There are a thousand more islands in the Philippines (about 7,641 isles) that I’ve yet to visit and explore. And it's packed with natural treasures worth discovering like Mariveles for example - a picturesque seaside town in Bataan. Situated at the southern tip of Bataan (50 km west of Metro Manila), Mariveles is famous for its much-admired Five Fingers – a series of coves to the west of the municipality, which looks like a hand spread out when you view the map.

There are only a few things that make me remarkably excited, and one of those include out-of-town trips and hotel stays. I just love a nice getaway that provides a delightful bed and breakfast setup. To have the opportunity to dwell in a cozy and quality accommodation truly helps restore one's mind and body. So imagine yourself savoring all these and more at a redeveloped hotel that's resting on a hilltop, amidst a very tranquil and green setting. Want to know where to find such a place? Visit the Oriental Bataan in Mariveles, and discover why it's a destination of its own.

I was never a fan of long-haul travels, which is quite ironic for someone who loves to explore, right? So just imagine my hesitation when I got invited by a friend to visit Bataan again (check the 1st trip and 2nd trip here) - a Philippine destination that usually takes 3-4 hours to reach by bus. Fortunately, we discovered a better and more convenient way to reach the progressive province, all without the butt-numbing experience - 1Bataan Integrated Transport System (ITS) – a ferry service that brings Manila closer to Bataan.
It's no secret that I like setting aside a specific budget for my trips. But if I have limited funds (and still itching to travel), I make sure that I 'book and plan ahead'. Here's how I do it:
1) I choose a destination.
2) I book my plane or bus ticket a few months early (look for seat sales!).
3) I check online sources for reviews and recommendations and then narrow down the best affordable rates for accommodations and tours, especially if I'm going DIY.
4) I book my accommodation (eg. Airbnb, Agoda, Booking).
5) I make a projection of my expenses by creating an itinerary based on figures that I've gathered online (list how many meals per day, how many nights in a lodging, how much for commute fees, etc.). Remember, it's okay to work around estimates, as it makes for a good buffer too.
6) I start saving up for the trip by allocating a certain amount from my earnings every month.
Allocating my funds for a trip helps me track how much is still needed to achieve my monetary goal.