What are some good travel agencies to use when booking for the philipines?

Book Now!
 

If you want to go to the Philippines, book a flight now. I was just messing around checking what the current UA price is on Travelocity and I found the fare dropped again. I should book this. $577 all-in ORD-HKG-MNL. That's the cheapest I've ever seen this. I'm sure it's not going to last long.

As I said earlier, the $660 all-in fare that I saw lasted less than a day.

Edit: I wish I were Premier Executive as this would be 1.85cents/mile which would be great considering I'd like to go there anyway.

I am closely eyeing a 435 MSP-ORD-HKG-MNL fare. I would love to go to the Phillipines, but Manila is not my number one choice. Any ideas for a CHEAP place to get to (plane, train, bus) to spend 5 or 6 days. Warm, not so crowded, a little more laid back. I need to get away, and I am not necessarily looking for another large metropolis. Ideas?

There are some other places in the Philippines that fit that description. I've never been there, but I here Cebu is a lot nicer than Manila. Also, there is Palawan and Borocauy (sic). Those are beach resort type areas.

Keep in mind that you can also get some cheap airfares out of Manila to other places in Asia. You could stay in Manila for 2 days, take advantage of the cheap shopping and then fly somewhere else.

The hotel rates you guys are quoting are a bit on the pricey side imo/ime. We used to (in 2003) latch onto a corporate deal at the MO that was $40 per night, including breakfast. That eventually disappeared, then the Penn hooked us up for $50, no breakfast. Rates have crept up over the course of the past year and a half, but everything except for the Shangri-la is still attainable for less than $75. The only way I've found to stay at the Shang on the cheap is to book an air/hotel package. From sh, the room is essentially comped for 3 days if you pay for 2 plane tickets at $400 each.

As for the desirability of MNL as a tourist destination, my views are a bit jaded because I have vivid memories of the guns and the lawlessness when I was living and working there, but I suppose it could be ok for a few days.

However, the beaches are far more compelling.

Its always hot and humid in Manila, sometimes even during the rainy season.

Very true. When I'm there it seems I need a shower 2 or 3 times a day. You can imagine then how hot it gets during the summer time (March-May).

The rainy season, actually, typhoon season kicks in about June and typically runs up to August/September. Yes it can be miserable and scary especially if a category 3 typhoon or upwards is in the forecast, but one of my fondest memories of the Philippines is just soaking up under that rain. There is just something about that warm, tropical rain.

The rest of the other months can be fairly dry, with the 'winter' months for us here in the West, being the most comfortable.

Last August I stayed at the Peninsula, and I thought it was quite nice. As noted, it has excellent location, and the hotel itslef has more of a traditional, elegant feel. I'm heading back to Manila in few weeks and will most likely try the Shangri-la this time. But there are many other hotels that will offer you much cheaper rates.

I think foreigners, specifically Americans can expect to be treated warmly. Filipinos are very friendly and most of them appreciates it when a foreigner visits and shows interest to their culture. Filipinos are very hospitable to their guests in general. And I do wish you'll have somebody to help you guide around the city (or outside provinces where the air is fresh) and connect you with the locals.

I think the 'lawlessness' alluded to in the earlier post could be impressed upon by the chaotic tendencies of the city (traffic, poverty). But in the end, the city, amazingly, works fine. You have to be aware of your surroundings just like in any other cities (walking in Broad St. in Philadelphia comes to mind).

I'm paying about $160/night++ at the Shangri-La Makati for a club floor room on my upcoming trip. Room I had last time was decent, not large, and mildly worn but the service was great and the food in the club room is fine. However, I did expect better from the room.

Also quite disappointing that they charge $18/day for internet.

I enjoyed readings all the posts here. I am going to MNL in firdt wek of March on the UA sale fare. I will be there for 5 days. I am looking for a mid-priced hotel? Besides Dusit Hotel Nikko, does anyone has any other recommendations? Last year I went to Singapore in March and had good luck getting Pan Pacific at priceline for $30/night. Anyone try it for Manila?

Hello again. I am surprised that there are that many people that are presently visiting the Philippines or plan to in the next few months. May I ask why you are going? Work, family, relaxation....?

I am going to visit relatives that I haven't seen in 25 years.

:eek:
Wow, it is time to see them again! I hope you'll have a good time!

Well, since I'm a FTer, I'm going for the miles ;) .

Okay, that's only part of the reason. The more important reason for me is similar to yours, to see some family and friends.

I'm quite sure I'll have a great time!

Does anyone know if they (Filipinos) still sell a firework called 'watusi' (sp?)? I remember that from my trip in 1980...along with my love for fish bowl!

yes, and eww! It was fun to use as a kid, but the stench of watusi smoke kinda turns my stomach now.

However, I'm not sure where you can buy them, as the fireworks merchants only come out before New Year's. You could try approaching the fireworks factories in the province, I suppose...

Solblanc, do vendors still sell fish bowl? I think they used to shout "bola bola" or something like that.

What were/are the two types of sauces that they sell with fish bowl? I recall just devouring soooooooooo much of that!

oh, fish balls! I thought you were referring to an actual fish bowl :D Yeah, the vendors are still around, although you might have to look hard for them, as the Metro authority has banned most vendors.

I love the stuff, especially with the sauces, there would be the gooey sweet stuff and the spicy vinegar, as well as the spicy gooey stuff :D