause only added to the excitement as we geared up for the trip. This time, only our two sons joined us for the adventure, as our daughters decided to stay back to avoid the intense sun and enjoy a more relaxing morning at the resort.

How to Get to Sumilon Island from Lapu-Lapu City

If you’re starting from Lapu-Lapu City, as we did, the journey to Sumilon Island involves a combination of road and sea travel. Here’s how you can reach this beautiful island:

1. By Car or Bus:

   • Travel Time: Approximately 3-4 hours by private vehicle or 4-5 hours by public bus.
   • Route: Drive or take a bus southbound via the Cebu South Road, passing through Talisay, Carcar, and finally reaching Oslob.
   • Mode of Transportation: If you’re driving, the scenic coastal views and quaint towns along the way make the journey enjoyable. Public buses from Cebu South Bus Terminal also provide an affordable and comfortable ride.
   • Fare: The bus fare from Cebu City to Oslob ranges from P180 to P250, depending on the type of bus (non-airconditioned or airconditioned).

2. Boat Ride to Sumilon Island:

   • Boat Service: Prices for boat transfers are P1,500 for groups of 2-5 people and P2,000 for 5-10 people.
   • Departure Point: Most boats depart from Oslob, where you can coordinate with local resorts or tourist service providers.
   • Entrance Fees: Entrance to the island is P100 per person, with an additional P100 for access to the marine sanctuary and P100 rental for snorkeling gear.

Island Experience and Reminders

Sumilon Island is famed for its white sandbar and crystal-clear waters, making it a must-visit for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. As soon as we docked, the island’s beauty greeted us with open arms. The shimmering turquoise water seemed to stretch endlessly, inviting us to dive in. We spent our time capturing countless photos against the backdrop of the picturesque sandbar, sharing laughter, and making memories that will last a lifetime. A quick headstand added some playful fun and energy to our morning. Although I swam just a little—savoring the cool water and gentle waves—our sons fully embraced the sea, splashing around and snorkeling to their hearts’ content.

The Island’s Unique Charm

Sumilon Island’s appeal extends beyond its picturesque sandbar...

 A Delicious Birthday Dinner at Seafood Island Crabhouse & Seafood Grill Resto in SM Seaside, Cebu City

Last night, we celebrated my birthday with a delightful dinner at Seafood Island Crabhouse & Seafood Grill Resto, located inside SM Seaside, Cebu City. It was a perfect spot for a family gathering, filled with good food, a vibrant atmosphere, and live music.

For the main feast, we opted for their famous Tali Boodle Feast, a sumptuous spread featuring a variety of fresh seafood and grilled meat. The platter included shrimp, crabs, grilled fish, squid, and more, all arranged beautifully on banana leaves for that authentic boodle fight experience. Every bite was flavorful, and the portions were generous, leaving everyone completely satisfied.

To quench our thirst, we had a pitcher of iced tea along with refreshing Island Punch cocktail drinks, which added a tropical vibe to the evening. For the special birthday cake, we brought along a delightful Ube Cake from Dessert Factory. Its rich, creamy ube flavor was the perfect way to cap off our meal.

One of the highlights of the evening was the live band performing inside the restaurant. They entertained us with soothing tunes while we waited for our food, creating a lively yet cozy atmosphere. The service was impeccable—the staff were approachable, friendly, and quick to attend to our orders and any additional requests we had.

The ambience at Seafood Island was cool and relaxed, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with family. They have a lavatory for handwashing and a comfort room, which is convenient if you don’t want to step out into the mall for a quick wash or break.

The food arrived in about 20 minutes, which was quite reasonable considering the feast we ordered. For payment, they accept both cash and credit cards, making the whole dining experience hassle-free.

Overall, it was a delightful birthday celebration, and I highly recommend Seafood Island Crabhouse & Seafood Grill Resto for anyone looking to enjoy delicious seafood, good music, and excellent service in Cebu City.

A Delightful Stay at Old Orangewood Bed and Breakfast

My family and I recently stayed at Old Orangewood Bed and Breakfast in Baguio City from July 26 to 28, and it was a wonderful experience. We booked the Standard Quadruple room named "Tamawan," perfect for my husband, our children, and me.

The hotel's location is quite convenient, being just a short taxi ride from the Victory Liner bus terminal, costing us less than a hundred pesos. This made it easy for us to get around and explore Baguio.

See more AGODA Accommodation - Old Orangewood Bed and Breakfast