HomeAsiaInto the Light: year-end travel photo series 2012 139 shares By Marcos Detourist on December 27, 2012After visiting more than half of the Philippines’ eighty provinces and experiencing the overwhelming beauty of my country, It was time to venture out further and travel longer.2012 was my most extensive travel year yet. I wandered around nine countries in South East Asia and did a couple of trips within the Philippines as well.There were times when I had doubts about pushing through with my travel plans. Time and time again, I re-discovered reasons why I put up with the stresses of traveling: enduring bus rides that take forever, always looking for a bed to spend the night, waking up in unfamiliar places, eating unusual food, befriending strangers, depleting my funds, exhausting long walks, etcetera…The simple reason was that I still loved to experience the world outside my window, even if it meant putting up with everything that goes with it. All experiences, good or ‘not so good’ are part of the journey that make our travel unique and our own.I also didn’t feel like I’ve had enough of traveling. It was still what I wanted most that was meaningful to me at the time.So, I went for it inspired by the wisdom that biggest things we would regret later in life aren’t going to be things we’ve done. But the things we didn’t do.Preview of Ambot-ah 2012 year-end photo seriesInto the Light photo seriesAmbot-ah’s 2012 year-ender will be a bit different. I decided to post a collection of 80 photos taken during the highlights of my travels this year.Be forewarned, all photos has me on it. Many might think this is too self-indulgent but capturing myself while traveling is one of the things I enjoy doing while on the road.I’ve always yearned to capture myself in different contexts or to be reminded of how I felt while visiting a particular place. Rest assured, I will be back to regular posting of scenery photos in future posts.Hopefully, these photos will be helpful to others when picking travel destinations for the years ahead. Let’s get things started!JanuaryLakbay Norte Itinerary: 8 Days of Fun Adventures in North Philippines: adventure road trip to 11 provinces in Central and Northern Luzon.After white water river rafting at the Chico River in Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines.Surfing in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, PhilippinesMarchMalaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia: 3 week trip from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, (West) Malaysia to Brunei, then across Java Island, Indonesia, and finally to Peninsular Malaysia.Kota Kinabalu and Brunei: Island hopping and walking tours in Kota Kinabalu, travel to Brunei via Menumbok/Labuan, travel back to KK via Lawas.View from Signal Hill in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, MalaysiaRiver cruise in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Glasses on for a better view of proboscis monkeys.Java, Indonesia: Backpacking in Jakarta, Yogyakarta (Jogja), Ngadas Village via Malang, Mount Bromo, Bondowoso, Baluran, and Surabaya.Maritime Museum of Indonesia (former Old Batavia Fortress) in Kota, Jakarta, IndoensiaUnderground mosque at Taman Sari (Water Castle) in Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia.Clay roof houses outside the walls of the Water Castle in Yogyakarta, IndonesiaRainy day at Prambanan (Hindu) Temple, Java Island, IndonesiaCloser view of towering spires of Prambanan (Hindu) Temple, Java Island, IndonesiaIntricate stone carvings of Borobodur (Buddhist) Temple, Java Island, IndonesiaPinnacle level of Borobodur (Buddhist) Temple, Java Island, IndonesiaEnjoying a cup of Java at remote Ngadas Village, East Java, IndonesiaThe savannah behind Mount Bromo in East Java, IndonesiaHiking alone through the savannah in Mount Bromo-Tenger-Semeru National Park, East Java, IndonesiaCrater of Mount Bromo in East Java, IndonesiaRavine near the foot of Mount Bromo in East Java, IndonesiaSelf-guided hike in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia Bumming at the beach with a troupe of monkeys at Baluran National Park, East Java, IndonesiaPenang, Malaysia: 3 days wandering around multicultural facets of Georgetown and PenangTemple overlooking Georgetown, Penang, MalaysiaMayApo Island and Negros Oriental: 3 day trip snorkeling in Apo Island, motorcycle ride to Casaroro Falls, and walking around Dumaguete City.After swimming with sea turtles at Apo Island, Negros Oriental, Philippines.Malaysia and Thailand: 3 weeks wandering around Peninsular Malaysia and Southern Thailand with no obsessive compulsive itinerary plan.Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi, Malaysia: Four days in Kuala Lumpur then taking it easy in Langkawi Island for six more days.Stopover at Beras Basah Beach on an island hopping tour in Langkawi, MalaysiaRest at Tengah Beach while cycling around Langkawi, MalaysiaLonesome sunset at Cenang Beach, Langkawi, MalaysiaPilgrimage to “The Beach” in Thailand: One week in the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi“The Beach” moment at Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Leh, ThailandKayaking through verdant limestone cliffs in Krabi, ThailandPahang Taman Negara and Kuala Lipis, Malaysia: Journeying to one of the oldest rainforests in the world and to a small former British colonial town in Malaysia.Old tree at Pahang Taman Negara (National Park), Pahang, MalaysiaHiking through the forest on my own at Pahang Taman Negara (National Park), Pahang, MalaysiaSitting on railroad tracks at Kuala Lipis, MalaysiaJuneRevisiting Melaka, Malaysia: Wandering around Melaka for four daysSelf-portait at the Chinese quarters of Melaka (Malacca), MalaysiaNot the usual Bohol: Four days in Bohol trying to break away from the usual touristy experience.Sunrise view of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, PhilippinesSiargao and Bucas Grande Islands: Walking marathons around inland and coastal areas of Bucas Grande Island, cheapskate trek to Sohoton Lagoons, one-week surfing in Siargao.Red earth mini-ravine at Bucas Grande Island, Surigao del Norte, PhilippinesSurfer dude at General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. No big waves that week.Magpupungku Tidal Flats, Siargao Island, PhilippinesEastern Mindanao: A week of chasing waterfalls and enchanting rivers at Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, and Surigao del Sur.Curtain-like cascade of Awao Falls, Compostela ValleyOne of the main cascades of Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao OrientalFinding my sweet spot in Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao OrientalMy favorite corner of Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao OrientalAbyssal depths of the Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao del SurAugustIndochina: Wanderings in South East Asia’s battered backpacking trail for 10 weeksChiang Mai, Thailand: Enjoying a location independent lifestyle in Chiang Mai for 3 weeksWet Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, ThailandFortress walls of Chiang Mai, ThailandMae Ya Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, ThailandNorthern Thailand: One week exploring the natural and historical heritage of Umphang, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Phrae, and Chiang Rai.During the slow raft ride to Thi Lor Su Waterfall in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak, ThailandCamping in the wilderness at Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak, ThailandThi Lor Su Waterfall (tallest waterfall in Thailand) at Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak, ThailandBathroom mirror at Three J Guesthouse, Kamphaeng Phet, ThailandCycling around Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, ThailandSukhothai Historical Park, ThailandBlack Houses, Chiang Rai, ThailandWat Rong Khun (White Temple), Chiang Rai, ThailandSeptemberLaos: Traversing Laos from its northern to southern border.French-colonial town of Luang Prabang, LaosKuangsi Waterfall Park near Luang Prabang, LaosView of rice paddies bordered by towering limestone formations at the remote village of Muang Ngoi Neua, LaosSoaking up the blessed sunshine in Vang Vieng, LaosGate of Triumph in Vientiane, LaosCoffee tour at the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak ProvinceVat Phu (Angkorian temple) built on a hill in Champasak, LaosChasing the sunset on my way from Vat Phu to Pakse, Laos. First time to ride a manual bike… and on my own.Vietnam: three day sidetrip to Ho Chi Minh City, VietnamNorte Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), VietnamRevisiting Siem Reap, Cambodia: Visiting familiar riverside districts of Siem Reap and temples in the little circuit of Angkor Wat archeological complex. Then, venturing further out to temples in the big circuit.Cozy artsy comforts at Hotel 1961, Siem Reap, CambodiaMonolithic trees growing on top of Ta Prohm walls in Siem Reap, CambodiaBarefoot at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, CambodiaUncrowded temple outside the usual temple run in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, CambodiaOctoberMyanmar: Two weeks exploring Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Hsipaw, and ancient cities of Upper Myanmar (Innwa, Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun)High court of Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)Watching the sun set over thousands of temple tops in Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)Shadow play over centuries old wooden temple door at Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)Wearing traditional Longyi outfit and Thannaka, a natural facial sun block, at the Maha Bodhi Temple in Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)Unnamed and abandoned monk monastery in Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)Barefoot at Dhammayangyi Temple, the biggest temple in Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)Sunset at Sutaungpyai Temple, atop Mandalay Hill, Myanmar (Burma)Awesome views crossing the railway bridge over a scenic gorge in Hsipaw, MyanmarKaung Hmu Daw Temple, shaped like a woman’s breast, in Sagaing, MyanmarDecemberEastern Visayas: Two weeks exploring Tacloban (my birthplace, a city I haven’t visited since I was three years old), waterfalls and islands of Biliran, caves of Basey in Samar, Biri Islands, and Sorsogon province.San Juanico Bridge connecting Leyte and Samar IslandsViews on the trek to a secret waterfall in Biliran.Sunset at Sambawan Island, Biliran, PhilippinesSohoton Caves and Bridge National Park, Basey, Samar, PhilippinesGlorious view of Biri Rock Formations, Samar, PhilippinesOn the edge of a cliff at Biri Rock Formations, Samar, PhilippinesMagical sunset at the rock formations of Biri Island, Samar, PhilippinesWooden raft at Lake Bulusan, Sorsogon, PhilippinesStaycation: Traveling like a tourist in Iloilo, my hometown, and to nearby provinces :) Basking at the pristine beaches of Sicogon Island and Guimaras.Ave Maria Island, Guimaras, PhilippinesBeing HumanI’m very thankful that I got to live my life the way I did in the past 12 months. If I had any regrets, it would be that I didn’t fully push myself to venture out even further while I was on the road. Also, not being totally open to new experiences and situations outside my comfort zone.I may not seem like it to people who have not met me personally but I’m still a shy traveler. I’m learning how to be more social and less inhibited with each journey that I embark on.Thank you to all the awesome new people I’ve met to the road, good friends I got to meet again this year, and blog readers who continue to join my travels virtually.Happy holidays, enjoy life!This post in my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival for December 2012 with the theme “2012: This Year In Travel” hosted by Gay Mitra-Emami of Pinay Travel Junkie and Regine Camille Garcia of Between Coordinates.Don’t leave yet. There’s more!Back to Aliwan Fiesta 2010 plus two surprise trips in AprilAmbot-ah Season 2011 Finale: a year of memoriesAmbot-ah Travel Season 2012 PreviewLost in Peninsular Malaysia and Southern ThailandCebu, Bohol, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz - DIY Travel…Moving on to a New ChapterComments soloflightEd saysDecember 28, 2012 at 1:20 amI’m speechless! You’ve travelled to so many places Marcos! Bow ako sayo. Continue to be humble and inspiring! Ikaw ang isa sa mga bloggers na mabait talaga inside-out. I told Doi when you visited that I wish we could’ve spent longer talks pa kahit saan lang. Or just travel to places nearby. You’re a good soul and you deserve all these travels and experiences!Also, this makes me want to write a year-ender post. hehe. Good luck ni gayE sa pagcompile! hehe. Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 5:53 pmThanks Ed. Happy na ako you guys took the time to meet me nung na padpad ako sa Cebu. Naks naman.Oo nga, di ko na expect naka abot pa sa deadline. Daming entries ng PTB yearender blog carnival. Pinag handaan talaga ang ‘end of the world.’ haha Wends of Journeys and Travels saysDecember 28, 2012 at 8:11 amThis is the best I have seen and the photos are impressive, needless to say, it was a magazine material Marcos! Kudos to your travels and hope our paths cross wherever it may be. Happy New Year! Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 5:54 pmThanks thanks doc wends. Calling magazine editors out there! :D Happy new year too! Claire | Traveling Light saysDecember 28, 2012 at 2:20 pmWow! What a well-traveled year! =)This is the first I’ve heard of – and seen – Awao Falls. It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing! Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 6:25 pmYeah, Awao Falls is beautiful. Not a popular destination, which many would find alluring. Claire | Traveling Light saysDecember 30, 2012 at 2:51 pmI won’t pretend that I still love cliche destinations, but being to new, off-the-beaten path destinations gives me a different thrill. And, I prioritize blogging about the latter. =) Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:17 pmSame for me too. I feel more like an explorer when I’m traveling around places that few other people have visited. It’s easier to blog about experiences you’re most excited about :D Ryan Mach saysDecember 28, 2012 at 4:41 pmArguably the best travel round-up! Impressive photos indeed. Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 6:24 pmWow :D Thanks Ryan. Drew saysDecember 28, 2012 at 5:12 pmAnd awesome ng 2012 mo :) Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 6:23 pmThanks Drew. Awesome din kaya yung 2012 mo. Hope to encounter you again on the road someday. Nikki saysDecember 28, 2012 at 6:22 pmMarcos…your photos are simply amazing…wonderful images captured as a testament that its beautiful out there…you only need to have the guts to discover,capture & share it to people like me..thanks for sharing your wonderful work with us…. Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 6:07 pmMy pleasure Nikki. Thanks for stopping by :D alex saysDecember 28, 2012 at 6:50 pmstunning photos, ready to explore the rest of the world, eh?! Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 5:55 pmThanks Nong Alex :) I’m so ready but my savings need perking up, hehe. Kara / Travel Up saysDecember 30, 2012 at 10:29 amAmazing photos Marcos! You really traveled a lot this year. Glad to have met you in Lakbay Norte and thanks meeting-up with me again in Iloilo! Cheers to an awesome year ahead! :) Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:06 pmHappy to have traveled with you and meet you here in Iloilo. Same flight pa tayo papuntang Manila :D Cheers! Oman saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 9:38 amone of the best year-ender i have seen for 2012. great, great job :) Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:17 pmThanks Oman! Janeca saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 9:43 amBlown away by your photos! Stunning! Happy trails ahead! :) Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:18 pmThanks Janeca, happy trails to you too! Daene | filipinainflipflops.com saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 11:17 amI’m in awe of your photos! And your Indo and Laos trips – I’ve only ever been to Bali, Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but you’ve managed to visit relatively less tourist-y areas and I’m immensely envious. I’m inspired to revisit these countries, and see more of the Philippines too (you swam with sea turtles – wicked!).Happy new year, and new travels! Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:19 pmI haven’t been to Bali yet. I really wanted to visit but I ran out of time when I went to Indonesia. There’s always next year. Thanks for dropping by my blog Daene :D Happy New Year to you too! Ron saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 11:22 amWow! It was an amazing year! Love the shots! Happy New Year! Hope to see you on the road soon! Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:21 pmThanks Ron. Celebrity in the house! That would be awesome, hope to join you and Monette one of these days. JeffZ saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 11:11 pmGrrrrreat photos! You just made the road your home! :) I just have one question.. How did you manage to take those shots if you’re on your own? esp the slow shutter shots in Awao Falls.. tripod? :) Daene | filipinainflipflops.com saysJanuary 2, 2013 at 6:15 pmI wanted to ask this too! Hope you can give us tips on how you were able to do this. :) Marcos saysJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:12 amGood idea! I was planning to make a post about taking self-portrait travel pics. I need to summon writing energies first :D Marcos saysJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:06 amHaha! Thanks JeffZ. Yes tripod, then timer on burst mode. I also shots using a remote shutter that was wrapped in an underwater pouch. Riz saysJanuary 2, 2013 at 5:57 pmWOW!! grabeh Migz amo na ni pinakabaskog na nakita q na year end post! Tane amo man na 2013 ko ba! hats off! Btw, kanami ka mga pictures! lingaw ko. :) More more travels pa this yr! :) Halong! Marcos saysJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:10 amDamo ka man na lagawan Riz. Ka pila ko ka balik2x Malaysia this year tani, would’ve loved to meet-up. Thanks gd, more travels for you also. Halong man! Regine Garcia saysJanuary 3, 2013 at 1:35 amI was a fan since the very beginning and to think we grew up in the same hometown… Haven’t had the honor of meeting you yet! :) Hopefully soon! :D This is one fantastic travel year for you! Kudos Nong! :) Marcos saysJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:13 amWoah Regine. I was pleasantly surprised when you, another Ilonggo travel blogger, started blogging. There’s not many of us around. Travel Bloggers from Iloilo, I mean. Looking forward to meeting you in person. Maui Ochinang saysJanuary 5, 2013 at 5:42 pmVery nice photos and blog, wish to follow the same this 2013!!! Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 11:55 amThanks Maui! Earl (Suroy Pilipinas) saysJanuary 5, 2013 at 9:09 pmreally beautiful photos. cheers for more exciting travels this year 2013! Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 11:55 amThanks Earl! Micamyx|Senyorita saysJanuary 7, 2013 at 3:08 amOverwhelmed once more with the beautiful photos and destinations! Hoping to travel with you real soon! :D Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 11:57 amLikewise, hope to travel with you too! Thanks Mica :D Eileen Campos / Possibly Pinay saysJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:33 amI believe, there’s no such thing as being too self-indulgent in your own blog. Then again, it’s me talking. My favorite photo has to be the underground mosque one – it’s soooo the dark knight rises! and that old school optical illusion illlustration with the labyrinth thing going on. Aaaaand finally, you should toootally print all of those out into a photo album or photo book! :D Kung ganyan kagaganda kuha ko, I definitely would. :D Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 12:04 pmI get what you mean, our blogs are our personal sanctuary. It won’t be interesting if we always filter out our personalities in our blog posts.Yeah, I really liked that spot at the underground mosque, so Escheresque. I didn’t know there was a term for that until a friend commented in my photo in facebook.That’s a great idea. I was planning to make something like that… something to remind me about the life I’ve lived when I was younger. C.A. | Adventurous Feet saysJanuary 7, 2013 at 10:58 amGrabe marcos, drooling over your photos! you’re such an inspiration! I remember you’re the first person who taught me of long exposure photography, the most humble blogger I knew. Seriously natutuwa ko sa mga emote pics mo (esp bathroom mirror pic), pwede ka na ring model! Also, I love the waterfalls and the rock formation photos, sobrang ganda lang, actually lahat talaga, di ako makapili ng isa! And last but not the least, mukha kang foreigner sa photo with surf board. Hehe! Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 12:10 pmIf I was more physically suited for modeling, I admit I’d like to be one, hehe. I was surprised with that photo wit the surf board too, sana I took more photos/angles. Thanks talaga! Hope we can travel ulit together soon. flipnomad saysJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:04 pmwhat an amazing year for you Marcos! amazing photos too! wishing you more adventures this 2013! Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 12:15 pmThanks flip. You had an amazing year of travel too! I hope I could include “Meeting with Flip of FlipNomad.com” on my next year-ender, haha :D Nikka | Two2Travel saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 1:19 pmlovely photos and what an amazing travel year for you. :) happy travels! Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 4:20 pmThanks Nikka. Happy travels for you and Owen too ^_^ Kaiye Pallarco saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 4:39 pmNice photos! *drools* aaaand more travels this year! Yaaay! Hehe Marcos saysJanuary 10, 2013 at 1:53 pmHope so :D Thanks Kaiye ^_^ Excursionista saysJanuary 9, 2013 at 3:16 pmAwesome destinations and photos, of course! Pure talent. I’m amazed how all of your pictures look like arkilado mo yung lugar hahaha Marcos saysJanuary 10, 2013 at 2:08 pmOo nga noh, I just realized that. I actually didn’t plan that on all of my photos. If there are too many people, I usually take less self-portraits because I’d be too self-conscious :D miguel garcia saysJanuary 10, 2013 at 4:23 amI envy you Boss, Idol, Mentor Marcos Caratao…Keep posting more travel articles,guides and nice pictures.. Kapag nakita kita personally, magpapaautograph talaga ako. Hats off! Marcos saysJanuary 10, 2013 at 3:12 pmLooking forward to that :D Thanks again Miguel! James saysJanuary 14, 2013 at 4:41 pmGaling! This is really inspiring Marcos. I wish I have the same courage you guys have… to just leave everything and take on the road. haha. It inspires me to resuscitate my one-entry pseudo-blog. Will probably drop by again and comment when I already have the ‘energy’ to write. It’s really nice seeing all the nice pictures. Especially because they were captured by a fellow Ilonggo. Abby Gomos saysJanuary 24, 2013 at 1:25 pmWow! Ang galing naman! Hisa ko dah. Your blog inspires me to travel more, explore other places and meet new friends along the way. Two-thumbs up for you sir. :)) ben saysJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:11 amjust curious….who’s taking the pictures? they’re really good shots! Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2013 at 9:24 pmMostly self-portraits. Some shots were taken by travel buddies and random strangers I asked to take my picture. I published a guide about taking self-portrait travel photos here: https://www.ambot-ah.com/self-portrait-tips-travel/ Gen saysFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:09 amSuperb article! You are just the blogger i want to become! My new fave travel blogger indeed. Hope to join you with one of your trips this year :) Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:02 pmWow, thanks Gen! I actually haven’t planned too many trips yet this year. We’ll see :) Thanks for dropping by. Arisse saysFebruary 13, 2013 at 3:43 pmhello! i’m a new fan and follower.love your travels.btw, we have the same birthplace:) Marcos saysFebruary 16, 2013 at 5:52 pmCool! Thanks Arisse :) Sarah saysFebruary 15, 2013 at 7:32 amamazing!!! keep being an inspiration! :) Marcos saysFebruary 16, 2013 at 5:54 pmThanks Sarag! precy saysFebruary 22, 2013 at 3:05 pmall the photos amazing.. I love watching it, its inspiring me to dream and wishing that 1 day i will be in that diff places. Thanks for this blog,photos and informations. Hope to know you 1 day im from Bacolod. The neighbor island sang hometown mo. But i am already in Norway. Planing to visit in Phil this year and hoping to visit some of the places where you’v been..Goodluck and more power.. apple saysMarch 3, 2013 at 2:26 amWOW!! THE PICTURES are amazing. I bet the experience is beyond uncomparable. I envy you but I’m very happy for you :) GOD BLESS and may you get to travel the whole world . Isabel saysMarch 11, 2013 at 7:39 amWonderful photos I have been reading your blog over a year now amazed how you were able to get into the road less traveled by places I’m planning to travel South East Asia as well and looking for companion but better start travelling alone still needs to save a lot of courage hope that all places would be safe for girls like me. chuck saysMarch 12, 2013 at 3:23 pmang galing lang!…’kaw na marcos…two thumbs way up!… Ivon saysMarch 15, 2013 at 12:53 amWow. Who takes your photos? Khmer saysMarch 18, 2013 at 4:18 pmIm planning to transit Brunei via Kota Kinabalu this year…then off to Bali…end up in malaysia or somewhere in thailand or Cambodia…what should be the probable cost of this trip? JhaypeeG. saysJune 6, 2013 at 10:57 amYou really had great and awesome shots of your travels. Keep it up Sir. :) Pam saysJuly 5, 2013 at 11:10 pmi really love your photos especially your water and waterfall captures. I wonder what camera setting you’ve used to achieve such results? Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:35 pmThanks Pam. I am using a Nikon D5000. You can get the silky water effect from any camera with manual shutter speed settings. saphire saysJuly 6, 2013 at 11:48 pmi just wonder how did you sustain your travel whereabouts? have you had any other source of income aside from blogging? i know that you’re an RN but you indulged yourself too much in wandering in too many places. Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:38 pmI spend the money to travel from my savings :) I earn most of my income from blogging related ventures. It’s not too big right now but I do not have huge overhead costs since I “work” from home. saphire saysJuly 6, 2013 at 11:53 pmyou did a great job… you brought us to many dimensions, in places where we’ve never been.. keep blogging and we would like to see more of your wonderful photos in the future… your first trip in hongkong and macau has of great help to us and guided us in our travel last march of 2011. I printed your itinerary and browsed it every next destination we’ve had. thanks Marcos!!! Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:39 pmThanks for the support saphire! I hope I did not get you guys lost :D Posting of new comments is disabled temporarily.Connect with Marcos on:Detourista.comMarcosDetourist.comFacebookInstagramTwitterDetourista.comDiscover more travel guides and blogs about the Philippines and beyond by Marcos DetouristChoose your next destination: Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Laos, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam
soloflightEd saysDecember 28, 2012 at 1:20 amI’m speechless! You’ve travelled to so many places Marcos! Bow ako sayo. Continue to be humble and inspiring! Ikaw ang isa sa mga bloggers na mabait talaga inside-out. I told Doi when you visited that I wish we could’ve spent longer talks pa kahit saan lang. Or just travel to places nearby. You’re a good soul and you deserve all these travels and experiences!Also, this makes me want to write a year-ender post. hehe. Good luck ni gayE sa pagcompile! hehe.
Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 5:53 pmThanks Ed. Happy na ako you guys took the time to meet me nung na padpad ako sa Cebu. Naks naman.Oo nga, di ko na expect naka abot pa sa deadline. Daming entries ng PTB yearender blog carnival. Pinag handaan talaga ang ‘end of the world.’ haha
Wends of Journeys and Travels saysDecember 28, 2012 at 8:11 amThis is the best I have seen and the photos are impressive, needless to say, it was a magazine material Marcos! Kudos to your travels and hope our paths cross wherever it may be. Happy New Year!
Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 5:54 pmThanks thanks doc wends. Calling magazine editors out there! :D Happy new year too!
Claire | Traveling Light saysDecember 28, 2012 at 2:20 pmWow! What a well-traveled year! =)This is the first I’ve heard of – and seen – Awao Falls. It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing!
Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 6:25 pmYeah, Awao Falls is beautiful. Not a popular destination, which many would find alluring.
Claire | Traveling Light saysDecember 30, 2012 at 2:51 pmI won’t pretend that I still love cliche destinations, but being to new, off-the-beaten path destinations gives me a different thrill. And, I prioritize blogging about the latter. =)
Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:17 pmSame for me too. I feel more like an explorer when I’m traveling around places that few other people have visited. It’s easier to blog about experiences you’re most excited about :D
Ryan Mach saysDecember 28, 2012 at 4:41 pmArguably the best travel round-up! Impressive photos indeed.
Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 6:23 pmThanks Drew. Awesome din kaya yung 2012 mo. Hope to encounter you again on the road someday.
Nikki saysDecember 28, 2012 at 6:22 pmMarcos…your photos are simply amazing…wonderful images captured as a testament that its beautiful out there…you only need to have the guts to discover,capture & share it to people like me..thanks for sharing your wonderful work with us….
Marcos saysDecember 29, 2012 at 5:55 pmThanks Nong Alex :) I’m so ready but my savings need perking up, hehe.
Kara / Travel Up saysDecember 30, 2012 at 10:29 amAmazing photos Marcos! You really traveled a lot this year. Glad to have met you in Lakbay Norte and thanks meeting-up with me again in Iloilo! Cheers to an awesome year ahead! :)
Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:06 pmHappy to have traveled with you and meet you here in Iloilo. Same flight pa tayo papuntang Manila :D Cheers!
Oman saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 9:38 amone of the best year-ender i have seen for 2012. great, great job :)
Daene | filipinainflipflops.com saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 11:17 amI’m in awe of your photos! And your Indo and Laos trips – I’ve only ever been to Bali, Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but you’ve managed to visit relatively less tourist-y areas and I’m immensely envious. I’m inspired to revisit these countries, and see more of the Philippines too (you swam with sea turtles – wicked!).Happy new year, and new travels!
Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:19 pmI haven’t been to Bali yet. I really wanted to visit but I ran out of time when I went to Indonesia. There’s always next year. Thanks for dropping by my blog Daene :D Happy New Year to you too!
Ron saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 11:22 amWow! It was an amazing year! Love the shots! Happy New Year! Hope to see you on the road soon!
Marcos saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 10:21 pmThanks Ron. Celebrity in the house! That would be awesome, hope to join you and Monette one of these days.
JeffZ saysJanuary 1, 2013 at 11:11 pmGrrrrreat photos! You just made the road your home! :) I just have one question.. How did you manage to take those shots if you’re on your own? esp the slow shutter shots in Awao Falls.. tripod? :)
Daene | filipinainflipflops.com saysJanuary 2, 2013 at 6:15 pmI wanted to ask this too! Hope you can give us tips on how you were able to do this. :)
Marcos saysJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:12 amGood idea! I was planning to make a post about taking self-portrait travel pics. I need to summon writing energies first :D
Marcos saysJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:06 amHaha! Thanks JeffZ. Yes tripod, then timer on burst mode. I also shots using a remote shutter that was wrapped in an underwater pouch.
Riz saysJanuary 2, 2013 at 5:57 pmWOW!! grabeh Migz amo na ni pinakabaskog na nakita q na year end post! Tane amo man na 2013 ko ba! hats off! Btw, kanami ka mga pictures! lingaw ko. :) More more travels pa this yr! :) Halong!
Marcos saysJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:10 amDamo ka man na lagawan Riz. Ka pila ko ka balik2x Malaysia this year tani, would’ve loved to meet-up. Thanks gd, more travels for you also. Halong man!
Regine Garcia saysJanuary 3, 2013 at 1:35 amI was a fan since the very beginning and to think we grew up in the same hometown… Haven’t had the honor of meeting you yet! :) Hopefully soon! :D This is one fantastic travel year for you! Kudos Nong! :)
Marcos saysJanuary 4, 2013 at 3:13 amWoah Regine. I was pleasantly surprised when you, another Ilonggo travel blogger, started blogging. There’s not many of us around. Travel Bloggers from Iloilo, I mean. Looking forward to meeting you in person.
Maui Ochinang saysJanuary 5, 2013 at 5:42 pmVery nice photos and blog, wish to follow the same this 2013!!!
Earl (Suroy Pilipinas) saysJanuary 5, 2013 at 9:09 pmreally beautiful photos. cheers for more exciting travels this year 2013!
Micamyx|Senyorita saysJanuary 7, 2013 at 3:08 amOverwhelmed once more with the beautiful photos and destinations! Hoping to travel with you real soon! :D
Eileen Campos / Possibly Pinay saysJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:33 amI believe, there’s no such thing as being too self-indulgent in your own blog. Then again, it’s me talking. My favorite photo has to be the underground mosque one – it’s soooo the dark knight rises! and that old school optical illusion illlustration with the labyrinth thing going on. Aaaaand finally, you should toootally print all of those out into a photo album or photo book! :D Kung ganyan kagaganda kuha ko, I definitely would. :D
Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 12:04 pmI get what you mean, our blogs are our personal sanctuary. It won’t be interesting if we always filter out our personalities in our blog posts.Yeah, I really liked that spot at the underground mosque, so Escheresque. I didn’t know there was a term for that until a friend commented in my photo in facebook.That’s a great idea. I was planning to make something like that… something to remind me about the life I’ve lived when I was younger.
C.A. | Adventurous Feet saysJanuary 7, 2013 at 10:58 amGrabe marcos, drooling over your photos! you’re such an inspiration! I remember you’re the first person who taught me of long exposure photography, the most humble blogger I knew. Seriously natutuwa ko sa mga emote pics mo (esp bathroom mirror pic), pwede ka na ring model! Also, I love the waterfalls and the rock formation photos, sobrang ganda lang, actually lahat talaga, di ako makapili ng isa! And last but not the least, mukha kang foreigner sa photo with surf board. Hehe!
Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 12:10 pmIf I was more physically suited for modeling, I admit I’d like to be one, hehe. I was surprised with that photo wit the surf board too, sana I took more photos/angles. Thanks talaga! Hope we can travel ulit together soon.
flipnomad saysJanuary 7, 2013 at 7:04 pmwhat an amazing year for you Marcos! amazing photos too! wishing you more adventures this 2013!
Marcos saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 12:15 pmThanks flip. You had an amazing year of travel too! I hope I could include “Meeting with Flip of FlipNomad.com” on my next year-ender, haha :D
Nikka | Two2Travel saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 1:19 pmlovely photos and what an amazing travel year for you. :) happy travels!
Kaiye Pallarco saysJanuary 8, 2013 at 4:39 pmNice photos! *drools* aaaand more travels this year! Yaaay! Hehe
Excursionista saysJanuary 9, 2013 at 3:16 pmAwesome destinations and photos, of course! Pure talent. I’m amazed how all of your pictures look like arkilado mo yung lugar hahaha
Marcos saysJanuary 10, 2013 at 2:08 pmOo nga noh, I just realized that. I actually didn’t plan that on all of my photos. If there are too many people, I usually take less self-portraits because I’d be too self-conscious :D
miguel garcia saysJanuary 10, 2013 at 4:23 amI envy you Boss, Idol, Mentor Marcos Caratao…Keep posting more travel articles,guides and nice pictures.. Kapag nakita kita personally, magpapaautograph talaga ako. Hats off!
James saysJanuary 14, 2013 at 4:41 pmGaling! This is really inspiring Marcos. I wish I have the same courage you guys have… to just leave everything and take on the road. haha. It inspires me to resuscitate my one-entry pseudo-blog. Will probably drop by again and comment when I already have the ‘energy’ to write. It’s really nice seeing all the nice pictures. Especially because they were captured by a fellow Ilonggo.
Abby Gomos saysJanuary 24, 2013 at 1:25 pmWow! Ang galing naman! Hisa ko dah. Your blog inspires me to travel more, explore other places and meet new friends along the way. Two-thumbs up for you sir. :))
ben saysJanuary 30, 2013 at 1:11 amjust curious….who’s taking the pictures? they’re really good shots!
Marcos saysFebruary 2, 2013 at 9:24 pmMostly self-portraits. Some shots were taken by travel buddies and random strangers I asked to take my picture. I published a guide about taking self-portrait travel photos here: https://www.ambot-ah.com/self-portrait-tips-travel/
Gen saysFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:09 amSuperb article! You are just the blogger i want to become! My new fave travel blogger indeed. Hope to join you with one of your trips this year :)
Marcos saysFebruary 9, 2013 at 4:02 pmWow, thanks Gen! I actually haven’t planned too many trips yet this year. We’ll see :) Thanks for dropping by.
Arisse saysFebruary 13, 2013 at 3:43 pmhello! i’m a new fan and follower.love your travels.btw, we have the same birthplace:)
precy saysFebruary 22, 2013 at 3:05 pmall the photos amazing.. I love watching it, its inspiring me to dream and wishing that 1 day i will be in that diff places. Thanks for this blog,photos and informations. Hope to know you 1 day im from Bacolod. The neighbor island sang hometown mo. But i am already in Norway. Planing to visit in Phil this year and hoping to visit some of the places where you’v been..Goodluck and more power..
apple saysMarch 3, 2013 at 2:26 amWOW!! THE PICTURES are amazing. I bet the experience is beyond uncomparable. I envy you but I’m very happy for you :) GOD BLESS and may you get to travel the whole world .
Isabel saysMarch 11, 2013 at 7:39 amWonderful photos I have been reading your blog over a year now amazed how you were able to get into the road less traveled by places I’m planning to travel South East Asia as well and looking for companion but better start travelling alone still needs to save a lot of courage hope that all places would be safe for girls like me.
Khmer saysMarch 18, 2013 at 4:18 pmIm planning to transit Brunei via Kota Kinabalu this year…then off to Bali…end up in malaysia or somewhere in thailand or Cambodia…what should be the probable cost of this trip?
JhaypeeG. saysJune 6, 2013 at 10:57 amYou really had great and awesome shots of your travels. Keep it up Sir. :)
Pam saysJuly 5, 2013 at 11:10 pmi really love your photos especially your water and waterfall captures. I wonder what camera setting you’ve used to achieve such results?
Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:35 pmThanks Pam. I am using a Nikon D5000. You can get the silky water effect from any camera with manual shutter speed settings.
saphire saysJuly 6, 2013 at 11:48 pmi just wonder how did you sustain your travel whereabouts? have you had any other source of income aside from blogging? i know that you’re an RN but you indulged yourself too much in wandering in too many places.
Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:38 pmI spend the money to travel from my savings :) I earn most of my income from blogging related ventures. It’s not too big right now but I do not have huge overhead costs since I “work” from home.
saphire saysJuly 6, 2013 at 11:53 pmyou did a great job… you brought us to many dimensions, in places where we’ve never been.. keep blogging and we would like to see more of your wonderful photos in the future… your first trip in hongkong and macau has of great help to us and guided us in our travel last march of 2011. I printed your itinerary and browsed it every next destination we’ve had. thanks Marcos!!!
Marcos saysAugust 13, 2013 at 3:39 pmThanks for the support saphire! I hope I did not get you guys lost :D