A Traveler’s Dream: Backpacking Tour of the Philippines

I was born in the mountains and have lived my whole life here. When the times get too cold, or when i get bored, I trade the mountains for a dip in the sea. And yet, always, I go back. For reasons still unknown, these mountains have forever enchanted me.

Despite the fact that I’ve been in Baguio since, well, forever, I have never been to any other area here in the Cordillera (the name given to the region). Well, let me correct that - I’ve been to Ifugao and La Trinidad, but have never been able to explore these areas.

That’s why backpacking is my dream. To travel to the countryside and experience the life there. I know that not everyone wants to travel this way, and I don’t blame you. Everytime I sleep in a tent, I always regret it, especially when the backpains come in the morning. But I keep doing it. Perhaps because I know that there are a lot of people who are experiencing the same thing everyday.

Backpacking is already a world renowned sport, and there are backpackers all over the world. Travel to Philippines is so much better if you go backpacking. This way you get to know the Filipino people and experience for yourself the hospitality we are known for. I know a lot of Filipinos are like strangers to their own land. Some of us have never been to more than five other provinces in the country. I may not be one of them, and yet, I feel bad that I’ve only been a tourist - not a Filipino who have been with real people.

Did you know that backpacking is an art? There are equipments you need to bring with you, special clothes you need to wear. in the next few articles, I will be discussing all of these. Join me as I learn backpacking, and perhaps we can see each other in one of the hostels in our journey.