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 Traveller's Tales: Advise for travellers in Philippines
Heed our handy tips on safe travel in Philippines. You may read about travel warnings, health, what to wear, travel with kids, travel with pets, local weather, local government, medical information and traffic information in the area.Also, you might want to read our
Baguio city guide,
Bohol city guide,
Boracay city guide,
Cebu city guide,
El Nido city guide,
Manila city guide,
and Puerto Galera city guide.
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| C Mediodia |
01 June 2005 |
Stayed at Subic International Hotel - Olongapo, Philippines.
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I got hold on information of Ocean Adventure and Zoobic Safari from the suggestion of the travel agent. Then I checked out more information over the net.
When we checked in the hotel, we were able to get hold a map of subic freeport sketched in a short sized bond paper and it was rather confusing. Not all streets had names on the map and further adding confusion, not all streets in Subic had clear and visible street names.
There is a need to add more street signs within Subic Freeport. I think we had to make several u-turns when we got to some places.
I think there is a need for the SBMA or even the department of tourism to make a better map available in all hotels in the area.
The information of Ocean Adventure in their webpage is underdelivered. I think the park rate is quite expensive for the experience we had. The food is likewise expensive.
The information of Zoobic Safari in their webpage was general but we had a better time there. The experience we had was worth it! Especially when I was able to ask my husband to hold the tiger cub and I took a picture of this one in a lifetime opportunity. When do we ordinary people get to hold a tiger cub? Not all could have the opportunity! Maybe next time they could allow even my kids to hold the tiger cub! Should you want to see the evidence please don't hesitate to get in touch with me and I will upload the picture here.
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| R Wellerding |
10 May 2005 |
Stayed at Manila Hotel - Manila, Philippines.
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be very careful of the local street horse carriages...be very certain to agree on price before getting in...they will change currencies, say they gave price by the minute, or say by the person..etc. be very careful.
Be sure to vist the American War Memorial...very beautiful and moving.
Visit the Churches...amazing history and relics! The old spanish fortress is very close...within walking distance!
The Strip by the Ocean is perfect for night walk...with drinks and live music... a must do for anyone visiting!
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| G Corpuz |
13 April 2005 |
Stayed at Holiday Inn Galleria Manila - Manila, Philippines.
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Getting point to point in Manila is very accessible if you have a car but Manila or Ortigas Center where this hotel is located is very Metropolitan in nature this hotel has an access to various types of transportation. They have jeepneys which is so cheap, buses where it is so convenient and people friendly. Of course we have railway transit which every huge cosmopolitan city in the world has it's own. The food facilities are so western in style. Just make sure about people who you go with.
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| P Nadarajan |
18 March 2004 |
Stayed at Leisure Coast Resort - Pangasinan, Philippines.
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I would recommend travellers to get cholera and yellow fever vaccination if you wish to enjoy the tempting local delicacy. If you wish to stay near the city ,you can stay at 5 star plaza where the prices start from 850 pesos. The room condition is comparable.
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| F Shannon |
22 June 2003 |
Stayed at Bayview Park Hotel Manila - Manila, Philippines.
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Excellent location for getting to Robinson's Mall.
Very rough surrounding neighborhood.
Ermita actually frightened my girlfriend.
I thought some of the locals were pretty aggressive when asking for money or selling. Street kids smacked my girlfriend on her ass and asked us for money every day.
The area is rough.
Be careful when taking money out of an ATM on the street. Robberies do occur.
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| R Moorani |
18 May 2003 |
Stayed at Banaue Hotel - Banaue, Philippines.
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At the hotel we picked up a map, which showed the various places we could go to or hike to. Others recommended the hike to Batad, where you feel like you are in the middle of an amphitheater totally surrounded by the magnificent rice terraces. That was our first outing. Thankfully our vehicle had 4-wheel drive. From the hotel, the drive along the National Road took us about 1.5 hours. Although it is only about 12 kilometers from Banaue, the road is rough and in places only a single car can pass. Lots of people are also on the road. Along the way, there were so many lovely vistas at which we stopped to get a better look and to snap a few photos. From the National Road, we put the jeep into overdrive and proceeded to the saddle. The other option is to hike for 1.5 to 2 hours, up hill, which we decided against. We bumped and jostled our way up and were convinced the all our inner organs had been rearranged. At the saddle we paid some locals to look after the jeep, purchased a walking stick and then headed down the path to Batad. The hike downhill (better be in shape) was two hours where we were reward by a magnificent view to the terraces. This was well worth it. There are a couple of very rustic inns, which serve an OK meal and allow you to rest. There are toilets here but of a very rustic variety. Make sure you bring toilet paper. To flush, you have a large bucket of water beside the toilet.
If you want, you can stay overnight here and then proceed on foot to another village 1 to 1.5 hours away. For me the accommodations are just too basic, although we saw others opting for this. After a good rest and lots of photos, it was time for us to make the return journey. After the 2-hour trek uphill we were back to the jeep. We still had to get back to our hotel for a rewarding hot shower and a good meal.
Batad is highly recommended, but only for those who are good hikers. You will get rewarded.
We decided that a less strenuous outing should be attempted next. Viewpoint was our destination. Along the way is a village to the right, where an enterprising family builds and maintains typical local style houses that could be view by interested parties. Great views of the terraces as well! At Viewpoint there are many vantage points for great picture taking. The very small museum in Banaue town is worth a visit.
Banaue and its surrounding rice terraces should be included on most people itinerary.
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| J Stevens |
13 May 2003 |
Stayed at City Garden Suites Manila - Manila, Philippines.
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If using a taxi ALWAYS insist they use the meter. Should start at P25. They like to tell you the meter is broken but it is not, just get another cab. Don't let them rip you off.
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| R Wilson |
31 March 2003 |
Stayed at Nigi Nigi Nu Noos - Boracay (Aklan), Philippines.
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I also would like to report a scam by a sailing person, who operated from in front of Nigi Nigi's. His name is Richard, owner of the sailing boat, Richell, and he disappeared with some of my money on my last day there. As many of his clients were guests from Nigi Nigi, I have emailed the resort to warn other guests. This has spoilt my holiday and now I doubt I will return to Boracay - I think other guests should be made aware of this, and I see it as the resort's responsibility to make sure guests are safe from deception.
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| A Carroll |
11 March 2003 |
Stayed at Pan Pacific Hotel Manila - Manila, Philippines.
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Manila, The Philippines does not feel like the most secure place to go for a single woman on her own. The nicer locals continually warn of the dangers of having one's bag snatched. However, the hotel was very secure and, as I was only staying one night, I was happy with that.
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| P Stratton |
20 February 2003 |
Stayed at Grand Boulevard Hotel - Manila, Philippines.
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Are always in Manila on business and taxis are good value. Make sure they do not make 4 turns in the same direction as the drivers are very good at going the long way. Take only a cab with a meter and ensure the meter is on zero as many have a start when you get in.
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