Travel Guide: Things you can't do in Negros Island Philippines

Sometimes we love to explore and travel to different places for the first time in our life. It is more than just unusual, it's a challenging experiences and an exciting moment to enjoy. Have you ever been to a place without a tour guide, without knowing someone, no how where to go, what place to stay and what are the route to take? Its the challenging one, but it’s not a good idea to visit a place without knowing the history, the culture, their laws and knowing what not to do and what to do. 

In this article i will share to you some points as your guide when you travel to Negros Island Philippines. Negros is considered as one of the best travel destination in Philippines where you can find different tourist destination. Knowing the place will surely give you the excitement to visit and spend your holidays and summer vacation.

Below are the 10 things you can't do when you visit the Negros Island based their culture and customs and laws.

1. Negros Island is composed of different developing cities; they are growing in terms of technology, infrastructure and transportation. However, one thing you can't do in Negros when it comes to transportation is to ride the Train. There are different ways of transportation as mean of going to one place to another, but the only thing they don't have is train, which is the fastest way of transporting from one place to another.

2. When you visit the place that you are interested in, it might be a beach resort or any tourist destination in Negros, you have all the freedom to do whatever you want to do except for one thing. You can't bring home any living things from somewhere else. It is against the law.

3. People at Negros Island are friendly and hospitable, but wait…most of them are sensitive and most likely aware of what is happening around. When you are new to that place, always put yourself in place where no one will be offended by your acts of doing something.

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Famous Museum in Philippines- Pinto Art Museum

In Manila this places is considered as one of the trendiest place to go, people who love this places share their best experiences and good memories at Pinto Art Museum.

“Pinto” is a Filipino word for door. Located inside a private subdivision in Antipolo pinto art museum is literally a place where you can find a lot of doors. A gateway that would let you see the modern and contemporary arts.  This place has a strategic location overlooking the mountains of Rizal. With its Mediterranean- inspired villas surrounded by nature, it’s a perfect spot for nature lover who loves museum and art works too.The tour around this place is a visual treat. Its aged doors, quirky art pieces and beautiful windows are just one of the beautiful things you can find as roam around. Every corner is picture perfect. Even if you only have your phone camera, you cannot have a bad photo as the place itself is photogenic.

Source: http://ruffeecola.blogspot.com

Entrance fee costs 100 php for students, 180 php for PWD/ elderly and 200 php for adults. Students should present there valid ID’s while entering to get discounts. This is open from 9:00 am – 6:00pm Tuesday through Sunday. Once you’re done with your payment you can leave some of your belongings in the counter for ease of exploring the area. They will also give you a map of the place so you would know where to explore first and to make sure that you don’t get lost as you roam around. Upon entering the place you can see a parrot who doesn’t talk. I don’t know maybe he just doesn’t like to talk to me. A small swimming pool can also be seen near the entrance. It is surrounded with trees and classic chairs where you can stay for a while and relax.

Don’t worry if you’re tired roaming around each section of place because there’s a comfy bed located under the trees. You can sit or lay there if you want.

To experience this kind of nature plus art museum thing, just follow these simple steps:

1.       Take LRT Line 2 and get off at Santolan Station

2.       Take a jeepney or FX bound for Antipolo, Tanay or Teresa

3.       Get off at Ynares Center

4.       Ride a tricycle and ask the driver to drop you at Grand Heights Subdivision (some drivers are not familiar with Pinto Art Museum)

There you go, enjoy your museum tour and experience with nature!

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3 Beautiful and Famous Beaches in Boracay Philippines

Known to the world as one of the top most visited island for summer vacation in Philippines, Boracay still gaining popularity up to now. Because of its characteristics that most people are looking for when it comes to travel destination. Boracay is indeed making its name when it comes to beaches and resorts. 

Being one of the famous beaches here in the Philippines, Boracay Island has a lot to offer. It has three unique beaches that serves different purposes.

source: pinterest

.   Puka Beach

Located at Yapak, Puka beach is known for its serenity and unique shells. According to locals, it's name is derived from the "puka" shell which can  be found only in this side  of the island. This place is less crowded compared to front beach which make it a good find for those who love romantic sunset viewing and "alone" time. Though the sand is not that fine compare to that of the front beach, Puka beach sand reflect the color of the sunset making it even more beautiful. This side of Boracay island has less restaurants and shops so you must bring your food if you want to stay longer. You can also use the cottages for free if you buy fresh fruit shakes from the locals who own the cottage.

Front Beach

This is the most crowded and longest beach of Boracay. Divided in three stations, each giving you a different vibe of beach experience. Station 1 & 3 are less crowded place compared to that of station 2. You can find a lot of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops near the beach side. A lot of tour guides could be found be found roaming in this area so if you’re looking for adventures on the island you can just approach them. People also love this place for the grotto located on the beach itself which looks beautiful during sunset.

Bulabog Beach

Located at the back of Boracay Island. Winds are stronger on this side so if you’re a type of person who loves extreme water adventures that requires strong winds such as kite surfing, this place is perfect for you.

If you’re in Boracay, make sure to remember D’Mall. It is the center market of the island and mostly the starting point of all tourist destination in Boracay. Once you’re in D’Mall you can just call for a tricycle and tell the driver where you want to go and they will bring you to your destination. Enjoy the beaches in Boracay!

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Beautiful Bohol Philippines - Best Places to Visit

Some people base their travel list on the places located at the back of Philippe or international currencies. Being curios how it felt, I tried picking up a money from the pocket and it showed the two hundred peso bill. Guess what’s at the back of the bill. It’s the Chocolate Mountain! So I decided to go backpacking and travel to Bohol. Did you know that there are lot of places you can visit while in Bohol? One of them is the great chocolate hills of course.

Source: www.boholfundivers.com

Bohol is indeed one of the best destination to spend time with family during vacation, its a place where you can find different types of tourist destination, Best mountain formation like Chocolate hills, white sand beach in Panglao, uniq species of Tarsiers and their best food in town,.

 So I stayed in Bohol for 2 nights and 3 days and here are some places I’ve been:

1.       Tarsier Sanctuary

Visit this place to meet and greet the tarsiers. Make you sure to be silent during the tour as the tarsiers are sensitive to noise. When taking pictures, make sure to turn off your flash so that tarsiers will not be disturb as some of them are sleeping. Being one of the popular icon of Bohol, tarsiers are known locally as “Magmag”. It is known as the smallest primates in the world and considered to be the mammal with biggest eyes.

2.       Chocolate Hills

Formed centuries ago by tidal movement, the hills are considered as a National Geographic Movement. Located in Carmen, this is the world’s famous landmark of Bohol. During summer, the dome-shaped hills covered with grass dries up and to brown which make it looks like an endless row of chocolate kisses.

3.       Baclayon Church

Considered as one of the oldest Catholic stone church buildings in the Philippines, this church is magnificently huge and beautiful. Sad to say that it is ruined by the earthquake but still its beauty remains. Tourists are allowed to enter the place with a minimum

4.       Bamboo Hanging Bridge

If you’re into adventure, you can cross this bridge made from bamboo and steel cables. You can see local kids that jump off this bridge to the river back and forth. You can try it also if you do hve the courage. This is a two way bridge and photographers are present also to capture you moments. At the end of the bridge you see some souvenir shops and the “buko king” of Bohol.

5.       Bohol Compact Shrine

Located in Tagbilaran City, this place is popular for its monument replicating the blood compact that happened between Sikatuna and Miguel Lopez de Legaspi which took place on March 16, 1565. This act symbolizes peace and friendship. Aside from the side, the place also has an overlooking view of Tagbilaran City which is a perfect background for your pictures.

6.       Man-Made Forest

Students of Holy Name University planted this two kilometer densely planted Mahogany trees years ago. When you pass by the area, you can feel the refreshing air and it felt like you have entered a different world.

7.       River Cruise at Loboc River

If you’re starving from long rides and prefer to have some lunch, this place if perfect for you. Enjoy a breathtaking scenery that surrounds the clean flowing Loboc River as you eat your lunch with background music of the band that performs in this floating restaurant.

Once you’re in Bohol and you travel in a group, I suggest you rent a van for ease of tour and it saves time compare to commuting. If you want to commute, tricycle and jeepneys are the main mode of transportation in the area. Just tell the driver where you want to go and they’re will bring you at your destination. All locals here knows where the tourist spots are. Enjoy the beauty of Bohol!

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Adventures in Anawangin Cove, Zambales

Do you love swimming by the beach? Do you want to go mountain climbing and enjoy the beautiful scenery on top? Do you want to go camping? Do you want to go island hoping and rock climbing? Do you want to go kayaking? If majority of your answers to these questions is yes, then this place is perfect for you! Let’s go explore and experience the beauty of Anawangin Cove.

Anawangin Cove is located in Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales. Covered with massive mountains with almost no trees, this place is unique among others because instead of coconut trees, pine trees grows beneath the shores. According to locals, seeds where brought to this place during the explosion of Mt. Pinatubo. Its pristine beach has a charming mixture of white sand and remnants of Mt. Pinatubo ash fall. Truly the nature has its own way of making itself more beautiful and magical. When the locals saw that this is beautiful thing, they planted more pine trees along the shore and across the rivers making the place even more splendid. Because of this irresistible beauty, a lot of tourist where enticed to visit the place and in fact a lot of pre-nuptial activities happen here.

source: https://yabagmc.wordpress.com

Here are the adventures you could do during your stay in this place:

1.      Camping

Tall and beautiful pine trees covering the ground beneath the shore is a perfect spot for camping. It offers you enough covering from the scorching heat of the sun but still giving you a sunlit and a glimpse of the sky. Thanks to this pine trees, weather in this area is cool even during summer time.

2.      Mountain Climbing and Trekking

On the side of the cove, a stairway to heaven is located. You can start climbing it as you cross the little river. The climb itself is an adventure as you can experience a normal to rocky to steep climbs. But the climb is so worth it as you can see the entire cove from the top. And the most amazing thing is that you can also see some pine trees on the mountain. They are small compared to those that grows beneath the shore so you can climb on them also for picture taking.

3.      Island Hoping and Rock Climbing

From the cove, you can request for a boat ride to see the other islands nearby. One of the Amazing Island is Camara Island. It is composed of mostly rocks and some trees. If you love rock climbing you can do it here in this island as some of its part were torn and falls on the beach making it more attractive to the tourist. Just be careful when doing so.

4.      Kayaking

Kayaking is also available here at Anawangin Cove. You can go kayaking on a river or on the beach. It’s your choice, you can also do both if you want!

5.      Swim endlessly

Anawangin cove has some hidden places where you can swim privately, it also offers some little caves where you can stay to have picnic or storage of your important things.

So many things to do in just one place, isn’t it awesome? 
Here’s how to get there:

1.      Take a bus to San Antonio, Zambales. Choose a bus station near you.

-          Depending on the time of day, the trip from Manila to San Antonio should take you anywhere from 2.5 hours to 4 hours.

2.      When you get to San Antonio, you can take a tricycle to Pundaquit. If you are a big group you probably might be able to negotiate for a jeep at the town center to bring you to Pundaquit.

3.       Get a boat from Pundaquit to Anawangin Cove

Note: You can also avail travel tour packages found online such as from metrodeal or other sites. Enjoy the adventures!

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Little Paradise of "Tinagong Balas" at Elihan

Little did we know there are some places out there that are better and cheaper than what you saw and what you heard from tv ads and online. We are mesmerizing with the beautiful ambiance, orange sunset, white sand, crystal clear water  and etc from the advertisement and magazine but we cant afford to have it, we cant afford to visit these places, instead we just put it aside and just dreamed that someday you can make a foot prints at one of those beautiful places that you are dreamed off.

But we are not limited to explore, we are not limited to visit the places that we want. It's up to us how we used our time and effort to make one of your dreams comes true. Travel, indeed is one of the best thing to do to fully enjoy life and to make worth living.

Did you know that there are several places on earth that are not yet fully discovered by most of the people around the world, these places are considered as paradise. One of this place that is considerable as one of a kind beach resort that you have to consider during your summer vacation is the "Tinagong Balas' Its a dialect term used by the locals that means "Hidden Sand". 

The name itself describe the beauty that lies within. Its place that is surrounded with big rocks and trees that covers the view from above and the easiest to get there is to ride a boat. The beauty of this place will surely entertain your eyes, tempt your soul not to set a foot prints on the white sand. The beauty of the "Tinagong Balas" considerable as one of the top 5 beaches in Elihan. Elihan is a small Baranggay of Cauayan Surrounded with beautiful beaches resorts.

Tinagong Balas is one of the newly developed resorts in town, it is characterized with beautiful natural stone formations, natural growth "Bonsai" or known as dwarf trees, white sand, crystal clear water and colorful corals and fishes. This place is accessible by any land transportation since there are several well known beaches resorts situated already just few distance away from the place, one of them is Punta Bulata, El Tzino and Arock Beach.

"Tinagong Balas" is one of the cheapest with good accommodation as far as i know, known to have the best place for a group of people doing a group activities like Team Building, Recollection or just simply having time for vacation.

They have Bungalow House with 3 big rooms for only Php. 2,500 per room good for 4 people and it is fully air-conditioned. You can bring your foods, cook with your own and use their appliances with care. Adding few charges would help their services more reliable.

The best thing with this place is that, you can witness the sunset while you are on top at one of the big rocks formation. Few steps going down is the white sand and crystal water. What you have when you visit this place is the full package of vacation. 

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Top 5 beautiful places to visit in Sipalay City Negros Occidental

Negros Occidental is the western side of Negros Island where most of the people are speaking Hiligaynon/Ilonggo. Bacolod City known as the city of smile is the capital city of Negros Occidental where the massive production of sugar cane or (also known as "tubo" in hiligaynon dialect) are found.

Negros Occidental is  composed of 12 Cities, 19 Municipalities and 601 Barangays. Among 12 Cities Sipalay is known as place where you can find amazing and stunning tourist destination like beaches, fall and resorts. As of today survey from tourism department, Sipalay City is the number 4 most visited places in Philippines. It is a small city where tourist spots are situated. It surrounded with different beaches and resorts, white sand, diving sites and tourist spots. It has been the top list spot to visit by European people during winter season.

If you are planning to visit Sipalay city, here are the top 5 beautiful places that you should have to consider.

Tinagong Dagat Island Resort- You can find different beach resorts in Sipalay city, but Tinagong dagat island resorts making its name and fame online and travel magazine. The ratings is amazing, people who visited this place leave the best comment ever. Its amazing, stunning and one of the best resort in the world. It is called Tinagong Dagat because of its characteristic, a crystal clear water rich in marine life in the middle of  islets and these islets are connected with wood and bamboo made bridges, you can cross from one islet to another. From main city ( Sipalay ) it is just few kilometers away. This place is truly amazing and known for its nature and human artistry that is best. You can meet different marine life and other unique species, crystal blue water, corals and etc.

Artistic Diving Beach Resort - When it comes to Diving Activies this place is good to go. It was the first place where they operate diving activities in the entire region. Not just an artistic way of diving, you can do a lot of things as well. You can enjoy their foods, the amazing place where you can watch the sunset and some other outdoor activities. They have also diving equipment and organized team to help you out with your diving experiences. They have old style rooms but clean and affordable rate for an over not or more to stay.

Bermuda Beach Resort - When you get to the heart of the city, you don't need to travel far and take more rides to get to different resorts. The city is situated alongside the sea where the different beaches and resorts are located. Bermuda Beach Resort is one of your destination out of top 5 being listed in here, Bermuda is considerable one of the affordable with good accommodation in town. Most of the people says, this place is awesome and the staff are very welcoming. Most recommendable activities you can do is "Snorkeling to Wreck". Its another hidden paradise that you will never missed.

Takatuka Beach and Diver Rerorts - This resorts owned an artistic design of resorts. It is designed with love with details where they are using unused stuff like old cellphone to make an amazing and artistic new things like Pillars,showers, slippers holders and etc. you can find amazing things in there. Foods and staff will made your day. They are well organized, from foods to accommodation and activities. It is awesome and amazing place to stay.

Nataasan Beach Resort & Dive Center - For blogger and backpacker this place is good to go, for every one as well. An average place with a thousand of views that you can enjoy. They have good foods, amazing views and a good staff as well. If you want to stay, choose room that is facing the sea or having a sea view.

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Danjugan Island - Protected Sanctuary of Bulata Negros Occidental

Danjugan Island is one of the best island in Negros Occidental where different species are well protected and preserved. Strict policies are being implemented for this area to protect the sanctuary. This island was once threatened and over-fished area until it was restored The Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation, Inc.

This Island is covered with forest, limes stones and stunning beauty of lagoons. Wild life species and marine life is one of the main factor why this island became known. There are about 572 species of fish, 244 Hard Corals Species, 72 birds and 22 butterfly species. This place is not for everyone to enjoy the view, to experience the summer vacation but it is open for everyone who would love to stay and study the living things around.

source: taophilippines

In short, this is the place know as research area. Students and researchers are much welcome here. Those who want to learn more about environment, living organism, species and etc this place is a perfect for everyone. However, people who love to enjoy the beautiful scenery, enigmatic and colorful corals under the the crystal clear water its the best for you. This could be the best spot for diving with proper permission from the management.

Visitors are not allowed to go there unless guided by their staff from their station and have them booked ahead of time. You can find more information from their site, http://www.danjuganisland.ph/. They are not promoting this place for summer vacation, but they promoting this place as ecotourism destination that aimed towards conservation.

HOW TO GET THERE?

From Manila or Cebu it takes 1 hour flight going to Bacolod - Silay Airport. You can take a taxi going to South Bus Terminal located at Liopez Janea St. ( Fare for bus: Php. 180 - non aircon Php. 250 - aircon )

From Ceres Terminal you have to take the bus bound for Hinobaan. Trip are usually takes 3 to 4 hours. You have to asks the conductor to drop off at Crossing Remollos Quadro de king located at Bulata Cauayan. Once you get there, someone from Danjugan staff will be there to tget your and guide to the place where you can rid the pumpboat going to Danjugan Island. Much better to travel early so you can see the beauty of the Danjugan from afar.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND BOOKING

For more information and booking you can email at experience@damjuganisland.ph and you can asks information how to get there and when will be your schedule to visit the place.

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Travel Adventure Trip Tips

Adventure- One of the few words that gives excitement, isn't? A journey i'm pretty sure that a person is eager to undergo specially if he has been planning for quite a long time for his most awaited get away escapade.

Let me give you some tips that i have a learned while I was reading some travelling guide which allow you to have an awesome journey with a light travel that is more convenient and probably the most comfortable travel ever compared to that old fashioned way of traveling which may cause to wait irritably on the baggage area and get mashed up your things and security check in.

synchronized- the only word i believe that will make everything light not just in traveling but also to anything that you do.

Tip#1. Prepare the "must bring"

1.) travel documents ( passport, credit card and id)

2.) personal stuff

3.) 2 pairs of underwear

4.) 2 pairs of t shirt

5.) 2 pairs of shorts

6.) 1 book

7.) journal and pen

8.) 2 pairs of socks

9.) camera and charger and mobile

 it's important not to forget all these because they are essential to a traveller.

Tip#2. Make sure that your mobile and camera its recharge

Before departing your destination

And if possible bring extra battery.

Tip#3

 Your underwear,t shirts,shorts and socks is prefferably a high tech fabric. High tech fabric is i kind of garment that dries quickly after it is washed. Another way that may help you how to dry your clothes quickly is to roll about their over a wet fabric and sqeeze tightly before hanging.

Tip#4 GETTING READY

* Arrived earlier : 2 hours for locals and 3 hours for international flights.

In that way you'll be able to avoid waiting ad being in a long security line.

Tip#5. SECURITY AND ASSURANCE

 have a photo copies of your valuable documents like credit card and passports also get emergency phone number for each credit card that you have and before you leave to your destination leave a copy the relative so that in case of robbery and lost of your creditcard most specially you can call your relatives and ask to cancel your cards to be well assured.

UPON ARRIVING

* ALWAYS SMILE

* plan the must - dos and leave the rest to chances.

 Dont be easily decieved by sights cause you might probably missed the must -dos plans of yours.

Always remember not to mind the best tourists spots it has to be the people around you that you should mind first because I'm ceraib of this great people are better than great places cause they wil be the one to bring you to those places you never thought you could ever be

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Cebu City Escapade

Cebu city is one of the biggest city in Visayas, it is consider as metro in central Visayas area. Cebu is composed of wide range area with different large cities including the Mactan, Mandaue and Cebu capital. When it comes to vacation you can consider Cebu as one of a kind where you can find the best place for your family. You have the best luxury hotels, luxury resorts, amazing views and memorable tourist spots.

Cebu city is just one of the best city in Visayas showcase different interesting things inviting people and tourist fro different places because of its beautiful tourist spots and historical places.

Visiting cebu city is the one of the best choice that you have to consider during your vacation time. Though it’s a wide place to visit different tourist spots like mactan shrine, magelan’s cross and other well known historical places taking taxi or private car is not a problem anymore. Traffic? Its not heavy compare to other cities in Philippines, but once you reached one of the tourist spots you will be amazed the beautiful scenery.

Below are few things to remember when you visit cebu city.

• 1.       When it comes to budget but enjoyable vacation, do not consider staying at any hotels at the center of cebu. You can find any hotels at Mandaue it is the middle city between cebu and mactan. You can find hotels at Mandaue that are affordable yet satisfied with their rooms and services. Mandaue could be the best place for your drop off, it is near the airport, less than 30 minutes going to different tourist spots located at cebu, mactan and any part of the city
• 2.       Taxi could be the best options to travel, but remember each taxi can accommodate only 4 passengers. Flat rate is 40 pesos and you can spend 100 to 200 pesos going to any destination you want within cebu, mactan and mandaue city.
• 3.       When you get there, these are the popular foods that you have to try. Visit Lechon Belly, the original boneless lechon located at Mango Avenue, Fuentes. They have best taste of Cebuano delicacies.
• 4.       Figure out how Mactan and Cebu are being connected with the beautiful and biggest bridges in town.
• 5.       Don’t miss these places before you leave. Tops mountain cebu city, mactan shrine, magellans cross, mountain view park resort, fort san pedro and many more.

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Manjuyod White sand Bar - Negros Oriental Philippines

In this hectic life endeavor, going to the beach and enjoying the heat under the sun while wind is blowing your worries away are some of the best refreshments. The White Sand Bar of Manjuyod City is the pristine place for you. This picture-perfect 7 kilometer stretch of premium white sand can be accessed via a short 15 minute boat ride from Capiñahan Wharf in the South Bais Bay, Bais City Negros Oriental.

source: http://journeyingjames.com/

It is basically an island towards the North Bais Bay in the Tañon Strait that emerges only during low tides. You can find beautiful, clean native wooden houses built on stilts on the said island. During high tide, these cottages appear to be floating on the refreshing awesome blue water. And if you want to stay longer in the said island, these cottages could be rented for overnight stays and can be booked at the Bais City Tourism Office.

Though technically belonging to the jurisdiction of the neighboring Manjuyod town, the sand bar is closely associated to Bais City because of its closeness and attractiveness in the Bais area. Besides, it is also a major stopover during “dolphin and whale watching” group tours controlled by the Bais City Tourism Council. The boat is anchored so that the guests can enjoy the peaceful scenery, picnic, swim, sunbathe, and laze around, or scuba dive in the waters surrounding the sand bar. The Manjuyod Sand Bar is an estimated 600 hectare total strip area, including the submerged portions. Also known as the Sumapao Shoal, it is a certified tourist attraction because of its unique characteristic. It has been said that among the tourist spots in the locality, this one has the most probable.

How to get to Manjuyod White Sand Bar in Manjuyod? 

From Dumaguete City, you may board the jeepney at the Dumaguete – Bais terminal near the port and going to Lo-oc Road in Rizal Boulevard or the Ceres Bus Liner at the Ceres terminal in Barangay Calindagan. The best and most convenient way is to rent a car or van. You can ask your hotel about more information on the van rental services.

Enjoy!

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