Philippines
Apr 23, 2010, 9:25 am
#16
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,375
I was so disappointed with Cebu as a tourist destination. We stayed at the Hilton and while we had a great stay and we're treated exceptionally well, the lack of a proper beach was a real downer. Maybe it's better at the Shangri-La?
I would only return to Cebu if to take the ferry to Bohol and spend a few days at a beach resort there. Some looked quite peaceful and relaxing.
May 27, 2010, 5:51 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 34
Subic is a blast
Hi,
Try to visit Subic next time on a side trip from Manila. Stay at one of the Marina Bay villas for a cheap $100/nyt. Google it and you'll see a bnew villa available for $100. It is also located near the beach with lots of bars to choose (Pier One, Cascades, Cork Room, etc) for fun and music. And the crowds mostly local. Eat local delicacy at Gerrys Grill while relaxing in the beach ( no swimming allowed though near the bars and restos).Proper beaches are about 10 minutes drive away.
It is one of the safest place in Philippines I would say even at night time.
While you are there you can try exploring Mount Pinatubo ( volcano) and go to Grande Island.
It is just a 2 hour drive from Manila. I am from Subic and would gladly give inside info on where to go or stay in Luzon part of the Philippines ( Manila/Subic/Baguio).
Try to visit Subic next time on a side trip from Manila. Stay at one of the Marina Bay villas for a cheap $100/nyt. Google it and you'll see a bnew villa available for $100. It is also located near the beach with lots of bars to choose (Pier One, Cascades, Cork Room, etc) for fun and music. And the crowds mostly local. Eat local delicacy at Gerrys Grill while relaxing in the beach ( no swimming allowed though near the bars and restos).Proper beaches are about 10 minutes drive away.
It is one of the safest place in Philippines I would say even at night time.
While you are there you can try exploring Mount Pinatubo ( volcano) and go to Grande Island.
It is just a 2 hour drive from Manila. I am from Subic and would gladly give inside info on where to go or stay in Luzon part of the Philippines ( Manila/Subic/Baguio).
May 31, 2010, 11:34 pm
#18
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 121
Bohol: I took the ferry and did a day trip around Bohol which I loved. I should have skipped Cebu and spent the time in Bohol.
Overall I LOVED the Philippines. Everyone was so nice and welcoming--I had a really great time, it was one of my favorite places from my 4 months of travels. I would definitely go back, and next time explore more. I wish I could have gone to Palawan as well.
Overall I LOVED the Philippines. Everyone was so nice and welcoming--I had a really great time, it was one of my favorite places from my 4 months of travels. I would definitely go back, and next time explore more. I wish I could have gone to Palawan as well.
Jun 8, 2010, 8:52 am
#20
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SFO
Programs: AY Plat, LH FTL
Posts: 7,375
While I have nothing to compare it to, I greatly enjoyed the diving in and around Boracay. Drift dives, ship wrecks, night dives from the beach - I literally did a different dive every day for a total of 10 days.
Moreover, the island has places to stay and on-shore activities to suit (most) any taste.
Moreover, the island has places to stay and on-shore activities to suit (most) any taste.
Jul 7, 2010, 4:59 am
#21
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 121
Jul 11, 2010, 8:05 pm
#22
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,636
While I have nothing to compare it to, I greatly enjoyed the diving in and around Boracay. Drift dives, ship wrecks, night dives from the beach - I literally did a different dive every day for a total of 10 days.
Moreover, the island has places to stay and on-shore activities to suit (most) any taste.
Moreover, the island has places to stay and on-shore activities to suit (most) any taste.
It's gotten real pricey in the last few years, but still worthwhile.
Jul 14, 2010, 8:17 am
#23
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,512
Jul 14, 2010, 8:33 pm
#24
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Cambridge
Posts: 63,636
If you just book per dive with a group, 2 dives should be <$50 usd.
Gets more expensive if you want to charter the boat for the day and basically go where/when you want but still reasonable at <$150.
There's a lot more inflation in the prices charged by the resorts over the last 10 years though...
Jul 15, 2010, 7:58 am
#25
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,512