Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Tiger Beer]

I have them both written on my website as well..

2001 Philippines starts here:
http://www.geocities.com/wintermoon2/Java_091601.htm

2003 Thailand starts here:
http://www.geocities.com/wintermoon2/z_031130.htm

1996 Thailand here:
http://www.geocities.com/wintermoon2/the1990s_thailand.htm

[Moldy Rutabaga]

I'd like to stay out of the Thailand vs. Philippines war here as much as possible. I've only been to the Philippines and Bali.

But I do tend to agree that if you would like to experience more of a different culture you may find the Philippines a little too westernized. I'm not Hindu but I enjoyed seeing all the different styles of temples and architecture in Bali, and the food was certainly more interesting than the watered-down, sugared-up American and Spanish dishes I had in the Philippines.

On the other hand, there are good and very authentic crafts and fashions in the Philippines if you dig a little and leave Boracay. I met people in some of the smaller towns as they were carving or painting the goods themselves. Filipinos are friendlier than they are given credit for, and I felt safer in the Philippines than I did in some parts of Indonesia.

To get to Boracay from Manila, it's quite cheap to fly there-- anywhere from $40 Canadian up. When we went there (me and GF), we took a bus and then a boat to Puerto Galera, spent a week there, and then took a little minivan to the south of the island (Roxas), and took a morning boat to Caticlan, next to Boracay, arriving that afternoon. If you're not in a rush, this is a cheaper route, if you don't mind the terrible roads. At the end we were bruised enough and flew back to Manila.

Our hotel was a bamboo hut on stands near the beach, and ran about $15 CDN a night. The cheesy souvenirs and hawkers can be annoying sometimes, but it's generally less touristy than Bali even if it lacks Bali's great nightlife. Germans, usually scuba-diving or entertaining young girls, or Koreans, all hidden away in the Korean restaurant lest they accidently eat something other than noodles and kimchi in their lives, make up the majority of tourists in Boracay. But again, it's not an overwhelmingly touristy or crowded area, and the sunsets are great. You can see pictures on my website or PM me.

Ken:>

[indytrucks]

[Moldy Rutabaga]

>The fact is, one cannot come to the conclusion that the entirety of Phils is "more Western" because the tricycle driver on White Beach, Boracay speaks English and Robinson's Place in Malate carries Louis Vuitton.

Well put. It was ignorant of me to suggest so after only spending three weeks in the Philippines.

Still, the 'foreignness' of Bali-- even Mexico--struck me much more strongly than the Philippines, and I noticed unique music, fashions, culture, and food in Kuta more than I did in Puerto Galera. This is a subjective feeling and it's hard to quantify this, but I can only report my impressions.

Ken:>

[Tiger Beer]

Yeah, I'd like to add to that.. actually Philippines reminds me a lot of being in a Spanish-speaking country.. like Mexico for example. The main difference being that you see English written and used all over the place (as its a national language).

But then again very unique with its Asian-ness as well.. particularly at times when least expected. Very unique in its own peculiarities.

[ChooChooPongPong]

Manila, to be bluntly honest, has nothing to offer. It smells like a toilet and it dirty. The restaurants, not even the nice ones, would pass a health inspection. Beggars are everywhere, and everyone wants money from you. Most people are nice, but there are a lot of dodgey ones.

Bangkok, though also dirty and stinky, at least has some nicer areas and has a truly unique and distinct charm. You won't encounter the same degree of poverty, and the people, because they are more buddhist, are less apt to beg.

the hawkers on the beaches are much more persistent in philippines.

boracay is a super nice beach, but doesnt offer a party scene and is more for couples on a honeymoon. there isnt much to do recreationally on the island.

thailand is just, simply, much more interesting and vibrant. you can rent a mophead, enjoy less conservative women and people, and feel safer (relatively speaking).

philippines has less of the "crackhead backpacker" crowd, but for good reason. it's not nearly as interesting a country to visit.

as for language barriers...the thais, most of them, know just enough english, and more then enough to help you out. the philippinos, at times, seem to know too much and will use it to harrass you into buying a watch while you are trying to relax on a beach.

in my opinion, thailand wins hands down. especially in the bangkok vs. manila category. and thai women are much more exotic and come in a wider range of looks. in terms of handicrafts, thailand also wins. the floating market is cool, and philippines has nothing like that.

just look on the thorn tree and check out what is said (or not said) about manila. most people hate this city.

[indytrucks]

[justagirl]

To the OP:

Dude, some of these posters have a chip on their shoulder about everything, eh? Well, I was just hoping to share some of my experience, and I hoped it helped.

Whichever country you end up in, I'm sure you'll enjoy. As I said, I liked both and want to go back to both.

To Indytrucks: Man, why do you have to tear apart other people's posts? Just because I had a certain experience and shared it with people on this board doesn't mean you have to shred it to pieces. These were MY experiences. If you had different ones, why don't you write about them, rather than criticize what everyone else is writing? You sound very embittered against some opinions, rather than truly trying to help the OP, which is the point of this thread.

justagirl

[paul]

Okay, just a few comments before I gotta go teach!

I think the Phillipines is a little more friendly and less inundated by tourists, therefore less tourist traps. I also found that you get more for your money in P.I., such as larger hotel rooms and slightly better service. There does not seem to be a premium on beach hotels compared to other hotels. Plus it's cheaper to fly to the Phils. Just don't fly Philippine Air. The terminal is all by itself and is not user friendly. Choose China Air or ask your travel agent about a deal on Cebu Air...real cheap!

Thailand, on the other hand, has its good points but I found it a tad more expensive (relatively speaking), than the Phils. And most of the service in general is slower. Sometimes they make you feel like they are doing you a favor. The good thing about Thailand is the cheap flights among the islands and all the other young western tourists. Khaosan Road in Bangkok is not to be missed, but don't overdue it! And stay away from long bus trips, like, from Phuket to Bangkok. A lot of people get ripped off when they are sleeping and the ride is never ending. Make sure you have enough cash to take a return flight. Beleive me it's worth the $40.

On the subject of women? I personally like Filipinas better because their English is easier to understand, which goes a long way sometimes. They also flirt all the time! But as far as overall beauty, both Thai women and Filipinas are gorgeous.

Of course, Korean women are the absolute best as far as looks are concerned.

Cheers

[indytrucks]

[Mashimaro]

[TECO]

Trucker - All good points!

I agree with you 100%

[Paddycakes]

Everything you wanted to know about Thailand and the Philippines (and a whole lot more, badda bing badda boom) can be gleaned here:

www.wsgforum.com

Or, if you want to know all the gory details about what one man with a ladder, five pounds of plado, some fishing net , an Abba CD, and a box full of lego can do in one night in Angeles City, PI, I suggest you check out this site:

www.On_the_Other_Hands_Personal_BLOG.com

[baldrick]

Just for the record,
A lot has been said about Manila and Bangkok. I can't stand anyone who goes to these cities and then complains about the pollution, the smell, the poverty. To me thats the beauty of travelling - accepting the place for what it is. The thought of some poncy backpacker turning their nose up at the sights and sounds of Bangkok or Manila just makes me laugh. Run, run back to the four star accomodation!! These are ancient capitals and you can't write them off because the air is dirty or because you see some street children - its called REALITY.
I read someone posting Manila has nothing to offer - OK THEN! You must have really scratched beneath the surface......
The Philippines is an incredible country. Forget Boracay, try Palawan.

[beast]

Philippines rocks!!! Yes, there are a lot of Koreans there now, but who cares? They travel in packs and won't bother you.