My 7th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Point Trail Ultra Bukidnon 2025

Filipino Marathon Trail Slow Runner Solo Joiner 15-June-2025 Sunday in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines

My 6th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Siargao Marathon 2025

This Fun Run served as my First Mountain Trail Full Marathon, 5th Mountain Trail Run and 7th Full Marathon as a Solo Joiner following the Altra Bicol 50 Ultramarathon (50km) last Apr. 2025 and Siargao Marathon last May 2025 respectively. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

This main adventure is part of my 7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Bukidnon (Trail Run, Chill Walk).

I am from NCR and a solo runner; all of my previous trail runs were in Luzon (Baguio, Rizal, Naga). Hats off and Kudos to Malaybalay City and Mindanaoans! It is very rare to have this kind of well-prepared trail run event so somehow I was really surprised. I already joined 5 trail run races and I must say a Huge Congratulations to Bukidnon Point Trail Series Organizers / Race Director, a 5-star rating for me. The reasons are: (1) All 6 aid stations are fully stocked with food and refreshments, considering the large number of participants. (2) Trails are properly marked and well-placed, which is not usual for a trail run. (3) Enough friendly Marshalls are strategically located (4) Awesome design of event/finisher shirt and medal (5) Reasonable Registration fee that includes Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal/Shirt, tote bag, dry bag, sfork, collapsible cup, whistle, post race meal, tourism fee (6) well-prepared race village and start/finish arc (7) accurate route map with somehow doable trail (8) Somehow not strict cut-off time. (9) Lots of professional photographers along the trail and (10) Slow Runner friendly race with generous cut-off times. 

I finished the 42km mountain trail run with 2,213m total elevation gain WITHOUT THE USE OF TREKKING POLES. I have trekking poles, but I didn't bring them because they are required to be in checked luggage at the airport, and I wanted to challenge my limits despite having knee issues. A huge factor also despite being a slow trail runner was the well-organized event and the fair weather, especially during the very steep knee-wrecking "Ahon" assault before the intermediate cut-off.

My 7th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner;  Point Trail Ultra Bukidnon 2025

Race Name:	POINT TRAIL ULTRA BUKIDNON			Distance:	FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)
Registration:	₱2,884	Inclusion:	Race Bib, Event Shirt, Finisher Shirt/Medal, Dry Bag, Tote Bag, Sfork, Cup
Location:	MALAYBALAY, BUKIDNON (back trail)			Cut-off Time:	15-Jun-2025 Sun (14 hours)
Requirements:	NONE, registration fee only			Shoes I used:	Salomon Supercross 4
Finished:	YES	Time:	13:26:59	Altitude Gain:	2,213m
New PR:	YES	Pace:	18:46	Rank:	88.56% (325th of 367)
ITRA:	2 Points	UTMB:	No	My Rating:	10 of 10 stars

Route difficulty: The route is measured around 44km. There are 5 sets of "Ahon" assault where the the 2nd and the last one are challenging especially the last one, good thing the weather is awesome. If it's raining, it will be obvious for me to declare DNF due to my weak right knee and brutal ascents. The final "Ahon" has around 400m elevation gain with very steep and slippery trail, crawling is required with a lot of knee wrecking moments.

Remarks (My rating: 10 of 10 stars): (1) Weather is awesome, raining only on the last 5km (2) Well-organized race; sufficient and friendly marshals, trails were properly marked, well-prepared race village (3) Event / Finisher shirt/medal design is awesome. (4) Aid Station has full of food and refreshments (5) Registration fee is reasonable, which includes Event Shirt, Finisher's Medal/Shirt, Post Race Meal, Tourism fee, dry bag, tote bag, sfork, collapsible cup, whistle, environmental fees (6) Lots of relaxing, scenic and picturesque mountain views (7) Lots of FREE professional photographers along the trail (8) Slow Runner friendly race with generous cut-off times. 

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? No (enough for the mountain marathon)

7 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Bukidnon (Trail Run, Chill Walk)

Chill Rainy Adventure in Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon, Philippines June 13 to 19, 2025

My First Visit to Cagayan de Oro - Bukidnon Budget Solo Trip (2011)

This trip served as my 2nd visit to the Northeast province of Mindanao Archipelago. Additionally, the main reason I came back was to participate in my 7th Full Marathon Solo Joiner Adventure.

Fun Fact: My first hitchhiking experience was in Bukidnon in 2011 with a truck driver. After that, all my hitchhikes were abroad and in a sedan (Georgia 2013, Bulgaria 2015, Kazakhstan 2018, Mexico 2020). I never paid a single cent, all the drivers don't speak English and obviously I don't speak their language. All solo trips. Maraming Salamat sa kanilang lahat.

7 DAYS BUDGET DIY SOLO TRIP IN REVISITING BUKIDNON ITINERARY 

Preparation:

Point Trail Ultra Marathon = ₱2,884

Cebu Pacific (return fare) = ₱3,304     Hotel Booking = ₱3,417

TOTAL: ₱9,605

Day 1: June 13 Friday FLIGHT OUT

0000H ETD Home; commute to NAIA T3 88

0300H ETA NAIA T3; check-in / breakfast

0535H ETD Manila MNL; Cebu Pacific flight 5J381

0720H ETA Cagayan de Oro CGY; van to Agora 200; Bus to Malaybalay 230

1130H Malaybalay bus terminal; lunch 150; walk to hotel; dinner 222

DOrf Transient Inn 4 nights

TOTAL: ₱890

Day 2: June 14 Saturday PREPARATION

DOrf Transient Inn 4 nights balance ₱1,497*

Race Kit Claiming; brunch 165; snacks 44; dinner 201

Walk to City Hall, Transfiguration Church 10km

TOTAL: ₱1,907

Day 3: June 15 Sunday TRAIL MARATHON

0200H Walk to Race Village 

0300H RACE START; 42km Mountain Trail Marathon (2,213m total elevation gain)

1630H RACE FINISH; claim entitlement; dinner 197

TOTAL: ₱197

Day 4: June 16 Monday RELAX

Walk to Capitol Grounds, Kaamulan Park 5km

Brunch 100; snacks 72; dinner 204

TOTAL: ₱376

Day 5: June 17 Tuesday RELAX

Walk to Capitol Grounds, Kaamulan Park 6km

1100H Hotel Check-out; walk to terminal; brunch 90

1130H Bus to Cagayan de Oro (Agora) 225

1500H Agora Terminal; 2km walk to hotel

G-Galyx Inn Hotel 2 nights ₱1,406*

Afternoon random walk; snacks 129; dinner 80

TOTAL: ₱524

Day 6: June 18 Wednesday RELAX

Morning random walk; brunch 130

Pasalubong Vjandep Pastel 1,071

Afternoon coastal walk; snacks 115; dinner 335

TOTAL: ₱1,650

Day 7: June 19 Thursday FLIGHT IN

Random morning walk; brunch 110; snacks 149

1300H ETD Hotel; walk to Centrio Mall; airport van 199

1500H ETA Cagayan de Oro airport

1715H ETD Cagayan de Oro CGY; Cebu Pacific flight 5J392

1900H ETA Manila MNL; commute to home 96

TOTAL: ₱554

 

DAILY TOTAL: ₱890+1,907+197+376+524+1,650+554 = ₱6,098

GRAND TOTAL: ₱9,605 + ₱6,098 = ₱15,705

6 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Bukidnon (Trail Run, Chill Walk)

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

My 6th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Siargao Marathon 2025

Filipino Marathon Slow Runner Solo Joiner 04-May-2025 Sunday in Siargao Island, Philippines

My 5th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Clark Animo Marathon 2025

This Fun Run served as my Sixth FULL-MARATHON 42.2KM as a Solo Joiner, following the Clark Animo Marathon last Mar. 2025. My main objective is just to finish the race (beating my previous PR is optional), I want to enjoy the run at my own pace.

This main adventure is part of my 8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Siargao (Marathon, Chill Walk).

My 6th Full Marathon (42.2KM) Solo Joiner; Siargao Marathon 2025

Race Name:	SIARGAO MARATHON 2025			Distance:	FULL MARATHON (42.2KM)
Registration:	₱2,830	Inclusion:	Race Bib, Singlet, Finisher Shirt/Medal, Collapsable Cup, Shades, Tote Bag
Location:	GEN. LUNA ROUTE (return loop)			Cut-off Time:	04-May-2025 Sun (8 hours)
Requirements:	NONE, registration fee only			Shoes I used:	NB FuelCell SuperComp Elite 4
Finished:	YES	Time:	06:11:44	Altitude Gain:	116m
New PR:	NO	Pace:	08:47	Rank:	74.77% (246th of 329)
My Rating:	8 of 10 stars	well-organized, lots of refreshments, nice shades, minimal elevation gain

Route difficulty: Average return route, good for beginners. Using headlamp/flashlight is important as some areas of the route is pitch black. 

Remarks (My rating: 8 of 10 stars): (1) Full Marathon return route is awesome; from Kanaloa passing through General Luna and Baranggays Catangnan up to Corazon. (2) Organized, started on time. Minimal choice of refreshment in the water stops, post-race meal not received (3) 42km Singlet/Finisher shirt design is good. (4) Registration fee includes sunglasses and collapsible cup

If given the chance, would I like to join this race again? No (expensive cost of local tourist living)

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Siargao (Marathon, Chill Walk)

Chill Summer Adventure in Siargao Island of Surigao del Norte, Philippines Apr 29 to May 07, 2025

My First Visit to Siargao Island Budget Solo Trip (2012)

This trip served as my 2nd visit to the famous island of Mindanao Archipelago. Also, the main reason why I came back is because of my 6th Full Marathon Solo Joiner Adventure.

Siargao Island is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte, northeastern Mindanao. It is well known as "the surfing capital of the Philippines" with a reputation among surfers within the Philippines and the International scene. Several coral reefs, offshore islands, and sand bars are also found. It contains the largest mangrove forest reserves in Mindanao, at Del Carmen town. Siargao is a beautiful island with nice beaches and clear blue waters. It`s one of the most popular destinations for filipinos and foreigner tourist. The island is well known for its surf spots, especially Cloud 9 where there`s a big international surf contest every year, but besides that, you can kite surf, in a particular period of the year like December to March, or wakeboarding , island hopping, and many other activities. Siargao is known also for its party atmosphere, friendly people, good music even if it has expensive restaurants and accommodations.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Siargao

8 Days Budget DIY Solo Trip in Revisiting Siargao (Marathon, Chill Walk)

See the Mindanao Tourist Destinations (visited all 28 Provinces)

Mabuhay tayong mga Filipinong Manlalakbay para sa Turismo ng Pilipinas! ^_^

I have visited all 28 provinces in the Mindanao region on my quest to sight-see and recognize entire 82 provinces of the Philippines' nature and man-made wonders. Mindanao is the second largest island in the Philippines and is called The Land of Promise. Mindanao is the only area of the Philippines with a significant Muslim presence.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT MINDANAO

1. Mindanao is Philippines second largest island.

2. Mindanao is comprised of 28 provinces and six regions.

3. Mindanao is home to 3 sultanates: Maguindanao, Maranao and Sulu.

4. Philippines highest mountain, Mt. Apo (2,954masl), is located in Mindanao.

5. Among the 3 main islands, Mindanao is regarded as having the warmest temperature at 29'C average

See the Mindanao Tourist Destinations (visited all 28 Provinces)

MINDANAO ARCHIPELAGO
Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)	SOCCSKSARGEN (Region XII)
55. Zamboanga del Norte	68. Cotabato
56. Zamboanga del Sur	69. Sarangani
57. Zamboanga Sibugay	70. South Cotabato
	71. Sultan Kudarat
Northern Mindanao (Region X)
58. Bukidnon	CARAGA (Region XIII)
59. Camiguin	72. Agusan del Norte
60. Lanao del Norte	73. Agusan del Sur
61. Misamis Occidental	74. Dinagat Islands
62. Misamis Oriental	75. Surigao del Norte
	76. Surigao del Sur
Davao Peninsula (Region XI)
63. Davao de Oro	Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
64. Davao del Norte	77. Basilan
65. Davao del Sur	78. Lanao del Sur
66. Davao Occidental	79. Maguindanao del Norte / 80. Mg. del Sur
67. Davao Oriental	81. Sulu
	82. Tawi-Tawi

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Zamboanga City (revisited)

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi - Sulu - Zamboanga City)

April 20 to 26, 2022

1 Day Budget Solo Trip in Jolo, Sulu

Visiting Southwestern Mindanao (Zamboanga City) (Nov. 2011)

Southernmost Philippines day 5: Zamboanga city revisited, back to Pasonanca park and Abong-abong Hill (I was here almost 12 years ago).

Southernmost Philippines day 6: Zamboanga city revisited, short visit in Caragasan Beach and Bird Sanctuary.

Southernmost Philippines day 7: Zamboanga city revisited, at the Paseo del Mar

Zamboanga City - stayed in Kamfai Backpacker Hostel (with wifi, private toilet, a/c room PHP 600, I think the cheapest a/c room I had as backpacker). I initially visited this city almost 12 years ago, went back to Pasonanca park and Abong-abong Hill for drone videos. City stroll and food trip in Paseo del Mar. Sta. Cruz Island requires online booking, roundtrip boat fare PHP 1,000, walk-in / solo joiners not allowed. 

Day 05: April 24, 2022 Sunday

0700H ETA Zamboanga City; walk to hostel

KimFai Backpacker Hostel 2N 1,200 / Jollibee lunch 180; jeep to Pasonanca 9

1400H Pasonanca park; jeep to Abong-abong 20 / Abong-abong Hill; snacks 28

1600H ETD Abong-abong; walk back to main road

1645H ETD Pasonanca; jeep 10; dinner 140

Total: PHP 1,587

Day 06: April 25, 2022 Monday  

Breakfast 40; jeep to Recodo 40

1130H Caragasan Beach; lunch 92; jeep back 25

1630H Bird sanctuary; dinner 225

Total: PHP 422

Day 07: April 26, 2022 Tuesday

Breakfast 40; lunch 113

1200H Hostel check-out; jeep to airport 10 

1615H ETD Zamboanga; flight 5J 860

1755H ETA Manila; ​public transport to Home ​40​

Total: PHP ​203​

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Zamboanga City (revisited)

1 Day (over night) Budget Solo Trip in Jolo, Sulu

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi - Sulu - Zamboanga City)

April 20 to 26, 2022

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Bongao, Tawi-tawi

Southernmost Philippines day 4: My 79th Province, Sulu. Solo stroll in the capital. Local transport and hitchhike to Mang Sali's fine white sand beach

Southernmost Philippines day 4: Ten hours ferry ride at night from Jolo, Sulu to Zamboanga city for PHP 610 fare (economy bunk bed)

Sulu - stayed inside Military Camp (Sulu Peacekeepers Inn (no wifi, a/c room PHP 950). I stroll in Jolo and Parang. Again, I stayed short because of very weak data signal. I visited Maubu beach, Central Mosque and Provincial Capitol in Jolo and Mang Sali's beach resort in Parang (fine powdery white sand like in Boracay, walk-in entrance PHP10). Fare to Parang is PHP 100, terminal near the Central Mosque and market.

Day 03: April 22, 2022 Friday

1730H ETA Jolo; tricycle to hotel 20 / Sulu Peacekeepers Inn 1N 950; dinner 85

Total: PHP 2,615

Day 04: April 23, 2022 Saturday 

Breakfast 95; walk to Maubu beach; tricycle 50

1030H ETD Jolo; van to Parang 150

1115H ETA Mang Sali white beach

1200H ETD Mang Sali; hitchhike

1300H ETA Jolo; hotel checkout; lunch/snacks 260

2000H ETD Jolo port; economy bunk bed 610

Total: PHP 1,165

1 Day Budget Solo Trip in Jolo, Sulu

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Bongao, Tawi-tawi

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi - Sulu - Zamboanga City)

April 20 to 26, 2022

Tawi-tawi - Sulu - Zamboanga City 7-Days Full Itinerary

Southernmost Philippines day 1: On the top of the southernmostSouthernmost Philippines day 1: On the top of the southernmost peak of the Philippines, Bud Bongao 342masl 

Southernmost Philippines day 2: My 78th Province, Tawi-tawi. Morning chill walk in Bihing Tahik White Beach Resort 

Southernmost Philippines day 3: Nine hours boat ride from Bongao, Tawi-tawi to Jolo, Sulu for PHP 1,500 fare

Tawi-tawi - stayed near the market / boat pier (Rachel's Place Hotel, no wifi, a/c room PHP 1,350). I stroll only around Bongao island due to I can't stay longer because of weak data signal. I hiked the Bud Bongao, 342masl (southernmost peak of the Philippines and Tawi-tawi's highest mountain) and visited the Bihing Tahik beach resort (fine white sand, walk-in entrance PHP100). Tricycle fare between PHP 40 to 80.

Day 01: April 20, 2022 Wednesday

1200H ETD Home; Grab Car to Airport 850

0100H ETA NAIA Terminal 3; check-in; snacks 160

0400H ETD Manila; flight 5J 861

0550H ETA Zamboanga; 4 hrs transit; breakfast 60

1000H ETD Zamboanga; flight 5J 839

1100H ETA Tawi-tawi; tricycle to hotel 70

Rachel's Place Hotel 2N 2,700 (deposit 500) / Tricycle to Bud Bongao; snacks 65

1245H ETA Bud Bongao; registration fee 20

1330H Bud Bongao 342masl; drone shots

1500H ETD Bud Bongao; tricycle 50; dinner 130

Total: PHP 4,105

Day 02: April 21, 2022 Thursday 

0800H Breakfast 50; tricycle to Bihing Tahik 50 / Bihing Tahik entrance 100

1400H ETD Bihing Tahik; tricycle 40; lunch 220

Total: PHP 460

Day 03: April 22, 2022 Friday

0700H Hotel check-out (deposit 500); breakfast 60

0830H ETD Bongao; boat 1,500

3 Days Budget Solo Trip in Bongao, Tawi-tawi

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines

Last Two Provinces to Complete the 27 Mindanao Provinces (I traveled alone WITH NO LOCAL/POLICE ESCORT)

April 20 to 26, 2022

My 101st solo backpacking trip and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself (DIY) itinerary from arrival to departure. Also, Tawi-tawi and Sulu served as my 78th and 79th province respectively on my quest to conquer the 81 provinces of the Philippines.

The new normal of traveling is inevitable. Pandemic doesn't stop me of my dream and excitement to visit places I've never been. Coming from a 7 months solo trip in American Continent from Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021, this itchy feet strikes again. This trip is also considered as my Pandemic Adventure Series following the (1) Earth Circumnavigation Jan. 2020, (2) Abu Dhabi Folding Bike Cycling Apr. 2020, (3) Caribbean and Europe Oct. 2020, (4) American Continent Jan. 2021, (5) Mindanao Nov. 2021, (6) Visayas to Luzon RORO Trips Feb. 2022 and (7) Mindoro Island Mar. 2022.

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), is an autonomous region located in the southern Philippines which composed of 5 provinces; Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-tawi.

7 Days. 2 Additional Provinces. THANK YOU VERY MUCH TAWI-TAWI AND SULU. 

Visited all 27 Mindanao Provinces and 79 of 81 total Philippine Provinces.

#philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #solotravel #solobackpacker #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #livealifeyouwillremember 

​7 Days Budget Solo Trip in Southernmost Philippines (Tawi-tawi)

Malagandis Falls and Magdaup Beaches in Zamboanga Sibugay

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Short Visit in Davao Occidental and Lanao del Sur

Mindanao Day 10: My 70th Province, Zamboanga Sibugay. Habal habal joyride to Malagandis Falls #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #waterfalls #daytrip 

How to Go: From Ipil (Zamboanga Sibugay) Rotunda gasoline station, ride jeep going to Titay, 15 minutes travel for PHP 40 fare. Then ride habal habal, PHP 200 for return going straight to Malagandis Falls. Habal habal travel time is around 30 minutes. Entrance fee to the Falls costs PHP 10.

Day 10: November 18, 2021 Thursday (Zamboanga Sibugay; my 70th province)

0700H Jollibee breakfast 125; jeep to Titay 40

0800H ETA Titay; habal2 to Malagandis Falls 200 / Malagandis Falls 20

0930H ETD Titay; jeep to Ipil 40; snacks 28 / Hotel rest; snacks 35

1430H tricycle to Magdaup 30 / Magdaup beaches (Anduhol, Katipunan)

1600H Tricycle to Ipil Market 30; dinner 60

Total: PHP 608

Malagandis Falls and Magdaup Beaches in Zamboanga Sibugay

Short Visit in Davao Occidental and Lanao del Sur

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Asik-asik Falls Day Trip in Cotabato (Northern)

Mindanao Day 05: My 65th Province, Davao Occidental. Very short visit due to 10% booking capacity of beach resort and no movement policy on Sunday

Mindanao Day 08: My 69th Province, Lanao del Sur. Short visit due to no hotel around the city, failed to visit Ground Zero due to traffic (rained hard also) #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #lake #daytrip 

Day 05: November 13, 2021 Saturday (Davao Occidental; my 65th province)

0630H ETD Hostel; jeep to Ecoland 10; breakfast 70

0700H ETD Ecoland; bus to Sta. Maria 202

0930H ETA Sta. Maria (advance booking required) / Davao Occidental no movement policy on Sunday

0945H ETD Sta. Maria; van to highway 50

1030H ETD Highway; bus to GenSan 165 

Day 08: November 16, 2021 Tuesday (Lanao del Sur; my 69th province)

0800H Hotel check-out; Jollibee breakfast 125

0830H ETD Cotabato city; van to Marawi 700

1200H Stop-over lunch 95

1400H ETA Marawi; look for hotel / No hotel in area. Ground Zero heavy traffic (rained hard).

1530H ETD Marawi; van to Cagayan de Oro 500

Short Visit in Davao Occidental and Lanao del Sur

Asik-asik Falls Day Trip in Cotabato (Northern)

13 Days Mindanao Pandemic Adventure Solo Backpacking Nov. 09 to 21, 2021

Great Mosques Afternoon Trip in Maguindanao

Mindanao Day 07: My 68th Province, Cotabato (Northern). Habal habal joyride to Asik Asik Falls #philippines #pinasnaman #mindanao #pandemictravelling #pilipinas #lakbayPinas #waterfalls #daytrip 

How to Go: From Cotabato City Bus Terminal (earliest bus is 0630), ride Cagayan de Oro bound bus then drop off to Alamada (2 hours travel on PHP 140 fare). Then ride habal habal, PHP 500 for return going straight to Asik Asik Falls. Habal habal travel time is around 1 hour. Entrance fee to the Falls costs PHP 100.

Day 07: November 15, 2021 Monday (Cotabato; my 68th province)

0700H Jollibee breakfast 121

0830H ETD Cotabato; bus to Alamada 140

1030H ETA Alamada; habal habal to Asik Falls 500 / Asik Asik Falls 100; refreshments 75

1300H ETA Alamada; lunch 45

1345H ETD Alamada; bus to Cotabato city 140

1545H ETA Cotabato city; dinner 157 / Hotel Filipino

Total: PHP 1,278

Asik-asik Falls Day Trip in Cotabato (Northern)