Travel Guide – Page 11

Top Destinations in the Philippines for Backpackers

The Philippines is made up of over 7,000 different islands, which can make getting around the country a bit challenging. For backpackers who want to cover a lot of ground at one time, planning your route and trying to visit major tourist destinations spread apart the country can be a bit of a puzzle. While there are ferries and boats that connect major islands, it’s difficult to know exactly where to go.

In most cases, it’s practical and faster to just fly between islands to maximize your trip. For some places in Northern Luzon without commercial flights, you have no option but to take a bus or travel by land from major cities. For first time travelers to the Philippines, it really helps to focus on particular regions and aim for quality instead of trying to visit every major tourist hub.

Neighborhood Bike Shops in Quezon City

Looking to buy your first bicycle or need repairs done? A lot of bikers usually head to Quiapo and Cartimar where bikes and bike parts are generally cheaper. But with the bike shortages everywhere, it might be better to just head to your local bike shop or LBS in your neighborhood. It may cost a little bit more, but this way if ever you need spare parts or repairs or maintenance done, at least you don’t have to travel too far to get it fixed by bike mechanics.

For residents of Quezon City and nearby areas, these are just a few of the bike shops that are currently open as of June 2020 (including safety measures in place with regards to COVID.)

Food Trip: Camiguin

When it comes to natural wonders, there’s a lot to love in Camiguin. But aside from the white sand beaches, springs, and waterfalls and volcanoes, I find the food scene here pretty interesting. There are currently no fast-food joints or malls in the tiny island province because locals really want to preserve homegrown restaurants and cafes.

Here are just a few notable dining destinations in Camiguin where you can grab a bite to eat in between island-hopping, hiking or sightseeing.

Hike to Mt. Yangbew & Mt. Kalugong in Benguet

If you’ve traveled to Baguio City, you’ve probably already been to the typical tourist spots like Camp John Hay, Burnham Park, Session Road, BenCab Museum and the Strawberry Farm. If you’re looking for an outdoor adventure relatively near the city, Mt. Yangbew and Mt. Kalugong in nearby La Trinidad offers two pleasant hiking trails accessible from Baguio City. The trails are beginner-friendly and easy to navigate even for newbie hikers and solo travelers. They’re bike-friendly too!

Interactive museums to visit around Manila

I’ve always thought of museums as typically boring destinations. Most museums I grew up with were just buildings that exhibited historical artifacts. Items are usually just displayed behind glass cases and shelves while paintings are hung up on walls for people to just admire from afar. Usually, photography isn’t even allowed inside museums.

Ride to Mauban and Cagbalete Island

Cagbalete Island is a quiet island getaway that has been rising in popularity among backpackers and budget travelers. Located just off the coast of Mauban town proper in Quezon just a few hours from Manila, this island offers beautiful beachfront campsites and a wide white-sand beach.

Travel Guide: Sibuyan Island, Romblon

Sibuyan is one of the three main islands and the second largest in the archipelago comprising the province of Romblon in the Philippines. It’s often described as “the Galapagos of Asia” because of its rich biodiversity and how it has remained in isolation from the rest of the country since it was formed. Beyond the moniker, Sibuyan has one of the most unspoiled ecosystems in the Philippines and is home to the world’s densest forest, making it an amazing destination for travelers looking for unspoiled places and raw adventures.

Cover photo at Cresta de Gallo, waterfalls shots & group drone photos all by Ironwulf

Romantic Getaways near Manila

February is love month! If you’re looking for alternatives to dining out in mall-based restaurants in the city, nothing beats a scenic road trip for a romantic getaway. If you’re not the type who likes sleeping under the stars and camping outdoors, how about staying overnight in a cozy Bed and Breakfast or boutique hotel just a couple of hours from the metro?

Here are just a few romantic dining destinations and B & Bs I know of near Manila ideal for Valentine’s weekend, date rides with your significant other, intimate family getaways, girl’s day out bonding with friends or solo trip getaways where you can relax and recharge.

Travel Guide: Romblon Island, Romblon

Romblon is one of the three main islands and capital of the province of the same name in the Philippines. Formerly a trading post during the Spanish period, Romblon Island is popularly known as the “Marble Capital of the Philippines.” It’s also a rising ecotourism destination home to stunning white-sand beaches and uncrowded diving spots.

Travel Guide: Tanay, Rizal

The town of Tanay in Rizal province is one of my favorite destinations near the metro for motorcycling road trips. Its proximity to Manila, refreshing mountain scenery, cooler climate, and generally uncrowded destinations makes it a good alternative to Tagaytay on any given weekend. Parts of Tanay pass through portions of the Sierra Madre mountain range, making it a great motorcycling and biking destination.

For weekend warriors and families, Tanay has lots to offer in terms of natural attractions. The resorts and leisure camps in the area also make it a popular destination for team-building activities as well.

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