Do you think you can do 7,000 islands in 100 days, and for only $1,250 all-in?
Considering that airfare and accommodations alone can bust budgets, that challenge seems a tall order. But of course, in the Philippines, a US dollar can go 40 (pesos) ways.
It hasn’t been done before (and if it has been, it wasn’t reported), but one guy took the challenge and went to mind-blowing places all over the Philippines early this year on a daily budget equivalent to four tall cups of Starbuck’s macchiato. (Perhaps this is the time to quit your coffee addiction and start building your travel fund.) On good days, he even lived on far less. He learned to get by with his charm, and exercised a lot of creativity along the way.
This intrepid solo backpacker started at Manila Cathedral (the original place where KM.0 used to stand) and began his first day at the Intramuros. On his 25th day, he was in Cebu in Central Philippines. By the time he was midway in his journey, he was swimming with stingless jellyfish in Surigao del Norte in Southern Philippines. Despite the mainstream impression of Filipinos of Mindanao as a hotbed of political unrest, Mindanao, he says, is generally peaceful and devout in their own Islamic faith as the rest of the country is deeply rooted in their Catholic beliefs. He went there and learned much of the culture and beauty of the region and even got to set foot on a virgin beach that not everyone, including the locals, seems to have access to!
In other words, he has been to places not even explored by those who are living in the area. Seeing a place before it is ‘trashed’ by development is a privilege in an age where a destination can easily be Googled (Earth). Judging from his itinerary, this backpacker was indeed privileged.
In the end, he covered 9,000 kilometers, approximately the distance between the Philippines and Jerusalem. He did it with two air travels, and a healthy amount of fighting the waves and braving the discomfort of public buses. The secret to completing his journey without burning a hole through his pocket was to not always pay for fare. Sometimes, he scored free rides or actively hitchhiked. Plus, it helped that he brought along a handy hammock for accommodation when he could find safe nooks to set up for the night.
So when in doubt if you can travel with limited funds (you shouldn’t, there are ways to save up for your wanderlust), or if you can do it solo, remember that you are in good company. Time off work is a non-issue when you are really intent on leaving your cube and living life unfettered. By daring to do what seemed impossible, and overcoming his misadventures along the way, this trailblazer forged a path that many other travelers can surely follow. It also didn’t hurt that he had a blast doing it.
Photo by Jeff McNeill
