Philippines over xmas new year

wookie66

Hi off to the Philippines for three weeks over xmas new year and really looking forward to it

Being an independent traveller has anyone got any suggestions on must see places islands resorts things to do

Will definitely do some scuba diving + play golf but wanted to know whats the best way to sort out travel internally - wait til we get there or can it be done from here

Any recommended travel agents websites would be good as well

At present have just got flights booked to Manila and need to sort out sorting out accom + onward travel to Bocara Isl + Cebu City + others

Any advice appreciated from knowlegdeable forum members

Cheers

Fender1963

We're going there over Christmas as well to visit my wife's family.

This will be my 4th time there and my experience of the Philippines is largely confined to Manila, Cebu and Bohol. We fly to Manila from London, then get an internal flight to Cebu and then a fast boat to Tagbilaran in Bohol.

Bohol Island is definitely worth a visit. There are plenty of nice beach resorts if that's what you want but if you are into driving round and seeing the scenery, towns, churches, waterfalls etc then it's ideal for that.

You can hire a car with a driver for P2500 per day or self drive for an average of P2000 per day or less if you block book it.

The main mode of transport in the provinces seems to be minibuses, at least in Bohol, which are cheap and frequent but quite cramped and sweaty in the Philippine heat and humidity.

I'll be hiring a car while I'm there, but I wouldn't recommend driving in large cities unless you are used to SE Asian city driving ie no rules at all. Once outside the cities though the roads are quite empty.

wookie66

Can internal flights be booked from UK and through whom?

Need to sort out the internal travel soon since want to spend xmas new year on the beach

shaunskankdog

wookie66 wrote: »

Can internal flights be booked from UK and through whom?

Need to sort out the internal travel soon since want to spend xmas new year on the beach

try kayak....am going for 2 months feb-apr...booked internal flights via kayak and skyscanner...usually came to £10 without luggage...main airlines were Air Philippines, Cebu, Air Asia, Zest...

Clark airport 2hrs drive N of Manila is a good cheap airport, use metro in Manila and check out Tune hotels ...I got rooms for £2 per night...they are like travelodges....My planned itinerary ish is....Mt Pinatubo, Mt Mayon, Mt Taal (all volcanoes)..Banaue rice terraces...hundred islands....Manila, Puerto Galera, Boracay, El Nido and Palawan, Cebu and islands, Bohol and brown hills.

15 flights including Madrid-Hkg-Mnl-Lhr and all internal for £650

There are two airports near Boracay several around Cebu, and just go with the flow remembering delays prob will happen, but at least one is away from the monsoon season...enjoy.

I also used Wikitravel and Wikipedia...there are loads if you just follow links.

ALso for hotels I used Agoda, Booking, Laterooms, Hostelbookers, Hotelscombined.

Voyager2002

For a start, get out of the big cities (Manila and Cebu) as quickly as possible! And book your transport in advance: Christmas is when everyone goes back to be with their families, and so 'planes and ferries are crammed full.

Remember that journeys will always take much longer than you would believe possible. Above all, if you need to transfer between Manila and Clark airport, allow the best part of a day -- Manila traffic is unbelievably awful.

wookie66

Appreciate the useful advice and last two posts have given me plenty to consider

Would also appreciate any further posts on whats worth seeing and especially if anyone has done any diving

I may consider doing my advanced PADI qualification as well whilst i am out there and any suggestions where to do this appreciated

Keep the recommendations coming

businka

we used http://www.cebupacificair.com is for internal flights, Manila- Puerto Princess-Manila-Bohol-Borakai-Manila, paid by credit card from UK, got pront-outs, no problems whatsoever. an average price for flight was something 35.00
On Coron island must see: Kayangan Lake, Banol Beach, they offer day trips all over the island, http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/members-reviews/businka_york my reviews.
Enjoy!

wookie66

Brilliant - will def check out the link for flights

Would any one be able to recommend best place to spend xmas new year other than Manila

Looking at somewhere lively but also where can get some diving done

andysdad_2

Puerto Galera used to be good for diving and depending on where on the island was lively-ish but that was a number of years ago. Unless things have changed dont try for flights on New Years eve early New Years day. When I was there they let off fireworks to celebrate and there were so many the smoke closed Manila airport from 8pm. The noise was such you couldnt think either

wookie66

Cheers - also been today to get Visas from embassy simple job and very efficient and excellent tourist info office next door where got some more ideals on places such as Bohol and Cebu

Any more ideas still welcome

wookie66

Whats the general consensus on Boracay - is it worth visiting?

So far have booked flights to Cebu and Palawan - will spend a week at each destination + travel around see surrounding islands incl Bohol, Malapascua, and Coron Island

Still leaves Boracay and wondered is it worth trip there or not

Cheers