Solo-Backpacking: Tourist Spots in Negros Occidental, Iloilo

After my successful Cebu Solo-Backpacking, another solo-backpacking in the Visayas was planned - this is it, a solo-backpacking in Western Visayas. Language barrier wasn't a problem because Hiligaynon has similarity to our native language in Romblon. During my travel, I found out that the Negrenses are really accommodating and has a good sense of direction. In a simple question like: "where is it located?" they provided me a detailed instruction. In general, Negros Occidental and the province of Ilo-Ilo are Must Visit provinces in the Philippines. Sorted according to my itinerary, historical, heritage and tourist spots below were my destinations.

Top 5 Best Tourist Spots in Antique: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

The province of Antique is situated in Western Visayas and is part of Region 6 with neighboring provinces of Aklan, Capiz, Guimaras, Ilo-Ilo and Negros Occidental. This province has a lot to offer, from the breathtaking beauty on top of the mountains to wealthy underwater and magnificent beaches.

Explore Intramuros (History, Guide, Itinerary)

I visited Intramuros and Binondo several times but I thinking am missing something in and outside The Walled City in Manila. Inspired by the question: “Hanggang saan aabot ang isan daang piso mo?” Our journey today explains that budget is not a problem to see the gorgeous artifacts erected centuries ago. Without a formal itinerary, we walked on the streets in Intramuros Manila.

Sombrero Island, Masbate

Sombrero Island is one of the islets of Burias Group of Islets. Crossing the waters of Burias Passage from Tinalisayan to Sombrero was a heart pounding experience. Not only that, as we were getting nearer to the shoreline,  coral ecosystems and underwater flora and fauna are visible because of its clear waters. I took off my pink sando while on the boat because my skin hurts, a sign that, for sure, I will have sun kissed skin due to sun burn but it's fine, am positive that my skin will still recover after a week. Instead of covering myself or applying Belo sun block before jumping off the boat to the shallow water, we just grabbed our cameras and proceeded walking by the shore.

Top 2 Best Tourist Spots in Cordillera: 2024 Itinerary, Places to Visit

There's too much chaos on the roads of the Metro, so searching for deserted places with a picture perfect landscape is now a norm. With the gorgeous and stunning photos scattered on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, it is now easy to promote, search and catch a glimpse of places to visit in the Philippines. If I would suggest places in Luzon, the provinces in the Cordillera region are on the top. Been here a few times and I noticed that it is one of the favorite destinations of countless international and local tourists. Who says no to a place with a big picture of a so called paradise. There's healthy forest with fresh air, cool and relaxing ambiance, pristine lagoons, colorful flora and fauna, and has a cool weather with no heavy traffic and no cellular signal perfect for bonding.

AZURE URBAN RESORT RESIDENCES, Parañaque City

Azure Urban Resort Residences is one of the newly developed vertical residential structure in Parañaque City. It gotten the attention of social media and Filipinos because it is designed by Paris Hilton, a world famous socialite and a hotel heiress. She has great sense of art and class as it appears on the outcome of Azure Urban Resort Residences, from its details, facilities, pool side, residential units and the white sand beach by the pool. Through an invite by one of the unit owners, had a chance to enter and enjoy what's inside Azure Urban Resort Residences, photos below will describe:

Butuan National Museum, Agusan del Norte

Butuan National Museum is one of the historical structures in Butuan City that houses and protects the relics discovered in the region. It also holds several objects used by the locals for their daily life such as jars, ceramic and earthenwares, hand woven clothe, and many more. Photos below are just some of items inside the museum:

Balangay Shrine, Butuan City

In Butuan City, Agusan del Norte | The Filipino word Baranggay came from the word: Balangay or Balanghai which is watercraft used by the ancient people in the Philippines for transportation and for barter and trade. If I am not mistaken, it was discussed when I was in the fifth grade, in HEKASI. I am happy that today, it’s time to see the actual relics of Balangay, discovered in Butuan. Since the guard did not allow me to use my DSLR or even my digital camera, photos below were captured using my mobile camera:

Getting Around Butuan City (Visited Museums)

Backpacking in Butuan City is easy because all the historical sites are located just within the vicinity, accessible using the local's public utility vehicles such as jeepney and tricycle. During our visit in Butuan, at the intersection of the Narra Road (where Jollibee, McDonalds and KFC are located), we chartered a tricycle to visit two museums in the city. Below are two of the museums in Butuan City. 

International Doll House (Museum), Surigao del Sur

The International Doll House was mentioned by John, our guide. Somehow familiar because we already saw it on TV. John encouraged us to visit this this amazing place by giving us details of what are displayed inside. According to him, there are dolls with gold on the head, there’s a toy motorcycle with a value of 2.5 million pesos and many more. So we thought, it's worth to visit.