The Island Explorer

Let's assume most people still want to get out of the city despite the huge crowds outside Manila this Holy Week and other Summer holidays. Let's also assume that we can't spend that much (recession). And the travel time must only be 3 hours maximum. So, where do we go? 1. Anawangin/Nagsasa Coves with Capones/Camara Islands Combo (Damage: P3,500 per person for an overnight) Since it will be full in Pundaquit, you can opt to take a day trip from Subic or even Olongapo. Stay there in the evening, since you really need just a day in Anawangin/Nagsasa. But stay for the sunset in Anawangin/Nagsasa and head back to mainland as soon as the sun tocuhes down. Anawangin/Nagsasa still offer the best nature and beach experience near Manila. 2. Bondoc Peninsula, Quezon (Damage: P1,000 per person) The Quezon province is one of the most undiscovered beach areas near Manila. Aside from the already popular Polilio island group, the other option is the Bondoc peninsula. Around 15 minutes aft

TIP: When traveling international, try to book online at www.philippineairlines.com, where they offer the great and most affordable fares, the Econolight. Their rates are most of the time cheaper than Cebu Pacific. Imagine, a roundtrip to HK can cost as low as $100 (P4,900). Cebu Pacific does have these low rates as well, but they're almost always unavailable when you plan to travel within the next week. I fly on both carriers, so I just get the cheapest among the two. When CEBPAC is on sale, they are unbelievably low, but I think you can get the lowest rates at any time with PAL.

I've been bitten by the travel bug when I took a trip for work to 5 destinations in Asia in just one route. I made it to Jakarta, Bali, KL, Saigon and Bangkok all in one direction. I was then carrying a huge suitcase and traveling using the national carriers. I wanted nice hotels and took the taxi to and from the airport. It didn't take long to notice that I was doing something wrong. I just didn't feel right. Trip after trip abroad every month after, I was slowly introduced to the backpacking way of traveling. It was Thailand that brought out the adventurous spirit in me. In the Philippines, I just went to Boracay every year, and that was it. Now, I cannot even stand a weekend without going out of town. Backpacking is a way of travel and life. It's not for everyone. I've asked my friends if they were willing to stay in guesthouses, share bathrooms, talk to strangers, take the bus and go to a trip without any set itinerary. They wouldn't. And I don't blame t