10 Unforgettable Travel Memories of 2015

2015 is coming to a close and is putting me into a reflective state again. I guess, like in all goodbyes, one can’t help but be reminiscent of the past and excited about the future.

This year has been so awesome, sometimes unbelievably so. A year ago, I was in a bad place and while I felt better in the coming months, it wasn’t until I made the decision of traveling to Sagada and joining a tour group of solo travelers that I finally felt truly happy again.

Looking back, going to Sagada was one of the best decisions I made in my life. That led me to travel more, make new friends, and experience new adventures. As I bid goodbye to a happy year, I look back at some of the best memories I’ve had as a wanderluster.

10. Going around Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur was one of my favorite destinations this year because it showed me glimpses of a foreign and fascinating culture. And I love Malaysian food. Seeing the Petronas Twin Towers up close for the first time was unforgettable (also a bit scary). Roaming around KL was pretty easy because of the reliable public transport – especially the GoKL bus.

9. Stranded in Batanes
I have yet to publish all my blog posts for my Batanes (mis)adventure but here’s a summary: I celebrated my birthday there, it was more beautiful than I expected it to be, and I stayed longer than I planned because of the storm. Being stranded was a whole new experience for me. Not something I would like to repeat but I learned a lot from it. 😉

8. Spontaneous weekend in Baguio
Travel planning is something I enjoy but I like being spontaneous once in a while. Back in August, my friends and I went on an unplanned Baguio trip. We managed to do a lot in a short time and we mostly went to spots we haven’t been to before. Baguio, despite being touristy, is still a good place for weekenders.

7. Witnessing Quezon’s festivals
In May, I had the chance to finally experience Quezon’s most colorful festival – Pahiyas. It didn’t disappoint. It was festive, vibrant, and the kiping used in decorating the houses were surprisingly delicious. I also took part in the Hagisan ng Suman festival which happens in Tayabas, Quezon. It’s a bit more wild and exciting – a worthy side trip if you’re coming to Lucban for Pahiyas.

6. Top loading in Benguet
One of the highlights of my trip to Mt. Pulag was the jeepney ride. It’s not your usual zigzag-y road trip because we weren’t inside the jeepney – we’re on top of it! The ride was exhilarating, at times dizzying, but definitely fun!

5. Trekking at Aguinid Falls
The thought of me trekking was laughable for me last year. Who knew I’d enjoy it so much? Also, I used to be a beach kind of girl but now, I’m more into greens and falls. I guess, the added adventure of long treks going to the waterfalls is what appeals to me. When I went to Cebu in April, I trekked along this 5-tier beauty that is Aguinid Falls. It was marvelous. Going up the water route was challenging but wow, ang saya!

4. The whole Sagada trip
I tried picking my favorite memory from the trip that spurred my travel addiction but there are just too many. The whole Banaue-Sagada-Baguio experience was beautiful. Sure, there were moments that weren’t perfect (walking for two hours just to get to a restaurant that turned out to be not so good after all) and places that were too crowded. But finally seeing the hanging coffins and the rice terraces, witnessing the sunrise in Kiltepan, enjoying the bonfire with newfound friends… those were moments that stayed with me.

3. Wind-whipped in Marlboro Hills
Most of the time I was in Batanes, it was windy because of the storm. The weather didn’t stop me from loving the majestic Batanes though. How could I not adore it? It was wonderful! Wherever I went, I saw the sea, the hills, and the sky and it was endless. My favorite spot though was Marlboro Hills. There are no words to describe how beautiful the place is.

2. Getting lost in George Town, Penang
Getting lost can be an inconvenience, but it can also be a happy accident. When it happened to me and my sister in George Town in Penang, it was the latter. Because we missed our bus stop, we ended up taking another route, somehow getting lost, and discovering Camera Museum, which wasn’t in our original itinerary. I loved that museum so much! It ended up being my favorite part of our Malaysia trip.

1. Reaching Mt. Pulag’s summit
You probably guessed this would be on top of the list, right? It deserves the spot. I’ve been to so many awesome places this year but Mt. Pulag stands out. The four-hour arduous, cold trek was so worth it. I forgot how tired I was when I reached the summit. It was heaven on earth. So beautiful that I am willing to go through the challenge again just to see the top again.

At the risk of being sentimental, I would like to thank the people with whom I shared these travel memories. You all know who you are and you know that I look forward to sharing more travel moments with you. <3

Thank you, 2015. Here’s to an exciting, travel-filled 2016! Cheers! 🙂

What are your favorite travel memories from 2015? Share away on the Comments section!