Travel Guides
This archive is a collection of detailed travel guides by a traveler for travelers and backpackers on a budget. It also includes itinerary, places to visit, where to stay and sample budget.
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Best Dive Sites in the Philippines That Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List
With over 7,000 islands scattered across turquoise waters, the Philippines is nothing short of a paradise especially for those of us who live and breathe the ocean. Whether you’re just starting your underwater journey or have long been chasing bubbles around the world, the Philippines will leave you in awe with its shipwrecks, drop-offs, thriving reefs, and rare marine life you didn’t even know existed. In this post, I’m sharing some of the best dive sites in the Philippines that I’ve either explored or dreamt of diving into. These are the places that constantly come up in conversations with fellow divers: sites that have left lasting impressions on so many…
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PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025 at Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort
Each year, divers around the world come together to celebrate a movement that goes beyond just exploring the ocean depths, PADI Women’s Dive Day. Launched in 2015, this global initiative began as a way to encourage more women to try diving and create a more inclusive community underwater. Over the years, it has transformed into a powerful day of action, awareness, and celebration of women divers who are actively contributing to ocean conservation. In 2025, this spirit was proudly brought to life in the Philippines through PADI Women’s Dive Day at Casalay Boutique Villas & Dive Resort. Pushing Through with Purpose at Casalay Boutique Villas Set against the lush, tropical…
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Coco del Rey: New, Pretty and Reasonably-Priced Hotel in Cebu
When people think of Moalboal, they picture its vibrant coral reefs, the thrilling sardine run, and its rustic seaside charm. As tourism bounces back after the pandemic, new spots are emerging. One of the most talked about is Coco del Rey, a newly opened boutique hotel and resort that’s quickly gaining attention—for all the right reasons. Just a few minutes from Panagsama Beach, Coco del Rey offers more than a place to stay. It’s a tropical retreat made for travelers who love calm, design, and good value. First Impressions: Aesthetic Goals Unlocked Right away, the resort feels like a reality straight out of a Pinterest board. Clean white walls, wooden accents, native details, woven lights,…
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Budget-Friendly 3-Day Da Nang and Hoi An Itinerary
I first set foot in Vietnam back in 2018. It was a quick visit to Ho Chi Minh City—or Saigon as many still call it. While it introduced me to the country’s rich culture and bustling urban energy, I knew there was more waiting to be discovered. For years, I kept my eyes on Central Vietnam, particularly Da Nang and Hoi An. I was drawn by the golden bridges in the sky, colorful lanterns on quiet rivers, and the peaceful coastal charm that seemed so different from Saigon’s buzz. This year, I finally made it happen. The best part is that, I didn’t have to worry about planning a thing.…
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2025 Bukidnon DIY Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary)
Bukidnon is one of those places I never thought would leave such a lasting impression on me. It was only recently that I finally set foot here, and I must say—it was a kind of delayed gratification I never saw coming. Back then, Dahilayan was the only place people talked about, but after the pandemic, more and more hidden gems started to unfold, proving that Bukidnon is so much more than just one destination. I wandered, got lost in its beauty, and felt completely in awe. The next thing I know, it’s a place I could not stop talking about to people. Traveling solo and DIY made the experience even…
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2025 Complete Romblon Ferry and Boat Schedule
Romblon is an archipelagic province in Region IV-B also known as MIMAROPA (Mindoro Oriental and Occidental, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan). Its main islands namely Tablas, Sibuyan and Romblon, are among the main entry and exit points out of the 20 islands for discovering the province. Hence, it’s quite important to carefully plan the points of entry and departure for your journey to maximize your experience in the province. To help you with, here are the latest Romblon ferry and boat schedule (as of June 2025) that you should know! Understanding the Ports and Romblon Ferry Schedule As mentioned, Romblon province has several entry and exit points. Some of these islands…
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DIY Travel Guide to Sta Cruz Island: Pink Beach of Zamboanga
Our ZamBaSulTa (Zamboanga – Basilan – Sulu – Tawi-Tawi) backpacking adventure kicked off with a flight from Manila to Zamboanga City, bringing us straight to our first destination— the Great Sta Cruz Island Pink Beach. As expected, it did not disappoint. The long stretch of white beach complemented by the clear waters under the midday sun dazzled and got us excited to sink our toes in the sand and bless our skin with the brine. It was a scene straight out of a postcard. If you also look forward to seeing and soaking in the beauty of this island with your own eyes, this comprehensive DIY travel guide will walk…
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Dive In and Chill Out at Casalay Boutique Villas and Dive Resort
I’m not sure if it’s the rise of slow travel post-pandemic, my own aging, or it’s a natural evolution among some travelers, but I’ve noticed a shift in my travel preferences. In my early 20s, I was eager to check off every tourist attraction, chase thrills, and crash into the most affordable hostels at the end of the day. Now, my approach has changed. I find myself still exploring but a bit more inclined to relaxation on some days—savoring the comfort of a good hotel or resort bed. This slower, more intentional style feels especially right in familiar destinations like Puerto Galera. I recently returned to Puerto Galera to complete…
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2025 Mati Davao Oriental DIY Travel Guide (Itinerary+Budget)
After exploring the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte, we headed down to the south-eastern side of the region next for some more tropical respite. I’ve always been excited about visiting Mati and I’d say, the anticipation has been well worth it. This once-quiet town has recently become a buzz in the tourism scene, and it has a lot of exciting things to discover. If you’re curious about what Mati has to offer, here’s a Mati Davao Oriental DIY Travel Guide to help you plan your trip out! About Mati, Davao Oriental In the southeasternmost part of the Philippines, you’ll find a hidden gem, likely ranking among…
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2025 Tablas Island DIY Travel Guide (Budget + Itinerary)
Just when we thought that we’ve seen so much of Romblon province during our adventure to Cresta de Gallo in Sibuyan Island and Romblon, Romblon, Tablas island surprised us with so much more with its unrivalled landscape to its unexplored underwater scene! It was just as marvelous yet unique as the previous islands and attractions in the province that we visited. If you’ve been eyeing it as well for a while now, here’s a detailed Tablas Island DIY travel guide for you including a sample itinerary and budget! About Tablas Island Nestled between the Sibuyan Sea and Tablas Strait is the largest of Romblon’s roughly 20 islands called Tablas. It…
