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A Slow Trip to Romblon: Delays, Rough Seas, and Beach Days at Bon Bon Beach I’m 40-ish, I travel light, and I’ve learned that island trips in the Philippines don’t reward rigid itineraries -- Specially if Bagyong Wilma can help it. This trip proved that lesson again, in the best possible way. Cebu Pacific Delay and an Overnight in Caticlan Caticlan at sunset. The trip started with a Cebu Pacific flight delay, just enough to miss my intended connection and force an overnight stay in Caticlan. Nothing dramatic. Just one of those moments where travel asks you to adjust. Caticlan at night is quiet once the Boracay traffic thins out. I checked into a simple hotel, grabbed dinner nearby, charged my phone, and slept early. Rough Sea Crossing to Santa Fe, Tablas Island The next morning, I boarded a boat bound for Santa Fe, Tablas Island. The sea was rough and uncomfortable enough to silence everyone onboard. The boat pushed through waves, every rocking second reminding us t...
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Solo Trip to Udallo, Abra de Ilog (Occidental Mindoro) – Travel Guide + Puerto Galera Side Trip

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🐚 Starting My Travel Journey at 40: A Serene Escape to Udallo, Abra de Ilog (Solo DIY Trip) Posted on July 14, 2025 | by Tutubing Dahon ✨ Why I Chose to Travel Alone — and Why at 40 Starting over at 40 sounds scary to most people. But to me, it sounded like the only way forward. I’ve spent years putting off simple joys — like traveling — thinking it was too late, too risky, or too expensive. But one quiet weekend, I decided: If I’m going to explore the world, I might as well start close to home, and I might as well start now. That’s how I found myself on a solo DIY trip to Udallo, Abra de Ilog — just me, my backpack, and a longing for peace. 🚗 Picked Up by a Stranger Who Felt Like a Friend As soon as I arrived at Abra de Ilog Port , a tall, cheerful man with a German accent greeted me — Johannes , my gracious host from Udallan's Beach House . We had only exchanged messages on Airbnb, but he showed up right on time, driving a sedan with the windows down and acoustic mu...
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Sudden Escape to Burias: A Joiner’s Guide to Sombrero Island, Tinalisayan Sandbar & Animasola Island

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🏝️ Sudden Escape to Burias: A Joiner’s Guide to Sombrero Island, Tinalisayan Sandbar & Animasola Island If you're itching to disconnect from city chaos and find a slice of paradise that’s remote, affordable, and jaw-droppingly beautiful , Burias Island should be on your radar. I recently joined a sudden joiner trip from Cavite to Burias, Masbate , and spent two nights sleeping in a tent on Sombrero Island , exploring the pristine Tinalisayan Sandbar , and getting wowed by the rock formations of Animasola Island . We had zero signal, 100% sun, and endless saltwater dips. Here's everything you need to know to do it yourself. 🌴 Sombrero Island: Simple Living, Stunning Views Sombrero Island served as our base camp. It’s named after its shape—“sombrero” means hat—and is as chill as it gets. You’ll find no resorts here, just sand, sun, and palm trees. ⛺️ Tents by the beach (included in most joiner packages) 🏖️ White sand and calm, swimmable waters 🧼 Ba...
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Beach Bum Bliss in Baler: Budget Guide + 2025 Travel Tips from Trece Martires

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Beach Bum Bliss in Baler: Budget Guide + 2025 Travel Tips from Trece Martires Baler, Aurora has always had a magnetic pull for weekend warriors, surfers, and laid-back beach bums like me. I first visited Baler before the pandemic on a spontaneous getaway with friends. While it's known as a surfer's haven, I’ll admit—I don’t surf. My idea of paradise involves the warm sun, sea breeze, and salty air while lounging on the sand with a cold drink and no agenda. And Baler? It delivered that and more. Now that I live in Trece Martires, Cavite , I'm seriously thinking about going back. Here’s a throwback to my memorable hangout trip to Baler and everything you need to know if you’re planning your own beach bum escape on a budget . 🏖 Why Baler is More Than Just Surfing Yes, Baler is one of the surfing capitals of the Philippines—but even if you don’t ride waves, there’s a lot to love: Chill beach vibes on Sabang Beach Natural wonders like waterfalls and rock forma...
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Sudden Escapes: My Budget Adventure to Calaguas via Vinzons from Cavite

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Sudden Escapes: My Budget Adventure to Calaguas via Vinzons from Cavite (2018 Throwback + 2025 Travel Guide) 🌴 The Best Trips Are the Unplanned Ones... In 2018, I said “yes” to a sudden joiner trip to Calaguas Island — a decision that turned into one of the most unforgettable getaways of my life. With just a backpack, minimal sleep, and zero expectations, I left Trece Martires, Cavite , and joined a van full of strangers headed for Vinzons, Camarines Norte . And just like that, I found myself on a remote island with powdery white sand, no Wi-Fi, and endless summer vibes . 🛣️ Getting There in 2018: Trece Martires to Vinzons to Calaguas We left Cavite late at night and took a 10- to 12-hour van ride to Vinzons Port. From there, a 2-hour boat ride brought us to the famous Mahabang Buhangin Beach on Calaguas Island. Since I joined a group package, it was all-inclusive: ✅ Roundtrip van and boat transfers ✅ Tent accommodation for 2 nights ✅ Buffet meals ✅...
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From Trece Martires to Jomalig: A 40-Year-Old Solo Traveler’s Journey to Solitude

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From Trece Martires to Jomalig: A 40-Year-Old Solo Traveler’s Journey to Solitude At 40, I found myself craving silence—not the kind that fills empty rooms, but the kind that heals. That craving led me from Trece Martires, Cavite to the far-flung island of Jomalig, Quezon Province . What I found wasn’t just peace and beauty—it was perspective. 🧭 How I Got to Jomalig from Trece Martires Getting to Jomalig isn’t the easiest trip, but it’s worth every hour. Here’s the route I took: Trece Martires to Buendia (Pasay): I rode a van to Pasay then a bus to Buendia, which took around 1.5 to 2 hours. Buendia to Real, Quezon: I took a Raymond Bus heading to Infanta, which passes through Real. I left around 11 PM and arrived early in the morning (4–5 hours). Real Port to Jomalig Island: From Ungos Port in Real, I boarded a passenger boat to Jomalig. The ride lasted about 5–6 hours. Boats usually leave between 5:30–7:00 AM. Tip: Bring food, water, and something soft to sit...
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Escaping the Grind: A Soulful Weekend in Dulangan and Baco, Oriental Mindoro

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🌴 Escaping the Grind: A Soulful Weekend in Dulangan and Baco, Oriental Mindoro As a 40-something traveler juggling work, socials, and the search for peace, I finally gave myself a much-needed break—from Trece Martires, Cavite to the laid-back beauty of Dulangan, Oriental Mindoro. A quick weekend escape, but it felt like a full reset for my mind and body. 🚤 Getting There: Trece Martires to Puerto Galera I started the journey early from Trece Martires , headed to Batangas Port , and boarded a fast craft directly to Puerto Galera . It was a smoother and quicker ride compared to the alternative RORO via Calapan. Less travel time means more time to relax—and that’s exactly what I needed. 🌊 First Stop: White Beach, Puerto Galera I arrived around lunchtime and we went straight to White Beach . I grabbed a grilled seafood lunch with garlic rice and cracked open a cold beer while watching the waves roll in. The vibe was just right—lively but not too crowded. I stayed through the ...
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