🇻🇳 7 Days in Vietnam: A Complete Travel Guide from South to North (2025)

 

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring Vietnam — from the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the ancient charm of Hanoi and the magical Ha Long Bay — a 7-day trip from South to North is the perfect adventure.

I just wrapped up my week-long backpacking journey across this beautiful country, and it was a whirlwind of street food, motorbikes, history, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re planning your first Vietnam trip or updating your Vietnam itinerary for 2025, this blog has everything you need.

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🗺️ 7-Day Vietnam Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick look at my 7-day journey:

Day	Destination	Highlight
1	Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)	War Remnants Museum & Ben Thanh Market
2	Mekong Delta	River cruise & floating market
3	Da Nang	Beach vibes & Dragon Bridge
4	Hoi An	Lanterns & Old Town charm
5	Hue	Imperial City & ancient tombs
6	Hanoi	Old Quarter & street food tour
7	Ha Long Bay	Cruise through limestone islands

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🏙️ Day 1: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City

I started my trip in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) — Vietnam’s energetic commercial hub. The chaos of motorbikes, street vendors, and neon lights was both overwhelming and exciting.

📍 Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Visit the War Remnants Museum for a moving look at Vietnam’s history.

• Explore Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office.

• Shop at Ben Thanh Market for souvenirs and local eats.

• Try Vietnamese coffee (Cà phê sữa đá) and pho at street stalls.

🍜 Tip: Don’t miss the Bui Vien Walking Street at night for lively bars and backpacker energy!

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🚤 Day 2: Day Trip to the Mekong Delta

A 2-hour ride from Saigon brought me to the Mekong Delta, known for its lush waterways and floating markets.

🌿 What to expect:

• Cruise along the river and visit local villages.

• See how coconut candy and rice paper are made.

• Taste tropical fruits and listen to traditional Vietnamese music.

The peaceful vibe here was a great break from the busy city.

💡 Pro Tip: Book a Mekong Delta day tour online or through your hostel for around ₱1,500–₱2,000 ($25–$35).

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🌊 Day 3: Fly to Da Nang – Beaches and Bridges

A short flight brought me to Da Nang, a modern coastal city in Central Vietnam.

🏖️ Must-visit places in Da Nang:

• My Khe Beach – clean and perfect for sunrise walks.

• Marble Mountains – climb for panoramic views and temples in caves.

• Dragon Bridge – a fire-breathing bridge that lights up on weekends.

🍤 Food to try: Mi Quang (turmeric noodles with pork and shrimp).

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🏮 Day 4: The Magical Hoi An Ancient Town

Just 45 minutes from Da Nang, I reached Hoi An, my favorite stop of the trip. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its lantern-lit streets, riverside cafés, and tailor shops.

🌸 Top things to do in Hoi An:

• Wander the Old Town at night — it’s magical when the lanterns glow.

• Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge and Tan Ky House.

• Take a boat ride along the Thu Bon River at sunset.

• Get a custom-made outfit at one of the local tailors.

🥢 Don’t miss: Try Cao Lau, Hoi An’s signature noodle dish, and a glass of Vietnamese iced coffee by the river.

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🏯 Day 5: Hue – Vietnam’s Imperial City

Next stop: Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. This city is rich in history, culture, and royal architecture.

🏰 Things to do in Hue:

• Explore the Imperial Citadel (a UNESCO site).

• Visit the Thien Mu Pagoda and Emperor Tu Duc’s Tomb.

• Take a Perfume River cruise for a relaxing afternoon.

✨ Tip: Rent a motorbike or hire a driver to visit all the sites in one day.

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🏮 Day 6: Hanoi – The Heart of the North

Flying from Hue to Hanoi took just an hour. The capital of Vietnam has a different vibe — more traditional, artistic, and laid-back.

📍 Must-see places in Hanoi:

• Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple

• Hanoi Old Quarter – shop, eat, and get lost in its narrow alleys.

• Train Street – where trains pass inches from local cafés!

• Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and Temple of Literature

🍢 Must-try street foods:

• Pho Bo (beef noodle soup)

• Bun Cha (grilled pork noodles)

• Egg coffee (Hanoi’s specialty!)

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🛥️ Day 7: Ha Long Bay – The Grand Finale

For my final day, I joined a Ha Long Bay day cruise, about 3 hours from Hanoi. The view was surreal — emerald waters and towering limestone islands as far as the eye could see.

🗻 What to do in Ha Long Bay:

• Join a boat or overnight cruise (1-day or 2D1N).

• Go kayaking or explore limestone caves.

• Relax on deck and watch the sunset over the bay.

🌅 It was the perfect way to end my 7-day Vietnam adventure.

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💸 Vietnam Travel Budget (2025)

Category	Estimated Cost (₱)	Notes
Flights (domestic)	4,000–6,000	2 short flights (HCMC → Da Nang, Hue → Hanoi)
Accommodation	5,000–7,000	Budget hostels/guesthouses
Food	3,000	Street food & local restaurants
Transport	1,500	Taxis, buses, rentals
Tours (Mekong, Ha Long)	5,000	Including entrance fees
Total Budget:	₱15,000–₱20,000 ($250–$350)	Great for backpackers!

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🧭 Vietnam Travel Tips for First-Timers

• 📆 Best time to visit: November–April (dry season, cooler weather).

• 💵 Currency: Vietnamese Dong (₫); 1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND.

• 📱 Connectivity: Get a local SIM card for ₱300–₱500.

• 🛵 Transport: Use Grab for easy rides or rent a scooter.

• 🍜 Street food: Always eat where locals eat — it’s fresher and cheaper.

• 🧳 Visa: Many nationalities can apply for e-visa online before arrival.

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🌄 Final Thoughts

Traveling across Vietnam from South to North in just 7 days was an incredible journey — every city had its own story, flavor, and rhythm. From Saigon’s street energy to Hoi An’s lantern-lit beauty and Hanoi’s nostalgic charm, Vietnam is a country that stays with you long after you leave.

If you’re looking for a Vietnam itinerary for one week, this route is perfect — a little fast-paced, but filled with unforgettable moments. 🌏

🌲 My First Time in Baguio City: A Traveler’s Journal & Complete Guide (2025)

 

Known as the “Summer Capital of the Philippines,” Baguio City has always been on my travel bucket list — pine trees, cool weather, cozy cafés, and breathtaking mountain views. This year, I finally made it happen!

As a first-time traveler, I wanted to experience everything Baguio has to offer — from walking along Session Road to exploring hidden art spaces and trying local food. Whether you’re planning your first Baguio trip or looking for an updated Baguio travel guide, this journal will help you plan your own unforgettable mountain getaway.

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🏔️ Day 1: Arrival in the City of Pines

After a 5-hour bus ride from Manila via Victory Liner, I finally reached Baguio City. The crisp mountain air instantly felt refreshing — a welcome break from the lowland heat.

🚌 How to get there:

• From Manila: Take Victory Liner or Genesis JoyBus to Baguio (₱600–₱900 one-way).

• Travel time: 4–6 hours depending on traffic.

• Best time to arrive: Early morning for cooler weather and fewer crowds.

I checked into a cozy budget inn near Session Road, dropped my bag, and went straight to Burnham Park — the heart of the city. I rented a boat, had taho by the lake, and people-watched as locals biked and jogged around.

🌿 Highlight: Feeling the cool breeze while paddling across Burnham Lake — a classic Baguio moment.

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🌸 Day 2: Parks, Pines, and Panoramic Views

My second day was all about exploring Baguio’s iconic attractions.

📍 Top Baguio tourist spots to visit:

• Mines View Park – panoramic mountain views and souvenir shopping.

• The Mansion – the official summer residence of the Philippine President.

• Wright Park – known for its scenic horse-riding area and reflection pool.

• Botanical Garden – filled with pine trees, flowers, and local art stalls.

📸 Travel tip: Go early morning for fewer people and softer lighting for photos.

I ended the day with a cup of hot chocolate at Choco-late de Batirol, located inside Camp John Hay — a must-visit café surrounded by pine trees.

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☕ Day 3: Cafés, Art, and Hidden Gems

If you love art, coffee, and culture, Baguio won’t disappoint.

🎨 Morning:

• Head to BenCab Museum, a few minutes outside the city. It’s home to contemporary Filipino art and scenic mountain views.

• Stop by Tam-awan Village, a reconstructed Cordilleran village where you can see traditional huts and local art exhibits.

☕ Afternoon:

• Café-hop around Session Road or Camp John Hay.

  • Try Arca’s Yard for banana cake and mountain views.

  • Café by the Ruins for a rustic vibe and classic Baguio comfort food.

🌧️ Tip: Always bring a jacket or umbrella — Baguio’s weather can switch from sunny to misty in minutes.

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🛍️ Day 4: Souvenir Hunting and Local Markets

No trip to Baguio is complete without souvenir shopping!

🛍️ Best places to buy pasalubong:

• Good Shepherd Convent – famous for ube jam, strawberry jam, and peanut brittle.

• Baguio Night Market (Harrison Road) – thrift finds, street food, and local crafts.

• Session Road – cafés, bookstores, and art shops for unique finds.

🍓 I also dropped by La Trinidad Strawberry Farm (20 minutes away) to pick fresh strawberries — a must for every first-timer!

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🌄 Day 5: Chill Morning and Farewell Baguio

On my last day, I woke up early to enjoy sunrise at Mirador Hill, then had breakfast at Vizco’s Restaurant, famous for its strawberry shortcake.

Before heading back to Manila, I took one last stroll along Session Road, savoring the aroma of brewed coffee and fresh pine air. Leaving Baguio felt bittersweet — it’s one of those cities that makes you want to stay longer.

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💸 Baguio Budget Breakdown (2025 Update)

Category	Estimated Cost (₱)	Notes
Bus fare (round trip)	1,200	Victory Liner or JoyBus
Accommodation (4 nights)	2,000–3,000	Budget inn or hostel
Food	1,500	Local eateries and cafés
Transportation	300–500	Taxi or jeepney
Entrance fees & activities	400–600	Museums, parks, eco sites
Souvenirs	500–800	Pasalubong and thrift finds
Total Budget	₱5,900–₱7,000	Perfect for solo backpackers!

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🧭 Travel Tips for First-Time Baguio Visitors

• 🕰️ Best time to visit: November to May (cool and dry season).

• 🧥 What to wear: Light jackets, comfy shoes, and layers for cold nights.

• ☕ Try local coffee: Kape Umali, Arca’s Yard, Patch Café.

• 🚕 Getting around: Grab, taxis, or jeepneys are affordable and accessible.

• 📸 Instagram spots: Burnham Park boats, Mines View deck, BenCab Museum stairs, Mirador Hill viewpoint.

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🌲 Final Thoughts

My first Baguio trip was everything I imagined — peaceful mornings, breathtaking sceneries, and the perfect blend of culture and comfort. It’s a city that makes you slow down, breathe fresh pine air, and appreciate simple joys.

If you’re planning your first time in Baguio City, pack your jacket, bring your curiosity, and get ready to fall in love with the City of Pines — one breathtaking sunrise at a time. 🌄

Catanduanes: Travel in Style

How to Get there:

Ø  By Air

Ø  By Water

Playlist:

Ø  Visit Catanduanes Town Proper*

Ø  Side trip to the Bato Church*

Ø  San Andres

Where to Stay:

Ø  Catanduanes State University dorm

Ø  Twin Rock Beach Resort

Ø  Puraran Beach Resort

This is the second time I visited Catanduanes after leaving the company that led me here. Unlike the first time where I stayed in the university dorm, this time I’m traveling in class just because I have a foreigner friend to pick up the bills. This time, I will be housed in one of the best resorts in Catanduanes, The Twin Rock Resort, for 3 days and 2 nights.

I have a lot of fond moments here, specifically enjoying the first direct selling I’ve been into after graduating in college, like meeting and having good breakfast with the senator Kit Tatad in his hometown residence and achieving my sales quota which earned me a 3D2N trip to Boracay Island – my first! That’s atop my daily awe to the natural beauty and hospitality of Catanduanons. I’ve made a lot of friends here to whom I’ve learned to cook and eat Carabao innards as substitute to meat in barbecue and ox tripe in Kare-Kare.

My memories of Catanduanes’ port is still intact, even that of San Andres. Both ports have changed slightly from 2001, when I first set foot on the soils of the island to work. At least now, there are a number of establishments around the ports, including the spacious terminal and outpost. The number of jeepneys, tricycles, and vans have drastically increased, too which made the ride to our hotel a lot easier and faster. The highway and streets are also better these days, there are less scouring and all those things that make the ride to wherever you wanna go in the island bumpy and generally uncomfortable. But those wouldn’t even be a problem because we have arranged a ‘pickup’ from our hotel - traveling in class, you know *wink*.

The crews who picked us up were nice and polite, giving us some insights of the island and the hotel. They were also full of tact, providing us more information to their additional services, like arranged tours around the island, the city, and favorite tourist’s spots. The niceties continued throughout the ride and upon arrival in the hotel. It was the room assignment that spoiled our trip. Our room was supposed to be a suite – the top of its class – but the air conditioning was not working properly which made the room warmer than outside. Through our entire stay, we had to open the door and windows to let in sea breeze in our suite.

Our accommodation comes with breakfast, and the mezzanine was situated on a beautifully designed cottage in front of the ocean. It was really nice and the food was great. The food in the resort restaurant was kinda pricey but still reasonable enough given the status of a luxury beach resort. Besides, they serve in nice glass and silverware so who’s complaining? It was our lunch that has taken me aback a little. One of our orders were beef steak and while we appreciate the quality of appearance and quantity of the food serving, everything was buttery and lemony.

🏝️ 5-Day Ilocos Backpacking Itinerary: Ultimate Travel Guide to Ilocos Norte & Sur (2025)

 

If you’re craving a mix of heritage, adventure, beaches, and food, then backpacking in Ilocos should be at the top of your travel list. After spending 5 unforgettable days exploring Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, I can confidently say it’s one of the most diverse destinations in the Philippines — rich in culture, nature, and history.

This 5-day Ilocos itinerary covers everything from Vigan’s Spanish colonial charm to Pagudpud’s white sand beaches, Laoag’s sand dunes, and Paoay’s iconic landmarks.

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📍 Day 1: Arrival in Vigan – Heritage Walk and Local Eats

Start your Ilocos adventure in Vigan City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its cobblestone streets and ancestral houses.

• What to do:

  • Take a morning stroll along Calle Crisologo.

  • Visit Syquia Mansion and Crisologo Museum to learn about Ilocano history.

  • Try empanada, longganisa, and bagnet at Café Leona or Irene’s Vigan Empanada.

• Where to stay: Budget travelers can check out Cordillera Inn or Casa Teofila Lodge — both affordable and near the town center.

🕯️ Tip: Catch the dancing fountain show at Plaza Salcedo at night!

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🌊 Day 2: Laoag City Tour – Culture and Adventure

Travel north to Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte (2 hours from Vigan).

• Top attractions:

  • St. William’s Cathedral and the Sinking Bell Tower

  • La Paz Sand Dunes for a thrilling 4x4 ride and sandboarding

  • Museo Ilocos Norte for local crafts and history

• Where to eat: Try Saramsam Ylocano Restaurant for authentic Ilocano cuisine.

💡 Pro Tip: Time your sand dunes adventure at sunset for the best photos!

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🏯 Day 3: Paoay and Batac – Heritage and History

Day 3 is all about Ilocano heritage and national history.

• Must-see spots:

  • Paoay Church (San Agustin Church) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Malacañang of the North – former presidential residence turned museum

  • Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac

  • Paoay Lake – perfect for a quiet afternoon walk

• Food to try: Pinakbet pizza and bagnet pasta at Herencia Café, right across Paoay Church.

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🌅 Day 4: Pagudpud – The Northern Paradise

Welcome to Pagudpud, the “Boracay of the North.” Expect turquoise waters, scenic coastal views, and relaxing beach vibes.

• Top places to visit:

  • Saud Beach – ideal for swimming and sunsets

  • Blue Lagoon – famous for its powdery white sand

  • Bantay Abot Cave, Timmangtang Rock, and Kabigan Falls

  • Patapat Viaduct – the iconic coastal bridge connecting Ilocos to Cagayan

• Where to stay: Budget options include Casa Consuelo and Kingfisher Resort (great for surfers).

🏄 Don’t miss: Try the zipline over Blue Lagoon for an epic view!

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🌅 Day 5: Cape Bojeador & Windmills – Farewell Ilocos

Before heading home, explore Bangui and Burgos — the wind power capital of the Philippines.

• Attractions:

  • Bangui Windmills – rows of majestic turbines by the sea

  • Cape Bojeador Lighthouse – historic Spanish lighthouse with panoramic views

  • Kapurpurawan Rock Formation – a natural white limestone wonder

• Snap your last photos here — it’s the perfect ending to your Ilocos backpacking adventure.

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🧭 Travel Tips for Backpacking Ilocos

• 🚌 Getting there: Take a bus from Manila to Vigan or Laoag (8–10 hours).

• 💸 Budget: ₱6,000–₱9,000 for 5 days (food, transport, and accommodation).

• 📱 Connectivity: Most areas have good mobile signal and Wi-Fi.

• 🧳 Best time to visit: November to May for sunny weather.

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✨ Final Thoughts

Backpacking through Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur is an adventure that perfectly blends culture, history, and nature. Whether you’re walking through Vigan’s old streets, racing across Laoag’s sand dunes, or chilling at Pagudpud’s beaches, Ilocos truly delivers a full travel experience.

If you’re planning your next Philippine backpacking trip, this Ilocos travel itinerary should be on your bucket list.

Rodeo Masbate Has To Wait Another Year

Today is supposed to be a wonderful day out in the sea for me. I am scheduled to visit Masbate once more after, what, two decades? That last time was a sad memory, attending a wake of a very close friend and godmother in confession. This time was all fun supposedly, visiting in time for the festive Masbateno Rodeo, but this pandemic that we are all experiencing has stripped not only me but everyone around the world the freedom to roam around. Now, I'm sitting in front of my computer and trying to compose a blog post.

So, what is this festival all about and why am I so bummed for not being able to attend. Well, this Rodeo is a yearly festivity in the province of Masbate. I can go anytime, alright, but the proximity of the island has always become a hindrance.

There is a lot to see in this year's Rodeo, being a month-long celebration. I was hoping to see colorful bands in competition on top of the much-awaited bull and cowboy duels. I love bands. I love horses. I'm not much of a fan of bulls, though. They scare me at times, which is probably the reason I don't fancy wearing anything red. Rumors have it that bulls are into red anything, so I keep my distance from that.

I also envisioned balloons, different colors and sizes -- including iconic and 3D ones. I hoped to see friendly faces, but the smiles of the locals would be more than enough. I wanted to meet people, immerse myself in the culture, and just live like the locals. Instead, I'm here at my writing nook and distancing myself from everyone. This COVID-19 is truly cruel.

I am so excited to live in a resort home, which I rented in advance for this special event. I am so into the thought of living the island feel that I can taste the salt on my lips and the sea breeze slapping my cheeks. I can't stop thinking about the delicious and fresh seafood that I should've been eating at this very time. Instead, I am staring at an empty dining table as I wait for the marble potatoes to get cooked. I'd probably make a corn soup to match it. How sad is that? Oh, COVID-19 you are so bad in all aspects.

Ok, so I'll park my notes here and go cook my food. The thought of seafoods set on the beach is making my tummy long for a hot meal right now.

Remembering the Best of Catanduanes

A friend of mine is so allured with Catanduanes Island and knowing that I have a bit of a knack for traveling, she asked if I knew of any attractions in it. I wished she could’ve been more specific but vague questions like that take me back to the years I had spent in the island – the days when everything seems as easy as the waves touching the old docks with that familiar ocean splash.

I did spend about a couple of years in Catanduanes somewhere from 2000 to 2001 when I joined a company called Health Network Incorporated. Our team was sent to the island to embark on the fresh ground for the marketing purposes of our reflexology machines to doctors and locals. There were four of us in the team, and we found a staff house just a few meters away from the Pacific Ocean on the left and equidistant to the right is the Catanduanes Town Market. There, a number of tricycles and jeeps can take you anywhere you wanna go on the island.

I can vividly remember the day I set my foot on the old pier of Catanduanes. It was lunchtime – because there are only two travel slots to choose from, one in the morning with ETA of lunchtime and one in the afternoon with ETA at early dinner time. Our first lunch was spent in one of the small stalls in the market, which is about 5 minutes ride from the pier. The food was yum, although most are cooked from carabao meat because that seems to be the island’s main meat source. Pork is rare and is usually imported from the ‘mainland’ which is the third district of Albay, hence its high cost.

Our work is to ‘zone’ our area, thereby allowing us to go from one place to the other. Young and energetic that we all are, we would always inject a side trip to some discovery-worthy places as recommended by the locals whom we get in contact with. Our very first few trips were spent in the city proper, learning where the important go-to places on the island which are almost city-centric. Catanduanes has a charming beauty with the combination of abundant nature and rich funds as exhibited by the huge government and church edifices. Everything seems to be huge in here but the malls which remain to be a one-floor type of establishments.

There are also important establishments we have visited like the Catanduanes Fortune, Catanduanes Hemp, Catanduanes Inn, and the Catanduanes Chicken House which transforms into the only disco house in the island at night. These are establishments are the longest in the trade and are owned by the richest locals on the island.

In our daily routes, we have seen the Maribina Falls, the Luyang Cave, the pinkish sand of Armenia Beach, and the Bato Church. Of course, we wouldn’t forget about the black sand on the shores of the town where we spent our breaks and weekends – swimming, playing, bickering, and/or shell picking.

At the time, there are just a few accommodations in the island. Among the most popular to salespeople are Marems, Catanduanes Inn, and Twin Rock.

There are no food chains in the island but there are few local food stops like the Chicken House.

Over the course of our stay in Catanduanes, I fell in love with its beauty and can say that it is a home far away from home.

Bacolod, Ilo-Ilo, Guimaras Guide for First Time Guests: An Itinerary

Bacolod City is one famous metropolitan in the South of the country because of its colorful festival, the Masskara. This festival showcases the different colors and creativity of the locals, it also shows the genuine smiles that the locals always have for guests and tourists. To date, it is among the festivities that are well embraced by national visitors as well as tourists. In October, the city is one very busy place due to this festivity and the high traffic of tourists from all around the world. Wanting not to be a tourist in my own country, I have also dreamed to visit the city one day and that dream was realized not once but twice.

My first Bacolod trip was in 2011 with the same travel buddies I had years ago and the second was in 2014 with a long lost friend whom I rekindled friendship with. The first time was a backpacking tour from the city to Ilo-ilo city where we jumped off to the secluded but wonderful Guimaras. It was in January which was wrong timing because the festivals of Sinulog and Dinagyang were happening in nearby cities, Cebu and IloIlo respectively. The second one was an exclusive vacation in Bacolod city just in time for the MassKara Festival. This travel story is the recollection of the first travel with family

We enjoyed our first travel that we hope to continue doing it, this time in the nearby Negros cities Bacolod and Ilo-Ilo. This travel is just like the first one, a five-day tour to the attractions of Negros with days 1 and 2 in Bacolod, 3 and 4 in Guimaras with sides in Ilo-Ilo, and fifth back in Bacolod.

Day 1

Our first day of the trip was spent worrying and waiting for our other travel buddies from Legazpi city in Silay-Bacolod International Airport. This was due to a bad weather that has caused cancelled schedules in the city. Eventually, the weather cleared and they were flown an hour late from the original schedule to the city of smiles where we await. Once the plane was there, we moved to the arrival area and greeted them both with happiness for seeing them once again and in excitement for another week of endless fun and learning.

Soon, we are out of the airport and to the vehicle with our tour guide. The road to the city is almost an hour travel from the international airport. The road trip was filled with history talks, views of long sugar cane plantations on both our left and right, and clean jokes. Our guide took us to our hotel first because our other companions were so tired. As soon as we checked in, we decided to cancel the tour for that day since we only have two hours to burn and instead ordered some dinner and rest. Around eight in the evening, when everyone has recharged from the long trips, we decided to start touring the city proper on our own – at least those nearby. We went down and started walking towards the capitol and park but too bad, the lighting was poor in those areas – I’m not sure if it was always like that there or there was current interruption on that spot of the city. Dismayed, we head back to the hotel, watched TV and planned for next day.

Day 2

Our day 2 was a rather early day because of the downtime we had the other day. We immediately head down the boulevard to enjoy a stroll to the highlights of the city. We stroll by San Sebastian Cathedral, the St LaSalle University, Bacolod Public Plaza, Capitol Park & Lagoon, Activity Center, Panaad Park & Stadium, and museums. The long walks were tiring but the food in the city is healing – we headed down to the famous Manokan Country to enjoy a sumptuous lunch of local flavors of poultry and seafood, and we were not disappointed! Everything was fresh, tasty, and best of all inexpensive! Nearby is the SM Bacolod city, which we explored before going to the terminal to buy ourselves tickets to Ilo-Ilo the following day.

Believing that we had our fill of the attractions in the city, we packed early for next day’s adventure. The next day, we woke up early to get a glimpse of the sunrise in the city park and then proceed to the mall to grab a quick bite and buy some food and necessities. Then we went to the terminal and waited for our cruise. This one is a shorter ride compared to our Cebu to Bohol Ro-Ro trip but not short of sceneries. Once we reach the port of Ilo-Ilo, we walked around the park and into some mango market of sort and Bachoy stalls. We found a nice and old house along the way to the Parola Port where we have to take another short boat ride to Guimaras.

In 15 minutes, we reached our destination. We alight the boat and walked to the nearby tourism station to register and get a few pointers while in the area. We have arranged a boat ride that will take us to our resort of choice, Baras Beach Resort, but we didn’t knew that the land travel to that other port will take hours as well. And so we hire a trike to tour us around the place. We stopped frequently to take photos, watch the vast mango plantations across the land, and to buy souvenirs. We were able to snap some photos of the Capitol building, the Convent, and Siete Picados or the 7 islets off the north of the island.

We arrived at the pier with our eyes full of memories and our hearts singing in happiness. The boat waiting for us was alone at the dock and there were nothing on the parking lot. Other times, we would have been scared but we weren’t even close to that because we were so excited. The boat ride was a bit long but eventually, we arrived to a secluded beach resort where a number of cottages punctuated the hilly surroundings. We reached the shore where a huge 2 storey home was and we were greeted with happy faces and delicious iced teas. They gave us instructions and assigned us to the cottage at the other side of the resort. There were no electric resources in the resort but generators, which will be cut by 10 in the evening.

As soon as we are settled in the cottage, we went down to the beach and tried the warm water. There were kayaks idling at the side of the resort so I boarded one and paddled to a nearby shore, which at our point looks white as white can get. It was indeed white sand beach on that side of the island but it was barren. I saw a man who was probably taking woods from the island but he was so shy to come up and say hi instead retreated into the mountains. There was an eerie feel in the beach and the mountains behind that compeled me to go back to my kayak and paddle back to the resort as fast as I can. When I reached the resort though, my travel companions would like to try and go to that island though so I paddled back with my friends this time.

There, we frolic the white sand and enjoyed the sight. We swam and waved at small fishermen’s boats passing by. When the sun was about to set, we paddled back to the resort, stopped by the resort’s mezzanine to order dinner and went back up to our cottage. After taking a bath and changing our clothes, we went down to the main guesthouse for dinner. The caretakers were so nice to set up a dinner by the sea with the stars and moon shining from up above. They also placed a few tall torches around our dining area to ensure that we have enough lights for ourselves.

On the other side was another table for two. There were two other guests in the resort, both white male and foreigners. They weren’t friendly so we just minded our own businesses. The food was glorious. For P150 each, we had our fill of seafood, pork, chicken, and vegetable that we started thinking how the business can manage to survive the operation expenses versus the low volume of guests that are coming in. Well, maybe, in summer, there are more people who are staying in the resort and perk up the profit.

We frolic the beach some more before we retired to our cottages where we await the 10 pm mark to shut down the electricity.

Day 3

Surprisingly, we didn’t miss the electricity overnight and even when we woke up the next day. The breeze was our centralized air conditioning and the sounds that nocturnal animals have lulled us in deep sleep. The next day, we asked for hot water and tried some of the delicacies that we had bought along the way to the island. The sun was well up when we got up so we missed the sun rise in this side of the country. The beach was calm though and it looked inviting. After our breakfast, we got down to the beach and started swimming, kayaking, and everything that anyone would do in the water. Then a fisherman boat came by, bringing live seafood. Since there are only a few of us in the resort, the owner and caretaker didn’t buy everything. I would have bought all those if I were staying longer or if I had an ice chest.

The day went on fast and a little over lunch, we started our journey back to Guimaras mainland. The boat ride was fun and as the day before, we docked at an almost barren port. The guide and trike that we had rented the other day was there already, waiting for us. We said our goodbyes, gave the boatman his bonus and board the trike for what seemed an eternity of road trip across Guimaras. We stopped a couple of times once again for the delicacies we are going to take back home and souvenirs. After that, we went directly for the port that will take us to the mainland of Ilo-Ilo.

After a 15-minute boat ride, we are back in Ilo-Ilo. Once again, we braved the long walk to the port that where we will board the SuperCat that will take us back to Bacolod. Not stopping to get something to eat, we had our late lunch enroute to Bacolod. We reached Bacolod before sundown and we head directly to the Manokan Country to grab a bite. We had what locals would always have, skewed chicken with smokey and local flavors, beef stew, and seafood. When we were full, we dropped by the mall that was just in front of the food strip and shopped for souvenirs and provisions. Then head back to the hotel to check in.

The remaining hours we had for that day was spent bumming around the busy street of Lacson and looking for recommended attractions and local food strips. We missed the Ruins for the Negrense Museum and all the old houses that can be found within the CBD. After lunch, we left for the airport and waited some more for the plane that would fly us over to Manila – which came in late so we had to burn more hours waiting in the airport. We could’ve gone somewhere nice if they had told us that the plane would be delayed for more than three hours. Oh well, the perks of sale fares. J

How to Get There

Ø  By Land-Sea-Land via Ro-Ro

Ø  By air via Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines or Air Asia

Cost of the entire trip

P3,000 excluding the airfares and transpo from our place to the Airport