Well this is the plan. It is to see the Philippines through backpacker’s eyes and also a local’s eyes.
The first thing I can do is rent a room in backpacker central of the Philippines, Malate.
I was at first averse to this concept because I’m not too fond of Malate anymore but it is the most logical way to go. I’ve been reading Lonely Planet Philippines and no matter what, it is Malate… for the moment.
I would also recommend Philippine Vacations and Explorations and ivanhenares.com. ourawesomeplanet.com is also pretty good. there are others but these are the ones i’ve been reading.
also e-z maps is worth buying.
i also check out citiguide, it’s the closest thing we have to a free guidebook that caters to backpackers.
backpacking is still woefully unfocused upon so far. which is a good thing because who wants to be overrun by tourist. but at the same time there is money to be made. and cultural influx and exchange is always a good thing.
the best trip i could advise for someone coming to the philippines would be pinatubo. it’s a just a few hours away and can be hiked. after that would be sagada and boracay, of course. baguio is there. i’ve never been to siargao, so i don’t know. donsol is da shizzle, don’t miss the fireflies and the volcano. northern exposure, vigan to pagudpud is worth it. la union for the scene. anilao for the diving. batangas for the beach. palawan for the underground river. busuanga, esp. culion for the animal and sea life. hmmm, that’s it so far. gen san because it’s cool to have been there.
