Korean Job Discussion Forums

SarcasmKills · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

Alright, I'm heading to the Philippines next week for 3 weeks..

The truth is that although I've been enamoured with the place for years (I grew up with a wack of filipinos), I really have no idea what there is to do there.. I bought a LP yesterday and that's it..

Basically, I'm flying into Manilla and flying out of Cebu 3 weeks later..

I figure I'll hit Boracay at some point along the way..

And suggestions as to what I should do/avoid?
Any warnings? Things I should bring/not bring?

I'm hoping some of you have actually travelled there and would have some suggestions itinerary wise as to what I shouldn't miss.. I'm doing the trip solo as well...

For the record, I'm not into prostitutes or macking 16 year olds.

JAMZ · Joined: 18 May 2004 Location: Ori Station, Bundang

im goin in march... let me know how it goes.... i havent been to the philippines since 87... you should check out the rice terraces in Banaue and Sagado... considered the 8th natural wonder of the world.

Harvard Material · Joined: 25 Feb 2003 Location: Seoul

Never been there, YET!, but I have many friends who have been. Their advice? DON"T STAY IN MANILLA!! Very, very dangerous place apparently. Lot's of gangs and a serious corruption problem inside the law. Drugs, guns, prostitutes=money. Toxic mix for trouble. Many bars have signs telling you to check your knives/guns at the door.

Avoid taxis if at all possible. It is better/safer to hire a driver for a full day then random taxi pick-ups.

Angeles(spelling?), apparently is a safe city. Much safer than Manilla. When you land at the airport you should have a car arranged to pick you up and get you out of there. The person telling me these things has been in Korea for 18 years and has been to the Philippines more than 20 times on business/pleasure trips.

Regardless s.k.; take good care and exercise caution. Especially at night! I'll try to get you some more info...

peppermint · Posted: Mon Jan 24, 2005 10:58 pm Post subject:

lawyertood · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:03 am Post subject:

If you want to avoid macking....avoid that pit known as Angeles.

lawyertood · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 1:03 am Post subject:

Try http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=26883&highlight=Philippines

or
http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=426

desultude · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 2:58 am Post subject:

I really enjoyed Manilla. My friend and I were cautious, but we had a great time. We stayed at Malate Pensione, and ate great Caribbean food at the Ciboney on Remedios Circle (near the Pensione). That little neighborhood also has good Philippino food, and a little Cuban club with salsa dancing.

I can't imagine traveling to actually see a country and understand it, and not spend time in the big cities.

Here is my favorite photo from Banaue. The town is a bettle juice soaked disaster of nasty filth, with pathetic food, but the people are so nice, and the surroundings are some of the most beautiful country I have ever seen.

hamlet12

If you are into crowds and the whole party scene then by all means go to cebu.

BUt before you hit there try and hit white beach in Puerto Galera.

IF YOU LAND AFTER 5PM

When you land at the airport take an airport taxi to the City State Tower Hotel. They are gonna say that its over 1500 pesos. If you say no way, and walk away the driver will usually come out and drop the price to around 650, at least thats what happened with me. The Taxi fare will cost you only around 150 - 200 pesos, but who knows if your driver will REALLY know where the hotel is. The hotel is 1250. This price is not worth it for the room.

The hotel has a bus that leaves FROM THE HOTEL at 8 am every morning to the Boat docks.

MAKE SURE YOU GET ON A WHITE BEACH BOAT, NOT SABANG, oranything else

If you wanna go to the beach right away, just hit any terminal and get a bus ticket to Batangas boat docks. They will get you on the right bus. But the last boat is just around 6 or 7, so keep that in mind. If you havent loaded a bus by around 4 30 pm you are stuck there til the next morning.

White beach is a very cool little place. Lots and LOTS of beach space, secluded, all amenities, all price ranges, greta food, a golf course right near by. You can hire trikes or jeepneys very reasonable.

Befreind the guys at PACIFIC DIVERS. They know the area. The guy who runs it also can rent you his guest house at 500 pesos a night ( no hot water though i think)

I stayed at the Gray Wall, its about 1500 pesos in low season i believe, very roomy and very clean. The owner goes out of her way for you.

Anyway. Other than that if you wanna go anywhere on the Manilla island, I can give you a very reliable private driver. his rate basically works out to 13 bucks an hour or so dpending on distance.

I have numbers to everywhere, and for all the people i have mentioned

Private message me with any questions or concerns. I doubt you'll be dissapointed with White beach

schwa · Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Location: Yap

I only know Manila airport & Boracay. I had a wonderful time. Its a poor country but I met lots of genuinely friendly filipinos.

SarcasmKills · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

What was the best way to get to/from Banaue from Manilla? According to the LP the bus takes 9 hours!! Confused

are flights to/from pretty cheap?

Anyways.. so far this is what I'm thinking I can't miss...

Manila for a few days
Banaue
Puerto Galera
Sabang
Boracay
Cebu

Is Angeles/Mt. Pinatubo worth hitting at all?

What else am I missing?

Yeah, I know I suck.. but seriously any help is appreciated... how long do you figure I should spend in each place?

desultude · Posted: Tue Jan 25, 2005 7:32 pm Post subject:

Sagada is cool, and can be gotten to on a route back to Manila from Banaue via Bontok. (Yeah, the bus ride is too long and exhausting, but also amazingly scenic.)

Its a strangely calm and quiet little town, with great hikes, hanging coffins, and marvelous caves. I stayed at a converted orphanage (St. Joseph Guesthouse) for $1.00 U.S. a night- private little room with a bath across the hall. We ate as Masferre Country Inn (good food, nice baked goods for breakfast) and Yoghurt House- where they have other-worldly yoghurt- so thick and creamy with a remarkable flavor. We were there about this time last year, and they were serving fresh strawberries with the yoghurt. They also have a killer BLT, and a lending library as well!

By the way, the secret to the tidy calmness of the village is the serious presence of Missionaries. Masferres has also a gift store with great crafts, and a photo gallery in the restaurant. It seems the family is part of the missionary thing. But the photos are spectacular old shots of the mountain tribes- not to be missed.

It feels like a mountain retreat out of Thomas Mann!

Oh, and if you go, Sagada can get cold as hell, and nothing is heated, so take appropriate clothes.

Pyongshin Sangja · Joined: 20 Apr 2003 Location: I love baby!

Take some Valium for the bus ride. It's a serious pain in the ass. Buy hash from the Barangay Captain in Sagada.

SarcasmKills · Joined: 07 Apr 2003 Location: Seoul

Alright, leaving tomorrow morning.. will be in Manila late tomorrow aft... I've had loads of suggestions sent to me (thanks)... one thing I haven't settled is which area of Manila I should go to once I arrive..

Suggestions? Pros/Cons?

merci

desultude · Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 2:07 am Post subject:

Here's what I suggested before, if you are interested in particulars, send me a p.m.

And have a great time!

chronicpride · Joined: 16 Jan 2003