Travel Essentials for Backpacking Asia

A wise traveler would know that he has to do research about each destination before hand. This is so he can plan, or actually, just 'draft' an itinerary, and also to prepare the necessary things such as clothing and or special requirements that each place holds. Backpacking Asia is relatively easier to do than backpacking other continents. This is because when you backpack tropical countries, you can really 'pack lightly'. And I cannot stress this enough: you cannot over pack clothes when backpacking Asia. So for every backpacker planning to go through Asia's wonders, here's my quick checklist for travel essentials when backpacking Asia (in no particular order).

> Medicine Kit

Specially for people with asthma and or allergies, a medicine kit is a must. It does not have to be huge or numerous, but just includes remedies for usual stuff that people (or you) go through or experience when traveling, such as pain killers, antacids, anti-histamine, anti-motion sickness, medicines for fever or flu and common colds and cough. It is always better to be ready than sorry.

> Toiletries

If you're looking at budget traveling/backpacking, most hostels and or dormitories don't have free toiletries. So better have yours ready. I recommend buying toiletries in the form of sachets for one time use only so that you can dispose of the pack immediately and it doesn't have to spill its contents inside your pouch or bag. I also prefer liquid soap over bar soap, but just make sure it is not more than 100 mL if you did not buy a check-in luggage. Or you could put one bar of soap inside a zip lock container. My toiletries usually include toothbrush, sachets of shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, moisturizer/lotion, facial and feminine wash, and deodorant.

> Mosquito Repellent

We're in Asia; in most countries, malaria has been extinguished, but in others, this is not particularly true. So just in case, I always bring one bottle of mosquito repellent lotion. Or you can have an anti-malaria vaccine before your trip. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!

> Water bottle

You're a traveler in a tropical continent, dehydration is a no-no. So, better be ready with a water bottle so that you may refill this container instead of just buying and buying bottled mineral water all the time. Just make sure that the source is clean, though, to prevent your trip being spoiled by frequent trips to the water closet.

> Camera

Just because you're a backpacker who wants to be distinguished from a tourist, doesn't mean that you can't be seen with a camera. Bring your trusted DSLR or SLR, or just your smartphone and get your poses ready! Because Asia's got its wonders for you.

> Gadgets and Chargers/Powerbank

Of course, this should be next to the list after mentioning the camera. It's okay to bring gadgets, just don't forget to bring along their chargers, and or a powerbank for emergency purposes. You may also want to have a back-up battery for your camera.

> Towels

I always travel with a sports towel which also doubles as a body towel. I recommend you buy those towels with features like quick-absorbent and quick-dry, especially if you're a traveler who's always on the go. This is because, compared to ordinary towels, these babies can absorb water fast but also need less time to dry. This is one travel essential for budget travelers booking accommodations that don't provide fresh towels.

> Undergarments 

You can buy disposable lower body undies or, to save money, just pack more or less half the total number of days of your trip and just be ready to wash and recycle undies for long term trips. For girls, you may do the same trick for brassieres.

> Sarong/Scarf/Malong 

When traversing tropical countries, I'm sure you're gonna use different forms of transportation. And in such hot and humid countries, the air-conditioning of such transport systems are usually insanely inhumanely cold. So having a sarong/scarf/malong or other cover-ups like cardigans or sweaters are very much an essential travel buddy. They can also be helpful in lots of tourist destinations in Asia with strict attire policies, especially for the ladies. It can also serve you well while on the beach or when you'd like to sit or lie down by covering the ground.

> Eco Bag

These babies will be very useful for containing stuff you've hoarded all throughout your backpacking journey. The cloth-like eco bags can also serve as a kind of separator/organizer inside your gargantuan backpack. If you're going shopping, this is a good travel buddy to have so that you don't need to carry around loads of plastic bags, etc. They can also serve as your dirty clothes bin.

> Clothes

Shorts, leggings, and pants are good for traveling in Asia. No need for layers of clothes. Spaghetti straps, sleeveless, tank tops or even cropped tops are welcome. The sarong/scarf/malong would do the saving when necessary to hide some skin. But all in all, just make sure that you're comfortable with the fabric, since most countries in Asia are hot and humid. Fabrics that are breathy and light should be your choice. The number of tops I bring are around more than half of the days that I'd be traveling, and then I always have a pair of jeans, some shorts, and at least 2 leggings.

> Shoes/Slippers/Foot wear

No special requirement for foot wear. Your trusted Nike rubber shoes, or even just comfy flats/sandals that can also double as slippers, are advisable for touring around hot and humid countries. Just make sure that you're comfortable with your footwear as it will make or break your ability to walk around the marvels of Asia. I always bring at least 2 footwear: my Nike Roshe for days with long walking required, and a pair of Havaianas as my slippers or footwear which can also get wet if necessary.

> Money

A lot of countries here in Asia would require you to use their currency, but having some USDs in your pocket is a travel essential. Most countries would accept payments in USD and then they'd just give you change in their currency. But, the extra USDs should be for emergency purposes only.

Hope this checklist helps! Ciao!

Exploring Kampuchea

DAY 1: Siem Reap Night Life

Siem Reap International Airport

Our flight for Siem Reap was actually one miracle. It's because it nearly got cancelled because of the arrival of Pope Francis in the Philippines; there were too many delayed flights because the terminals were trying to accommodate the rescheduled flights cancelled due to the Pontiff's arrival. So, yeah, you could say it was a miracle this flight didn't get delayed or such.

Pubstreet Street Food

Insects and Meat

We touched down at Siem Reap International Airport at around 930 pm. My first impression of a country sometimes depend on the things I see through the windows of the plane. And compared to the usual scenic views one might see when arriving at night at a city, what I saw was darkness. Sure, there were some areas with flicks of lights, but they don't even equate to the lights of one barangay in the Philippines. Siem Reap, thus, gave me the idea that I was in a remote province of the Philippines. And this was actually confirmed when we took a 13-dollar taxi for 6 pax towards our hostel. The airport taxi has a kiosk at the exit of arrivals area and the staff are fluent in the English language and are very friendly as well. To save some bucks, our group of four joined a pair to rent a big taxi, instead of renting a small taxi worth 10 dollars.

Khmer Kebab

Khmer Burger and fries

Almost all of the establishments were already closed. And there isn't much activity going on even at the airport. We booked one night at Tanei Guesthouse for only 10 USD/person/night. This charming guesthouse is just walking distance from the nightlife of Siem Reap, both night markets and restaurants/bars. So after settling down, we walked towards Pubstreet for dinner and to have a glimpse of their night life.

Dinner Place

After dinner, we walked around to explore Pubstreet, but during this time, almost all of the establishments were starting to close. There were some bars with rooftop seating with live band performing throughout the night, while other restaurants were good for just chill dinner. The streets are lined with kiosks selling fruit shakes, or some street food. There isn't much to do anymore but to go back to the hotel and retire for the night.

Siem Reap Night Market

Costs of the day:

> Taxi for 6 pax (2 stops): 13 USD/6 = ~2 USD

> Dinner: 8 USD/2 = ~4 USD

> Guesthouse (1D1N): 40 USD/4 = 10 USD

Total = ~16 USD

That Thing Called Tadhana

I just got home from a client's house, where I provided occupational therapy service for about an hour. I was really tired and I felt like not having dinner and just going straight to bed. But today, I have jogging or Nike Training Club session inputted as part of my Project Summer Bod. So I willed myself to changing into running clothes and dragged myself to the University. I usually jog for about an hour around the grandstand. The first 3 laps for warming up included jogging the three legs of the grandstand at a fair pace, and then doing brisk walking for the 4th leg. This is then followed by 10 laps of nonstop jogging around the grandstand at a slow pace. And then for cooling down, I do 2 laps of leisure walking, still, around the grandstand.

 

During my 1st lap of leisure walking, I was about to pass by a guy drinking from his water bottle. When I was almost in front of him, he started walking at a pace similar as mine so that he was walking just a few steps ahead of me. This went on for about the whole length of 2 legs of the grandstand. I was even singing some lyrics of Coldplay's The Scientist while I was walking leisurely behind him. By the time I was about to be at the same level as him, I decided to overtake him since I felt like he might think I was following him.

After overtaking him, I started thinking to myself, as I always do, how I am growing old real fast. I said to myself that I am already 24 years old, and that if I wanted to be married by 29 or 30, I should have started having a serious relationship by now. I was talking to God, and asking Him what his plans are for me. I started to feel panic welling up on the pit of my stomach, because up until now, I don't really have anyone whom I can consider as someone I'd spend the rest of my life with. 

 

During my 2nd lap of leisure walking, at the same spot where I almost passed by the 'guy', I was looking up at the sky, and enjoying the view of the stars, which is a rare view here at the city, what with all of the smog and cloudy skies. While I was singing some lyrics of Coldplay's A Sky Full of Stars, somebody tapped my left forearm, and I jolted. I immediately took off the earphones and turned off the music. It was the 'guy' from before.

He said, "Hi! I don't usually do this. But, can I ask you a question?" Flabbergasted, I replied, "Oh, ok. What is it?"

 

He said, "I just noticed from earlier, but are you perhaps following me around?" If it was somebody else without the cute face, I would have been offended. But I couldn't get myself to feel irritated. Instead, I felt kilig vibes all the way, what with all of the cuteness in the way he said it. So I said, "Umm, no, of course not! I was just doing my cooling down. In fact, it's my 1st lap of leisure walking."

He then said, "Oh, man. Really? You were just really doing some cooling off? I mean, cooling down?" He looked disappointed but in an amused kind of way. "Oh, well. by the way, I'm Dave." I was shocked, but I shook his hand as I was introducing myself, "Lara."

And then he went on by asking me about where I live, why do I allow myself to be tired if I've got classes the next day --- to which I answered that I don't have classes anymore, and then he figured that I was already a graduate. And he was really amazed and shocked that I was not a freshman, that he thought I was kidding. We talked about my job, and from which high school he graduated from. We talked until we finished one lap of my leisure walking. And then, he said, "Listen, if ever you're gonna be doing this again, can I jog with you?" I jokingly replied with a smirking face, "Well, can you keep up?" He laughed and said, "Okay, now, I'll be the one to boast. I was actually a football athlete during high school. So now, I'll ask you, can you keep up?"

He asked for my number. But for some unknown reason, I replied that I have not my mobile phone with me. He thought I didn't want to give him my number, so I told him in a hurry, "Okay, okay. I'll get your number." And then he gave me his number, we shook hands again, and we parted ways.

I was supposed to go home at a leisure walking pace, but with what happened, I couldn't stop myself from running. Because I couldn't believe that what just happened really happened. I never really thought that "tadhana" is something that plays a role in my life. But even though it's just for one night, and it's prolly not something big as well, it made me realize that sometimes, life doesn't just gives you lemons, it taps you in your hand and hands you out a lemonade --- something you're not expecting, but something that might be, JUST MAYBE, even better.

Relax and Keep Swimming

Day three in Boracay is all about just lounging by the beachfront, sipping refreshing juice, people watching, and getting soaked by the blazing heat of the sun. This is the good life: waking up late, and doing nothing but relax.

At Aria Cucina Italiana

After all, when I visit a new place, I make it a point to have a moment (or in this case, a day) when I don't have to do anything but just let the place sink in on me.

We just ordered some refreshing shakes, and hearty cheesecake from Aria Cucina Italiana. By lunch time, we headed to the D'Talipapa wet market to buy some fresh seafood. A word of caution though, it is essential that one of you should be good in haggling (and by good, I mean really really good) and or at least knows the usual market selling prices of seafood outside Boracay so that you can compare, and thus, know if you're being ripped off. Second word of advice, someone's gotta be able to tell which seafood are fresh, since some of the vendors would offer you those which are about one, two or a few days old, especially if they figured out that you don't know how to haggle and or how to buy fresh seafood. Usually, not-so-fresh seafood are offered by those vendors who would easily go with your price. Almost all of the vendors would more or less stick to their original price especially when their goods are fresh. We bought shrimp and squid for a total of 590 pesos.

Next off, you have to find a good restaurant where you would pay for their cooking service while you provide all of the key ingredients. We chose Plato D'Boracay. You can tell them how you want your food cooked. We had our shrimp cooked in two ways: 1/2 kilo being cooked with butter and garlic, while the other 1/2 kilo was cooked into shrimp tempura. The squid was stuffed with tomatoes, onion, etc, and then grilled. The meals were served after about 30 minutes, and I gotta say, they were nicely done. At that time, they were having a Christmas Parol (Lantern) Making Contest, so that we were given pieces of paper to rate each of the parols created by their staff divided into groups using only recycled materials. What's really cool about it is that each group was given a key ingredient to use (example: mongo seeds, crab shells, clam shells, etc). It was a yummy and fun dining experience, which was worth 513 pesos.

Paraw Sunset Sailing

After lunch, we went through the souvenir stalls adjacent to the wet market to buy pasalubong. And then we headed to Station 1 in front of Discovery Shores, where we met up with our contact for Paraw Sunset Sailing. The paraw is a different kind of boat that catches the wind by its sails to be able to move around; stronger winds mean faster sailing. There are nets on each side of the boat for you to sit on. The ride is good for 15-30 minutes, depending on the strength of the wind. It's really nice to bask in the warmth of the setting sun; what with the cool breeze fighting off the heat, plus a great view of the sunset on one side and the island of paradise on the other. This is a must do activity in Boracay! We had the boat all to ourselves, and it was worth 600 pesos. It is better to have some food with you so you can eat while you enjoy the sunset.

The Famous Boracay Sunset

Our group then headed to Real Coffee and Tea Cafe to pre-order boxes of the famous Boracay calamansi flavored muffins to take home to our loved ones. We then headed back to the hotel to freshen up for dinner at Aplaya Beach Bar and Italian Restaurant in Station 1 where we ordered 2 pasta (red sauce and pesto), and a double-flavored pizza. The meal was hearty, but the serving is good for only 2-3 persons, depending on your appetite. So it is better to order more meals if you're feeling hungry. The service is average though, it was really hard to catch the attention of the staff, especially if you're seated by the beach. But the view of the lights, fire dance, and partying is really nice at night, and it's amazing to feel the cool breeze plus hear the soft crash of the waves by the shore.

Tagliatelle Pasta

Basil and Cheese Pizza

Pesto

After dinner, the group went straight to Epic Boracay Bar to have our fill of free cocktails c/o one of our friends. Aside from chatting the night away, people watching is one thing you can do no matter where you are in Boracay, and it's really simple and fun to do. When we've had one too many to drink, we then decided to go back to the hotel and retire for the night.

Ladies Night at Epic Bar

Costs of the day:

- gelato: 90 pesos

- Wet market: 590/4 = 147.50 pesos

- Plato D'Boracay: 513/4 = 119 pesos

- Souvenir magnets: 75 pesos

- Souvenir shirt: 200 pesos

- Calamansi muffin: 480 pesos

- Paraw Sunset Sailing: 150 pesos

- Aplaya: 361 pesos

- Cocktails: free

Total = 1622.5 pesos

A Day to Dive For

Aside from lounging on the beach and food-tripping, what more can you do in Boracay? But of course, there are lots of water sports to try! So, try we did. If you just walk along the beach, lots of guys would automatically offer you packages for activities. Usually, it would cost you 1500 for 7 pre-selected activities. However, since we only wanted to try parasailing and helmet diving, we opted to pay for each activity separately. Helmet diving costs 300 pesos per person, inclusive of a boat transfer to the diving site, plus photos underwater, and a cool helmet with a large peep glass in front. On the other hand, parasailing usually costs 1000 pesos per person, inclusive of a private boat, and having your own parasailing equipment exclusive for your group to avoid the long lines.

Private Superman Boat for Parasailing

Parasailing is perfect when done early in the morning so that the temperature is just cool enough for you to enjoy the view high above the sea. One ride up usually lasts for around 15 minutes, and for me, that was long enough to turn my stomach upside down. If you have motion sickness, you'll prolly want to skip this activity, since after only 5 minutes in the air, I already felt sick, really.

Parasailing

Helmet diving is done in one spot only. The difference is on the helmets used underwater, some only have a circular hole for you to peep on, while others, like ours, have the whole front of the helmet being glass so that you can see a lot, and at the same time, you can actually see your face in the underwater photos. Helmet diving usually lasts for around 15 minutes as well. You need not wear any type of footwear to wander around underwater.

Helmet Diving

After the water sports, we were dropped off at Ariel's House located in Station 1, where we purchased 4 tickets for a trip to Ariel's point. While waiting for the boat transfer to the site, we were briefed of the rules and regulations and were given all the freebies, such as the baller bracelets, etc. Each ticket costs 2000 pesos inclusive of unlimited drinks, buffet lunch, kayaking, snorkeling, unlimited fun, and the main event, unlimited cliff diving! For more information, check out their website here.

Drinks on board to Ariel's Point

I knew just at the boat ride that this activity is definitely worth the bucks spent. What with the unlimited drinks that immediately poured during the boat ride to the spot! Then upon arrival, you'll be greeted by amazing views and relaxing spots. I went straight to the bar to order Jack coke and Rum cola to soothe my nerves, because I planned on diving from all of the dive spots, proceeding from lowest to highest. Unfortunately, since my adrenaline was in overdrive, I failed to spot the 3 meter dive spot, and went straight to the 5 meter dive spot! And I have got to say, it was one hell of a jump! The key is to let go of the railing, walk until you reach the edge of the plank, and just dive/jump without looking back, or else, you'll be fighting for your life.

My jump shot from 5 meter plank

Highest dive spot: 15 meters

After one jump, I downed two more glasses of Jack coke to calm my nerves and went straight for the 8 (or I think 10) meter dive spot. I thought that since I already jumped once, it'd be less frightening and nerve-wracking the second time around. But, no! Lo, and behold! Everything I felt during the first dive was doubled. And yet, I jumped. Hell, yeah, I did.

One of the chill spots to relax at Ariel's Point

Lunch buffet then came tumbling after, and I chowed down what I could. The lunch was nicely done and was really delicious, with lots of choices. I had to go back to the table 3x before I told myself to stop.

Starting spot for snorkeling and kayaking

Our group opted to explore around and do kayaking and snorkeling. And at around 3 in the afternoon, I went back up to jump from the highest dive spot, 15 meters that is. After around 3-5 minutes of gruesome war between me, myself, and I, I finally let go of the railing and jumped. That must have been the longest 15 seconds of my life. I would never forget how it felt while I was falling towards the clear bluish-greenish sea. And then the splash, I rose up to the surface, and I knew, it was truly, madly, amazingly worth it!

Ariel's Point

When I went back up, I can still feel my heart racing! I downed some more glasses of alcoholic drinks and by 4 pm, we were heading back to Boracay Island.

We suddenly felt like having coffee, so we went to get some at Starbucks. I must say though, the prices are way way up. Then we ate the famous chori burger, and some isaw from a food kiosk, I think in Station 1. Essentially, chori burger is just sliced and grilled chorizo sandwiched in buns. It was good enough to satisfy hunger for about 40 pesos each.

Our last stop for this jam-packed day is PubCrawl. Basically, PubCrawl is the best way to meet new people and fellow travelers from all over the world while hopping along the hottest bars in Boracay. Throw in interactive games, plus free shots by the beach, this is one epic night out you won't wanna miss. Check out their website by clicking here.

Boracay PubCrawl

(*Some of the photos were grabbed from Boracay PubCrawl FB page)

Crazy Boracay PubCrawl Bunch

Before heading to PubCrawl, we freshened up back at the hotel. Unfortunately, the night spent at PubCrawl was too damn awesome and uhh-mayyy-zing for me to put into words. So... all I can say is: it was the best night ever! If you're looking for a night out to party, get to know other people, kiss some random stranger, drink 'til you drop, and or dance 'til dawn, whether you're shy or a party animal, PubCrawl is exactly what you need. It is indeed the number 1 activity in Boracay. Pre-book your tickets online so to save some bucks. A ticket is worth 735 pesos online, and is much more expensive if bought through walk in. I give it 5 stars, or, hell, better yet 10!

Me and my girls at PubCrawl

Too much partying can lead to ravenous tummies. So by 3 am, people were pouring into different restaurants that are still open to be free of hunger. After the midnight/early morning snack, we headed back to the hotel and had some good night's sleep. What a day!

Costs of the day:
- water sports: 1300 pesos
- Ariel's point: 2000 pesos
- Chori burger+isaw: 60 pesos
- Starbucks: 205 pesos
Total = 3565 pesos

Boracay: Paradise Island

Day 1: A Stretch of Sand

More than just a stretch of powdery white sand, Boracay island is an escape destination which has it all. It doesn't matter who you're traveling with, whether it be your family, friends, special someone, or just alone, whatever your plan is, this island's got it all for you.

Boracay Sand Castle

On our first day, we arrived at Kalibo Airport. Our airfare was availed as seat sale, and was only worth 1000 pesos per person. We booked a round-trip transport package from Manila Travel Tours, which was worth 950 pesos per person and was inclusive of a tour bus transfer to Caticlan port, an air-conditioned boat transfer to and from Boracay, and a tricycle transfer to drop us off at our hotel. The bus ride was around 3-4 hours, with one stop-over, while the boat ride was around 15 minutes. For our departure, they had a van fetch us from our hotel the morning of our departure, and then we boarded the air-conditioned boat back to Caticlan port. From the port, they gave us a private Toyota Vios (since there are only 4 of us in our group) back to Kalibo airport. The ride was shorter this time, around 2 hours tops because it's a private car and we didn't ask for a stop-over. I suggest that you avail of a transport package such as this so to avoid the hassle of the transfers if you're coming from Kalibo.

We booked a room for 4 pax for 3 nights at La Carmela de Boracay, which was located in the beachfront, so it's a big plus because you're just literally steps from the beach, but a bit far from establishments since it is located at the edge of Station 3. The facilities are good enough, and the service can be rated as average. The room was large enough for four pax, with 2 comfortable queen sized beds. The staff are accommodating, but we had to call multiple times just so they can respond to our needs such as when asking for fresh towels, or when we were asking them to sweep our room clean. The free breakfast buffet was simply cooked and was delicious, but they should add more variety to the food choices. We weren't able to try any of the pools they had but those are a plus too if you prefer swimming pools than the beach (which doesn't make sense at all, because the beach in Boracay is absolutely magnificent especially during -Ber months when it's not mossy).

After unloading our stuff at the room, we decided to explore the establishments along the beachfront. We grabbed a quick dinner at Bite Club located in D'Mall. For a meal of about 230 pesos per person, we had our tummies satisfied with their delicious burger meals.

Dinner at Bite Club

We then walked around D'Mall just to look around, and then headed to PubCrawl at Station 1 to acquire our t-shirts for an epic night out scheduled on our next day in Boracay.

Walking along the beachfront while we were heading back to our hotel is an activity in itself; you can do people watching or just enjoy the evening stroll with your friends. It's really nice to visit Boracay when it's not peak season because you can truly enjoy the island without the hassle of being too crowded by so many other visitors.

Costs for the day:
- Round trip Transport: 950 pesos
- Hotel: 1800 pesos
- PubCrawl: 735 pesos
- Bite Club Dinner: 225 pesos
Total = 3735 pesos