Backpacking SEA - Part 1: Myanmar

It has been a year since my friend and I did a month-long backpacking in six SEA countries. It took us a while to plan our route and dates of booking. So with only $800 in 33 days, we managed to backpack around SEA. Our first stop: Manila-Yangon with lay over at KL. By the way, we took AirAsia in most of our flights.

Upon arrival in Yangon, we took  a cab going to our hostel, Agga Guest House, a dorm-type hostel, generally good for backpackers. We stayed there twice, when we arrived and when we came back from Bagan. That's also where we left our backpack for a lighter side trip in Bagan. By the way, it helps that you learn their greetings: "Mingulabar".

Where to go: 

Shwedagon Temple

The most popular tourist attraction is the Shwedagon Temple. You all see is gold. It is a big temple and there are monks who will talk to you while touring around.

Cool monk around the temple!

Aside from the temple, it is also good to visit their market where you can buy longyi, it's like our malong version. What's good about this country is that everyone wears traditional clothes whenever you are. I admire them for that!

At the market, you can ask them to put Thanaka on your face. This is their version of sunblock and it has a cooling effect!

The following day, we took a bus going to Bago, another place outside of Yangon. But we missed our stop! That was funny! Because we did not want to spoil our day, we just enjoyed the scenery and had a joy ride along the way. That night, we prepared for the trip to Bagan.

Bagan, Myanmar

From our hostel, we took a cab going to the bus terminal for the Bagan trip. We took the night bus, and it left around 7pm. We arrived around 4am in the morning. Good thing we did not miss our stop. We took a horse carriage that cost around $7 from the bus stop to our hostel. By the way, you can already go directly to the temple for the sunrise, but since we have two days there, we opted to go the following morning. Please note too that you have to pay $25 as a fee to enter Bagan. 

We stayed at Shwe Nadi Guest house, a good hostel and money-worth accommodation. We had a private room with bathroom for $18 for two nights with free breakfast! Super sulit, right?

To go around, we rented an e-bike (motorcycles are for locals only!). 

                                                               Exploring by e-bike :)

                   Meeting Sule, a local guy who tipped us where to go for sunrise and sunset that is not too crowded!

                                                          Kayan beauties!                                               

                              Monks! 

What to buy:

1. Thanaka - local  sunblock

2. Longyi  - they have wonderful fabric patterns and it is not that expensive!

We only had five days in Myanmar so we only opted for Yangon and Bagan. But if you have longer days, there are other places to explore! For us, Myanmar is a bit pricey and we were worried because we spent $150 just in five days and we didn't even ate at restaurants! In the end, we were happy to set foot in this country! Burmese are very kind, warm and helpful people! 

We are also 14-day visa-free so take advantage! Fly now!

Up next: Backpacking SEA - Part 2: Thailand

Exploring North Mindanao: CDO-Iligan City-Camiguin

Summer is the most awaited season in the country. It is also a time where most people travel and explore places. Last summer, I found myself in CDO for a summer conference so I stayed for extra days to explore the province and tourist destinations close to CDO.

The most famous thing to do in CDO is the White Water Rafting which I did not do due to an ear infection. Instead, I explored the Museum located inside the Ateneo De Cagayan. It was an awesome museum that it reflects the richness of culture in the area. Me and my friend was so lucky to be guided by a 'walking history' guy while exploring the museum.

My squadgoals at Museo de Oro located inside the Xavier University

               
Tinago Falls at Iligan City

The next day, we went to Iligan City, the town that is just three-hour away from Marawi City. From the terminal, we took a van going to Iligan City for P200 pesos and rode for three hours. From the city, we took habal habal to Tinago Falls as the famous Maria Cristina Falls is closed to the public because of the Maute threat. You have to trek a little to see the hidden beauty of Tinago Falls.

Tinago Falls

                                                               
Camiguin, we'll come back again!

White Island

                                                           

Another beautiful island province in the North of Mindanao is Camiguin. From CDO, take a van or bus for 2-3 hours until Balingoan Port. If you arrived very late at night, you can stay at homestay for a few hours for P200 pesos, then take the earliest ferry to Benoni Port and catch the sunrise while on board. Fare is P130 and travel time is about an hour or so. From Benoni port, you can take a jeepney to downtown or if you have already booked an accommodation, you can ask them to arrange the transportation for you. Since I found a group when I went there, I joined them in their accommodation at Camiguin Highlands (http://www.camiguinhighlandresort.com/) where they also arranged our day-trip.

What to do in Camiguin:

1. Visit Katibawasan Falls and Tuasan Falls (not in that order though)

Katibawasan falls

                                             
2. White Island - Better if you go early in the morning until noon. It is a long white sandbar and it is worth visiting.
3. Sunken Cemetery - due to an earthquake and volcanic eruption, the Sunken cemetery came to be.
4. Old Church Ruins

Camiguin is rabies-free island!

                                                     
5. Ardent Hot Spring

Great spot for an emo photo!

                                               
...and  a lot more if you have more days for exploring! For me, Camiguin is one place that I will visit again. I'm glad I've set foot in this wonderful island! 'Till next travel.