OK, so now that we have gotten that out of the way let’s REALLY go into the “Philippines Experience”. First and foremost, understand that if you are flying internationally you will typically land in Manila (MNL airport code). We have a few members from other Asian countries that land at Clark Airfield and Cebu, but that will not apply to 99% of you.

Luzon Region – Major Destinations

Now, I already know that a good majority of you will be coming here to go to Angeles City. I must point out though that Angeles IS NOT the only “worthy” destination within this beautiful country and if you can afford it, MAKE SURE that you see other areas. I know far too many people that only go to Angeles City in their travels and have no clue about the rest of the country. In fact, they are rather naïve when it comes to pointing out that what you see on Fields Ave. (or any other “Expat-zone”) SHOULD NOT be taken by you as “how things really are”. Manila, Angeles City, Puerto Galera, Baguio and Subic Bay are the more “typical” areas that tourists in the Philippines go to. All of them have their own flavor and are easy to fit into your vacation agenda.

Puerto Galera – Sabang Beach

Aerial Shot of Puerto Galera

Sabang Beach

If you like to dive, go to the beach, snorkel or generally hang out in a “tropical location” then Puerto Galera is where you want to be. Sabang Beach is the more popular of areas in Puerto Galera (Mindoro Island) and offers quite a bit of diving opportunity for relatively cheap prices. For those of you curious about nightlife, Sabang offers 4 bars with approx 30-50 dancers in each. Pricing is very similar to Angeles City and cheaper than Manila. It’s situated approx. 3 hrs (including boat time) away from Manila. If you are hesitant to go on a boat, this IS NOT the place for you as it requires you to travel first to Batangas Port (1.5hrs away from Manila) and then take a ferry across to Sabang (1hr).

Subic Bay / Olongapo

Olongapo Beach

Barrio Baretto

Subic Bay is situated on/near the old U.S. Naval Base. It is a pretty open area that offers some diving (very bland compared to Puerto Galera) but is a good place to escape for a day or two and see the beach. There is a nightlife section referred to as Barrio Baretto that has a couple of bars for you to venture into when the sun goes down. Additionally there is a market in Olongapo City where you can buy some decent souvenirs at near local price. It’s situated approx. 1.5-2hrs away from Angeles City, or 2.5-3hrs from Manila.

Manila

Sunset on Manila Bay

Makati Skyline

Manila is the National Capital of the Philippines and is very similar to Bangkok…10 years ago. Traffic CAN BE horrendous and annoying, so be prepared for that. There are quite a few things that you can do in Manila though which includes shopping, going to historic sites (Corregidor Island), barhopping and some of the best golfing that South-East Asia has to offer. The nightlife scene is VERY hip and offers everything from the casual bar (LA Café) to Discos (GreenBelt – Makati) to the more Asia traditional “Dance Shows” and “Fish-Bowl” types of clubs. There are three major “Expat-zones” situated in Manila and that would be in Makati - P.Burgos St., EDSA Complex and Roxas Blvd.

Visayan Region – Major Destinations

Going to the central Philippines (referred to as the Visayan Region) will yield some of the more beautiful scenes that this planet has to offer. Major attractions include Boracay, Cebu City, Palawan Island and the Chocolate Hills located on the island of Bohol.

Cebu City/Island of Cebu

Aerial Shot of Cebu Island

Cebu City is considered to be the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines and is the second largest city in the country. It is a little bit cleaner than Manila, a little more organized and less densely populated. Offers MANY of the same activities found in Manila and only takes approx. 1hr to fly there. I wish that I could tell you more about it, but I personally have never been there. I can additionally add that they have recently began to focus on it as a spot for international outsourcing and that jobs are starting to open up there, especially in the call center sector. Lastly, the Island of Cebu offers quite a few destinations that are relatively easy to get to, including resorts.

Boracay Beach

Boracay Beach

Another from the Beach

Boracay is probably one of the HOTTEST tourist destinations in the Philippines. Warm water, fine powder sand, excellent cuisine, water sports and a generally laidback atmosphere await you. It is almost like a massive resort in itself in that the beach is wide open and there is a little bit of something for everyone. If you want to experience true beauty AND have the option to have fun at the same time, it’s recommended that you bring your loved one and/or family to this destination. Boracay is approx a 45-minute flight from Manila and then a 1hr ferry ride across a channel.

Palawan Island

Palawan

Underground River Cave

Palawan Island is considered to be the “last frontier” of the Philippines. It has strived to let nature take it’s course without the intervention of manmade objects and is widely regarded as one of the most naturally beautiful places that you can visit. It DOES NOT offer a lot in terms of discos and the works and should be treated as a relaxation spot. Getting there is by airplane, which will land you at Puerto Princessa.

Bohol (Home of the Tarsier and Chocolate Hills)

Chocolate Hills

The Tarsier (worlds smallest primate!)

Chocolate Hills on Bohol is considered to be a natural wonder. Basically the hills look like big drops that turn brown during a certain time of the year. The ocean made them uniform in shape and size and when the vegetation dies away, limestone is revealed so that they look like little Hershey Kisses. This island is also home of the world’s smallest (and endangered) primate , the Tarsier. Like Palawan, Bohol should be approached with a “leisurely” mindset where you are going to unwind and enjoy nature. Alona Beach is another popular spot on the Island of Bohol. Approx. 1hr to fly to Cebu City and then a 1-2hr ferry ride over.

Mindanao Region – Major Destinations

Aerial of Davao City

I’ll shoot you straight here, I have never ventured into this region. I know that major destinations are Davao and General Santos and they supposedly have some REALLY good fishing. In case you are wondering, this is the area that is closest to Malaysia and also home to the majority of the terrorist activities that you read about in the paper. Davao and General Santos City (a.k.a. Tuna City…as in the fish, pervert) are considered relatively safe, but it’s simply not a destination that I have ventured to yet.