Five Basic Tips for a Backpacking Trip in the Philippines

Vacations are often defined by ample rest and relaxation, which is also delineated by the amount of money inside the vacationer’s pocket.  There is, however, a cheaper way to have a memorable trip that does not require a large budget yet guarantees real excitement that you cannot feel by merely laying your back flat on a sandy beach within your country.

Known for being part of the hippie culture in the 60’s and 70’s, backpacking is an economical way to enjoy your holiday that traditionally differentiates itself from the other forms of traveling. It’s all about the limited usage of public transport, choosing low-cost hostels over high-priced hotels, length of the trip versus the typical vacation, eagerness in meeting the locals as well as seeing the sights, and of course, the use of backpacks.

Backpacking opens a traveler to a real adventure, especially if the backpacker chooses to have a trip on a third world country – where most of the immaculate paradises peacefully rest, seasoned with the thrills and risk of untainted culture.

The Philippines is one of the best destinations for a backpacking trip because there are a lot of surprises in its archipelago. Composed of more than 7100 islands, the country a perfect getaway in the Asia Pacific where you do not have to shell out a huge amount of money to enjoy. 

 If you are enticed by what a backpacking trip offers, you should first remember these basic points in order to maximize the experience that you are about to relish:

1.  Grab proper garbs

Dressing down is a basic requirement, most especially in the country’s climate. The average temperature in the Philippines varies from 24 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius. Light clothes are advisable, such as cotton shirts and shorts, to avoid from sweating too much during your trip. Also, make a room for insect repellants inside your bags for sake of safety, not just for vanity, since mosquitoes are abundant in tropical countries.

2. .  Verbalize your S.O.S.

TThe Philippines is known for the unparalleled hospitality so never hesitate to ask for help. Unlike most other Asian countries, the majority of the population can speak English. Locals are always willing to assist you in case you are lost, but make sure that you always interact with precautions since you cannot easily identify if you are already talking to a petty criminal.

3.  Discover native delicacies

You might want to quit dining on fancy restaurants and fast food and try the authentic Filipino street foods that are being sold for a very low price. Fishballs, banana-cue (fried and sugared bananas on a stick), banana fritter (sugared banana steamed inside a wanton wrapper), and isaw (chicken’s intestines) are some of the local’s favorites that you will surely enjoy.

4.  Tip is a common tip

It is a common courtesy in the Philippines to leave some cash behind after paying the bill, since most of the restaurants and bars in the country do not include tips for the servers in the final charges. This also goes to giving an extra payment to the cab drivers, like leaving them the small amount of change from the money you paid based on the meter.

5. .  Prop up ecotourism and the nation’s culture

Just in case you are on an island hopping adventure, ask for a local boatman instead of grabbing packages from hotel accommodations. Aside from the fact that ecotourism helps to save natural resources, it alsoaids the economy sustainable in indigenous communities. You can also support their culture by merely respecting them, since the Philippines gives a high regard on respect, most especially to elders. Try your best to fit in and you’ll be surprised how locals will show their respect to you in return.
Backpacking in the Philippines is cheaper compared to other countries but as a rule of thumb, never forget to bring extra cash. Also, be extra-cautious in whatever you do and wherever you go while enjoying the beauty of the surroundings and culture.
This kind of trip will never fail to give you a sense of authenticity because it’s more than a vacation – it’s actually an education wherein you get to learn the environment first hand. Bear in mind that sheer gratification doesn’t just come from the magnificence of the place but also from the journey you take.

“We now no longer camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven.”  - Henry David Thoreau.