~ Tickets to Shantou Booked! ~

Shantou (汕头) is a city in Guangdong, China (having a strong link within the Teochew community in Singapore) and my Father-in-law's ancestor hometown is in Jieyang. Hence, this trip is specially planned to take my fil back for a visit. It has always been his wish and we finally booked the tickets with Jetstar Asia today!

Jetstar first launched the direct flight services from Singapore to Shantou early this February. This has really help to reduce the travel time by more than half eliminating the stop over and transfers and given us the opportunity to go ahead with the trip (with the children) more conveniently.

For the very first time, we will be taking the flight together with my inlaws and big bil's family. I'm sure Denver and Gladys will be happy. ^_^ Flight tickets have been booked for early June and we'll be spending our time checking out the itinerary and hotels in the next few weeks.

~ Trip Itinerary Preparation ~

We will be going for our 1st family tour (alone) to Cebu-Manila soon! :) Heard from my filipino colleagues that they are expecting another 2 typhoons in Manila during Nov/Dec time frame. I am crossing my fingers and toes that it will be fine when we are travelling there later this month.

In the meantime, I am fixing up the itinerary for our Free & Easy trip. (5 nights in Cebu and 3 nights in Manila). Hubby will be taking care of the schedule in Manila while I'm checking out the Cebu-Bohol-Mactan tours.

Current overall look at the tentative plans.

27th Nov - Cebu (Ayala Mall)

28th Nov - Bohol (Chocolate Hills, Loboc River Cruise, Tarsier sanctuary, Hinagdanan Cave, Firefly? ... )

29th Nov - Bohol (Dolphin/Whale watching, Bee Farm)

30th Nov - Cebu City Tour (SM Mall, Taoist Temple, Magellan's Cross...)

1st Dec - Mactan Tour (Magellan's Shrine, Guitar factories, Lapu Lapu monument...)

2nd - 5th Dec - Manila (Hubby will be arranging) :)

We have reserved "New Horizon Hotel" in Manila, "Diplomat Hotel" in Cebu and "Dumaluan Beach Resort" in Bohol.

Hopefully by this week or so, the plans will be fixed. Really appreciate Lutchie's help and advice! She has been giving me a Great Tips and a BIG Help with this! Getting me tour guide contacts, lending us her car, buying boat tickets etc. Thank you SOOO MUCH! I can't wait to see the clear waters, nice beaches, starfishes... ! :D