Ever since the world had opened up once again, many of us pursued “revenge travelling,” or travelling in an indulgent manner, making up for the lost time intended for numerous journeys that were halted by the pandemic. For some, this leads to having feelings of anxiety or emptiness as one isn’t able to consume the experiences properly due to the tours and itineraries being rushed. Enter Slow Travel– a movement that allows deeper immersion when travelling, intentionally moving at a reduced pace and enabling oneself to fully notice the surroundings. This month, we offer some of the experiences in the Philippines where being present and full attention is needed which will allow for a better appreciation of the Philippine experience:
Travel to an Off-the-Beaten Path Destination: Camiguin
A quiet, sleepy town located in the coast of Southern Philippines facing the Bohol sea, Camiguin is a volcanic island whose eruptions brought forth an abundance of natural sites– from dive sites where one can see turtles, eagle rays, white tip sharks and more, to white sand islets, and majestic waterfalls, the land is truly rich and fertile where the Lanzones fruit grows, allowing the locals to celebrate the famous annual Lanzones festival every third week of October. Add one more day in your itinerary just to marvel at the quiet sea that Camiguin offers.
Do it like the Locals: Bicol Cuisines
Experience an immersive culinary course and the rich traditions of Bicol cuisine straight from the locals! Get the opportunity to learn and discover some of Bicol region’s best kept secrets in food preparation especially with their iconic dishes, the Bicol Express and Laing. Go beyond the ATV and Mayon Volcano tours, and allow yourself to gain a deeper understanding of Bicol’s culinary heritage.
Photo retrieved from Lanai by FreshStart
Farm-to-Table Experiences
It is no secret that slow food is prominent in Bacolod, with the 2025 Terra Madre Asia and Pacific to be held in the said city, a showcase in gastronomy is one of the highlights when going to Western Visayas. One such example of the pioneers of this movement in the city is a Farm-to-Table concept that champions sustainable farming and preservation of the region’s biodiversity. Try a degustation set and enjoy organic and natural tastes straight from the farm.
Photo retrieved from Tribal Adventures
Cycling Tour
Delve into the local culture, swim in waterfalls, and hear the sounds of the rainforest as one traverses the gravels and roads of Busuanga’s mountain trails. Along the way, a time to meet the locals will also be done to further be adept with the localities. The route for the trail depends on the season; should one like travelling during the dry season, November to May is for the drier season, but if one is adventurous and the wet season is preferred, the months of June to October are recommended.