Travelling solo has become a monumental and rewarding experience for many, but for women, it can be especially empowering and life-changing. As we celebrate International Women’s Month, we’re putting a spotlight on Pinay travellers and their solo travels in the Philippines. Read on to find out how they’re breaking the barriers and defying limits, one solo quest at a time!
Also read: Why You Should Explore the Philippines for Your First Solo Travel
TripZilla Philippines’ very own travel writer Celia shares her experience going solo for a month in El Nido, Palawan, along with some of her thoughts on travelling alone. As much as she loves seeing the world with family and friends, solo travel allows her to fully connect and immerse in a destination. A master in the art of being alone and on do-nothing trips, Celia will scratch the solo travel bug itch whenever she wants to spend some quality time with herself.
“I think that when you’re on your own, you tend to be much more open to the places or people around you because you don’t have a buddy to focus on. In a way, you’re forced to interact with the locale and end up being much more present in the experience. I actually really like travelling with friends and family, but I find that I feel more connected with the destination when I spend some alone time there.”
“I’ve already shared this before, but my favourite destination is really Palawan, especially El Nido,” Celia recounts along with neighbouring islands Coron and Busuanga. “Partly because I’ll always be happy on a beach, and Palawan has some of the most beautiful ones in the Philippines. But, it’s also great as a solo travel destination because it has the best of all worlds.
El Nido is touristy enough that it has everything most tourists look for: Island tours, nice hotels and resorts, fellow travellers, restaurants, and the like. At the same time, you can go off-grid if you want to. However, there are still a lot of places in Palawan outside the main tourist areas that I want to explore!”
“Start small. You don’t have to go somewhere very far, especially if it’s your first time and you’re still a bit scared of being on your own. The first time I travelled alone was an overnight trip to Pagudpud, which is just a bus ride away,” she says. On top of that, Celia’s practical advice is to bring enough money — more than you think you will need during your first solo trip. “Since you’re on your own, you won’t have a friend to split the costs with!”
Also read: Solo Travel: Here’s What Filipino Travellers Love Most About It
For Nella, a senior account manager and curious wanderer, venturing out to far-off places on her own usually happen once or twice a year. If not on a long-term trip, she’ll indulge in a bike ride to nearby cities or go on short trips via bus to nearby destinations outside of the metro.
“I’m unafraid and simply enjoy having time alone — it’s peaceful and calming,” Nella says in an interview with TripZilla Philippines. “I also get to be intuitive and mindful about my surroundings and engross myself in people-watching. I find that it’s easier, too — the decision is mine to make without worrying about anything or anyone else.”
“First is Mt. Pulag for my birthday back in 2017. I was at a rough point in my life during that time. Heading out far north, away from the stress and without any phone signal, was bliss. I could keep still in a room full of strangers without having to keep up a persona,” Nella reveals.
“My second favourite solo trip was in Mabini, Batangas, towards the end of 2022 for my first open-water freediving. I’m AIDA1-certified, but have mostly trained in the pool. So, my main goal for that trip was to experience freediving in the ocean. During that time, I was the only guest checked in the hostel since it was a holiday nearing New Year’s.
Since learning the sport, freediving has given me more motivation to head to other provinces (for diving) that are beyond the typical tourist radar like Dasol, Pangasinan, my Dad’s hometown. Who would’ve thought that this small town had white sand and a diving spot?”
“Ask yourself this: What’s stopping you? If you’re concerned about your safety, then come prepared. Do the research, have your valuables within reach like in a belt bag, put on your most intimidating face (resting bitch face) for scanty areas, always read the room and trust your instincts,” she says.
Nella’s tip for those who are worried they won’t be able to capture photos and videos of themselves: a tripod is your best friend. “Or just ask a friendly face to take them for you,” she mentions.
“If it’s the fear of being lonely, expect there will be moments like that. But, you’re in a new place! Go meet the locals and strike up a conversation. More than the usual dating apps, there are resources specifically like Couch Surfing and Couchers.”
Account Director and fellow adventure seeker Rinah loves both a well-planned and spontaneous trip. For her, solo travel in the Philippines strikes a good balance between the two, which makes it easy to achieve. After the pandemic put a halt to her travel plans, she’s ready to get her groove back and get into travelling solo once again.
“I hate being rushed. At the same time, I hate being pressured to do things I don’t necessarily find enjoyment in. So, by travelling alone, I get to move according to my own pace and get to choose the activities and destinations I want to explore. Ultimately, it makes it more memorable if you know your trip is reflective of your tastes and personal preferences.”
“So far, my favourite solo trip that I still rave about to this day is Siquijor. I actually can’t remember why I chose to visit Siquijor back in 2018. However, I ended up loving that island very much. I’m not really into touristy or party beaches like Boracay. I’m also not into surfing, so I’m not super hyped up to visit surf towns like Siargao.
I like beach destinations that are clean and quiet — nothing too modern, but at the same time will still give me access to basic amenities and necessities. At that time, I also wanted to go to a place that offers interesting sites and attractions. So, I’d say Siquijor has all of that. It’s quite underrated, but it’s such a beautiful island to explore. The moment you arrive at the ports, you’d instantly know how beautiful it is.”
“It’s less scary than you think, so just do it,” says Rinah. “There are more kind folks out there who would gladly help you than untrustworthy people. But, of course, you have to be very vigilant and try not to be too paranoid,” she jokes.
“As for trip planning, make sure you do proper and thorough research on the destination you choose to go solo. Additionally, pick places that are not so complicated to travel to, so you could get the hang of it.”
Also read: Are You Solo Travel Ready? Here Are 10 Signs That You Are!
It’s no secret that the Philippines is vast and full of adventures waiting to be explored, and these Pinay solo travellers are boldly stepping out of their comfort zones to discover them! Want to share your solo travel in the Philippines? Tell us all about it on our official Facebook page or tag us in your travel snapshots @tripzillaph!
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