After 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 series

Into the Light photo series

Ambot-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!

January

Lakbay 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.

After white water river rafting at the Chico River in Tabuk, Kalinga, Philippines.

Surfing in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines

March

Malaysia, 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.

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View from Signal Hill in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

River cruise in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. Glasses on for a better view of proboscis monkeys.

River 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, Indoensia

Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia

Underground mosque at Taman Sari (Water Castle) in Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia.

Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia

Clay roof houses outside the walls of the Water Castle in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Prambanan Temple Complex-Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia

Rainy day at Prambanan (Hindu) Temple, Java Island, Indonesia

Prambanan Temple Complex-Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia

Closer view of towering spires of Prambanan  (Hindu) Temple, Java Island, Indonesia

Borobodur Temple Complex-Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia

Intricate stone carvings of Borobodur (Buddhist) Temple, Java Island, Indonesia

Borobodur Temple Complex-Yogyakarta, Java, Indonesia

Pinnacle level of Borobodur  (Buddhist) Temple, Java Island, Indonesia

Ngadas / Gunung Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, East Java In

Enjoying a cup of Java at remote Ngadas Village, East Java, Indonesia

Cemoro Lawang / Gunung Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, East

The savannah behind Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia

Cemoro Lawang / Gunung Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, East

Hiking alone through the savannah in Mount Bromo-Tenger-Semeru National Park, East Java, Indonesia

Cemoro Lawang / Gunung Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, East

Crater of Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia

Cemoro Lawang / Gunung Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, East

Ravine near the foot of Mount Bromo in East Java, Indonesia

Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia

Self-guided hike in Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia

Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia
Bumming at the beach with a troupe of monkeys at Baluran National Park, East Java, Indonesia

Penang, Malaysia: 3 days wandering around multicultural facets of Georgetown and Penang

Temple overlooking Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

Temple overlooking Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia

May

Apo Island and Negros Oriental: 3 day trip snorkeling in Apo Island, motorcycle ride to Casaroro Falls, and walking around Dumaguete City.

Apo Island, Dauin, Negros Oriental, Philippines (120505-124211)

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.

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Stopover at Beras Basah Beach on an island hopping tour in Langkawi, Malaysia

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Rest at Tengah Beach while cycling around Langkawi, Malaysia

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Lonesome sunset at Cenang Beach, Langkawi, Malaysia

Pilgrimage to “The Beach” in Thailand: One week in the Phi Phi Islands and Krabi

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“The Beach” moment at Maya Bay, Ko Phi Phi Leh, Thailand

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Kayaking through verdant limestone cliffs in Krabi, Thailand

Pahang 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.

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Old tree at Pahang Taman Negara (National Park), Pahang, Malaysia

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Hiking through the forest on my own at Pahang Taman Negara (National Park), Pahang, Malaysia

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Sitting on railroad tracks at Kuala Lipis, Malaysia

June

Revisiting Melaka, Malaysia: Wandering around Melaka for four days

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Self-portait at the Chinese quarters of Melaka (Malacca), Malaysia

Not the usual Bohol: Four days in Bohol trying to break away from the usual touristy experience.

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Sunrise view of the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, Philippines

Siargao 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.

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Red earth mini-ravine at Bucas Grande Island, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

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Surfer dude at General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. No big waves that week.

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Magpupungku Tidal Flats, Siargao Island, Philippines

Eastern Mindanao: A week of chasing waterfalls and enchanting rivers at Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental, and Surigao del Sur.

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Curtain-like cascade of Awao Falls, Compostela Valley

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One of the main cascades of Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao Oriental

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Finding my sweet spot in Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao Oriental

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My favorite corner of Aliwagwag Falls, Cateel, Davao Oriental

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Abyssal depths of the Enchanted River, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur

August

Indochina: Wanderings in South East Asia’s battered backpacking trail for 10 weeks

Chiang Mai, Thailand: Enjoying a location independent lifestyle in Chiang Mai for 3 weeks

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Wet Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Fortress walls of Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Mae Ya Waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Northern Thailand: One week exploring the natural and historical heritage of Umphang, Kamphaeng Phet, Sukhothai, Phrae, and Chiang Rai.

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During the slow raft ride to Thi Lor Su Waterfall in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak, Thailand

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Camping in the wilderness at Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak, Thailand

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Thi Lor Su Waterfall (tallest waterfall in Thailand) at Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak, Thailand

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Bathroom mirror at Three J Guesthouse, Kamphaeng Phet, Thailand

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Cycling around Kamphaeng Phet Historical Park, Thailand

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Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand

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Black Houses, Chiang Rai, Thailand

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Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Chiang Rai, Thailand

September

Laos: Traversing Laos from its northern to southern border.

French-colonial town of Luang Prabang, Laos

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Kuangsi Waterfall Park near Luang Prabang, Laos

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View of rice paddies bordered by towering limestone formations at the remote village of Muang Ngoi Neua, Laos

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Soaking up the blessed sunshine in Vang Vieng, Laos

Gate of Triumph in Vientiane, Laos

Coffee tour at the Bolaven Plateau in Champasak Province

Vat Phu (Angkorian temple) built on a hill in Champasak, Laos

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Chasing 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, Vietnam

Norte Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam

Revisiting 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.

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Cozy artsy comforts at Hotel 1961, Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Monolithic trees growing on top of Ta Prohm walls in Siem Reap, Cambodia

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Barefoot at Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

Uncrowded temple outside the usual temple run in Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

October

Myanmar: Two weeks exploring Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Hsipaw, and ancient cities of Upper Myanmar (Innwa, Amarapura, Sagaing, Mingun)

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High court of Yangon, Myanmar (Burma)

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Watching the sun set over thousands of temple tops in Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

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Shadow play over centuries old wooden temple door at Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

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Wearing traditional Longyi outfit and Thannaka, a natural facial sun block, at the Maha Bodhi Temple in Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

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Unnamed and abandoned monk monastery in Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

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Barefoot at Dhammayangyi Temple, the biggest temple in Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

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Sunset at Sutaungpyai Temple, atop Mandalay Hill, Myanmar (Burma)

Awesome views crossing the railway bridge over a scenic gorge in Hsipaw, Myanmar

Kaung Hmu Daw Temple, shaped like a woman’s breast, in Sagaing, Myanmar

December

Eastern 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 Islands

Views on the trek to a secret waterfall in Biliran.

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Sunset at Sambawan Island, Biliran, Philippines

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Sohoton Caves and Bridge National Park, Basey, Samar, Philippines

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Glorious view of Biri Rock Formations, Samar, Philippines

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On the edge of a cliff at Biri Rock Formations, Samar, Philippines

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Magical sunset at the rock formations of Biri Island, Samar, Philippines

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Wooden raft at Lake Bulusan, Sorsogon, Philippines

Staycation: Traveling like a tourist in Iloilo, my hometown, and to nearby provinces :) Basking at the pristine beaches of Sicogon Island and Guimaras.

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Ave Maria Island, Guimaras, Philippines

Being Human

I’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.