News feed on my Facebook and Instagram page plays so much important role. Since past few weeks I went through +10000 images from Philippines. Once again I was realized how beautiful the mother nature and how big is this world.
How about Philippines Bachelorette? YAY!!!
So before I brag about how beautiful my backeloreete pictures turned out to be, let 's discuss what, how, when of Philippines ?
WHERE IS PHILIPPINES?
A land of pirates and smugglers, of ancient tribes and mysterious jungles, epic parties and isolated islands, you simply cannot go wrong with backpacking in The Philippines. Is this the beginning? ;)
WHEN TO TRAVEL PHILIPPINES?
Most popular during between November and April. At this time the country is fully accessible, including its many beautiful islands and more remote areas.
Temperatures are high during March and April, so it's best to travel during the cooler months of December to February.
Now that’s what Wikipedia suggests you but the more fun is traveling the offbeat season just the way I always do. And I opted for month of March, when I knew it would be quite hot with soaring temperature v/s comparatively less tourist.
Why? Because it’s a birthdayyyy month! Hurray (Don't forget to wish me next time; 13th March) ;) ;)
WHAT CAN YOU FIND IN PHILIPPINES?
Beautiful beaches, cheap beers, adrenaline pumping activities and some of the friendliest, genuine, people in all of Asia.
Yes! Yes! Yes!
HOW TO REACH PHILIPPINES?
Most backpackers travelling in The Philippines start off in Manila, the main flight hub, it’s likely your flight will land here & then connect through to one of the many islands. Being my base in Bengaluru, one of the city in South of India, I have over advantage of Air Asia flight hub either from Bengaluru or Kochi or Chennai.
After calculating all the price, I ended up traveling to Kochi first and then opted my morning flight to Manila, Philippines. The Air Asia flight costed me approx 10,000 one way! YAY! As I always travel light, I had managed my 10 day apparels to fit in my 40 litres Arpenaz Backpack from Decathlon which weighed 08 kgs at the time of boarding my flight. That means I had opted for Low Fare flight with no adds on of the luggage.
VISA FOR INDIANS?
I so wish Philippines Visa facilities to please get it better. Like any other Indian, I was in aww that being Asian country either it would be VOA (Visa on Arrival) or E-Visa but hell NO! :(
I was even more shocked that Philippine Visa facility was not even in Bangalore! The only way to get Philippine Visa is to have face to face Interview at Consulate of Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkatta or Delhi. I would fall in Chennai category being based in Bangalore for more than 6 months! OR to give it to travel agent where your presence is not required.
#returnticketdamsel is more about the first option ;) ! #budgettravel
Finally I pushed myself to get a night train to Chennai. Reached at 07:00 am. Feed my stomach with some nice breakfast as I had lots of time. To avoid the long queue from agents, I ensured I reached the consulate before 09:00 am.
[if !supportLists]1. [endif]If you have a valid visa of USA, Canada, Japan, you do not require Visa.
[if !supportLists]2. [endif]Philippine Visa given to Indians is for traveling up to 15 days.
[if !supportLists]3. [endif]I had opted for Single entry – Tourist Visa
[if !supportLists]4. [endif]Visa fee of 1600; Note: Only demand draft accepted. No cash
[if !supportLists]5. [endif]No courier/ delivery facility like VFS that means you have to come back to collect your passport. Or somebody on your behalf can come and collect the passport provided if you give your passport collection receipt given by Consulate to the person who will collect on your behalf.
[if !supportLists]6. [endif]Visa processing days: 3 working days excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday
[if !supportLists]7. [endif]Documents that I presented:
> Passport size Photograph () – White background
> Passport Copy – Front & Last Page
> Onward & Return Flight Ticket
> Hotel Booking Confirmation
> Covering Letter: Mentioning your passport details and your travel Itinerary and signed by you
Last 3 months bank statement of your bank: With authorized sign and stamp showing Rs 80,000 in your bank account; in case of Mumbai they had asked for 500 USD transaction receipt (that means you have to buy US dollars in advance + 3 month’s bank statement account to show enough balance for you to spend in Philippines)
> Last 3 years IT Returns on your name
> 6 months’ pay slip from your company
> No Objection Certificate (NOC) on Company Letter Head mentioning your Passport details and sanctioned leaves signed by authorized signatory.
That's what I submitted.
HOW MUCH DID I CARRY?
08 Kgs! Air Asia Low fare flights allows you to take 7kg check in baggage with you + one purse or a laptop bag.
WHAT DID I CARRY?
My 12 must travel essentials which went to Philippines:
1. Apparels for each day. Can’t think of repeating. Ultimately pictures taken are going to last forever. So dress up your best.
2. Laptop with a charger - To be able to upload pictures on drive and write my notes/blogs/study/research the places I travel
3. [endif]Camera Essential Kit –I use Nikon D3200 24.2 MP Digital SLR with the basic lens of 18-55 mm + have been managing to use Tamron 55+mm lens when required.
4. Universal Travel Charger - You can buy one for Rs 800 – Rs 1000 with a good quality and long lasting. Available on Amazon!
5. My One Plus X Phone – It’s been more than 6 years but I have never used my phone abroad even once. Thanks to WIFI everywhere. And had survive without WIFI for a week (It pushes me to enjoy and be in the moment) – Well phone to capture instant pictures and video’s and quite not possible to have such huge camera all the time with you.
6. 40 liters Backpack – I am huge fan of traveling with my backpacks. I have never managed to travel with trolley bags. Why: It’s that typical travel backpack waali feeling which trolley bags cannot ever give it to me! Though I have tried on my corporate trips domestically but nahh!! @Jazz, I might think twice before our honeymoon trolley bags or backpacks? Hahahaha!!
7. Books – Damn I cannot forget this one! This is my sole savior for long lay overs. Especially when not every airport has free WIFI or have limited WIFI. And especially when charging plug points at the airport do not work, forget about your laptop! And the low cost fare airlines do not even have tv screen on the seat’s. It’s my BOOK! I don’t have preset list of books that I read but I do have a habit of ordering ALWAYS from AMAZON one or two weeks before my travel begins! What kind: That purely depends on that current mood.
8. Contact Lens/Sun Glasses – So I can see this beautiful world and can capture myself beautifully.
9. Wallet Cash/International Debit Card – When it comes to dollars, euros and pounds, I buy in India. Other currencies I end up buying once I land there.
10. Kohl – I am not big fan of makeup kit, but Kohl will be must when it comes to my travel essentials. The darker the eyes, better the eyes!
11. Sunblock – Nivea Sun Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50++ ; Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry touch Sunblock SPF 50+
12. Towel: Hate that heavy weight once it gets wet. So the one which goes in my backpack is here
With above 12 essentials, I can travel the world! :)
MUST PLACES TO VIST IN PHILIPPINES:
Puerto Princesa, El Nido, Coron, Port Barton in Palawan
Boracay
Cebu, Bohol, Siquijor, Siargao
Sagada, Mt Pulag............blah blahhhhh
Until I write the second part!!!