Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ck2118]

So I booked a flight to the Philippines for a little over a week... (Wish I could stay longer but my vacation time is very short).

I need some custom advice from you Philippine experts...

I will arrive in Boracay on the 27th of July (sunday). I plan on departing the 30th of July (Wednesday morning) for Cebu. From there... I can either go to Bohol and Panglao or Malapascua Island until I fly out of Cebu on the 2nd of August (Saturday afternoon).

Which place would be a better destination. To give you an idea of my preferences, I'd like a place that I could scooter around and enjoy the beach... Comfortable but not too touristy. For example, I prefered Koh Phangan over Samui...

Also, am I giving myself enough time in Boracay? I know a few days is rather short but I don't want to come away from the Phils only knowing Boracay...

What do you think?

Thanks!

[ttompatz]

[Taiwantroll]

Well thats a tough one. I don't like either, to be honest.

The tourist area in Panglao is really just a very small section of the whole island with a bunch of hotels crammed together. You can take tours of Bohol but there really isn't that much to see. It's more of a cultural experience really. And you won't get much privacy there. Too many foreigners.

Malapascua is more remote. Not many foreigners there. But the island is too small and the locals are desperately poor. It was really just depressing to see. And travelling by scooter was dangerous since there often are no roads to speak of.

Borocay is right off the coast of Panay. You could just travel down the coast of Panay and experience some of the sights there. They have a number of national parks and outdoor sports available. Iloilo is on the southern tip of Panay. It is not the nicest city but a short trip from Iloilo by ferry is the Guimaras island, home of the mango. It is a nice island, but be wary where you choose to stay. Many hotels there never get Western tourists, so try to find one that is Western friendly. That is, they have a restaurant serving single portions and hotel rooms for a single person or a couple.

Or another option is just to fly back to Manila and go to Subic Bay. It is only a few hours by bus from Manila and has some very nice beach resorts.

[Tiger Beer]

Out of those two choices, definately Panglao. Mainly, as ttompatz says, it is not easy to get to Malapascua. At least with Panglau, you can take a ferry directly from Cebu and be in Tagbilarn in two hours.

However, you won't be scooting around the place. It isn't that big. I don't even know if they rent scooters in Panglao. Usually people organize a taxi (which is pretty inexpensive) to take you around the tourist places around Bohol (or I think there are some kind of tour mini-vans as well). Not sure, I rented a taxi with someone. The tourist sites of Bohol are not beach-related. Plus, like TT says, the beach of Panglao is a very small and compact, it is gorgeous, but is very easy to walk from one end to the other.

Beach activities are fairly limited at either place. Both are diver destinations with lots of boats anchored to the beach, so you'll be trying to walk over many ropes roped around palm trees as you try to enjoy your walks along the beach. Still, both are absolutely gorgeous places.

Personally, if you are going to be swimming, I liked Panglao better than Malapascua, although both are beautiful places. Malapascua has a lot more beach to walk on. Neither place you'll see jetskis or anything like that.

[ttompatz]

There is a place next to Alona Kew that rents 125cc scooters / motorbikes.

[kumuka]

I'll be in Malaspascua at about the same time as you. Im going there strictly for the amazing scuba diving with Thresher sharks and other big fish.

Otherwise Id go to Moalboal or Mactan.

Depending what your looking for, Bohol is a very releigious island so many bring a girl from Cebu for comapny. Nice beaches and Panglao is sweet.

[vassalage]

Whatever you do don't stay in Cebu...it's a hell hole.

You can take the ferry to tagbiliaran it's fast and not a bad trip.
Pangloa and Bohol will have enough for you to do if your only there for 2 days. You can do a day trip see all the things around the island. We hired a driver he was great and it made the trip easy. He took us to all the locations which saved us a lot of time. If you have enough time to book a day trip to some of the islands for snorkeling you should do it.
If as you say you don't like tourist traps I'm kinda surprised your heading to Boracay. It is more of a party island.

[RnH]

First choice, if you want some peace and quiet on a BEAUTIFUL tropical island - head to Pandan Island - there is only 1 resort on the island, always very quiet and you can get great accomodation for about $11 a night, and the snorkelling is AWESOME - turtles etc. But it will take you about a day to get there, unless, of course, you can afford a $500 seaplane from Manila!!!

Personally, I'd choose Malapascua, if I was in your position, just cos of the great diving and it's so quiet. But there's nothing else to do except laze on the beach or dive.

So, if you're short on time and want to see a bit more of the Philippines, I'd definitely recommend Panglao and Bohol - rent a scooter and head up to the chocolate hills - great views from the hotel and restaurant. Also see the Philippine Tarsier, and Alona beach is a nice stretch of white sand. If you are into snorkelling - head to the left hand side of the beach (if you're facing the water) and swim out to the wall - it's a marine sanctuary - schooling jacks, clownfish etc It's quite deep at the top of the wall, but still lots of fish to see. Then definitely jump on a divers boat (for a few pesos) to Balicasag island just off alona beach - the water there is crystal clear and the marine life is AMAZING - takes your breath away the first time you stick your head under the water!

Hope this info helps!