Traveling on a packaged tour in Jordan and Israel: A ‘Biyahe Ni Drew’ itinerary

 

We have been traveling together (awwwww!) for 165 nights by now. One hundred and sixty-five! It’s true that we’ve been through a lot--in a lot of beautiful places--already. But as we celebrate our third anniversary, why don’t we try something new here at “Biyahe Ni Drew?”

 

But we’re not doing just any travel this time. We’re stepping out of our comfort zone and going to two countries--Jordan and Israel--in one trip via a tour package! It’s definitely more worry-free as everything you’ll be needing will be taken care of the travel agency already.

 

In our trip to Jordan and Israel, we joined a tour package by Ephesus Travels & Tours. “Kung dadalaw kayo sa Jordan at Israel, importanteng mas madali ang biyahe kung sasabay kayo sa isang packaged tour… para worry-free ang pagtawid ng dalawang bansa,” says Drew

 

Two countries, 162 kilos of baggage, eight hotels, and 12 days of all-fun, no-bum trip. Now the only question is: Sama ba kayo sa biyahe ni Drew?.

 

The natural wonders of the Red Sea

 

The first hotel that we stayed at here in Jordan is the five-star Raddison Hotel, which is already part of the tour package that we joined in. Sweet! Drew considers this to be the most beautiful hotel that he has visited in this Middle Eastern trip because of the the great view of the Red Sea from the window. There are also a lot of Filipino staff here, so the hospitality in this hotel is on the top of its game, of course--definitely a great place to get ready for a looooong trip ahead!

 

 

When in Jordan, you should definitely visit the historic Red Sea, which is situated in three countries: Jordan, Israel, and Egypt. It is a place to visit because Red Sea isn’t just all about history talks--there are also many water activities that you can actually do here! The “Biyahe ni Drew” squad, for instance, went here to try Red Sea diving.

 

 

The low temperature of the water is no joke. “Ito na ang pinakamalamig [na tubig] ever!” screams our cameraman Rey. But it’s definitely worth a dive because of the sea creatures that you can see down under such as eels, sole fish, popper fish, and lionfish, among many others! Be warned though that you’re not allowed to touch anything because the Red Sea is a protected site. Just enjoy the diving experience because, well, you’re in the famous Red Sea, after all!

 

 

But a Biyahero Warning from Drew: “Kung may balak kayong mag-diving dito, importanteng lisensyado kayong diver ah! Hindi kasi puwedeng mag-dive ang walang lisensya.” Take note also that this particular activity is not included in the tour package.

 

If you don’t want to get wet, there are other things you can do in Jordan. You can shop for several herbs in the many markets in Aqaba, given that the Middle East is among the tops exporters of spices.

 

Travel options going to Israel from Jordan

 

There are three exit points that you can go through when going to Israel from Jordan: the Jordan River Border, the Wadi Arava Border, and the Allenby Border Terminal which is exclusive only to tourists and diplomats only; Jordanians and Israelis can’t use this particular exit point. 

 

A Biyahero Tip when going to Israel from Jordan when choosing the Wadi Arava Border exit point: There are no porters here--you will have to literally hand-carry your luggage as you cross the border. So pack light! 

 

 

Crossing through Wadi Arava Border was a no-sweat experience, thanks to the convenience of being in a packaged tour! “Sa mga moment na ganito, talagang maa-appreciate mo kung gaano ka-relaxed kapag kasama kayo sa tour package. Wala na kasing iisipin na fees at sasakay na lang kayo sa bus!” says Drew.

 

If you’re planning to visit Israel anytime soon, take note that you no longer need a VISA just to visit this historic country! Yep, that’s right! Drew reminds, “Para sa ating mga Pinoy, hindi natin kailangan ng VISA para makapasok ng Israel. Basta may valid Philippine Passport, puwede kayong pumasok ng Israel!”

 

Swimming with sharks in Eilat, Israel

 

After less than an hour of travel, our feet have already touched Israel! And our first stop here: Eilat!

 

Eilat is like our very own Boracay. There are thousands of tourists here from all over the world who visit because of its beautiful beaches and sands. Definitely a perfect getaway this summer!

 

 

But Eilat isn’t just all about its beaches and sands. Perhaps the most popular attraction here is their Underwater Observatory Marine Park, which is actually an aquarium-like tower below sea level.

 

 

From here, you can see schools of fish (some of which are extremely rare, like the Red Sea clownfish and Sea goldies), coral reefs, and other marine gems living in their natural habitat. Nobody gets to touch or move them as it is restricted by law; everybody just marvels at them from the observatory.

 

 

You can also feed sea turtles here. Israelis take extra care of the turtles because it is already considered to be an endangered species in the country.

 

You can do all these as part of the tour package. Wow! Sulit!

 

 

However, there is an attraction that is not yet part of the tour package because it is relatively new here. The Shark Pool is slowly creating buzz because you can literally be up close with one of the sea’s most amazing predators. Also, this is the biggest shark pool that there is in Middle East. One for the books!

 

“Alam ninyo, Biyaheros, never kong naisip na magiging ganito ako kalapit sa sea creatures na ito--at least not in this lifetime!” says Drew. “Wow! Just wow!”

 

Hiking up the historic mountain of Masada

 

From Eilat, we’re traveling for about three hours via land travel going up north of Israel to visit the famed Masada, having been the home of King Herod’s Fortress. A quick history check: In 31-37 BC, the summit of this mountain was made as a fortress of King Herod because he wanted to see Dead Sea from 1,300 feet above the ground. He could also see the Dead Sea Road from here, where traders going to Jerusalem and other parts of Israel were passing by.

 

 

There are two ways to reach Masada, the easiest of which is by means of a two-minute cable car ride. If you’re coming in a packaged tour, you better choose this means because this is already part of the package. But if you’re up for some challenge, you can choose to walk for about an hour through what they call the Snake Road.

 

 

Masada is famous not just because it is one of the major tourist attractions here but also because of its significance to Jews; the last Jewish rebels who fought the Roman empire died in this place. Masada also became controversial because it is here where the zealots committed mass suicide. They did this so they won’t be under the Roman empire.

 

When in a packaged tour, there’s a tour guide who will be with you practically all the time to give you history, information, and facts about the sites that you are visiting.

 

Floating in Dead Sea water

 

When in Israel, you can opt to stay Thea Hotel, which is located near the Dead Sea. “Hinding-hindi kayo magsisisi! Puwede kayong mag-relax sa kuwarto ninyo pagtapos ng isang buong araw ng pamamasyal,” says Drew.

 

 

For tourists who want to experience swimming in Dead Sea but don’t want to go to the actual sea, you can take a dip at Thea Hotel’s swimming pool where the water is lifted from the Dead Sea. According to Drew, it offers almost the same swimming experience. “Dahil nga sa taas ng salt content ng Dead Sea water, sobrang nagfo-float ka without any floatation device.”

 

What better and more Pinoy way of capping off a trip than shopping for pasalubong items, right? But Drew discovers a pasalubong item that may be expensive but is surely very rare and special: an eilat stone.

 

“Makikita natin ang mga batong ito na national stone ng Israel. Hindi raw ito matatagpuan kung saan-saan!” says Drew. “Kaya ang presyo ng isang diamante rito ay nagsisimula sa 1,500 US dollars o mahigit-kumulang na 70 thousand pesos.”

 

According to jewelry makers here, every piece of jewelry is made intricately by hand to ensure that the details of its beauty will be visible.

 

 

There is so much to see, do, and discover in Jordan and Israel. Aside from the holy tours, deserts, mountains, and ancient landmarks, we were also amazed by the natural wonders that these countries take pride of. The experience is definitely one of a kind.

 

“Maaaring malaking budget ang kailangan mo para ma-experience mo ang lahat ng ito, pero para sa akin, walang makakapantay na halaga sa mga naranasan ko sa pag-iikot dito,” says Drew.

 

All these, of course, are made possible by the convenience brought by being in a packaged tour. We highly recommend it, Biyaheros! Have fun!---Juju Z. Baluyot/BMS, GMA Public Affairs