After making my way through every country on the classic Southeast Asia backpacking route, including Thailand, Laos, Cambodia ...

I spent a night at Nacho Hostel, one of the top-rated hostels in the Philippines. A night's stay is cheap — just $6 for a bed in the mixed dormitory and $25 for a private room.

As beautiful as it may be, keep in mind that this backpacking trip is not for the faint of heart — the entire 500-mile spiritual journey takes travelers weeks or even months.