The Philippines. Last stop: Banaue rice terraces I had read about the rice terraces and thought it would be too far and tiring to do them but we did it! I dragged my poor parents on two night buses and two days trekking to see both Banaue and Batad rice terraces! And it was so worth it. We had been recommended brookside inn to stay by the American couple in El nido and Randy the owner was great. All tired from the first night bus he made us breakfast and sort...

The Philippines. Next stop: Palawan It was time to get away from the bright lights of the city and get to the beach. The Philippines boasts some the best beaches, snorkelling and diving in the world and I was desperate to see some. Palawan is the second largest island of the 7000 in the Philippines and it did not disappoint! We flew into Puerto princesa and stayed at Victoria cottages for a few nights. First day was a trip to the world famous underground river...

The Philippines. First stop: Manila So my days as a solo traveller have come to an end as I fly over to meet my family in the Philippines. Although I am going to miss the sense of independence and unpredictable adventure, my weary rucksack and I were glad to be taking a break. And staying put for more than three days! However it wasn't quite the luxury I expected... Manila is a strange city with no real centre but a constant flow of traffic and weird smells of ...