Category: How To

Trainspotting in Manila: How to Ride the PNR in 2018 (with Updated PNR Fare Matrix)

Janis April 3, 2018 10 Comments
Are you looking to ride the Philippine National Railway (PNR)? Eager to try one of Asia's oldest railway systems? Here's a handy guide that will help you get to your destination without having to brave the horrendous Manila traffic. Note that this is an updated version of my previous post about the PNR. PNR Train Schedule The entire PNR stretches from central to southern Luzon. As of...

Bucket List Series: What to Do in Nepal

Janis March 16, 2018 2 Comments
We've all been there: sometimes, we just can’t focus at work so we spend company time aimlessly browsing the internet and checking for cheap flights. These days, I’ve been reading about one of the countries in my bucket list: Nepal! I knew I’ll become more excited about hitting my financial goals this year by mentally mapping where to go and what to do in Nepal, so I’m writing...

Bucket List Series: What to Do in Marrakech for First-Timers

Janis February 15, 2018 0 Comments
If you are visiting Marrakech for the first time, you’ve come to the right place. Here you’ll get a detailed review of the city and what makes it popular among tourists. Read on to find out more about what to do in Marrakech. Marrakech is the third largest city in Morocco and means "Land of God." It is located in the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and is just a couple of...

Five Pieces of Advice for First-Time Solo Travelers

Janis June 30, 2017 3 Comments
  Hello! I haven't been able to write for a few months now because life happened. Now, however, I'll make sure to carve out time for writing. It feels good to be back! :) Anyway, I asked fellow travelers last week on Backpackers of the Philippines to weigh down on what's the most important thing a first-time solo traveler has to remember. Here's my post: And here's what I...

Trainspotting in Manila: How to Ride the PNR

Janis March 1, 2017 1 Comment
Update: Read my updated guide on how to ride the PNR here (with the updated PNR fare matrix for 2018)! If you're planning to visit Manila anytime soon, brace yourself: you're in for a hellish, inconvenient commute. In Manila, getting anywhere can be a piece of work. The travel time from NAIA, the international airport in Pasay City in Luzon, to Quezon City, where I live, usually takes two...

How to Apply for a Taiwan Visa with a Philippine Passport

Janis October 16, 2016 1 Comment
UPDATE: Starting on November 1, 2017, until July 31, 2018, Philippine passport holders can enter Taiwan visa-free! Read the TECO announcement for more information. Getting a Taiwan visa can be daunting if you don't know where to start. If you're planning to fly to Taipei anytime soon, you need to secure either a visa or a travel authorization certificate. Fortunately, the application...

The new e-passport: what you need to know

Janis March 30, 2016 0 Comments
Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that a more secure electronic passport will be available in April 2016. Nothing makes my heart beat faster than good design, so I am very excited about this new and improved document. Before you chuck your passport out the window to get a new one (don't do that), read on to learn more about the updated version that will be...

Kalinga (Part 2 of 2) – How to Get to Buscalan, Tinglayan

Janis April 29, 2014 0 Comments
April 2014 – I have to admit that getting to Buscalan, Tinglayan is both exhausting and dangerous. There are many roads that lead to the Cordilleras but only one highway traverses the town of Tinglayan. Since we went there during the Holy Week, and I was too stupid not to reserve any bus tickets, we had no choice but to make cutting trips. Anyway, based on what...