Introduction of Solo Backpacking
Backpacking solo in the Visayas is a rewarding journey, and the provinces of Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bohol offer the perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From chasing waterfalls in Dumaguete, exploring mystical Siquijor, to jumping off The Plunge of Bohol, this route is a dream for travelers who crave freedom and discovery. With easy inter-island connections and plenty of budget-friendly options, it’s an ideal destination for both first-time and seasoned solo backpackers.
Day 1: Dumaguete City Tourist Attractions
Commute from my apartment to NAIA Terminal 3 for 131 pesos. Airfare, Cebu Pacific: 627.84 Pesos. ETD NAIA: 2:50 PM and ETA Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental: 4 PM. Rode a tricycle from the airport to Antwet Backpackers for 150 pesos. Then, checked in at Antwet Backpackers for 700 pesos for 2 nights. Before sunset, I used Google Maps to visit the top tourist attractions below. Then, had dinner for 105 pesos at Baywalk. Total Expenses for Day 1: 1,582.84 Pesos.
Tourist Spots in Dumaguete City
- Dumaguete City Rizal Boulevard
- Campanario de Dumaguete
- Dumaguete Church
- Siliman University Hall
Where to Stay in Dumaguete
Antwet Backpacker's Inn and Rooftop Bar is the cheapest hotel or place to stay in Dumaguete City. I found this place using Google Maps and searched it on Facebook. I texted the number posted and messaged them on Facebook about their rates. The owner responded in an hour, which started our everyday conversation. Every time I shoot her a question, she responds like a friend. So, this place is perfect. Also, it is a walking distance to the city's tourist destinations.
How to Book Antwet Backpackers Inn and Rooftop Bar
You can easily book your stay at Antwet Backpackers Inn and Rooftop Bar online. Secure the best rates and enjoy a hassle-free reservation through Agoda:
🔗 Check availability and book Antwet Backpackers Inn and Rooftop Bar Here
Day 2: Valencia's Tourist Destinations
Valencia, a peaceful highland town in Negros Oriental, is known for its cool climate, lush landscapes, and natural attractions. Just a short ride from Dumaguete City, it is home to Casaroro Falls, Pulangbato Falls, and the steaming vents of Red Rock Hot Spring, making it a favorite escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Early in the morning, I had breakfast for 124 Pesos in a fastfood, carinderia are closed yet. Tidied up and rode a tricycle from Metrobank to the Valencia jeep terminal. ETD Dumaguete: 9:40 AM, ETA Valencia terminal: 10:03 AM. Fare: 10 pesos. Then, chartered a habal-habal for a tour around Valencia for 700 pesos.
Tourist Spots in Valencia
- Casaroro Falls. ETA: 10:17 AM. Entrance Fee - 30 pesos
- Pulang Bato Waterfalls - Entrance fee - 100 pesos
- Red Rock Hot Spring - Entrance: 70 pesos
- Steaming Ground in Caidiocan
- Tierra Alta Lighthouse
- Cata-al World War 2 Museum
After the tour, I rode a jeepney back to Dumaguete City (10 pesos). Rode a tricycle to Antwet Backpackers (10 pesos). Rested for an hour. Dinner at the boulevard, with the sunset, for 185 pesos. Bought groceries at Robinsons for 140 pesos - Gardenia, tuna spread, Coffee, and Lola Remedios. Headed back to the hotel. Tidied up. Rested. Total Expenses for Day 2: 1,531 Pesos.
Day 3: Siquijor Top Tourist Attractions
Siquijor, often called the “Island of Fire,” is a mystical gem in the Visayas known for its white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and century-old churches. Blending folklore with natural beauty, the island offers a unique travel experience that captivates both adventurers and cultural explorers.
I prepared my Coffee and bread for breakfast at the rooftop of Antwet Backpackers, with Mariah Carey songs in the background. Packed my stuff and tidied up. 7 AM, using Google Maps, walked to Dumaguete City port, near the boulevard. Bought a ferry ticket at Jaylann Express. Fare: 200 Pesos. Terminal Ticket: 15 pesos. I bought a souvenir for 150 pesos. ETD Dumaguete: 9 AM. ETA Siquijor: 10:07 AM. Met Kuya Leo, my habal-habal driver/tour guide. Checked in at Tori's Backpackers - 350 pesos for an overnight stay. Then, the start of our habal tour.
Tourist Spots in Siquijor
- Capilay Spring Water Park
- Century Old Balete Tree - Entrance 10 pesos
- Photoshoot at the Witch Broom - 20 pesos donation
- Lazi Church (1858) and its Convent
- Cambuhagay Falls - Entrance Fee: 10 pesos
- Sta. Maria Church (1886)
- Salagdoong Beach - Entrance Fee and parking fee: 50 pesos
- I Love Talingting Signboard
- Guiwanon Spring Park Resort - Entrance Fee: 10 pesos
- Siquijor Church (1783)
Before heading back to Tori's, we bought a ferry ticket at Larena Port (expenses added to Day 4) for the next day's morning departure. Dinner at Tori's, Tinolang Manok with Coffee for 175 pesos. I also bought a Siquijor souvenir worth 150 pesos, and a sando for 280 pesos. Total Expenses for Day 3: 2,170 Pesos.
Where to Stay in Siquijor
Tori's Backpackers Paradise is the cheapest place to stay in Siquijor. The receptionist greeted me at their small reception area with a smile and a genuine "Good Morning, Sir!". At that very moment, I thought that this place was perfect. I only paid 350 pesos for an overnight stay, a great deal, right?
How to Book Tori's Backpackers Paradise
You can easily book your stay at Tori's Backpackers Paradise online. Secure the best rates and enjoy a hassle-free reservation through Agoda:
🔗 Check availability and book Tori's Backpackers Paradise Here
Day 4: Traveling from Siquijor to Bohol
Bohol is a top destination in the Visayas, famous for the iconic Chocolate Hills, tarsiers, and stunning white-sand beaches. Beyond its natural wonders, the island also boasts rich history, vibrant festivals, and warm hospitality, making it a well-rounded getaway for every kind of traveler.
As part of my early morning routine, I had a coffee for 20 pesos. Chartered Kuya Leo to Larena Port for 300 pesos (Larena Port is 30 to 40 minutes from Tori's Backpackers). Ticket at Ocean Jet Ferry: 700 Pesos. Paid a terminal fee of 17 pesos. Then, Brunch at the Portside Cafe - 145 pesos. ETD Larena Port, Siquijor: 12:30 PM | ETA Tagbilaran City: 1:50 PM. Rode a tricycle from the port to the Island City Mall (ICM) terminal for 25 pesos. Rode a van to Danao Poblacion for 120 pesos. ETD ICM Terminal: 2:37 PM, ETD Danao Población: 4 PM. Then, rode a trike to Danao Adventure Park for 50 pesos. Checked in at Danao Adventure Park - 600 pesos for an overnight stay. Environmental Fee - 40 pesos. Dinner, Tinolang Isda - 280 pesos (you can buy your supplies at the terminal to save). Tidied up. Rested. Total Expenses for Day 4: 2,297 Pesos.
Day 5: Jump Off The Plunge, Danao Adventure Park
About Danao Adventure Park
The Plunge at Danao Adventure Park, or a canyon swing, is an extreme activity now climbing to be one of the top tourist spots and destinations in Danao, Bohol. Situated in the area where the longest Philippine Revolutionary Movement took place, led by Francisco Dagohoy, a Boholano hero. The boulders and limestone formations in the area might have witnessed the most important stage of how these Boholano heroes plotted the revolution against the Spaniards. Today, the facility is being run by the local government, and it is a center of eco-tourism, recreation, and adventure in the province awaiting discovery.
The next day, early in the morning, I had coffee and bread - my own supply for breakfast. Physical and mental preparation for The Plunge. Walked to the activity area of Danao Adventure Park. Paid 700 pesos to jump off The Plunge. Watch the video below:
I was the first person to jump that day, so I was the crowd favorite. There was even a time while I was walking, people stared at me and smiled. I was quite a superstar that day. Anyways, I walked back to my room. Tidied up. Got my jump certificate. Then, rode a habal to Poblacion. Then, rode a van to Tagbilaran City for 120 pesos. ETD: 10:25 AM, ETA: 12:15 PM. Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner for the day - 368 pesos. Groceries: Bread, tuna spread, and Lola Remedios - 137 pesos. Trike to GV Hotel - 35 pesos. Checked in at GV Hotel Tagbilaran - 700 pesos. Coffee - 35 pesos.
Side trip to Bohol National Museum
Before the day ended, I spent my time in Bohol National Museum in Tagbilaran City, which showcases the province’s rich history, culture, and natural heritage. Housed in a restored Spanish-era building, it features artifacts, archaeological finds, and exhibits that highlight Bohol’s unique identity and traditions.
After the museum, I also visited Plaza Rizal and the St. Joseph the Worker Cathedral, just across the street. Early dinner at the carinderia nearby. Then, headed back to the hotel. Tidied up. Rested. Total Expenses for Day 5: 2,145 Pesos.
Where to Stay in Tagbilaran City
GV Hotel is a good choice for backpackers. Book your hotel stay with Agoda and get the best deals!
Day 6: Flight from Bohol to Manila
Woke up early. Bought instant coffee and bread at the reception area. Watched local news. Tidied up and walked to the terminal along Ingles Street, with the help of Google Maps. Rode a jeepney to Island City Mall (ICM) Terminal. Rode in an air-conditioned shuttle bus to the airport for 50 pesos. ETD: 8:15 AM, ETD: 8:53 AM. Checked In at Bohol-Panglao International Airport. Cebu Pacific: 1,212.60 Pesos. ETD Bohol Panglao International Airpot: 10:30 AM, ETA NAIA Terminal 3: 12:00 PM. Rode a shuttle bus from NAIA 3 to MRT in Taft for 20 pesos.
Summary
Solo backpacking through Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bohol is more than just an island-hopping trip—it’s an unforgettable experience of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and natural wonders. Each destination offers its own charm, from serene beaches and historic sites to thrilling adventures. Whether you’re traveling for a few days or weeks, this Visayan backpacking route promises memories that will last a lifetime. Looking for travel ideas across the country? Read my complete guide to visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines — based on my actual travels.
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