Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[danstravelworld]

Hi all, long time traveller, first time forum person.

Hope to fly from Malaysia (KK) in a few weeks to Manila and see what Phillipines has to offer. Hope to have 4 weeks and would appreciate feedback on weather at the time (similar to Malaysia? Wet?), places to stay in Manila (backpack budget pls) and where we head from there. I've never heard anything bad about The Phillipines (bar the news bits but not heading to Mindanao), but I will be after some beach action, some good diving action and a bit of trekking plus any obvious tourist bits.

Would love to hear from anyone with any advice at all, including places to stay, where to head and how to get there.

Ta v much

[starlagurl]

Here's an article on the weather: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g298573-...When.To.Go.html

There are lots of hotels/hostels to pick from here: http://www.travelpod.com/s/hotels/manila

[danstravelworld]

Thanks v much Louise!

[starlagurl]

No problem, let us know if you have any other questions. I'm sure linda.chung (our Singapore Local Expert) will pipe in with her opinions at some point soon.

[bakasyonista]

If you like beaches and diving visit Palawan or Davao City in the Philippines.

Read this interesting link on trip advisor regarding safety particularly in Davao City, Philippines:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g2984...o_Mindanao.html

[cozzielex]

Mindanao isnt that that dangerous as long as you keep away from zamboanga city. I have been several times to the east coast surigao del sur and del norte and both are nice places. But just north of the main island is a small island called camiguin which is beautiful. There's a great resort there I think it's called the secret cove run by a canadian guy and it's well worth the visit.
Another placed missed by a lot of travellers is the very north of Phils and Illococ Norte has some great resorts. Its also only 40 mins flying time to Hong kong (if there are still flights)
before you go check with the Phils embassy in London and see if you can get a 3 months visa. If you get a stamp on arrival it will only last 3 weeks and may be difficult to renew if you are not near a major city.

[patrick65]

hello
I wanted to recommande you the ChillOut Guesthouse. It's a newly opened guesthouse in the center of the tourist belt of manila. It's clean and affordable ( prices starting at 250p up to 1200p ) and there is a nice "home-like" atmosphere.
You can find all the infos you want on google if you enter chillout guesthouse.
Hope i helped you a bit

take care

patrick

[giacchi]

I'm from Mindanao so I know that there are actually some places that are relatively safe. Cagayan de Oro is a good place to go to since there are a lot of activity-oriented places to go to. To add to that, tourist spots are easily accessibly from here.

[thomascullin]

Thanks starlagurl
dor the artical post

[travelwidme]

Hi all, long time traveller, first time forum person.

Hope to fly from Malaysia (KK) in a few weeks to Manila and see what Phillipines has to offer. Hope to have 4 weeks and would appreciate feedback on weather at the time (similar to Malaysia? Wet?), places to stay in Manila (backpack budget pls) and where we head from there. I've never heard anything bad about The Phillipines (bar the news bits but not heading to Mindanao), but I will be after some beach action, some good diving action and a bit of trekking plus any obvious tourist bits.

Would love to hear from anyone with any advice at all, including places to stay, where to head and how to get there.

Ta v much

Here's a list of great beaches at The Philippines:

http://www.netguard.dk/top-ten-beaches-philippines.php

But personally, I have my top 5 favorites!

1. Try island hopping (beach hopping) at the Caramoan Islands in Cam Sur and I recommend CK Inn for a place to stay in as they really know where to take you can also do some snorkeling, kayak, diving. They don't accept walk ins but they do accept reservations.

http://www.ck-inn.com/

2. The Pearl Farm in Davao

http://www.pearlfarmresort.com/

3. Amanpulo, Palawan

http://www.amanresorts.com/amanpulo/home.aspx

4. Misimis Bay in Albay

http://www.misibisbay.com/

5. Forest Cove Beach House in Batangas - this place is just a typical beach house where in you will be able to enjoy, relax and unwind. No crazy crowds or whatsoever but they offer water activities like jet ski, snorkeling, island hopping.

http://www.facebook.com/forestcovebeachhouse?ref=ts

[renewedfaith2da]

My experience has been mainly confined to Davao and Cebu.
But I have some limited exposure to Luzon.
The best thing I can tell you is to STAY with those you know and trust.
Don't be a lone wolf.




Keith

Mindanao Bob
Southern Philippines
Banana Q