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13 “Untouristic” Provinces You Should Visit this 2013 (Part 1)

Posted on January 2, 2013 by journeyingjames 13 Comments
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If you are the same age as me or older, you must have heard this song:

Enero, Pebrero,
Marso, Abril, Mayo,
Hunyo, Hulyo, Agosto.
Septyembre, Oktubre,
Nobyembre, Disyembre,
Lubi Lubi.
Konwaray sin abaniko.
Patay na inin lawas ko.
Lawas ko, ay ay!
Madedesmayo
San balhas na desmayado konwado.

This has a new meaning to me now after somewhat learning some local dialects.

So this is a Bicolano folk song called “Lubi-Lubi.” It talks about a woman enduring the heat (summer) from January-Lubi-Lubi (a Dolphy joke that Philippines has 13 months) and if not for the fan’s help, she would have fainted. And BTW, Lubi-Lubi is a kind of plant called “Kamakamatisan” in Tagalog. Its different from “lubi” which is coconut in Bisaya.

Now, because the Philippines is a tropical country blessed with 2 seasons called hot and hotter (endless summer eh?!!); why not plan your trips in these provinces that are not too ‘touristic.’ Promise, these are my faves!

To help you see the big picture, here is a location map of where to find these provinces:

Part 1

13 “Untouristic” Provinces You Should Visit this 2013 (Part 1)

Enero: Kalinga

Kalinga Whang-od Tattooing

Kalinga, Whang-od Tattooing a centipede to a Spaniard

Kalinga! Probably my favorite in the Cordilleras for its well-preserved culture and forests. I was talking with a well-traveled friend who has been to this place and I was not surprised to hear him speak well of this province as well. Another traveler was listening to us as we describe the experiences we had and he was stoked of going there A.S.A.P.

I want to go back here and get a centipede tattoo from Whang-od.

Pebrero: Cagayan

The Divine Chamber at Callao Caves in Penablanca, Cagayan

The Divine Chamber at Callao Caves in Penablanca, Cagayan

Cagayan is a province I want to spent more days exploring this 2013. I have been to Tuguegarao to eat pancit batil-patung and Penablanca for the Callao Caves but I know Cagayan has much more to offer. I’m looking forward to the Babuyanes! Ohhh yes, that would be an awesome addition to my off-the-beaten-path destinations.

I put it on February so you can time the Humpback whales.

Marso: Sorsogon

A rare event! A dog (might be feeling that I'm solo) joined me as I watched the setting sun making the sky indigo

A rare event! A dog (might be feeling that I’m solo) joined me as I watched the setting sun making the sky indigo

Could be the best province Bicol region can offer to intrepid travelers. Yes, its far and that makes it a perfect place to spend 3 days or more. March is the perfect month to see the whalesharks in Donsol. You might also want to try surfing the waves in Gubat or simply enjoy nature’s bounty and Bicolano’s pinangat.

I guess I will be there on March for the Surf Camp the boys are cooking. If you wanna join, please do visit this Gubat, Sorsogon link: Summer Camp 2013- A Green Camp (or contact Noli for details: 0905-242-1693)

Abril: Marinduque

Mompong island's dry port. How do you like to set up camp there?

Mongpong island’s dry port. How do you like to set up camp there?

Marinduque is perfectly placed at the heart of the Philippines. This ♥-shaped province is where I found the most accommodating and hospitable locals ever. I want to get back there and visit the friends and family I made when I first visited it February of 2012.

I placed this in April in time for the Moriones Festival.

Mayo: Masbate

Masbate's Halea Nature Park in Ticao Island

Masbate’s Halea Nature Park in Ticao Island

It’s not mas-beyt, its mas-ba-te. Masbate is another island province that will surprise a visitor. I want to share with you a log on my travel note, “I visited Halea Nature Park. This is the place where I said “I’m in an island where I don’t want to blog about. I want to keep it a secret. Fishes as many as the stars, as colorful as the rainbow.” I also met some divers that are planning to see the Giant Manta Rays. How I wish I have the money to dive with them that time. Oh well, maybe next time.”

Could this be the year where I finally dive and see the Giant Manta rays?

Hunyo: Romblon

Could be the hardest mountain to peak. (Photo credits: www.lagataw.com)

Could be the hardest mountain to peak. (Photo credits: www.lagataw.com)

The last time I was here was 2003, yep almost a decade ago. My only remembrance is a marble egg I bought for myself. I can’t even locate my old photos. But I plan to visit Romblon again this 2013 and maybe explore for a week or more. Hmmmm… I want to chase more waterfalls, hike mountains (everyone wants to peak G2) and discover white island beaches.

Who wants to come with me?

Part 2:  13 Untouristic Provinces You Should Visit this 2013

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This entry was posted in Featured Posts, Luzon, Philippines and tagged 13 "Untouristic" Provinces You Should Visit this 2013, 13 "Untouristic" Provinces You Should Visit this 2013 (Part 1), Cagayan, Kalinga, Marinduque, Masbate, Romblon, Sorsogon. Bookmark the permalink.

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13 thoughts on “13 “Untouristic” Provinces You Should Visit this 2013 (Part 1)”

  1. Claire | Traveling Light said:
    Reply
    January 2, 2013 at 7:20 am

    Love the new cover photo!

    At ang galing lang din ni Regine Garcia sa design at layout!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 6, 2013 at 10:04 am

      thanks claire 😉 of course, si regine pa

  2. jhuvy said:
    Reply
    January 3, 2013 at 7:05 am

    sama ko sa Kalinga!

    nice cover photo james :)…Happy new Year!!!

    more places to travel…:)

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 6, 2013 at 9:59 am

      haha! tara jhuvy! thanks, glad you mentioned that

  3. Daene | filipinainflipflops.com said:
    Reply
    January 4, 2013 at 5:14 pm

    I want to go to Kalinga and Marinduque! Now all I need is to muster up the courage to get my very first tattoo the native way in the former (I really want to, but my parents would probably kill me! Haha).

    Have a travel-filled new year! 🙂

    Daene | filipinainflipflops.com

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 6, 2013 at 9:48 am

      tara daene, patattoo tayo before she dies.
      thanks for the visit

  4. Albin said:
    Reply
    January 5, 2013 at 3:34 pm

    parang gusto ko ring pumunta sa kalinga para magpatattoo!

    Happy New Year po!

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 6, 2013 at 9:47 am

      go albin! stay there for atleast 3days

  5. nie said:
    Reply
    January 8, 2013 at 6:53 am

    wow! wala pa akong napuntahan ni isa dito! will definitely put these places on my list! 😀

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 10, 2013 at 8:29 am

      really? now, its time to explore more of our country

  6. Nathalie said:
    Reply
    January 22, 2013 at 7:43 am

    I wanna visit Kalinga (never been there) at magpatatto na rin. 🙂

    • journeyingjames said:
      Reply
      January 23, 2013 at 12:43 pm

      go natz! i want to get a tattoo narin

  7. elleica said:
    Reply
    April 3, 2013 at 10:07 am

    I just came from Marinduque and I loved it! Tama ka! They are some of the most hospitable people I’ve met. I won’t forget the friends I made there. 🙂

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