Lonely Pinoy Traveler

Perspective

2011-12-22T03:03:00.000-08:00

Our group, composed of (left to right) a Canadian girl, our guide, my self, a Swedish girl and a South African couple on their honeymoon.

Today, on my last day in Chiang Mai, I did a 25KM off-road downhill bike. This is actually the second time I did this, the first one was 2 years ago on my first backpacking trip across South-East Asia. I took the time off from Bangkok to be able to do this for one more time.

This time around, I chose an easy ride but in the middle of the route, my guide asked me if I want to try a single track route. Not one to refuse a challenge, I agreed immediately. The original route itself was a challenge already, with downhill enabling me to achieve speed far faster than when I biked north to south of Puerto Princesa in Palawan on an empty paved highway. But the single track route was something else.

There was really only enough space for your bike, one mistake and you'll hit a tree on your right or a branch on left. And then, there are fallen branches and deep holes along the track. The first five minutes was great, but then as I was gaining speed, I saw a root protruding at about 4 to 6 meters away. It was about knee high and so I tried to hit the brakes - but I got the front brakes instead of the back, which made me fall.

My guide rushed to check on me. The first thing I asked my guide was "Is the bike OK?"

The bike was OK, it turned out. As for me, just a scrape on my right knee and a bit of pain on my left shoulder from the impact, but other than that, I was fine. I got my bike up, and continued with the journey down.

When we reached the lake which was our final destination, my guide again asked my if I was OK. I told him I am, and in fact, I was thankful for the fall. It made the ride more fun for me, actually.

Reflecting on the ride while waiting for our lunch to be served, I realized it wasn't just a simple fall. In fact, I didn't fall, for that sounds so negative.

I believe I actually flew!

Well, maybe I landed only a few meters from where I hit the root, but I'm sure I really did fly, with my bike following after me.

So there you go, I didn't fall - I flew! And that made the ride more enjoyable.

Enjoying lunch by the lake after a great ride.

Poems by the river

2011-12-07T07:23:00.001-08:00

I was sitting by the Hippo River, just across Clark Quay (Singapore) watching boats pass by, and people also sitting by the river. Young couples, tired travellers having a short rest, and this young lady who seems to be waiting for someone... for the last 2 hours.

I opened my book of poems by Nina Estrada (first published in 1959). Here is poem No. XVI

Wear high and proudly your defeat, my heart,

Come, bare your wounds that those around may see

The triumphant banner of his victory.

With conquest swift, barbaric did he part

Your hesitating mouth, your virgin hair

Then pieced them all together with a kiss

That set them whole again. The magic this:

The new and old and one and yet compare;

The turbid past and luscent present see.

Where thirsty arms once mourned with weeping rain,

Now choirs of sunbeams sing but one refrain:

"Hosanna, Love! Behold! He loves but me."

How exquisite can willed surrender be

When it preludes a lover's victory.

Singapore, 2011 December 5

Around The World Itinerary (150 countries in 6 years)

2011-06-11T10:37:00.001-07:00

Finally, I was able to start drafting my itinerary for an around-the-world travel. I don't know when this will happen, but I am confident it will. The universe will provide.

This is the first draft, and most probably the last. This is the way I travel, I just identify the places I want to go to, sequence them with the only consideration being the availability of border crossings, have target dates for every place and just take it from there. The key word is flexibility.

Total Number of countries: 150
Total Travel Days: Six (6) Years

It will be divided into 6 legs, summarized as follows:
Leg 1 - South, Central and North America (316 days)
Leg 2 - East and North Asia; and Europe (373 days)
Leg 3 - Africa (363 days)
Leg 4 - Middle East and South Asia (334 days)
Leg 5 - Southeast Asia, Oceania and Pacific Islands (384 days)
Leg 6 - Philippines (420 days)

If you will notice, there are less countries to visit in SEA but I will be staying more days there than any other leg. Specifically, the longest on this trip is 60 days in Thailand where I plan to write a book, and followed by Brazil which would have been longer if not for the fact that I already spent more than a month there (as part of a 60 day, 5 country backpack trip across South America).

But the dates are really just targets. As what happened in my SEA Backpack trip (45 days), where I spent more days than planned in Siem Reap which meant less days in Saigon after. No pressure that way. You like the place? Stay one more day. Hate the place? Leave the next day.

The last part is more than a year to explore our own country. I will start in Mindanao and end in Batanes. My friends would know why :) And my friends would know too why I would start this trip in Ecuador (US is just a stop over).

Here are the countries I intend to visit.

Country (Travel Days) (Exploration Days)

Leg 1- From Philippines
US West Coast 2 10
Ecuador 1 21
Inner Columbia 1 10
Venezuela 1 14
Guyana 1 4
Suriname 1 4
French Guyana 1 4
Brazil 1 30
Uruguay 1 5
Argentina 1 14
Chile 1 10
Bolivia 1 10
Peru 1 10
Ecuador 1 7
Coastal Columbia 1 7
Panama 1 5
Costa Rica 1 5
Nicaragua 1 5
Honduras 1 5
El Salvador 1 5
Belize 1 5
Mexico 1 21
US South East Coast 1 10
Cuba 1 7
Haiti 1 5
Dominican Republic 1 5
Puerto Rico 1 5
Bahamas 1 5
US North East Coast 1 15
Canada 1 14
Alaska 1 7
SUB TOTAL 32 284

Leg 2-From Alaska
Japan 1 15
South Korea 1 15
Northern China 1 7
Mongolia 1 10
Kazakhstan 1 7
Russia 1 21
Ukraine 1 5
Moldova 1 5
Romania 1 5
Bulgaria 1 5
Greece 1 14
Albania 1 5
Macedonia 1 5
Serbia 1 5
Bos and Her 1 5
Croatia 1 5
Hungary 1 7
Slovakia 1 5
Poland 1 10
Lithuania 1 5
Latvia 1 5
Estonia 1 5
Finland 1 7
Sweden 1 7
Norway 1 7
Denmark 1 7
Germany 1 15
Czech Rep 1 5
Austria 1 5
Switzerland 1 10
Italy 1 21
Monaco 1 3
France 1 21
Belgium 1 7
UK 1 14
Ireland 1 10
Portugal 1 10
Spain 1 15
SUB TOTAL 38 335

Leg 3- From Spain
Morocco 1 10
Algeria 1 14
Tunisia 1 7
Libya 1 7
Chad 1 7
Niger 1 7
Mali 1 7
Mauritania 1 7
Senegal 1 7
Guinea 1 7
Sierra Leone 1 7
Liberia 1 7
Ivory Coast 1 7
Ghana 1 7
Burkina Faso 1 7
Benin 1 7
Nigeria 1 7
Cameroon 1 7
Gabon 1 7
Congo 1 7
Central Africa 1 7
DR Congo 1 14
Angola 1 7
Zambia 1 7
Zimbabwe 1 7
Botswana 1 7
Namibia 1 7
South Africa 1 21
Madagascar 1 14
Mozambique 1 7
Tanzania 1 7
Uganda 1 7
Kenya 1 14
Somalia 1 7
Ethiopia 1 7
Eritrea 1 7
Sudan 1 7
Egypt 1 21
SUB TOTAL 38 325

Leg 4- From Egypt
Israel 1 14
Palestine 1 4
Lebanon 1 10
Syria 1 14
Turkey 1 21
Georgia 1 7
Armenia 1 7
Azerbaijan 1 7
Turkmenistan 1 7
Uzbekistan 1 7
Kirgizstan 1 7
Tajikistan 1 7
Afghanistan 1 7
Iran 1 14
Iraq 1 7
Jordan 1 7
Saudi Arabia 1 7
Yemen 1 10
Oman 1 7
UAE 1 5
Pakistan 1 14
India 1 40
Sri Lanka 1 14
Nepal 1 14
Bhutan 1 14
Bangladesh 1 14
Burma 1 21
SUB TOTAL 27 307

Leg 5 - From Burma
China 1 45
Vietnam 1 20
Cambodia 1 20
Laos 1 20
Thailand 1 60
Malaysia 1 30
Singapore 1 7
Brunei 1 7
Indonesia 1 45
Timor leste 1 7
Papua New Guinea 1 7
Australia 1 30
New Zealand 1 20
Pacific Islands 8 45
SUB TOTAL 21 363

Leg 6
Philippines 0 420

10 Things You Should Not Miss to Eat in Khao San (Thailand)

2011-06-01T02:41:00.000-07:00

It's raining now, and I am stuck in Khao San. I'm thinking of something light to write, and I realized I'm craving for some coconut ice cream and some other yummy delights that Bangkok has to offer.

So here it goes. My own list of what you should not miss in Khao San, or Bangkok in general.

10. Thai Spring Rolls. At 10 baht each, it's a bargain!
9. Vegetarian Omelet from Mr. Yim's Kitchen in Rambutri (30 baht, with rice)
8. Chicken with cashew nuts from Green House Restaurant, Rambutri (110 baht with rice)
7. Freshly squeezed pure orange juice. Ok not really eat, but you get me. (15 baht)
6. Sticky rice with mango (25 baht)
5. Pad Thai. The best thai noodles is in the streets of Khao San (30 baht with chicken and egg)
4. Thai Roti. Banana, egg, nutella, and condensed milk. Define sinful! (25 baht)
3. Coconut ice cream. 3 scoops of yummy goodness on top of fresh coconut flesh (25 baht)
2. Tom Yum from Mr. Yim's Kitchen (50 baht with rice)
1. Mixed fresh fruits with homemade yoghurt and muesli. This is the reason why I hate froyo. I want the real thing. The best one is in the far end of Rambutri, in front of Baan Sabai.

Check on all. Thailand trip a success :)

Note:

Rambutri is the street parallel to Khao San. Just as lively, but less noisy.
10 baht = 15 Pesos
1 USD = 29 baht

Tara na, Biyahe Tayo!

2009-03-19T06:47:00.001-07:00

My Lakbayan Map

2008-09-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

My Lakbayan grade is A-!

How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out at Lakbayan!

Created by Eugene Villar.

Gulugod Baboy Climb

2008-07-10T09:05:00.000-07:00

Sunset at the Peak

Lone tree at the peak. And it's dead!

I'm on top of the world!

Itinerary: Gulugod Baboy

2008-07-10T08:29:00.000-07:00

DESTINATION: GULUGOD BABOY – SOMBRERO ISLAND

Suggested Itinerary

DAY 1: April 12, Saturday

09:00AM Assembly JAM Bus Station, Kamuning near GMA
09:30AM ETD Batangas City
12:00PM ETA Diversion Road, Batangas City
12:30PM ETA Anilao, Mabini

Market. Lunch.
02:00PM ETD Philpan Dive Resort
02:30PM ETA Jump off
Equipment/last minute check
03:00PM Start of trek.
05:00PM Campsite na!!!
Exploration / Picture Taking
06:00PM Prepare dinner
07:30PM Dinner/Socials
11:00PM Lights out

DAY 2: April 13, Sunday

05:30AM Wake up call
Prepare Breakfast
07:30AM Break Camp
08:00AM Start Descent
09:00AM ETA Philpan Beach Resort
09:30AM ETD Sombrero Island
10:00AM Swimming na! Lunch.
02:30PM ETD Philpan
03:00PM ETA Philpan. Wash up and refresh.
04:30PM ETD JAM / Tritran Bus Station Batangas
06:00PM ETD Manila
08:30PM ETA Manila. Uwian na!

ESTIMATED BUDGET

FARE
Manila – Batangas P 160.00 x 2 P 320.00
Batangas – Anilao P 50.00 x 2 P 100.00

Philpan Resort Entrance Fee P 50.00
Sombrero Island Fee P 100.00
Bangka ( P 1800.00 ) P xxx.00
Cottage @ Sombrero ( P 500.00 ) P xxx.00

Mt. Gulugod Baboy Peak

2008-07-10T07:59:00.000-07:00

An amazing 360 degrees view of Batangas, the bay and its environs.

I climbed this mountain twice already, the first one being the birthday climb of a friend of a friend. It was the first time I met most of the other climbers (about 10 of us) in the group, but they we're a bunch of cool and funny people that is was a great experience.

The second climb,though there were only 4 of us, was more memorable because I was with my beloved sis (it was her first climb) and my special someone (first time climber. The fourth person was my house help, it was my treat for her (though despite the difficulty, I'm sure she enjoyed herself especially with the swim after).

In English, Gulugod Baboy directly translates to "Pig Spine". I assume it is so called perhaps because of its contour that looks like the spine of a pig from a distance. It has a spectacular 360 degree view of Anilao, Batangas Pier, Maricaban Island, Mt. Maculot, even Mindoro, Mt. Lobo and Mt. Manabo.

There are several jump off points for this climb but we choose the shortest, albeit the steepest one - Bagalangit. It took almost 2 hours to reach the peak (including a short stop for the halo-halo) and only about 50 mins (for the group, my previous record was 30mins) going down.

What's special about this mountain (aside from accessibility and the fact that it's a very short climb) was the opportunity to go swimming in the beach or do snorkeling in the nearby Sombrero Island right after descent.

Then, there's also that "halo-halo." I'm not sure whether because we we're just tired, but for me, it was simply one of the best all over the country. And for 2o pesos, its a steal! It is rightly situated half way thru the climb, so whether it's going up or down, remember to taste that halo-halo.

I strongly recommend this climb to everyone, even first timers. The difficulty of going up is surely compensated with the magnificent view on top, the cool weather at night, and of course - the superb halo-halo.

I will be posting the itinerary of this trip soon.

Fast Facts - Philippines

2008-07-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

Philippines

capital : Manila

land area : 299,000 sq km

population : The vast majority of Filipinos are descendants of Malays, Chinese, and Muslim minorities. More than 100 cultural minorities are scattered all over the country.

language : Filipino and English, with 10 other languages and 87 dialects

religion : Predominantly Roman Catholic. Others: Protestant,, Muslim, and Buddhist

government : republic

currency : Philippine peso

geography : The Philippines is an archipelago located between the Philippine the Philippine sea and the South China Sea, east of Vietnam, and north of Sabah and Borneo. It spans 1,900 kilometers from north to south, 1110 from east to west.

climate : March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Average temperatures: 78F/ 32C; humidity: 77%

environment : The Philippines is rich in biodiversity, with around 12,000 plant species, 1100 land vertebrate species, and at least 500 species of coral. Total forest area is around 18%; coastal ecosystem reaches around 20,000 km.

time : GMT + 8 hours

Source: Dept of Tourism

Ilocos View

2008-07-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

I took this amateur video on our trip from Vigan to Pagudpod.

Truly a beautiful Philippines!

Dislaimer

2008-07-10T06:57:00.000-07:00

This blog is for information purposes only.

The numbers, locations, directions, people, fares and all other data presented in this blog is a collection of my personal experience or collected from various sources as indicated in each post just to give you a general picture of each place or each travel.

As much I have tried to present the most accurate data possible, certain errors may occur due to typographical or other mistakes, or as brought upon by changes beyond my control (increase in fares, cessation of flights or routes, changing of contact numbers, etc).

In using this site, you agree to these conditions:

1. I, the blog owner, will not accept any liability to any person for the information or advice (or the use of such information or advice) which is provided on this web site or incorporated into it by reference.

2. The information on this website is provided on the basis that all persons accessing the site undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content.

3. The content of this blog may be copied, provided, proper acknowledgment is attributed to this site and the author.

Important Numbers

2008-07-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

Important Telephone Numbers when traveling to the Philippines:

Ninoy Aquino International Airport 877 1109
Bureau of Customs 527 4517
Bureau of Immigration 527 3259
Police/ Fire/ Medical Emergency 117
International Operator 108
Local Operator 109
Directory Assistance 187

HOSPITALS

Asian Hospital 771 9000
Makati Medical Center 815 9911
Manila Doctor's 524 3011
Medical Center Manila 523 8131
Medical City 631 8626
Philippine Gen Hospital 521 8450
St. Luke's MC 723 0101

Department of Tourism

T.M Kalaw St., Ermita, Manila
Hotline: 525 2000

Tourist Security Division 524 1660
(24 hrs) 524 1728

Tourism Information Center 524 2384
(7am-8pm)

Tourist Legal Service 524 1742
(Mon-Fri 8am-6pm)

Source: Department of Tourism

Make sure you have read and you agreed to this site's disclaimer.

Video: Calayan, Babuyan Islands

2008-07-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

A video prepared by a friend of our trip to Calayan Island, part of the Babuyan Group of Islands.

Please watch for my next post on the details of this trip and on information on Calayan and how to get there.

Video courtesy of Jo B. Many thanks!

Pros of Traveling Alone 1

2008-07-04T08:52:00.000-07:00

Surely, we enjoy the company of friends when we travel. But when in a situation where we find ourselves alone, there's no reason to feel bad and miss out on the best that a place has to offer.

Here are some reasons why traveling alone is good, sometimes better:

1. You get to choose where to go. No conflict of interest nor any compromises to make. You won't enter a tourist spot and wonder why you are there when you want to be somewhere else. Perhaps the Butterfly Farm of Puerto Princesa is not for you, and you'd rather be exploring the karst forest and the underground river. Or perhaps you're more interested in spending your day exploring Iwahig Penal Colony than socializing with the mainstay of the crocodile farm, as there are already plenty of them in Congress. This is especially problematic if you have limited time to explore a place that offers a lot of exciting options.

2. You get to choose when to go. No more waiting for your friend who woke up late. No more waiting for the girlfriend who took 2 hours to shower. No more waiting for that office mate who took more than an hour to eat his breakfast - never mind that it's just a piece of pancake. If you want to leave early, the decision is solely yours to make. If you woke up late, no one will frown at you.

3. You get to choose where to eat. Have you ever experienced traveling with someone who insisted that you try this fancy restaurant, despite that fact that this trip was planned to be a budget trip? Or perhaps, you had the opportunity to travel with someone who insists you go to this resto for your dinner as they offer eat-all-you-can meals for 99 pesos (Greenhills in Davao), despite the fact that you had your lunch and dinner there yesterday, and your lunch today as well.

4. You get to choose when to eat. Ever had the opportunity of traveling where you enter a restaurant every hour? That is because half of the group wasn't hungry yet when you had your breakfast so they want to eat when you are still about to digest your breakfast. When traveling alone, no need to argue whether to have breakfast and lunch or simply have brunch.

5. You get to meet new friends. When I went to try white water rafting in Cagayan de Oro, each raft can hold up to 8 people with 5 as minimum. Since I was alone, I have to join a group of 5 people from Holcim. Clearly, after bracing 21 rapids and 4 flips, those guys were stranger no more.

Watch out for part 2 of Pros of Traveling alone. I will also be posting the Cons soon, and some ways to overcome them. Contact me for comments or suggestions.

Thank you for reading and see you again soon.

Why Lonely Pinoy Traveler?

2008-07-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

I am not sad. I am very happy, especially when I travel. So why Lonely Pinoy Traveler? For two reasons:

First, I will be posting about my own travels, here in the Philippines and even abroad. And most of these trips, I am alone.

Second, learning from my experience of traveling alone, I will be sharing trips and tips that will make traveling alone still a hell lot of fun. And this will work even with couples or groups.

Now, you might ask, why do I frequently travel alone. Sometimes, it is by choice but sometimes it is just the way it is given the circumstances. Lets me cite some examples.

1. I am fortunate that my work brings me to a lot of places. Working for an NGO, I am sent to the different parts of the country, often alone. After the work is done, I make sure that I spend a few days to explore the place - also often alone (or sometimes with my hosts.)

2. I also work as a consultant for one senator, a work that also entails lots of travels. In these travels all over the Philippines, the regular staff has to be constantly with the senator leaving me alone with the opportunity to explore the place.

3. Given my age, a lot of my friends are also young. Often, we plan to travel together but at the last minute, they would cancel. Most probably, I would decide to continue with the plan - alone.

4. Sometimes, I travel alone by choice. That is for a lot of reasons, but usually, I do it if I want some time to think about something. In my next post, I will be detailing some benefits of traveling alone.

But just to make it clear, I do enjoy some company when I travel. But when faced with a situation where I am alone, I know how to make the most out of it, and have one hell of trip to remember.

So, read on and please come back for more and discover heaven that is the Philippines.

Welcome

2008-07-04T08:20:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog - Lonely Pinoy Traveler.

My name is Froilan. If you want to know me more, visit my personal blog Everything Froi.

One of the things that I love doing the most is traveling. And in this site, I will chronicle all my travels in the hopes of showing to the world what a beautiful country we have and hopefully, this will encourage others to travel as well.

Why Lonely Pinoy Traveler? I will explain that in my next post. So please do come back and discover the heaven that is the Philippines.

Thank you for visiting and reading.