Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tommy]

I have vacation May 3-12, and wanted to fly into Cebu for around $300 + tax, but the only option was 4 days. Flying into Manila for a little cheaper offers up to 15 days.. so looks like it's Manila. I've been been doing some reading here, but figured I'd just ask. How cheap is domestic travel? I saw on Cebu Pacific that flights from Manila to Cebu are 288PSP ($7)!?? Are these prices accurate? On their website it says unless taxes are specified separately, then they are included in the price. This seems ridiculously cheap, as do some international destinations (Bankock for ~$50?!). But at the same time I've read that Manila to Boracay is ~$150.. so I need some light shed on cost of domestic travel.

This is my first time going anywhere outside of Korea. From briefly reading this board, possible places of interest are Camiguin Island, Alona Beach, Cacnipa Island (Palawan?), Camiguin. I was supposed to go with the lady, but she can't go, so travelling alone. I'd prefer a more quiet atmosphere than a busy, party one... I'm just looking to relax as this is my first vacation in a long time. The three main things I wanna do is put in some quality time at the beach, snorkeling, and cruise around on a scooter/motorbike to check out the island scenery. From what I've read Camiguin Island seems perfect for these kinds of things.. motorbiking snorkeling, the springs, volcanoes, etc. I'm not limiting my stay to one place. Boracay sounds wonderful, but Alona might be a better alternative for a quieter scene.. I'd like some nightlife but nothing heavy. Any white powder beach I would be great..

I plan to go for 7 days, and I'd like to check out a few places, but don't want to travel too much and cram stuff in. I haven't the slightest idea where many of the above places are, so I'd like to figure out my destinations and routes before hand. If I'm going to say, 3 of the above places, what kind of budget should I expect? I'm thinking $500~600. Also, since I'm going alone, any suggestions about things like what to do with my belongings (wallet, camera) while i go in the water at the beach?

Special shout out to ttompatz... thanks especially for the info here, . Hope you and anyone else can give insight and suggestions.

Cheers

[CabbageTownRoyals]

[ttompatz]

I'm between classes right now and don't have time to give you a reply ASAP.

I will answer your questions when I get home this evening.

[Tommy]

[Tiger Beer]

Does the $45 one-way (US$90 roundtrip) really hurt you financially and effect what you want to see and do because of it? Seems like a very small cost to pay.

I'll comment on your choices though:

PALAWAN. You can do that island you mentioned in Palawan, plus a whole lot more. Downside of Palawan is really is MUCH better with your significant other. It's quiet and not a lot of opportunity for meeting other people and enjoying the company of a lot of others. Highly likely you'd be on your own during most of it, unless you met another traveler, and probably stuck with him on similar courses, for better or worse.

ALONA BEACH. Tompatz is the Alona Beach guru, for sure! I've been there and a couple dozen other beaches and islands that are also suppose to be 'the next Boracay' and Alona Beach is really the only on that feels remotely even close to Boracay. But its also a 1/50th of the size and business establishments. It's a very small little slice of Boracay of gorgeous white sands and condensed business establishments all wrapped into one. It's also about the same price, so if you are looking to save bucks, you might be financially stressed a bit from it. It isn't outrageously expensive, but its more similar to Boracay in prices than other destinations. It's also a bit like Palawan, in that on your own, you might get a bit bored. People don't often lounge around the beach, most often they are either exploring Bohol or doing diving stuff. If you were with your significant other, you could lounge around on the beach, and probably be one of the few doing such (if you are into beach-lounging).

The plus on Alona Beach is that Bohol is a really interesting island with several good daytrips to be had. Chocoloate Hills, tarsiers, a river boat ride, and the like. If you are into diving, you'll also see that Alona Beach is a big diver destination (like most popular places in the Philippines are like).

CAMIGUIN ISLAND. Great people and ideal for motorbike or just jeepney'ing it around the island, as people are so honest and it's real comfortable there. There are some great little hot spring places to just kick back and enjoy. HOWEVER, this isn't a beach destination place. There are just a couple beaches all fairly mediocre and nothing going on whatsoever. The sand looks bad and not so interesting. What people do is schedule a boat guy to take you to WHITE ISLAND (takes about $10 to get there and back if you rent a boat by yourself). You can also try to coordinate with others if you can find them so you can share the costs. But then you have to coordinate how much time you want to be there and how to get back, etc. It's a bit of a hassle, and not ideal for the beach-enjoying person, as your hotel and that beach are NOT in the same spot. Most likely your hotel in Camiguin will be on the dirt brown sand thats muddy and non-transparent with no one on it, and anyone you did see will be eyeing that white sand oasis off in the distance and trying to coordinate how to get there! Outside of that major factor, Camiguin Island is pretty cool. If you are there, you'll be biking round a lot looking for other things to do as its lacking that fine beach right on your doorstep.

Regarding BORACAY. It's not nightlife crazy by any stretch of the imagination. If you put Boracay in Thailand, it would look real dull and laidback and very kickback in comparison. Even if you were into nightlife, I'd be real hardpressed to recommend this island, as its just not that way. It is amazing for tons of restaurants and good food, and just relaxing at the beach with some of the most beautiful gorgeous powder white sands and clear ocean water of anywhere in the Philippines. It's also good for people-watching, it's kind of the 'to see and be seen' destination of the Philippines, popular with international tourists and the Manila elite and celebrities and such of the country. I'd have to say that Boracay is a 'must-see' destination of the Philippines without doubt. Speaking of nightlife, if you were to want to have both a beach with some aspect of nightlife, than Boracay is about as close as it gets. (White Sand Beach near Puerto Galera being another). But beach nightlife in the Philippines is NOTHING like beach nightlife in Thailand, for example.

[4 months left]

Incheon to Cebu for $300 + tax? What travel agent and how much is the tax?

[Yaya]

PAL Express is a new budget carrier that will start service next month. Try looking it up.

[I-am-me]

Going to Mindanao or Camigian Island might not be worth it for you since you only have 7 days. Taking a direct flight to Boracay from Manila might give you more time to relax and enjoy yourself. Just my 2 cents worth. By the way, does you lady need any company?

[CabbageTownRoyals]

[ttompatz]

[Tommy]

Thanks for the helpful info. There were no available seats for my return date, so I'll have to shorten it to 6 days, or perhaps lengthen to 8 if possible. I think my best bet is to spend a day in Manila (waste of time? - I have a friend there), fly down to Cebu, and make my way over to Bohol and Alona beach. That way I'll be able to check out a few locations, which is what I'd prefer rather than being stuck in one place. Cebu to Alona beach sounds very cheap, so that's a plus!

Are there good snorkel locations on Alona? Can I rent a scooter or motorbike on Bohol? (something I really want to do, so if not there, where?) I take it there's beaches around Cebu... any suggestions? Are hotel or pension house (?) prices reasonable on Alona? I recall somebody talking about their favorite place for around $25 a night.. but can't remember if it was Alona. Which is best for casual shopping - Manila or Cebu?

I know I just asked a lot of questions, but if you have an answer for just one, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

4 months left, I PM'd you.
ttompatz, $285 + tax.. I'll confirm when I purchase later today (fingers crossed!).

[ttompatz]

[kimchipig]

[Taiwantroll]

The Philippines is a second home to me. I would suggest Siquijor. It is an often overlooked but beautiful and peaceful island. Not many people since it is not known by foreigners and locals tend to stay away because they believe it is haunted. It has all that Camiguin has but has many more pristine beaches. You can get round trip to Camiguin or Siquijor for under $100 domestic travel.

Taiwantroll

[ttompatz]