Hi, we are planning a three week holiday to the Philippines,
and would like some information on a few places.
The first week we will stay on Borocay Island (which has
been organised).
The second week we would like to head to go to Baguio, then
onto Banaue etc. Does anyone have suggestions as to how to
travel around this area and time taken etc. We are limited
with time so is it possible to fly to Baguio? I have read
that there are no longer flights from Manila. I am
concerned that we will not be able to see everything in 5-7
days. Are there any good tours about (that don't cost a
fortune?)
The third week we plan to travel (somehow) to the Palawan.
I'd love to stay in El Nido, but understand it is very
expensive. Is it best to pre-book accomodation or wait
until we get there and the best way to get to Palawan from
Manila? Or any other suggestions of other islands to
visit (with good diving)?
Thankyou.
Andrew & Tara
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As for El Nido, travel to the place used to be quite
difficult until the end of May. March - May is the peak
of the summer tourist season and you had to reserve around
two months ahead if you are flying directly to it from
Manila since only one airline made the flight using a small
plane. It also gave priority to guests of the resort
which it owned (or used to own). Of course you could fly to
Palawan's capital, Puerto Princesa, and ride the 10-12 bus
or jeep (I forgot)to El Nido. The second option is readily
available anytime. If you're thinking of diving, other
options are Moalboal in Cebu or Panglao island in Bohol. I
forgot the address, but there's a divers' page named
whitetip or something that has decent info. Use altavista
or excite to find it.
As for Banaue, 5-7 days is good enough for a trip. YOu
could do it two ways--clockwise-->
Manila-Baguio-Sagada-Banawe-Manila or
counter-clockwise-->Manila-Banawe-Sagada-Baguio-Manila.
Either way works, although I prefer counter-clockwise. I
suggest you limit your time in Baguio (which is a city and
contains the hassles of a city) and stay more in
Sagada-Banawe. Seven days will allow you to
sit around, lounge, and do limited treks within Sagada and
Banawe. Your only major planning will be scheduling your
movements between these areas to coincide with local
transport so that you don't get stuck somehwere in between.
I'm planning a trip, too. Andrew and Tara, I only wish I
had three weeks. With the time lost flying to and from,
I'll be in the Philippines for nine full days. We thought
about Boracay, but I think there's going to be a body
builder world championship happening the same week. Sounds
crowded and a bit too muscular for me... so El Nido sounded
like a great alternative.
Vger, is there good snorkelling in El Nido? Any
recommendations for accommodations? We don't need anything
fancy, just somewhat comfortable.
Also, any parts of Manila that are a must see? Shops,
markets, clubs, restaurants? We will have one, maybe two
days in Manila departing and arriving.
Thanks! Bethany
I read recently posted here said the coral had been ruined around northern Palawan, including El Nido, when a typhoon ripped through there in December. I too am planning to go to El Nido anyway just for the scenery and perhaps I'll find some coral further down the island. If flying is going to be difficult, a ferry/ship may have to do.
you can also fly from Manila to Puerto Pricessa then take a
tour bus to the Underground River and then a boat from
there on up to Port Barton and then to El Nido. This is a
regular service of at least 2 times a week each direction.
It might be easier to keep heading south to Palawan (or the other islands suggested above) from Panay (Boracay) before heading back north to Manila and Baguio.
I don't have any information from my diving friends about
how bad El Nido's corals were hit by the typhoon--although
I've read one or two stories here in the Thorn Tree. But if
the coral's there, the snorkeling and surrounding
nature/scenery make the trip worth it. There are a whole
range of places to stay in El Nido even though not as much
as most tourist destinations here, although the best ones
are predictably the most expensive--especially right now at
the peak of tourist season. As long as you're willing to
live with what you can find (which isn't that bad), you'll
make it. And yes, the Puerto-Underground-Barton-El Nido
route also works. To be honest, I don't like the Soriano
Air that flies there--they sorta thumb their noses at
non-resort guests. I may just have read their reactions
wrongly, but if you do get the same treatment just say -->
"You're overpriced and you discriminate against non-Filipino
tourists." Which is true because they charge about P7,000 +
round trip in the small Dornier while a round trip to Puerto
Princesa via Philippine Airlines A300s or B737s costs about
P4,000.00.
I also think you should finish Visayas before going back to
Manila for Baguio. Otherwise, you'll be spending a lot
using Manila as a hub. I really think a more realistic way
of seeing more islands is to go to Cebu and use it as a hub.
Visit Surigao (and Siargao island) with a 4-hr ferry from
Cebu (although if your timing's bad you have to stay
overnight in Surigao before moving on to Siargao. Siargao
island, in case you don't know, is really back country--as
rural as it gets. They use it for surfing. You can also go
to Bohol or Negros or Camiguin from Cebu. And transpo
between these islands by boat is cheap, believe me.
As to what's a must-see in Manila, well that's a really
difficult question. Some tourists feel that Manila is
something you musn't see. But I think finding the right
places at the right time of day gives you a good feel of the
city while minimizing the hassle that makes some tourists
not like Manila.
At nighttime (around 9) I suggest you go to the
Adriatico/Nakpil streets in the Malate district. Clean
nightlife with good streetside cafes and many people on
their feet. Getting a bit summery here, so stay loose and
cool with your clothes to minimize the discomfort from
moving around.
During daytime you can visit the huge malls (makes some
tourists go eeeeyyyywww) because they're cooler. I'd
suggest the Glorietta in Makati or Shangri-la along Shaw
Boulevard since these aren't as full.
You could visit Intramuros (used to be the old walled
city of Manila which has Fort Santiago and the very old San
Agustin church (1600s) and Manila Cathedral. Near
Intramuros you could find your way to Chinatown and guess
what to eat. Most of the restaurants there are safe. The
test is to go there near lunch time and check out where the
old Chinese folks eat. You could roam there for a couple
of hours. So an Intramuros-Chinatown walk could eat up
lunchtime to the afternoon. Morning gets a bit warm so you
could maybe just sleep it off or lounge around.
I have been away from my country for a while but here are
some suggestions aside from the usual Boracay, Baguio etc. -
Vigan, Catanduanes, Zamboanga, Agoo, Laoag, Camiguin. These
are less touristy spots.
Visitors usually don't stay in Manila unless they're on
business. But when you're there try these restaurants -
Saisaki (Japanese buffet), Kamayan (Filipino), Aristocrat
(Filipino), that seafood buffet restaurant in Ermita.
Points of interest?- Bataan and Corregidor.
Good luck!
Just to update that Philippine airlines now flies to Palawan
DAILY. No more cramped airplanes for you guys planning a
trip to Palawan....
there are still flights from manila to bauio at about 9 and
ten in the morning from domestic airport,takes under one
hour about 900pesos discount if you book a few days before.
many buses from manila to baguio thruout the day.to sagada
and this is a must visit place there is a lizardo bus at
around 0630 hrs from the dangwa tranco terminal in baguio
no prebooking if you want a seat get there early ,the
halsema road is quite an experience takes about 8 hours
from baguio to sagada and is 65pesos each.sagada to banaue
via bontoc jeepneys leave from 0600 and are mornings only
departures about 25 pesos sagada to bontoc then change
again to another jeepney to banaue,plenty available ,try
the bakery in bontoc while waiting for your jeepney.
the other must is batad a hair raising trip from banaue to
the junction as it is known locally then a two to two and a
half hour walk up over the pass and down into the village
of batad ,with the walk you earn the privilege of looking
down at this wonderful place,do stay the night and then
head back to banaue.buses available from banaue to manila
and other destinations.
enjoy your trip my email add is there if you want any other
info,have only just got back and info is fresh.
Andrew - It is possible to fly to Baguio via Air
Philippines. Not sure if there are any good tours which dont
cost a fortune. What would u consider a good price? I might
ask around for u.
El Nido - There are cheap accomodations but in town. For a
less expensive beach resort type accomodation, try out the
Malapacao Island Retreat. You can get pretty good rates if
you stay for 8 days at least. However, you will have to be a
non-smoker and not mind a vegetarian diet.
http://members.xoom.com/NAbeleda/MIRA.htm
Other suggested routes to El Nido :
via Coron/Busuanga - fly out there from Manila, stay a few
days for diving (wreck diving), time it so you can catch the
weekly ferry out (Tuesday mornings) to Liminangcong. From
there you could ask your El Nido accomodation to come pick u
up. Its only an hour's lovely boat ride away from El Nido.
from Manila - via the MV Salve Juliana, a 24 hour very
comfortable air con ship travel for less than a P1000. You
will land in Liminangcong and again ask your accomodation to
come pick u up.
You might also want to consider Puerto Galera which is one
of the Premiere dive spots/snorkelling spots in the country.
Bethany - excellent snorkelling in El Nido. Not too sure
about the typhoon damage on it, but Im certain there are
quite a good bit intact. If you have only 9 days though,
wouldnt recommend going there because you would need that
Air Soriano flight to save time and they will only confirm 5
days before. You can wait till then to change your plans if
u like though.
It might be better for you to go to Puerto Princessa,
Palawan and go to Port Barton/Honda Bay area.
Manila Shopping - Megamall, Tutuban Center( The crowd might
overwhel u though), Check out Balikbayan Handicrafts in
Pasay Road Makati (near Glorietta).
Email me if you'd like further info.
Thankyou everyone who responded to our question. We are
sorry we haven't answered back but have been away for a
week.
The responses were greatly appreciated.
Any other comments, ideas on the Philippnies would be
appreciated as we will still be watching this post.
I suggest you Flower Island (in Taytay) and CocoLoco Island
(in Roxas)(about 20$ per day). Great places on earth.
hi!
does anyone know diveshops on palawan which are looking for
a divemaster for 2 or 3 weeks? no payment just free dives!
cheers from germany!
Matts
If you'd like to go on a week-end (or day, even) dive trip
not too far from Manila (2 1/2 hours away, max), the dive
spots in Anilao, Batangas are excellent (the best probably
in mainland Luzon). There's a whole array of dive resorts
available, most with excellent facilities (I would
recommend Balai or Dive and Trek for a mid-range budget and
Eagle Point for high-end). You can hook up with any of
your friendly neigborhood diveshops (ScubaWorld in Makati,
for one) for dive tours. However, if you're really serious
about going, I can recommend a diving group that goes on
regular week-end dives (I can e-mail you their e-mail
address if you like). Puerto Galera in Mindoro is also
good for its beaches and dive spots and is great quickie
destination if you're strapped for time. You may also want
to try the beaches up North...San Juan in La Union (6 hrs
from Manila) is a great surfing site, and the black beaches
in Bauang are pretty OK.
Since you're going up to Banaue, I highly recommend a few
days' stay at Sagada (which is like 3 1/2 hours away) which
is definitely a MUST-SEE for anyone visiting the
Philippines. It's good value for your money (rooms for
$2.25 per person and meals at $1.50! Be sure to bring a
portable water heater tho) and the trekking is incomparable
(if you're into spelunking, this is one place you shouldn't
miss).
El Nido's rates are way too steep for my taste, and since
you're going to Boracay anyway, I'd probably pass on this
place if I were you...but if you have the moolah by all
means go! On the other hand, you may want to make the trip
to Puerto Princesa in Palawan instead (doesnt hurt the
pocketbook as much) and go island hopping on Honda Bay; you
can also set off to see the other attractions of the island
(the Underground River, and the sociologically interesting
Iwahig Penal Colony) from there.
Manila's malls offer great bargains, but for even more
awesome buys, check out where the locals shop. If you're
daring enough you can come away from Divisoria, Tutuban,
Central Market, Zurbaran or even the Greenhills Arcade with
a whole trunkload of stuff for a few dollars.
Have a great visit!
Don't stay at the Villa Caroline Townhouse in Paranaque,
Manilla. Even though it may seem cheap, they overcharge
you and getting money back is futile. They yell at their
guests and don't keep the place clean or in good repair.
Avoid this place at all costs.
El Nido needn't be expensive, and the trip will be well
worth it. If you have money to spend, you can book at the
Marina del Nido--easily the best (definitely the quietest)
of the resorts in the area--but if you're cutting down on
expenses, it's also possible to stay in town for very cheap.
I was there to research a travel article about the place a
few years ago, and I have yet to see a place equal to its
beauty.
Baguio isn't all that great a place, so if you're planning
to go north, I suggest instead that you take the
Manila-Banaue-Bontoc-Sagada route, although that will take
longer.
Three weeks seems a bit tight to go around the
Philippines--travel between the islands takes a while, and
you'll find that it's virtually impossible to resist the
overwhelming urge to slow down! Consider trimming your
itinerary and spending more time at one place.
Hi guys
I heard of an outfitter that does white water rafting in Northern Luzon. May I suggest that you check it out. Sounds interesting. There is an article on a business daily
www.BWORLD.COM.PH under DESTINATIONS then check it out under ARCHIVES FEB.5/99.
It also has an article on the 10 best beaches in the Philippines. Read the article on PAGUDPUD cause I think the rafting tour ends somewhere close to this white sand beach. By the way PAGUDPUD is situated in Northern Luzon (Ilocos Norte) if you like to find it in the map. Check out the northwestern part of Luzon almost on the tip . Goodluck
Tried to e-mail but couldnt get through.
Jon
try the philippine tourism website: www.tourism.gov.ph and
other phil. websites like www.lakbay.net and if you still
have time, try our local search engine www.yehey.com
You don't need an entire week in Baguio, but it's a great
take-off point for the other places farther up north which
are FANTASTIC.
Baguio is a really tiny city, and you can see everything in
a day or two. Locals go there for the weather and the
shopping more than anything else. If you're a shopper,
definitely go to the Baguio market, you can find incredible
buys there at the lowest, lowest prices. The easiest way
to get around Baguio is via taxi. The taxi fare rarely
goes over one US dollar. You might want to spend an
evening in Cafe by the Ruins (if it's still there), ask the
waiters to prepare a bonfire on the the dap-ay (a rock
formation where tribal elders meet) and drink tapuy
(Cordillera rice wine).
From Baguio, take a bus up to Sagada. It's LOONG (7 to 9
hours) and ... er ... not exactly the most comfortable ride
in the world (part of the Sagada adventure is the journey
there). There are several lodging houses where you can
stay for around 2 to 3 US dollars a night. In the town
proper, you might want to visit the cemetery and echo
valley ... or buy Sagada-woven clothes.
Set aside AT LEAST an entire day for the REAL Sagada
adventure--spelunking and mountain hiking. You can catch a
GORGEOUS view of the rice terraces, less than an hour's
walk away from the town proper. After that, a must-see is
the hanging coffins in the ancient burial caves (just ask
for a guide to take you there--you can inquire about guides
at most restaurants)--be sure you have a flashlight with
you, and some snacks. If you really enjoy spelunking, a
single day won't be enough, because there are around 20
GORGEOUS caves to choose from ....
After a day or two in Sagada, you can take a jeepney ride
to Bontoc. Have your camera with you in the jeepney--the
view is breathtaking! From there, you can visit more rice
terraces, or visit the hot springs.
From Bontoc, it's a 2-3 hour bus-ride to Banaue. Water
falls, natural pools, rice terraces, mountains (if you're
into mountaineering), forests ... hiking galore for the
nature lover. If you're more into "cultural" sightseeing,
take a tour of the villages and check out the weaving, and
woodcarving.
That should be a good, FULL week-long trip up north.
Caveat: Prepare yourself for the rough, winding roads and
the high altitude.
How could I forget? Visit the Tam-awan village as well.
It's a replica of a tribal village--in case you don't have
the time or energy to go to look for the real thing.
Oh, and the hotels in Sagada have a curfew--I just don't
remember the exact time.
It's low season in the Philippines right now. Anyone going
out to the islands should try haggling for lower rates,
especially if there are lots of accommodations and few
people around.
Rainstorms are becoming common in Manila now. Don't go out
for a couple of hours after the rain because traffic gets
really messed up.
Just came back from the South. Cebu weather is still OK.
Went to Bantayan island. Many people in the more popular
Kota resort but less as you go around the island. Also
tried out Bohol and the diving is good. No serious weather
problems--just an hourlong downpour. Stay out of the rain
and you'll be OK after
We also stayed for a couple of days in General Santos city.
Ate lotsa fish. Huge ones the size of baseball bat were
going for about 10$ only. We are planning on moving to
Sagada for a week there. Will update you all. Although
they say we should watch out for the roads i