Five Basic Suggestions for a Backpacking Trip in the Philippines
Posted: Monday, June 28, 2010
by Maryann Ga
Vacations are often defined by a good amount of 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 wonderful 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.
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 experience:
Have 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.
ASK ASSISTANCE WHEN Needed: Known for warm-hearted and hospitable people, Filipino won't doubt helping you if you need assistance. Renowned as one of Asia's best English speaking countries, talking to them in English wouldn't be a problem. Ask help from locals if you need directions but don't give out too much information. Remember that this is a foreign land so being extra careful of yourself should be the first thing in your check list.
Dine on 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.
TIP THE Deserving: In almost around the globe, giving tips as a courtesy is commonly accepted. In the Philippines, giving tip to waiters in restaurants or telling the cab driver to keep small change from your payment would really make them happy. Some dining in the country do not have a service charge directly taken to each customer so giving tip to worthy workers would consider one good deed for today.
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 also aids 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 pleasantly surprised how locals will show their respect to you in return.
Although going on a backpack trip in the Philippines might be cheaper than other Asian countries, carrying extra pocket money is still advisable. Always be mindful of your whereabouts and actions while in beautiful paradise.
The best part about this trip is that you get to learn the culture, lifestyle, and beauty of the well-preserved nature in Asia. Keep in mind that the essence of vacation not only comes from the sights you saw but the steps you took around the destination.
In the words of Henry David Thoreau,"We now no longer camp as for a night, but have settled down on earth and forgotten heaven."
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