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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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-A 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 April 4, 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…
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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…
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CRESTA DE GALLO DIY Travel Guide 2025 (Budget + Itinerary)
Our journey to Cresta de Gallo began long before we set foot on its pristine shores. Upon our arrival at Batangas pier, we just learned that the scheduled trip to Sibuyan for that day had been canceled. Our only option was to embark on a circuitous route: from Batangas to Odiongan, then to Romblon, and finally to Sibuyan Island. This involved a grueling 17-hour trip involving sea and land travel (20 hours if you include the journey to the island itself), marked by interrupted sleep, hunger, and exhaustion. Yet, as we neared the stunning island of Cresta de Gallo, we realized that the trip was merely a small price to…
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Sagada Travel Guide with DIY Itinerary and Budget 2025
It was 2019 when we decided to go on a North Luzon loop road trip. We were supposed to drive to Ilocos Norte from Cagayan but the road was impassable, so we took a detour. The next thing we know, we’re chilling as we walk down the streets of Sagada one evening in flowy, summer dresses that my mom and I was supposed to flaunt in a dinner by the beach. The next morning, we embarked on an adventure that made us fall in love with Sagada in a heartbeat that we swore to heavens, we’ll definitely come back for it. So I did. As I spend more days in…
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Batanes Travel Guide 2025 (Budget + Itinerary)
Traveling to Batanes is like stepping into my dream and having it brushed onto reality — each stroke of nature’s palette meticulously creating a living canvas. Indeed, it took me a lot of pinching before I came into my senses and believed myself that I have finally traveled to one of my top dream destinations in the Philippines. If you’ve always wished to visit this paradise in the northernmost region of the Philippines, here’s an ultimate Batanes Travel Guide to help you plan out your most awaited trip! What You Need to Know About Batanes Batanes is located at the country’s northernmost point, where the West Philippine Sea and the…
