The Not-So-Successful Day Trip to Nikko

I am not that fond of big cities, I dislike being in crowded places and so even though I immensely enjoyed my three-day stay in Tokyo, I still craved the rural scenery. I did three day-trips that were accessible from the city, and first of which was in Nikko, a location known for its UNESCO World Heritage status and amazing natural scenery. As to why this post’s title is an epic fail will be further explained in this post, but as a heads up, this letdown is all thanks to me.

16 Days of Solo Travel in Taiwan – Itinerary, Budget and Tips!

I’m glad that Taiwan is getting the fanfare it deserves right now especially with Filipinos. It wasn’t that much of a popular destination until recently due to relaxation of visa applications. I have found out how this is one of the cheaper and easier countries to visit in East Asia, despite the language barrier.

Immersing in Nature at Sandiaoling Waterfall Trail

Taiwan has lots in store for those seeking nature. I am quite surprised that there were a number of easy hikes around the capital city, so there’s no excuse for those who are already living in Taipei not to go outdoors, given that mass transportation can easily get you to those places easily. I did another nature walk in New Taipei, in the district of Sandiaoling to chase some waterfalls.

the biggest waterfall in Sandiaoling

A day at Yangmingshan and Shilin Night Market

I originally scheduled Yangmingshan for my second day in Taipei, however due to the rain and my inappropriate outfit (*ehem ehem* shirt and shorts) I had to postpone it for another time. On my last few days in Taiwan, I finally decided that regardless if I’d experience horrible weather, I’d still push through. I didn’t bring any jackets for this trip so I had to buy a very cheap sweater just so I could have something to warm me from the tough winds.

the grasslands of Yangmingshan National Park

Taroko Gorge National Park – A Must-see in Taiwan

I initially planned skipping Hualien on this trip. When I was searching for recommended sights in Taiwan however, every site that I have seen consistently recommended Taroko Gorge, as a matter of fact, it topped most lists. I have seen pictures and blogs of people who have been there but I was not impressed. I had a change of heart when I was in Kaohsiung, I intended to take a bus to Kenting but thought “forget it, I’m giving Hualien a chance.” And my friends, this is the story of how Hualien became one of my favorite counties in Taiwan.

Amazing Scenery at Taroko Gorge

Your Two-Day Introduction to Taipei

I hate to admit it but I wasn’t so enthusiastic about Taipei when I landed at Taoyuan Airport. The capital city of Taiwan will be my first destination for this trip. I am not big on cities and probably enjoy it the least, that’s why I thought I’d explore it first because I adhere to the saying, save the best for last. As I got to know Taipei bit by bit, I started to fall in love with its amazing sights, affordable yet unlimited choices in food, accessibility and its people.

Best View of Taipei at Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan)

When I plan for activities to do during a trip abroad, I sometimes check out Tripadvisor for some recommended activities that I must not miss when I’m around the area. I was a bit excited to see the top attraction to involve some hiking (as I assume most people would tend to avoid physical activities lol). Nevertheless, I made it a point to visit the place during my first week in Taiwan not knowing what’s in store for me there.

Bawal ang Sawi sa Palaui! (Island Homestay and Views at Cape Engaño)

Everybody has been raving about Batanes, and I have no doubt that the place is majestic. But with only one airline carrier dominating the sales for this route, it’s a no-brainer that the price of tickets are skyrocket high. In recent years, a certain island became talk of the town for having similar heavenly views, and even though it is also located way up North, the province is reachable by bus or plane. After convincing some friends to finally put this plan into motion, we were off to an 11-hour bus ride to Cagayan to finally see what everybody has been talking about.

Tayo na’t magpagulong gulong sa Palaui Island!

Lost No More at Ligao City's Kawa-Kawa Hill and Natural Park

We thought Albay was only all about Mayon Volcano. Turns out, there was so much more to see.
First, there was Hoyop-Hoyopan Cave that kept us occupied for half a day with its amusing history. Our next destination the following day was a breath of fresh air, figuratively and literally, since we got to travel away from the city center.

First Day High at Sorsogon - Bulusan Lake and Irosin Hot Springs

June. It was the start of summer for our Westerner friends, but for us who live in the tropical islands of the Philippines, this month marks the start of the sometimes dreadful rainy season. Living in Manila for 24 years of my life, I am pretty certain the gloomy weather won't permit me to travel to various provinces in the PH, most especially during the third quarter of the year where the most awful typhoons pave their way to enter the country. It was the first Wednesday of June, and I needed to take this break. With no itinerary planned at the time, I asked my younger sister if she wanted to join me for a quick impromptu trip, and without a bat of an eye, she said yes. Of course, given that I will shoulder all her expenses #ateproblems! The following Friday afternoon, we were on our feet getting ready for a crowded commute by LRT to DLTB Bus Station. I have traveled solo for a couple of times already, but this is the first time I will be traveling with a minor. My mom would kill me if something happens to this kid. Saying a silent prayer, we got ready as we boarded the bus to our destination, the province of Sorsogon, our first destination for our Bicolandia Escapade.

Welcome to Bulusan, Sorsogon! So peaceful and so green!

Love at first sight at Lake Holon, T'boli, South Cotabato

Our trip to T'boli was something we planned almost last minute. We only knew about this place while drafting our itinerary for Surigao del Sur and Lake Sebu. We would never have seen this beauty if not for those wonderful blog posts and pictures posted around the Internet so we were actually enticed and dared to travel to the remote community of Sitio Nabol. The trek to Lake Holon would be less special if not for the T'boli locals who made sure we enjoy the whole experience and have also shared their culture, home and smiles with us.

birds eye view of Mt. Parker and Lake Holon - define lovely!!! (photo credit: Len Marcelo Jingco ChoosePhilippines)

Hiking Mt. Melibingoy/Mt. Parker and Smiles from T'boli locals of Sitio Nabol, South Cotabato

We woke up early in preparation of our trek up to Lake Holon, one of T'boli's prized tourist destination. I originally saw it featured at Pinay Travel Junkie's page and so we really meant to visit the place before heading to Lake Sebu. It was said that Lake Holon is Philippines' cleanest lake and seeing images of the pristine lake from those blogs, I couldn't resist to grab the chance to see its beauty with my own eyes!

traditional T'boli house - notice some differences to the nipa hut?