Girl standing underneath coconut trees in white-sand island in Coron, Palawan surrounded by clear blue waters

a Filipina-run budget travel blog

A Filipina’s Guide to Budget Travel, Hiking & Hidden Gems in the Philippines and Beyond

Welcome to Graphic Wanderlust!

Hi! I’m Andrea, a Filipina traveler passionate about uncovering hidden gems, scenic hikes, and budget-friendly adventures. I created this blog to inform and empower fellow travelers through detailed guides, practical tips, and honest insights that make travel more accessible and meaningful.

Whether you’re exploring the Philippines or planning an international trip, you’ll find inspiration and resources here to help you travel smart, without breaking the bank. Scroll down to discover guides by destination or click the button below to learn more about this blog.

About the blog
Filipina in bikini sitting at the edge of an outrigger boat with clear turquoise water surrounding her

Recent Trips: Where I’ve Been Lately

Browse by destination

View of a lagoon bordered by gigantic limestone cliffs and with tourists in between

Palawan

Cebu

Scenic view of Maasin River in Siargao

Siargao

Bohol

Birdshot view of islands in Culion, Coron, Palawan

A Local’s Ultimate Guide to the Philippines

Explore top tourist spots and hidden gems in the Philippines with local insights, suggested itineraries, and travel tips for first time travelers.

Read more

Exploring the Philippines

Girl sitting on a deck fronting the cliffs of Sugba Lagoon in Siargao Island

4-Day Siargao Itinerary: How to Go, Where to Stay, Things to Do

From flights, things to do, places to stay and where to eat, here’s a handy travel guide and itinerary for a four-day stay on Siargao Island, Philippines!

Coron in 4 Days: A Second Timer’s Travel Guide, Tips and Itinerary

Planning to travel to Coron, Palawan soon? Here’s a handy travel guide on how to go, where to stay, and must-see spots when you have four days on the island!

First Time in Cebu: Touring Sirao Flower Garden, Temple of Leah and More Cebu City Tourist Spots

A first timer’s 28-hour journey exploring Cebu City, Sirao Flower Garden, Temple of Leah and more tourist spots

Hiking Posts

Hikers passing by in front of Maligcong Rice Terraces

Hiking Mt. Kupapey, Mt. Fato and Maligcong Rice Terraces

Find out what to know and expect from Maligcong Rice Terraces and from its two beginner-friendly mountains in Bontoc, Mountain Province in this weekend excursion. Plus a side trip itinerary to Banaue and Sagada!

Misty grassland area at Mount Pulag with text saying "Hiking Mount Pulag"

Hiking Mount Pulag for the First Time

Climbing the third highest mountain in the Philippines—what to know, expect and bring as a first timer

Revisiting Baguio City: Mirador Hill and Camp John Hay Yellow Trail

Rediscovering Baguio City in a different perspective in Mirador Heritage and Eco Park and Camp John Hay’s Yellow Trail

Travels in Asia

4-Day Hanoi Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Tips + Itinerary

Your ulimate four-day DIY Hanoi travel guide! Discover top attractions, day trips, where to stay, and practical tips for your trip.

First-Time Guide to Sapa, Vietnam: How to Get There, Things to Do and Itinerary

From climbing Fansipan Mountain and exploring rice terraces to discovering Northern Vietnamese cuisine, here’s a handy Sapa, Vietnam travel guide for first time visitors.

Temple of Recling Buddha

4-Day Bangkok Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Tips & Itinerary

From must-visit temples to things to try and avoid, here’s a handy Bangkok travel guide on visiting the vibrant capital city of Thailand!

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Sitting quietly amidst the hustle, bustle, and chaos of Makati City, Nuestra Señora de Gracia Parish Church (commonly known as Guadalupe Church) stands in stark contrast to the rapid urban development happening in its surroundings. Unbeknownst to most tourists, there are still a handful of historical hidden gems found beyond the walls of the famous Intramuros and one of them is the Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Pasig or mostly known as Pasig Cathedral. a cancelled flight not stopping us from being a tourist and found ourselves exploring and trying a few famous and hidden gems in poblacion, makati! When people think of Siargao, it’s often the famous waves of Cloud 9 or the lively nightlife of General Luna that come to mind. And while these spots are definitely must-sees, there’s a whole different side of the island waiting up north—one that’s peaceful, scenic, and still beautifully untouched. 🌴 saying goodbye to a place that you don’t want to leave yet is always difficult 🥲 hu u talaga kayo sa’kin pag naka-VL ako 😂 day five in siargao and finally exploring the island this time in north siargao! find out how i explored this part of the island via scooter and discovered its hidden gems ✨ Contrary to what it may look like on the surface, this second trip to Siargao is more than a simple vacation— it’s a huge personal milestone and fulfillment. For years, I’ve dreamed of having my own solo adventure, yet I always found myself lacking the courage to do it. Due to its southeastern most location on the map, Siargao has been mostly tagged as an expensive destination in the Philippines with one-way flight tickets soaring at ₱11k and food prices matching the hefty ones in Manila.