Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2^nd December – 8^th December 2019

Early Sunday morning and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2nd December – 8th December 2019. 

I'm sitting in Cebu City in the Philippines right now. However, I should be back on Koh Samui later tonight. A long travelling day ahead. A long slow Sunday morning run of two hours already behind me.

The sky over Koh Samui is overcast but it's dry in Plai Laem for the time being. At 7am it's 26C and some parts around the island may have rain.

In Cebu City it's partially cloudy and current time at 8am it's 26.2C. Soon I will be making my way to the airport. A long day of travelling lays ahead of me.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2^nd December – 8^th December 2019

The restaurants on site at the Namuang waterfall. Well worth stopping for and checking out the menu. Barbecued chicken and som tam always goes down well. With some sticky rice and a fresh coconut. 

Last week it rained almost every day, except Friday and Saturday. Maximum temperatures still hit 32C in the beginning of the week. The lowest temperature during the night time reached 20C

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2^nd December – 8^th December 2019

Malapascua island in the Philippines. White beach. The most touristy part of the island. The Philippines are mostly catholic and you're reminded of that on a regular base, even on the beach.

The forecast for next week is windy until Monday. Rainy until Thursday morning. Good and mostly dry from Friday onward. Saturday the sun can make it's grande entrance again. Enjoy your time on the island. This rainy season was a very mild one compared to most other years that I am on the island.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 2^nd December – 8^th December 2019

Cebu City in the Philippines. Ayala shopping mall, the terraces. Brightly lit up and in a very festive mood.

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. 

If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. 

Join me in a private dive trip with yours sincerely!

You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned. 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th February 2019 – 24th February 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18^th February 2019 – 24^th February 2019

Sunday morning, long run in the bag and back home, it's time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th February 2019 – 24th February 2019.

It's nice and sunny around the island. There are just a few isolated clouds in the sky and the Great February holds on. Current temperature at 10am is 30C

It was a busy week, with lots of travelling. Leaving Malapascua in the Philippines for Cebu City. First off with a boat ride, followed by a 4 hour car ride. One night in Cebu city followed by a night near Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok. Friday morning I was back home, at last!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th February 2019 – 24th February 2019; Plai Laem beach

Last week was a lovely February week around the island. Loads of sunshine and nice temperatures. Maximum reached 32C and the minimum hit 25C. February is a great month to visit Koh Samui! Proven year after year!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th February 2019 – 24th February 2019; Sun rise in Malapascua in the Philippines

The forecast for the end of this month is looking great. Sunny to partially cloudy skies and no rain are predicted. Enjoy your stay on the island and be thankful for what you got. Diamond in the back, sunroof top, diggin' the scene with a gangsta lean!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 18th February 2019 – 24th February 2019; A jeepney in the busy traffic jungle of Cebu City in the Philippines

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. 

If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. 

You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned. 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th January 2019 – 3rd February 2019

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27^th January 2019 – 3^rd February 2019

Early Sunday morning in Cebu city in the Philippines and time for the Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th January 2019 – 3rd February 2019.

On Koh Samui it's still dark at 6am. It's partially cloudy and the current temperature is 28C. Get ready for a sunny day!

In Cebu city it's already 7am and it's partially cloudy with a current temperature of 24C

I participated in a half marathon earlier this night and did well with a 7th place all over. 21.53km in 1:44'04 or a 4'50 pace. 

In an hour or two it's off to Malapascua where I will start a PADI IDC tomorrow.

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th January 2019 – 3rd February 2019; The temple entrance at Wat Pra Nha Lan in Maenam, earlier this week. Next to the Lompraya pier. 

Last week was pretty much as predicted. Plenty of sunny moments throughout the week. There was the occasional shower as well but all in all it was a steady nice week.

Maximum temperatures reached 32C and the minimum temperature dropped to 25C. Fairly typical for this time of the year!

Koh Samui, Thailand weekly weather update; 27th January 2019 – 3rd February 2019; View over Cebu city in the Philippines when coming from Mactan airport. Mactan or Lapu Lapu and Cebu city are divided by a river and you need to cross over by bridges.

Next week is looking good. The prediction tells us that it will be very sunny and just the slightest chance of a very tropical shower. If there's rain at all, it will almost be over before you realized it started.

Looks like February 2019 is kicking off in style. Enjoy your stay on the island and go out and about!

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. 

If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. 

You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned. 

Camille

Welcome to February 2019 and goodbye to January

Welcome to February 2019 and goodbye to January

First day of the month and here we go with a warm Welcome to February 2019 and goodbye to January.

Due to having a very busy day yesterday, there was no time for a Goodbye to January message. Hence its coming right now! This January started out on a scary note, with a real typhoon heading towards Samui. Luckily enough it all turned out to be a storm in a glass of water so to speak. Typhoon Pabuk just turned it's direction away from Samui and hit the mainland instead.

It was wet though through the first two weeks of last month around the island.

The last two weeks were more in line with that January usually has to offer, plenty of partially clouded skies and occasionally a shower. Plenty of sunshine was also to be had. Temperatures remained very nice and agreeable with slightly colder than average temperatures in the first week of the month.

Welcome to February 2019 and goodbye to January; A picture of the new buses that offer free airport shuttles around the island. A massive welcome to them and a great alternative to the taxi mobsters ruining the island.

Now let's move on to February. This is usually one of the nicest month to be on the island. Plenty of sunshine but not too hot. Great diving conditions in general as well. All around one of the best month of the year on Koh Samui.

Come and enjoy it!

Most of this month I will be in the Philippines though. on Malapascua to be exactly. First two days in Cebu City, where I will run a half marathon come Sunday 3rd February. I will be back on Samui during the last week of this month. Do check in for regular updates though.

Welcome to February 2019 and goodbye to January' A jeepney in Cebu City in the Philippines. Will be in Cebu City for two days before I move to Malapascua. Malapascua is a small island famous for it's thresher shark sightings. I will teach a PADI IDC there.

Please do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and enjoy the beaches around the island or in front of your hotel or resort and get some well deserved rest and a break. 

If you're done resting or need something else to do, there's plenty of things on offer on and around Koh Samui, you can go snorkeling or diving or take a dive course. 

You can also enjoy some of the trips I recommend, like a half day gourmet lunch and snorkeling trip at the Southern part of Koh Samui or a photography trip where you get to see the most photo genetic spots on the island or go for a drinks tasting tour if you like a tipple or two. 

You may also opt for a very special dinner experience at The Thai Experience. Behind closed doors, reservation only and a very enjoyable and well worthwhile way of spending an evening on Samui. Authentic Thai food and a great atmosphere. Can highly recommend this experience. 

Contact me for more detailed information on any of the options mentioned. 

If you like to donate to this blog, use this secure link PayPal.Me/CamilleLemmens. 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12th July, 2016

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 12^th July, 2016

Today's weather;

It's cloudy but dry this morning over Koh Samui and it looks like it may remain mostly cloudy, although the sun might burn through some of the cloud layers and play around a little bit. Current temp at 7am is 29C

At last I arrived in Cebu City in the Philippines last night, with a three hour delay, was in bed by around 1am. Very late for my doing nowadays. Later today, early this afternoon, I will move on to Moalboal and start an IDCS course and a PADI IDC there tomorrow.

Ceby City is partially cloudy with geavy, thick clouds but also with a few isolated blue spots and dry. Current temp at 8am local time is 30.7C 

First I'm going for a 10km run though!

Chaweng lake, all cleaned up and looking good

Yesterday saw a cloudy day over Koh Samui with occasionally a bit of sunshine but also with rain around the island. Max temp reached 32C

Cebu city in the Philippines with it's early rush hour madness and jeepneys, in the background left is the Ayala shopping mall and terraces

The forecast hasn't changed much, cloudy, a nice breeze and an occasional tropical shower until the weekend. Over the weekend the sun may break out again with some cloudy days after the weekend again but more sunshine towards the next weekend.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 11th December, 2015

Today's weather;

At last, it's sunny again over Koh Samui and it should stay like this for the rest of the day, despite a few isolated clouds. Current temp at 6.30am is 27C

Am enjoying breakfast here in Cebu City, for my last couple of hours of this trip in the Philippines. Come 6pm I should be back in Bangkok. Current temp here at 7.30am local time is 29C

The wheel of life keeps on turning at Wat Plai Laem

Yesterday saw a moslty dry and partially sunny day, a forecast of what's to com. Max temp reached 33C

Bikes over the water at Ayala shopping mall in Cebu city in the Philippines

The forecast is looking very good, mostly sunny and dry skies for the enxt ten days, although an occasional shower on selected days is an option.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 9th December, 2015

Today's weather;

It's cloudy over Koh Samui this morning and there may be some early morning rain. Later today or rather soon, the clouds should move out of the way and make space for sunnier skies. Current temp at 7am is 28C

This morning I find myself back in Cebu City in the Philippines and it's cloudy. Soon I'll be on my way to Malapascua for a Shark Guardian presentation tonight and tomorrow I will be back in Cebu city again. Current temp at 8am local time is 28.4C

Chaweng beach yesterday, don't be mislead though, later that day there were some very dark clouds over parts of the island

Yesterday saw rain around Koh Samui for parts of the day but there was also sunshine and blue skies. Max temp reached 30C

Ayala shopping center in Cebu City in the Philippines nicely lit up. An open air arcade with lots of restaurants, 'the Terraces' look out over this area

The forecast is telling us that from this afternoon onward, the weather should change and the cloudy skies should make way for partially cloudy to sunny skies and the rain should be more or less gone for the couple of days. After Monday you may expect a shower again.

Do 'like' my Koh Samui blog Facebook page and don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th May, 2015

Today's weather;

It looks like a nice and sunny day is in the making in the sky over Koh Samui with some cloud layers hovering the ocean. Current temp at 7am is already a staggering 29.5C

In Cebu City in the Philippines, we have a mixed bag, it's fairly cloudy with a few blue spots an a current temp at 8am local time of 28.9C

I just ran a 12km race in 59'33 minutes, just under an hour and in a few moments I will be on my way to Moalboal to start a PADI IDC there tomorrow.

Lunch at Djech Mui in Maenam; Kaa muu or pork leg over rice

Yesterday saw a nice and fairly sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 33.4C

Cebu City, Philippines, view from my room at Tune Hotel near Ayala SM

The forecast predicts sunny skies for today and tomorrow we should have cloudier days and stronger wind until next weekend with chances of a tropical shower.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th May, 2015

Today's weather;

It's fairly cloudy over Koh Samui this morning. Current temp at 7am is 28.2C

Lamai beach road, driving against one way traffic is common here

Yesterday saw a nice and warm day until the early evening when there was very hard rain fro about half an hour.Max temp reached 33.8C

Jeepney's in Cebu City, they remain fascinating

The forecast predicts stronger wind starting this Monday and heavy cloud layers from Tuesday onward. Expect some tropical showers.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 5th March, 2015

Today's weather;

It's nice and blue again over Koh Samui with a current temp of 25C at 7am

This morning I find myself back in Cebu City in the Philippines, on my way to Malapascua. It's nice and sunny here with a current temp at 8am local time of 27.6C

The new bus station in Nathon

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 29.7C although it feels a lot warmer.
On my travels yesterday, only Bangkok was cloudy, Manila was sunny and in Cebu it as dark when I arrived!

Outside of my hotel in Cebu City, shanties like you can see at many places around the city

The forecast is looking better again, less clouds are predicted for the next seven days and there seems to be a little bit less breeze coming Samui shores.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 21st December, 2014

Today's weather;

It's already afternoon and I finally made it into Suvarnabhumi airport in Bangkok after a 50 minute delay on the first flight of the day. The connecting flight from Manila, Philippines to Bangkok left also 50 minutes late but caught almost up on that time upon arrival in Bangkok. Now I have an almost 3 and a half hour layover in Bangkok. Immigration was extremely busy but the queue moved swiftly along.

On to the weather though, It's nice and sunny around Koh Samui with a current temp of 28.4C at 1pm. Unfortunately I did miss the Samui marathon this morning!

Cebu, my departure point and Manila were both cloudy and partially wet this morning.

The 'Bot' or most important building at Wat Plai Laem

Yesterday saw a bit of a mixed bag around Samui, a bit of sunshine, clouds and some rain as well with a max temp of 29.7C

A new taxi brand in Cebu City, Philippines, fluffy pink ears on top of the car and a short pink tail at the rear end. They most certainly look memorable

The next seven days seem to be fairly windy with rain possibly at any moment, but at least it doesn't look like non stop rain. Towards next weekend the sun might break through again.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 2nd December, 2014

Today's weather;

It's nice and sunny over Koh Samui, although there are also a few clouds hanging around. Current temp at 8am is 28C 

It was a long day yesterday, left the house around 8.30am and didn't get into Cebu City in the Philippines until midnight, all my three flights were delayed! Due to getting in bed rather late, a slightly delayed update.

It's also sunny here with a few clouds and there was some rain last night. Current temp at 9am local time is 28.4C

The statue of statue of Jaow Mea Guanim at Wat Plai Laem

Yesterday saw a dry and fairly sunny day around Samui with a max temp of 31.2C

Always takes a bit of getting used that the Philippines is a Catholic country and there are churches all over the place

The forecast is looking good, fairly sunny with a few clouds and some more rain again after the weekend.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks! 

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 26th May, 2014

Today's weather;

Koh Samui has some scattered clouds this early in the day. Current temp at 5.30am is around 27C

Sunset in Nathon two days ago

Right now I find myself back in Cebu city in the Philippines, after not having been here for a year and a half. Later today I will start a PADI IDC in Moalboal, which is about 3 hours away by car.

There's a beautiful blue sky here with a current temp at 6.30 local time of 27C

A modern jeepney in Cebu city in the Philippines

Yesterday saw a very hot and dry day around Samui with a max temp of 35C

The forecast predicts a few clouds today over Samui and for the rest of the week end the weekend fairly blue skies.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 15th November, 2012

Today's weather;

Koh Samui is nice and sunny again this morning but with an almost chilling current temp of just 24.8C

After a very long day filled with travel between Samui, Bangkok, Manila and Cebu, including some delays, I did at arrive last night around midnight at my final destination, Cebu City. The current temp at 8am local time is 28C and it's nice and sunny.

Today I will be on my way to Malapascua where I will start a PADI IDC later this week.

Jeepney in Cebu City this morning, I love seeing them every time I'm in the Philippines

Yesterday saw a nice and sunny day around Koh Samui with a max temp of 31.2C

The forecast shows plenty of overcast around Samui for the next 7 days with the possibility of an occasional shower.

Don't forget to use my Camille's Samui hotel recommendation blog and my Camille's Thailand hotel recommendation blog for all your hotel bookings on Koh Samui and around Thailand. By doing so, you will support my blog. Thanks folks!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 19th March, 2012

Today's weather;

It's been a month ago but I'm back on Thai soil again. Currently I'm waiting at the Bangkok Air lounge at Suvarnabhumi airport after having arrived last night from Manila and a stay at the Convenient Resort in Bangkok to board a flight to Samui! Just in time to start another PADI IDC program later today.

Suvarnabhumi airport

Koh Samui has nice weather again today, it's sunny and another warm day is looming ahead. Current temp at 7am is 28.8C.

Yesterday it was also nice and warm around Koh Samui with a max temp of 31C and the forecast for this week is looking excellent.

In Cebu City was a successful end to my travels with all my students passing the PADI IE in a cloudy and sometimes light rainy Cebu.

It's good to be back home again!

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 18th March, 2012

Today's weather;

The weather on Koh Samui just keeps going strong. A sunny sky is yours today if you're on the island and you might as well get ready for a hot day. Current temp at 7am is 26.2C

Yesterday was once more a hot and sunny day around Koh Samui. Max temp reached 31.2C

One of the many bakeries in Cebu and in general around the Philippines

Cebu is is cloudy on my last day here but dry. Yesterday was cloudy as well with an occasional quick shower. At 6pm my flight to Manila will leave and just before midnight I should land in Bangkok.

The PADI IE is also about to be completed this morning, check for updates on my dive blog.

Camille

Koh Samui, Thailand daily weather update; 17th March, 2012

Today's weather;

The Samui skies keep offering sunshine and blue overhead! Current temp this morning is 27.2C

Yesterday saw also a nice and warm day around the island. Max temp reached 30.6C

The forecast for the next 7 days is looking good, sunny days are looming ahead.

A jeepney downtown Cebu City

Mactan in Cebu City is slightly cloudy but nice and warm and dry! The PADI IE starts today for my current PADI IDC candidates.

Tomorrow afternoon I'm off to Manila and later in the evening it's off on a jet airplane to Bangkok!

Camille

Food on Wheels; Deep fried bananas on Cebu in the Philippines

Food on Wheels; Deep fried bananas on Cebu in the Philippines

Food on Wheels goes international and has it's first contribution outside of Thailand! During my recent trip to the Philippines, I visited Cebu island, Cebu City and the small island of Malapascua, just north of Cebu.

The deep fried banana vendor at the Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Parish (Danao City Church)

On the way from Malapascua to back to Cebu city we passed the Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Parish (Danao City Church) and that's where I spotted this fried banana vendor. During the travel I had seen more food on wheels qualifying vendors but couldn't get any good pictures from the moving van.

The deep frying process

I'm very glad to have caught this on my camera so I can go international with this series! There's more out there and more to come! My archives are still in good shape and everyday can bring new material!

To my fellow bloggers, if anyone of you is still following my blog and output since I don't have the time lately to follow and check in to your blogs, if you feel that you want to contribute to the Food on Wheels series with a guest post, please contact me and I will have you write a blog post as a guest writer on this blog with at least one link to your blog.

Camille

Salo-Salo Sutukil restaurant, Mactan, Cebu City, Philippines

Salo-Salo Sutukil restaurant, Mactan, Cebu City, Philippines

My last night during my recent visit to the Philippines was spent in Cebu City ad I was taken to a local restaurant in Mactan, a small island in front of Cebu city and famous for the death of Fernando Magellan.

Next to the Magellan and Lapu Lapu shrines are a couple of so called sutukil restaurants, which stands for Sugba, Tuwa and Kilaw. Sugba means to grill, Tuwa means to make into Tinola or soup, and Kilaw means to make Kinilaw or raw style serving of the fish, the fish being 'cooked' in vinegar, as a result you get a kind of Sashimi!

The fish display of Salo-Salo Sutukil restaurant

The fish is all displayed at the entrance of the restaurants and you order and negotiate a price. My Philippine friend who took me here, was accompanied by his Mum and she warned him about being charged premium prices for the drinks, since the menu didn't list any prices for the drinks. It turned out the we weren't over charged for the drinks but there was an add on for 'cooking' the ordered dishes which was a bit heartily when the check came, so be aware of this when visiting this otherwise delicious restaurant.

The entrance to Salo-Salo

The restaurant we visited is one of the three remaining places in Mactan near the Magellan and Lapu Lapu shrine, and whilst Googling this place, it seems that it has been around 'forever'. Another restaurant nearby is 'No problem' but a fellow Cebuan blogger had a warning up for this place. He also warns about over pricing!

Cockle shell na Ginata

The food was excellent though and I enjoyed it a lot. The place reminded me of the Nai Aow restaurant in Kanchanadit, which is also located at a mangrove and serves sea food.

We had lovely company, my friend, his Mum and three Japanese friends invited by my Philippine friend. The company and food were excellent!

Kinilaw Tanigue

This was amongst my fave dishes, the raw tuna 'cooked' in vinegar and as a result you get Kinilaw. An excellent dish and well worth trying out!

Ginisang Alamango

Looks familiar, yes indeed, crab just like in Thailand! The main difference with Thai dishes is that there are no sauces let alone spicy sauces that come with the dishes!

Besides the pictured dishes we also had a seaweed or Lato salad, Inihaw na Isda or grilled fish, Rellenong Pusit or grilled and stuffed fish, pancit bihon or noodles and kanin or rice.

Definitely a place I can recommend when visiting Cebu city!

The sutukil restaurants are located near the Mactan Shrine. It is a 250-peso taxi ride from central Cebu City. Just tell the cab driver you want to go to Mactan Shrine in Punta Engano. It’s on the way to Shangri-la Mactan. If you want to take public transport, you can either ride on a jeepney that goes to Punta Engano (No. 23 jeepneys with Punta Engano signboards in the windshield) or you can choose one of the hundreds of tricycle in Lapu-Lapu City.

The sutukil eateries are to the left of the stage near the Mactan shrine, on the side of the area’s police precinct (now there’s an added security for you.) After you pass a couple of souvenir shops selling trinkets, shell craft and other native products, you then see several stalls with pails and buckets of fresh seafood-just choose one of the several eateries in the place.

Enjoy,

Camille

Cebu island and city, Philippines; impressions

Cebu island and city, Philippines; impressions

Upon leaving Malapascua 10th January, after a 20 minute boat ride, you reach Maya, the most Northern point of Cebu island. From there it's a 3 hour ride to Cebu city.

As already noted on notes and pictures I took on Malapascua, the Philippines are Catholic. I love the kitsch of Latin American Catholicism and some of that kitsch can be found back in the Philippines. Cebu airport on the island of Mactan has even a big picture of Maria with Dutch text on it, near the first security check point inside the domestic departure terminal but having my hands full of luggage in a moving line, I didn't manage to step out of said line and take a picture although I would've loved to have that picture taken! Ah well, next time.

The picture above was taken in a hotel near Mactan airport.

The 10th January is Bodbod festival. On the way down from maya to Cebu city we passed through a couple of villages that were in full Fiesta swing and mode!

The town of Catmon is famous for its tasty "bodbod" and thus is the focus of the festival. The street dancing competition is participated by the different barangays has its dance movements, the movement of making the bodbod with the costumes in bodbod concept.

The picture shows one of the many bands that were participating. Note the two guys in the middle of the picture playing each other drums!

Than we entered Danao and stopped at the local church. Sto. Thomas de Villanueva Parish (Danao City Church) Established in 1595

The church of Danao was constructed in 1755 by Fr. Manuel de Santa Barbara, and was made up of materials from sugar cane and rocks from the sea. The crucero of the church was built in the 1800's. However, it suffered a partial destruction (was burned in 1942) during the World War II. Religious items and other important materials were also burned. From the original construction materials of the church, only the solid stones were spared from the fire. It was reconstructed in 1946. In 1981, the building underwent another renovation, this time almost a complete overhaul (only 30% of the original stands). The renovation was completed in 1985.

Very interesting about this church are the bells, which are named according to saints. The San Alipio bell, cast in 1845 and weighing 45 kilos, is the oldest. Two others, cast in 1917 were added and these were the Villanueva bell (630 kilos) and the Sagrado Corazon bell (249 kilos).

Magellan shrine

After having checked in to our hotel, my local guide took us to the Magellan shrine, at a location where the battle of Mactan was fought 27th April 1521 and where the famous Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan died in battle with Lapu Lapu.

Mangroves around Mactan, where Magellan died

Cebu has a nice fell to itself and in my opinion is well worth a visit. For all divers that read my blog, the diving around this island is stunning and plenty of great locations and dive sites are reachable within short distances.

Cebu gets my thumbs up!

Camille