Backpacking Philippines in 12 days with 2Go Travel

My first time to try 2Go Travel. This vessel departed from Batangas Port at around 8 or 9:00pm and arrived at Caticlan Jetty Port, Aklan at around 5:30 in the morning. It was just as if I’m in a hotel chilling; didn’t get sea sick at all.

Our 12-Day & 11-night Backpacking Itinerary

Bugang River, Pandan, Antique

Day 2: Pandan, Antique

• *Buruanga River (Burunga, Aklan) • Naranjo Water Park (Click to read the article about it) • Malumpati Cold Spring

After trying all the water activities, we retired early for the adventure the next day.

The largest bell in Asia found in Santa Monica Church, Capiz

Day 3: Roxas City, Capiz

• *Sampaguita Gardens Resort (New Washington, Aklan) • Palina River Cruise • Panublion Museum • Santa Monica Church • Sacred Heart of Jesus Shrine • Lighthouse in Culasi Port

Jaro Cathedral in Iloilo City

We visited our last stop in Panay Island on Day 4 – Iloilo City. It was a trip down the Philippines’ history as we explored various ancestral houses including the ones below; and of course, the Jaro Cathedral.
Day 4: Iloilo City• Camina Balay Nga Bato • Molo Mansion • Jaro Cathedral
• Netong’s La Paz Batchoy
• Madge Cafe • Nelly Garden

Related articles:
Garin Farm in San Joaquin, Iloilo
Three Days Panay Island Backpacking: Antique, Iloilo and Boracay

Day 5: Guimaras• Smallest Plaza • Pit Stop (Mango Pizza) • Trappise Monestary • San Lorenzo Wind Farm • Nature Trails Camp & Resort • Andana Resort Guimaras • Raymen Beach Resort

The Ruins, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental

After our trip to Guimaras, we went back to our hotel in Iloilo and sailed to Bacolod the next day. Our trip to Bacolod was the best among the ones I’ve ever had. We were welcomed by the staff of 2Go Travel and Merzci Pasalubong and we were given gift certificates. We only went to a few but the best spots in Bacolod. First was Campuestohan Resort where there were lots of fun activities to keep us busy. We tried the sky bike and a lot more. Next to this was Balay Negrense, another ancestral house. The last destination made my heart flutter as I have always been in love with it even before I personally saw it. It was said to be the Taj Mahal of the Philippines.

Day 6: Bacolod City• Campuestohan Highland Resort • Balay Negrense • The Ruins

Finding my center in the viewing deck of Jomax Peak

Each day of the trip gets better and more exciting. On Day 7, we visited the Summer Capital of Negros Occidental – Don Salvador Benedicto. It was a day meant for coffee and grilling. We shared good coffee over a good view at Jomax Peak and Cafe La Guada. The drizzles made the coffee taste even better. On our way to our last destination, the rain fell so hard which made it impossible for us to explore the waterfalls in Mambuka Resort. Instead, we spent our time dipping in the 40-degree Celsius of their Sulfur Hot Spring.

Day 7: Don Salvador Benedicto• Vacation Villa
• Jomax Peak • Café La Guada • Mambukal Resort

White Water Rafting in Cagayan De Oro by Kagay White Water Rafting

Even before the sun was up, we hurried down to our ride for our first activity – White Water Rafting. The activity was facilitated and hosted by Kagay White Water Rafting. Upon our arrival at the jump off, we were oriented by their staff as to what are do’s and don’ts in the White Water Rafting Activity. After that, our inner adrenaline junkies were wide awaken by the rushing of the white waters. Gladly, none of our rafts stumbled and none was a ‘swimmer’. Just when we thought that that’s all the thrill we’ll get for the day, we were brought to another one that indeed took our breath away for a second – Seven Seas Water Park & Resort.
Day 9: Misamis Oriental• White Water Rafting • Seven Seas Waterpark & Resort (click the article to read about it)

Ma. Christina Falls, Iligan City

Time flew that we never knew it was our tenth day. So, instead of being sad about it, we cherished every minute that we spent together in the paradise we’re about to witness. Day 10 was something extraordinary for the weather was perfectly fine enough for our chasing waterfalls adventure. We visited two of the most remarkable waterfalls in the Philippines – Maria Christina Falls and TInago Falls. As usual, I was in awe to see these waterfalls that I’ve only heard from my History teachers in primary school. Yet here I am now, photobombing it. lol Day 10: Iligan City• Maria Cristina Falls • Tinago Falls

Osmena Peak, Dalaguete, Cebu

On the night of our 10th day, we got into another 2GO Travel vessel bound for Cebu. It was a long trip. As we were expected to dock almost around lunch time the next day. Upon our arrival, we just had lunch and headed to South Cebu to visit Kawasan Falls and Dalaguete’s Osmena Peak. The exhaustion from the long drive from city to South Cebu disappeared the moment we dipped into the clear and cold waters of Kawasan Falls. Refreshed, we went back to the van after few hours and headed to Dalaguete so we could catch the glorious sunset at that highest point.
Day 11: South Cebu• Kasawan Falls • Osmena Peak

Magellan’s Cross, Cebu City

Our very last day together went fast. After our breakfast, we headed to the city for another time travel back to the Spanish era in the Philippines. After that, we bid our goodbyes. Audie, Sir James and I were left in Cebu since Auds is based in there, Sir James’ flight was scheduled later that afternoon and I was going to Siargao the next day.

Day 12: Cebu City• Heritage of Cebu Monument • Yap-San Diego Ancestral House • Magellan’s Cross • Sto. Nino Church and Museum • Fort San Pedro