Philippines and best areas to visit
 

I'm planning a trip to SE Asia and hitting a couple of countries in the region. I am interested in spending time in the Philippines and would like advice on best areas to visit. I enjoy history, culture, nightlife, wildlife. It looks like I need to pass thru MNL for international flights? I'm probably looking at about a week in the Philippines and may be able to add a few days on to that depending on time constraints. Will be there around early July.

This came two days ago:

So is the problem confined to that one island and area or is this going to be an issue with most of the Philippines? I had heard these types of problems were mostly in the southern parts.

Mostly for Palawan. But crime in general is a problem in Philippines/Manilla.

Hmm being that Palawan is one of the destinations I wanted to see maybe I should be giving the Philippines a pass? I haven't heard anyone say anything good about Manilla, but are there other great locations in the Philippines that aren't under a current warning? I have heard the beaches in the Philippines can be amazing, although I would likely be there very end of june through the first week of July. I'm not sure how much the weather will impact the area especially when it comes to beaches and maybe scuba diving.

As an old military guy I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Corregidor...

The German government has a travel advisory for south Palawan (south of Puerto Princessa). For them north Palawan is fine. YMMV.

I personally have been to Alaminos which is north of Manila. Via switching bus in Dagupan you can go from there to Baguio in one day.
Travel from Manila to Alaminos by bus will cost you one day due to traffic. No planes available.

South of Manila is Puerto Galera. Easy to reach. First take the bus to Batangas port / pier. this should take about 3 hours and then take a ferry to any place you like in Puerto Galera. Its 60-90 minutes ride. Porters will ask for 100 pesos to bring your suitcase on board of these smaller ferries.

I have stayed in San Antonio in a hotel called Coral Garden http://www.coralgardenbeach.com/

AFAIK it is the only hotel on that small island. Beach is right outside of it. And the hotel staff will pick you up by boat once you arrive at Mhuelle by ferry from Batangas.

If you plan any trips talk to the cook "Marvin". He will give you much better prices and services then the "official tours" from the manager. Half of Marvin's family work in or around the hotel. His wife is a waitress. The other one is his sister in law. His father is the boat captain for the hotel but will drive you privately for your trips.

The first snorkeling spot is right outside of the hotel if you want to do a quick dive in the ocean.

The hotel is clean and quiet.

I love that place and will return in October this year.

I'd say go to Palawan or Siargao Islands. Best places in the Philippines.

It has been suggested to me that I could consider visiting Cebu and Bohol. How do Bohol and Palawan compare?

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. The most popular areas in Palawan are El Nido and Coron which is at the northern tip closest to Manila. Cebu and Bohol are likewise good options. Both islands are adjacent to each other. Travel between Cebu and Tagbilaran (Bohol) is via fastcraft (about 2 hours). If you want to avoid Manila, you can fly directly to Cebu. Cebu has good connections to Seoul, Busan, Tokyo, HK, Taipei, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, etc. Some other options near Cebu are Dumaguete and Siquijor island. Just google them or search video blogs on youtube. Check out this video by a Canadian traveler:

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.

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.

I've spent some time in Manila, unfortunately I did not have the chance to visit the other islands. If you go to Manila, as many have said, some sites to see is Corregidor, US Cemetery and Intramuros.

I would also try to get to Tagaytay. It's south of Manila, about 40 miles or so. You can get some good info on the internet about this place.

Also, depending on how brave and adventurous you are, visit Binondo. It's the world's oldest Chinatown. Some fantastic food. But, warning. There's a lot of poverty and crime. I would most definitely go in the morning and leave before 3ish.

For nightlife, again, be safe. Makati is relatively safe and so is Eastwood. But, depending on where you are staying, traffic is basically the worst in the world. From Eastwood to Makati is about 6 miles as the crow flies. But if you are out at night, a taxi ride will take you an hour, if you're lucky.

I have a hotel 5 days in Puerto Princesa City, Puerto Princesa that I am considering building a trip to the Philippines around.
Is there a enough to see in Puerto Princesa City, Puerto Princesa for 5 days?
What would you suggest the "must sees" and "things to experience" from the country for a 10 or 12 day trip? Where is the best place to research this for an insider view?
I am not into diving or swimming.

*Also on a side issue there is an airfare deal for the end of the rainy season, from the usa but I want to go now. Do local travel agencies or those that cater to the diaspora community offer better deals to the Philippines that I cannot find in the usual places? (I am failure with travel hacking) Is airfare cheaper locally, because from here a RT airfare from Manila to Puerto Princesa City, Puerto Princesa is like 200usd).
Thanks for your help,

I've only been to Palawan and Manila and I could say that you should go to these places if you prefer beaches and historical sites.

Try Honda Bay, Underground River and El Nido when in Palawan. Try Intramuros and US Cemetery in Manila. If you prefer watching traditional dance of the Phillippines, better head off to Zamboanga Restaurant because they have daily performance every night.

How is Manila?
I understand most of the Colonial city was destroyed.