My First Trip To Philippines - Advice

[Wrong Turn]

My brief background is that I have travel experience throughout South East Asia and several other countries.

I like to move on the ground with the locals, and travel with a small bag. Guest house, and local food.

I am planning my first trip ever, to the Philippines.

I have 3 weeks so I'll only focus on the northern parts of Luzon, and save the Visayas for another trip in the future.

Yes, I've read about Bagui, and also the hanging coffins north of there. And even some beach/surf in/near La Union. I'll only stay in A.C. for a couple of days.

What other beautiful places are in the nooks and crannies?

If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it. I read a lot, but advice from members is as good as gold.

TIA, thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

[jaideeguy]

Having lived there for 7 yrs and traveled there for 10+ yrs.....i can advise you to #1] get out of Manila asap. one of the worst cities in the world.

If you are into nightlife [of the pattaya style] then Angeles city is the place to go.

If you are into mountains and scenic places, head further north and from Baguio city you can get to some beautiful, unspoiled places if you head deeper into the mountains....to Sagada, then on to Banaue rice terraces, where I lived with the natives for 2+ yrs.

Don't expect good roads, comfortable busses, delicious food and all the other things that LOS has.

Not much surf and littered beaches in La Union, but great surf and unspoiled beaches on the east coast around Aurora provence....where they filmed the China Beach surf scene in Apocolypse Now

Do expect friendly [most] English speaking simple folks...but watch your valuables, as there is a lot more crime and poverty there.

If you do choose the mountain trip, I can recomend some places and people that will treat you good.

Enjoy and share your experiences when you return.

[MeetJohnDoe]

Jaideeguy has lots of good points.

The main point is that the Phils is a much less developed country. This means roads, communications, and food safety are much much lower than in Thailand. This is even more of an issue in the countryside and it's very likely you will pick-up some nasty stomach aches from eating local street food. Healthcare and/or emergency medical care is of questionable quality outside of the main cities so be careful of what you do. Poverty is very real so petty crime can be a problem...take sensible precationtions and leave the Rolex at home.

OK, now the good stuff. The people are very friendly, mostly speak English, and there are some scenic beaches, mountains/volcanos to see, and cheap rum and companionship if that's your thing

[Wrong Turn]

Thanks for the replies, Jaidee and John Doe.

Yes, I've heard about Manila and I'll be leaving it asap, straight from the airport. And Sadada does sound beautiful and unspoiled.

Dealing with the food and stomachaches is part of the gig, but I'll be as careful as I can.

Thanks for the responses.

[toybits]

If you are from the US, you might want to go on a tour to Corregidor Island in at the mouth of the Manila bay. There was a hydrofoil boat that made what was usually a 2-hour trip in about a half hour. Interesting history about American fortification on the Island to "prevent" the Japanese Naval Invasion which by the way never came.

There are a few casinos there are well. One is nearby the International Airport.

[siam2007]

I would skip LUZON alltogether and instead head to the Visayas (Luzon is the area of the country with the highest crime-rate anyway, and I am not only talking about Manila). Even Baguio is nothing overly spectacular, and Angeles City is a pathetic shithole, which makes Pattaya look like a 5-star luxury resort.

3 weeks is a nice timeframe to actually explore the Visayas, particularly as you are obviously mostly interested in nature environment plus beaches: THAT exactly ARE the Visayas !

There are even plenty of international direct flights to Cebu, so you could avoid the monster Manila completely.

Explore Cebu (Beaches ? Malapascua - a tiny island off the Northern Tip of cebu with lovely beaches. Bantayan - a not so tiny island north East of Cebu (www.wowbantayan.com) with lovely beaches and almost NO TOURISTS, but then as well with not too much infrastructure - but thats how you can experience the REAL Filipino life).

BOHOL is nice to explore as well, has nature places plus beaches (Panglao) and is usually hassle-free, even for a Newbie.

and then if you like nature: By no means miss PALAWAN ! this yet undevelopped place will be the next big thing. Breathtaking nature scenery, MUCH better than, for example, Borneo (and I say that even I like Borneo a lot!).

People in the Visayas are usually very friendly and the crime rate is much much lower (though CEBU CITY still can be scary sometimes).

just my 2 Pesos of words.....

[Naam]

Angeles City is a pathetic shithole, which makes Pattaya look like a 5-star luxury resort. just my 2 Pesos of words.....

excellent description!

[syd barrett]

I would skip LUZON alltogether and instead head to the Visayas (Luzon is the area of the country with the highest crime-rate anyway, and I am not only talking about Manila). Even Baguio is nothing overly spectacular, and Angeles City is a pathetic shithole, which makes Pattaya look like a 5-star luxury resort.

3 weeks is a nice timeframe to actually explore the Visayas, particularly as you are obviously mostly interested in nature environment plus beaches: THAT exactly ARE the Visayas !

There are even plenty of international direct flights to Cebu, so you could avoid the monster Manila completely.

Explore Cebu (Beaches ? Malapascua - a tiny island off the Northern Tip of cebu with lovely beaches. Bantayan - a not so tiny island north East of Cebu (www.wowbantayan.com) with lovely beaches and almost NO TOURISTS, but then as well with not too much infrastructure - but thats how you can experience the REAL Filipino life).

BOHOL is nice to explore as well, has nature places plus beaches (Panglao) and is usually hassle-free, even for a Newbie.

and then if you like nature: By no means miss PALAWAN ! this yet undevelopped place will be the next big thing. Breathtaking nature scenery, MUCH better than, for example, Borneo (and I say that even I like Borneo a lot!).

People in the Visayas are usually very friendly and the crime rate is much much lower (though CEBU CITY still can be scary sometimes).

just my 2 Pesos of words.....

The above is excellent advice. Absolutely FORGET Manila and Luzon and fly direct to Cebu and on to Palawan. Palawan is the most amazing island. Start reading up on Palawan NOW and don't worry, everything is there beaches, beers and companions.

[bigmove]

If you will push through will your plan and travel to Luzon, I have some good places to suggest.

Aside from Baguio (below 10 degress now according to news), you can try Sagada, Benguet, Ifugao and also don't miss the Banaue Rice terraces. For historic palces you can try Ilocos and Vigan. You can see a lot of spanish style houses, antiques and roam around on a "Kalesa". For beaches, you can try pagudpod (also white sand beach) and hundred islands. For nightlife you can try Subic Bay in Angeles city Pampanga.

Philippines is a nice place to travel and as tourist you should be extra cautious too as you don't know the place yet. Filipinos are very friendly and hospitable and speaks English too even the street vendors.Food is safe overall as long as you stay away from street foods. I'm going there April this year but heading out Quezon province (also Luzon but southern part), just 2 hrs from Manila.

Enjoy your vacation and would love to see your post soon.

BM

[Miserere]

My boss keeps going on about how nice Boracai island is.

Can you get good quality weed in the Phillies?.....do they have draconian laws if your caught?

[bartender100]

I've always wanted to go climb Mayon Volcano, going to do it one day (bucket List)

http://www.mayonecotourism.ph/

[syd barrett]

My boss keeps going on about how nice Boracai island is.

Can you get good quality weed in the Phillies?.....do they have draconian laws if your caught?

I remember smelling it a lot in the Philippines. I think it is OK if you have a small smoke in a secret place. As usual the police are only interested in bribes from rich farang. Just get some trusted Philippine friends and go carefully.

[cecco]

My brief background is that I have travel experience throughout South East Asia and several other countries.

I like to move on the ground with the locals, and travel with a small bag. Guest house, and local food.

I am planning my first trip ever, to the Philippines.

I have 3 weeks so I'll only focus on the northern parts of Luzon, and save the Visayas for another trip in the future.

Yes, I've read about Bagui, and also the hanging coffins north of there. And even some beach/surf in/near La Union. I'll only stay in A.C. for a couple of days.

What other beautiful places are in the nooks and crannies?

If anyone has any advice I'd appreciate it. I read a lot, but advice from members is as good as gold.

TIA, thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

Regarding the hanging coffins of sulu, they still have head hunters, which are still hunting heads in that area. go to Baggette too, on the way to sulu.

Private car and driver for both AC and Baguio, call

Topson Renta car 0744466752

Baguio City,

Philippines

Re: Baguio, I recommend u stay at Camp John Haye and at least try to make it there for the buffet and make a table reservation so that u get a good view. Camp John Hay Manor

Camp John Hay Manor

Loakan Road,

Baguio City, 2600

Philippines

0116374-446-0231-50

www.campjohnhayhotels.com

You will do most of your shopping in an underground shopping center down town, which u won't see if u don't know where it is located. Take a walk around the park, but be careful of pick pockets, there are many.

If u cannot afford CJH, I recommend u stay Pines View Hotel

Pines View Hotel

24 Legarda Rd

Baguio City,

Philippines

074-446-6726

Re: Angeles .. I'd pass on it, but if you don't take my advice, get a bus from Dau (just outside of Fields) and take it to Baguio.

Re: La Union, I hate the place .. but if u stay there, here is a good place to stay: Email us at [email protected] Cabaña Beach Resort, Inc. Bauang, La Union, Philippines Tel.: (63-72) 242-5585/705-35-08 Fax: (63-72) 242-3107.

Be sure to see Vigan for sure, and of course Bulawarte. Stay Vigan Plaza Hotel

l

Vigan City Ilocos Sur 2700

0777228552

[email protected]

If u do decide to go to AC, stay at the Oasis and get a junior suite:

http://www.oasishotel.com.ph/main.htm

Within Philippines Dial 0 45

Outside Philippines Dial 63-45

Telephone Nos.: 625-8301 to 04

893-3301 to 03

Fax No.: 322-3164

625-8306

I think u should plan on spending most of your time in vigan. be sure to ride the horse carriage, it's worth your time and experience.

ok, any more questions, let me know.

Edited January 15, 2009 by cecco

[Miserere]

My boss keeps going on about how nice Boracai island is.

Can you get good quality weed in the Phillies?.....do they have draconian laws if your caught?

I remember smelling it a lot in the Philippines. I think it is OK if you have a small smoke in a secret place. As usual the police are only interested in bribes from rich farang. Just get some trusted Philippine friends and go carefully.

Cheers Syd!

[mikmik111]

I'm a Filipino, and trust me, I don't want to go back to my country.

Edited January 18, 2009 by mikmik111

[yabs]

would avoid phils altogether

food is terrible and as one poster says chances of getting sick are very high indeed

I have to go there for business sometimes and have been sick frequently.

crime rates get worse and worse

after thailand yiu will hate the phils I guarantee