Hatta Day Trip

If you’re up for an awesome road trip adventure for a day in the UAE, then Hatta is one of the best place to visit. Hatta is an inland enclave which is 115 KM from Dubai relatively high in the Hajar Mountains bordering Oman .

Important: The closest exit from Dubai is the Al Madam-Hatta Diversion E44 however the Exit is only exclusive to UAE Locals and Omanis.

Expat Route to Hatta: Turn left to the Al Madam roundabout and get onto the E55 heading to Al Malaiha and turn to Sharjah - Kalba Road then right turn to Hatta onto E44.  

It was the Islamic New Year when we head to Hatta leaving Dubai at 0730 and took the E44 Route relying our lives to Google Maps ( MapHere ) but when we reached the border, we were instructed to turn back and take the Sharjah/Kalba Road instead which took us an additional hour to get to Hatta but it was all worth it. UAE Roads are one of the finest I've ever seen so far. My eyes were filled with the picturesque landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, fine cunning desert and camels along the way.

After 2 and a half hours of driving with few stops for photo ops, we reached our first destination - the Hatta Dam. Yes, it is man-made but it’s a master piece. The artificial lake is perfectly tailored filled with stunning turquoise water surrounded by rocky bare mountains. Be ready for a steep drive to reach the view point. There are limited parking areas and there's no toilets available. Dubai Police are visible within the area, just follow the rules and regulations and you will be fine.

Hatta Mountain Conservation Area 

Apart from sight seeing and picnic,  Kayak and Pedal Boat Rentals are also available but if you are not up for it or simply scared you'll get roasted, you can still stay and sit for free while admiring the amazing view. (Another Dam is under construction which is  5 minutes away). Visit www.hattakayak.com for more info. 

View Deck

Hatta Kayak Entrance 

Next stop - Hatta Heritage Village. With just 5 minutes drive from Hatta Dam is the Heritage Village. Travel back in time and know more about the culture and discover how the Emirati Village was like centuries ago. Entrance is Free. To know more, visit www.dubaiculture.gov.ae

Hatta Fort

Hill Park Entrance

Third Stop was the Hatta Hill Park - its 5 minutes drive from Hatta Heritage Village and is a popular spot for picnics and barbeques. Entrance is Fee. If you don't have food, just like us, there's a grocery store beside the mosque after the roundabout going to the Hill Park, you can stop to shop then go. Parking Area shouldn't be a problem - there's a lot of spaces available. Though it was quite  tough going up the hill but the green scenery from the cottages with the cool breeze was very rewarding. The cottages has a barbeque area and trash bins. The area was very relaxing but be careful with the bees and other instincts flying and crawling around that may sting anytime. 

We then decided to head to Hatta Pool, we're not actually prepared for it and as per my research it was already in the territory of Oman, but then we still tried to go since its just 15 minutes drive from Hill Park. When we reached the border, we were advised that we can't cross ( perhaps if we have a visa) so the officer suggested some places that we can go and gave instructions using our maps. We were thinking of Al Ain, Abu Dhabi but since we can't cross the E44 border, we then decided to drive to Kalba, Fujairah via Rugaylat Road/ E99. It was a 51.5 km awesome drive with breathtaking views on an unbelievable road. With the Kalba Flag Pole as our destination, which is beside a corniche, we immediately took a rest - literally just lay on the grass and sleep. The Kalba Corniche is so clean and has well maintained rest rooms. Too bad we were not ready for some picnic but the nap on the grass was enough. We wander over Kalba's Beaches before hitting the road again back to Dubai and stopped for some quick affordable bites on a resto along the road. 

Rugaylat Road/ E99

Kalba Beach, Fujairah

So, thinking of hitting the road? then go drive to Hatta for an awesome road trip. 

1 Day Joined In Group Tour in Armenia

I wish I had the luxury of time exploring these 2 great and beautiful countries, Armenia and Georgia but I only had 5 days to spent and I want to squeeze everything I want to do and places I want to see in just 1 full day without exceeding my budget, thus I started researching and comparing the best travel agencies that has join in group tour that caters both and I was lucky to find one – Hyur Service.

Note: The Regular Day Tours in Armenia follows a schedule which depends on the days of the week so make sure to align your travels plans accordingly if you want to explore Armenia on a budget though you can always do a private tailored tour anytime.

After browsing the tour packages and itineraries, I checked on the places to see how it looks like and to know more of its history for comparison. I was lucky enough that the tour where the most places I was interested in falls on a Wednesday which was my 2^nd day in Armenia before crossing Georgia so I immediately sent an email to the agency thru their website but I didn't get a response. After a week, I sent an email via contact@hyurservice.com and got a response immediately informing that the web email was not working and to confirm my reservation, they asked for a soft copy of my passport and contact number to be forwarded to their accounting department. 

Before my flight, I sent an email informing about my flight schedule and confirming that I will be paying the tour a day before the tour itself in their office as per the  agency policy. Upon arrival, the agency called me which I missed so I immediately sent an email giving them my ETA in their office for the payment. After doing some DIY City Tour exploring Republic Square, I head straight to the office and pay the tour. I asked if they do pick up which they politely advised that they don't - I informed that that I got lost on my way to their office and that I might be late tomorrow if that's the case, so the lady called her manager and asked if I can be picked up which the manager agreed. #feelingblessed

The tour itinerary are as follows: 
Date: October 26, 2016 - Wednesday
ETD: 9:00 am at Hyur Service Head Office (96, Nalbandyan street) 
Particulars: Noravank, Tatev (Ropeway), Karahunj (Zorats Karer) 
Time: 13 Hours Tour
Price: AMD 18,000.00 ( $38.00) Payment in Cash AMD Only

The price includes:

-Transportation expenses

-Driver service

-Professional guide service (speaking Armenian, Russian, English)

-Snacks
-Tatev Ropeway ticket

-Insurance of the vehicle and the passengers

Children's Park along Movses Khorenatsi Street

On the tour itself, I woke up very early since I was anticipating a long toilet queue, the struggle of every backpacker on a hostel. I went out for some walk on the nearest park, the Children's Park and on the long Movses Khorenatsi Street savoring the cold chilly weather of Armenia while the entire city was still fast asleep. Armenia is quite laid back with business hours from 10:00 am till 6:00 pm. the guy from Hyur Services knocked 15 minutes before 9:00 am to pick us up. The Tourist Bus was a modern 35 seater, equipped with AC/Heater, TV and Toilet – very comfortable. We left the city at 9:30 am heading on the tour's first stop which located far south about 122 km of Yerevan - The Noravank Monastery.  Though it was starting to rain, the weather was just manageable with 15 degrees Celsius. The Tour Guide was on point giving information and history of the places we are passing thru. I was lost with the beauty of the scenery and it took me some time to notice d that snow was falling - I was witnessing my first snow! The guide informed us that snow started to fall on the country side weeks earlier than the usual. 

The Noravank Monastery is a 13th century monastery situated deep within the Noravank Canyon. The breath taking view left me in awe as we enter the shallow uphill road to the entrace. The Noravank Complex includes the 1339 St. Astvatsatsin (“Burtelashen”) sepulchre-church, St. Stepanos Nakhavka and Gavit, St. Grigor Church and Stepanos Orbelian Sepulchre - the remains of medieval chapels and residential quarters and a modern office and hall.

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Next destination was the Tatev Monastery which is 150 KM from Noravank Monastery. It is an 18th century monastery located in the Syunik Province. The entire province was covered with snow by the time we reached the area. We went straight to a restaurant which served authentic Armenian Dish and we were given 40 mins to relax and enjoy the place before heading to the monastery. 

The tour guide gave us our ticket to the Ropeway or Wings of Tatev, which is an aerial tram, yes, the easiest and best way to reach the monastery. It was the longest reversible cableway in the world (5752 m), recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. It was 12 minute ride with the most stunning and picturesque view. 

And to the last destination, Karahunj (Zorats Karer) or the the Armenian Stonehenge which is 50 Km away from Tatev Monastery is. It was almost past 6 pm when we reached  Karahunj and the temperature dropped to negative.  A miniture of Karahunj was built near the main road for it takes 10 minutes’ walk to reach the actual site. Our guide took us to the miniature stones as she share the history and other related stories about the stones and the site. Since we want to see the actual stone, we were given 30 minutes to explore. Running along the slippery ground road covered with snow, I actually didn’t recognized that it was the actually area since I was expecting something big as the London Stonehenge. It seems like a pagan ritual site to me, to be honest or maybe because it was covered with snow. 

We head back to Yerevan with a 15 minute stop for toilet break and reached the City at 9pm dropping us all at the Yerevan Square. Good thing was some restaurants were still open for to dine and bond with friends I made during this tour. Indeed, it was a day well spent. As a female solo and budget traveller -  I highly recommend this tour. 

Armenian VOA for Philippine Passport Holder

One of the best perks of being an expat in Dubai is the convenience of travelling. I am a Filipina holding a UAE Residency and that allows me to have a Visa on Arrival in countries such as Armenia and Georgia. Both countries were former member of the Soviet Union in the Mountainous Caucasus Region bordering Europe and Asia and its only 3 and a half hours flight away from Dubai.

Since I was on a VOA, I was confident that it will be a swift process but I was wrong - it took me 20 minutes to get my Visa since the Visa Application Area were flocked by tourist busy signing their Application Form. So, in order to avoid that, here are my tips:

Armenian Visa

• Pre - signed Visa Application Form - Admit it, we are all get lazy filling out application forms but this one will help speed up your waiting time. Visa Application Area are full of people signing up their forms and most of them doesn't have pens - which will delay your application if you are kind enough to lend yours unless you want to give it away. Download the Visa Application here: http://www.mfa.am/u_files/file/consulate/visaappform.pdf 

• Have your money exchanged - Armenia Tourist Visa Single Entry  (up to 21 days of stay) / Non-refundable fee Cost $6.00 or 3000.00 AMD. ( To know more about the fees, visit http://www.mfa.am/en/fees/ ) However, they ONLY accept US Dollars and Armenian Dram. Though there's a currency exchange stall beside the Visa Application Area, the conversion rates are not quite competitive so better have your money exchanged in Dollars before travelling. ( I paid mine in USD since the conversion was 2870.10 Dram only ). 

• Pay for your Visa ahead - this is the best thing, you can pay for your Visa to avoid all the hassles (though there's a commission fee of $ 1.00) On the Consulate Fee page, look for the type of Visa you are getting then click the PAY link and it will reroute you to the payment page. Just Visit http://www.mfa.am/en/ for more information. Just don't forget to print and keep the receipt. 

Transport from Armenia Airport to Yerevan City Centre

Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan is relatively small and since there was a long queue at the Immigration, it took me almost an hour to exit the airport. Like any other airports, the arrival area was packed with numerous Taxi and Private Car Drivers offering transport services. To avoid all the hassles at the airport -  you can avail the Pick Up Service from the airport with your hostel which normally cost $10.00 or you can hail a taxi for 5000 Dram ($10.45) or a private car for 6600 Dram ($13.00 ) - the good thing about private car is that they allow to do sharing, perfect if you are traveling solo but since I was travelling on a budget, I opted to take the local transport service which is the mini van that cost me 200 Dram (¢ 0.42). 

How to get to the Minivan Area? 

There's no proper minivan station even a signage the leads you to the area.  From the main airport exit door, walk thru the parking area, on the far left side of the parking lot, you will see white minivans parked . Though majority of the drivers doesn’t speak English, some do understand the language, Asked for the minivan that will go to the City Centre and they will point you to the exact van. Minivan #201 connects the airport with the crossroads of Sayat-Nova and Mashtots streets in Yerevan and Minibus #108 also connects the city center.

Mini Van

How was my experience? 
The minivan will not leave until it gets full so its not ideal if you are in a hurry and the van was small enough to place my 55 liters backpack on the isle. The driver doesn’t understand English but I was ready for it so I opened up google maps where I already pinned my hostel’s location and asked to be dropped at the nearest tourist landmark showing a photo of the place (St. Grigor Lusavorich Church) which is at the city centre opposite of the mall. It was 30 minutes’ drive from the airport to City Centre. Yes, it took me a while but eventually I did arrive and I love the trilling experience. You can also do the same!