Editor’s Note: Our #FoodWaterShoes #LocalInsiderTips interviews give you a peek at local gems. These guest blog posts feature top travel tips from influential travelers in the know.

 

This week, we are chatting with Journey of a Nomadic Family blogger and photographer Emma Pamley-Liddell who is currently in Romania. Emma and her family became location independent in March 2016, but in October 2016, they decided to  seize the nomad lifestyle with their three kids and hit the open road. With just a handful of countries left in Europe to explore, they decided to embrace Southeast Asia and went to the Philippines with open hearts and minds. Their philosophy definitely paid off and they fell in love with it.

 

Siargao in the Philippines - Photo Courtesy of Journey of a Nomadic Family
Siargao in the Philippines – Photo Courtesy of Journey of a Nomadic Family

   

Best Local Food in General Luna, Siargao:

The only fully vegan restaurant on Siargao is Lotus Shores. It’s tucked away from the coastline in a peaceful retreat of lush, organic gardens surrounded by traditionally built villas. The food is organic, seasonal, homegrown, handmade and delicious. The view is entrancing and serene and I’m told that the yoga is pretty good too. I definitely recommend the pancakes and breakfast burrito.

   

A Shaka Smoothie Bowl in Siargao, The Philippines - Photo Courtesy of Journey of a Nomadic Family
A Shaka Smoothie Bowl in Siargao, The Philippines – Photo Courtesy of Journey of a Nomadic Family

 

Don’t Drink the Water in Siargao, Drink Fresh Smoothies at Shaka’s.

Shaka’s sits up at Cloud 9 on that famous surf break. It serves vegetarian and vegan power bowls of fruit and cacao/peanut butter as well as fresh smoothies & juices, protein balls, banana bread and muffins.  It’s open ALL day and those super-healthy breakfast bowls never tasted so good for lunch! I recommend everything on the menu because it’s all so good.

 

Best Local Designer, Shoes or Fashion Shop in  Siargao:

Siargao is a tiny island on the eastern fringes of the Philippines. I’d strongly recommend taking everything you’ll need, but if you need a new bikini, some shorts, maybe a hat or even some coconut oil you could pop to Emerald House Village shop to pick up a bargain.

 

The Magpupunko Rock Pools in Siargao, The Philippines - Photo Courtesy of Journey of a Nomadic Family
The Magpupunko Rock Pools in Siargao, The Philippines – Photo Courtesy of Journey of a Nomadic Family

 

Best Things to Do on Siargao:

Siargao has an endless list of possible things to do.

  1. Book a trip diving with Martin from Palaka Dive School. No experience necessary.
  2. Rent a tricycle with Bingo and explore the island
  3. A trip to Magpupunko rock pool at low tide is a treat
  4. Take a boat and explore the islands with Bebet (+63 921 464 0746)

 

——Now Let’s Take This Interview Abroad—-

 

Stamp My Passport Again Please:

With so many beautiful countries on our planet that’s a tough one! My heart fell hard and fast for Vietnam though and I cannot wait to go back and explore more of its beauty. It was really easy to have a plant-based diet in Vietnam and the local people were always so friendly. The language was really not as hard as I thought it was going to be and I managed to pick up quite a bit from befriending tour guides and asking for help. From the hustle and bustle of its cities to the quiet, rolling hills of the country, it really captured my heart.

 

Cambodia - Photo Courtesy of Emma Pamley - Liddell
Cambodia – Photo Courtesy of Emma Pamley – Liddell

   

Travel Experience that Most Left an Impression on You:

Although Sumatra was unbelievable in natural beauty, it was Cambodia without a doubt that left a huge impression on me. It is an immensely beautiful country with a long and horrific history. The people are trying so hard to escape the bloody past and they’re so eager to make a good impression on you. I found everyone to be very welcoming and friendly. Angkor Wat and all of the surrounding temples are phenomenal. A real wonder of the world but it was the country that appealed to me the most. There are so many rice paddies and I enjoyed stopping by the side of the road to buy steamed rice in bamboo. Visiting the ever growing and shrinking lake of Tonlé Sap was a highlight as well as the bamboo train in Battambang.

   

Dream Destination:

Africa is a continent with so much appeal for me right now and I feel as a family we would benefit so much from visiting. Kenya, Namibia, Zambia, Tanzania. So many beautiful countries there that we’re spoilt for choice, but I plan to visit them all within the next few years.

 

Favorite Travel Hack or Item of Travel Gear You Can’t Live Without:

I just spent 14 weeks backpacking, mostly solo, with the three kids. We left Athens and headed to Southeast Asia where we visited six countries. I cannot live without… shoelaces. I have two extra long, fluro-orange shoe laces that are tied together and used as a washing line. I have six pegs that I take with us too but this ‘washing line’ also doubles up as a room divider, a door lock (locks aren’t always secure) a cat’s cradle hand game for the kids, wrist restraints in busy markets, I’ve also tied my sunglasses to the rear view mirror with them, tied a broken backpack together. They just have so many uses and have been invaluable.

 

Connect With This Globetrotter:

   Facebook: Journey of a Nomadic Family  

   Instagram: @journeyofanomadicfamily  

   LinkedIn: Emma Pamley-Liddell    

   Pinterest: Journey of a Nomadic Family     

   Twitter: @emmamophiee

Are you an in-the-know traveler on the go who has favorite local spots you want to give a shout out to? Send us an email at need@foodwatershoes.com and share your hidden gems with FoodWaterShoes.