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How to Start Your Own Travel Blog

Wednesday, 18 April 2018

Even without the potential of monetary gain, everyone who loves to travel should start a travel blog. There is no better way to collect your memories and stories together for a lifetime than working on putting it together through a collection of posts and even videos. By doing this, you are creating the single best souvenir you could possibly have. Memories fade, but your recollections of the day and the photos and videos you take will be forever. You can reminisce, and as you review what you’ve written and filmed, you too will remember better. To start your own travel blog, follow these steps:

Create a Website

[caption id="attachment_5768" align="alignnone" width="800"]

My current website banner[/caption]

If you are a budget traveler, there are free website options out there that will be the perfect fit for you. These options, of course, will have limited storage space meaning you will have to post your photos elsewhere, like Instagram or Facebook, but for written content, they will be your best solution. If you want to have your own domain name, rather than a hosted name, however, opt for a third-party hosting company that will give you more control and more storage space. From there you should install WordPress, and choose a theme that perfectly captures who you are. Update frequently and for yourself, and you’ll have the perfect time capsule of your journeys.

Social Media

We all likely have accounts on every big social media platform out there, but what is important for when you travel is to update them so that you can more accurately portray your travels. Be real and honest on Instagram, and use it as a photo diary you can share with your friends or even with the world. These platforms are excellent for drawing in new readers as well, which is why diversifying and posting on all of them can help you achieve the following you need to get sponsorships.

[caption id="attachment_5772" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Always on the go to look for possible contents. You can check out my Vlog site at www.youtube.com/c/kennethsurat_iken[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_5766" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Updating your social media constantly is part of the job. Check out (and follow) my Instagram at www.instagram.com/kennethsurat[/caption]

One of the biggest and best ways to do this is through video. If you can create compelling stories through your own video platform, you have a commodity that can be easily marketed to companies who would potentially sponsor you. At the very least, you will have real moments captured in time to remember forever. That being said, you will want to make your YouTube page look as professional as possible in order to get as many viewers as possible. That is why you need to create a YouTube banner, a logo, and work on formatting your page through different albums to make your account look professional.

Between your social media and your website, you should be able to capture your journeys in many different formats. This means that you will have a great time capsule for later in life when you want to reminisce about your travels. By documenting your journey for this purpose, you can keep having fun. It is only when you are trying to do it for someone else that the task can become a chore. Do it for you and your memories, and you will be able to enjoy each day and have the energy to work recording it at night in a diary.

kenneth surat Dubai Travel Blogger Philippines

Birthday Month Giveaway!!!

Tuesday, 13 February 2018

BIRTHDAY MONTH!! YEY! I also consider this as my blog anniversary (hitting 2 birds in one stone). So, to show my appreciation for all your support, I asked some of my favorite brand partners to throw a little giveaway for all of you guys!

Just follow the instructions below to get a chance of winning one of these amazing prizes.

BEACHBORN

1 winner of Sea Salt Spray + Bam Balm (For Philippines and Dubai Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @beachbornph account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

KKDAY

5 winners of 1000 php Trip Voucher from KKDAY (For Philippines only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @kkdayph account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

DEUTER

1 Winner of Deuter Adventure Belt Bag (For Philippines only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @deuter_ph account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

NOORD

1 Winner of Noord Personalized Travel Wallet (For Philippines and Dubai Only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @noordofficial account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

SURAT JOURNAL(For Philippines and Dubai Only)

2 Winners of Surat Journals Artisan Bi-Fold Wallets

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If the chosen winner (via rafflecopter) isn’t following both @kennethsurat and @suratjournals account on instagram will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen.

All winners will be announced on the 25^th of February 2018. Good luck guys!

What I Learned from Leaving The Corporate World (to travel—sort of)

Tuesday, 31 January 2017

I am sure that I am not the only one who ever thought of leaving the corporate world to pursue passion.

Last 2016, I made a leap from being a senior designer in a reputable firm in Dubai to someone who travels for a living (well that’s what I thought I will be doing long term).

I read almost every blog that encourages us to take that leap. "Pack your backpacks and book a one way ticket". Those blogs and Instagram pages looked very dreamy at the time, I bet they still are. There is a constant lure to travel for a living. Especially for the millennials. No BOSS! Yeah! The most ideal scenario in the world.

I have been in a constant tag-of-war with this thought (definitely a lot of discouragements and big-eyed faces ). In fact, it took me almost 2 years to finally decide to be on board the FUNEMPLOYMENT TRAIN.

A year has passed and YES, I am still on that train. But it wasn’t really what I thought it would be. I guess, with a bit of common sense, one can easily figure out that this life ain’t that dreamy as what you can see in those Instagram photos.

[caption id="attachment_4750" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Gold Coast, Australia, travel blog, leaving the corporate world

The View of Surfer's Paradise in Gold Coast. The 2nd city I visited after I left Dubai[/caption]

So before we welcome you in the FUNEMPLOYMENT NATION, here are some of the things I learned after a year of leaving the corporate world.

You Need Money (even if you try to deny it)

This is a no brainer, actually just common sense. Of course we need money to function. I told you that I took almost 2 years to finally decide to jump, the main reason for this was money. I had to make sure that I can sustain this lifestyle financially.

[caption id="attachment_4751" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Ring Road, Iceland, Travel blog, Leaving the Corporate World

Planning a trip around Iceland (yheap one of the most expensive countries in the world).[/caption]

Flights, accommodation and food ain’t cheap especially when you are visiting European cities. The best way is really save up at least a good amount to kick start your traveling around the world dream.

Not Everyday is a Vacation

Sure today you will be scuba diving in The Marianas Island or cliff dive at Isla de Gigantes (in the Philippines) but not everyday will be like this. There will be a big chunk of your time where you:

Just want to sleep and do nothing (not even to take a shower haha)

Focus your day/week/month on your chosen income generating activities. For me, I get some travel/food money through this blog, making and selling my handmade journals -Surat Journals/ suratjournals.com and also doing some Interior Styling on the side (please follow @flat209 on Instagram). Some people volunteer to work in farms and hostel in exchange for board and lodging.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPMjbxlhZVN/?taken-by=kennethsurat

I remember in Melbourne, I met a British lady (we were on the same dorm room) and she said that long term travel was not what she was expecting, she spent most of her days in a farm rather than the typical ‘adventure’ activities. --- my answer to this is just setting your priority. What do you want to achieve today, what is your current need?

Sleep? Money? Activities?

Not Everything is about Travel and Exploration

Of course, not everyone who dreamed of leaving the corporate world will leave to travel (though 80% of the time this is the reason), but there are people who left to pursue other life dreams.

I think after a year of moving, I came to a point now to look further in the future, what I want to see myself 10, 20 years from now and build something from there.

I guess the Travel and Exploration part is just part of it. As cheesy as it may sound but I discovered a lot about myself because of traveling and now I am using those to see what I can do in the future.

If you have less sleep before, you’ll get lesser now

https://www.instagram.com/p/BPVluF7hO2N/?taken-by=kennethsurat

If you are looking for more sleep, hmmmmm I guess leaving the corporate isn’t the solution. My previous job dealt with events design and management and sleep was very limited whenever we have events, but on a regular basis, I worked the usual 9-5 shift and getting a salary at the end of the month was a sure thing.

November 2015, I officially became unemployed and worked for myself, people were envious that I don’t have to be in the grind and sleep till 10am. What they didn’t know, I woke up at 10 am but slept at 4am to produce hand made journals to sell in a weekend market (yheap I work as well on a weekend). Also, right now, I am writing this article at 1am hahah. Sleep what is that?

You will miss the daily grind routine

Reykjavik! I was sitting in the pantry (in Bus Hostel) talking to some of my backpacker friends and telling them, I miss doing the daily routine (SHOCK!!). Yes this came from my mouth. The guy who dread waking up early in the morning and ride the metro to the office, now missing this? Hahaha. Well I was thinking that it might be part of the adjustment, the withdrawal phase haha.

[caption id="attachment_4752" align="alignnone" width="800"]

travel blog, dubai, leaving the corporate world

Sometimes I do have thoughts of "what if I never left" - photo taken by @charleslibanjra[/caption]

Though when I had a meeting during a rush hour, and saw people going to work, I remember the feeling why I chose to leave the corporate world hahaha ---- so it is safe to say, the “I MISS IT” part was short lived.

You will learn to set aside independence even for a while

I have been independent for almost 11 years now. I never asked anything from my family especially in finances. Also, in most of my travels, I travel solo and hardly relied on anyone. Since I left the corporate, a lot of my friends and family have been helping me, well, to survive.

A lot of people asked how I managed to survive the year, I think the main answer to this is the support of the people around me. Learned a lot from my travel bloggers friends who are in the same boat as I am. Also, I got trips where sponsors offered free food, lodging, tours and sometimes even flights. I also got some friends who offered their houses for me to stay for days even weeks (Australia, Iceland, Germany and France to name some of these cities with generous people)!

Of course my family played a big role. You see every time I park my bags, I am at the comfort of our home in the Philippines, enjoying the shelter of Family Love.

You will learn to tap talents you ignored when you were getting a monthly salary

Pretty much the next two points are both related to point #1. Money! As someone who tried “working for himself” I got a chance to work in several fields that I thought I could excel.

Good thing, my original line of work is in the creative and I got to tap some skills that I hardly used before (or let’s say ignored).

[caption id="attachment_4753" align="alignnone" width="800"]

One of my recent interior styling stint (final output). Follow @Flat209 in Instragram ^^[/caption]

I designed logos for companies, got to work with travel agencies for social media, accepted paid guest posts in the blog, wrote articles for magazines, designed fashion boutiques, restaurants and even a laundromat. I even sang (busked) in parks for some cash.

I call these as part of the story. Don’t get me wrong, I love it and happy that I got to see that I have several options on how not to go broke.

You will also learn to tap your budgeting skills

Ooooh, I don’t know about you, but one of the hardest things to do when you are traveling, is to travel on a budget. I must say that I have mastered this skill pretty much! My new mantra now, EVERY PENNY COUNTS!

Read my blog about being a Traveling Budgetarian

[caption id="attachment_4175" align="alignnone" width="800"]

Traveling Budgetarian travel budget wanderlust travel blog

Instead of eating outside everyday, I chose to buy food from the local supermarket[/caption]

Last year, I got to travel to 13 countries and an enormous amount of cities explored, every single one of those, I kept my mind in budgeting. The more you save, the longer you stay. Pretty much commonsense. So I trade buying expensive souvenirs to eating local delicacies. I seldom (most of the time never) shop for clothes unless I really really….really need it. And you will find me at a local market buying food instead of going to restaurants. Yes, I did settle for INSTANT COFFEE. This was how I stretched my budget to travel. Something I hope I will still carry even when money starts rolling.

There are no rules, nothing can really prepare you

I read numerous blogs about nomadic travelers to get tips on how it is like to live with only your backpack. I also listened /watched a lot of TED talks for added inspirations. My friends were worried, though my family are supportive, I myself was scared of the unknown. With the corporate-life-money as my only known support for the past 10 years, being away from my office cubicle will surely bring some challenges.

After a year, I can say that I changed a lot of set plans, things I thought I will do pre leaving the corporate life and come to think of it, I am still changing plans even at this moment.

I think the beauty of this life is, it will always surprise you (don’t worry, there are a lot of good surprises than the bad ones). You will see yourself grow along the way. Even preferences will change.

You didn’t leave the corporate world after all

Yes yes yes, I always say that I left the corporate world, but in fact, I am still surrounded by it.

After my 5 month trip (which is the longest continuous trip I did—see, I told you plans do change), a day after I landed in the Philippines (jet lagged and all), I did an interior styling work for one of the big retail brands in the Philippines. Also, as I continue traveling, I got to meet and work with several big travel agencies, retail brands and publications around the world and also became a brand ambassador of Deuter Adventure Bags.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMkj-UThl7t/?taken-by=suratjournals

Until now, I work as an interior stylist if I have a chance (mostly when I am not traveling) and create beautiful leather crafts through Surat Journals. I guess, you can’t really leave the corporate, it only transformed into a different form.

Will not trade this to anything in the world

I believe that when passion calls you need to answer. I had several discussions about this from people my age. Often we are itching with the idea to leave our (current) jobs and start something we love. It doesn’t necessarily be about traveling, it can be arts, music or even volunteering to help those who are in need.

I wouldn’t trade anything in the world to do something I love. Whenever challenges came, I have this mindset that any problem will be considered as good problem. Because, I still prefer to solve this problem wile doing something I love.

It wasn’t a walk in the part, I do assure you, but as I said in one of my magazine interviews (naks plural), sometimes I don’t know where to get the money to finance my food for the next day, of my train/plane ride to move or even to go back home, but the beauty of it is that, I am thinking about it while staring at a beautiful horizon by the beach or having enough time to bond with my family.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BO86Ll2hefX/?taken-by=kennethsurat

We used to live in a world where success is equated with how high you are in the corporate ladder, although I think there are still a big chunk of the population who feel the same thing, the millennial age introduced the idea of THRIVING WITH YOUR PASSION. It is easier for us now to realize our dreams and there are several tools that are available to help us.

What are you passionate about? Are you living your dream? Share it to us at the comment box below.

Watch my 365 adventure sum up below:

My 2016 Adventures as Told on Instagram

Thursday, 5 January 2017

2016 marked my first journey outside the corporate world. I left Dubai exactly the 17th of January 2016 and started this long affair to be a full-time traveler.

READ ALSO: Journal Entry, Du-Bye For Now

To be honest, it didn't quite turn out to be as I thought it would have been. But I can't be thankful enough of how things unfolded.

With 1000++ photos posted on my Instagram it is pretty easy so say that this social media platform definitely chronicled this awesome journey. So I thought of summarizing 2016 through my Instagram posts.

Here it goes (warning, this is very lengthy).

JANUARY

Left my second home, Dubai and traveled to Australia

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAr2QMMNwFF/?taken-by=kennethsurat

BRISBANE welcomed me with its very chill and laid-back lifestyle

https://www.instagram.com/p/BAvOyZJtwHx/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Spent some time with family in the GOLD COAST

https://www.instagram.com/p/BA4JZEWNwFp/?taken-by=kennethsurat

FEBRUARY

Got super artsy in MELBOURNE

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBWx8N-NwMX/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Looked for the 12 APOSTLES along the GREAT OCEAN ROAD with AAT Kings

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBO5pW3twGg/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Spent Chinese New Year in SYDNEY

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBr8g3bNwLo/?taken-by=kennethsurat

......spontaneously traveled and showered at the BLUE MOUNTAINS....

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBzopB5twFE/?taken-by=kennethsurat

....and attended church at HILLSONG

https://www.instagram.com/p/BBuqknbtwJZ/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Went to the PHILIPPINES for a few days and explored MANILA's Art Deco History...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCDmYaMtwN0/?taken-by=kennethsurat

....and surfed in LA UNION

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCjauBcNwFd/?taken-by=kennethsurat

MARCH

OSLO welcomed me in the chillest possible way (literally)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BCsK35cNwPZ/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Caught up with friends in BERGEN, NORWAY

https://www.instagram.com/p/BC19-X6twN9/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Ate fermented shark in REYKJAVIK in ICELAND

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDfjzUFtwOr/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Jaw-dropped after exploring around SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA with Guide to Iceland

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDG4ck6twBO/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Felt really small touring around the GOLDEN CIRCLE

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDJGyb6twHh/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Conquered driving around ICELAND'S RING ROAD

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDTH-rytwCZ/?taken-by=kennethsurat

....and finally saw the NORTHERN LIGHT dancing in HOFN

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDNTQSmtwNU/?taken-by=kennethsurat

APRIL

Lived in a university in WIESBADEN, GERMANY

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDgpqe3twB_/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Gained a lot of weight in FRANKFURT (hello doner and sausages)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDuty-VNwHI/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Fell in love with PRAGUE

https://www.instagram.com/p/BDwB62rtwLG/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...this city deserves 2-posts hahaha

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD5li2stwNK/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Got the creeps at KUTNA HORA, CZECH REPUBLIC

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD5761ytwLK/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Welcomed spring in a very festive way in BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

https://www.instagram.com/p/BD_ZAYJNwMv/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Got a bit scared in BRATISLAVA (for a very silly reason)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEGNHQ8twPv/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Getting a cultural bargain in VIENNA

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEPN63stwNl/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Back in Germany and had a dose of Octoberfest action (well its spring counterpart) in MUNICH

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEVUnSWtwKj/?taken-by=kennethsurat

MAY

Staying true with my promise to come back over and over again in PARIS

https://www.instagram.com/p/BEe6K8ZtwKe/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...and be reunited with 2 of my very first travel buddies in ASNIERES-SUR-SEINE, FRANCE

https://www.instagram.com/p/BE1k-9rNwMH/?taken-by=kennethsurat

.....missing PARIS again and promised to comeback again

https://www.instagram.com/p/BE9LbeutwA0/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Back in DUBAI for week of catching up

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFAFG0BtwLC/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...and made @SURATJOURNALS

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFPZDz8twFT/?taken-by=kennethsurat

JUNE

Back in the PHILIPPINES and got a bit of beach action at CALAGUAS ISLAND

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGCS7vwNwBg/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...and practiced a bit of my architectural skills....

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFUI43ltwAu/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...for 2 projects

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGNvBLWtwLH/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Explored the world under in ANILAO

https://www.instagram.com/p/BGQwdr1NwAi/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Reached the summit at TARAK RIDGE, BATAAN

https://www.instagram.com/p/BG0VN-RtwPf/?taken-by=kennethsurat

JULY

Flying off again, this time in South East Asia....

https://www.instagram.com/p/BILThI4g9sS/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...with #TRIPOFWONDERS as an invitation from the INDONESIAN MINISTRY OF TOURISM

https://www.instagram.com/p/BILZcrGAqGL/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Explored 4 cities with other South East Asian bloggers, MAKASSAR, LOMBOK, BANYUWANGI and BANDUNG

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIhap6_grTC/?taken-by=kennethsurat

AUGUST

Back solo traveling and had a little reflection in BALI

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIv6k3ZAZlL/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...and promised that I will be a good surfer when I come back at FRII BALI ECHO BEACH in CANGGU

https://www.instagram.com/p/BIxgg3JA9JW/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Island hopped in EL NIDO with SEALAND VENTURE

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJN8e1Vgd2c/?taken-by=kennethsurat

--

Tasted the best Halo-Halo in PUERTO PRINCESA

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJiiFE-BqnG/?taken-by=kennethsurat

..and enjoyed the superb hospitality of MICROTEL PUERTO PRINCESA

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJXuzqygvHX/?taken-by=kennethsurat

SEPTEMBER

Ticked a bucket list in SAIPAN, NORTHERN MARIANAS

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKa9ycih24e/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...and became a human drone in MANAGAHA ISLAND, SAIPAN with #MyMarianasPH

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKiPkxYhRNz/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Food tripp'n in BINONDO, MANILA

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKpo8KDB4H_/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Became a stew in ANTIQUE

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLPl7NFB3FB/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Walked around ROXAS CITY, CAPIZ...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLNB-BYhEia/?taken-by=kennethsurat

OCTOBER

...and got awestruck at the GIGANTES GROUP OF ISLAND, ILOILO with Las Islas Travel and Tours

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLINK6chK8g/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Got super pampered in BOHOL at Henann Resort

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLYALxGh-eq/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Attended TBEX (Travel Bloggers Exchange) in Manila

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLjQ_53hbBB/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Got white washed in CAGAYAN DE ORO

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLwE5ZZBJ60/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Celebrated with BELMONT HOTEL as it turned one

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL7LhVCBG3m/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Saw the other side of MANILA

https://www.instagram.com/p/BL--4O4Bs21/?taken-by=kennethsurat

NOVEMBER

Back working as an INTERIOR DESIGNER to help a friend

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNLgzyzg03B/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Flew 8 hours to visit my 2nd HOME, DUBAI (again!!)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOJX4D1BIqX/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...where I got to explore a new DESERT attraction (MLEIHA)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BN5KjboBctG/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...watched the dramatic SUNSET

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOICZh8BI4B/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...the magical fog engulfing its SKYSCRAPERS

https://www.instagram.com/p/BNoAYgkBobT/?taken-by=kennethsurat

DECEMBER

...and its beautiful PEOPLE

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOFDGplh1XG/?taken-by=kennethsurat

--

Became on of the 100 Most Influential Filipinos in the Gulf

https://www.instagram.com/p/BO86Ll2hefX/?taken-by=kennethsurat

--

Got introduced to HONG KONG busy city lifestyle...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOP2G3Nh8jr/?taken-by=kennethsurat

...and its calm countryside

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOOYryOhTCs/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Whew! Going through all of what I did for the past year got me tired already haha. Can't believe I was able to squeeze all of these in just 1 year.

2 months = 13 countries/territories and almost 35 major cities around the world and 12 destinations in the Philippines. Crazy!!!

To the people I met along the way!! You made 2016 the best year so far! Thought of tagging everyone but you guys are too many hahaha. you know who you are! LOVE YOU ALL!

Oh 2016. I will surely miss you. I learned and experienced a lot that will prepare me for the new year. A lot of things to be thankful for which deserve a separate blog haha.

So cheers for another wonderful year full of adventures and love! Watch out for my 2016 recap vlog also (I am editing currently in video-edit mode).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOpF_v9Bk_c/?taken-by=kennethsurat

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOvxrHAhg-Z/?taken-by=kennethsurat

FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM: @KENNETHSURAT

Make This Happen: How To Visit Norway's Trolltunga

Monday, 29 September 2014

[caption id="attachment_2107" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ANDRE, ENJOYING THE BEAUTY OF NORWAY ON TOP OF THE TROLLTUNGA[/caption]

Trolltunga also known as the troll tongue (because of its shape) is one of the famous must-visit sites of Norway. It is situated about 1100 meters above sea level creating a beautiful view from this naturally cantilevered masterpiece.

Check out my previous blog about my hike to Trolltunga (click this link)

WATCH MY VIDEO MONTAGE OF THIS TRIP

There are several options to get here. Me and my friend drove from Ølve to Odda for roughly 2 hours including a ferry ride.

First thing you need to do is to check the weather forecast as you don’t want to climb here on a heavy rainy day. The best months to go here is around June when the snow melts on the mountains until the end of September.

Although this is not an extreme hike, make sure you still prepare and get yourself in shape. The hike will last for around 8-10hours. Be sure to wear proper hiking shoes, bring some food (snacks if you will not camp), extra clothes, water bottles, maps ( but there are route markers so it is really easy to find it) and camping gears if you think of staying for the night.

: DRIVING IN ODDA ON OUR WAY TO SKJEGGEDAL

Option 1. DRIVING:

From where you are (we came from Ølve), navigate yourself to the town of Odda. Once you reach Odda, drive to Tyssedal on route 13. From Tyssedal, follow signs going to Skjeggedal where you will park and start your journey on foot. Take note that parking fee is 100 NOK/ day.

[caption id="attachment_2169" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TOURIST BUS SCHEDULE[/caption]

Option 2: PUBLIC TRANSPORT

From Odda, take a route 995 bus going to Skjeggedal with a one way ticket costing around 31 NOK. Travel time will be around 30min/way.

Bus timings are (Timings can change so better double check it on the day you are planning to go)

Departure from Odda: 7:35am, 9:10am, 15:20 am, 19:25 am

Departure from Skjeggedal: 8:15, 10:10, 16:10, 20:10

[caption id="attachment_2096" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SKJEGGEDAL BASE/ MEETING POINT[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2094" align="aligncenter" width="800"] PATH TO TROLLTUNGA SIGNAGE AND REMINDERS (DON'T POLLUTE PLEASE!!!!!!!!!)[/caption]

ONCE YOU ARE AT THE BASE OF THE HIKE PATH:

On foot, start at the base of the mountain and follow the path marked with a red T. Aside from that there will be route markers placed on every kilometer (helpful to know where you’re at ^^).

[caption id="attachment_2172" align="aligncenter" width="800"] HIKE TO TROLLTUNGA MAP[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2095" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Trolltunga hiking norway travel wanderlust backpacking

Trolltunga hiking norway travel wanderlust backpacking

THE BEGINNING OF THE HIKE (0KM)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2178" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ROUTE MARKERS ALONG THE HIKE PATH[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2097" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TOTEM ROUTE MARKERS ALONG THE HIKE PATH. AS LONG AS YOU ARE SEEING THIS, YOU ARE NOT LOST!!!![/caption]

MOST IMPORTANT ADVICE:

ENJOY EVERY BIT OF IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[caption id="attachment_2105" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE MAGNIFICENT VIEW AT TROLLTUNGA[/caption]

To know more about this magnificent hike:

Contact Odda Tourism Office for detailed information about the hike, accommodation and maps.

Check out these helpful websites also:

www.visittrolltunga.com

www.visitnorway.com

www.oddacamping.no

Visit Norway: My Hike to The Spectacular Trolltunga

Have you ever been to a place where everywhere you look seems like they were photoshopped to perfection? Norway for me is one of these places.

As I was preparing myself to blog about my last summer trip (Germany + Scandinavia), I thought of first sharing one of the highlights of my trip.

As most of my friends in Facebook, Instagram and Twitter would have guessed by now, I fell in love with Norway. With all the places that I have visited, I must say that this is now my current favorite country and Bergen as my favorite city (blog coming up very very soon).

[caption id="attachment_2103" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE PATH TO TROLLTUNGA[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2088" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE VIEW OF NORWAY FROM THE PLANE[/caption]

With all the adventures I did in Norway, one of them really sticks out. This was my hike in one of Norway’s spectacular rock formations. The Trolltunga, also known as the Troll’s Tongue (because of its tongue-like shape).

Before going to Norway my best bud Andre’ asked me where I wanted to go. The first thing I mentioned was TROLLTUNGA! I saw photos of it in several travel sites and I can’t even believe that this place is even real (again I thought it was photoshopped). Andre’ said that we can go (Yippeeee!), but before any celebrations, he immediately made some disclaimers:

Only if the weather is good (Summer is the ideal season to visit Trolltunga, but even during this season, there are still occasional rain showers) – so I really prayed to God that the weather will not only be good but PERFECT.

Climbing the mountain to reach this landmark is not a joke. (Ok ok ok… )Before my trip, somehow I tried my best to prepare. With the absence of mountains in a city like Dubai, I made bridges, stairs and flyovers as my regular running paths.

A day before my flight to Bergen, written on the announcement board of my hostel in Copenhagen that the temperature throughout the week will be 26-27 degrees Celsius (and they said that it will be the situation throughout Scandinavia). The whole Denmark was celebrating including me (thinking that this weather will be perfect when I arrive in Norway).

I arrived in Bergen and aside from my two Norwegian best friends, I was welcomed by a very sunny Norwegian afternoon. Being a city surrounded by seven mountains, part of our activities was to them. I guess my climbing itineraries should prepare me for the big hike (more about my Bergen trip in another blog).

[caption id="attachment_2089" align="aligncenter" width="800"] DRIVING OUR WAY TO TROLLTUNGA[/caption]

FAST FORWARD………

We traveled from the town of Olve in the west part of Norway. We stayed in the cabin for a few days before our hike and it was perfect as we were closer to the base hike compared if we were in Bergen. The only problem was we forgot our tent in Bergen, hence no camping for us. This made us decide to start our hike early in the morning.

We left the cabin around 7:30 in the morning in order for us to catch a car transport ferry at 8am. Along the way, my buddy Andre had a feeling that he forgot to unplug the coffee maker (I hate that feeling—I always feel that I left the flat iron on after leaving for work in Dubai). To be sure and not to take any risk, we decided to come back. Well, we found out that we were very responsible cause it was turned off after all (it will surely spoil our hike if we didn’t go back and think of the coffee-maker the whole time). We missed our ferry, but the next boat came jut after 30 minutes. When the boat arrived at our destination, (Surprise!) our car was not starting. Wow, we were very lucky (haha). Well, most of the time, if unexpected things happen during a trip, I seldom get upset because, these things create good stories. With all the pressures of the cars that needed to leave after us, the boat officials helped us to push our car in order to activate the ignition. (Whew!) For a minute there I thought I was back home in the Philippines.

As mentioned in the beginning of this blog, Norway is such a picturesque country, and this fact has been proven over and over again during our road trip. Everywhere I look, you can see lakes, waterfalls, snowcapped mountains, beautiful houses and amazing fjords.

[caption id="attachment_2090" align="aligncenter" width="800"] VIEW FROM ODDA[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2091" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE BEAUTIFUL VILLAGE ON OUR WAY TO TROLLTUNGA (SKJEGGEDAL)[/caption]

We arrived at the base of the Trolltunga hike around 10:30 in the morning and groups of hikers started to crowd the area. There were bikers, tourists and hike enthusiasts. You can see friends, families and lovers (of all ages). It was not hard to look for parking but don’t forget to pay the 100 NOK parking fee. Aside from that, the whole hike is free.

We hiked for 4 hours going up and another 3 ½ hours going down. They said on average, the climb will take you around 10 hours total.

[caption id="attachment_2118" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SKJEGGEDAL HIKE BASE (GROUND ZERO)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2093" align="aligncenter" width="800"] HIKERS AND CYCLIST PREPARING FOR THE HIKE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2095" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE START OF THE HIKE. THIS IS THE MARK OF 0KM[/caption]

I will be lying if I say that it was easy. The first few kilometers were the hardest for me. It was a straight uphill climb. After the 2^nd kilometer, I was already thinking of finding a place to rest. Andre was a big hiker (almost a pro, if not one) so for him the hike was not as challenging as what I was experiencing. But, he was a good encourager and very helpful. At times, I think he thought that I can’t make it because he always reminded me that if I want to stop we can stop (haha).

[caption id="attachment_2101" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE BEST HIKE COMPANION. MY BEST BUDDY ANDRE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2154" align="aligncenter" width="800"] 6 KM TO GO, 5 KM DONE! WHEW![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2098" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE VIEW FROM THE HIKE PATH[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2182" align="aligncenter" width="800"] OUR CHOSEN RESTING GROUND. WHAAAATAVIEW![/caption]

We had our first major stop. We looked for a place where we can sit down and had a quick rest. The view of the fjord was amazing. At this point, if I didn’t know that we were going to Trolltunga, I already got what I paid for. This made the anticipation for the famous cliff more exciting. We had a few bites and drinks. We filled up our water bottles with a stream of glacier water (Nothing can be purer than that).

As we continue the trek, we saw pockets of snow! (Yey!) This is my first non-artificial (and not manmade) snow. I was like a kid. I think my face made a somewhat giveaway expression that I was so excited passing by this icy cold pathway. Without any hesitation, Andre immediately took me to the snowy part and threw a snow ball right at me. Good thing (with my sharp reflexes) I was able to dodge it. Looking very foolish, I did capture a few snaps of me on the snow wearing a tank top (well, to look foolish than regret not doing it I must say).

[caption id="attachment_2106" align="aligncenter" width="800"] SNOWCAPPED MOUNTAIN UPCLOSE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2156" align="aligncenter" width="800"] DON'T JUDGE ME, THIS IS MY FIRST REAL SNOW EXPERIENCE (AND I AM GETTING SUNBURNT)[/caption]

With few more kilometers to hike, the beautiful snowcapped mountain and glaciers became very prominent. This I must say is one of the most beautiful sceneries that I have ever seen. We saw some hikers already going down with very big smiles on their faces.

What I like about our hike was, even though you all hike in different paces, at one point you all see each other. I have passed by the same kid over and over again. Every time we see each other we gave each other big high fives. There were two old couples whom we’ve been seeing throughout the whole hike. They were my inspiration. I told myself that when I became (very) old, I want to be like them. Still climbing mountains and still enjoying life at the outdoors.

[caption id="attachment_2158" align="aligncenter" width="800"] 2 KM TO GO, 9 KM DONE! JUST A LITTLE MORE PUSH!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2159" align="aligncenter" width="800"] LITTLE BUDDY! SUCH A BRAVE FELLOW![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2102" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THEY REALLY INSPIRE ME![/caption]

After 11 kilometers and four hours of hiking we arrived at our destination. Andre was a little surprised how the Trolltunga became very famous as we saw that there were a line of people waiting their turn take a photo on the famous cliff.

[caption id="attachment_2183" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE BEAUTIFUL CROWD. I MUST SAY, I RESPECT THEM ALL FOR ENDURING THE LONG HIKE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2105" align="aligncenter" width="800"] AAAAAH TROLLTUNGA![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2116" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE TRAVELING JOURNAL PROJECT CONQUERED TROLLTUNGA[/caption]

For us, we decided to rest first and grab some lunch. As we look for the perfect spot to sit down, we went to the highest peak of the mountain. The view was amazing, at the same time scary. We did our (mandatory) gopro selfie here as this gave the best view of the fjord and at the same time, there was no logic to take a selfie while on the Trolltunga because you will not see it anyway.

The spectacular view made mother nature such a show-off. I can’t believe that this place is real. God really created a beautiful masterpiece in Norway.

While resting, we had some sandwich, an apple and Andre had a big can of beer. He said, every time he goes to a peak of a mountain, he needs to have a drink. Hmmmm, I think I like that tradition, but not before I need to walk on a very scary cliff (maybe after that, then I will drink).

[caption id="attachment_2102" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TAKING ALL IN![/caption]

In order to take your photo while you are on the cliff, obviously someone should take it for you. That someone will be standing a few kilometers (a little above) from the cliff. This is the time that you will be happy that you dragged along a friend with you. In our case, this was not a problem as we can surely take each other’s photo, but, we want a photo of us together as well. So how can we do it? As most of the people who's dreaming to have a new FB profile picture on the Trolltunga, you have to ask someone (a stranger) to have your photo taken and you will then take their photo in return. It was not hard to look for someone to be engaged in this mutualistic relationship. I think because of the fact that all of you endured the same hardship climbing the mountain, that all of you now respect each other.

The line was a bit long but I enjoyed watching the people do some crazy poses. The basic poses are:

The Looking towards the horizon and act very emotional (I did this)

The show your back to the camera (Andre did this)

The Jumpshot (we both did this)

The I am brave so I will seat down (we both did this)

The let’s put our arms on each other then lift the other 2 arms up high (this is for group/ duo shot)--- (we both did this)

The I will lie down and look at the bottom of the cliff (we didn’t do this)

It was our turn now. With our new friend (whom I didn’t even catch the name) ready to take our shot, Andre started walking towards the edge of the cliff. He did the poses mentioned above plus an additional one. He called it as his signature pose.

[caption id="attachment_2107" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ANDRE ON TROLLTUNGA[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2108" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ANDRE'S SIGNATURE POSE[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2110" align="aligncenter" width="800"] OOH LOOK I AM SO BRAVE, NO HANDS![/caption]

Before my turn, I walked towards him and did our duo poses. It was fun. I forgot how scared I was. I was more concerned if our appointed camera man got good shots (haha). As I carefully sat down and pushed myself towards the edge, I started thanking God for this experience. I don’t know if anything can top it. I was in one of the world’s best destinations, I was with one of my very best friends in whole wide world and the weather that day was one of the best Norway ever experienced. To sum up, it was perfection!

[caption id="attachment_2109" align="aligncenter" width="800"] BEFORE MY TURN, WE THOUGHT OF HAVING A PHOTO OF US TOGETHER[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2111" align="aligncenter" width="800"] THE MOST COMMON DUO/GROUP PHOTO POSE ON TROLLTUNGA (ACCORDING TO ANDRE)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2112" align="aligncenter" width="800"] JUMPSHOT----THE CAMERA ZOOMED TOO CLOSE THOUGH (SIGH)!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2113" align="aligncenter" width="800"] MY TURN. MY EMO SHOT![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2114" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ANOTHER EMO SHOT![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2115" align="aligncenter" width="800"] AND YES, I SAT DOWN...I STUDIED HOW OTHERS DID IT (YOU NEED TO BE THERE TO KNOW THE SECRET..OK WE CRAWLED!!)[/caption]

After staying a few more hours, it was time to go down. Now I know why the people going down had permanent smiles on their faces. We have the same thing as we trek down the slopey walk.

I thought going down will just be a walk in the park. Even though it was not as tiring as climbing up, it was still very challenging. Controlling gravity while balancing yourself on a slippery, rocky, sandy pathway. We followed the stone totems with the letter T on it. These totems are being used as route markers to guide all hikers. Aside from the (official) route marker totems, there are other several totems made by the hikers. This is a symbol they (most) created in order to leave a part of them along the hike trail. We made one as well.

[caption id="attachment_2097" align="aligncenter" width="800"] TOTEM ROUTE MARKERS. LOOK FOR THE RED T AND YOU KNOW YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_2160" align="aligncenter" width="800"] WE DID OUR OWN ROCK TOTEMS ALSO. FIND IT WHEN YOU HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT![/caption]

My tip to Trolltunga was really the icing on top of the cake. I love that a place as magnificent as this can freely be accessible to anyone. You just need to bring in some patience, guts and determination. The Norwegians value their natural resources so much whether it is a tourist destination or not, this is clearly evident throughout my whole hike. The whole hike path was very clean and nothing obstructive that was being constructed. Nature is indeed the priority and not the revenue generating tourist.

[caption id="attachment_2117" align="aligncenter" width="800"] ICE CREAM SANDWICH TO CAP THE FULL DAY HIKE![/caption]

Finally on the flat ground of the base camp, my friend Andre, the ‘semi-professional mountain climber’ gave me a hug and told me “Buddy, I am proud of you today”. So more or less, my effort to run and train on a skyway in Dubai paid off (Haha).

I left Trolltunga with a big smile on my face, a heart filled with a full dose of nature goodness and a hand holding a piece of ice cream sandwich (perfect!). God truly did a jaw-dropping masterpiece creating this.