Mindanao
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CAMIGUIN DIY TRAVEL GUIDE 2023 (Itinerary + Budget)
The white water kissed the shore as it washes away the grains of sand off my feet. The sound of the waves was resounding; the only sound I’ve been craving for to hear. The air was thick and salty on my skin but it felt good. I took a few steps and felt the brine up to my knees, making my heart beat faster as I take one or two more until my body is finally one with the ocean again. It is the only thing that my senses could perceive in the moment. I closed my eyes and realized that this is just one of the many things that…
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SOCCSKSARGEN DIY Travel Guide 2023 for Backpackers
Missed flights, four backpackers down to three, unexpected inclement weather, no concrete plans, closed tourist spots without prior notice; yet we managed to pull it off. These misadventures actually made us consider this trip to be among our top favorites and the most epic. We sure felt like freewheeling backpackers in dealing with these mishaps and it was liberating – like how traveling is supposed to be. We’re glad that it happened in in this region which made it easier for us to turn it all around: thanks to its stunning sceneries, diverse, well-preserved culture, extraordinary hospitality and exhilarating adventure! If you also look forward to experiencing these, here’s a…
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Top 11 Places to Visit in SOCCSKSARGEN (Mindanao)
We recently visited Mindanao for a backpacking trip in SOCCSKSARGEN and we were blown away by its beauty, people’s hospitality and harmony of a diverse, well-preserved culture. It also made us realize how safe it is to travel in this part of Mindanao specifically to the provinces of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and city of General Santos; contrary to the stigma that people have about it. If you also plan to explore this part of Mindanao, here’s the top 11 places to visit in SOCCSKSARGEN that you should not miss! Check out this DIY travel guide to SOCCSKSARGEN with budget and itinerary! Asik-Asik Falls in Alamada, Cotabato Enchanting.…
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La Palmera Mountain Ridge: A Captivating Gem of Sultan Kudarat
“I wish I could say we didn’t sign up for this but hell I know we did.” Our bags felt heavier on our shoulders in every step in a partly uphill trail. It was 9:00 in the evening – four hours later than our expected time of arrival at the place and there we were: using up all our remaining energy for the trek. We had to walk our way to station 2 since it has been raining and the dirt road had been muddy. Our tour guides wouldn’t dare having their motorcycles stuck especially in the dark so we agreed to walk our way to our accommodation. Before our…
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Lake Sebu Lotus Garden: Paddling through the T’boli Culture
As our owong glided over the calm lake, I felt like I was slowly drifting off to a deep slumber with such a beautiful dream except from the fact that my eyes were open and I was wide awake. Everything around us was peaceful and in an impossibly perfect harmony – the misty mountains from afar, the cool morning breeze brushing my cheeks, the distant cock-a-doodle of the roosters, the gentle splash when the paddle touches the water; everything. As we quietly approached the area where the lotuses are, time stood still as I soaked in the reality. The dream of finally experiencing Lake Sebu Lotus Garden is a dream…
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Your Ultimate DIY Travel Guide to Siargao Island 2023
I spent most of my days in there barefoot – with tiny white shells on a string dangling on my right ankle. Everyday, my hair gets too briny and my skin gets tanner than ever. I could instantly hit the beach and bury my feet in the sand when I want to as I could just hop into a motorbike and drive few minutes down to Cloud 9. At dusk, we’d hang out on the beach to get some cheap mango ice candy that tastes heaven available at the entrance of the tower, an overpriced fruit shake or a bottle of beer while waiting for the gorgeous hues of sunset…
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The Ultimate Mindanao Philippines Bucket List
This ultimate Mindanao Philippines bucket list gives you an idea about the activities, places and food that you should not miss when visiting the provinces in this region. Go over the list and check which of these have you ticked off and which should you look forward to on your next travel! About Mindanao Mindanao is composed of the group of islands in the southern Philippines with its mainland as the second largest next to Luzon. It is dubbed as “the Land of Promise” due to the treasures that it holds – from the gifts nature bestowed on its people to their diverse, rich and well-preserved culture and traditions. It…
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10 BEST Things to Do in Camiguin Island, Philippines
The “Island Born of Fire” does not disappoint. This pear-shaped island located at the Northern Mindanao may be the second to the smallest island that is a province in the Philippines but it holds a great adventure for everyone. I marveled at the great wonders Camiguin offers and it truly got me in awe. With that, I am sharing with you the ten things that you can do if you visit the island that will surely make you feel Camiguin (come again). 1. SCUBA Diving The island of Camiguin is situated in Bohol sea and is surrounded with ocean bearing a rich marine life. There are also nearby marine sanctuaries…
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Bintana sa Paraiso: A Hidden Paradise at Binunsaran, Camiguin, Philippines (Review)
It is a peacefully secluded window to paradise; a place where I shared the view with only a few; where the oceans seemed out of reach and the clouds are just above my head. When the skies are clear, the majestic shoal known as the White Island appears at a distance. There are no sounds of ocean waves but only the rustles of the leaves as the strong winds continually blow. I soaked in a lot of sun and mountain breeze as I stood there. I ran and danced like a child around barefoot – feeling ticklish with the grass between my toes and the damp earth beneath my sole.…
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Surprisingly affordable and Instagram-worthy AirBnB accommodation in Siargao!
If it’s a pretty fine resort or hotel accommodation, it’s expensive. Or at least it’s what I have always thought? Before, I used to check into more than decent air-conditioned room accommodations because I would want to get a satisfying rest enough to get me ready for the adventures on the next day. But then I realized, I shouldn’t be spending that much for a place where I’d only stay for few hours of slumber. My perspectives have shifted after a year or two of traveling. I have gradually turned into a traveler-on-a-budget who usually checks in to room sharing, dormitory type of accommodation because these are way cheaper; hence,…
