Visited and finished all 82 Provinces on February 16, 2025.
The Dream - Complete all 82 Provinces
It started as a dream in 2017; it was the time when I went solo backpacking in Visayas and Mindanao creating itineraries and travel guides. But COVID came in 2020, and during the pandemic, my activities and personal goals paused - in short, my life paused. Instead, I used this time to search and gather all the details needed to reach the 6 remaining provinces.
Budget and Expenses
I love traveling but, made sure that I also focussed on saving for future or emergency use. From 2017 until 2020, 40% of my paycheck went to my savings; it even increased during the pandemic. The secret is to balance travel expenses and savings; backpacking played a huge role in achieving that. Plan to avoid an expensive trip. Your itinerary must focus on the affordable hostel, commuting, trying sumptuous but not-so-costly foods, and not buying too many souvenirs. And of course, look or wait for a promo for fares and accommodation.
Solo-Backpacking
Don't be afraid to travel solo; your journey is your own story. Traveling by group can give you more savings, confidence, and happiness because you are surrounded by people you love, but what happens if your plan becomes "drawing"? Will you also stop? Just continue and face whatever fear you have. My first solo backpacking was in Cebu (2D1N) in 2013. It was my first time entering an airport, my first plane ride, and traveling without hotel bookings; what I had was a printed map from the National Book Store. I was afraid! But, that journey boosted my confidence; it was then followed by several solo backpacking in Visayas and Mindanao.
Batanes - My 82nd Province
This Batanes trip is 5 Years in the making. Booked the flight in 2019. COVID came. Rebooked flight. Converted flight to voucher. Extended voucher twice. After 5 years, I thought everything would be okay, but on Feb 15, 2025, the plane did not land at Basco Airport due to bad weather conditions, and everyone headed back to MNL. Flight rebooked. On Feb 16, 2025, our second attempt was successful from CRK to BSO.
My Journey to 82 Provinces of the Philippines
Luzon is the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. Because of its size, we can't hide the fact that it also has a large number of tourist spots and destinations awaiting to be discovered. What's remarkable? It was our 72-hour journey in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur in 2013, my longest land travel so far. On that journey, I was able to see Paoay Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, our journey to Batanes, my 82nd Province, made our hearts fluffer due to flight cancellation. I thought I was going back home with the ticket rebooked, but were were given good weather on the next day and witnessed its world-class beauty.
Region 1: Ilocos Region
CAR: Cordillera Administrative Region
Region 2: Cagayan Valley
Region 3: Central Luzon
NCR: National Capital Region
Region 4A: CALABARZON
Region 4B: MIMAROPA
Region 5: Bicol Region
On the other hand, the Visayas archipelago is in the central part of the Philippines and is composed of 16 provinces. What's remarkable? As mentioned above, it was in Cebu that I had my first solo backpacking and, at the same time, my first time stepping into an airplane. Second, I've done the most thrilling jump at The Plunge in Bohol. It's a local bungee jump with the world's highest canyon swings with a 75-meter free fall and its launch platform is 200 meters above the canyon floor. To summarize, I visited all the provinces in Visayas via solo backpacking because I couldn't bring friends due to their hectic schedules. Tourist spots and destinations in this region are countless, such as fine white sand beaches, mountains, historical sites, and mountains.
Region 6: Western Visayas
Region 7: Central Visayas
Region 8: Eastern Visayas
Many Filipinos would say Mindanao is not safe for travel; hhhmmm, after my journey and solo backpacking in 22 out of 28 provinces, I concluded that it is indeed safe to travel in Mindanao. What's remarkable was my 9-day journey covering all the provinces of ZamBaSulTa, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Misamis Occidental. It was a long preparation and research to connect them, but I was rewarded with the majestic and hidden beauty of the southern side of the Philippines. On the other hand, the start of the lockdown in March 2020 made our Mt. Hamiguitan hike unforgettable. There was laughter and tears; nonetheless, our journey on the trails of this UNESCO World Heritage Site was terrific.
Region 9: Zamboanga Peninsula
Region 10: Northern Mindanao
Region 11: Davao Region
Region 12: SOCCSKSARGEN
Region 13: Caraga Region
BARMM: Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao
Provinces I Want to Go Back:
Aside from Romblon, my hometown, I want to go back to the Province of Dinagat Islands. I stayed there for less than 24 hours and visited the majority of the tourist destinations, but I want to experience staying overnight by the beach. Also, still on my list is visiting Sitangkai and Panampangan Island in Tawi-Tawi.
The Finest White Sand Beach:
After getting off the boat, I was stunned by the Inasakan Beach in Occidental Mindoro, the finest and whitest sand I've ever seen. It stretches 200 meters, but the landscape is picture-perfect. Next would be Boracay in Aklan, followed by Bitaog Beach in Dinagat Islands.
Remarkable Hiking Experience:
Mt. Apo in Davao del Sur, Mt. Guiting-Guiting in Romblon, Mt. Halcon in Oriental Mindoro, Mt. Mantalingahan in Palawan, and Mt. Hamiguitan in Davao Oriental are the hardest to hike in the Philippines, and yes, they are still giving me chills every time I recall our trek or check my photos.
What’s Next? Scuba diving and international flights.
International flight is definitely a Yes to discover the stunning tourist destinations outside the Philippines, see their unique and colorful culture, and taste their out-of-the-planet cuisine. As for scuba, no comment! Hahaha. Takot parin talaga ako sa tubig hanggang ngayon, medyo marunong naman akong mag swimming, pero sumiskip parin dib-dib ko kahit inisip ko palang. Siguro dati akong pusa.