I experienced backpacking trip around South East Asia wherein I met my fellow backpackers. Their itinerary would usually include the Floating market in Thailand, Ankor Wat in Cambodia, Luang Prabang Province in Laos and Halong Bay in Vietnam. I was puzzled on why some people are having a hard time choosing Manila as their next backpacking destination. I have received feedbacks from these travelers resulting for me to becoming a backpacker in Manila for three days.
HERE ARE THE THINGS THAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT AS A BACKPACKER IN MANILA
1. Filipinos speak English as a second language - This is your ticket to score a great deal since you can ask the locals about food, direction, transportation details, shopping bargain, local color, Filipino food and Filipino culture. Just ask for something and you will get it if it is available.
2.Challenge with connecting trips to another ASEAN Country - In Manila you cannot travel to a nearby ASEAN country by land. There is no transport system that can take you to Cambodia, Laos or Thailand. If you want to cross country, you can either take the plane or the ship. However, the latter will hurt your budget.
3. Internet - Backpacking trip will allow you to share your moments online via different social networking sites. The Philippines however has one of the slowest average broadband speeds across the globe as per Ookla Speedtest, a leader in broadband testing and network diagnostic applications.
4. Sleep - A backpacker does not need a Jacuzzi, Persian carpet or a revolving table inside his or her room. We simply want to sleep so we can explore the city early the next day. It is quite challenging to look for a legit backpacker’s inn. In this regard, www.tripidadvisor.com is a great help where I am able to find the place called Chill-Out Guest house. Feel free to visit their website at www.chillout-manila.com. I would recommend this place since their customer service is good, the place is clean, peaceful and affordable. If you are not satisfied then checkout other boutique hotels around Remedios and Malate Manila. You can scout for budget friendly hotels, backpackers inn and even motels via www.tripidavisor.com.ph.
5.On foot - Manila is a nice city to explore on foot. Just take your map with you and go for a Jeepney ride once you get tired. You can start with an Intramuros tour wherein you can see the old Manila during the Spanish colonization. Get inside an old Spanish mansion such as Casa de Manila. You will marvel at the architecture and vintage vibes around it and of course do not miss a selfie with Rizal in Luneta Park. Make sure you have your running shoes with you because you have the stretch of Manila Bay to watch during short breaks.
6. Island tour - Aside from exploring the capital city; never skip the island hop adventure. Would 7,107 Islands enough for you? Please do not stick with the commercial travel guides. I suggest you read blogs made by people who love to travel and write about it without having to get paid. These articles are the ones who will be honest with you about their experiences. They won’t sugar coat any of their experiences, they would rant, they would promote. Personally, I follow the blog: https://traveleronfoot.wordpress.com/tag/walking-tours-in-the-philippines/. I also recommend https://www.pinaytraveljunkie.com/ for those who would like to try on foot adventures within and outside Manila.
7.Food - Filipino food is not just about Jollibee. What I am trying to say is, fast food shall be avoided once you are on a budget friendly trip. A foodie should not miss Zamboanga where you can enjoy the tastiest Filipino food ever. Casa Armas is highly recommended if you are a fan of Spanish. If you like dim sum, head to one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, Chinatown in Binondo, Manila. You have to try the street food. I will make a separate blog about it. Eat Balut, fishballs, siomai, puto, pancit, lechon and so much more. Try to explore the local, Asian and international cuisine just right in the heart of Manila. Get out of Manila and explore the nearby cities, I bet you will have a colorful vacation.
There are a lot of good things to do around Manila. I don’t think one day will be enough to explore this wonderful city. I suggest you try to give it a shot and see if you can start your next backpacking adventure in the Philippines. You can visit www.itsmorefuninthephilippines to get you started with your Philippine adventure. Salamat po at Mabuhay!
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