Advice for someone doing their first trip to Philppines, places to stay etc etc

[South-east boy]

Just wondered thinking back to your first trips to the Philippines if you have any handy advice for someone doing their first trip?!

I've already met Viva when she came here last month and last April + her mum, and sister, aunt and cousin briefly.

I'm thinking of going around May 17-19th and coming back Jun 5th-7th as flying back on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday is £120 more expensive! I'll be going to Manila. Has anyone travelled around that time? I realise that it's going from summer to the start of the wet season. I've been in temps up to 41C, but it's been a dry heat and the only time I've been in humid places has been in Butterfly greenhouses etc! What kind of things did you wear? Did you find t-shirts or short sleeve shirts better? What about footwear?

Any tips on getting over the time difference or jetlag more quickly? Did you try to get as much sleep on the plane as possible or try to have a few early nights before the flight? How long did it take you to get over the time difference & any jetlag once you got there and how long when you got back to the UK?

Also what about spending money? I've seen the amounts that some people have said, but I'm kinda on a budget and also Viva is better off than me, so I guess we'll be sharing costs and taking turns etc, so it won't be me paying for everything all the time. I'll also probably be eating at their place some days and maybe at their place in Tagaytay where we'll visit, so I won't be paying for meals out all the time.

I'm thinking of renting a condo on short-term rent, so I can maybe cook the odd simple thing there, you can hang-out there a bit and they are also cheaper than staying at most hotels. I don't really have £50+ a night to spend on a hotel! Viva said Swire Elan suits in Greenhills is good and in a good area near various things and place to go. Found some for 20k-30k a month or so for a studio or 1bed condo, but not all do short term rent or say if they do or not, so need to check them out. Found a decent looking 2 bed condo by Edsa/Kamuning in Quezon city for 20k a month, but she said it's a little further out from places to go etc.

Might even go to Boracay for 3 days. Anyone been there in May/June?

Anyway, I should be booking the flight in the next week and then sorting the condo shortly.

Thanks for any help! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[lastlid]

Might even go to Boracay for 3 days. Anyone been there in May/June?


I was in Boracay in mid June. Yes it was wet but not all the time, just in spells. I can see why it gets cheaper then but my impression is that even during the rainy season the weather is still good, except for the typhoons of course. Also, I swear the Philippine drainage is nowhere near as good as back home so what would be a normal days heavy rain here in the UK would make for drainage difficulties and flooding in Manila, which did affect our mobility in Manila.

I also stayed at Island Cove in Cavite for a week or so and the rooms were nowhere near 50 quid a night, more like 35 quid a night but Island Cove is not in Manila. The weather was a mix of rain and sun, quite a nice mix really. The rain taking the edge off a full days sunshine in a pleasant way.

Anyhow, doesn't the rainy season normally start in mid June rather than early June? If you are lucky you wont see the rainy season....

By contrast I was also in Boracay in mid April (Easter) and it was wall to wall sunshine all the time. But more expensive for flights and accommodation.

Jet lag? I was too busy to bother about being jetlagged. I find it almost impossible to sleep on a plane unless I have 3 seats to lay out on. I just forced myself to change over to the Phils clock while there. It normally takes me 2 or 3 days to adjust fully. On the return I left a clear 2 days before going back to work so as to ensure I didnt fall asleep at work. :D

I lost track of my daily outlay. So I cant help you there.

[South-east boy]

I was in Boracay in mid June. Yes it was wet but not all the time, just in spells. I can see why it gets cheaper then but my impression is that even during the rainy season the weather is still good, except for the typhoons of course. Also, I swear the Philippine drainage is nowhere near as good as back home so what would be a normal days heavy rain here in the UK would make for drainage difficulties and flooding in Manila, which did affect our mobility in Manila.

I also stayed at Island Cove in Cavite for a week or so and the rooms were nowhere near 50 quid a night, more like 35 quid a night but not in Manila. The weather was a mix of rain and sun, quite a nice mix really. The rain taking the edge off a full days sunshine in a pleasant way.

Anyhow, doesn't the rainy season normally start in mid June rather than early June? If you are lucky you wont see the rainy season....

By contrast I was also in Boracay in mid April (Easter) and it was wall to wall sunshine all the time. But more expensive for flights and accommodation.

Jet lag? I was too busy to bother about being jetlagged. I find it almost impossible to sleep on a plane unless I have 3 seats to lay out on. I just forced myself to change over to the Phils clock while there. It normally takes me 2 or 3 days to adjust fully.

I lost track of my daily outlay. So I cant help you there.

Thanks for that. I know when I went to west Canada years ago, I felt a bit out of it for the first day! I'm a light sleeper, but will take some of my hayfever tablets that make you drowsy, as I find if I take them before going to bed I sleep better/for longer!

Seen some seriously nice places in Boracay in the Wow Philippines website packages section!

[lastlid]

Thanks for that. I know when I went to west Canada years ago, I felt a bit out of it for the first day! I'm a light sleeper, but will take some of my hayfever tablets that make you drowsy, as I find if I take them before going to bed I sleep better/for longer!

Seen some seriously nice places in Boracay in the Wow Philippines website packages section!

Okay. Also try Myboracayguide. http://www.myboracayguide.com/

BTW I suffer from hayfever but never experienced it in Philippines, not sure why. One for Doc Alan....

[Dedworth]

Might even go to Boracay for 3 days. Anyone been there in May/June?



Rip Off Central - avoid !

Your dates clash with school holidays.

If you want sweat beach I'd go where Graham went Baloy Beach Subic Bay - your Pesos will go a lot further and you won't need to buy expensive air tickets that only allow you 10kg
http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/36552-Where-we-went?highlight=

[grahamw48]

On a first trip ...have to agree. :D

Otherwise how about Puerto Galera, another one within easy reach of Manila and with regular organised transport - no flying required.

It is a marine reserve with coral reefs just yards off the shoreline, and the snorkelling is fantastic (can hire all the gear). Plenty of bars and night-life too. I've been a couple of times. :)

http://www.puertogalera.org/

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http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/5756/negs6021.jpg

[lastlid]

I went to Boracay as simply the wife wanted to go there. Under the cosh, you see. :icon_lol:

I agree, it is over crowded, but still enjoyable. I dont regret going, except for the street vendors but I guess they are everywhere.....

Not quite so crowded in June though...:D

Graham's pic reminds me of Batangas, on the Luzon side of the water. That was enjoyable too. It was definitely quieter but enjoyable in a different way to Boracay.

[South-east boy]

Viva did mention Subic and we've also discussed Batangas as that is not too far away.

When are the school holidays there by the way?!

[grahamw48]

You go via Batangas (get ferry from there) to Puerto Galera.

Even closer to Manila, so also worth considering.....not sure how much else there is to do there though.

My kids were at school in the Phils, but can't remember the exact holiday times.

Can't be any worse than Easter, and I've been there at that time to Subic. Plenty of hotels to choose from so shouldn't really be an issue. I never book in advance.

[lastlid]

http://www.sabangan.com/

Sabangan Beach resort, Batangas.

[raynaputi]

check out this site for a list of resorts in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas http://www.laiyaonline.com/directory-of-resorts.html :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[South-east boy]

http://www.sabangan.com/

Sabangan Beach resort, Batangas.




check out this site for a list of resorts in Laiya, San Juan, Batangas http://www.laiyaonline.com/directory-of-resorts.html :xxgrinning--00xx3:

Thanks for those. :xxgrinning--00xx3: First one is a bit pricey, but that and all/most of the ones in Laiya all look very nice and some great prices too!

[lastlid]

I agree, it is over crowded, but still enjoyable. I dont regret going, except for the street vendors but I guess they are everywhere.....

LOL. Those were my exact words a few posts back.

You forgot to add..."Not quite so crowded in June though"

[Steve.r]

LOL. Those were my exact words a few posts back.

You forgot to add..."Not quite so crowded in June though"

He was a spammer lastlid, now banned. All he was doing was repating or just agreeing with previous posts. Then he spammed us. He was from India. :cwm23:

[lastlid]

He was a spammer lastlid, now banned. All he was doing was repating or just agreeing with previous posts. Then he spammed us. He was from India. :cwm23:

Yes. Its funny how one can recognise ones own dialogue. I thought it looked familiar.....

[Dedworth]

Anyway, I should be booking the flight in the next week and then sorting the condo shortly.

Thanks for any help! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

What kind of price are you looking at ?

[tone]

I went to Boracay last year in May although was there beginning - just before it got really busy - was great!
Weather was great bars and clubs lively enough I had a great time with Rina!

It was quite expensive but it is what it is! Despite some comments compared to being here I'd rather be there though.

Its one of those places you'll want to go to and possibly wished you "had" gone to if you dont make it.

Cheers
Tone

[tanga]

I don't think there's any easy solution to jet lag. It is at least 24 hour journey door to door from UK
When you arrive no matter how tired you are fight to stay awake till evening then crash out.
That should help your body clock to adjust
It will be hot so expect temperatures of 34c from early morning. Dont walk around outside 12 to 2
Do what Filipinos do,head for the mall and enjoy the free aircon
Plenty of places around Edsa/Kamuning to rent if thats where you will be based
If you are on a budget think twice about Boracay. Its not like it was but certainly is a place to go at least once.
flights to Caticlan are getting dearer,Kalibo is often cheaper. You may find the flight back to Manila is 3 times
the cost of your outward leg.
June should be ok there,not over busy and mainly dry possibly the odd shower
You may think you are in Seoul due to the hordes of Koreans and Korean signs everywhere.
Plenty of other places to go,Subic as you mentioned. Baloy beach even or Iba Zambales
a 3 hour trip from Manila and less hassle than flying (Palmera Garden Resort is my regular haunt)
If you are in Tagaytay then its an easy trip down to the beaches of Batangas around
Matabungkay/Lian and Nasugbu. Laiya beach is more remote and IMO the hotels cater more
large family groups.
Puerto Galera is ok and an easy trip out of town. Stay away from Sabang unless you like bars,discos
packs of noisy Koreans and loud music thumping out at all hours. Filipinos tend to go to White Beach
Enjoy

PS School holidays are April,May enrolment in June

[South-east boy]

What kind of price are you looking at ?

For a 1 bed or studio condo, I could stretch to 30k pesos for 3 weeks/month which ever deal is cheaper, 25k better and even better if anywhere less than that. Just means the less I spend on staying somewhere, the more spending money I'll have-but obviously I want to stay somewhere that's quite nice, not somewhere that's not near anything, a dodgey area or or a place that's not so nice. Seen places for those amounts, some in Greenhills, some not, but Viva says Greenhills area is a good area that is also near places to go, eat, shop and nearby to her as well etc

[grahamw48]

I'd check if bills (particularly electric) are included in the figure. Aircon is expensive to run, and electricity prices are almost the same as here. :cwm24:

One of the reasons I prefer to stay in hotels for short trips is that you have flexibility (can simply change to another one if you don't like the place...who knows what sort of neighbours you'll have to put up with in the condo ?), and also if making side-trips, only one place to pay for.

Even if just booking into a hotel for 1 week, a 10% discount is normal and should be asked for. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

If you need any tips for saving money there without compromising on quality....I'm your man. :D

[Dedworth]

Hi SEB - I was wondering what price will you be getting the airline ticket for ?

[South-east boy]

Hi SEB - I was wondering what price will you be getting the airline ticket for ?

£548 with Cathay at the mo

[Terpe]

£548 with Cathay at the mo

That's not a bad these days, and Cathay is a pretty good airline.
The HK route is quite a nice one imo. It's usually possible to find some good connection time.

It may be worth phoning around some of the Pinoy travel agents to check if they will better that price. Often they can and they can also secure an increased baggage allowance. Worth a try anyway.

[Dedworth]

£548 with Cathay at the mo

Thats pretty good Malaysian are £527 at PIC http://www.pic-uk.com/en/component/option,com_flights/task,showFlights/airline,MH/id,168/Itemid,37/ but I think I'd opt for Cathay

I'd book it sharpish before it goes up

[Steve.r]

I just booked 3 tickets for the end of april with Crystal Travel @ £511 each, on Cathay

[grahamw48]

Good price ! :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

I just booked 3 tickets for the end of april with Crystal Travel @ £511 each, on Cathay

Well done :xxgrinning--00xx3:

I've used Crystal Travel a number of times and always been happy.

[grahamw48]

My kids at Baloy Beach, Subic. :)

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http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/7797/negs6004.jpg

[South-east boy]

I just booked 3 tickets for the end of april with Crystal Travel @ £511 each, on Cathay

That's very good. It was Crystal who gave me the quote, but that was a week and a half ago. Same price as actual Cathay themselves, but with a 10kg higher luggage allowance

[grahamw48]

Same place a couple of weeks ago:

.
http://img853.imageshack.us/img853/2212/philswithmerlyfeb201202.jpg

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Larger of the two hotel swimming pools. :D
.
http://img580.imageshack.us/img580/3017/philswithmerlyfeb201201.jpg

The hotel is called 'Sheavens' by the way, and is a very nice place....p1850 for our beautiful aircon room, but they start from p950. :)

[South-east boy]

That's not a bad these days, and Cathay is a pretty good airline.
The HK route is quite a nice one imo. It's usually possible to find some good connection time.

It may be worth phoning around some of the Pinoy travel agents to check if they will better that price. Often they can and they can also secure an increased baggage allowance. Worth a try anyway.

Yeah, the whole journey there is only 14 1/2 hours which is pretty good! A little longer on the way back at 16 1/2 hours. I'll check prices at other places before I book. Got a couple of recent Filipino UK newspapers, so will look in there too.

[South-east boy]

I don't think there's any easy solution to jet lag. It is at least 24 hour journey door to door from UK
When you arrive no matter how tired you are fight to stay awake till evening then crash out.
That should help your body clock to adjust
It will be hot so expect temperatures of 34c from early morning. Dont walk around outside 12 to 2
Do what Filipinos do,head for the mall and enjoy the free aircon
Plenty of places around Edsa/Kamuning to rent if thats where you will be based
If you are on a budget think twice about Boracay. Its not like it was but certainly is a place to go at least once.
flights to Caticlan are getting dearer,Kalibo is often cheaper. You may find the flight back to Manila is 3 times
the cost of your outward leg.
June should be ok there,not over busy and mainly dry possibly the odd shower
You may think you are in Seoul due to the hordes of Koreans and Korean signs everywhere.
Plenty of other places to go,Subic as you mentioned. Baloy beach even or Iba Zambales
a 3 hour trip from Manila and less hassle than flying (Palmera Garden Resort is my regular haunt)
If you are in Tagaytay then its an easy trip down to the beaches of Batangas around
Matabungkay/Lian and Nasugbu. Laiya beach is more remote and IMO the hotels cater more
large family groups.
Puerto Galera is ok and an easy trip out of town. Stay away from Sabang unless you like bars,discos
packs of noisy Koreans and loud music thumping out at all hours. Filipinos tend to go to White Beach
Enjoy

PS School holidays are April,May enrolment in June


Thanks for that! :xxgrinning--00xx3: A lot of handy info there!

[fluentlee]

Do you already have a place to stay? I helped my fiance find a nice place to stay when he visited me for a month. It's an affordable hotel called GOHOTELS, and the earlier you book (online), the cheaper the rates.

The normal rate is P1,888 a day, but my fiance booked about 3 months earlier and the cost went down to P888 a day. The place is quite nice, and it's near the metro, and also next to a mall, so that makes it very convenient.

If you want more information, let me know, also, here's the website to the hotel.

http://gohotels.ph/

Hope this info helps!


Lee

[tanga]

A friend of mine stayed here on an extended trip. Havent been my self so cant comment on the quality but you may find some interesting info here.
The company have a range of properties on offer in various locations round QC

http://www.casatinaapartel.ph/index.php?option=com_pricing

[marysunderland]

Viva did mention Subic and we've also discussed Batangas as that is not too far away.

When are the school holidays there by the way?!

School holidays starts in April and resume 1st week of June...If you r already in Tagaytay, why not try Balai Isabelle in Talisay Batangas.. Bring face towel, bottled drinking water,summer shorts and vests as u will always sweat..U will see rain also between May-June month.. And if u r planning to go to Manila? stay in Isabelle Garden Hotel i think price only abt P1,600 for overnight stay (15mins away) from Mall of Asia and NAIA airport.

[Dedworth]

Yeah, the whole journey there is only 14 1/2 hours which is pretty good! A little longer on the way back at 16 1/2 hours. I'll check prices at other places before I book. Got a couple of recent Filipino UK newspapers, so will look in there too.

Have you booked yet ? I'd expect these cheap deals to finish quickly as they usually only have a limited number of seats

[sars_notd_virus]

Viva did mention Subic and we've also discussed Batangas as that is not too far away.

When are the school holidays there by the way?!

HI Tim, very nice beaches in my hometown Batangas :xxgrinning--00xx3:
dont forget to get some slippers

[Gavanddal]

You can't beat going with Cathay and it looks like you got a good price.
I can't comment too much about where to visit in the North because (as you know) I always go to Cebu and the Visayas.
I worked with a Pakistani guy who went to Boracay every year and loved it but it is more expensive than other, less developed places.
What to wear? I also take a pair of "travel pants" for the flight and whip the bottom of the legs off when about to land in the warmer countries. Take a couple of pairs of shorts and some T-shirts and short sleeved shirts. No doubt you will hit the malls and buy some souvenir T-shirts although the prices last November were far higher than when I first went to the Phils in 2004. Also if you go to a resort or touristy place you will be pestered constantly by T-shirt sellers and you'll probably buy a few.
Take a decent pair of sandals with you. I found it hard buying larger sizes and quality in the Phils is variable.
Jet lag might be a problem. I usually only get it coming home but last year I got it at both ends. Just be prepared to write off day one in the Phils for trying to sleep.You may struggle to sleep as you'll either be hot and sticky or cold due to the aircon, or kept awake by the noise of the aircon. The jet lag will prevent you from sleeping for the first couple of nights anyway.
Make sure you have a number of bank/credit cards to use out there.You should be able to withdraw cash from Visa cash machines. Best to take some Pesos with you and if you do go into the provinces you may have to take enough cash for your entire stay.
If you need any more advice, pop round and ask.

[grahamw48]

Good post. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[South-east boy]

Well, just booked it with Crystal travel. Flying with Cathay and got a 12.30 fly out time, which will arrive at 11.15am and fly back at 11am and arrive back at 8.30pm. Next best was £570 with the same times. Best prices & airlines I got were with Cathay, at £544, but it was flying out at 8.15pm, so I'd waste most of the day before and flying back at 6.20am which was pretty awkward and would have to be up well early! :omg: So think I got the best combination! :D

[Dedworth]

Well, just booked it with Crystal travel. Flying with Cathay and got a 12.30 fly out time, which will arrive at 11.15am and fly back at 11am and arrive back at 8.30pm. Next best was £570 with the same times. Best prices & airlines I got were with Cathay, at £544, but it was flying out at 8.15pm, so I'd waste most of the day before and flying back at 6.20am which was pretty awkward and would have to be up well early! :omg: So think I got the best combination! :D

Well done what did you pay ?

[South-east boy]

Well done what did you pay ?

Sorry, forgot to mention that! :doh Was £558

[Dedworth]

Sorry, forgot to mention that! :doh Was £558

Thats pretty good

[South-east boy]

The other best deal at £570 with Cathay and the better flight times was with Byahe Pinoy near Ilford on 0207 1834496. I got some quotes for over £800 with Cathay and the not such good airlines for £600 something. Also some of the stop-overs were very long which I didn't fancy!

[South-east boy]

You can't beat going with Cathay and it looks like you got a good price.
I can't comment too much about where to visit in the North because (as you know) I always go to Cebu and the Visayas.
I worked with a Pakistani guy who went to Boracay every year and loved it but it is more expensive than other, less developed places.
What to wear? I also take a pair of "travel pants" for the flight and whip the bottom of the legs off when about to land in the warmer countries. Take a couple of pairs of shorts and some T-shirts and short sleeved shirts. No doubt you will hit the malls and buy some souvenir T-shirts although the prices last November were far higher than when I first went to the Phils in 2004. Also if you go to a resort or touristy place you will be pestered constantly by T-shirt sellers and you'll probably buy a few.
Take a decent pair of sandals with you. I found it hard buying larger sizes and quality in the Phils is variable.
Jet lag might be a problem. I usually only get it coming home but last year I got it at both ends. Just be prepared to write off day one in the Phils for trying to sleep.You may struggle to sleep as you'll either be hot and sticky or cold due to the aircon, or kept awake by the noise of the aircon. The jet lag will prevent you from sleeping for the first couple of nights anyway.
Make sure you have a number of bank/credit cards to use out there.You should be able to withdraw cash from Visa cash machines. Best to take some Pesos with you and if you do go into the provinces you may have to take enough cash for your entire stay.
If you need any more advice, pop round and ask.

Thanks Gavin, will probably pop round at some point! :xxgrinning--00xx3: