My first (real) backpacking trip abroad
In 2011 when I was 25 years old, my brother, our good friend and I were determined to get out of the U.S. and travel abroad, seeking to find ways to serve in humanitarian projects and serve with the locals in their communities overseas. At that time, we had family friends that had been living and serving in the Southern Philippines for a few years. We contacted them, asking if there were opportunities for us to help them and serve in any projects they were doing. They quickly replied back and told us there were always opportunities there, and they were eager for us to come and partner with them.
This would be my first time to really travel and backpack abroad. I mean, I had done the typical Mexico or Canada type vacation for a few days to a week; but this time would be different. Those kind of trips don't really do a country justice. Spending a few days in a place only gives you a small sample for the things it has to offer. It's only a small amount of time to get to know the locals and learn about the culture.
This time would be way different; this time we would be totally on our own living and exploring a new country and culture, and I was so excited. At the time, the three of us all had full time jobs in Oregon, and we knew it was time to give our employers our notice that we would be leaving, not knowing when we would return.
This would be my first time to really travel and backpack abroad. I mean, I had done the typical Mexico or Canada type vacation for a few days to a week; but this time would be different. Those kind of trips don't really do a country justice. Spending a few days in a place only gives you a small sample for the things it has to offer. It's only a small amount of time to get to know the locals and learn about the culture.
This time would be way different; this time we would be totally on our own living and exploring a new country and culture, and I was so excited. At the time, the three of us all had full time jobs in Oregon, and we knew it was time to give our employers our notice that we would be leaving, not knowing when we would return.
We decided on a date to leave for the Philippines, and really started focusing on saving our finances. One of the first things we did once we had the money, was to purchase our main tickets to fly from Portland Oregon to Manila Philippines. We decided to go with a 6 month round trip ticket, not really knowing what to expect once there. We actually ended up getting hassled a bit later at customs, going into the Philippines. They were a bit grumpy for us not having a departing flight ticket for the following month, but fortunately they finally let us pass and into Manila; so maybe keep that in mind when planning to go there.
We figured with a 6 month ticket, we would have a good amount of time to experience a lot there, and if it wasn't working out we could always change the ticket to fly home early (or extend the ticket if things were going better than expected). At this time, I had a large 80 liter backpack and a duffel bag to carry with me. Way too much stuff! I hated having to check my expensive travel gear into the airlines, so I decided during this trip I should always only travel with a carry on size backpack, in order to keep everything with me at all times.
We figured with a 6 month ticket, we would have a good amount of time to experience a lot there, and if it wasn't working out we could always change the ticket to fly home early (or extend the ticket if things were going better than expected). At this time, I had a large 80 liter backpack and a duffel bag to carry with me. Way too much stuff! I hated having to check my expensive travel gear into the airlines, so I decided during this trip I should always only travel with a carry on size backpack, in order to keep everything with me at all times.
Butuan City, Mindanao
My brother Jordan, our good friend Aaron and myself arrived in Butuan City, Mindanao; a city in the Southern islands. We immediately felt welcome. The Philippine people are some of the friendliest people I've ever met, in any country. Everywhere you go you see people singing, laughing, and always smiling having a good time. They are always willing to say hi and help you out if needed.
It was a little bit shocking to walk around and see armed police and security guards at almost every place we traveled. I never felt threatened or nervous about them, it was just a little bit strange to see guys guarding a random business door holding a shotgun and opening the door for you. One security guard offered me to shoot his revolver in the yard next to this restaurant we are eating at in this next picture. I guess this is a little more prevalent (along with more military forces) in the Southern region of the Philippines; so be aware.
It was a little bit shocking to walk around and see armed police and security guards at almost every place we traveled. I never felt threatened or nervous about them, it was just a little bit strange to see guys guarding a random business door holding a shotgun and opening the door for you. One security guard offered me to shoot his revolver in the yard next to this restaurant we are eating at in this next picture. I guess this is a little more prevalent (along with more military forces) in the Southern region of the Philippines; so be aware.
My brother (left) Me (center) and our good friend Aaron having our first meal in the Philippines; barbecued chicken, rice and a banana muffin. All nicely presented on freshly cut banana leaves, awesome!
We climbed on top of a "Jeepney" ( aka a chicken bus) and headed up into the mountains outside of Butuan City. We were able to connect with an organization that helps locals grow and sell coffee beans. We were then invited to head to the sites where beans are actually grown and dried.
Riding on top of a jeepney (chicken bus) up into the mountains. Using the jeepney is a great, cheap option for local transportation, it only cost a few dollars each to ride a fairly long distance into the countryside.
Up in the rural mountains outside of Butuan, we spent a few days backpacking around to explore the area. While we were traveling we were offered the opportunity to volunteer and help a local community build a solar dryer to aid in drying their coffee beans and corn crops more efficiently.
While we were up in the mountains traveling with our new local friend, we connected with an organization that were producing Bio-sand water filters and trying to distribute them to local communities. These filters will produce clean drinking water for years, without any moving parts or chemicals. They clean the water by employing layers of porous rock and sand, which help encourage the growth of naturally occurring bacteria that aid in the filtering of the dirty water. To use the filter you just pour unclean water into the top, and slowly the clean filtered water is forced out through the front. It was a great invention and awesome to learn about. They were a new organization, so they were still getting established in that area. We had the chance to take a tour of the production area and before we left we purchased two Bio-sand filters that we loaded up in our truck and delivered to a local rural village, who were extremely happy to receive them.
Surigao City, Mindanao
After spending a few days traveling around Butuan City, we travelled North to settle down for a month with our American friends that were living in the Northern coastal city of Surigao. The three of us shared a room at their house, and quickly began exploring our new city to see what sights and experiences it had to offer, both day and night. One thing I always enjoyed doing was eating lunch or dinner at 'Mang Inasal' a popular Philippine BBQ restaurant. They have awesome barbecued chicken on a stick and unlimited rice for only a few dollars. Jollibee, another Philippine favorite, is a must try. They have some interesting burgers and asian inspired dishes worth giving a shot.
Mabua Beach, Surigao
A local spot we would often travel to is a local spot called Mabua Beach. It's just a few kilometers out of Surigao City. You can take a 3 wheeled motorcycle and its really cheap to get out to. It's mostly a rocky sand beach there, so not the best for running around barefoot. Every time I've been to this beach we would rent a small hut for no more than 200 pesos for the day.
Basol Island, Surigao
Basol Island is a small island just off the coast of Surigao city. It's roughly a 20 minute pump boat ride to get to the island, which can usually be chartered through a local boat owner for pretty cheap. You can spend the whole day on the island and I believe pay a small fee to stay the night. It feels basically like a private island when you're there so it would be the perfect place to camp for a couple nights. But you must bring your own food and water, very limited options on the island.
After spending about a month and a half I left the Philippines to live in Australia. I returned to the Philippines in 2015, here are some of the adventures from that trip here.
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