Originally Posted by
trooper
As an old military guy I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Corregidor...
Manila is tough for some. If you had a hard time with touts in Bangkok as your other thread asking these questions said, then I think Manila might not be your best option. But if you do go there, and if you have any WWII history interests, this trip is excellent. As is the US military cemetery. I've been to the cemetery many times, and hope to get back to Corregidor again soon. Corregidor takes up most of a day. The cemetery is a quicker trip. Intramuros is another historical place in Manila, but I didn't enjoy it too much.
You can skip Manila though, and either connect to someplace else the same day, or just fly into Cebu.
Most tourist trips, in my opinion, can be divided north or south of Manila. North is mostly by bus, with Baguio, the rice terraces, Hundred Islands, and Mt Pinatubo the main attractions. Subic Bay is a good option if you want some diving.
South is mostly about the beaches. Boracay is most popular, El Nido is a pain to get to but pretty cool with some hiking and kayaking but not very good diving. You mention wildlife, there are tarsiers in Bohol and the Chocolate Hills. Lots of churches and cathedrals and remnants of Spanish history in towns and cities. Otherwise it's all about beaches. If you're looking for diving, then Panglao/Balicasag are good, so is Malapascua, Moalboal, and many many other spots. Best to view some diving forums to thoroughly explore that if it's one of your priorities.
Originally Posted by
bryantpark
I would still encourage you to visit Palawan. The warning, if ever, is for the south of the island which is closer to Malaysia. The northern half is practically safe.
This is exactly not what the warning says. Warnings for the south of Palawan have been around for many years. The typical advice given to many, including by me on this forum, was to stay at, or north of, Puerto Princesa. Unfortunately Abu Sayyaf seems to be trying to change up their routine. Recently they took a trip up to Bohol, now this warning for the underground river area which is north of PP.
You can ignore the warning, and most do. Sipadan has had warnings for years but is one of the most popular dive spots there is. Resorts will often have security. But it should be clear that this warning is a bit new and different than old ones in my opinion.