Ride N Seek Philippines host Jaime Dempsey’s advice on braving road trips alone

SINGAPORE — After riding across Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo for her show Ride N Seek, host Jaime Dempsey decided on the location of her third instalment pretty easily.

“I had lots of fans writing on my Facebook page to visit the Philippines,” she shared during a phone interview from Los Angeles. “So there I went! We also got a lot of suggestions on where to visit from them.”

The avid biker, who has been riding for more than eight years, hopes to ride across all of Asia eventually. “I’d love to go to China, Japan, Cambodia and Taiwan on a bike. On a motorbike, there is no barrier. I feel free, comfortable and yet I’m paying attention to what’s around me.”

Q: What was so different about riding across the Philippines compared to your experiences in Malaysia and Borneo?

A: Every place I visit has similarities and differences — from the terrains of the road, to the situations I find myself to the food and the hospitality of the people. I love sleeping in different, unique places and in the Philippines; I got to stay in Costales Nature Farm, an all organic farm where they grow everything that is used in a meal. All my meals were so fresh and delicious. And the traditional hut I stayed at is so rustic, it felt like I was camping and I could see the most beautiful sunrise. The Philippines is also really diverse. The north of the Philippines has mountains and is totally different from the south, where it’s really lush and green.

Q: What is your advice to females who want to travel alone or ride through a country just like you did?

A: The first and most important thing is to do your research. You need a general idea of where you’re going and be aware of your surroundings. Look ahead and try to predict what could happen. Try to reach out to the people in the area. Social media is great for that — I just ask people where I should go or what I should eat. People are always proud of where they stay and they’ll give recommendations. Know where the next gas station is. Lastly, don’t be afraid.

Q: What about travellers who are afraid to put themselves in uncomfortable situations?

A: They should find something they like to focus on. Say, you like art, choose activities that revolve around seeing art. Or just enjoy the scenery. If you’re focused on what you’re doing, you won’t pay attention to anything else.

Q; What do you travel with when you ride across a country?

A: It depends on how long my trip is. I travel light. I usually have an extra set of tools, petrol, sunscreen and a portable charger for my phone so I won’t lose touch with technology. I still use a physical map. I’m never too concerned if I get lost as long as I have my map. Getting lost might lead to something more interesting anyway.

Q: Where will you be exploring next?

A: I’m doing a little exploring at home. My next trip is to Washington state to see the mountains. I’m based in Los Angeles and it’s great as there are so many things close by. I can go to the coast, to the desert, to the sand dunes easily.

Q: Where do you recommend visitors go to in California?

A: Big Sur. I love sitting at the edge of the cliffs looking at the ocean below. And there’s this great hot spring place called Esalen (Institute).

Ride N Seek: Philippines airs on HISTORY (StarHub TV Ch 401) every Monday at 10pm.