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Best Places Where You Can Travel Alone in the Philippines
Where to travel solo in the Philippines? The best solo vacations happen in these fantastic places!
By: Patricia Marie Prado | June 04, 2020
Are you a millennial who loves to travel? You are not alone! Recent studies have shown that millennials are among the top spenders when it comes to traveling [1], and now this group is embracing a growing trend: traveling alone [2].
Solo travel is an exciting and enriching activity that promotes self-growth; it leads you to learn more about yourself and leave your comfort zone. If you want to try it but think it’s too overwhelming or risky, here’s a tip: ease into it and know where to travel alone in the Philippines first. Traveling alone might be intimidating, but it’s a great adventure to embark on even once.
For your first vacation alone, choose a place with excellent experiences, sights, and security. To help you take the first step, here are the best places in the Philippines to travel alone.
1. Sagada
Reflect about life as you savor this view in Sagada.
If you’re looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, a great place where to travel solo in the Philippines is Sagada. This cold town where to travel alone in the Philippines is in Mountain Province, known for its exciting activities like trekking the hanging coffins of Lumiang and chasing the waterfalls of Bomod-Ok.
After enjoying the more adventurous side of Sagada, you can also spend a day of reflection and relaxation at Kiltepan Peak . It’s the highest point in the area and gives a fantastic view of Sagada. Make sure to go to it early so you can catch the rising of the sun.
2. Davao
See an eagle up close when you visit The Philippine Eagle Center in Davao.
Mindanao might not be on everybody’s travel list where to travel alone in the Philippines because of safety concerns, but Davao is one of the cities safe to visit. In fact, with a low crime rate and strictly-implemented rules, it’s one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia, according to the online database Numbeo [3].
You can roam around the city and visit various tourist attractions such as Museo Dabawenyo, People’s Park, or The Philippine Eagle Center. You can head to the Garden Island of Samal and spend a day in its gorgeous waters or hike the tallest mountain in the country, Mt. Apo. Where to travel alone in the Philippines if you prefer a more adventurous route? Pack your bags and explore Davao!
3. Batanes
Need to do some soul searching? Batanes’ landscape will make it easier.
Image: @deelata
Where to travel solo in the Philippines if you want your first solo travel experience to be extra special? Why not head to Batanes? It’s no secret that Batanes is known for its incredible views and verdant rolling hills, but another fantastic thing about this province is its almost zero crime rate. It makes it a safe place to explore around and the best place in the Philippines to travel alone.
Are you still wondering where to travel alone in the Philippines? Let your mind wander while walking along the beach of Valugan, be in awe of how beautiful Batanes is at the top of Vayang Rolling Hills, or experience the kindness and honesty of the locals at the famous Honesty Coffee Shop. Just bring enough cash to last you through your trip, as there are few ATMs in Batanes, and most establishments don’t accept cards.
4. El Nido
Get to know other solo adventurers in El Nido!
For beach lovers who can’t get enough of the sea, El Nido is a great place to try solo traveling. El Nido is known for its amazing beaches and fun nightlife where to travel alone in the Philippines.
You can choose among tours A, B, C, and D and explore various islands while getting to know other travelers on your tour boat. Where to travel solo in the Philippines if you’re into motorbikes? You can rent one and explore Port Barton or the Twin Beaches of Nacpan and Calitang. You can bond with your newfound friends at night by enjoying the many bars and cafes in and around the city.
5. Masbate
With this view, you’ll be happy to visit Mabate even if it’s just you and you alone.
Image: @grtm_21
Where to travel alone in the Philippines if you’re the type of traveler who loves to go off the beaten path? Make your way to Masbate! Dubbed as the “Rodeo Capital of the Philippines,” Masbate is characterized by acres and acres of ranches and an abundance of cows and horses. You’ll be welcomed here by jaw-dropping landscapes that make you feel like a hacienda (farm owner).
After exploring the city center of Masbate, you can also head out and see the seas. Where to travel alone in the Philippines and spend a day in sandbars? Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary and Tinalisayan Sandbar are the best places in the Philippines to travel alone and swim to your heart’s content.
6. Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur
Travel back in time in Vigan.
Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur are great places where to travel solo in the Philippines and conquer on your own. You need to hop on a bus bound north and take a day or two off work to explore these spots.
You can start your itinerary in Vigan, where to travel alone in the Philippines and savor their famous empanada (fried pastry) and longganisa (sausage) while walking through the ever-charming Calle Crisologo. You can also pass by the town of Paoay and visit the stunning Paoay Church . Finally, you can end your trip at Pagudpud, where the majestic Bangui Windmills will leave you in awe.
Check out our list of Ilocos empanada shops in Baguio and Northern Luzon or browse the Dining & Leisure category of the Yoorekka Directory.
7. Bantayan Island
Broken-hearted or not, everyone is welcome in Bantayan Island.
Image: @ohgoodlawrd
If you prefer a relaxing trip, head to Bantayan Island . This serene island located in the northern part of Cebu has become famous after being featured in a movie about being sawi (broken-hearted).
Where to travel alone in the Philippines if you’re moving on from a failed relationship? Bantayan Island will give you the escape that you need. Bring a book, lounge in the island’s fine white sand, or enjoy its cerulean waters and swim until noon. You can also visit the nearby Virgin Islands and Hilantagaan Islands if you want a change of scenery.
8. Dumaguete
No need to bring anyone along when you visit the “City of Gentle People.”
Image: @imbingacious
‘Known as the “City of Gentle People,” it’s no doubt that Dumaguete City is a safe place where to travel solo in the Philippines for the first time. As soon as you set foot here, you can immediately roam around the city and visit sites like Siliman University , Rizal Boulevard, and the Belfry Tower.
Dumaguete is also the access point to nearby islands if you crave beach time! You can swim with turtles at the famous Apo Island , see dolphins in the wild at Bais Island, or extend your vacation on the island of Siquijor and explore the best place in the Philippines to travel alone.
Solo traveling can be scary, but it’s definitely an adventure you’ll never forget. Let us know in the comments section which of these places in the Philippines you’ll visit as a lone traveler!
Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/2xdWsjJ
https://bit.ly/2OsUDYC
[2] https://bit.ly/2AqNvc7
[3] https://bit.ly/2EtP0mN
Note: This article was originally published in Yoorekka on August 2, 2018.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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