Korean Job Discussion Forums

[desultude]

I am going for a couple of weeks on a spur of the moment trip to the Phillipines, it is supposed to include Mindora and Boracay. Okay, all of you seasoned travelers- I need advice fast. What I want: good beaches, some laid back nightlife, snorkeling, and a quiet place to sleep at night. I don't mind a bit of a scene, but when its time to sleep, someone rolfing in the room is not my style.

Also, should I take my U.S. dollars, or get pesos here or at the airport?

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Take US dollars, change them at the airport in Manila as soon as you get off the plane. The rate there is good. Go to Puerto Galera, but don't go to Sabang unless you are into three ways with eighteen year old girls. (Some people are.) When you get off the boat at Puerto Galera on Mindoro, go right to White Beach. Much better. Beautiful beach. From there you can take a boat to Roxas on Mindora and then another boat to Boracay. Oh yeah, don't get caught holding drugs. That will leave a mark. Other than that, don't take the first taxi that is offered, and always make sure the driver turns on the damn meter. They will rob you blind. Have fun.

[camel96]

Mindoro is nice.
Specifically White Beach or the next one Aninuan I think it's called.
Not too much of a scene (except on weekends with the Manila-ites come in droves). Sabang is really crap.
People keep saying good things about Palawan but it may be a little too quiet for you.
You can change money at the airport (at least enough to get you to town) and then change with all the Muslim guys on Adriatico Street or somewhere when you arrive. Bargain for your exchange rate outside the banks.

[Pyongshin Sangja]

Yeah, go to a place where you could easily get ripped off or robbed to make an extra one percent on an already amazing exchange rate. I dunno, man. Do it at the airport.

[desultude]

[camel96]

[desultude]

[Tiger Beer]

I second or third what Pyongshin and Camel say regarding White Beach. Its really beautiful, very relaxed, and just a little fun too - in a light way. Not a party atmosphere. But there are a few bars on the beach and a disco off somewhere else (didn't make it there). It is extremely low-key, very relaxing, very quiet, yet at the same time does indeed have a few places to sit back and drink and talk with whoever is around while watching the ocean.

I agree about Sabang. Not really a beach.. just a maze of bars and restaurants with a few girly bars.

Puerto Galera is basically a port. Not much happens there, so its much better to be at White Beach where not much more is happening either, but having an ideal setting and ideal for relaxing. Plus people do stay there, so you will meet people if thats your intent as well, and talk over drinks and such.

I haven't been to Boracay however to say what its like there..

[camel96]

There's a really cool transvestite bar down one end of the beach. They do killer cocktails. Hang out there and watch the look of surprise on korean adjoshis faces when they discover that the girls ain't all girls.... I'd go back just for this.

[Moldy Rutabaga]

[camel96]

[saharzie]

Sabang is a dump. Borocay is great, perfect mix of relaxation and some nightlife...you will meet loads of other people there. Beware of ladyboys and hookers and you will be fine. The beer is cheap, the sand is white and I cant think of a better place to spend a few days.
Cebu is also worth a visit..close to Bohol and the chocolate hills as well as the Tarsier foundation, both well worth a visit. The nightlife in Cebu is great and imho the best looking girls were to be seen there...spanish/chinese mix....

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I'll take your word for it. I'll pass through Sabang only to have a look and go to White Beach, and then extend my stay in Boracay. I would like to see Bohol/Cebu, but there is too much to see in three weeks, and I don't want to spend every second day on a bus.

I've stolen Desultude's thread a little, but I hope this is useful for him/her too. Thanks all.

Ken:>

[desultude]

[adventureman]

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