Melaka central bus terminal

Trips between Singapore and Malaysia are quite frequent given the proximity between the two countries (Singapore used to be part of Malaysia.) with a lot of people employed just across the borders and Malaysia being a popular destination for shopping and recreation. In fact, the first Premium Outlet in Asia is located in Johor, Malaysia, which is just across the border from Singapore. On a weekend trip to Melaka (Malacca), we took an express bus that made only 3 stopovers including one each for immigration control/processing in Singapore (exit) and Malaysia (entry). On the way back, we only had an extra stopover due to a fellow passenger requesting for a toilet break.

Arriving at Melaka, I was impressed with the central bus terminal, a sprawling complex that connected with commercial establishments around it. Inside the terminal, there are many shops and restaurants so one doesn't need to leave the terminal to eat or to make some last minute shopping. Good buys are rubber sandals much like those being sold under Brazilian brands. Malaysia is a major producer of rubber and the sandals made in Malaysia are of high quality but less expensive than the Brazilian and perhaps Chinese counterparts.

Terminal building and parking

A look at the spacious parking area around the terminal

Directional sign to guide visitors (probably sponsored by the emporium indicated at the bottom)

Pedestrian overpass for people crossing the busy highway in front of the terminal

There are many restaurants and shops inside the terminal, which is by itself a commercial establishment.

Hotel/accommodations information for travelers are posted at the terminal

The different bus companies operating out of the terminal have their booths were travelers may buy/reserve tickets.

The ticketing area is spacious and there were no long lines, in part due to the availability of online (internet) ticket purchases. Seating is not free for all so travelers need to reserve or purchase tickets ahead of travel in order to get good schedules and seats.

One can purchase tickets to any point in Malaysia (local long distance trips) and Singapore (another country) is among the most popular destinations. Schedules and fares are posted for information of travelers.

There are many choices among the bus companies but I would strongly recommend Starmart Express buses when traveling between Singapore and Malaysia. They provide excellent service and have well-maintained buses. One can purchase tickets online and claim these at their booths/stations.

Interactive information screen at the terminal

Static information board for the locations of bus company booths at the terminal

Travelers lining up before a booth to purchase tickets

Buses berthed at the terminal departure area

Typical long distance limousine bus plying routes between Malaysia and Singapore

The central bus terminal at Melaka is a good example of terminal design for long distance buses. Such concepts are also found in the Philippines but with some significant variations in the design. Among the notables are the terminals in Mabalacat (Pampanga), Lucena (Quezon) and Legazpi City (Albay) in Luzon. Other terminals in the Philippines are not good examples in the sense that many are not developed or well-planned, many without the amenities or features of a modern terminal. Perhaps local and international examples of terminals should serve as templates for central terminal development in the Philippines including those being conceptualized for Metro Manila.

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Bali in Zambales

Our office had our annual planning seminar at a resort along Pundaquit Beach in San Antonio, Zambales. Punta de Uian is a relatively new resort in the area that is fast becoming a popular destination for families and offices holding reunions, seminars, workshops or outings by the beach. We were generally pleased with the facilities at the resort especially the venue for seminars. The cottages were also nice for big groups though their rooms for single or two occupants are quite regular and not so different from other hotels or resorts I've stayed in before. The complex though is quite impressive with the man-made lagoon surrounded by Balinese-inspired cottages and the effort for the Ifugao/Igorot inspired cottages on one part of the resort.

Guard post at main gate

Lounge inside male comfort room

Cubicle doors at the male toilet

Seminar room

Balinese inspired wall at seminar room

Doors to the female (left) and male (right) comfort rooms

Stylized bird cage at the lobby

Check-in counter at the lobby of the seminar venue

Posing at the receiving area of the lobby with Balinese windows/mirrors adorning the wall. Other furniture are also Balinese inspired and are supposedly imported from Bali, Indonesia.

Hallway to the dining area

Buddhist figure and Balinese drum and lamps in front of the intricately carved doorway

Seated on Balinese furniture

Statues, ornaments and buffet cabinet

Close-up of Balinese window/mirror on the wall

More furniture (sofas?) along the hallway to the dining area

Ceiling, lamps and cornice

Many of us commented that it took a lot of effort and funds to be able to put up this Balinese-inspired venue. It was impressive in the sense that the designer seems to have every detail covered and money did not seem to be an issue with the building interior. The only thing missing to complete the (out of country) experience was perhaps uniforms for their staff. Their staff are kind, efficient and organized but overall, I think Punta de Uian is still a work in progress and should be more impressive in the coming years. I hope they are able to maintain the facilities as more people flock to San Antonio and Pundaquit Beach. The location, after all, is a good jump off point for Capones Island (where there is a light house) and the coves located to the south and hidden by the mountains, among them Anawangin Cove.

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Rained out in San Antonio, Zambales

We were at San Antonio, Zambales last May 11-12, 2012 for our office's annual planning workshop. After our sessions on Friday, we checked into our rooms to rest before getting in some swimming or wading time at the beach in the late afternoon. We weren't so lucky as there was a thunderstorm in the afternoon and it rained until sunset. To while away the time, we ended up exchanging stories and jokes under a makeshift cabana in front of our cottage. Some of us had a few drinks and snacks while also exerting quite an effort to avoid the water leaking from the thatch roof above our heads.

During the rains, there was very low visibility for the surrounding areas

We couldn't even see the mountains including Mt. Pundaquit (642m) shown here after the rains.

The following photos are a bit more dramatic as they showed the sea and the islands of Camara and Capones in the horizon as the weather changed.

Photo taken while the storm cloud were above us and pouring rain at the beach

The rain clouds passed us and headed towards Camara and Capones Islands

The weather eventually cleared just before sunset

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