FROM LUZON D1 TO MINDANAO
lot of things in Batanes, and the people there are really nice. Anywhere you go, you’ll feel safe and stress-free and everywhere you look is breathtaking.”
Most of the best destinations for Jher are not the usual top tourist attractions. Although Siquijor is rumored to be a home to witches and other mythical beings, he highly recommends that people visit the small island, “Upon arriving, you can already see the beautiful port. What more if you get to explore the entire island?” If you’re looking for outdoor activities, Camiguin has beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and hot springs. Some other places that he would suggest to travelers are the Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte where Siargao is located.
When asked about the best province, he has a hard time choosing just one, “No matter where you go, there’s something that this place can be proud of that can’t be seen in other places. Each province has its own distinct beauty.”
Meditation and self-discovery
Traveling, especially when you do it alone, offers a liberating feeling and a learning experience. Through backpacking, Jher met people from different cultural backgrounds and all walks of life from whom he has picked up lessons that he believes he can apply to his life.
With traveling as a form of meditation, he came across with realizations about himself, his life, and his journey, in general, “When you travel, your mind is relaxed. There are things you’ll discover in yourself, things that you can do and look forward to.”
Some traveling advice
Before you commence your expedition like Jher, you should fully prepare everything first. As an experienced traveler, he urges people to research about the area and its local customs, “Number one is respect. You have to respect the locals and learn how to get along with them.”
In terms of budget, he says thatit is not that expensive to travel around the Philippines—it is how you prioritize the things you want to do and spend on.
Itinerary is also a crucial part of preparation. There are other people who likes to be spontaneous and do whatever they want without planning, but for Jher, it is better to have a plan to fall back on in case something comes up like bad weather, which would get in the way of island hopping for the day.
He believes in the principles of Leave No Trace, which guide travelers in enjoying nature while helping to conserve it. “Like what happened in Boracay when it just reopened, there is litter everywhere again. Whatever you bring to the place, bring it with you when you leave. And take nothing but photos,” he adds.