Bags Packed, Fear Unpacked: The Crazy Start to My Backpackers’ Life

January 2017

In December 2016, a plan long in the making finally came to life. Since August, I had known I’d be receiving a substantial tax refund on December 2016, I was ready to escape the freezing Finnish winter and dive into an adventure far beyond anything I’d experienced before. At the time, I was living with a Finnish girl I had briefly dated. Although our romantic chapter had ended, we had become good friends. Wanting to make the most of this opportunity, I suggested a platonic getaway—a trip to the Philippines. With return tickets costing just €600 per person, it was the perfect chance to create unforgettable memories together.

As we prepared to leave in January 2017, I vividly recall standing at the train station on our way to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. She turned to me and said, “My friends think this trip will either bring us closer together or confirm that our relationship is truly over.” Smiling, I replied, “We’re just friends now, but trust me—this trip will be incredible and memorable.” Indeed this trip became memorable and also frightening to her..

A Marathon Journey to Paradise

I had carefully planned our trip to Palawan, squeezing as much as possible into just three weeks. The journey started with a sleepless night before departure, knowing what lay ahead: a 4-hour flight to Switzerland, 12 hours to Hong Kong, and another 2 hours to Manila—a long and exhausting 22-hour trip. I was determined to minimize the number of flights on our journey, a philosophy I’ve held to this day.

Flying might get you there faster, but it skips over the heart and soul of a place. Traveling by land or sea opens up opportunities to meet locals, learn about their culture, and witness the beauty of the country in ways that air travel can never provide.

For me, it’s about more than just reaching the destination—it’s about the journey itself, the unexpected encounters, and the stories waiting to be discovered along the way. This mindset shaped how I planned our trip, opting for a ferry from Manila to Puerto Princesa instead of taking another flight. It was a deliberate choice to slow down and connect with the Philippines on a deeper level.

Determined to cut down on flights and embrace the adventure, I had pre-booked a ferry from Manila to Puerto Princesa while still in Finland. The moment we landed in Manila, the clock was ticking—we had just four hours to navigate a bustling city, find transportation, and make it to the port. It felt like we were contestants on The Amazing Race, racing against time, dodging obstacles, and relying on locals to secure the next destination of our journey. Every decision and every obstacle counted, adding an extra layer of excitement and adrenaline to the adventure.

The Adventure Begins

The harbor was buzzing with life as we arrived two hours before departure. Despite being utterly exhausted from two sleepless nights, the excitement of what lay ahead kept me going. At the boarding gate, I got my first taste of the Philippines’ “extra fees”—port fees, nature fees, and more. Initially skeptical, I quickly learned these were legitimate, not the scams I’d been warned about.

Onboard, we found our bunks in the tourist cabin—a slightly upgraded option from the open-air economy deck. For €45 per person, we got a bed in an air-conditioned cabin instead of braving the elements outside. The ferry ride would take 25 hours, and while sleep was desperately needed, my excitement kept me awake.

Karaoke and Rum: A Filipino Welcome

I wandered to the deck and discovered a group of locals singing karaoke—a national obsession in the Philippines. Their voices carried tales of love, heartbreak, and joy, and they welcomed me warmly into their circle. As we shared homemade rum and stories, I felt an incredible sense of connection. The warmth and friendliness of the Filipinos were unlike anything I’d experienced before.

Eventually, exhaustion caught up with me. I returned to my bunk, collapsing into a deep, much-needed sleep.

A Stormy Night

In the middle of the night, I woke to the sound of her shaky, hushed voice, trembling with fear as she tried not to alarm everyone., “Niko... Niko... Niko!” Groggily, I asked, “What is it?”

“There’s water on the floor,” she said, her voice trembling.

I opened my eyes to find the cabin floor soaking with water. A storm had whipped up, and waves were crashing against the ferry, seeping through the doors and sealing strips. I noticed My backpack was on the floor, soaking up water. “Can you pass me my bag?” I asked. “I’ll put it under my head to keep it dry.”

She stared at me, wide-eyed. “But Niko, what if the boat sinks?”

Half-asleep, I replied, “What do you want to do? Jump into the ocean and swim? Let’s just sleep and hope for the best.” Reluctantly, she returned to her bunk, terrified, while I drifted back to sleep.

Morning Laughter

When I woke up, I felt refreshed and ready for the next journey of our adventure around Palawan Island. I went to check on her and asked, “How did you sleep?”

“I didn’t sleep at all,” she said, still pale from the night’s events. “I was convinced the boat would sink.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “We’re fine! There was nothing to worry about except our stuff getting wet.”

A few hours later, we arrived in Puerto Princesa, and I could see the sheer relief on her face as she stepped onto solid ground. She looked as though she wanted to kiss the earth beneath her feet.

The Worst Was Yet to Come

But was that the end of her brushes with death? Not even close. The scariest moments of our trip for her were still ahead. In the next post, I’ll share how our plane nearly crashed—and why she swore she’d never travel with me again. Stay tuned!

Niko, November '24