backpacker

DJI_0054 (1).jpg — Siargao Island

August 15 - 18, 2019

Siargao Island

September 25, 2019

Many stories from friends, tourists and travelers I heard, overheard about Siargao, “Oh I love Siargao”, “I’ll definitely go back”, “Nice Surfing out there” lots of good and exciting stories that will compel you to go.

I’m a beach guy, being born and raised near the ocean and surrounded by surfers friends in my hometown, I grew up hearing this place. I always wonder how Siargao Island look like, what to do there, and how’s the people. These questions go on and on for quite a long time over my mind that’s why this island made it to my travel bucket lists.

Then I made it! Look what I, my cousin Jerome and friend Ruben discovered during our short trip in Siargao. I fell in love, surprised and wanted to go back.

*Special thanks to Hon. Mayor K. A for hosting us. Cheers!

Here is my Itinerary for 4 Days in Siargao Island, Philippines

Day 1 : Ronaldos’s Inn & Restaurant, Bravo Beach Resort, Isla Mercato, Nomad Bar & Grill, Boyum’s, La Santa, Baile Restobar

Day 2 : Sea Of Coconuts, Rope Swing, Akeiko’s Locale Bar & Grill, Pacifico Palms Resort, Magpupungko Rock Pools, Cloud 9, Boyum’s.

Day 3 : Sohoton Cove National Park, White Beard Coffee, Boyum’s, Trattoria Altrov’é, RumBar

**Day 1:**
> Arrived into **Del Carmen Airport**.
> Stay at **Ronaldo’s Inn & Restaurant**.
> Walk along the seashore to feel the breeze, smell the aromatic sea air while immersing your tired feet into warm salty water. You deserve it!
> Light snack at **Bravo Beach Resort**. Enjoy tapas, tacos and breads.
> Walk along the strip at tourism road. Check out some shops, bars and restaurants.
> Dinner at **Isla Mercato**. I ordered BBQ’s at Raffy’s Grill. Drink local cold beers and play beer pongs.
> Walk to **Nomads Bar and Grill** (affordable drinks) and **Boyum’s** to enjoy live acoustic music and drinks.
> Party at **La Santa** **Surf Shop & Bar** (lots Europeans). The bar is quite small and busy so you have to wait for awhile to get your drinks. To be honest, I did not enjoy the vibe there. But you have to go. Maybe you going to like it there.
> Party at **Baile Restobar** (mixed of locals, tourists and travelers). Party until you drop. I am very surprised about the nightlife.
We partied on Thursday night and every bar is busy along tourism road then the next three days its really quite even friday and saturday night!

**Day 2:**
> Breakfast at **Ronaldo’s Inn & Restaurant**. I ordered Beef Tapa with brewed coffee while waiting for our pick up.
> Make a quick stop at **Sea of Coconut** viewpoint. Watch the coconut palms and trees dances along the wind. There are local vendors that sells bamboo straws, buy one if you can. I think its better to get it from here compared to the souvenir shops.
> Do the Rope Swing. You can choose to do the canoe ride along the river too. *(Be careful on your landing on the rope swing, my friend cut his heel and we ended up in the hospital for 2 hours because the wound is bleeding so much.)*
> Lunch at **Akeiko’s Locale Bar & Grill**. Enjoy and drown yourself with Filipino food.
> Chill at **Pacifico Palms Resort.** Take a nap on their hammocks and enjoy the view. Surely the sea air will knock you out to sleep here.
> Enjoy the tidal pools at Magpupungko Rock Pools. Make sure you know the tide schedule to enjoy it longer.
> Surf at **Cloud9.** Don’t miss this! (depends on the wave, weather and your skill level). Board rental and instructor costs around 500 PHP.
> Dinner at Ronaldo’s Inn & Restaurant. Order their BBQ’s! Chill and drink at **Boyum’s** until you drop.

DJI_0058 (1).jpg — **Day 3:**
> Breakfast at **Ronaldo’s Inn & Restaurant**. Tried their Silog’s.
> Explore the local market. Buy fresh fish, meat, rice and fruits.You need it for your the lunch in Sohoton Cove. Buy some snacks too as it is a 4Hr boat ride back and forth.
> Get on the boat from General Luna pier to Sohoton Cove National Park. This tour was arranged by someone for us, so we did not paid anything. I saw the fare chart at the pier and it costs around 5,000PHP for six persons.
> Arrived at Sohoton Cove National Park. The boat stops at **Titikan Lagoon.** There is an entrance fee.
> Jump on to the small orange boat then wander and enjoy the **Jellyfish Sanctuary**.
> Take the free helmet for safety and board to one of the private pump boat. The boat will take you to **Hagukan Cave** and **Magkukuob Cave**. Enjoy the ride and beautiful limestone rocks.
> Swim and dive under the rock ledge to enter **Hagukan Cave**.This luminescent dark cave will amaze you. Start splashing the water and see how it glows.
> Stop at **Magkukuob Cave**. Climb up into a dark cave about 5 meters and throw your self from the cliff. Put up some show and your flexibility skills but don’t injured yourself!
> Lunch at **Titikan Lagoon**. Fill your hungry stomach. We ate grilled fish, chicken adobo, rice and mixed fruits (mango, banana & pineapple) for dessert. Take your drone and fly it around.
> Leave Sohoton Cove National Park and stop at Naked Island. No one is naked there. It’s just plain white sand. Swim and relax. Time to absorb everything happened during the day. Don’t leave trash!
> Arrived at General Luna pier. Walk to **White Beard Coffee**. This place serves one of the tastiest cinnamon roll (as in promise) and the best coffee too! the owner is a former barista of Google Singapore. So he is not playing on his coffee. He roast and made signature coffee blends. Visit this coffee shop, I really recommend it!
> Take a shower and do a quick nap. Chill at Boyum’s for live musics get some beers to kick-off the night.
> Dinner at **Trattoria Altrov’é**. You have to leave your slippers to enter the dining areas. Tasty Italian recipe with local twists. We ate pizza, pasta, lasagna etc. (there are some mosquito so put some insect repellent).
> Get on to the tricycle. We let our guide bring us to anywhere. We stopped on one bar and we saw big crowds of local people, tourists and travelers. There’s a live DJ and everyone is having a good time. So if you want to party in Siargao, ask the local they knows best. After a long night of drinking and dancing, we move out and ate some fishball and Kikiam along the street. Lots of food carts waiting outside of the that bar.
> Visit **RumBar** and continue drinking until the closing time.
> Sleep if you can!

**Day 4:**
> Breakfast at **Ronaldo’s Inn & Restaurant**.
> Shop along tourism road.
> Try the vegan ice cream at **Buonana.**
> Leave General Luna to Del Carmen Airport. Fly out to Cebu then Singapore.

Himmafushi, Maldives

July 08, 2019

I imagined Maldives to be super expensive to travel. Well it is! looking for the resort prices on the booking sites? yes, It might discourage you to visit, but there are inexpensive ways to enjoy these incredible group of islands, experience its white sandy beaches and pristine turquoise sea water. You just need to be open and go with the flow like a Maldivian local.

Big thanks to my friends for inviting me for this memorable surf trip, a total opposite of my solo lonely travels (well I love my trips). This trip has been an amazing one. Relaxing, Calm and full of life and time hanging out with beautiful surfer souls. I’m really stoked!

Here is my Itinerary for 5 Days in Himmafushi, Maldives

Days 1 - 2: Male (1 Night)

Days 2 - 4: Himmafushi (3 Nights)

Days 4 - 5: Paradise Islands Resort Maldives, fly out to Singapore (1 Day)

Male

**Day 1:**
> Arrived into Ibrahim Nasir Airport. Took the ferry from Hulhule ferry terminal (airport terminal) to Hulhumale terminal - Male. *(costs 1USD)*. There is a bus too.
> Stay at **Novina Hotel**. Male is a small city, I walked from Hulhumale ferry terminal to this hotel.
*TIP: call the hotel hotline instead of making a reservation online. It can save you some dollars.*
> Visit the museums and go around town. I hang around the shops and restaurants nearby the Novina Hotel as it is centrally located. Make sure to have a local currency and USD if you want to do some shopping. There are no shopping malls.
**Day 2:**
**> Meet my surf buddies** at Hulhumale ferry terminal. I arrived one day earlier than them. Rented a mini elf to Villingili Ferry Terminal to transfer the Surfboards (costs 10USD). Bought a 2:30pm ticket to Himmafushi (costs 3USD) travel time is approximately 1.50hrs.
***TIP:*** *There is a speedboat from Male to Himmafushi that runs 8am and 6pm only at Jetty number 6* and it is 1min walk from Hulhumale ferry terminal. I just found out when we arrived at Himmafushi. If you are on the rush you can take that speedboat. Travel time is approx. 30min and cost 15USD. You can also arrange a pickup from your hotel at Himmafushi if you already booked ahead.
> Arrived at Himmafushi and stayed at **Jailbreak Surf Inn.** This inn is very affordable and offers all inclusive accommodation plus one free speedboat transfers to the surf breaks everyday.
**> Afternoon Surf at Jailbreak.** Be careful on the exposed reef and follow local instructions on entry and exit points.
*TIP: Be modest on what you are wearing especially on women the country is Muslim.*
**> Dinner. Chit Chat. Walk Around the Island and Sleep** (Alcohol is prohibited. It is banned for local population so you cannot but it in stores.) Get some ice cream instead.
*TIP: “If there’s a will theres a way”* *- but be careful.*
> Arrange the breakfast and speedboat transport to the surf breaks for the next day. There are two surf breaks The Sultans and Jailbreak. They usually visits two then up to you to decide where to surf.

Himmafushi

**Day 3 & 4:**
**> Take a heavy Breakfast.** It’s a surfing session anyway. Prepare your surfboards and gears. Make sure to wax your boards and put your sunscreens before you get on to the speedboat. Its a bit challenging when you do it on a speedboat and with the waves form all directions.
**> Surf at Jailbreak point**. The line up is crowded when we get there. Be careful and be responsible with yourself and others. As this is an exposed reef break, watch out on shallow waters. (Sing shallow by Lady Gaga it’ll help). Underwater current is strong so make sure you are prepared. I haven’t surfed for years so I don’t risk being careless when I got there. The speedboat captain will signal after two hours to bring you back on the island jetty. Morning surf is finished.
**> Explore the island** go to some local stores to get some ice cream, visit the island groceries, find places to chill. I went to **Bun Me** cafe for the ice cream.
TIP: Do not drink the coconut water offered by the locals as they may offer it to sell you something. Also, make sure to check all stores before buying souvenirs get the lowest price possible. Haggle but be fair to the locals. Check what you bought before leaving the store.
> **Look for the Himmafushi signage** take some pictures. Walk on to the shores and look for Blacktip reef shark. There are plenty of them roaming around near the signage and around the island. If you want to be adventurous and had a close encounter go on to the water and just stand still.
> **Just** **chill.** Wait for the afternoon surf session. If you want to do other activities aside from surfing (Scuba, Resort visit, water sports etc.), talk to your hotel staff they have local contacts. You can also ask for night floating bar and safari that happens every night. We availed a day resort trip on our last day since our flight will leave Maldives at 10PM.
> **Watch the Sunset at Bikini Beach**. If you are not surfing, go to bikini beach for the sunset. It is so relaxing and calm. Women can wear your bikinis on this area as it is hidden for locals. Wait for the sunset. You’ll love it!

Paradise Resort Maldives

**Day 5:**
**> Arrived at Paradise Resort**. This resort is located at Lakanfinolhu atoll. This all inclusive resort is 30min away from Male or Himmafushi by speedboat.
> **Drink at Athiri Bar** try all inclusive drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) until you can. Good luck!
**> Explore the resort** take photos on the water hammock. Enjoy the palm tress and snorkel with sting rays, blacktip shark and school of fishes. Do watersports activities. Watch out for the currents. Keep within the sight of lifeguards to be safe.
> **Lunch at Bageecha**. Buffet meals serving a combinations of western, middle eastern, Indian and local cuisines.
**> Leave the resort at 5PM to Himmafushi** then take the speedboat to the Airport. The speedboat will make a quick stop at Male Jetty #6 to drop other passengers then continue to the airport. Overall travel time is approximately 30min.
**> Fly out to Singapore!**

Please watch the video by bro @_jcangeles for his Blue Odyssey Series shot during our Himmafushi trip below

Morocco

March 28, 2019

This North African country will surprise you from its vast agricultural landscape, picturesque nature, beautifully built intricate structures, colorful markets and their tasty cuisine that I’m sure most people would love.

You can enjoy visiting the famous spots and haggle on the shops on its huge Medina. But It is also recommended to just sit at the coffee shops just like a local and observe the flow of people or just walk and wander around to feel the Moroccan vibe. You’ll be surprised on every elements that made these diverse country, its truly and simply the gateway of Africa.

Here is my Itinerary for 10 Days in Morocco

Days 1 - 2: Casablanca (2 Nights)

Days 2 - 3: Fes (1 Night)

Days 3 - 4: Chefchaouen (1 Night)

Days 4 - 5: Overnight train from Tangier to Marrakech (1 Night)

Days 5 - 7: Marrakech (2 Nights)

Days 7 - 8: Ait Ben Hadou Kashbah, Ourzazate & Dades Valley (1 Night)

Days 8 - 9: Todgha Gorges, Erfoud & Sahara Desert (1 Night)

Day 10: Night bus from Marrakech to Casablanca then fly out to Singapore.

Casablanca

**Day 1:**
> Arrived into Mohammed V International Airport and I took the train to Casa Port *(costs 43 MAD one way)*. If you know someone in this place, It is time to meet them. I met and stayed one night with the local guys from couchsurfing app and hangout with some other locals and Koreans.
**Day 2:**
> Stay at **Relax Hotel Casa Voyageurs**. This hotel is just 5Mins walk to Casa Voyageurs station. It is convenient if you’ll be taking train the next day to your next destination.
**> Visit Hassan II Mosque** - This mosque sits partly above the Atlantic Ocean, it is the largest mosque in Africa and the 5th largest in the world.
> Grab pastry at **Bennis Habous** - This famous patisserie making traditional Maghrebi pastries.
> **Explore** the markets, Medina, Mohammed V Square, La Corniche. I did hop on and hop off using the taxi *(costs around 10 - 40 MAD per ride)*. Try it if you are brave enough, Casablanca is crazy but that’s how it is. I met so many random people and had fun. I always greeted with “Welcome to Morocco”.

Fes

**Day 3:**
Take the train to Fes from Casa Voyageurs station *(approx 4Hrs and costs around 132 MAD)*. Enjoy the magnificent nature along the route. Watch out for Meknes the farm views are amazing.
> Stay at **Le Grand Alcazar - Riad**. This Riad has a great rooftop view, lovely Moroccan interior designs and the food selection here is a must try. Try Tagine!
> Visit **Al-Attarine Madrasa** - this beautiful courtyard with traditional Moroccan architecture, *(entrance fee is about 20 MAD)*.
> Visit **Bou Inania Madrasa** - You will see intricate wooden carvings and built within 13th century. This place is located within the Medina with peace and quiet atmosphere worth to rest and refresh *(entrance fee is 20 MAD)*.
**> The Tanneries** - Prepare for the strong smells. Look for Shop64 but be ready for the people along the way and on the shop itself if you do not give any money they make it difficult for you to see the view. I recommend to go along with group tours or pretend to be in the group or else you’ll be harassed big time. Good luck!
**> Get lost in the Medina** - Use mapsme to go around. And see souks, mosque and walk around local homes alleyways to wet and fruits and vegetable markets. Make sure you keep safe your belongings.
> Relax at Jnan sbil - If you want to see a lot of youngsters, this garden is their hideout place.
**> Palais Royal Dar El Makhzen** - from Jnan sbil, walked all the way to this palace. Do not use mapsme. It will lead you to the dead end. Use google maps if you are coming from Jnan sbil garden.

Chefchaouen

Take CTM bus from Fes to Chefchaouen *(travel time was Approx. 4.5Hrs and cost 80 MAD for bus and baggage)*
Stayed one night in **Puerto Azul.** Paid 40 MAD for the taxi from CTM bus station to the hotel. The hotel is about 1KM away from the blue city and you need to walk from stairs to medium slope hill to reach the blue city. Good exercise though.
**Day 4:**
**> Explore the Blue City** – Wake up early and start wandering at around. Hike to the lookout point to see the roof views of the blue city and the surrounding mountains. It is so calming up there and relax. Perfect spot to your legs after the hike. Bring some food. Enjoy the magnificent view.
> Go to **Hotel Nisrene** – take your perfect instagrammable shot.
> Eat at **Le Lamp Magique.** This spot is so popular to see the picturesque Chefchaouen landscape. *Meal ranges from 150 - 250 MAD.* Try the hot mint tea!

Marrakech

From Chefchaouen, take CTM Bus to Tangier *(travel time was approx. 3Hrs and cost 45 MAD)*. The bus will make a quick stop in Tetouan then continue to Tanger. From Tanger CTM station I took a taxi to Tangier Ville train station(costs 40 MAD).
Buy your ticket to Marrakech *(costs 327 MAD for the first class seat)*. I recommend the first class seat as It will be a long overnight trip from 11PM to 9AM. There are fast trains to Casa Voyageurs but departs early and you need to transfer trains.
**Day 5:**
> Stay at **Le Maison Arabe** - This famous hotel is a go-to for tourists to enjoy exclusively Moroccan cuisine and their hotel spa. They serve delicious breakfast and dinner. They have a band performing traditional Moroccan songs during the course of the dinner. I was upgraded to suite room overlooking the pool. I ate a lot. Swam on their pool and got drunk *(I got free moroccan wine)*.
> Explore **Jemaa el-Fnaa Square**. Good luck. Crowded.
**> Koutoubia Mosque** - 12th century Mosque.
**> Saadian Tombs** - the only remains of the Saadian dynasty, containing princes and other prominent people. Beautifully made tombs to honor the lives of the people close to the Sultan *(entrance fee is 70 MAD)*.
**Day 6:**
> Book **Shared Group 3 days Desert Tourfrom Marrakech to Merzouga Dunes** with **Marrakech Desert Trips** costs 3,260 MAD *(with upgraded private room at Dades Valley and Luxury Desert accommodation plus sand boarding activity at Sahara Desert. Regular price without any upgrades costs 925 MAD).* I recommend this tour and the company. I think it will be more expensive if you do it alone or you don’t know any locals, else you do a roadtrip.
> Visit **Palais De La Bahia** (entrance fee costs 70 MAD).
> Eat at **Riad Omar** and see the sunset at the rooftop. I had a funny story, my bill was 360 MAD. I told them that I would pay cash, I went to the ATM machines nearby and the ATM were not dispensing any cash using my Debit card. They told me it was Sunday and the bank were closed. I don’t know if that was true. I tried 3 ATM machines far away from the restaurant and the waiter was following me. Luckily they accept credit cards! so, bring enough cash.
> Shop at **Marrakech Herboristerie**. You can buy argan oils and lots of Moroccan herbal medicines. They even have Moroccan V, it was offered secretly though.
> Overnight stay at **Riad Dar Aby.** This 6 rooms Riad has unexpectedly beautiful interior. Not luxury but comfortable. I had to leave early for my 3 day tour to Sahara Desert. This Riad only accepts cash.

Ait Ben Hadou Kashbah, Ourzazate & Dades Valley

**Day 7**
Wake up early and eat your breakfast. The tour company will pick you up before 7:30AM. For your travel belongings, I advised to bring everything with you and just left it safe on the van during the tour in case you have to go somewhere else after, If you don’t need to go back, Just tell the driver to drop you anywhere you want along the route.
> Wander and enjoy the view. For G sake do not sleep! The Tizi-N-Tchick road which is 2260 above sea water will give you different feels of Morocco. There are two stops one for refreshment and another stop to see the Atlas Mountains. It is a nice viewpoints, do not missed this view!
> Explore **Ait Ben Hadou Kashbah.** There is a tour guide onsite. Small tour activity costs 40 MAD. If you don’t want to join the tour you can explore it yourself. This Kashbah is very famous as it served a location of many movies and tv series like Gladiator, Game of Thrones etc. Buy a souvenir art painting made from saffron earth stone.
> Go to a local restaurant for lunch. *Lunch costs around 90 - 150 MAD)*
> Stopped at **Kasbah Taourirt**. Visit the nearby colorful souks stalls full of Moroccan ceramics, metal lanterns and carpets. You can buy your scarf here. You need it on your Sahara Desert trip to protect your face from the sun and sand.
> Along the route is a beautiful scenery of Kasbah’s and incredible rock formations. If there still time you can walk along the river beside the mountains in **Dades Valley.**
> I stayed on a private room at **La Gazelle Hotel**. Basic hotel accommodation arranged by the tour company. Great hotel view of the mountain and river. Dinner was tasty though.

Todgha Gorges, Erfoud & Sahara Desert

**Day 8**
> Explore **Todgha Gorges**. This limestone river canyon reminded me of Zion Nat’l Park in the US. There were rock climbers having a good time climbing the routes of this spectacular high rock walls. There was an arranged tour. We visited local farms and Kasbah’s.
> Learn how local make carpets out of sheep, lamb, goat and camel wools. I learned that each family has distinctive designs, and patterns are all made up in their minds. Manual work.
> Explore Erfoud - stopped at the view point of this photogenic oasis town in the Sahara Desert. I learned that during October the town has a date festival and it is becoming popular.
> Drive at the edge of Erg Chebbi’s dunes. You will notice quickly the massive sand dunes along the way and wonder how these magnificent orange landscape like seas formed. You will feel the excitement. I said, at last I am here!
> Refresh at **Hotel Nasser Palace,** wait your camel ride to desert camp. Make sure you are dropped off at the correct camp. If you booked luxury tell the driver you booked the luxury camp accommodation. I was wrongly dropped at the standard camp. It’s ok I still enjoy it and get a refund for the price difference.
> Stopped to watch the sunset. Climbed the highest sand dune to get the best view. Feel the breeze and the bliss.
> Stay at the **Desert Camp** – Enjoy the delicious dinner, play traditional Moroccan music using drums and other instruments. Socialize and dance until you drop.

Sahara Desert

**Day 9**
We woke up at 6:30AM. (if you want to brush your teeth, do it before other does, it is a standard camp so shared WC. Water is a scarce).
> Ride your camel and see the sunrise. Notice the color of the sand dunes changed due to insufficient sunlight and the traces from yesterday camel footprints were gone. Enjoy the camel ride back to the hotel and take your breakfast.
> Back to Marrakech, last train to Casablanca is at 8:30PM. If you missed the train take CTM bus it would leave Marrakech at 2AM the next day *(costs 95 MAD for bus fare and baggage)*.
**Day 10**
> I arrived in Casablanca at 5AM the Casa Port train station was 15Mins away from CTM bus station if you want to walk. I took a taxi and paid 10 MAD to Casa Port train station.
> Bought my train ticket that departs at 5:30AM to Mohammed V International Airport *(costs 43 MAD).*
> Arrived at Mohammed V International Airport. I recommend to be at the airport at least 3Hrs before your departure. The queue was crazy from check in to immigration.
> Leave Casablanca to Singapore at 9:30AM.

Helpful Notes:

ONCF train schedules and tickets here
CTM bus schedules and tickets here
SIM cards costs between 5MAD to 200MAD depends on the data plan. I bought SIM card from orange costs 200MAD for 20GB of data. you do not need that much because mosts of the hotel has a WIFI. The sales lady will try to ask for a tip but is up to you if you want to give them. Others did not tip.
Taxi fares are based on negotiated price. You can save taxi fares if you share it with other commuters along your route. Avoid taxi’s outside the stations they normally charge more.
Best if you know a local that will arranged the trip for you. you’ll get big discounts. I met one but it was after I booked everything.
I was dropped on the standard camp not the luxury camp. I told them that even though I did not experience the luxury desert accommodation, I still enjoyed the trip and the tent in the standard camp were also decent. However, the WC was shared. In luxury, you’ll have your own WC inside the tent, so you have the luxury of shower and great lighting and blankets. Also, you can have your breakfast at the desert camp itself. I got the refunded for the price difference of my desert accommodation and the sand boarding. Happiness!
The travel time from Sahara Desert to Marrakech is 9Hrs. If I would do it again, I start the trip from Marrakech - Fes - Chefchaouen - Tangier and end in Casablanca.
Do not use drone or maybe bring one. my backpacks were inspected and the airport security is looking for a drone. I was just lucky that I did not bring mine. I think I will be fined and they may confiscate.

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