How To Have The Best DIY Travel in the Philippines

Arranging a trip by yourself can be quite an interesting task, but with the proper preparation, it can be a whole lot of fun. It’s not just the actual journey itself that will make every travel episode enjoyable and gratifying, but it’s also the planning and putting all the pieces together that may generate the adrenaline rush. Now that all types of information are within the tip of your fingers and may be obtained at lightning speed, everything seems to be possible and attainable.

If you are up to some DIY (do-it-yourself) travel, here are some pointers to consider in making the best of your experience including finding the best flight deals and places to stay in the Philippines, where to eat, and what to see or do. Once you have booked the ticket to Manila, start the ball rolling and note a few pertinent things.

1. Pick Your Preferred Accommodation

Whether it’s a homestay or a backpacker’s inn or a hotel, know the type of accommodation where you want to stay for a few days or weeks. Do you want a place that is charming and unique (READ: 10 Quirky, Quaint Hotels in the Philippines), such as the Ponce Suites Gallery Hotel in Davao City? Or somewhere refreshing and adventurous, like Costa Pacifica in Baler? List your non-negotiables and negotiables when it comes to choosing your lodging. For instance, a private bathroom is a must-have, or breakfast in the inn is something you can do without. It’s easier to narrow down your choices and pick the ultimate one once you have all these identified.

Costa Pacifica
A relaxing stay at Costa Pacifica in Baler, Aurora.

2. Identify Your Budget and Save Up

The kind of itinerary you will have will depend on what you want to experience and the amount that you are willing to spend while away. If you want to scrimp while on the road, opt for a low-cost form of traveling and select activities or attractions that are free of charge or inexpensive. If there are things you really want to do or try that are likely off the budget, save up before the trip so you can afford these pursuits.

3. Check References in Creating Your Itinerary

It’s always good to know the details of the places you want to visit, such as opening time or regulations to observe. Visit the official page of the landmark or attraction or browse through the website of the local tourism office. If they are not available, there are other sources that can help you know more about the destination. For example, to know the background of the Bernardino Jalandoni Museum in Silay City, Negros Occidental, read its Wikipedia page or various blog posts about the destination. You can also interact with other DIY travelers in social media for other leads and recommendations.

4. Go Local

Interact with the locals, visit the markets, be where most of the native residents go, and eat their homegrown food and delicacies. While you can start with the usual tourist spots, you can also ask the locals once you arrive at your destination what other great places to see that are not often found in brochures and literature. There was this time when my sister and I went to Siquijor, we hailed a tricycle and told the driver to bring us to a public beach where most tourists don’t go, which was Paliton Beach. Lo and behold, we had a great beach hideaway, save for a few other visitors, all to ourselves. Forget the malls and usual fast food chains. Look for something innate in the place and try its own produce and indigenous products. By doing this, you do not only enhance your experience and widen your cultural knowledge but also help local businesses thrive.

Siquijor
Paliton Beach. A beach all to ourselves, thanks to the suggestion by a local tricycle driver.

5. Prepare The Right Gear

Once everything is planned out, make sure you pack everything needed for the journey. Remember to bring only the essentials and in small quantities, and not the entire house. Use gears and pieces of clothing that will make your trip easier, not tougher. Match your clothes with the weather and the activities you will do.

A DIY travel doesn’t need to be gruelling. Whether you go solo or with travel buddies, remember not to stress yourself too much while on the road. Choose to enjoy every moment. Do something for the first time. Cherish your journey and absorb anything that can enhance your understanding of our country.  Collect great memories, which you can treasure and reminisce every now and then. Best of all, this is the Philippines – a land of friendly and hospitable people – so go out there and make new friends.

What other tips can you share with other DIY travelers? I’d love to hear them. Please share your own tips in the comment section below.

14 Comments

  1. A DIY travel can really be exciting especially when you mix it up with the locals. They can lead you to better location that event the travel mags and books don’t have.

  2. We always do DIY travel even abroad as long as it is practical. Just know your minimal requirements for the hotel or AirBnb: private bath with hot water, a heater for winter, and of course, WiFi!

  3. I so agree with everything you said! We’ve been doing mostly DIY travels here in our country as far as I can remember (except when going abroad where I don’t want to get stressed so we join tour packages, hehehe). The budget gets cheaper, the experiences get more meaningful and soulful and you get to come home feeling more fulfilled than you’d expected. However, looking back, I really should do more of the “going local” thing. I’m kind of an introvert so it takes a ton of energy for me to get out of my bubble and interact with people. I remember living in Boracay for a month in 2011 and not talking to people (unless they talk to me first). I’m kind of a loner but maybe I should really go out of my shell more. I’ll practice “going local” the next time we do our DIY travel. 🙂

  4. I always consider my budget before planning a trip. I want to save some amount allocated for a particular trip. Doing this, I know that I will be to enjoy my travel better. I like your pictures too!

  5. I prefer planning my trips by myself rather than relying on someone else like a travel agency. It makes my trip more meaningful and successful plus I’ll get to enjoy on my own pace.

  6. Actually DIY travel can really save lot of money and gives you so much flexibility. Thanks for the tips.

  7. Thanks for the tips, will take note on that and use it on my next trip to Phils.

  8. Great tips. I mostly choose hostels so I can save on that. And I mostly refer to multiple blogs to create my itinerary. And yeah, going local is the best way to experience any place!!!

  9. Budget first is the first thing to do in any activities. And to talk with locals is the most precious thing to do in visiting a place, here you will know the important details and information and don’t forget to visit the City Hall to us for more guidance.

  10. Preparing all things for a trip is essential to have a wonderful time. Going local by meeting the natives is one of the best ways to really get to know the place and culture. DIY travels seem fun because they`re customized to our preferences and budget.

  11. Wow, you have so much lovely tips here! I want to have a DIY travel too, hope to save much on budgeting!

  12. I actually like DIY travel more than the package travel since DIY is better. For example, you could learn the culture by spending time with the locals and interacting with them. Well, the tricky part is the accommodation and the budget. So, one must really save well in order to travel wherever they desire to be.

  13. Joanne Abanggan

    saan po yung beach resort na sinuggest ng tricycle drive? thanks.

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