The Queen's Escape

Storie of connection from the summits to under the seas.

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  • a gitl tiptoeing on a fallen coconut tree at the beach

    Balabac, Palawan Ultimate DIY Travel Guide 2025 (Itinerary + Budget)

    January 1, 2025 / 40 Comments

    My emotions started to well up at the sight of the island but extreme happiness took over. My insides fluttered with joy – ah, euphoria. I drowned into a whirlpool of words. A million drifted through my open mind but none escaped from my very mouth. My lips turned into an upward curve instead that only God knows how long it was like that. I was just staring, lost in the reverie – grateful for the moment, amazed by the incomparably pure and unspoiled beauty. So this is Balabac. How mornings are like in Onuk Island I hankered to run barefoot and feel the fine sand on my feet, the…

    read more
    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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  • Baler DIY Travel Guide 2025 (Places to Visit + Itinerary)

    January 1, 2025 / 3 Comments

    To be honest, I did not like Baler. In fact, I have avoided it on several occasions. The first time I set foot on it, I asked, “What’s good, Baler?” I thought it was boring and that there’s not much to see in there. I mean, the beach is not as pretty as the ones that I have previously visited – fine,  bone-white sand, arrays of palm trees along the beach to complete the tropical vibe. But then, as its history along with the places unknown to me unfolded before me, I have swallowed every word and regretted that I did not choose to explore it when I had a chance.…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    April 21, 2026

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    January 20, 2024
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    Bubblemaker Dive and Beach Resort: A Water Fun Hub in Mabini, Batangas

    April 30, 2021
  • Maragondon Fish Sanctuary 2025 DIY Travel Guide

    January 1, 2025 / 2 Comments

    I have been to Maragondon Fish Sanctuary twice and I can say that it would always be one of those places where I’d run to shall I crave for a breath of fresh air. The daybreak scene, the vast blue cradling the islands and islets, the stark outline of a proud mountain from a different region, the unpredictable harmony of the waves crashing into gigantic volcanic rocks and boulders at the shore, a stunning golden sunset melting into a star-sprinkled night sky – these are all enough to heal my emotionally and mentally-loaded being. While a lot may not see it the way I do, my intention for going there…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Best Resorts to Visit in Batangas During GCQ

    February 11, 2021
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    CORON PALAWAN TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary) 2026

    March 28, 2026
  • ISABELA PROVINCE TRAVEL GUIDE 2025

    January 1, 2025 / 3 Comments

    Seated at the plains amidst the seemingly unending ranges of the north, Isabela province is actually a home to a lot of off-the-beaten path destinations in the country. With great efforts and a desire to introduce its hidden gems to the world, roads and trails have been started and opened to make these attractions accessible. Apart from the undiscovered natural wonders in its outskirts, the province also boasts a lot of historical, religious and cultural heritages that interestingly tell stories from the past that would make you know and understand Isabela even more. About Isabela Isabela province is situated at the northwest side of mainland Luzon belonging to the second…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Lukong Valley Farm: Connecting with Nature through a Healthy Lifestyle

    December 14, 2020
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    Freediving in Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

    January 19, 2024

    DIY Intramuros Tour with Bambike 2023

    February 28, 2021
  • the famous Kayangan Lake of Coron, Palawan, Philippines is among the Reasons Why You Should Visit Coron

    Top 10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Coron this 2025

    December 31, 2024 / 0 Comments

    The province of Palawan in the Philippines has been globally recognized by International travel magazines such as Conde Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as among the best islands in the world. Even those who visited the place from all over the world could attest to that. The town is undeniably promising and captivating even from a top of the mountain to the deepest of the sea which is actually the very reason why you should set your foot into it! To specifically name some, here are the top reasons why you should visit Coron, Palawan in the Philippines. Pristine Beaches Since most of the islands do not accommodate tourists…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    January 3, 2025
  • Landingan Viewpoint, Nagtipunan, Quirino Province DIY Travel Guide 2025

    December 30, 2024 / 0 Comments

    We braved a long drive leaving the city behind with the holiday rush all around and headed to the off the beaten path in North Luzon. From the concrete jungles with the twinkling city lights at a distance, our views gradually shifted to a pitch black sky melting into a breathtaking shades of blue turning to pink and orange, the rays of the golden sun shining on the vast verdant plains and what seemed like a never ending hills of the landlocked province, Quirino. The drive was truly a feast for the eyes.   We stole ourselves from this beauty for a quick shallow slumber just to rest our minds and…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Balinmanok Cove: Home of a Shipwreck in Pangasinan

    March 15, 2021

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    February 28, 2021
  • Daracotan Island travel guide

    2025 Daracoton Island DIY Travel Guide

    December 30, 2024 / 0 Comments

    There are just these places that my heart and soul yearn to see and experience all over again; not because they have appealed to my senses big time but they just had a way of making me feel and realize a lot of things that matter to my being. Palawan is among those places for me. Recently, I came back to El Nido and decided to take the path less traveled; to see the beauty that others often miss out on. There’s this place that I fell in love the moment I laid my eyes upon it. More so, I found a home to this island – in Daracoton island.…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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  • 2025 MT. GULUGOD BABOY DAY HIKE GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary)

    December 29, 2024 / 22 Comments

    I was running out of breath and I kept asking myself, “Why have I allowed myself to be here again?” I was drenched in sweat. My legs felt like they’re going to give up on me. The bag felt heavier on my shoulders. Despite the unspoken regrets, my feet still continued for I know what awaits up there. It’s a love and hate relationship with the mountains. I hate the assaults as much as I love the challenge and the priceless reward at the summit. You would say how you would never want to find yourself doing it again yet these words will be gone in the wind as soon…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    Top Reasons Why You Should Stay at Bacau Bay Resort Coron

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  • BOLINAO PANGASINAN TRAVEL GUIDE 2025

    December 28, 2024 / 3 Comments

    It was my first time to visit Pangasinan and the first town I’ve set my feet upon is Bolinao. I have always loved long drives and the trip to Bolinao is then one of those. The long drive, particularly the entrance to the town fascinated me big time because of the natural landscape and the green rolling hills and plains at the sight although afar. I was even more amazed when I learned about the historical side of it apart from seeing how stunning it truly was. About Bolinao Pangasinan Pangasinan is situated at the northern west coast of the archipelago facing the West Philippine Sea. It’s beauty and treasures…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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    January 3, 2025

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    July 5, 2026
  • Top 8 Reasons Why You Should NOT Stay in Abraham Bohol

    March 19, 2024 / 0 Comments

    Bohol is my go-to place for dive retreats. It always draws me back to its blessed shores time and again throughout the year. With each visit, I would explore not just the dive spots but also places to stay or accommodations yet amidst the search, one consistent choice emerges – hostels. This year, I stumbled upon a fresh option: Abraham Bohol. And my take on it? Don’t. If you’re curious, here are my top 8 reasons why you should NOT stay in Abraham Bohol. Fun tours every day at the top attractions, restaurants and bars in Bohol Bohol, a gem of the Central Visayas Region, is among the top tourist…

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    Anne Elizabeth Gumiran

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THE QUEEN’S ESCAPE

Hi! I’m Queenie Anne Gumiran, the storyteller behind The Queen’s Escape, a Philippine travel and diving blog that celebrates wanderlust, culture, and sustainability. I started this space to share stories that go beyond pristine beaches and scenic peaks — from hidden islands and local eats to my adventures in scuba diving, freediving, and sustainable travel. Through every post, I hope to inspire you to explore the Philippines meaningfully, fall in love with its underwater and island beauty while protecting them, one escape at a time.

Recent Posts

  • Ratio RTFL Review: A Diver and Traveler’s Perspective
  • 2026 EL NIDO PALAWAN DIY TRAVEL GUIDE
  • THE ULTIMATE BORACAY DIY TRAVEL GUIDE (ITINERARY + BUDGET) 2026
  • Best Things to Do in Boracay in 2026
  • 2026 Fortune Island DIY Travel Guide

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