2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Davao Occidental (Chill Walk)

Revisiting Davao via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 23 to 30, 2025 (6 Days)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao (2025)

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking (2021)

Already visited Davao Occidental last 2021 but due to pandemic restrictions, I wasn't able to stroll around and take pictures (lockdown day). Thus, I visited again for formality visit on a personal basis.

Preparation:

2Go Ferry Return promo fare (Manila-Davao) = ₱4,936   /   Baon Snacks = ₱500

Total: ₱5,436

Day 0: May 23 Friday MANILA DEPARTURE

1600H ETD Home; e-jeep to Quiapo 65

1800H Quiapo to Pier 4 walk; snacks 50

1930H ETA Manila Port Area Zaragoza Gate; Check-in; terminal fee 105

2300H ETD Manila; Voyage #32 (Business Class) 55 hrs ₱2,512

TOTAL: ₱220

Day 1: May 24 Saturday MV MASINAG VOYAGE

55 hours trip Business Class with 6 meals / Snacks 45

TOTAL: ₱45

Day 2: May 25 Sunday MV MASINAG VOYAGE

55 hours trip Business Class with 6 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 3: May 26 Monday DAVAO 1ST DAY

0530H ETA Davao; jeep to Ecoland Terminal 40

0700H Bus to Poblacion 175; tricycle to resort 30

DAVAO OCCIDENTAL (My 82nd/Final Province)

Acasa Merlinda Beach Resort 1,000; Lunch 114; snacks 75

Afternoon walk to Little Boracay Resort

1700H Afternoon run base 10km

TOTAL: ₱1,434

 

Day 4: May 27 Tuesday DAVAO LAST DAY

Morning run base 10km; brunch 149

1200H Hotel check-out; tricycle to terminal 30

Bus back to Ecoland 140; snacks 357; baon 255; Jeep to Sasa Wharf 30 

1700H Davao Sasa Wharf; Check-in; terminal fee 11

2000H ETD Davao; Voyage #32 (Business Class) 61 hrs ₱2,424

TOTAL: ₱832

Day 5: May 28 Wednesday MV MASIKAP VOYAGE

61 hours trip Business Class with 7 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 6: May 29 Thursday MV MASIKAP VOYAGE

61 hours trip Business Class with 7 meals

TOTAL: ₱0

Day 0: May 30 Friday MANILA ARRIVAL

0900H ETA Manila; Pier 4 to Quiapo walk; fruits 489; e-jeep to Home 50

TOTAL: ₱539

DAILY TOTAL: ₱220+45+0+1,434+832+0+0+539 = ₱3,070

GRAND TOTAL: ₱5,436 + ₱3,070 = ₱8,506

2 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Davao Occidental (Chill Walk)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao

Revisiting Davao via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 23 to 30, 2025 (6 Days)

Effective October 15, 2024, the boarding cut-off (or gate closure) will be updated 1 hour before vessel departure. To ensure a smooth boarding experience, it is highly recommend arriving at the terminal at least 3 hours before departure. This will help accommodate potential delays, such as traffic, excess baggage checks, and other unforeseen circumstances.

MANILA TO DAVAO 2GO FERRY CRUISING BUDGET DIY SOLO TRIP 2025

(MV Masinag / MV Masikap Ship Vessel)

 

My Observation, Remarks and Budget Tips:

Cruise Destination: Manila-Davao-Manila Cruise Duration: 56 hrs (one-way cruise)

Cruise Date: May 2025 (6 days, weekend trip) Fare Cost: ₱4,936 return trip (Business Class for 1 pax)

Reason for taking this Cruise: promo fare, to experience local ship cruising on a convenient bed class (business class)

Budget DIY Manila-Davao-Manila 2Go Cruise Itinerary (May 2025 Summer Season):

May 23 Fri: 11pm Manila Port Departure 

May 24 Sat / May 25 Sun: Cruising 

May 26 Mon: 6am Davao Port Arrival, Davao City 1st day chill and food trip 

May 27 Tue: Davao City last day chill and food trip, 8pm Davao Port Departure

May 28 Wed / May 29 Thu: Cruising 

May 30 Fri: 9am Manila Port Arrival

1. 2Go Ferry MV Masinag / MV Masikap has twice a week departure for Manila-Davao (every Friday afternoon) and Davao-Manila (every Sunday night)

2. 2Go Business Class fare is around ₱2.5k which is around ₱700 more expensive than Cebu Pacific flight. Actually it's better to take the flight though 2Go cruising is good for chill adventure, local cruise experience and less baggage hassle.

3. 2Go Business Class room is very convenient especially for solo travelers. The room has its own table, television, sink, aircon control and most especially a lot of charging outlets. Toilet and shower room is centralized. I highly recommend Business Class beds because somehow the fare is reasonable, with 6-7 meals included.

4. Online booked tickets are required to be printed. This is also needed when claiming paid meals and bed linens together with your valid ID.

5. Manila Port (Pier 4 Zaragoza Gate) has a terminal fee of ₱105 while Davao Sasa Wharf Port has only ₱11.

6. I suggest you bring your own cup noodles, bread and other snacks. Everything onboard is expensive. There's an onboard restaurant, cafe, salon and shops. No wi-fi. Free refills of hot and cold potable water.

7. All meals are served everyday between 6-8am (breakfast), 11am-1pm (lunch) and dinner (6-8pm). Business Class passengers are in Horizon Cafe which has a terrible, very slow and disorganized dining service (MV MASIKAP)

6 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Davao

3 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Coron

Revisiting Coron via local Cruise Ship Adventure May 16 to 19, 2025 (3 Days)

Coron and nearby Island Trip (2011)

Batangas Pier - Caticlan Port Sea Cruising via 2Go Ferry (2016)

Effective October 15, 2024, the boarding cut-off (or gate closure) will be updated 1 hour before vessel departure. To ensure a smooth boarding experience, it is highly recommend arriving at the terminal at least 3 hours before departure. This will help accommodate potential delays, such as traffic, excess baggage checks, and other unforeseen circumstances.

MANILA TO CORON 2GO FERRY CRUISING BUDGET DIY SOLO TRIP 2025

(MV St. Francis Xavier Ship)

 

My Observation, Remarks and Budget Tips:

Cruise Destination: Manila-Coron-Manila     Cruise Duration: 13hrs (one way cruise)

Cruise Date: May 2025 (3 days, weekend trip)     Fare Cost: ₱2,424 return trip (Super Value Class), cheapest

Reason for taking this Cruise: promo fare, to experience local ship cruising on cheapest bed class

Budget DIY Manila-Coron-Manila 2Go Cruise Itinerary (May 2025 Summer Season):

May 16 Fri: 5pm Manila Port Departure 

May 17 Sat: 6am Coron Port Arrival, Coron first day chill and food trip 

May 18 Sun: Coron last day chill and food trip, 8pm Coron Port Departure

May 19 Mon: 9am Manila Port Arrival

1. 2Go Ferry MV St. Francis Xavier has only once a week departure for Manila-Coron (every Friday afternoon) and Coron-Manila (every Sunday night)

2. 2Go Super Value Class fare is around ₱1.1k which is around ₱300 cheaper than Cebu Pacific flight. Actually it's better to take the flight though 2Go cruising is good for chill adventure, local cruise experience and less baggage hassle.

3. 2Go Super Value Class beds are not convenient because these beds are located at the back of the ship near the smelly toilet with damaged door. The ambiance is not good either; it's hot, humid and uncomfortable leather mattress. Toilet has free shower. 2Go Super Value Class is good only if on a tight budget; I don't recommend it, go for higher class beds.

4. Upgrade to the next class (Mega Class, aircon room) has an additional ₱300. Go to the Information Desk, bring your ticket and enlist your name for an upgrade. It will be accommodated after the ship leaves the port, subject for availability and first come first serve basis.

5. Online booked tickets are required to be printed. This is also needed when claiming paid meals and bed linens together with your valid ID.

6. Manila Port (Pier 4 Zaragoza Gate) has terminal fee of ₱105 while Coron Port has only ₱20

7. Ensure to arrive early in the meal claiming in the restaurant (paid, bring your ticket), queuing is very long. ₱14 additional payment if takeout. The meal is composed of 1 cup of rice, small portion of vegetable and beef menu.

8. I suggest you bring your own drinking water, cup noodles, bread and other snacks. Everything onboard is expensive. There's a drinking fountain onboard, restaurant, cafe, salon and shops.No wi-fi, phone charging station with payment (₱5).

9. Worst Customer Service, if you don't ask, staff will not provide. All meals and bed linen are paid, ask the staff to give you. You need to present the physical ticket and valid ID.

3 Days Budget Solo Trip on 2GO Ferry Cruise Manila to Coron

Pasig River Ferry Joyride from Escolta to Guadalupe

Metro Manila ferry service from Escolta, Manila to Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City 11-Jun-2022 Saturday

FREE RIDE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE (as of June 2022)

Are you looking for an alternative and free transportation in the heart of Metro Manila? Come on now ride the Pasig River Ferry Service. Check the link MMDA Pasig River Ferry Service and facebook page for the latest schedule, guidelines and station locations for better hassle-free ferry trip.

* There are 13 ferry stations in Manila, Mandaluyong, Makati and Pasig.

* Journey is from Monday to Saturday (8am to 5pm). No Sunday trip.

* Downstream - from Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City to Escolta, Manila

* Upstream - from Escolta, Manila to Pinagbuhatan, Pasig City

* Photography and Video taking is prohibited between Quezon Bridge and Tomas Claudio Bridge (PUP)

* Passengers below 5 years old is not allowed.

* No eating, talking and no phone calls.

Note (as of June 2022): In morning, trip is between Escolta to Guadalupe only and 1st trip is 9am. Downstream trip (from Pasig) will commence in afternoon, around 4pm.

Pasig River Ferry Joyride from Escolta to Guadalupe

Antarctica Peninsula Sights, Activities and Wildlife Spotting

9 Days Ship Expedition in Summer Antarctica via Ushuaia

November 22 to 30, 2019

Drake Passage Journey between Ushuaia and Antarctica

Formed by a 1,800km long mountain chain, Antarctica Peninsula is Antarctica's most visited area, unlike the inaccessible interior. Most of the wildlife is found during summertime,  when the Peninsula is the right environment for breeding and moulting.

Day 03: November 24, 2019 Sunday

1500H zodiac to Great Wall Research Station (China)

1630H back to ship

1930H dinner

Day 04: November 25, 2019 Monday

0800H breakfast

0900H Zodiac to Port Lockroy (Jougla Point)

1130H back to ship

1230H lunch

1500H Necko Harbor cancelled due to strong wind (>40 knots)

1930H lunch

Day 05: November 26, 2019 Tuesday

0800H breakfast

0930H Cuverville Island

1200H lunch

1400H Paradise Harbor

1900H dinner

Day 06: November 27, 2019 Wednesday

0800H breakfast

0930H Zodiac cruising in Lemaire Channel

1230H lunch

1400H Zodiac cruising in Lemaire Channel

1700H Polar plunge

1930H dinner

2100H Antarctica quiz night (we won with perfect score)

Antarctica Peninsula Sights, Activities and Wildlife Spotting

Drake Passage Journey between Ushuaia and Antarctica

9 Days Ship Expedition in Summer Antarctica via Ushuaia

November 22 to 30, 2019

Solo Trip in a Group Tour in Summer Antarctica Planning and Itinerary

Feared by many, Drake Passage and Southern Ocean stretches for 1,000km between South America and South Shetland Islands. Sailing through the tumultuous Drake, provides superb birding and whale watching. 

Day 01: November 22, 2019 Friday

1600H ETA Ushuaia Port; Ship familiarization; Safety Drill

1800H ETD Ushuia Port

1930H buffet dinner; photo-ops with Filipino staff

Day 02: November 23, 2019 Saturday

0800H buffet breakfast

1130H Expedition photography lessons

1230H buffet lunch; souvenirs $63

1430H Mandatory IAATO & Zodiac Briefing

1630H Biosecurity checks & Captain's Welcome Cocktail

1930H buffet dinner

Day 03: November 24, 2019 Sunday

0800H breakfast

0900H penguin and seal familiarization

1200H lunch

Drake Passage Journey between Ushuaia and Antarctica

Batangas Pier - Caticlan Port Sea Cruising via 2Go Ferry

5 Days Solo DIY Trip to Best White Sand Beaches near Panay Island

Planning the Panay Island Road Trip and Beachbumming Escapade

The main reason why I did this adventure was to experience the 2Go Ferry Ride going to Visayas archipelago. Fortunately, I availed a promo fare which was booked 3 weeks before the travel date, only PhP943.40 for a roundtrip on a Tourist Class (fully aircondition, free rice meal and free use of blanket/pillowcase). By the way, I don't have a credit card as the online booking required, I only used my BDO ATM Debit Card which has a MasterCard logo and the transaction processed successfully. 

To know more about 2Go Ferry destinations and promos...
http://travel.2go.com.ph/index.asp

Before, route for a land and ferry trip coming from Cubao to Caticlan (Dec. 23-24, 2011):
Cubao - Batangas - Oriental Mindoro - Aklan (traveled on peak season)
1. bus from Cubao Terminal to Batangas Pier                - 1200H - 1630H (4.5 hrs)
2. ferry from Batangas pier to Calapan Port (RO-RO)     - 1630H - 2100H (4.5 hrs)
3. bus from Calapan Port to Roxas Port                         - 2100H - 0200H (5 hrs)
4. ferry from Roxas Port to Caticlan Port (RO-RO)          - 0200H - 0900H (7 hours)
ESTIMATED TOTAL TRAVEL TIME (2011): 21 HOURS for PhP1,100 (4 transfers)

Now, route for a land and ferry trip coming from Cubao to Caticlan (Jul. 07-08, 2016):
Cubao - Batangas - Aklan (traveled on off-peak season)
1. bus from Cubao Terminal to Batangas Pier                - 1600H - 1830H (2.5 hrs)
2. ferry from Batangas Pier to Caticlan Port                 - 2100H - 0730H (10.5 hrs)
ESTIMATED TOTAL TRAVEL TIME (2016): 13 HOURS for PhP463 (2 transfers)

Batangas Pier - Caticlan Port Sea Cruising via 2Go Ferry (lobby inside ferry)

Kuwait (Shuwaikh) - Iran (Khorramshahr) Persian Gulf Ferry Cruise

7 Days Solo Backpacking Winter Iran via Persian Gulf

November 08 to November 14, 2015

How to Apply for Iran Tourist Visa as Philippine Passport Holder

From Shuwaikh Port (Kuwait) passing through Basrah (Iraq) and sightseeing the Gulf War shipwrecks on the way to Khorramshahr Port (Iran) for a wavy 5-hour ferry cruise surviving strict Port Immigration Process. Yes, It's very safe.

WARNING: Persian Gulf Port Immigration is much stricter than in airport or rather than I thought. Maybe because of Kuwait's zero-tolerance against Syria/Iraq refugees or just because of Paris terrorism attack last 13th-November. Based on my observation, I think Persian Gulf Ports are intended for cargo shipment and local passengers. What do I expect... again for the nth time, during the departure/arrival I'm the only non-local passenger on-board.

Price is two-way fix: (updated as of November 2015)

first class	47 KWD	upper deck	(w/ lunch)
economy	43 KWD	lower deck	(w/ lunch)

Ferry runs twice (2x) a week:
Kuwait (Shuwaikh port) to iran (Khorramshahr port) route sched: SUNDAY, and THURSDAY 

Iran (Khorramshahr port) to (Shuwaikh port) route sched: SATURDAY and WEDNESDAY

boat schedule: check-in 0800H, departure 1000H (5-6 hours travel time)

Shuwaikh Port Building Address (see map below):

- bus #13, walk to the left side going to Shuwaikh port (entrance is in building's left side). 

- 1st floor, Kuwait Ports Authority big blue-glass building

Persian Gulf Ferry Cruise (local boat seen)

Failaka Island Solo Relaxation

another ferry trip on the Persian gulf

April 20, 2013 Saturday

Failaka Island is an island that belongs to Kuwait in the Persian Gulf. The island is 20 km off the coast of Kuwait City in the Persian Gulf. The name "Failaka" is thought to be derived from the ancient Greek fylakio(n) "outpost". The few remaining local residents are mostly those Failakawans who lived with their families on the island prior to the Iraqi Invasion of 1990.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Failaka_Island

how to go here;

from Farwaniya, just take a bus #66 or if from Mubarakiya, just take a bus #15 then alight to Holiday Inn salmiya intersection road. bus fare only cost 250fils and is very, very safe. Walk 300m away from this hotel going to the other side until you saw docking port. Ferry cruise from Salmiya port to Failaka Island and vice versa is approximately 1.75 to 2 hours.

Ferry fare cost (roundtrip);

1- Private car ( up to 6m ) 20 KD including the driver
2- Company or ministry car ( up to 6m ) 37.500 KD
3- Passengers 3KD each
* it is a must to book in advance. Please call +965-2232-8698 for reservation.

Wanasa beach in Failaka Island

Bus and Ferry Trip from Cubao (QC) to Caticlan (Aklan)

A Christmas weekend solo backpacking special December 23-26, 2011 Friday to Monday

Solo Land and Sea trip to Boracay Island

Update as of March 2023;

For Ceres Bus, bus goes directly from Buendia station (Pasay City) to Caticlan that departs every 0600H daily, fare costs PHP 1,878. Book your tickets in advance via PHBUS website. The routes below (Cubao to Caticlan and Ferry via 2Go) is still active.

Since booking via airplane is very expensive even though advisable especially for a must holiday get-away that unfortunately dropped-off on weekend which made it more complicated, budget consideration is still a must. I have decided why not experience the land travel from bus in center of National Capital Region of Luzon all the way on ferry ride to Aklan province in Visayas. Travel time is indeed an expected suffering but the expense and adventure to be encountered is really amazing.

Batangas Pier - Caticlan Port Sea Cruising via 2Go Ferry (2016)

Route for a land trip coming from Cubao (NCR) to Caticlan (Aklan):

Cubao Terminal - Batangas Pier - Oriental Mindoro - Caticlan Port

1. bus from Cubao Terminal to Batangas Pier    - approx. 3 hours

2. ferry from Batangas Pier to Calapan Port       - approx. 3 hours

3. bus from Calapan Port to Roxas Port              - approx. 5 hours

4. ferry from Roxas Port to Caticlan Port            - approx. 5 hours

ESTIMATED TOTAL TRAVEL TIME: 16 hours

araneta center bus terminal in cubao, quezon city