Planning a trip? Choose Philippines

[joebloggs]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:
http://www.choosephilippines.com/

Choose Philippines is urging Filipinos and foreigners alike to “find, discover and share” what the country’s 7,107 islands have to offer.


read more here .. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/07/09/13/planning-trip-choose-philippines

[Dedworth]

That's another 7106 islands in addition to mug punter favoured destination Boracay

[raynaputi]

:xxgrinning--00xx3::heartshape1:

[han]

soon, soon... can't wait to get back home! :wink: :biggrin:

[raynaputi]

soon, soon... can't wait to get back home! :wink: :biggrin:

Me too!!! :Jump::Jump::Jump:

[SimonH]

I hate you all :wink:
You have me looking for flights for the end of November and coming back in January now, and I only have 10 days holiday left. Looks like 2 weeks unpaid :Erm:

[grahamw48]

I love the Phils, but I'd be the first to admit that it is best suited to hardened travellers. :smile:

[DaveW]

I will be back in Philippines in september for 3 weeks. I'm really thinking hard what to do this time.
I've already been twice this year and over the last 6 years i now want something different. I've been to Boracay and Bohol and other major tourist places many times. this time i'm looking for very nice scenery and cheap accomodation. Not even beach stuff, maybe some hiking. So this website is a bit of a help. But like all things in Philippines nothing is easy to get to, which is part of the attraction i suppose.

[robbie bobby]

I will be back in Philippines in september for 3 weeks. I'm really thinking hard what to do this time.
I've already been twice this year and over the last 6 years i now want something different. I've been to Boracay and Bohol and other major tourist places many times. this time i'm looking for very nice scenery and cheap accomodation. Not even beach stuff, maybe some hiking. So this website is a bit of a help. But like all things in Philippines nothing is easy to get to, which is part of the attraction i suppose.


Go to Baguio.very nice up there.lots to do in the way of walking.

[Terpe]

A couple of years ago we toured around Ilocos Norte and we really enjoyed that time.
Not much to say about Laoag from the tourist perspective really, although there are a few interesting things to see. The surrounding area is also nice with interesting places.
Believe it or not, around the outskirts of Laoag, there's over 50 square miles of what seems like a never ending sand dunes of La Paz (Suba).
It's a famous area where loads of scenes from 'Born of the Fourth of July' and 'Mad Max' was filmed along with loads of local Filipino movies were filmed. Amazing places.

We quite like looking around churches, if you the same then I think you'll love the historical Paoay Church. It's well worth the visit.

There's loads of powder white sand beaches all around Pagudpud and again loads of other interesting places to visit. (don't expect Boracay style here!!)
There are some 'must visit places' with one of them being the truly beautiful and spectacular Kabigan Falls. It's almost in a really genuine rainforest.(probably the only one left in Philippines)
You can swim there if you like and in perfectly wonderful tranquility.

Fort Ilocandia Resort, is essential a five star hotel and casino. Bit (lot) expensive. Not that much to do really but plenty of unspoilt beaches around to explore.
The place was vitually empty when we visited, but we were told that quite often it's bustling with tourist, gamblers and high rollers. ( always bad news IMHO)

Further south in Ilocos Sur, you'll find beautiful Vigan. It's really quite an interesting and different place to visit especially the historical old town with it's very old style Spanish buildings and a good number of antique shops.

Batac is another must see place for the Marcos Mansion house and Mausoleum. This is where the alledged embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos lies in state in an air-controlled glass case in a dark and somber room. All the visitors file past and have a glance at the body. Entrance is free.

If you have the time (and the interest) try a quick visit to Badoc Island. The surfing potential is great and totally unexpected, huge waves sometimes. The views are wonderful but sorry no hotels or bars, just self-picnic stuff. In fact there's nothing. Completely unihabited. Well it was when we were there.

Just an idea to think about.

[London_Manila]

I thought Boracay was great...Red coconut diba

Baguio is fine buts get way too busy in the pinoy summer time

[gWaPito]

That's another 7106 islands in addition to mug punter favoured destination Boracay

:icon_lol::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[gWaPito]

A couple of years ago we toured around Ilocos Norte and we really enjoyed that time.
Not much to say about Laoag from the tourist perspective really, although there are a few interesting things to see. The surrounding area is also nice with interesting places.
Believe it or not, around the outskirts of Laoag, there's over 50 square miles of what seems like a never ending sand dunes of La Paz (Suba).
It's a famous area where loads of scenes from 'Born of the Fourth of July' and 'Mad Max' was filmed along with loads of local Filipino movies were filmed. Amazing places.

We quite like looking around churches, if you the same then I think you'll love the historical Paoay Church. It's well worth the visit.

There's loads of powder white sand beaches all around Pagudpud and again loads of other interesting places to visit. (don't expect Boracay style here!!)
There are some 'must visit places' with one of them being the truly beautiful and spectacular Kabigan Falls. It's almost in a really genuine rainforest.(probably the only one left in Philippines)
You can swim there if you like and in perfectly wonderful tranquility.

Fort Ilocandia Resort, is essential a five star hotel and casino. Bit (lot) expensive. Not that much to do really but plenty of unspoilt beaches around to explore.
The place was vitually empty when we visited, but we were told that quite often it's bustling with tourist, gamblers and high rollers. ( always bad news IMHO)

Further south in Ilocos Sur, you'll find beautiful Vigan. It's really quite an interesting and different place to visit especially the historical old town with it's very old style Spanish buildings and a good number of antique shops.

Batac is another must see place for the Marcos Mansion house and Mausoleum. This is where the alledged embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos lies in state in an air-controlled glass case in a dark and somber room. All the visitors file past and have a glance at the body. Entrance is free.

If you have the time (and the interest) try a quick visit to Badoc Island. The surfing potential is great and totally unexpected, huge waves sometimes. The views are wonderful but sorry no hotels or bars, just self-picnic stuff. In fact there's nothing. Completely unihabited. Well it was when we were there.

Just an idea to think about.

Nice one Peter. A good read.

Tripadvisor could do with your services :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Ako Si Jamie]

A good write up Pete. Was considering going to Pagudpud, Laoag and Vigan in November. We might still go if we can fit in the Hundred Islands too in the space of nine days.

Did you get the plane to Laoag or did you take the bus?

[Ako Si Jamie]

I will be back in Philippines in september for 3 weeks. I'm really thinking hard what to do this time.
I've already been twice this year and over the last 6 years i now want something different. I've been to Boracay and Bohol and other major tourist places many times. this time i'm looking for very nice scenery and cheap accomodation. Not even beach stuff, maybe some hiking. So this website is a bit of a help. But like all things in Philippines nothing is easy to get to, which is part of the attraction i suppose.Mayon Volcano, Lignon Hill, Donsol Whale Sharks, Caramoan Islands, Catanduanes?

All in Bicol and the weather down the southern part of Luzon is better than up north in September.

As for cheap accommodation, you can get that anywhere if you look hard enough and not too fussy.

[Michael Parnham]

A couple of years ago we toured around Ilocos Norte and we really enjoyed that time.
Not much to say about Laoag from the tourist perspective really, although there are a few interesting things to see. The surrounding area is also nice with interesting places.
Believe it or not, around the outskirts of Laoag, there's over 50 square miles of what seems like a never ending sand dunes of La Paz (Suba).
It's a famous area where loads of scenes from 'Born of the Fourth of July' and 'Mad Max' was filmed along with loads of local Filipino movies were filmed. Amazing places.

We quite like looking around churches, if you the same then I think you'll love the historical Paoay Church. It's well worth the visit.

There's loads of powder white sand beaches all around Pagudpud and again loads of other interesting places to visit. (don't expect Boracay style here!!)
There are some 'must visit places' with one of them being the truly beautiful and spectacular Kabigan Falls. It's almost in a really genuine rainforest.(probably the only one left in Philippines)
You can swim there if you like and in perfectly wonderful tranquility.

Fort Ilocandia Resort, is essential a five star hotel and casino. Bit (lot) expensive. Not that much to do really but plenty of unspoilt beaches around to explore.
The place was vitually empty when we visited, but we were told that quite often it's bustling with tourist, gamblers and high rollers. ( always bad news IMHO)

Further south in Ilocos Sur, you'll find beautiful Vigan. It's really quite an interesting and different place to visit especially the historical old town with it's very old style Spanish buildings and a good number of antique shops.

Batac is another must see place for the Marcos Mansion house and Mausoleum. This is where the alledged embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos lies in state in an air-controlled glass case in a dark and somber room. All the visitors file past and have a glance at the body. Entrance is free.

If you have the time (and the interest) try a quick visit to Badoc Island. The surfing potential is great and totally unexpected, huge waves sometimes. The views are wonderful but sorry no hotels or bars, just self-picnic stuff. In fact there's nothing. Completely unihabited. Well it was when we were there.

Just an idea to think about.

Very good, also quite professional:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[Terpe]

A good write up Pete. Was considering going to Pagudpud, Laoag and Vigan in November. We might still go if we can fit in the Hundred Islands too in the space of nine days.

Did you get the plane to Laoag or did you take the bus?

Neither Jamie. We enjoyed a full week tour of Luzon north of Manila. We took in lots of places including Baguio and a swim at La Union where I was almost stung to death by millions of little jellyfish.

We like Baguio, but in recent times it's become spoilt.

[grahamw48]

Mayon Volcano, Lignon Hill, Donsol Whale Sharks, Caramoan Islands, Catanduanes?

All in Bicol and the weather down the southern part of Luzon is better than up north in September.

As for cheap accommodation, you can get that anywhere if you look hard enough and not too fussy.

Cheap accommodation in Bicol. .... :biggrin:

.
http://imageshack.us/a/img269/307/negs62026.jpg

[jake]

All in Bicol and the weather down the southern part of Luzon is better than up north in September.


I agree that Bicol is one place well worth visiting in the Philippines.
Not in September though as nearly every typhoon that makes landfall every year starts in Bicol.
Better to during the summer months to be guaranteed good weather.

[Ako Si Jamie]

I agree that Bicol is one place well worth visiting in the Philippines.
Not in September though as nearly every typhoon that makes landfall every year starts in Bicol.
Better to during the summer months to be guaranteed good weather.I was meaning it was less wet. :smile: Btw Jake while we're on the subject what's your opinion of CALABARZON weather in November? Can't find anything accurate for this area.

[Ako Si Jamie]

Cheap accommodation in Bicol. .... :biggrin:

.
http://imageshack.us/a/img269/307/negs62026.jpg:icon_lol::xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jake]

I was meaning it was less wet. :smile: Btw Jake while we're on the subject what's your opinion of CALABARZON weather in November? Can't find anything accurate for this area.

In theory it is less wet :smile:

We live just on the edge of Calabarazon before Quezon province The weather is always a mixed bag until January. Usually it starts to become drier around November but there is no guarantee especially as we live at a higher altitude than the rest of the province. Same thing applies with Tagaytay.

[Ako Si Jamie]

In theory it is less wet :smile:

We live just on the edge of Calabarazon before Quezon province The weather is always a mixed bag until January. Usually it starts to become drier around November but there is no guarantee especially as we live at a higher altitude than the rest of the province. Same thing applies with Tagaytay.Already have a Tagaytay hotel booked for 2 nights and one in Puerto Galera for 5 and was considering doing a round trip which included Pagsanjan Falls via maybe Lucena and Marinduque. There's so many places I want to go.

[Julie-Tom]

Already have a Tagaytay hotel booked for 2 nights and one in Puerto Galera for 5 and was considering doing a round trip which included Pagsanjan Falls via maybe Lucena and Marinduque. There's so many places I want to go.

since youre already in tagaytay you may want to go to club punta fuego batangas :xxgrinning--00xx3: we stayed there and my husband loved it!

you can check metrodeal website and get good deals on accomodation :)

[jake]

Already have a Tagaytay hotel booked for 2 nights and one in Puerto Galera for 5 and was considering doing a round trip which included Pagsanjan Falls via maybe Lucena and Marinduque. There's so many places I want to go.

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

From Pagsanjan falls it is around 30 mins to where we live. Let me know the dates Jamie.

[raynaputi]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

From Pagsanjan falls it is around 30 mins to where we live. Let me know the dates Jamie.

Can we go to your house too when Keith and I visit Laguna? My family have a house in Bay, Laguna..:biggrin:

[stevewool]

so many places to visit in the phils, is it worth having just the one home

[jake]

Can we go to your house too when Keith and I visit Laguna? My family have a house in Bay, Laguna..:biggrin:

Yep. No Mcdo, Jollibee or KFC where we live!
I can always make you my favourite filipino dish of laing with dried fish :hubbahubba::biggrin
At least 3 times a week i pass Bay going to Manila. On the way there it is from the Los Banos side and coming back the Santo Tomas.

[jake]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

From Pagsanjan falls it is around 30 mins to where we live. Let me know the dates Jamie.

If you have time we can take you for lunch at this place. There are knives and forks!

http://www.kamayansapalaisdaan.com.ph/index.php

[raynaputi]

Yep. No Mcdo, Jollibee or KFC where we live!
I can always make you my favourite filipino dish of laing with dried fish :hubbahubba::biggrin
At least 3 times a week i pass Bay going to Manila. On the way there it is from the Los Banos side and coming back the Santo Tomas.

I love laing and dried fish..:hubbahubba: don't mind about Keith though..hahahaha :icon_lol:

[Ako Si Jamie]

:xxgrinning--00xx3:

From Pagsanjan falls it is around 30 mins to where we live. Let me know the dates Jamie.Last week of November we'll be in Tagaytay and Mindoro, that is booked for sure. Nothing's definite regarding Laguna etc as Maria wants to go to Bolinao in Pangasinan and I wouldn't mind seeing the Hundred Islands. It's something we need to discuss.

[Ako Si Jamie]

since youre already in tagaytay you may want to go to club punta fuego batangas :xxgrinning--00xx3: we stayed there and my husband loved it!

you can check metrodeal website and get good deals on accomodation :)Thanks Julie. Unless the boats aren't running we'll be heading straight for Puerto Galera as the hotels have now been booked and there are no spare nights between Tagaytay and PG.

[jake]

Last week of November we'll be in Tagaytay and Mindoro, that is booked for sure. Nothing's definite regarding Laguna etc as Maria wants to go to Bolinao in Pangasinan and I wouldn't mind seeing the Hundred Islands. It's something we need to discuss.

You need to stay for 3 months this time!

[grahamw48]

Laguna de Bay...behind me. :smile:

.
http://imageshack.us/a/img217/1200/menexttolagunadebay.jpg

[Ako Si Jamie]

You need to stay for 3 months this time!I wish. 3 weeks is all I can stay this time unfortunately.

[jake]

Laguna de Bay...behind me. :smile:

.
http://imageshack.us/a/img217/1200/menexttolagunadebay.jpg

Which part?

From the rooftop of our house in town we have a view of the whole of Laguna de Bay.
I really should start taking more pictures :cwm25:

[raynaputi]

Our house in Laguna is just 10-15 yards away from the lake. We used to swim there when we were kids whenever we had our 2 months summer vacation there. But the state of it now, I wouldn't even put my foot in it. :NoNo:

[Leen]

will be going in november for 3 weeks holiday and we will visit siargao for 3 days,bucas grande next then to brittania group of islands then to Enchanted river and Tinuy-an Falls before heading back to CDO...just hoping the weather will be great :biggrin:

[grahamw48]

Which part?

From the rooftop of our house in town we have a view of the whole of Laguna de Bay.
I really should start taking more pictures :cwm25:

It was just a quick break from the Quezon highway on our drive down to the family in Bicol (Ragay area)....come to think of it, that could be Lamon Bay. My memory is shot nowadays. :doh

.
Same trip...

.
http://imageshack.us/a/img10/8017/46z8.jpg

[gWaPito]

I've enjoyed reading this :biggrin: My enthusiasm is on the up:xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jake]

It was just a quick break from the Quezon highway on our drive down to the family in Bicol (Ragay area)....come to think of it, that could be Lamon Bay. My memory is shot nowadays. :doh


Think you are correct. Somewhere near Gumaca.
Where did the butt go!

[grahamw48]

Think you are correct. Somewhere near Gumaca.
Where did the butt go!

In the car ashtray of course !

Why ? You're not that hard up are you ? :icon_lol:

Actually, it annoys me to hell looking at that, as I'd just given up for three years prior to that trip. Tempted by cheap Phils prices. :Brick:

[fred]

It was just a quick break from the Quezon highway on our drive down to the family in Bicol (Ragay area)....come to think of it, that could be Lamon Bay. My memory is shot nowadays. :doh



.
Same trip...

.
http://imageshack.us/a/img10/8017/46z8.jpg


That could be anywhere!!..
My inlaws live in Gumaca and Ive done that trip 1000 times probably!!
Sorry..Cant identify..:doh

[tanga]

A couple of years ago we toured around Ilocos Norte and we really enjoyed that time.
Not much to say about Laoag from the tourist perspective really, although there are a few interesting things to see. The surrounding area is also nice with interesting places.
Believe it or not, around the outskirts of Laoag, there's over 50 square miles of what seems like a never ending sand dunes of La Paz (Suba).
It's a famous area where loads of scenes from 'Born of the Fourth of July' and 'Mad Max' was filmed along with loads of local Filipino movies were filmed. Amazing places.

We quite like looking around churches, if you the same then I think you'll love the historical Paoay Church. It's well worth the visit.

There's loads of powder white sand beaches all around Pagudpud and again loads of other interesting places to visit. (don't expect Boracay style here!!)
There are some 'must visit places' with one of them being the truly beautiful and spectacular Kabigan Falls. It's almost in a really genuine rainforest.(probably the only one left in Philippines)
You can swim there if you like and in perfectly wonderful tranquility.

Fort Ilocandia Resort, is essential a five star hotel and casino. Bit (lot) expensive. Not that much to do really but plenty of unspoilt beaches around to explore.
The place was vitually empty when we visited, but we were told that quite often it's bustling with tourist, gamblers and high rollers. ( always bad news IMHO)

Further south in Ilocos Sur, you'll find beautiful Vigan. It's really quite an interesting and different place to visit especially the historical old town with it's very old style Spanish buildings and a good number of antique shops.

Batac is another must see place for the Marcos Mansion house and Mausoleum. This is where the alledged embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos lies in state in an air-controlled glass case in a dark and somber room. All the visitors file past and have a glance at the body. Entrance is free.

If you have the time (and the interest) try a quick visit to Badoc Island. The surfing potential is great and totally unexpected, huge waves sometimes. The views are wonderful but sorry no hotels or bars, just self-picnic stuff. In fact there's nothing. Completely unihabited. Well it was when we were there.

Just an idea to think about.

Did you get to the Malacanang of the North just outside Paoay?

[grahamw48]

That could be anywhere!!..
My inlaws live in Gumaca and Ive done that trip 1000 times probably!!
Sorry..Cant identify..:doh

I think he meant the pic where I was sat on the wall Fred. :smile:

[fred]

I think he meant the pic where I was sat on the wall Fred. :smile:

Ahhh!! Ok.
Still don't know the town that owns that wall you are sitting on!!
Racking my brain doesn't help.:NoNo:

[jake]

In the car ashtray of course !

Why ? You're not that hard up are you ? :icon_lol:

Actually, it annoys me to hell looking at that, as I'd just given up for three years prior to that trip. Tempted by cheap Phils prices. :Brick:

It is near Gumaca as i stop at the same place and do exactly the same thing every time i/we go to Bicol :cwm25:

http://i645.photobucket.com/albums/uu178/megansco/gumaca1_zps4e695909.jpg

There you go Fred. Lets hope i have sussed this photobucket thingy!

[grahamw48]

Me neither Fred :icon_lol:

Oh, hang on a minute...looks like Jake has come up trumps while I was writing. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[jake]

The other picture is Pakil as i know that lampost!

There is a lanzones tree in the background so you must still be near my neck of the woods.

[grahamw48]

oooh...let me consult my google map. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[raynaputi]

The other picture is Pakil as i know that lampost!

There is a lanzones tree in the background so you must still be near my neck of the woods.

How can you remember a lamp post?? :cwm24: We used to go a lot to Pakil whenever we visit relatives, especially during Holy Week, and I can't remember any of the roads going there..hahahaha :icon_lol:

[fred]

If you see this..... http://farm2.staticflickr.com/1034/1462665090_38960ceb8f.jpg

You know you are close to Gumaca!!

The sea wall seems to go on forever much of the way from Atimonan...
Still..Interesting to find out your EXACT location in that photo Graham!!

[fred]

Lamon bay... Gumaca, Quezon.??


http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RnjqRWP6kJo/UeLEMbptjBI/AAAAAAAAEZI/aixwd5whn_U/s400/IMG_3646.JPG

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lamon_Bay

[grahamw48]

Yes..AND I think I may have dropped a 20 peso note by that lamp post...just saying. :Erm:


Actually, it's an electric or telegraph post isn't it ?

You remember lamp posts, when there's only one every 20 miles. :biggrin:

[jake]

How can you remember a lamp post?? :cwm24: We used to go a lot to Pakil whenever we visit relatives, especially during Holy Week, and I can't remember any of the roads going there..hahahaha :icon_lol:

Cause i see everything in pictures.
Don't ask me to think in words as you never know what mumbo jumbo i may write down!

[Mady]

A couple of years ago we toured around Ilocos Norte and we really enjoyed that time.
Not much to say about Laoag from the tourist perspective really, although there are a few interesting things to see. The surrounding area is also nice with interesting places.
Believe it or not, around the outskirts of Laoag, there's over 50 square miles of what seems like a never ending sand dunes of La Paz (Suba).
It's a famous area where loads of scenes from 'Born of the Fourth of July' and 'Mad Max' was filmed along with loads of local Filipino movies were filmed. Amazing places.

We quite like looking around churches, if you the same then I think you'll love the historical Paoay Church. It's well worth the visit.

There's loads of powder white sand beaches all around Pagudpud and again loads of other interesting places to visit. (don't expect Boracay style here!!)
There are some 'must visit places' with one of them being the truly beautiful and spectacular Kabigan Falls. It's almost in a really genuine rainforest.(probably the only one left in Philippines)
You can swim there if you like and in perfectly wonderful tranquility.

Fort Ilocandia Resort, is essential a five star hotel and casino. Bit (lot) expensive. Not that much to do really but plenty of unspoilt beaches around to explore.
The place was vitually empty when we visited, but we were told that quite often it's bustling with tourist, gamblers and high rollers. ( always bad news IMHO)

Further south in Ilocos Sur, you'll find beautiful Vigan. It's really quite an interesting and different place to visit especially the historical old town with it's very old style Spanish buildings and a good number of antique shops.

Batac is another must see place for the Marcos Mansion house and Mausoleum. This is where the alledged embalmed body of Ferdinand Marcos lies in state in an air-controlled glass case in a dark and somber room. All the visitors file past and have a glance at the body. Entrance is free.

If you have the time (and the interest) try a quick visit to Badoc Island. The surfing potential is great and totally unexpected, huge waves sometimes. The views are wonderful but sorry no hotels or bars, just self-picnic stuff. In fact there's nothing. Completely unihabited. Well it was when we were there.

Just an idea to think about.

Well said sir.

I know the places perfectly. Was born in Ilocos Sur, Vigan. From my last visit a month ago,there were some developments both Laoag and Vigan.

[jake]

Actually, it's an electric or telegraph post isn't it ?


You are correct Graham.

As well as electric it could be used for streetlights,cable television, telephone,traffic signals,fiesta decorations. christmas decorations, antennas. The list could go on here in the Philippines :biggrin: