The true magic of my travels often lies in getting lost—venturing into places where tourists rarely tread. It’s in these hidden corners that I find the soul of a destination, far removed from the crowds and chaos. I always start with a simple question to the locals, asking for their favorite spots. More often than not, it’s in these quiet, secluded places that I find the essence of where I am. As much as I love exploring, I tend to be more of a silent wanderer. I prefer to roam solo, soaking up my surroundings, though I’ll strike up a conversation when it truly matters.
On one of these adventures, I found myself facing a 30-foot, 75-degree cliff with nothing but a weathered rope as my guide. I convinced two fellow travelers from my accommodation to join me—one, a German who’s been living the nomadic life for nearly a decade, and the other, a Middle Eastern medical student on a sabbatical. Despite their initial bravado, they hesitated. So, I went down first, proving it was doable.
Once we all made it, we were rewarded with a paradise that felt like it was plucked from another realm—completely untouched and surreal. What we thought would be a quick two-hour visit turned into an entire day of awe and wonder.
By the time we made our way back, darkness had set in. The med student, in a moment of panic, grabbed onto a patch of shrubs instead of the rope and slipped. Luckily, he managed to latch back onto the rope, escaping with only a few scratches. For him, it was a 'never again' experience. But as for me? I'd take that descent a thousand times over.
What about you? What's your most unforgettable travel adventure?
#bisayanglatagaw #trabilat
