Asia - Planning trip to Phillipines

I am planning a trip to Cebu and Manila in Jan 08. From what I can tell the weather is 77 degrees with not a lot of rain. How is the ocean temperature for that time of year? Is it safe to visit Manila and the island of Cebu(Cebu City and Virgin Beach)?

In Manila I was looking at the Pan Pacific or the Peninsula Hotel what hotel would you go for in terms of location, safety and price? Are there other hotels that are comparable to the Peninsula in a good location. How is Makatai(sp)? I want a hotel with a pool and nice rooms.

As an American Citizen id 46 Philippine Pesos to 1 US dollar good? Can I buy a lot with the Dollar? How are the prices in the restaurants, shopping, entrance to museums etc? Will I get more for my money by vacationing in Manila and Cebu?

There is this resort all inclusive package in Cebu and I wanted to stay in Manila.

I was looking at the flight on Philippine AIrlines from SFO-Cebu via Manila. Why does this flight stop in Agana Guam on the flight over? On hte way back it can do it non-stop. Is it because of the trade winds?

Thanks for the info.

Why the plane stops in Guam, I have no idea. When we flew to LAX-MNL, we stopped in Guam, too. They said it was to refuel? I am not a flight expert, but perhaps the winds do have something to do with it?

Our PR flight leaving LAX left about an hour later than scheduled, I think the SFO flight is scheduled to leave around the same time at night. PR is notorious for waiting for every last darn customer to get on that plane. Because of that, we missed our connecting flight out of MNL to another city.

When you land in MNL, you'll be landing at the PR terminal that is meant solely for them. So, int' and domestic flights arrive and depart form the same place, just on different sides of the secured areas. You'll probably have to clear customs, walk out of the terminal then re-enter on the other side to get to the domestic flights.

To get through security, you'll have to pay an airport departure tax in US dollars or pesos. Go to the exchange window at the end of the terminal (inside) and you can exchange US dollars for pesos. The exchange rate there is not bad, it's better than most banks here. Fork over your money to the booth agent just outside the security queues and they'll give you the departure ticket - it doesn't hurt to exchange a hundred or so (US) to get you started. You'll need more pesos to leave Cebu and Manila, so be prepared. They might have added the departure tax into your ticket price now, but I am not sure.

Water temps are in the mid to upper 70s, quite nice if you like the tropics. When we were there in late Jan/early Feb, the air temp felt higher, perhaps because of the humidity. I'd say it's more in the 80s (air).

I felt our money went pretty far. 46:1 is a tiny bit lower than when we went; we had it at 48. It's been on a slow drop, but don't let that discourage you. Funny enough, my cousin in Manila exchanged my US dollars into pesos at 50:1. When I got back to Calif, my mom said it was because he could turn around and sell US dollars at at even higher rate. Gotta love it.:D

Makati would be the most strategic place to stay in as it's one big shopping center and near the major tourist attractions. The Peninsula Hotel is really nice, but the price can be a bit on the high side. If you're on a budget, you can stay at business traveler oriented hotels such as those in the Ortigas area, some of which have indoor pool and fitness facilities and spacious rooms for less than 100USD/night

You can change USD to PHP at the various Shoemart department stores' FX service counters. They have pretty good rates IMO. All in all things are quite cheap in the Philippines so you should be able to get a lot for your $.

Regarding the stopover at Guam for your flight, I'm not sure either why there should be one. Last month I took SFO-MNL which should be rather similar and although it had a Guam stopover in the original itinerary they changed it at the last moment to a direct flight to Manila.

One note though, at the MNL terminal for PAL, it seemed that the ground staff were manually sorting out those for transfers to domestic flights BEFORE loading it onto the conveyor. As a result, all the bags coming out on the conveyors were those for people with transfers, and those who were just coming in to MNL had the pleasure of waiting more than 1 hour for their baggage...

Farecompare showing PAL a hair cheaper than others,
but their FF mileage program is isolated.

I have gone to MNL on NW, CO, UA (as far as TPE), and others,
and cerainly enjoyed getting usable miles.

I stayed at the Intercon in Makati last month,
cost 5000 points ($50) per day, nice lounge on top.
The point deal is not there now, but could come back.

One note though, at the MNL terminal for PAL, it seemed that the ground staff were manually sorting out those for transfers to domestic flights BEFORE loading it onto the conveyor. As a result, all the bags coming out on the conveyors were those for people with transfers, and those who were just coming in to MNL had the pleasure of waiting more than 1 hour for their baggage...

KIX - I forgot about that; danielonn - make sure you make yourself known to the handlers pulling out the luggage for domestic transfers. You do actually get your things a bit faster than those staying in MNL.

And like MrHalliday said, PR's mileage prog is limiting. My parents, who originally came from the Philippines, try to avoid flying them as much as possible. I did notice that the PR flights come in early enough the next morning that you can (at least try to) make many doemstic flights out of MNL. Not sure how many of the other carriers come in that early.

In my opinion, definitely stay in the Makati area rather than around the Pan Pacific. Any of the big hotels in the Makati area are no more than a few steps from a ring of interconnected malls which is handy for walking around, shopping, eating, etc...

The Peninsula is about the top of the food chain in Makati. I like the Rennaissance because it is just across the street from Greenbelt and the restaurants and cafes that I frequent (and I like getting my Marriott points), although it is nothing special as a hotel.

If you are staying for a while, you might consider the Ascott. Very nice apartments and facilities. I like having a kitchen and laundry within the unit.

The Makati area is certainly safe to walk around in, although if you look like a mark they will find you anywhere. As always, being with just one other person makes all the difference in personal safety.

PR mileage program is rather limited so you may want to check out other airlines such as NW, CX or UA, etc. via Japan or HKG. Fares drop around mid-Jan so u can most likely get good deals from the consoloidator fares too. Another airline to check out for your trip from MNL to Cebu is Cebu Pacific.

Staying in Makati around the Greenbelt area will certainly place you in a convenient location with the many restaurants and shops.

January is a great time with hopefully "cooler " temperatues and less humidity. And ocean water temperature is nice and "warm"!

I'm planning on visiting the Phillipines for a brief business visit in the next couple of months. According to the web site a visa is required for business but not for tourism. (For a short stay) Does anyone have experience with this? Do they enforce the business visa requirements or even ask why you are there?

Thanks.

They mean a visa is required to establish a business in The Philippines. If you are just coming on a normal business trip (meetings, seminar, etc) then for US/European and other passports you get 14 days or so visa-free on arrival. I have in any case never been asked why I am visiting (except in the sense of ticking the box on the Landing Card).

....The Peninsula is about the top of the food chain in Makati....

That is so NOT TRUE! The Peninsula is quite ok and used to be the best, but the Shangri-La Makati (there are other Shangri-La's in town, don't get confused) across the street is the best hotel in Manila, no contest.

The main advantage of the Pen is that you can often get a package including flights that substantially discounts the Pen. The Shangri-La doesn't need to discount so they don't.

Note that all hotel prices in Manila are as much as 32% higher than the actual price you get quoted, unless it's totally inclusive and prepaid. They all have some sort of exchange scam that adds 10%, there is a 12% VAT, and there usually is a 10% service charge added.

I am staying at the Shangri_la Makati in early Nov. How are the hotel restaurants?

I am staying at the Shangri_la Makati in early Nov. How are the hotel restaurants?

Darn good question -- have stayed there a bunch of times and never eaten in them, but the food in the business lounge is great, probably the best lounge food I've had. Note that the hotel is 5-10 minutes walk from a development called "Greenbelt" that is chock full of decent restaurants.

Any that you would reccomend?
Thanks!

Bump this message!

Any that you would reccomend?
Thanks!

Sorry for not watching this forum for a while. We have just gone over to Greenbelt and picked a different place every time, avoiding western franchises (I really don't need to go to Manila to eat at "Bubba Gump's!"). So nothing specially sticks out.

Today's bombing in Makati will certainly make some folks re-think their travel plans to Manila. It is always bizarre to see a place that you have frequented without a second thought surrounded by police tape and flashing lights in the aftermath of these things.

I will be stasying @ the Shang-la Makati on Friday nov. 9. How close is that to the bombing site?
Thanks,
JMJ

JMJ,

It is right on the other side of Glorietta park only 200 meters away.

http://www.wiki-maps.com/manila/lid/glorietta

I'd like to emphasize that this area will be the safest part of Manila for the next few months due to the number of police/military that will be patrolling.

I think you are probably right. I am not canceling my trip as it is a mission trip with my church. But thank you for the information.
JMJ

There are now reports that the explosion was an accident caused by gas buildup, and not a bomb at all..so things may not be as bad as they seem.

There are now reports that the explosion was an accident caused by gas buildup, and not a bomb at all..so things may not be as bad as they seem.

A friend of mine in Manila who is well connected tells me he has also heard these reports from what he calls a "usually reliable source" and apparently the investigation is being changed to include checking out that possibility as well.

Richard,

I live in Manila and it has been in the news. The Philippine National Police (read: idiots) came out rather fast saying that it was a bomb due to "C4 Residue". Aus Fed Police, FBI, & Israeli consultants found no such evidence and all signs point to gas explosion (no subsequent fire, no shrapnel, no explosive residue, inconsistent physical findings).

JMJ,

There's a rather nice Chinese restaurant in Makati Shang itself. But I'd suggest walking to Greenbelt 2, not only to find places to eat, but to enjoy the greenspace (which is sorely lacking in Metro Manila IMHO). I suggest Masa's if you're interested in Filipino Cuisine. CYMA for Greek. Try Bizu (it's on the other side of the bldg facing the Greenbelt towers that are under construction) for some really nice sweets & cakes.

I wouldn't worry about safety. That area of Metro is safe as you can get. But they be "more thorough" in checking bags at mall entrances for the time being, so I suggest leaving bags in your room if at all possible.

RafC thanks for the information. I will try one of those restaurants.
JMJ