Sunday, July 26, 2015

Solo Backpacking Trip to Cebu

Here I am venturing on my FIRST S-O-L-O trip to a place that I do not know anybody or have a knowledge on their dialect. So why did I choose Cebu? Simply because I haven't been there and they say FOOD in Cebu is worth visiting. Here are my reasons why I chose Cebu:

1. Traveler Friendly
2. Food is cheap but delicious "LAMI-AAA"
3. There are several beautiful Beaches you can visit from Northern to Southern Part of Cebu.
4. So many travel blogs about Cebu, you will never get lost.
5. I haven't been there!

Anyway, I am going to share with you guys my TOP FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER when venturing on your FIRST S-O-L-O BACKPACKING.


1. HAVE A LEGIT BACKPACK/ LUGGAGE

A handy backpack is your top priority when traveling, it should carry all your stuff needed for your trip. Months before my trip, I got a backpack that was on sale. At first, I was hesitant because it is the most expensive bag I will ever had if I buy it BUT my partner said that it will be useful in all my travel. Anyway, I bought the Berghaus Bioflex Light 35 Rucsack.




2. RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!

There are soooooo many travel blogs about Cebu! Just ask Google about it or better ask a travel blogger like ME! ahem. haha! Looking at different blogs made me decide to visit Bantayan and Malapascua mainly because I love white sand beaches and enjoys long driving.

Always know the Do's and Don't s of a place your visiting. It pays to respect their culture! :) Credit to several blogs that I have read!!! Thank you so much, I could not do it without your guidance. Tagging Lakwatsero, Travel with Chichi and Traveling Panda.


Photo Credit: Google

I know Cebu is a friendly province but you must consider your safety especially if you are traveling alone. I am a practical or control freak traveler, I want everything in place when traveling. I don't want any hustle and bustle of looking for a place to stay, gaaah! It is such a waste of time.

Months before my trip I was all set! I booked everything in advance especially where I will stay and how to get to places. As in, I have my itinerary on my tablet, which is from my mom. I never road a taxi whenever I go to places, even coming from airport! There is an app in Google play about Jeepney routes in Cebu, it is so easy to follow!

Note: If you are travelling during peak season, better to book weeks or months before your trip. It can save you a lot of time, money and effort.


3. JOIN OTHER GROUPS ON ISLAND HOPPING/ TOUR

It is always cheaper by a dozen, be a "joiner" to other tours. How to do this? Simply talk to the locals (boatmen) and ask if they trips. Usually they will be the one to offer you. My trip to Virgin Island in Bantayan was cheaper because I shared it with a group!



4. ACT LIKE A LOCAL

This is really hard especially if you do not know their dialect but don't be a stranger on your own country! It was hard for me at first to connect with people but I manage to keep it simple and smile at people. Keep on interacting with them and as Cebuano says "Iba na kapag may kakilala ka diri" (It pays to know someone in this place). 









5. BALANCE EVERYTHING

Too much of anything will harm you, just keep it balanced. Be adventurous, try new things, new food, new activities that you rarely do in the Metro BUT always stay safe and alert.You should know yourself, especially your limitations and always secure your things.

Take a leap of faith but be careful during your leap. ;)



That's it. So where will be your first S-O-L-O backpack trip? Share it with me!


Ano, TARA GUMALA?

CIAO.
--
GABRIELA











10 comments:

  1. Thanks Gabriela Bermuda, for the great inside, I had a great trip. I went to Cebu and visited places like Tumalogfalls, Whale Shark,Moalmoal and Dumanjug. The weather was perfect, nice people, cheap but yet quite delicious food. I had a small problem though...the traffic, always a lot of cars.
    So small tip all travellers, just rent a mobet or motorbike, much much easier (ceburentalmotorbike.com) that is the place where I did it. Much easier to get a round, and gives you more freedom and independance.


    Have a great trip everyone :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Gabriela Bermuda, for the great inside, I had a great trip. I went to Cebu and visited places like Tumalogfalls, Whale Shark,Moalmoal and Dumanjug. The weather was perfect, nice people, cheap but yet quite delicious food. I had a small problem though...the traffic, always a lot of cars.
    So small tip all travellers, just rent a mobet or motorbike, much much easier (ceburentalmotorbike.com) that is the place where I did it. Much easier to get a round, and gives you more freedom and independance.


    Have a great trip everyone :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. yes i agree with you, renting a scooter is best way to go around, other wise taxi cost a lot of money now traffic in cebu is crazy. i found this website. call http://zipbike.asia/ . using this website you can rent a bike any where in Philippines, it is free online booking website for motorbike.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi guys,
    Thank you so much for this wonderful article really!
    If someone want to know more about solo travel I think this is the right place for you!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Gabriela, I've come accross your blog cause I'm planning to do a solo travel to Cebu. Can you share your itinerary with me? If it's only OK. Thank you..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. hi @shiela Jane, sorry for the late response! You can check my blogpost about my solo travel in Cebu, I posted everything about my trip there. :)

      Delete
  6. Hi.. will be doing a solo travel but I won't be doing a night's stay. I love to go to Samboan falls and Mainit Spring. I would love to receive advice and infos from people who are informed about the know-how of the places, especially the rides and fares I need to pay. Please email me at maris.needink@gmail.com. Thank you and God bless!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hope it would be a memorable backpacking trip to Cebu as i'm personally in love with this place.
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