Korean Job Discussion Forums

[cdninkorea]

A friend and I want to go to the Philippines for our two week vacation at the end of December. The problem we're both having is: where should we go?

We're both relatively young and very active: I definitely want to do some relaxing on nice beaches, but fun activities are a must: scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, bike tours, kayaking, rafting, etc. are things on the list. I'm not in any way going for sex or drinking; aside from a few beers once in a while in a relaxing bar to wind down, I'm not much of a drinker.

I'm sure many reading this have been to the Philippines: any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

[Clockout]

Haven't been before but I am going to Boracay at the end of January.

I'm just looking for a relaxing escape from the Korean winter and a beautiful beach.

[I-am-me]

Boracay is nice for a week. Longer than that might get boring unless you really like water sports and diving. I can recommend a no thrills, cheap resort which I enjoyed. http://www.orchidsboracay.com/index. Its run by an American who will help you out with info.

[asams]

Boracay is cool. Every kind of water sport you can imagine, and the diving will be pretty good around that time. The only problem is that if you're trying to get away from Koreans then you'll have to find another destination. Boracay is a very popular vacation spot for Koreans.

I might make another trip there in December myself.

[thrylos]

Boracay is good, but not for 2 full weeks. One week will be plenty, 10 days is too much, I think.

Why not venture further off into Palawan (big, long western-most island, just north of Borneo/Malaysia?) For two weeks, you'll swim, eat, drink, and meet cool other like-minded people in wonderful surroundings, it's big enough that if you get bored, you can always move around (planes, boats, jeepneys, or DIY transport are all feasible there) without spending too much time between places.

True, it's a bit far from either Manila or Cebu, but that's why it's better than other options.

Further off the beaten track is the southeastern coast of Luzon (the main island where Manila is), but still amazingly beautiful, more low-key (less watersports than Palawan), and less tourism, if that's what you're after.

Good thing is you're only a 4-5 hour bus ride from Manila, no need for another airplane/10-15 hour-plus boat ride.

Or, venture north into Luzon, heading towards the 1000(?) Islands National Park for kayaking, snorkelling, rock-climbing, or to the northern-most tip of the main island. Really nice (but also kinda quiet)

Or, just bite the tourist bullet and hit 3-4 different well-traveled spots. (Boracay-Bohol-Cebu, etc)

With 2 weeks, you shouldn't just stay in one place, especially Boracay. Just too many nice places to see!!

[redhed]

with one week I hit bantanyan island and malapascua out of Cebu. No jet ski's, bikes, etc....but lots of diving/snorkeling and kicking it. I am going back with more time in January, will be spending all my time on Palawan. Though from what I here Boracay sounds like a good match for you.

[matt chaos]

Hi redhead. That sounds like something great for me to do as I will only have about 8/9 days in January.

Can you recommend anywhere in particular to stay on those islands and the best way to get there from Cebu airport? Are there lots of people to meet there and beers going down?

Cheers

[Majeh]

Hi Cdninkorea,

If you want to make the most of your two weeks in the Philippines doing fun outdoor stuff, go to Palawan.

If you're into scuba diving and other outdoor sports, I recommend Club Paradise off the coast of Palawan. I was there 12 years ago and it was the most beautiful beach I've ever been to. Great snorkelling and wildlife, too! Here are some recent reviews and their website.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g294255-d477884-Reviews-Club_Paradise_Palawan-Palawan.html

http://www.clubparadisepalawan.com/

Have you checked out El Nido? It's also in Palawan and it supposed to NOT have such a commercial-ly tourist feel as Boracay.
http://www.elnidopalawan.com/

Writing this make me want to spend my time in between contracts in Palawan...

[donducky]

I'm going to Angeles City myself. Heard it has the best beaches. And culture, and everything.

[Triban]

I'm going from Feb. 10-Feb.28 (18 days mang).

Bohol and Palawan, might hit up one more place if we get bored, which I doubt.

[BoholDiver]

Bohol for a week for sure. If you are not a diver, 1 week is long enough.

You could try Palawan or Boracay for the other week.

[tigershark]

So does anyone know of good websites to book flights with? I'm looking for the cheapest flight possible... obviously.

[ttompatz]

[guava]

I recommend forgoing the jetski idea as it is an unnecessary risk.
Everywhere there are jetskis there are fatalities and injuries.

Recently a Japanese diver in Philippines was killed by a jetski to the head. The Filipino driver was immediately jailed.
In this regard, you gotta be careful where you do your swimmming too.
If you are the driver you could immediately lose your freedom, if you are the swimmer you could immediately lose your life.
I saw a Filipino boy in the water diving for dinner. His head surfaced in the wake of a jetski a moment after it passed. If the jetski had passed a second earlier it would have been a mess.

There are alternative thrills, like parasailing.
Theres an adventure company in Moalboal that does adventure stuff; bike tours, kayaking, rafting, rapelling etc.
Its called Planet Action Adventure or something like that.

[Hamlet]