Any Philippines expertise here? - Page 2

WIL84911 · WIL84911's Garage

Taking cabs while in Makati choose ones with seal on front hood. Tipping 20-30 pesos per transaction is good enough (US rules do not appy). Enjoy the nightlife (live bands) around Ermita or Makati Shangrila or just ask the locals as long as you go where people are.

Boracay pure white sand beaches are awesome... will be back there in March. Have fun.

motion · 07-25-2014, 07:04 PM

Great advice and very much appreciated, everyone!

motion · 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BK911

Been there several times. Wifey is Visayan. Manila is a **** hole. Boracay is pretty nice, but Palawan is the shidizzle. And not too far fram Boracay. Fly into Manila, leave IMMEDIATELY and go to Boracay for a couple days, then hit Palawan for the rest of the vacation.

And whiteys are targets. Hey Joe! Want a watch? Sun glasses? Pretty girl?

Any chance you could expand a bit on the differences between the two places? We are into more quiet places, rather than cruise ship type destinations, if that helps.

mreid · 07-25-2014, 07:12 PM

Last time I was in Manila, I saw the original Starwars movie in a theater. That was probably in 1977. Got a BJ during the showing and then went to Marco's floating casino for some fun. Great time, but that was a long time ago when Manila was safe and fun!

Also went to Bagio city (summer capital). I'd say avoid olongapo. Ever since the volcano it's kind of sucked.

mo-mon · mo-mon's Garage

Any chance you could expand a bit on the differences between the two places? We are into more quiet places, rather than cruise ship type destinations, if that helps.

-If you want quiet, Palawan is where you want to go. Amanpulo Resort for the ultimate luxury ( and price ) or El Nido Resort's Pangalusian Island. Check their websites.

Boracay is more bohemian. It's an island worth going to if you are in your 20's or 30's.

mo-mon · mo-mon's Garage

As to hotels in Makati, the Mandarin is due for renovation this year. It's nice but a bit dated. You are better off staying at the Shangri-la Makati, The Peninsula, Intercontinental or New World Hotel. These hotels are right beside the Ayala Malls. Google map them.

FLYGEEZER · 07-26-2014, 08:30 AM

I spent a year there one night...........a long time ago. To me, it's a place you only want to see once.

WIL84911 · WIL84911's Garage

Agree Palawan is quiet, clean and residents are well behaved. Dos Palmas resorts is nice with huts over water. Hire someone to take you around from the hotel frontdesk.

motion · 07-30-2014, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mo-mon

If you want quiet, Palawan is where you want to go. Amanpulo Resort for the ultimate luxury ( and price ) or El Nido Resort's Pangalusian Island. Check their websites.

Boracay is more bohemian. It's an island worth going to if you are in your 20's or 30's.

Thanks, that helps a lot.

motion · 07-30-2014, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mo-mon

As to hotels in Makati, the Mandarin is due for renovation this year. It's nice but a bit dated. You are better off staying at the Shangri-la Makati, The Peninsula, Intercontinental or New World Hotel. These hotels are right beside the Ayala Malls. Google map them.

Point taken. Have booked the Peninsula, rather than the Mandarin Oriental.

JQ911 · JQ911's Garage

I always visit Manila (homeland) at least once a year for a month. The Peninsula or Makati Shangrila are good choices in the financial district (Makati) and there is Resorts World or Sofitel in Manila within the airport vicinity. Boracay used to be the go to place but I havent been there since 2010 and it has changed a lot since the 90s, too crowded with resorts pooping up here and there. I just got back from the Philippines and went to Coron Palawan. If you love island hopping Coron or El Nido are go to places. Not as populated as Boracay and the beaches are awesome. I can refer you to the local guide I got and more or less how much are you going to pay for airfare, hotel, food etc in Palawan. Shoot me a pm I grew up in Manila and I'm still updated on the new places like restaurants, bars or even spa with or without happy endings

Below are pics of my Palawan visit a few months ago.

pirahna · pirahna's Garage

I would not bother staying in Manila, Boracay is nice but can be crowded. I would go to El Nido.

WIL84911 · WIL84911's Garage

Laiya Batangas is close to Manila. Beautiful. Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel Inc. in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas

javadog · 08-02-2014, 06:55 AM

How do you pick your trip destinations? With a dart, thrown at a map on the wall?

Probably too late for this advice, but I'd rather visit Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Maylasia, etc...

JR

motion · 08-03-2014, 05:51 AM

JQ911, thank you for the photos and info. Much appreciated!

JavaDog, this trip is a mileage run-cum-quick-look at the Philipines. Normally, I wouldn't go there, but I snagged a killer deal on the flight, and the total miles earned is too good to pass up. Plus, it gives us a chance to check out a corner of the world we normally wouldn't consider.

Singapore, Bali, Thailand and Japan are on the list for later this year or early next!