It's more fun....(2)

It's more fun outside Metro Manila

There are a lot of festivals in The Philippines all year round. Look a the event calender to find out what's going on. Also check out more fun in Metro Manila.

Tips for travelling in The Philippines (from insiders and travellers I know):

Boat

Bohol

Panglao Island: Trudies Place is pretty. It's located at Alona beach and has a sea view. It is reasonable priced: no real budget option, but it is not too expensive either.

A favorite is the Loboc river. Nutshuts has a nice common area/restaurant with a great view over the river, but it is not for everybody. The rooms are VERY basic, there are a lot of bugs and the road to get there/ the stairs to the accommodation are a challenge. Then there's the karaoke boats on the river passing by every 10 minutes during the daytime bleating out loud music.... BUT there are fireflies at night, there is a great atmosphere that makes it easy to make friends with fellow travellers, the goats roaming around and the easy access to the Chocolate hills and the Tarsier rescue center.

Luzon

Kids

Donsol: Recommendation is staying at Uguluz home stay owned by Marilyn Razo . They react quickly on emails and it's a cozy place. You get to meet the other guests, the breakfast is amazing and they ask a fair price for their excursions. Watch a video with photo's of her home stay.

I really liked the trip to Sagada, in the north of Luzon. It is beautifull there! (and cold, bring a jacket). The Residential Lodge is cheap, clean and nearby the centre of the town. You can make wonderful walks over there, the Lonely Planet brings you to all the nice things to see, please remember the way back because you can get lost easily!

At Batad (a village in Banaue) is Ramons Homestay, these are native houses at the rice terraces, which can only be reached by walking down the terraces. Absolutely nice experience and low budget as well.

Palawan:
In Coron Sea dive resort is a nice place. Well known and featured in the Lonely Planet for a reason.

In Sabang check out Green Verde. It is low budget and located perfectly. From this place it is very easy to go to the underground river. You can even walk to the river by taking the monkey trail through the jungle, which is a two hour walk.

Puerto Princessa: at Dangkalan resort you can even rent your own tree house. The personnel is very neat and willing to help in case of trouble (missing flights and arriving late). Or for the local feel stay with Manny, a friend from the mission in Manny's Guesthouse.

Aklan

Boracay Island: Your vacation in the Philippines is incomplete without having the chance to see this ‘party island’. Boracay is one of the renowned tourist destinations – famous for its awesome water activities during the day and party-til-you-drop experience during the night. Also, only this island has the whitest and finest beach sand you can ever imagine.

Island

The island is divided into three stations based on the hotels located in each. The cheapest hotels are in Station 3 but expect it to be the most crowded area. If you prefer staying in a high-end hotel which is more secluded, then Station 1 is the place for you. Boracay Holiday Resort of Station 2 is really nice and simple, yet offers a very satisfying accommodation for the guests. If you like the more quiet spot in Bulabog beach, check out the Lazy Dog Bed&Breakfast. Say hi to Djila from me!

To enjoy in Boracay?

F for food: Dampa style of dining is a must-try, especially when you love seafood. It is known for the buy-your-ingredients-and-we’ll-cook-them-for-you system. You’ll find it in D’talipapa near Station 2.

U for unforgettable activities: Helmet Diving is a must-do for those who like to have an underwater adventure, and Fly Fish for those who like to try an extraordinary water ride!

N for night party: When sun is out, the party is in! Live bands and fire dance are what you’ll love the most while enjoying the night by the beach.

Check this site to be your guide in planning a trip to Boracay Island: www.myboracayguide.com.

Zambales

Subic, Olangapo City: Subic Pearl Inn located at the heart of Subic. It is very affordable yet nice and cozy. The manager is very hospitable and assures you of a great stay at the Inn. Their breakfast is also good though there isn't any choice as to what you can have. It is located near (about 5-10 minutes travel) the hottest beach resorts like White Rock - it is more practical to go on a day tour at these beach resorts since the shore is not the "Boracay type" and a day swim would be enough. Aside from the beach, the Inn is also near the best places to eat and Duty-Free shops. Meat Plus Cafe and Bunker Bobs are among the best diners known. Also advisable is a visit to Subic's famous parks: Zoobic Safari, Ocean Adventure, El Kabayo, Anvaya Cove, and the Treetop adventure, which you can reach in 20-30mins from Subic Pearl Inn and definitely worth your time and money.

Dolphin and Trainer