The Solo Traveler's Week-Long Cheap Travel Guide to Batanes

Basco, BATANES

Date: OCT 07-14, 2015

Many people wanted to visit Batanes. However, expensive roundtrip plane ticket causes some of these dreams to stay as dreams. But there is still HOPE! Batanes Seat Sale is a reality and I was one of the lucky ones who managed to grab this once in a lifetime opportunity (via SkyJet). Here is a guide that would help solo travelers (who are FOREVER ALONE, just like me!) have an inexpensive but memorable and enjoyable Batanes Adventure!

Eastern Laguna: When Nature Meets Adventure

Santa Cruz, Pagsanjan, Majayjay & Liliw, LAGUNA

Date: APR 11, 2015

While playing Lakbayan quiz on the internet, I realized that I’ve never been to the towns of Eastern Laguna. That’s why when I had the opportunity to visit these places, I packed my bags right away and left. It did not disappoint me, and in every town that I visited, I saw wonders and magnificent landmarks. Too bad that I only had to visit for a day – which is not enough when checking out the province’s tourist spots!

2020 Philippine Public Transport Fare Guide

Metro Manila, PHILIPPINES

UPDATED AS OF 04-23-2018

Wanted to roam around the Philippines but have no idea how much the transportation costs? Look no further, because here’s the most updated transportation fare guide that you can use! Goodluck on exploring the Philippines!

(fares are based on my travel experiences)

Gumasa Beach: Faraway Haven Down South

Glan, SARANGANI

Date: MAR 16, 2015

Sarangani is one of the southernmost province on the main island of Mindanao, and it is divided into two parts – Eastern Sarangani and Western Sarangani. This province is rich in natural wonders but because of how remote Sarangani is, only a few people braved to visit. While surfing the internet, I saw an article about Gumasa Beach in Glan, Sarangani, and according to online reviews, the beach is truly amazing. That’s why I decided to visit this place and see it for myself.

Bukidnon: Braving the Long and Winding Road

Malaybalay, Valencia & Maramag, BUKIDNON

Date: MAR 15-16, 2015

At 10,498.59 km², Bukidnon is known as the third largest province in the Philippines. Because of how huge this province is, the journey tonight might be long and tiring. Good thing that the bus was comfortable enough for me to sleep (thanks to its cool airconditioning system), and there were TV sets and reclining seats as well. Hopefully, I won’t get bored.

Maria Cristina: The Mighty Cascade

Iligan, LANAO DEL NORTE

Date: MAR 15, 2015

The city of Iligan in Lanao del Norte is known as the “City of Majestic Falls.” A number of waterfalls can be found within the city, and one of them is the famous Maria Cristina Falls. Today, I will try my best to get to this waterfall that I’ve only seen on my Sibika at Kultura textbook during elementary days.

Laguindingan: Gateway to the Land of Promise

Laguindingan, MISAMIS ORIENTAL

Date: MAR 15, 2015

The day I’ve been waiting for is finally here – the day that I will visit the island of Mindanao! I booked this flight a few months ago, and because of my excitement, I wasn’t able to sleep last night. The highlight of this trip will be Trail Insanity’s climb to the summit of Mount Apo. I can’t wait to get there, and now I wonder, what could happen through out this southern journey?

Mount Talamitam: Mount Batulao's Twin

Nasugbu, BATANGAS

Date: MAR 07, 2015

Next week, I will be heading to Mindanao to climb Mt. Apo, But before that, I need to do some practice. I looked for mountains near Metro Manila that can be scaled in one day. While doing my research, I found this mountain located in Nasugbu, Batangas – and thought that it would be a perfect place for me to train. I, along with two of my officemates, will be climbing Mount Batulao’s twin – Mount Talamitam.

Puerto Galera: Valentine's Day Getaway

Puerto Galera, ORIENTAL MINDORO

Date: FEB 14-16, 2015

Valentines’s Day is near, and since I don’t have any dates, I decided to organize a Valentine’s Day trip with my officemates. It was also Van’s birthday and he decided to go out-of-town to celebrate. While I was thinking about where we could spend the weekend, the idea of going to Puerto Galera suddenly came into my mind. Because of its proximity and budget friendly activites, my officemates agreed to go there next.

Burot Beach: A Weekend of Seclusion

Calatagan, BATANGAS

Date: FEB 07-08, 2015

Burot Beach is not really on my must-see list. I’ve been hearing about this place for a long time, and I never had any plans of visiting it – until one of my officemates visited the beach. He told me that SM already bought the property, and it was the sole reason why I decided to visit it once and for all. We do not know, maybe SM will close it one day from the public and it might be the next Pico de Loro Resort.

Lake Pinatubo: Catastrophe's Blessing

Botolan, ZAMBALES & Capas, TARLAC

Date: FEB 01, 2015

Mount Pinatubo in Zambales is one of the mountains that I always wanted to climb. Even though its catastrophic eruption back in 1991 was comparable to the end of the world, it left an aftermath which is now considered to be a natural wonder – Lake Pinatubo. Some people say that this lake would not be there forever, because it might disappear once the volcano erupts in the future. So when the opportunity to visit the lake knocked, I packed my bags and invited my friends to join me.

*Video unavailable in mobile devices and Germany

Siquijor: The Island of Mystical Charm

Siquijor, San Juan, Lazi & Maria, SIQUIJOR

Date: JAN 09, 2015

The province of Siquijor is known for mysteries that surround the island. The stories about witches and wizard proliferates the minds of outsiders whenever they hear the name of this place. But because of my curiosity, I wanted to know if the mysteries on this island were real. What kind of magical charm does Siquijor have and travel bloggers always say that they were captivated by this island’s beauty?

Mactan: The Day I Met Visayas

Cebu City, CEBU

Date: JAN 08, 2015

My birthday is near, and the gift I gave myself this year was a trip going to Visayas. It would be a new chapter in my life as a traveler, and this trip would be full of “firsts” – first airplane ride, first time in the Visayas, new region to explore and new provinces to visit. Even if I would be miles away from my family on my birthday, I am very sure that my trip would be full of memories that I would cherish for a lifetime.