Korean Job Discussion Forums

[megandadam]

So my wife and I want to go to the Philippines but are unsure of where to go.
After looking through a few pages on this forum, it seems like our options are:
1. boracay
2. bohol
3. cebu

To be honest, we want a place that is similar to our experience in Thailand, if that exists. We were on a great beach near Had Rin where we could chill out, swim and snorkel, and indulge in *other* pleasures. Can we find the same stuff at the above-mentioned destinations? Or are we barking up the wrong tree????

We might stay in Manila for a night, but have no real interest in that city. We have about 10 days.

Thanks in advance.
M&A

[ttompatz]

[Quack Addict]

Stay away from Manila. It was terrible. Only go directly to a resort destination and stay away from the locals. They will scalp you for a quarter. Watch out for the 'benny boys' (transvestites) who like to harrass the foreigners. To be honest, I had such a miserable experience in the Philippines I could never really recommend it to anyone. Another beautiful place ruined by the locals (South Africa is another) Go to Singapore or Malaysia.

[bbb0777]

I've only been to Boracay and Manila, and agree with everything said on Boracay.

My friend and I found Manila a bit boring (only worth a day or so), but very pleasant. Though we seem to be in the minority on that 'pleasant' part - the reason may only be because we've both been to India, and that completely re-set our norms, I'm unsure.

[BoholDiver]

Boracay is great from what I hear, but also a little expensive, small, and crowded. Sort of like the Phuket of Philippines except much smaller.

I loved Bohol. I am going back in December (and Boracay too). Bohol is less developed, much larger, and cheaper.

[AsiaESLbound]

Transvestites that harass foreigners? Gawd, that's scary. I bet they are jealous about your money, because they don't have money due to being unemployable on account of being a boy in a dress. Run, not walk, to the nearest Starbucks to take cover if you see a group of trannies approaching you at the crack of dawn as you find your way out the door to go enjoy your day out. It behooves you to not underestimate the power of high heels and purses, especially so when a drove of them are pursuing you for money.

Now I know why flights to Manila are so cheap.

[Caffeinated]

[Jane]

Imo:

Manila: nothing to do, not a particularly stunning city.

Borracay: Unless you have couple shirts ready in your suitcase, I wouldn't recommend it. Tons of Koreans, and sludgy water. I wouldn't choose to go back.

Cebu: A resort town. Not much unless you want to lie on the beach.

Bohol: A friend went there recently; her pictures were amazing! She likened it to a National Geographic destination. To me, your choice is easy: BOHOL!!

[azzwell]

Bohol is your place. Your 'other pleasures' are easy to obtain on Alona Beach. Nuts Huts is fantastic. Rent a scooter and head up north.

[canale226]

None of the above (though if you head to Cebu, check out Malapascua/Bantayan).

I'd recommend Palawan. You can thank me later!!!

[BoholDiver]

From what I heard, Palawan is great for nature but there isn't much activity going on there.

Outside of Puerto Princesa, every place is simply too far for a short vacation. Unless you want to spend 6 hours in a jeepney.

The south part is a base for pirates and muslims.

[bucheon bum]

[DeMayonnaise]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I am reasonably well traveled and agree that Manila doesn't have much going for it. Lots of cities have interesting things named for it. Manila has.. folders and envelopes? I spent a day there coming back from trips to Puerto Galera, Boracay, and Iloilo. The old quarter is fun, and there's some big shopping malls, but to me a day in Manila is plenty.

I haven't been to Bohol, but it sounds great. Boracay is very pleasant; walkable, nice beaches (not sludgy at all when I was there in a February, at least); good restaurants, some nightlife but not too hectic. It is popular with Koreans but they tend to go during holiday periods, and they're all clustered in the Korean restaurant eating stale food. Best sunsets I have ever seen in my life.

[megandadam]

thanks for the great advice everyone.

looks like we'll be going to Bohol!

our preliminary plan is to start out around Loboc and do some travelling and sightseeing, then heading to Paglao to get some relaxation time.

any other recommendations or advice for us???