Hey trail chasers, Welcome back to the blog. If you have spent any time scrolling through outdoor community feeds lately, you have undoubtedly paused on those sweeping, cinematic shots of the Benguet ridges. The endless rolling hills, the golden hour light hitting the pine trees, the sea of clouds in the distance—it all makes you think, “I need to be there immediately.” Mt. Kotkot in Itogon, Benguet is having a massive moment right now in … [Read more...]
Best Beginner Hikes in the Philippines 2026
If you’ve been thinking about hiking but keep telling yourself, “Baka hindi ko kaya,” this is your sign to start. Your first mountain doesn’t need to be extreme. It doesn’t have to be a multi-day expedition with tents, heavy packs, and survival-mode energy either. In fact, the best way to fall in love with hiking in the Philippines is to begin with a minor climb—the kind of trail that challenges you just enough, gives you a beautiful summit … [Read more...]
Why Mt. Daraitan is the Ultimate Wake-Up Call for New Hikers
In the Philippine mountaineering community, there is a notorious concept known as the budol climb. It usually starts with a friend messaging you: "Let's hike this weekend! It’s just a minor climb, rated 4/9. We’ll be down by lunch." For thousands of unsuspecting beginners, that budol happens at Mt. Daraitan. Sitting on the windward edge of the Sierra Madre range in Tanay, Rizal, Mt. Daraitan has built a reputation that heavily contradicts its … [Read more...]
A Short Guide to Birding in Uganda’s Biggest Park – Murchison Falls National Park
Uganda is a meeting point of several African biomes with diverse habitats hence the incredible diversity of wildlife including more than 1070 species, which accounts for about 50% of the bird species in Africa. One of the top birdwatching places in Uganda is the biggest park, Murchison Falls National Park which is more popular for big game safari trips to see animals and spectacular Murchison Falls. For the birdwatcher, Murchison Falls … [Read more...]
Mt. Makiling Hiking Guide 2026: The New Rules, Limatiks, and the “Paved Agony”
Mount Makiling is an ASEAN Heritage Park rising to 1,090 MASL in the CALABARZON region. Managed exclusively by the UPLB Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME), the standard 2026 hike requires a mandatory guide (PHP 1,200), strictly enforced cut-off times, and a physical ID for entry. The Mariang Makiling Trail (MMT) is a 4/9 Difficulty minor climb, taking 5-7 hours to complete. Rising like a sleeping giant over the Southern Tagalog … [Read more...]
The Insider’s Itinerary: How to Find the Real Hunter Valley (Beyond the Big Names)
The Hunter Valley is a bit of a legend in Australia. As our oldest wine region, it carries a certain weight. But for a first-time visitor, it can be... overwhelming. On my first trip years ago, I made the classic mistake: I bounced between the three giant, famous wineries you see on every billboard, tasted the same two styles of wine, and left feeling like I’d missed something. I had. The real soul of the Hunter isn't on the main road. It's … [Read more...]
Taipei in a Flash: A Whirlwind Adventure Worth Remembering
A quick journey to Taipei was not meant to be. Rather than get up with the chickens at 430am in the Thai village I am staying in to catch a van to Suvarnabhumi Airport to catch an 11am flight, I opted to take a a van into Bangkok a day early at a reasonable 3pm departure. I didn't catch much sleep that night due to three women next door partying like it was December 31, 1999. The day of my flight, I left my hotel at 8am for the airport. The … [Read more...]
Holland America Line’s Alaska Cruises Support Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Holland America Line continues its long-standing commitment to celebrate Alaska's wildlife and wilderness by expanding its partnership with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC)—a renowned nonprofit sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska's wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. As part of the 2025 Alaska cruise season, Holland America Line will introduce a variety of onboard activities designed to … [Read more...]
What to see in Eastern Sicily
Whether you're an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Eastern Sicily has something for everyone. In this small guide, I’ll take you through the must-see sights and hidden gems you can’t miss on your journey through this captivating part of the island. Let's discover what we can't miss in Eastern Sicily! 1. Noto Noto is one of those small, compact towns in Sicily. But it’s also one of those places that, … [Read more...]
Discovering The Best Place To Stay In Ecuador
Hostels conjure a lot of negative images—from shit horror movies, to loud snoring, to lack of privacy. I’ve experienced the downsides of them. But when you stay at a good one... man is it good. The Best Hostel I’ve Ever Stayed At Without further ado... The Secret Garden Cotopaxi in Ecuador. Let me start with the value of the place. My 3-day, 2-night package included: Transport from Quito (Cotopaxi is a couple of hours away). … [Read more...]
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