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Philippines
  • Sean Plamondon
Jul – Aug 2025

Philippines

Not just Philippines. 2 days in bangkok, 15 days in Philippines, 2 days in singapore, 1 day in mumbai and 5 days in ethiopia Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 28, 2025
    Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Delhi

    July 29 in India ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Quick layover in india en route to bangkok. 14 hours to get here from Toronto. 4 hour layover and then 5 more hours to reach bangkok

    But I'm flying business class the whole way. Such an awesome way to travelRead more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Bangkok - Day 1

    July 30 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Arrived in bangkok a bit after 5am. By the time i cleared customs and took the subway and hiked 30 mins to my hotel, it was 7am. My god it was hot that day. Sun was barely up and i was really struggling in the heat

    Slept for a few hours and then got myself mobile. Took the very crowded subway to the old part of the city. Found a one hour canal boat tour which was very cool.

    Then after grabbing some lunch, i went to the grand palaces. What an understatement! Dozens of incredibly intricate temples and palaces. My jaw must have been opened the whole time. To get in, i had to buy a pair of pajama like pants from across the street as no shorts were allowed and they strictly enforced it.

    Couldn't bear the heat any longer and flagged the first taxi i spotted. Took another nap until about 6 and then found an authentic Thai restaurant for a really good fish meal.

    Yet another nap and then back out for a stroll. Extremely lively neighborhood full of restaurants and bars. Finished up playing pool vs a guy from france for a few hours before ending a great but sweaty first day.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Bangkok - Day 2

    July 31 in Thailand ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    Joined a tour that goes to the ancient city of Ayutthaya, which is an hour drive north of bangkok. My pickup was at 11 and it took an hour to get us to another rally point where i was put on a different bus.

    Just before the ancient city, we were brought to a pretty spot by the water for a paid lunch buffet. And then off to 4 different sites, all about 5 minutes drive apart from eachother.

    Really impressive structures and each site was more impressive than the previous. Two different martial arts movies were filmed at these locations too, and i can see why. Fantastic setting for it. Kickboxer. And Mortal Kombat. Befriended a really nice russian guy on the tour but didn't get his contact info.

    On the ride back, we got dropped off at a huge centre that seemed to have a bit of everything. Much closer to my hotel than that rally point so i was feeling pretty happy about it. Especially because the skytrain that starts at that centre goes right to my hotel.

    As soon as i got on the platform, a train arrived and i quickly squeezed on. Shortly after leaving the station i noticed there were 2 different skytrain lines that my train could be on and one was definitely not going to my hotel. And of course, thats the train i was on unfortunately. I got off as soon as i could to minimize the distance away from my hotel and from there i could see i was a 30 minute walk to my hotel... so i decided to walk a pretty nice part of the city instead of hiring a tuk tuk. I came across 2 Tim Hortons stores much to my surprise. Weird!!

    Grabbed a quick meal just across from my hotel and i think all the jetlag caught up to me. Was in bed around 9pm and that was it until the morning.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Manila

    August 1 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Mostly a travel day. It was a 4 hour flight from bangkok to manila plus lost an hour in the time zone change, and by the time i cleared immigration and taxi'd to my hotel, it was after 6pm. I briefly lay down on the bed and then woke up at 8pm. Guess I'm still catching up on sleep. I was tired!

    Manila is just a quick stopover to get to the islands. There wasn't anything specific i wanted to do here. So, i just ate a traditional filipino meal at my hotel restaurant and grabbed two beers across the street and called it a day. Off to the islands finally tomorrow!

    Also, manila got hit with two typhoons last week and i figured i didn't want to linger around and be part of the next one    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Davao - Day 1

    August 2 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 32 °C

    A second travel day. My flight to davao was only two hours but didn't arrive until 6pm. Which is already night time in Philippines. Davao is one of the Philippines most southern cities. Figured i would start here and slowly make my way north.

    Since i didn't get to see any of manila, and i had a few hours before my flight, i decided to seek out a nice place for lunch and try some local craft beer before going to the airport.

    In davao my taxi and i had a bit of a hard time finding my condo rental. Being dark didn't help. And then i had some difficulties connecting with the condo manager. Finally settled in and then out to find some food. Ended up meeting some locals who brought me to a few different nightlife establishments with them. Was a fun night.

    I need to take more pictures :)    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon
    Some of my new friends and family

    Davao - Day 2

    August 3 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    Nice lazy start to the day. Friends and family of the people I met the evening prior were going to a nearby island Samal for the day and they invited me to join them. Once on the island, we went for some food and i got to try some local seafood dishes which great

    Then we went to two different beaches and had a relaxing day lounging about. The water here is incredibly warm. Almost like a hot bath. Definitely not the water temperature my brain is expecting when i step into the ocean.

    Drove back in the evening and met up again with everyone at a nice restaurant/lounge for food and drinks to finish the night.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Davao - Day 3

    August 4 on the Philippines ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Wanted to go white rafting today but i found out that it stopped operating in davao about 5 years ago :( So i ended up going to a local crocodile zoo with other animals. And then tried crocodile meat just outside the zoo. Pretty good and definitely better than this clam seafood thing I also tried. Yuck. In the zoo, i ended up holding a python for some pics. No matter what position i held it, the snake kept coming right back at my face and trying to lick me with its long tongue. Over and over. I don't know why all animals are trying to lick my lips everywhere haha. And yet, my dating life sucks 😁

    My filipino family took me out for this bizarre fruit they wanted me to try. I dont know how to describe it. Like a cross between milk, melon and cheese. Soo weird. I'm definitely not in love with it. But i appreciate their effort. It came up because in bangkok at my hotel there were signs saying "no cigarettes, no Marijuana, no durian". I was so perplexed when i found out durian is a fruit. But it definitely has a really strong smell. They were kind enough to make that happen.

    Finished the night at an irish bar with a great local belgian white beer brewed properly with coriander. I was very impressed!

    Off to Siargao island tomorrow!    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Siargao - Day 1

    August 5 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Up at 530am to get a 6am taxi to the airport and fly to the small island of Siargao.

    Despite the very early 10am arrival, fortunately the hotel owner let me check into my room. Right across the street was a laundry service. And my hotel also rents scooters. Perfect all around.

    I've never driven a scooter but decided to give it a shot. Its not that hard but definitely something that took me a while to feel comfortable with. Drove up to famous Cloud 9 surf village.. had a quick meal there. Then drove to the southwest corner and found Hidden Beach and Hidden Lagoon. Really pretty area. Water is ridiculously warm. Like too warm. But incredibly enjoyable to spend an hour there.

    Back to the hotel in the island's main beach town General Luna for a quick snooze and then walked around town trying to find a cozy spot for food and beer by the ocean.. i think i succeeded :) This town really comes alive at night wow. Live bands everywhere, busy restaurants and bars line the oceanfront. Very nice place to spend a few days. Tomorrow, gonna try to navigate the whole island on my scooter. Tons of stuff to explore along the way    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon
    Raw maho mahi and also grilled mahi mahiRaw marlinOctopus

    Siargao - Day 2

    August 6 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Left on my scooter around 930am for my plan to circumnavigate the island. Its not that big, but i had a ton of stops with activities in mind. Most people hang out near the southeast surf towns and ignore the north. But i noticed some tours focused entirely on the north. So i took a snapshot of their itinerary and figured I'd steal some ideas and self guide with my scooter

    First stop was maasin river. Hired a guide to paddle me through a really beautiful winding river amongst the thick palms and vegetarian. Incredibly enjoyable. Finishing at a small blue lagoon where one of the local guys did a crazy photoshoot atop a tree haha

    Maybe 10 minutes further uproad was a cave tour plus gorgeous blue pool of water at the end. Donned my headlight and off we went. Carefully navigated chest deep water through a cave, amazed by 1000 bats sleeping on the ceiling and weaving carefully through the underground canyon. And culminating at an amazing blueish deep pool of water for swimming, and swing ropes etc. Fantastic.

    Then drove maybe 20 minutes to magpopongko which is some natural pools off an ocean reef. This was really pretty, but less wow factor than the others. Swam there for a bit and back on the road. I think if i arrived earlier at low tide, it would have made a huge difference.

    Quick stop at pacifico beach. Total hippy surf town. Looked fun but i wanted a nice restaurant for seafood looking over a beach. Found something far beyond my expectations between pacifico and Alegria beaches. Amazing spot. Brand new restaurant and ordered grilled mahi mahi and also raw mahi mahi. Both phenomenal with the most amazing backdrop.

    Then about 30 minutes by scooter to taktak waterfall. Really nice waterfall into a big pool. Can climb the rocks at the base and even get behind it. I was pressed for time and pretty exhausted. Asked another tourist to take some shots of me under the waterfall and back on the road

    Then the really long drive home to the hotel. Almost 2 hours. Broke my rule of never driving at night but only by a bit. Then some yummy seafood next to my hotel and to bed. I think i got sunstroke. Not feeling 100%. But amazing day.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Panglao (Bohol)

    August 7 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Mostly another travel day. Flew from siargao to cebu and just barely caught the ferry to the island of bohol. Arrived late afternoon but had booked a hotel on a tiny island next to bohol called Panglao. And stayed at Alona beach. This was an excellent decision 😁

    Have been feeling a bit sick the past few days with a bit of a fever and cough but otherwise managable with ibuprofen and losanges. Very happy to have a chill day

    Alona beach is one big beach patio. Found a great spot for food and later a very lively spot for a few beverages and otherwise had a quiet night.

    Having a hard time finding a rental car here.. so maybe a scooter on friday and rental car on Saturday to go visit the famous chocolate hills    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Bohol - Day 2

    August 8 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Late start but eventually found a scooter rental and off i went in search of tarsiers, the smallest primates on the planet. They literally fit in the palm of your hand. And where better than the tarsier sanctuary.

    Some tour guides at the sanctuary helped the group spot some. My god they are good at their jobs. I could live there for a year and never spot one on my own. Super cute. Endangered species and native almost only to this specific island.

    From there, drove through gorgeous palm lined forest roads to Camugao waterfalls. About a 20 minute hike through some farmland and jungle to this very impressive waterfall. Swam up pretty close but its hard to get overly close to it.

    Then the long drive back in the rain wasn't so fun. But eventually back on the beach, enjoying a great meal at sundown. Life is pretty rough here 😁    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Bohol - Day 3

    August 9 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Started the day with a 90 minute drive with a rental car to the center interior of the island and its famous chocolate hills. Beautiful! All those cone hills are apparently formed from coral reefs millions of years ago. I don't understand how thats possible haha but I'm way outside my area of expertise :)

    On returning to my rental car, the battery was completely dead. Called the rental agency. And then asked some staff at the chocolate hills parking area if a boost could be possible. Before i knew it, i had 7 filipino guys all trying to solve the problem under the hood. Tightened all battery connectors and boom, car started yay! Filipinos are so nice everywhere i go.

    Then drove to the coast for some food on the ocean before driving back inland to the smalll village of Loboc and its really scenic river setting. Rented a kayak to explore around, then went on an evening fireflies boat tour. That was honestly a bit disappointing... but still nice to go for the ride.

    Followed by a quiet evening at my hotel restaurant area. Really cool property greatly built from bamboo.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Boracay - Day 1

    August 10 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 30 °C

    Had to connect through manila to arrive at world famous boracay. And even on arrival, caticlan airport isn't even on the same island. So i had to taxi, then boat, then taxi again to reach my hotel in boracay

    Immediately got my things and went to the beach and watched the best sunset I've ever seen. Had octopus at a microbrewery near my hotel. The beer was a lot more enjoyable than the meal. Its so rare to get non chewy octopus that i think i give up trying now.

    Found a rare authentic, non commercial place on the beach for a few beverages. Boracay is gorgeous but its soooo commercialized wow. Made friends with a nice American guy ciaran from nyc and some locals at a communal table there and finished the night at a club. Fantastic place to be.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Boracay - Day 2

    August 12 on the Philippines ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    First day with zero plans and loving it

    Found the perfect beach bar for some food, beer and research time feet away from gorgeous turqoise waters. Had a lot of logistics to sort out on where to spend my last few days and how to get to singapore.

    While sitting there, i could see sailboats constantly pulling in, so i walked over and arranged for a sunset sail and my american friend decided to join too.

    Met back up with the gang from the night before and went to all the same places. Super fun last night in boracay.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    El Nido - Day 1

    August 12 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    Not much to write here. Late afternoon flight to El Nido on palawan island. Arrived just before sundown at my hotel on the water. Super tired and lay down on arrival and didn't get up until morning. Total recharge of my battery :)

    But very amusing thing in boracay before i left. I got myself close to the airport with tons of time so i walked into a random restaurant to have some food and kill some time. It took me about 30 minutes before i realized the entire restaurant is decked out in canadian mountie stuff. Soooooo weird haha. I tried to inquire but i don't think anyone understood my questions    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    El Nido - Day 2

    August 13 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 28 °C

    My island tour started at 9am with 5 different stops. El nido archipelago is extremely similar rock formations that vietnam and Thailand have with huge cliff rocks jetting straight up out of the water.

    Unfortunately the weather was not on my side today. Light rain off and on all day. And clouds covering the rock formations and also no sun to show off the amazing turquoise waters.

    All that said, was still gorgeous. Kayaking, swimming, snorkling, lunch on an island beach and another island beach just for relaxing

    Did get stung in 3 places by jellyfish, but burning sensation was gone after an hour or so. They sting here but not poisonous thankfully.

    A big filipino family took me under their wing most of the day, which was really sweet. I was the only solo traveler on the boat of about 25 people. Being canadian really gets positive reactions wherever i go.

    Found a beach restaurant after the tour for some food and then took a nap afterwards. After 8, wandered around town in the rain checking out its nightlife, popping into a few different places.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Manila, 2 days

    August 14 on the Philippines ⋅ 🌧 29 °C

    Decided to spend my last 2 nights in manila. El nido was so full of european tourists that i didn't feel i was in Philippines anymore and figured I'd enjoy a couple of days in the capital instead.

    My first night, i just walked around the extremely lively makati area. Ate at a cuban restaurant, played pool against some locals and saw a live show at a new orleans themed place.

    Second day, i found out my friends from boracay were in manila too, so i joined them for the afternoon at their hotel rooftop and finished the night at a nightclub. Also met my first canadian of the trip at a local pub.

    Being in a filipino nightclub as a westerner is pretty unique. Every time i walked through a crowd, I'd get surrounded by 10+ people in a circle who would then raise their arms and chant for me to do my dance moves. This happened so many times. Total vip experience from all the bouncers too. Really fun two days. Not many pics though.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Singapore

    August 16 in Singapore ⋅ ☁️ 31 °C

    Booked my singapore hotel on landing at the airport. Holy moly this is an expensive city! Just finding something really simple and clean cost me $350 for the night!!! And it wasn't anything special.

    My hotel was in a really cool area though. Huge temple a block away and tons of pretty streets full of restaurants and shops. I think i was in a muslim/arab part of the city. Had to walk a bit further to find a place that offered beer on a menu.

    Didn't stay out very late. Needed to catch up on sleep. Plus, prices were so high, doing nothing was therapeutic towards what i paid for my hotel.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Mumbai

    August 17 in India ⋅ 🌧 26 °C

    Quick 21 hour layover in mumbai en route to ethiopia. Was very curious to get a tiny glimpse of india.

    I didn't realize my hotel was a bit far from restaurant areas so i decided to walk an hour in the streets and get an indian experience

    Within 10 minutes came across some cultural celebrations happening. Continued on past a lot of really poor living conditions. And eventually to some restaurants and bars similar to what i would find back home, which felt extremely out of place.

    Found a craft beer taphouse with surprisingly excellent beers. Then a really nice restaurant for some fish tempora which was waaaay too spicy for me. And finished at the british brewing company. In bed a bit after 10pm. Another morning flight coming up    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Addis Ababa - Day 1

    August 18 in Ethiopia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Flew about 6 hours from mumbai to ethiopia's capital. I was lucky to get out as mumbai experienced wild amounts of rain and many flights were cancelled.

    Unfortunately lots of rain, and fairly cold (18C) in addis ababa too. I didn't realize august is winter in ethiopia. Had to go to my tour guide office to pay for my 3 day tour which took me to an area of the city you could easily mistake for Los Angeles. Modern downtown, wide beautiful boulevards with palm trees everywhere.

    Later ended up at a super traditional ethiopian restaurant for an unusual meal and honey wine plus quite the band and stage show. Very fun and unique experience.

    Had to up at 5am for a very early flight.. so another early night.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Harar

    August 19 in Ethiopia ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    Early morning flight to Dire Dawa and picked up by abdul from the tour company. Started the day taking me to Kefira market which was the most raw market I've ever been to. Super muddy from all the rain and extremely bare bones and real. Being the only white guy there, i garnered a heck of a lot of friendly attention

    Then went to a khat market which is plant that is like caffeine on steroids. Ethiopia has a massive market for it and ships off to many other countries. Kinda like a drug but legal here.

    And finally arrived in the ancient walled city of harar. Wandered for hours through the narrow maze of streets, high fiving little kids along the way who were extremely curious about me. Visiting shrines and mosques and significant family dwellings. Everyone super friendly and welcoming.

    Just before dusk, was brought to a spot on the edge of the city. Harar has a hyena problem so they feed the hyenas outside the city in hopes to keep them out of the city. I got to feed a bunch of them.

    Then dinner at nice spot where some local celebration happened just as i was paying my bill. Quite a day!    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon

    Awash National Park

    August 20 in Ethiopia ⋅ 🌬 30 °C

    Day started with a really long drive to reach the northern edge of Awash national park. Most of the drive was on winding roads across mountain top plateaus but single lane and neverending transport trucks to get past. Honestly, it was quite something getting a tiny glimpse at how the people here live. Without question, this is the poorest place I've ever been. Its not even close. Every house was either a small box made from sheet metal or mud huts. Its hard to describe everything I've seen here. I really don't even know where to start.

    Drive took us over 8 hours. One nice stop for lunch at a restaurant that looked like i was eating inside of a basket. So much of the food here is really spicy. Decided to go with something safe and ordered a pizza. Nope... super spicy too!

    Finally at the park lodge and the road in was completely flooded. My guide decided to chance it and we somehow got through two massive stretches of water that didn't look passable. And then finally rewarded at an incredible location. Rustic thatched rooved cabins overlooking a lake and natural hot springs on site where they built several amazing pools to soak in. So amazing.

    The restaurant closed at 9 and the power was out at 10 so it was a pretty early night. But very much worth the trouble to get here.    Read more

  • Sean PlamondonPhilippinesSean Plamondon
    11

    Awash to Addis

    August 21 in Ethiopia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Hit the road at 830am to visit awash national park in hopes of seeing gazelles, ibex, crocs and if lucky other wildlife too.

    Wasn't overly lucky in that regard. I spotted one wounded gazelle, which is probably why it was all alone and not with the herd. And a warthog but it took off like a rocket as soon as i pointed my phone at it. The very unexpected surprise was all the baboons we came across. To the point where i stopped bothering taking photos of them! Fantastic thing to be spoiled with. Also a unique monkey with blue testicles called a vervet. Tons of wild camels too. But thats it.

    Then to a really powerful waterfall at the far end of the park. We were escorted throughout the park with a security guy with a machine gun, which was kinda weird but definitely not weird in this country. I asked my guide why I'd see civilians walking down the street with machine guns and he said it was an african thing haha. And often to protect their herds. Different world here.

    Then a few hours to my hotel in addis ababa. I decided to plurge and get something super comfortable for my final days, and was less than $100 cad a night. I think its the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in. My suite is massive.

    Napped for a few hours, out for a few beers and called it a day. No plans on my last day. Debating joining a city tour tomorrow but will see how i feel. Been fighting something for several days. Finally starting to get my voice back.    Read more

    Trip end
    August 23, 2025
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