by thepinay solobackpacker | May 2, 2018 | Itinerary, La Union, Tourist Spots, Travel Guide
I’ve been planning to blog a LA UNION Travel Guide since I returned from a trip with a friend this year. Although I’ve been there before due to a blogger’s trip, I didn’t get to explore the attractions because our...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Apr 21, 2018 | Ibaraki, Itinerary, Japan, Tokyo, Travel Guide
I was in Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki, Japan. The sun was pouring its morning benediction, shining through towering trees interrupted by yellow blooms. My soul has always been attracted to flowers, like how they are...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 30, 2018 | Batangas, Beaches, Hotels and Resorts, Itinerary, Philippines, Tourist Spots, Travel Guide
Stilts Calatagan is a rising resort in Batangas with overwater bungalows. It’s known as a Maldives-inspired luxury resort in Batangas, but they actually have mid-range rooms and cottages, good for small to large...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 29, 2018 | Batangas, Beaches, Itinerary, Philippines, Tourist Spots, Travel Guide
Matabungkay Beach in Lian, Batangas wasn’t part of our trip itinerary. But when my sister and I boarded the wrong bus on our way to Manuel Uy Beach Resort and the Stilts Calatagan, we ended up riding a passenger van...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 21, 2018 | Itinerary, Pagadian, Tourist Spots, Travel Guide, Zamboanga del Sur
Behind stilt houses graciously standing shoulder to shoulder, the minarets calling for early morning prayers bathe in the glow of the rising sun in Pagadian. A man paddles his way to the port, where spider-like...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 10, 2018 | Mountain Province, Philippines, Sagada, Travel Guide
Karst formations rise against deep green pine trees in Echo Valley, Sagada, overlooking a highland rich in culture, history and mesmerizing scenery. The Cordillera Region has a special place in my heart. When I first...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 3, 2018 | Itinerary, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Travel Guide
At first sight, it’s hard to imagine Kota Kinabalu (formerly Jesselton) as an eco-tourism destination because you’ll be welcomed by a sprawling, lively city. But once you get to know KK, as it is...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Feb 15, 2018 | Batanes, Featured, Philippines, Travel Guide
BATANES is a scene of changing moods, sometimes balmy, sometimes placid and other times ominous. But its postcard-worthy topography and the genuine hospitality of its people – the Ivatans, make it such a...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Feb 7, 2018 | Beaches, Coron, Palawan, Philippines, Travel Guide
Coron in Palawan has been dropping jaws for years. This island is blissfully ringed by bone-white beaches and jade-colored lakes hemmed in by karst limestone hills. This is why Coron attracts many travelers. In...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Dec 14, 2017 | Itinerary, MUI NE, Travel Guide, Vietnam
Mui Ne is one of my favorite destinations in Vietnam, its stunning topography is a testament to the magical prowess of nature. I visited it twice because I felt like I was on a rush the first time I visited in 2012, so...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Nov 15, 2017 | Bohol, Philippines, Tourist Spots, Travel Guide
We were in a silent, uncharted outskirt of Anda in Bohol. Before us is a somewhat endless, muddy, palm-fringed road that faded away to a flickering horizon. We hear nothing but the sound of cold breezes brushing...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Oct 25, 2017 | HUALIEN, Itinerary, KAOHSIUNG, TAIPEI, TAIWAN, Travel Guide
With the recent approval of the Taiwan visa-free entry for Filipinos , the country will surely attract more Pinoy tourists. For many of us, Taiwan is Taipei, known for its rich economy but a large part of the country...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Oct 8, 2017 | Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Tourist Spots, Travel Guide
Though Kota Kinabalu itself may seem like any other ordinary city, peppered with Chinese shop houses, shopping malls, restaurants and traditional night markets that never stopped expanding, it has a distinctive...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Sep 22, 2017 | Itinerary, KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN, Travel Guide
Kaohsiung may have made its mark on the tourist map because it is the political and economic center of southern Taiwan, but it more than that. This massive municipality has quite a handful attractions for the jaded...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Aug 16, 2017 | KAOHSIUNG, TAIWAN, Tourist Spots, Travel Guide
I first heard of Kaohsiung when Starcruises started offering cruises via Superstar Virgo from the Philippines to Kaohsiung, Taiwan last summer. I haven’t traveled to Taiwan yet that time, so I got curious. So...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Aug 11, 2017 | Banaue, Philippines, Travel Guide, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Batad Rice Terraces is one of UNESCO World Heritage Site-listed rice terraces in the Philippines located in Batad, Banaue in Ifugao Province. Unlike the world-famous mud-walled Banaue Rice Terraces (not a UNESCO...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Jul 4, 2017 | Antique, Philippines, Travel Guide
For most beaches I know, they are beautiful at daylight, but when the sun disappears they lose their charm. Not Malalison (Also called Mararison Island). This island situated in the town of Culasi, Antique, just about...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 7, 2017 | La Union, Philippines, Travel Guide
Imagine being conveyed to a different place in a nick of time? One time you’re in Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan, dappled with tourists learning how to surf, next thing you know, you are hiking a jungle-clad trail...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 3, 2017 | Aurora, Baler, Beaches, Philippines, Travel Guide
Baler has flourished as one of the top surfing spots in the Philippines. Blissfully tucked in the province of Aurora, this once sleepy municipality is now a popular tourist destination dappled with resorts, cafes and...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 3, 2017 | Beaches, Cagayan North, Philippines, Travel Guide
Palaui Island is a protected landscape and seascape nestled in the northeastern most part of Cagayan Valley, Philippines. I still recall our first attempt to conquer Cape Engaño in Palaui Island back in 2010. During...
by thepinay solobackpacker | Mar 3, 2017 | Beaches, Cebu, Philippines, Travel Guide
Moalboal is a sleepy town located in Southern Cebu. Best known for its beaches and colorful underwater world, it’s an impeccable weekend get-away from the hurried capital of Cebu. It’s the best snorkeling...
