Korean Job Discussion Forums

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

No, this isn't a runner. I just have some vacation that was approved at the last minute. The cheapest flight I can get is to Manila. Any advice on what to do? How much to budget? Where to go?

Also... a really important question. Is it likely to find a decent room on arrival this time of year?

And, how much should I expect to spend on the taxi?

Much thanks!

Very Happy

augustine · Joined: 08 Sep 2012 Location: México

I didn't stay in Manila, but if you want to hit up the beach you can catch a three hour bus down south and then take a ferry to somewhere on Mindoro. There are some nice spots around there. I'd head straight for the beach myself, not a big fan of Manila.

thrylos · Joined: 10 Jun 2008

Try Cebu pacific and/or Zest for cheap tix. Don't know about last minute, but those two airlines usually offer a RT ticket to MNL for 2-300k won, including all taxes.

Hotel rooms shouldn't be too hard to find, but keep in mind the cheapest room will go for 1200-1500 pesos and up ($30+), unless you want a dorm room.

Check out Friendly's GH, Familie Pensionne, Pensionne Natividad for dorms (on FB).

Tune hotels are also an option, you can pick/choose a la carte for services, but still about $30-$35 for starters. Stargate Hotel is another option. Kinda sucks that rooms aren't that cheap, compared to Thailand/Vietnam/Cambo etc.

All listed here are around Ermita/Malate. Don't know much about Mabini/Parnaque (the other 2 'tourist' zones of MNL.)

You can catch a taxi if you walk out of the airport proper. Make sure they use the METER, 200-300 pesos (4-6 bux) to most places in town. You can also take a 'yellow' cab from the stand outside arrivals, they charge a bit more, but use the meter.

chaz47 · Joined: 11 Sep 2003

I was talking with some of my students and they said that Manila is super-hot and dirty this time of year. Hmmm.... not sure if I'm going now. My usual rule is if the daily budget exceeds $100 (including the cost to get there)... it's too expensive. The flight I found was $300 for 6 days. That's $50 a day there plus ~$30 for a room. Leaving only $20 a day or so for entertainment. That's a budget breaker... probably gonna make this one a stay-cation.

Thanks for your replies though guys. I'm itching to check out the Philippines but have to be a bit more frugal these days.

I'm With You · Joined: 01 Sep 2011

geldedgoat · Joined: 05 Mar 2009

Save your money and don't enter that country. The whole place is a ****hole, especially Manilla, and you'd be better off spending your money incountry on nearly anything else.

Just one traveller's opinion.

I'm With You · Joined: 01 Sep 2011

thrylos · Joined: 10 Jun 2008

Couchsurfer · Joined: 10 Apr 2013

I have only seen tourist regions of Thailand, but they were nice. Philippines, however, not so much. Even tourist regions are run-down and kinda crappy.

Also I found Philippines' cities to feel dangerous. Manila is not the safest place around. In the daytime, it should be okay.

If you insist on going to Philippines, I'd advise you getting out of Manila. For just a weekend, not being a long weekend.....do you have money that's burning a hole in your pocket?

Couchsurfer · Joined: 10 Apr 2013

I have only seen tourist regions of Thailand, but they were nice. Philippines, however, not so much. Even tourist regions are run-down and kinda crappy.

Also I found Philippines' cities to feel dangerous. Manila is not the safest place around. In the daytime, it should be okay.

If you insist on going to Philippines, I'd advise you getting out of Manila. For just a weekend, not being a long weekend.....do you have money that's burning a hole in your pocket?