If you want to go someplace gorgeous, try Palawan in the PI. Shorter flight for you and a quick hop from Manila. It's got it all - underground rivers, crystal clear lakes, gorgeous beaches, mountains, waterfalls, wreck diving, kayaking. It's even got a bunch of those islands with the beach on the inside (like Leo's 'The Beach') You can get a decent place on the sand in El Nido for $40. Right up there with the most beautiful places I've ever been and kinda untouched - for now. Food sucks though - except the fabulous lechon ! ps: PM me if you want to see my pics. wj