DISCLAIMER: This list is not meant to be absolute and is influenced by my own choices and aims of traveling lean, saving cash, and minimizing waste. Your needs may vary depending on your travel partners and destinations. Please pack sensibly and appropriately for your trip.
12 THINGS NOT TO BRING IN YOUR PHILIPPINE WILDERNESS ADVENTURE
The Philippines is a paradise for adventure seekers, with its diverse natural wonders, thrilling outdoor activities, and rich culture. But before you book your flight and pack your bags, make sure you don’t bring these 12 items that will only weigh you down, waste your money, or harm the environment.
1. Jewelry Or Accessories
You don’t need to impress anyone with your bling when you’re exploring the wilderness. Leave your valuable items at home or in a safe place at your hotel. They might get lost, stolen, or broken during your trip. You also don’t want to attract unwanted attention from thieves or scammers.
2. Single-Use Plastic Items
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest contributors to plastic pollution, and you don’t want to add to the problem. Avoid bringing single-use plastic items such as water bottles, straws, bags, or foods with plastic wrappers. Instead, use reusable alternatives such as reusable bottles, bamboo or metal straws, cloth bags, or any containers you already have in your home. Know the locations of reliable water sources in advance so you can refill your reusable water bottle.
3. Cigarettes And Alcohol
Smoking or drinking might seem like a harmless way to relax or have fun during your trip, but they can actually have negative effects on your health and safety. Smoking can impair your breathing and stamina, which are essential for adventure activities. It can also cause fires or littering in the wilderness. Drinking can dehydrate you and affect your judgment and coordination, which can lead to accidents or injuries. It can also offend some locals or make other visitors uncomfortable.
4. Illegal Drugs
You don’t want to bring illegal drugs with you when traveling in the Philippines. The Philippines has a very strict anti-drug policy that imposes harsh penalties for drug possession, use, trafficking, or sale. You can face arrest, imprisonment, torture, or even death if you are caught with illegal drugs. You can also endanger the lives of the people you travel with or interact with. Stay away from illegal drugs and any people or places that are involved with them.
5. Weapons
Unless you’re an indigenous people hunting for food in the forest or a security personnel, you don’t need to bring any weapons with you on your Philippine wilderness adventure. Weapons such as guns, knives, or machetes can be illegal, dangerous, or unnecessary in the country. You might get into trouble with the law or the locals if you carry them around. You also make other visitors feel unsafe and uncomfortable.
Bringing a weapon is not only illegal, but also unsettling for locals and visitors alike.
6. Too Many Clothes
The Philippines is a tropical country with hot and humid weather most of the year. Unless you will be camping overnight on high-altitude mountains such as Mount Pulag or Mount Apo, you don’t need to bring excessive clothes, thick jackets, sweaters, or jeans. They will only weigh you down and make you sweat more. Opt for light and breathable fabrics like linen, or polyester that can dry quickly and keep you cool.
7. Unnecessary Toiletries And Cosmetics
You don’t need to bring your entire bathroom cabinet with you. You may bring some toiletries and cosmetics that you can’t live without, but keep them minimal and travel-sized. Also, avoid or minimize the use of tissue products such as toilet paper or wet wipes. They contribute to global deforestation and pollution. Opt for reusable towels and portable bidet instead.
8. Too Much Food
Bringing excess food is not only heavy and bulky but also wasteful and impractical because it may end up as leftovers or generate food scraps. Do not bring food that can spoil easily or take up space that you can use for other things.
9. Full-Fledged First Aid Kit
Bringing a complete set of first aid kit may be unrealistic and impractical. It may take up a lot of space in your backpack. Pack only the things that you know how to use. If the injury is too bad, you need to call for help.
10. Winter-Grade Gear
The Philippines does not have winter season. It has warm and humid climate throughout the year. It is not necessary to pack winter-grade gear when hiking in the Philippines because the temperature is generally warm and mild. However, if you are hiking in the mountains or other high-altitude areas, it may be cooler so you should bring a light jacket or sweater.
11. Too Many Cooking Wares
Unless you are going for week-long camping trip, you don't need to bring too many cooking wares because they add extra weight and take up valuable space in your backpack. Bring a small stove and a single pot or pan that can be used for multiple purposes. No need to have a whole set of cutlery. One good spoon or spork is enough.
12. Too Many Survival Tools
Unless you are going for a month-long exploration of virgin forests and mountains in the Philippines, you don’t need an ax, machete, hunting knife, shovels or other serious survival tools. Your wilderness adventure will likely last for three days or less. You are probably going to hire a local guide, use established trails, make your own food with a camp stove, and rest in your tent or hammock. You don't need to hunt for food, chop your own wood or make your own shelter out of fallen trees and branches.
Unless you’re camping in a very remote place for more than a week, don’t pack too much stuff. It will only tire you out, waste your money, and create trash.
