My mindful travel.

Going on a nature trip is something I planned to get my stress levels in check. But since #Adulting101 means never getting the time to bridge the gap between planning quick travels with friends, and acting on it (everybody’s so busy! But it’s okay), I decided to just go on a solo trip and enjoy it well.

My destination? Dingalan

Dingalan, previously dubbed the “secret paradise of the East,” and now the “Batanes of the East,” is the southernmost municipality of the Province of Aurora. It is famous for its majestic landscape, mountain peak, river, and cave systems that speaks of the true beauty of Mother Nature.

I opted to join a tour instead of taking the public transport because 1) it’s very convenient; 2) I wasn’t sure I could navigate my way properly (it’s my first time going there and I didn’t make any plans or research whatsoever); 3) I’d probably miss my stop for sleeping soundly; 4) security reasons; and 5) getting to Dingalan is one thing, and going back to Manila is another. The going back part is particularly unnerving because there aren’t a lot of public vehicles there (or there are, but it’s very expensive!!)

This is where you’ll get off after the long, 5 hour-travel. Here you can eat your breakfast at a simple carinderia (before the hike), take a refreshing walk around the place (you have a wonderful view of the mountains), and just chat with the locals there. There is a nearby Fire Department Station, public market, and a rural bank.

Then we went to the Feeder Port, where the adventure really begins.

We were advised to only bring the things we needed to bring *cue Adam Sandler’s Phone, Wallet, Keys* and leave the rest inside the van. In my case, it’s just a waterproof cellphone case, phone, a few bills (placed inside the cellphone case), and an extra set of clothes in an unfashionable eco bag, that I didn’t even use.

Some of the key spots we visited:

White Beach

#AwkwardPose #VeryTita #VeryUnprepared #AwkwardlySmilingTheAwkwardnessAwayBecauseOthersAreLookingAtMePosingAwkwardly

I wouldn’t say this is a white beach, but it’s still pretty nice.

Mountain View Deck

For me, this was the highlight of the whole tour. We did a twenty-minute uphill trek to the view deck, which wasn’t as difficult as I expected (as our tour coordinator had said, it was a pabebe hike).

Once we reached the top, I was just completely stunned. The whooshing winds were kissing our faces; it was pleasantly airy and cold, but the sun still warmed our skin. And the view? It was splendid. It made me want to just camp out and start a new life there… But seriously.

There were a lot of people at the time, but I didn’t mind. It was so refreshing to just sit on the edge of the cliff (to mom, if you’re reading this, it was the safe edge of the cliff) and absorb the healing energy of nature.

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There was also the elevated deck so people can take better photos. It looks meh, but believe me, once you climb your way up – the wind is 3x breezier, and you’d feel as if you’d be blown off the platform.

This is the moment I realized I should have worn a tight-fitting shirt. Mine kept dancing with the wind, so I had to hold it down with the mineral water. Um…

We didn’t get the chance to go to the Lighthouse and Lamao Cave because of time constraints, nor did we step foot on the Suah Rock Formation. We were very near the rock formation but the strong waves were very uncooperative. According to the guide, it wasn’t safe and we would most likely injure ourselves.

They had a couple of incidents just weeks before when one guy insisted on going to the Suah Rock Formation. The waves bashed him against the rocks and it left him with a big, ugly wound. Honestly, I was still so game even after the guide gave us the warning, but I wasn’t exactly in my best condition, and the other members of the group didn’t want to risk it… so…. next!

Alternative activity: Going to the “calm part” of the sea to swim.

And that, we did. We did a Boodle Fight soon after and ordered fresh Buko to quench our thirst. I just lounged in the hut, enjoying the perfect weather, before dozing off for a bit.  Nothing makes you fall asleep faster than a full stomach. Right???

Tanawan Falls

The last stop. The ride going to Tanawan Falls was interesting because we had to pass a very rocky road (not exaggerating), which went on for about 15 minutes. Only tricycles are allowed, I think.

Cold, cold water. But very refreshing. If you’re in it for the thrill, you can climb your way up the rocks and just jump in.

After this, we just took a couple of photos before bathing and leaving.

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Learnings from the solo trip:

• Get ready to be friends with new people. I was, at the last minute, added to this private group of friends for the Dingalan tour and I’m just happy they weren’t intimidating or snobby, but nice and friendly.
• Going on a solo adventure isn’t so bad after all. You’re missing out on the “different fun” when you’re with your friends, but then again, it just makes you feel more relaxed. It’s a weird feeling, but you’ll appreciate the me-time. It’s not about putting on a front of being “totally independent,” it’s simply about being more present in the moment. You are disconnected from people, things, and other stuff that are out of your control. I can’t quite put it into words, but I really enjoyed it.
• Just feel the earth. Without your good friends, you’d be less inclined to dilly dally, chat about stuff or even take photos. You’d be more attuned to nature – which is the most important part of getting away. The peace and quiet are worth it.

I will be sure to visit Dingalan again, and the next time, it’s hopefully a more courageous and spontaneous trip without the need for planned tours.