Trekking with teenagers in SE Asia - Trekking in the Philippines
Of course it would be important to know what precise countries are in question also the time of year is important - November till May typically is consider high season and while we have better weather we also have higher prices almost all over the country and SE Asia. Group size is another factor you may publish to get more precise help - it's a difference to travel with 6-10 or with 20-30 PAX.
To obtain maximum help - here the points you may clarify in your next post:
- how many total persons total - teenagers plus adult guides ( you )
- what months do you plan your trip
- how long
- what is the price limit / person ( that helps to eliminate all those offers that might exceed your budget )
- what countries among SE Asia do you prefer or consider most ?
Philippines is the place I live as a guest since years. but here a few general rules. In past years or decades I have been in various SE-Asian countries - such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and now since 2000 in the Philippine islands.
Most hotels that offer online booking thru agents are among the more expensive ones. The nicest places with most affordable prices below 20 US$ / night often have only direct booking. Keep in mind that for most online booking the hotel/resort owners may have to pay a commission in the range of 10-30% the the online booking agents.
Trekking in the Philippines
Assuming that you have all the backback equipment needed - Philippines offer some breath-taking sceneries and wild beautiful nature for trekking tours. Guides also are available at a few places. One such potential destination for trekking would be Mindoro island - starting point Puerto Galera - Sabang Beach. Some scenery photos from my own short trekking trip into nature can be seen online.
Other destinations suitable for fun and trekking are manifold in the Philippine islands. Travel in country either is by bus, ferry boat or by air. See Cebu Pacific Airlines web site for some amazing prices lower than ferry boats.
Typical popular destinations could be rice terraces in Banaue, Palawan island starting point El Nido islands, beaches, nature ( no mountains but hills and beautiful nature ) or legaspi city and neighborhood. Legaspi area is a beautiful nature treasure from active steaming volcanos to most beautiful nature scenery and mountains 2000+ meters all withhin a few dozen kms. Tomorrow I'll be going to that area again for 10 days photo session of nature sceneries and you may soon find some of the photos published in my Photo gallery of the philippine islands or have a look at my Philippine Travel Guide online.
You may also want to keep in mind that such world renown places like Boracay island offer some budget accommodations for back packers - Da Mario's little Italy on Boracay islands beautiful White Beach is one such fine resort hotels having besides regular deluxe rooms also dormitories in 2 categories for larger groups. Some of these accommodation is far below 10 US$/day.
To know better what kind of nature and scenery you can expect - you may have a look at my wallpaper collection - all pictures are from Philippine islands! I am sure you get more information and will find an exciting destination for your travel adventure.
One last but may be most important point about Philippine islands and tourism
Among all a.m. SE Asian countries - the Philippines offer the warmest, most loving and most friendly welcome to all foreigners. Happy and smiling people welcome all foreigners like family members. That however might be dangerous for YOU - the older one - you may want to stay here and never return from where ever you are ! After my active 4 decades of traveling and working world wide in approximately 40+ countries in Africa, America, Europe and Asia - the Philippine islands are the most beautiful and most loving place I have experienced on this entire planet ...
God bless
hans
