​My Greatest Travel Achievement as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Traveling Alone on Budget DIY Itinerary as Philippine passport holder only (2010-2024)

How Challenging to have a Philippine Passport as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Pinoy Backpacker's shared Experience with Immigration Officers

Visa on Arrival / E-Visa Countries for Philippine Passport Holders

"Live a life to inspire, live a life with a sense of accomplishment, live a life you will remember" - Mang Andoy

​Despite the weakness of the Philippine passport (having only less than 70 countries that provide free visa/visa on arrival privilege) and challenging visa application, immigration, profiling and interrogation all throughout the journey (especially in NAIA Terminals), I managed to accomplish the following successfully and beyond what I anticipated. #livealifeyouwillremember

01. 2013 - First Europe get-away (23 Days Solo Autumn Experience in Central Europe, 9 countries visited) then to the Promised Land of Israel (including Bethlehem of Palestine) coming from the Arab country in the Middle East.

02. 2014 - Hopping to three continents (Asia, Europe and Africa) with hiking to Mt. Kilimanjaro (Africa's highest mountain and one of the 7 Summits) and Self-guided Hike to Mt. Fuji (Japan's highest mountain). 

03. 2015 - Winter Trans-Mongolia Train Ride from Ulaanbaatar to Beijing, experienced the coldest capital city of the World at around -25'C.

​My Greatest Travel Achievement as Filipino Solo Backpacker

How to Apply for Venezuela Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

Quest to visit all Countries of South America in 2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Highlight: I applied as Filipino Solo Traveller with a Philippine passport only, with WORK FROM HOME JOB (ex-OFW, retired Engineer) and NO BUSINESS. I provided proof of enough savings, investments and insurance.

TOURIST VISA REQUIREMENTS:  will be given to those who wish to join the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for recreation, health, or activities that do not involve compensation or profit, such as cultural, artistic, scientific, sports, contact with companies public or private sector, or journalism for special events. 

1. Valid Passport (more than 6 months validity) - I provided a copy of the bio-page and the original passport (1 page)

2. Properly filled out application form (typewritten) - I printed out then signed (2 pages)

3. Two (2) 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm latest pictures, colored, white background, no computerized alterations (do not staple or scan picture) - I provided latest copy with a white background

4. Airline tickets with entry and exit dates - I provided unpaid booking via 3rd party booking website

5. Documents providing adequate funds to support the travel: Bank Certification, Employment Certificate, Real Estate, Commercial - I provided copies of my house title, condominium unit titles, and insurance investments, BDO online statement of account, and copy of Debit/Credit Card (6 pages) 

6. Bank Certificate reflecting three (3) months average maintaining balance must be addressed to the Consular Section of this Embassy - I provided a copy given by BDO where my savings account is deposited

7. If employed, Employment Certificate and other pertinent documents - I provided a copy of Certficate of Employment

8. If not employed or a student, an Affidavit of Support is required - N/A

9. Original and photocopy of Filipino Identification Cards, Residency, or Certificate issued by the authorities - I provided scanned copies of all government-issued IDs

10. Original Certificate of Domicile issued by the Police Station nearest to the place of residency or authority - I provided copy of the National Police Clearance

11. International Certificate against Yellow Fever, original and photocopy. Required only when traveling to another country before entering Venezuela or once within the national territory, you travel to another country that requests such vaccine and has plans of re-entry to Venezuela - I provided a copy of the yellow fever vaccine certificate

12. Personal Interview - to follow after approval of online submission

13. Visa Fee is US$50.00 (Payment is deposited in our bank account on the same day all complete documents are submitted to the Embassy)

Total No. of Document Page print submitted: 30 print-outs mostly in color pages

Note: 

• Processing of visa will take 3 to 4 working days UPON PAYMENT

• All documents must be original with photocopy

• In certain cases, additional documents may be requested

Venezuela Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder (1 year multiple entry 2024-2025)

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Summer Venezuela

My 2024's Second Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Sep. 07 to 13, 2024

"Stay humble, and work hard every day no matter what happens." - Ronald Acuna Jr.

Venezuela is the 144th country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries and my 12th country to complete all 12 countries of South America. 

2024 America Continent Trip last part ends...

Thank you VENEZUELA  (my 144th country and the last of 12 South America countries)

#livealifeyouwillremember #solobackpacker #pinoytraveller #pinoy #solotravel #travel #america #takbo #southamerica #venezuela #caracas #merida

Venezuela is home to the world's highest waterfall, Angel Falls and the second-longest river in South America, the Orinoco. It also has the longest coastline on the Caribbean sea. Venezuela is the world's fifth-largest oil exporter and also has vast untapped reserves of natural gas. Ecologically, Venezuela is considered among the 20 Megadiverse countries; more than 40% of its national territory is covered by protected areas.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Venezuela

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT VENEZUELA

timezone - UTC -0400H   capital - Caracas    language - Spanish    currency - Dollar (SRD)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Venezuela is home to the world’s tallest waterfall (979m).

2. Venezuela has some of the most dangerous roads in the world.

3. Venezuela has some of the largest oil reserves, yet the people are very poor.

4. There’s a place in Venezuela where there’s a storm most of the year.

5. Venezuelan culture, flag and history are linked to Gran Colombia.

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Rainy Venezuela

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Summer Suriname

My 2024's Second Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Sep. 03 to 06, 2024

Justitia – Pietas – Fides (“Justice – Piety – Fidelity”)

Suriname is the 143rd country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries and my 11th country to visit all 12 countries of South America. 

2024 America Continent Trip 2nd part ends...

Thank you SURINAME  (my 143rd country and the 11th of 12 South America countries)

#livealifeyouwillremember #solobackpacker #pinoytraveller #pinoy #solotravel #travel #america #takbo #southamerica #suriname #paramaribo

Suriname, formerly the colony of Netherlands Guiana or Dutch Guiana, is a country in Northern South America. It has a North Atlantic Ocean coastline in the north and is surrounded by French Guiana to the east, Brazil to the south, and Guyana to the west. It is the smallest independent country on the South American continent. The relatively small population lives mostly along the coast.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Suriname

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SURINAME

timezone - UTC -0300H   capital - Paramaribo    language - Dutch    currency - Dollar (SRD)

visa - Philippine passport holders can enter without a visa. Starting from July 01, 2022 travelers wishing to visit Suriname for Tourism purposes, will be required to pay the Entry Fee voucher of USD 50 to be admitted to the territory of the Republic of Suriname be paid online via VFS Global ( plus $8 service charge) and PRINTED prior to arrival.

1. Suriname is the smallest independent country in South America.

2. Suriname’s capital is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

3. Rainforest covers approximately 94% of the country.

4. Suriname Has Only One Cinema.

5. Nearly 50% Of Suriname’s Population Lives In Paramaribo.

4 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Summer Suriname

10 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Summer Canada

My 2024's Second Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Aug. 24 to Sep. 02, 2024

“Canada is the only country in the world that knows how to live without an identity.” - Marshall McLuhan

Canada is the 142nd country on my journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries and my 18th country to visit all 23 countries of North America. 

2024 America Continent Trip 1st part ends...

Thank you CANADA:  (my 142nd country) (Canada's top 3 cities and provinces)

#livealifeyouwillremember #canada #solobackpacker #pinoytraveller #pinoy #solotravel #travel #america #takbo #run #vancouver #montreal 

#toronto #ontario #quebec #britishcolumbia #canada

Canada is a land of vast distances and rich natural beauty. Much of Canada's current built environment and influence has come primarily from two European nations, Britain and France. Canadians generally enjoy a high quality of life - Canada consistently scores very well on economic freedom, corruption, respect for civil rights, and more. Canadians are, mostly used to living and interacting with people of different ethnic backgrounds daily and will usually be quite friendly and understanding if approached in public. The country is largely urban-based, where people of all backgrounds may rub elbows with one another.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Canada

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CANADA

timezone - UTC -0230H to -0700H   capital - Ottawa    language - English/French    currency - Dollar (CAD)

visa - Philippine passport holders need to apply before arrival.

1. Canada has the longest coastline in the world.

2. The coldest ever recorded temperature in Canada is -63°C.

3. Canada is so big that it occupies six time zones.

4. Canada is the second-largest country in the world following Russia.

5. More than half of all the lakes in the world are located in Canada.

10 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Summer Canada

Visited All 26 Countries of Schengen Visa as Philippine Passport holder

The quest to visit all Schengen Member States 2013-2024 as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Schengen visa is a special document that allows a Schengen visa holder to travel freely within the 26 Schengen zone (European Countries) member states. Apply for the Schengen visa at the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country where you spend the most time. This visa is valid in all Schengen states for a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period for a visit or tourism, but not for employment or family reunification purposes.

26 members of the Schengen Agreement are (1)Austria, (2)Belgium, (3)Czech Republic, (4)Denmark, (5)Estonia, (6)Finland, (7)France, (8)Germany, (9)Greece, (10)Hungary, (11)Iceland, (12)Italy, (13)Latvia, (14)Lithuania, (15)Liechtenstein, (16)Luxembourg, (17)Malta, (18)Netherlands, (19)Norway, (20)Poland, (21)Portugal, (22)Slovakia, (23)Slovenia, (24)Spain, (25)Sweden and (26)Switzerland.

* maximum of 6 months validity after issuance with a period of stay of under 90 days

* If you get a multiple-entry Schengen visa, you may leave and return any number of times within the 180-day period, but the combined stay within the region must not total more than 90 days. Important is the date of the actual entry, not the beginning of the visa validity. 

* Valid Schengen Visa holders of most of the nationalities can transit/visit other European countries of (1)Albania, (2)Bosnia and Herzegovina, (3)Bulgaria, (4)Croatia, (5)Cyprus, (6)North Macedonia, (7)Montenegro, (8)Romania, (9)Serbia, (10)San Marino and (11)Moldova. Some of these countries provide maximum 15-days stay in any period given in the Schengen Visa duration.

Visited All 26 Countries of Schengen Visa Agreement as Philippine Passport holder

Monthlong Budget DIY Birthday Solo Trip in Winter Europe

 My 2024's First Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100... Jan. 28 to Feb. 26, 2024

“Whosoever is delighted in solitude, is either a wild beast or a god.” ― Aristotle

My 112th solo backpacking trip and trying some usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itineraries from arrival to departure. This trip served also as my 5th visit to Europe Schengen States following the Winter Northern Europe (2023), Spain (2018) and some Western/Southern parts, Germany (2015) and some Southern parts and France (2013) and some Central parts of Europe. Moreover, this trip also served as the completion of my visit to 26 countries that composed the Schengen visa agreement.

MARAMING SALAMAT. 2024 BIRTHDAY WINTER EUROPE TRIP. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

Pinoy Solo Backpacker. Applied Schengen and Ireland Visa. Return flights from MNL. Monthlong budget DIY Itinerary.

6 main destination. GREECE. MOLDOVA. IRELAND. NETHERLANDS. ICELAND. NORWAY.

2 highlight trip. SANTORINI. SVALBARD.

2 side trip. BELFAST. BEIJING.

2 Main Objectives. REACHED 78'L NORTH. SAW THE NORTHERN LIGHTS.

Philippine passport holder only. MY NEW RECORD OF 141 COUNTRIES.

 

#livealifeyouwillremember #philippinepassport

#pinoy #solobackpacker #solotravel #travel #pinoytraveller #europe #winter #backpacker #traveltips #norway #oslo #tromso #svalbard #northernlights #greece #santorini #moldova #ireland #dublin #athens #chisinau #netherlands #amsterdam #windmill #iceland #reykjavik

Monthlong Budget DIY Birthday Solo Trip in Winter Europe (Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula tour)

My Taiwan Journey from Factory Worker (2005) to Solo Backpacker (2023)

"Trust the process, your time is coming. Just do the work and the result will handle themselves." - Tony Gaskins

Taiwan was my very first destination abroad and as an OFW Factory Worker (2005).  This first journey  in Taiwan lasted for 7 days only due to homesickness. My work had 12 hours duty a day with 1 day off only a week. I went home despite the debts my mother had made just to complete this Taiwan journey. I came from a failed IT career when I accepted this OFW stuff.

Imagine my thoughts I went home jobless, with zero savings and lots of debt because of my stupidity. 

My second destination abroad was Thailand (2010) but as a Solo Backpacker. Almost 18 years later I came back to Taiwan as Tourist Backpacker, strolling everywhere independently with financial freedom.

Imagine again if I didn't follow my instinct last 2005... 

I wouldn't be in aviation industry months after.

I wouldn't have an Engineering graduate studies.

I wouldn't visit 137 Countries and beyond.

I wouldn't discover mind blowing life perspective.

 

Life is not a race, everyone has their own separate path. Always try to train our mind to see the good in everything.

As Albert Einstein said, “The one who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The one who walks alone is likely to find himself in places no one has ever been before.”Also, "A ship is always safe at the shore - but it is not what it is built for."

When life gets harder, don't wish it to be easier, Decide to be stronger. 

Time flies indeed. Live a life you will remember.

My Taiwan Journey from Factory Worker (2005) to Solo Backpacker (2023)

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan

Yushan Mt. Jade - Kaohsiung - Taipei ... April 10 to 18, 2023

Taiwan is an outside territory of Mainland China, not part of my personal journey beyond #lakbay100 Countries. Actually, Taiwan was my first destination abroad and my first work as an Overseas Filipino Worker, I didn't last that long due to homesickness, long working hours (12 hrs/day, 6 days/wk) and my work was not the one I agreed during application. My journey to Taiwan from a Factory Worker (2005) to a Solo Backpacker (2023). 

Thank you very much Taiwan! Mt. Jade Main Peak and Sakura sightseeing successful!

Taiwan is a country island located off the coast of southwest of Okinawa, Japan and north of the Philippines, and is known formally as the Republic of China (ROC) since 1945. Besides its crowded cities, Taiwan is also known for steep mountains and lush forests. While the political status of Taiwan is a somewhat controversial and sensitive issue, from a traveller's point of view, Taiwan is under the de facto control of a different government from mainland China, and in practice operates as a separate state. This is not a political endorsement of the claims of any side of the dispute.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Taiwan

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT TAIWAN

timezone - UTC +0800H   capital - Taipei    language - Mandarin    currency - Dollar (TWD)

visa - Philippine passport holders are eligible for visa-exempted effective until July 31, 2023 with a duration of stay of up to 14 days

requirements: (1) passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, (2) Confirmed seat reservation for departure flight, (3) A proof of accommodation (hotel) booking and sufficient travel funds. (Not determined by immigration officers at ports of entry in the ROC to be otherwise ineligible.) (4) Before arriving in Taiwan, please complete an online immigration arrival card on the website of the National Immigration Agency.

1. Taiwan is the size of Belgium but has 23 million residents.

2. Taiwan’s official title is the Republic of China (RoC).

3. Only 2.3% of the Taiwanese population is native.

4. Taiwan made gay marriage legal in 2019.

5. Taiwan’s Taipei 101 building was the tallest building in the world

Taiwanese (Mandarin) Basic Phrases:

Yes = shi 是 / No = bu shi 不是       Excuse me = duei bu chi 對不起        Good morning = zai an 早安

Thank you = xie xie 謝謝        Please = ching 請        Good afternoon = wu an 午安

Hello = ni hao 你好        Goodbye = zai jian 再見        Good night = wan an 晚安

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Spring Season Taiwan

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)

My 2023's First Trip on my quest to go beyond #lakbay100 despite the odds... Feb. 07 to 16, 2023

“No matter how cautiously you live there is no escaping the fatal clutches of old age. So then, better to join the fray and fight proudly for something worth obtaining.”

My 107th solo backpacking trip and trying some usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. This trip served also as my 4th visit in Europe Schengen States following the Spain (2018) and some Western/Southern parts, Germany (2015) and some Southern parts and France (2013) and some Central parts of Europe. Moreover, this trip served also my 2nd Adventure as jobless (retired Employee) following the Southern Caribbean Cruise (Nov. 2022).

Scandinavia (Nordic countries), is a European region north of the Baltic Sea. At almost 1.2 million square kilometres (463,000 square miles) it is the largest region in Europe, but home to only around 24 million people, accounting for a mere 4% of the population. Scandinavia consists of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Finland and Iceland are included when talking about the Nordic Countries. All countries share history and boundaries to a varying degree. Denmark, the smallest, flattest and most continental of the Scandinavian countries. Famous for having the best beaches of Northern Europe, a unique viking heritage. Norway, famous for deep fjords, steep mountains, and wooden churches. Has a rich and interesting culture with deep roots in farming and fishing. Sweden, Scandinavia's largest country by area and population with mountains in the north, woodlands in the center and plains in the south, also the Swedish Archipelago being the second-largest archipelago in the Baltic Sea. Finland, hundreds of thousands of islands and lakes to explore in this bridge to the east. Finland is not technically part of Scandinavia as Finns are Uralic in origin. Iceland, spectacular scenery of volcanoes, glaciers, geysers, and waterfalls on this North Atlantic island.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Scandinavia

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Winter Northern Europe (Nordic)

​Budget Travel Tips on How to Save Money

You don't have to be rich to travel well.

01. Plan well your itinerary.

The primary and most important. If you know where, how and what to do, your budget is already lowered. 

02. Book flights as early as possible.

The earlier it was book, the cheaper you can get. Use the 3rd party booking sites also, way cheaper than the airline website. 

03. Bring cash and credit card.

Use credit card for booking and emergency only. Most of the time, paying in cash can provide discounts.

04. Take the public transportation.

Taking a taxi should be your last option and negotiate before agreeing. You should know the distance and taxi rate to avoid scam.

05. Blend in with the locals.

Don't overkill your travel attire, you are attracting scammers and touts. Most of the time, talking with the locals casually can save you a lot of time and money. 

​Budget Travel Tips on How to Save Money

How Challenging to have a Philippine Passport as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Narrative / Perspective / Actual Experience who visited more than 130 Countries having Philippine Passport only

"What makes a worthy Filipino Traveller is his/her Philippine Passport" - Mang Andoy

Pinoy Backpacker's shared Experience with Immigration Officers

Visa on Arrival / E-Visa Countries for Philippine Passport Holders

Solo Backpacker's Confession with Accomplished Bucket List Tasks

 

​My Greatest Travel Achievement as Filipino Solo Backpacker

According to Henly Passport Index of 2022, Philippine passport ranks 80th in the world (together with Cape Verde and Uganda) with only 67 visa-free countries. On the other hand, Republic of the Philippines granted visa-free privilege to Nationals from 157 countries for a period of stay of thirty (30) days or less.

The challenge of having weak passport like Philippines is terrifying especially for first time travellers and Solo Backpackers (even how frequent traveller we are). Actually the most horrifying part is going out of Philippine International Airport (all terminals). High probability to be offloaded, wasted bookings and itinerary if a single doubt occured to assigned Airport Immigration. Not just here in our Homeland but also almost throughout the international Airport with interaction to their Immigration Officers / Staff, their query is degrading and profiling. In my honest opinion, WHAT MAKES A FILIPINO TRAVELLER IS HIS / HER CAPABILITY TO TRAVEL HAVING A PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ONLY especially as Solo Backpacker to countries who profiled us as someone who thinks that we are not capable to finance our visit as tourist (of course, based on my experience).

HOW CHALLENGING IT IS TO TRAVEL WITH PHILIPPINE PASSPORT ONLY AS FILIPINO SOLO BACKPACKER:

(1) Heavy list of document to provide of more than 120 countries needed for Philippine Passport Travellers to apply for visa before arrival. Some of this horrible required documents are the following;

a. Passport validity should not be one year before expiry.

b. Fully completed and signed Visa application form.

c. Two recently taken photos (within the last three months) must be attached.

d. Travel insurance policy with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros in case of any medical emergency

e. Proof of accommodation. (hotel/hostel booking) / letter of invitation from host to stay

f. Proof of financial means (Bank account statement)

g. Visa fee of around 200 USD

h. Letter of Visa Application why you want to visit that country

i. Letter of Invitation from a travel tour agency

j. Return flight ticket to home country

- For First World Travellers, they will just buy an incoming flight ticket (no pre-arranged visa to apply with terrible list of required documents, no return flight, no fixed itinerary, no further interrogation, they enter airport with peace of mind and no chance to be offloaded).

How Challenging to have a Philippine Passport as Pinoy Solo Backpacker

Budget Travel Tips on Caribbean Cruise as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise

November 26 to December 06, 2022

Southern Caribbean Cruise Day 8: Day Trip in Bridgetown, Barbados

Highlight: Coming from Philippine Airport (MNL) as Budgetarian Filipino Solo Backpacker with Philippine passport only. I confirm and fully paid both flights and cruise around 24 days before the first flight but save around 40% of the flight fares and 50% on the entire cruise fare (mandatory gratuities included). Minor expenses only per island visit day. Also, NO VISA APPLIED in all 6 Island nations and 2 transit airports visited. I just booked the flights and cruise, bring my backpack and passport, then go.

Origin Airport: NAIA T3 (MNL) UTC +0800H

Transit Airport: Dubai (DXB) UTC +0400H and Amsterdam (AMS) UTC +0100H

Arrival Airport: Bridgetown (BGI) UTC -0400H

Time Difference between Origin and Arrival: 12 hours 

Flight Time: Approximately 42 hours (transits included), 3 sets of flights with 9 hours average per flight 

Airlines booked: Emirates and KLM

Visa Applied: NONE, Transit without visa and visit without visa if the transit/visit is less than 24 hours

Cruise Date: Nov 27 to Dec. 04, 2022 (UTC -0400H) 

Cruise line / Itinerary: Royal Caribbean (US website) / 7 Nights Southern Carribean 

Major Expenses (booked / paid on 02-Nov-2022, just 24 days before first flight departure): 

* 7 Nights Southern Carribean (6 Island Nations) via Royal Caribbean Cruise $555.25/P33,141

- standard cruise booking was around $1,100, I save around 50%

* Return Flight MNL-AMS-MNL (Emirates) and AMS-BGI-AMS (KLM) via Sky Scanner (Trip.com) P118,648

- airline website was around P200,000, I save around 40%

Total: PHP 151,789 (USD 2,643)

Detailed Itinerary: 7 Nights Southern Carribean Cruise from / to Bridgetown, Barbados

Caribbean Cruise Requirements (print-out expedites the process):

1. Original Passport and photocopies (minimum 6 months validity)

2. Barbados online arrival form (Bridgetown is the airport and seaport of entry / exit of the cruise)

3. Print-out Full Covid19 Vaccine Certificate 

4. Print-out Return Flight tickets

5. Print-out Cruise Receipt / Itinerary

5. Print-out of some financial documentation as a source of income / to pay for expenses

Budget Travel Tips on Caribbean Cruise as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise

continuation of my quest to go beyond #lakbay100 despite the odds... November 26 to December 06, 2022

"Dance with the waves, move with the sea. Let the rhythm of the water set your soul free." - Christy Martine

My 106th solo backpacking trip and trying some usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Yes, you read it right, backpacking despite the very laidback type of journey. It is due to some of my flights have no check-in luggage included just to avail the cheapest flight. This trip served also as my Second visit in Caribbean following the Hispaniola Island (Haiti - Dominican Republic) solo trip (Oct. 2020) and Second Cruise Adventure following the Antarctica voyage (Nov. 2019). 

The islands of the Caribbean Sea or West Indies are an extensive archipelago in the far west of the Atlantic Ocean, mostly strung between North and South America. They've long been known as a resort vacation destination for honeymooners and retirees, but a small movement toward eco-tourism and backpacking has started to open up the Caribbean to more independent travel.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Caribbean

Rhapsody of the Seas is a midsize Vision-class cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International built in 1995. Rhapsody doesn't have all the snazzy high-tech features included on newer cruise ships. But, guests will enjoy superior service, smaller crowds, and a more intimate cruise experience.

https://cruiseline.com/ship/rhapsody-of-the-seas

My reasons why I chose this cruise are (1) the itinerary voyage consist of all the 6 Caribbean island countries that I did not visited yet, (2) Rhapsody of the Seas is the only ship that offers the item (1) in a compressed itinerary and (3) luckily I got the cheapest cruise package and flights from / to Philippines (MNL).

My Objective Why I still pushed this Adventure despite of what happened on my 2022:

1. It's my dream to experience the Caribbean cruise.

2. I got a huge discount luckily to flights and the cruise itself.

3. Continue my journey to go beyond #lakbay100 (visiting countries I've never been).

4. I need a diversion and new beginning of what just 2022 offered me.

Visa Requirements for Caribbean Cruise:

Cruise ship passengers staying for less than 24 hours and not staying on the island overnight do not require a visa (most of the caribbean islands). 

Budget Travel Tips on this Caribbean Cruise as Filipino Solo Backpacker

Royal Caribbean (Rhapsody of the Seas): 7 Nights Southern Caribbean Cruise

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Boracay Island 2022

Spending my remaining Cebu Pacific Super Pass Tickets August 10 to 13, 2022

Strolling Alone the Boracay Island 2011

Family DIY Trip from Roxas to Boracay 2013

Boracay Island Morning Beach Walking 2016

3 Days Family Trip in Rainy Boracay Island 2020

My 104th solo backpacking trip and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Also, this trip served as my 2nd Celebration on my successful quest to conquer the 81 Provinces of the Philippines.

#lakbay81Pinas Celebration 2nd part: Boracay for the 5th time. 1st time in Caticlan Airport. #philippines #pilipinas #beach #luzon #boracay 

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Boracay Island 2022

5 Days Rainy Solo Budget Trip in Palawan

Spending my remaining Cebu Pacific Super Pass Tickets July 27 to 31, 2022

Puerto Princesa City and Undeground River Tour (2009)

Calamian Group of Islands Tour, Coron (2011)

El Nido Family Island Tour (20012)

My 103rd solo backpacking trip and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Also, this trip served as my 1st Celebration on my successful quest to conquer the 81 Provinces of the Philippines.

#lakbay81Pinas Celebration 1st part: Palawan for the 4th time. Puerto Princesa (2009), Coron (2011), El Nido (2012)

Longest white beach of the Philippines at 14.7km (3x the length of Boracay's white beach) and 2nd longest in Southeast Asia #philippines #pilipinas #beach #palawan #luzon #livealifeyouwillremember 

#lakbay81Pinas Celebration 1st part: Palawan for the 4th time. 24km walk to Bato ni Ningning Viewpoint overlooking pristine white beaches of San Vicente #philippines #pilipinas #beach #palawan #luzon 

A walk-in DIY again, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the return in the Philippines' Natural Wonder of the World (last visit was 2009) #philippines #pilipinas #palawan #luzon #river #cave 

5 Days Rainy Solo Budget Trip in Palawan

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines

Last Two Provinces to Complete the 27 Mindanao Provinces (I traveled alone WITH NO LOCAL/POLICE ESCORT)

April 20 to 26, 2022

My 101st solo backpacking trip and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Also, Tawi-tawi and Sulu served as my 78th and 79th province respectively on my quest to conquer the 81 provinces of the Philippines.

The new normal of traveling is inevitable. Pandemic doesn't stop me of my dream and excitement to visit places I've never been. Coming from a 7 months solo trip in American Continent from Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021, this itchy feet strikes again. This trip is also considered as my Pandemic Adventure Series following the (1) Earth Circumnavigation Jan. 2020, (2) Abu Dhabi Folding Bike Cycling Apr. 2020, (3) Caribbean and Europe Oct. 2020, (4) American Continent Jan. 2021, (5) Mindanao Nov. 2021, (6) Visayas to Luzon RORO Trips Feb. 2022 and (7) Mindoro Island Mar. 2022.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is an autonomous region located in the southern Philippines which composed of 5 provinces; Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

7 Days. 2 Additional Provinces. THANK YOU VERY MUCH TAWI-TAWI AND SULU. 

Visited all 27 Mindanao Provinces and 79 of 81 total Philippine Provinces.

#philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #solotravel #solobackpacker #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #livealifeyouwillremember 

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi)

​6 Days Summer Laid-back Solo Trip in Mindoro Island

Public transportation road trip to Mindoro Island (Occidental to Oriental) loop road

March 25 to 30, 2022

Puerto Galera (Oriental Mindoro) Solo Beachbumming (Dec. 2010)

My 100th solo backpacking trip and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Also, Occidental Mindoro served as my 77th province on my quest to conquer the 81 provinces of the Philippines.

The new normal of traveling is inevitable. Pandemic doesn't stop me of my dream and excitement to visit places I've never been. Coming from a 7 months solo trip in American Continent from Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021, this itchy feet strikes again. This trip is also considered as my Pandemic Adventure Series following the (1) Earth Circumnavigation Jan. 2020, (2) Abu Dhabi Folding Bike Cycling Apr. 2020, (3) Caribbean and Europe Oct. 2020, (4) American Continent Jan. 2021, (5) Mindanao Nov. 2021 and (6) Visayas to Luzon RORO Trips Feb. 2022.

This trip was supposedly my very first Pilipinas Solo Bikepacking to Mindoro Island Loop (approximately 850km). On the 40km distance on the first day of cycling, I experienced tremendous muscle pain on both of my thighs. I've been to 150km a day solo biking abroad, I did not anticipate this kind of injury. I tried to push three times but the muscle pain keeps fighting. Thus, I needed to take a Grab Car to go home early. After hours of rest, I decided to push my Mindoro Island loop trip due to an irresistible mindset. 

​6 Days Summer Laid-back Solo Trip in Mindoro Island (Oriental)

12 Days Visayas to Luzon Pandemic Solo Trip Last Part: Travel Tips

RORO Ferry and Local Transportation Adventure from Siquijor up to Southern part of Luzon

February 16 to 28, 2022

12 Days Visayas to Luzon Pandemic Solo Trip 1st Part: The Itinerary

Route Flow: Dumaguete City (IN) - Siquijor - Cebu - Leyte - Biliran - Eastern Samar - Northern Samar - Masbate - Sorsogon (OUT) 

Aim: My 71st to 76th Philippine Provinces (out of 81 complete)

Total Expenses: PHP 20,000 (hotel, all public transportation, meals and included) 

Preparation: (1) Bought CebuPacific superpass for only PHP 800 one way domestic flight (flexible date). (2) Full Covid19 Vaccinated with ID. (3) S-Pass application on some restricted provinces

General Itinerary:

Day 01 (Feb. 16 Wed) - Dumaguete City arrival 

Day 02 (Feb. 17 Thu) - Siquijor (71st)

Day 03 (Feb. 18 Fri) - Siquijor 

Day 04 (Feb. 19 Sat) - Cebu

Day 05 (Feb. 20 Sun) - Leyte

Day 06 (Feb. 21 Mon) - Biliran (72nd)

Day 07 (Feb. 22 Tue) - Eastern Samar (73rd)

Day 08 (Feb. 23 Wed) - Northern Samar (74th)

Day 09 (Feb. 24 Thu) - Northern Samar

Day 10 (Feb. 25 Fri) - Sorsogon (75th)

Day 11 (Feb. 26 Sat) - Masbate (76th)

Day 12 (Feb. 27 Sun) - Masbate City departure

Highlights: 

Transportation - major transport is RORO ferry. Fare price is reasonable and always on more than an hour delayed departure. Walk-in ticket payment, advance booking not required. 

Siquijor - stayed near the Little Boracay, Paliton Beach (alll beaches I've visited are white sand, all public no entrance fees). One of the serene province I ever visited. Siquijor port coming from Dumaguete, Larena port going out to Cebu. Dumaguete to Siquijor ferry, PHP156 walk-in with 1.5 hour travel time. Departs 3x daily and always almost 2 hours delayed. Requirements; approved S-Pass, original and photocopy of vaccine card and valid ID. 

Biliran - same with Siquijor, one of the serene province I've visited. Only entry point is from Leyte. Long journey coming from Siquijor to Cebu to Leyte (Palumpon port). Cebu to Leyte ferry, PHP460 walk-in with 6 hour travel time. Departs 3x daily and always almost 2 hours delayed. Requirements; original copy of vaccine card and valid ID. 

Eastern Samar - visited Calicoan Island (Guiuan) where the surfing capital of the Visayas is still not crowded. There's a direct van transportation from Tacloban. 

Northern Samar - visited Biri Island rock formation, expensive trip for solo (return boat, habal, guide). 

Allen port is the gateway to Luzon. Northern Samar to Sorsogon ferry, PHP170 walk-in with 2 hour travel time. Departs 4x daily and always on delayed departure. Requirements; original copy of vaccine card and valid ID. 

Sorsogon - Visited Bulusan Lake (will be reopened to public soon). Matnog port is the gateway to Visayas and Masbate.

 

Masbate - Visited in long stretch of white sand beach of Palani. Sorsogon to Masbate, PHP326 walk-in with 4 hour travel time. Departs 2x daily and always on delayed departure. Requirements; Approved S-Pass, confirm hotel booking, original copy of vaccine card and valid ID

12 Days Visayas to Luzon Pandemic Solo Trip (Northern Samar, my 74th province)

12 Days Visayas to Luzon Pandemic Solo Trip 1st Part: The Itinerary

RORO Ferry and Local Transportation Adventure from Siquijor up to Southern part of Luzon

February 16 to 28, 2022

12 Days Visayas to Luzon Pandemic Solo Trip Last Part: Travel Tips

My 99th solo backpacking trip, 5th local long travel after Panay Island Jul. 2016, Babuyan Islands trip May 2016, Mindanao Eastern Side Aug. 2012 and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Also, this was my 71st to 76th provinces on my quest to conquer the 81 provinces of the Philippines.

The new normal of traveling is inevitable. Pandemic doesn't stop me of my dream and excitement to visit places I've never been. Coming from a 7 months solo trip in American Continent from Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021, this itchy feet strikes again. This trip is also considered as my Pandemic Adventure Series following the (1) Earth Circumnavigation Jan. 2020, (2) Abu Dhabi Folding Bike Cycling Apr. 2020, (3) Caribbean and Europe Oct. 2020, (4) American Continent Jan. 2021 and (5) Mindanao Nov. 2021.

The Visayas or the Visayan Islands are one of the three principal geographical divisions of the Philippines, along with Luzon and Mindanao. The major islands of the Visayas are Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte and Samar. There are three administrative regions in the Visayas: Western Visayas, Central Visayas and Eastern Visayas.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visayas

​​12 Days. 6 Additional Provinces. THANK YOU VERY MUCH VISAYAS AND LUZON!

(Siquijor, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Sorsogon, Masbate). 

Visited ALL 16 Visayas Provinces, 35 of 38 Luzon Provinces and 76 of 81 total Philippine Provinces.

#philippines #pinasnaman #visayas #luzon #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #livealifeyouwillremember 

12 Days Visayas to Luzon Pandemic Solo Trip (Siquijor, my 71st province)