The Philippines is still MY favourite tourist destination, and now I'm safely home I can say there were no problems with travel, health or security - thanks ( again ) to members and friends .
It was worthwhile paying the extra 90 GBP each way for Economy Comfort on KLM. I had an easily accessible window seat, with good views during daylight hours. My choice of Indonesian rice dish ( 11 GBP extra ) on the way out made a good start ( prepared in Amsterdam so unavailable on return ). My own headphone adaptor helped, even if it was the same choice of films on both flights.
St Giles Hotel ( www.St.Giles.Manila.com ) was well placed in Makati, with amazing views from the rooftop where the swimming pool was located. Staff were friendly and helpful, " superior " rooms were 4,500 Php / night, and while meals were inexpensive, there was a good choice of nearby eating places ( Shakey's Makati Avenue, www.shakeyspizza.ph ).
I went with American friends for a 3 hour City Tour on All Saints Day ( Nov 1 ) when traffic was quiet ( 1,600 Php each, www.greatsights.com.ph ), including Rizal Park, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, and the American Cemetery and Memorial - worthwhile even for those like myself who have been to Philippines before .
I went with other friends to the fairly new Manila Ocean Park ( www.manilaoceanpark.com ), behind the Quirino Grandstand in Ermita - good for all ages but " masyadong mahal " at 600 Php each plus extras - Pancake House had a great view over Manila Bay .
There was no time this visit to meet up with Aegis Band ( they had a gig in Quezon City on the weekend I arrived ), as I had other friends to meet including Steve.ry 's Charie.
I flew by Cebu Pacific ( www.cebupacificair.com ) to Tagbilaran ( Bohol ) - pre-booked return flight, including 20 kg baggage allowance, for 3,600 Php. Minimal delays and
great views .
Taking Fred's advice, I stayed at Dumaluan Beach Resort ( www.dumaluanbeach.com ) at Bolod Beach on Panglao Island for 3000 Php / night. This was less than half the minimum price of nearby resorts such as Bohol Beach Club,
and far cheaper than Alona Beach - with excellent facilities including restaurant adjacent to the beach, and beautiful swimming pool. The beach was cleaned daily by an army of manual workers. Nightlife was quiet - as intended .
There is so much to do in this area ! It helps to have local contacts, and to speak at least some Tagalog / Cebuano
Swimming in sea at 28 degrees, snorkelling and diving facilties are just amazing. A day's boat trip to Balicasag Island ( about 3000 Php including a huge breakfast ) and Virgin Island was spoiled only by the non-biodegradable human rubbish left behind .
The Loboc River cruise was worth repeating, and crossing the Hanging Bridge was fun . Similarly the Tarsier Visitors Center ( www.tarsierfoundation.org ) can't be missed. An even better view of the Chocolate Hills than the usual ( Carmen ) is available from the highest peak on Bohol,
Sagbayan - far fewer tourists, great photo opportunities, and ( at nearly 1000 feet ) slightly cooler .
Other sites less well known to tourists are Hinagdanan Cave, the Mag-Aso Falls, Bohol Bee Farm ( www.boholbeefarm.com ), Simply Butterflies ( www.simplybutterfliesproject.com ), and Punta Cruz Watch Tower. Some Spanish churches are well known ( Baclayon ) - others less so ( Panglao, Dauis, Loon and Calapi ). The Blood Compact site ( commemorating the agreement between Sikatuna and Legazpi ) is another "must" .
For eating places, MiraVilla in Tagbilaran City and The Prawn Farm in Island City Mall serve amazing seafood for around 1000 Php each . A shampoo, haircut and back massage at " David's Salon " in Island City Mall cost 200 Php.
There was some rain, but no typhoons, in Manila. Similarly there was enough cloud cover and rain in the Bohol area to avoid sunburn. Bohol does not have malaria, and I've been home long enough already to be confident I don't have dengue . I took over 500 pictures and short videos on a Panasonic Lumix TZ18, for which one high speed ( "10" ) 8 GB memory disc, and a spare battery ( all from Amazon ) was sufficient. My only concern was the fragile lens cover which stuck once or twice because of dust / sand particles - very careful cleaning with lens tissues and cotton buds sorted it .
I used two disposable waterproof cameras for underwater prints.
I had considered also another visit to Cebu but in truth the Bohol area was so enjoyable and interesting that 12 days went by all too quickly.
The points made on the " Philippines Tourist " thread are valid . I guess my fourth trip in over 30 years was the most successful yet because I did my homework and friends gave loads of good advice .