Allan Merin asked:




Aside from being a magnet for beach bummers, the Philippines is also a household name when it comes to mountain climbing and hiking. With over 7,000 mountainous islands, the archipelago is surely every hiker’s paradise. Trekking Philippine mountains allows hikers to explore the country’s rich biodiversity.

There is a host of active volcanoes across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Hikers just need to consult a Philippine travel guide to help them get informed about the top mountain climbing sites in the country.

Here are some of the most notable mountains to conquer in the country.

Mt. Apo

Davao is home to the country’s highest peak, Mt. Apo. With an elevation of 9,692 feet, this majestic mountain serves as a sanctuary for more than 270 bird species. In 1936, then President Manuel Quezon declared Mt. Apo a national park to preserve its rich biodiversity. Experts said scaling Mt. Apo is not a technical one. It would take up to five days to conquer Mt. Apo depending on your pace.

Mt. Kitanglad

Mt. Kitanglad is one of the premier hiking destinations in the Philippines, which is known for its astonishing attractions, exquisite events, and colorful festivals. Located in Bukidnon in Mindanao, this inactive volcano has an elevation of 9,511 feet. It is home to various flora and fauna species, including unusual mossy plants, brown deer, and cloud rats. Last year, Mt. Kitanglad was declared an ASEAN Heritage Park.

Mt. Dulang-Dulang

Dulang-Dulang is the second-highest mountain in the Philippines at 9,639 feet above sea level. Considered sacred by local folks, this mountain in Bukidnon is home to more than 50 mammal species such as squirrels, monkeys, flying lemurs, and wild boars. Scaling Mt. Dulang-Dulang is logistically challenging, according to expert climbers. So it is best to consult local climbers and be equipped with travel information about the mountain.

Mt. Pulag

Make your travel stories about the Philippines more exciting by climbing Mt. Pulag, the nation’s third-highest mountain. Standing 9,587 feet above sea level, this mountain in the northern region is considered a favorite among local and foreign climbers. It is known for its outstanding vegetation and wildlife. It would take at least three days to reach the top of Mt. Pulag.

Mt. Halcon

For climbers who want to bring their adventures to a higher gear, then Mt. Halcon is tailor-made for you. Towering 8,484 feet, the fourth-highest peak in the Philippines is considered the most challenging mountain to climb because it experiences frequent rains and floods. Reaching its summit is rewarding, as it provides a breathtaking view of landscapes in the municipality of Baco in Oriental Mindoro.

There are more recommended mountain climbing sites across the Philippines. Some of them are Mt. Banahaw in Quezon, Mt. Makiling in Laguna, Mt. Isarog in Camarines Sur, and Mt. Hibok-Hibok in Camiguin. To avoid any inconvenience, it is advisable to check out local resorts and hotels for accommodations and vacation packages that will suit your budget and preference.

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Rich Quiambao asked:




Among the paradise of islands that is the Philippines, among the choices of escapes around the world, and among all the chains of resorts and hotels all over the globe, there exists a hidden secret. This is a secret so coveted, 99% of the inhabitants of the Philippines doesn’t even know its there: the private resort Amanpulo.

The private island is a so luxurious, decadent and extravagant, it is on a class of tourist destinations of its own.

Owned by the AmanResorts luxury group, Amanpulo bears its parents’ name “aman” meaning peace. The word “pulo” on the other hand is the native Filipino word for “island”. Amanresorts is only composed of 15 or so luxury spots in different places, so Amanpulo is no less lavish and exciting as it other more well-known cousins. Amanpulo just opened in the Pamalican Island of Palawan, in the Eastern archipelago of the Philippines. Getting there and leaving there is by private jet, though one can assure you leaving paradise would be pretty hard. Well, at least the jet ride is seamless and comfortable.

Whats more, since this is a private island, getting in is no easy feat. One must know the appropriate channels and get in the right time to obtain a reservation. For a summer vacation in a year or two. One may not know this, but one of the sole entries in the book Places to See Before You Die for the Philippines is Amanpulo, so it is definitely worth the wait.

In Amanpulo, it is said that wide, powdery-white beaches are the wonder, compounded by the seascape proved majestic by the view of nearby Manamoc Island. Sometimes, when visitors stare out at Manamoc form the footprinted shorelines, do they ever wonder whats its like to be on that island paradise, then find themselves on the exact same fantasy in reality? The Aman gives no less.

The Beach Club of course, is said to be Amanpulo’s pride and joy. The relaxing wide are is spread with soft decks and pillows, with walkways leading to the pristine pools or the magnificent beach. The beach is the best choice by morning, while subtly lit pools are the choice place to unwind in romantic nights.

In addition, the place simply called The Restaurant serves both Filipino and international cuisines. And from the sound of the reviews, The Restaurant is on a league of its own, a throwback to when hotel restaurants were the best places to dine in. Serving fresh greens form its own vegetable and herb garden, The Restaurant will settle everyone’s worries over what’s good to eat because well, everything is good to eat.

Beach side casitas, nipa hut inspired but very luxurious lodges, are spaced very wide apart. This gives the impression of having your own beach paradise because you can choose to rarely see other guests. The views are fantastic, and a camera is a must. Maybe an underwater camera is a must too, since only 300m form the shore, a reef so full of color and life awaits anyone.

Coming clean, this is not an advertising ad for Amanpulo or the Aman chain of resorts. This is just a simple yearning to go there, one of the best places on earth unabashedly called paradise by those who have seen it. To taste the secret.

Local Philippines is your one-stop source of information about the Philippines with its fascinating travel destinations, colorful festivals and premier attractions.

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Sharona Bancs asked:




Whether you are a Filipino working abroad or a foreigner who wants to know the best time to visit Philippines, you’ll be glad to know that every day is the best time to visit the Philippines.?This Southeast Asian country is beautiful all year round.

?It is the best time to visit the Philippines during Christmas holidays.?Christmas time in the country starts as early as September and lasts until the first week of January.?When you are driving or commuting in the city or in countryside during the night, you’ll see beautiful rows of Christmas lanterns hanging out of the houses and establishments.????

?During early dawn, you will see people all dressed up for Church.?Yes, this predominantly Catholic country has a Christmas tradition of 9 masses during 4 o’clock in the morning as a way to celebrate Christmas.?It starts 9 days before Christmas.

?It is the best time to visit the Philippines during summertime also.?Summer in the Philippines is from the months of March to May.?The main attraction of the Philippines is its world-famous beaches:?Boracay, Subic Bay, Bohol, Cebu and Batangas and Puerto Galera.?

?Boracay which is located Visayas Island south of Manila is visited of millions of foreigners every year.?The beaches at Bohol, Cebu and Batangas are also frequented by foreigner. ?Except for the rainy months of June and July, you can visit Philippines beaches because the country has a tropical weather all year round.?

?What is the best time to visit Philippines [http://www.philippinesguestbook.com/]??All year round is the best time to visit this country.?When you experience the place and the gentle and hospitable people, you’ll always return year after year.? There are so many beautiful beach destinations in the countryside.? During Christmas, the celebration and decors and tradition are feast for the heart and eyes.

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Marvin Salazar asked:




The Philippines is a country that has rich and amazing places to visit. The country offers dynamic tourist attractions for all types of travelers with its 7,107 islands. Festivals and events are present all year-round from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that draw and captivate local and foreign visitors. Surely, a year is not enough to discover and experience the country’s pristine beauty so there is no proper time to travel than NOW!

As a traveler, it is important that you travel wisely. The main purpose of traveling is to have fun. To spare yourself the hassle and make it to an unforgettable trip, a systematic preparation must be done. Take it from a traveler like myself. Here are 5 tips for a hassle-free travel:

Know Your Destinations

Before you pack your belongings and book your trip, it is very important to know where you plan to go. Do your research first about the destination you want to visit. Get some knowledge about the location, climate, food, available accommodations, accommodation rates, dialect spoken, culture and values. Bring a map if you’re not familiar with the place. Although you can always ask the locals for directions, there is still a certain thrill of finding your own way out of the maze. It is also handy that you know something about the history of the place because it will give you a deeper appreciation. Believe me, it all works!

Book Early and Save Money

Early booker catches the best travel packages and promotions! Your travel need not be expensive. Cut down on travel expenses and save money by searching and availing of cheap flight deals. Hotels and inns also give out great discounts to group accommodations when the booking is done ahead of time.

Prepare Your Itineraries

When traveling, it is important that your activities are plotted earlier on. You don’t only budget your money but your time as well. Scheduled itineraries allow a maximum experience on a given place at a give time. You not only have time to enjoy the beauty of the place but you also can avoid rushing from one place to another.

Pack Light and Wise

Bring only the essentials! Don’t bring your house with you! Just bring the basic necessities. When it comes to clothes, bring only those that are generally wearable, comfortable and appropriate. If you’re going to a cool place like Baguio or Tagaytay, bring jackets and thick clothes. But, if you’ll be visiting the beaches, just bring your **** swimsuits and some light clothes.

Travel Safely

Be sure to bring a first aid kit. Accidents might happen on your travel so it’s better to be prepared than sorry. Bring your medications with you if you have allergies or common diseases. You don’t want to spoil your trip by experiencing asthma attacks in remote areas where no hospital/clinic nearby.

Always…

Remember: Expect the unexpected. Sometimes no matter how much you prepare, there are things that can still get out of control.

Bear in mind: Bring an open-heart when you travel. Do not be afraid to take risks and try new things. Traveling is not only about visiting a certain place. You travel to enjoy, learn, and gather travel stories to tell back home. By having a free-spirited heart, your travel will still turn out to be memorable no matter what happens.

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Peter Garant asked:




Known as one of the island provinces of the Philippines, Bohol is located at the Central Visayas region and is beside Cebu and Leyte. This province is one of the many attractive tourist destinations in the country. Like Boracay and Palawan, other tourist spots in the Philippines, Bohol also has many beautiful and fascinating resorts and beaches. Hence, it is reported that the tourism industry contributes a lot to the economic developments in the province.

Based on the 2000 census done at the province, there are 1,137,268 permanent residents in Bohol. The census also found that there are 209,588 households in the province with an average size of 5.41 people. The life expectancy in the province is greater than those in Negros Oriental and Siquijor which is 72.93 for women and 68.19 for men.

Most residents in the province speak Boholano, which is a Cebuano dialect. However, since migration is a constant trend in Bohol, there are also residents who use Chinese, English and Tagalog as their primary languages. In addition, some schools in the province taught Eskayan language to their students.

Each year the number of travelers who visit Bohol increases. This is due to the attractive tourist spots and natural wonders that can be found in the province. The famous formation of limestone called the Chocolate Hills are the most visited spot in Carmen. Meanwhile, many tourists also visit the popular rivers in the province which are the Loboc River and the Inabanga River.

Panglao Island in Bohol is famous for its white sand beaches. Along in these beaches are beautiful hotels and resorts where travelers and foreigners can stay and enjoy the sceneries. Travelers can also visit the Mag-aso falls, which is located at Antequera as well as the Bilar Mahogany Forest.

Travelers are encouraged to experience and have a glance at the festivals that are held in this attractive province. The Sandugo Festival, the Tagbilaran City Fiesta, the Bolibong Kingking Festival and Festival of Lights or SidlaKasilak are the renowned festivals in Bohol, Tourists who would witness these festivals will remember their stay and vacation at the province for the rest of their lives.

Transportation to Bohol is very easy since the province is very accessible. Tourists can travel by land, air and water. The national government of the Philippines established seaports and airports in the province so that travelers will not experience problems when it comes to visiting the beautiful island of Bohol.

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Eric A. Miller asked:




The Philippines is a majestic land, full of vibrant colors, a simple but admirable culture, budget conscious activities and products (cheap stuff!), and the total individual control to do what you want when you want.? When I retire, I hope I decide to stay in a paradise half as perfect as this one.? There is so much to do in the Philippines, so I’ve narrowed it down to the top five best things to do or must see items in the Philippines right here.? When I mention prices I will roughly convert it to dollars for you to keep it simples.? Remember, this is just me doing math in my head, and I really **** at math.

Just to let you know right now, I am a 26 year old male so this article is targeted towards people in there 20′s and 30′s.? There is a lot of history and modern day activities in the Philippines, so these are the top things that I enjoy or at least that I think everyone should see at least once in their life.

1.??? Stay on the White Sand Beach of Boracay during a holiday weekend.

2.??? See Angeles City and the Bar Girls.

3.??? Jet Ski

4.??? Shoot Uzi’s

5.??? Visit LA Cafe in Manila, Philippines

Staying in Boracay during the holy week, when everyone is off school and work, is an awesome experience.? Friday and Saturday night the beach is especially crowded with partiers ready to experience the nightlife that Boracay has to offer.? The whole beach is lined with clubs and venders selling booze, fresh fish, jewelry and clothing.? The White House, Boracay, Philippines, is a nice affordable place to stay that is in a central location right on White Sand Beach.? Be careful when you order the fresh fish from the counter.? Notice how all of the fish is sitting on ice with ice dumped on top.? I know, it looks delicious, but that fish was caught at about 6am and you are just getting ready to eat it at 8pm and there isn’t any refrigeration, so that fish has been sitting on ice all day.? It’s really not all that fresh.? Not to mention, all that ice is from nasty Filipino tap water – unfiltered.? Trust me on this, stay as far away from the tap water as possible.? I have been sick twice from the water in the Philippines.? Once I was so hung over and dehydrated that I didn’t even notice I just drank a glass of water.? You always want to order bottled water.? The other time was on the beach in Boracay: I only tried two oysters, but it was after my buddy ate a whole plateful, so the ice that was on top had completely melted down into the oysters.? My buddy was in more pain than I, but it was still awful.?

I missed out on Friday night in Boracay because of the glass of water I drank.? I was better by Saturday night, thank God, because it is something everyone needs to experience.? Every few feet there is another club bumping music with people dancing all night.? I recommend the hookah bars and any of the clubs; it just depends on your taste in music.?

Anyone who has traveled to different countries knows that there are red light districts around the world.? Amsterdam has the most famous, but not necessarily the best, as I found out after my visit to Angeles City, Philippines.? I have traveled more than anyone else I know my age, and I have never seen anything like Fields Ave., Angeles City, Philippines.? It was crazy!? The whole street has nothing but bars filled to the brim with prostitutes, a gyro spot with awesome gyros, and a 7-Eleven.? The best thing that the Filipinos have been able to organize in the Philippines is the prostitution in Angeles City.? The girls get a full STD check once a week.? We drove by the health clinic where they get checked and every bar has a different day of the week that they go.? Man, this place was busy, and understandably because there are so many bars, too many to go to even after one lives there for over a year.? Literally, there are hundreds of these bars.? There is never a door fee or an entrance fee to get in to these places.? A waitress will sit you, and then she will usually stand right by you.? Then, whenever you need something, just let her know.? If you see a girl you like and you make eye contact with her, then feel free to motion for her to come over and buy her a drink.? The biggest and best place that I saw was Atlantis.? It was three stories tall and there must have been at least 200 girls there and every single one was gorgeous.? It’s a little more expensive, but well worth it.? Buying a girl a drink there still wont cost you more than buying a drink in America.? Now, when you buy yourself a drink it’s about $1.50.? When you buy a “Lady Drink,” it’s $3.00, but the girl gets half of this money and drinks the drink.? She’ll sit down and talk with you and rub up on you.? It’s cool when you can find one with a good personality who can be sarcastic.? It’s a lot of fun to just talk with these girls and get to know them.? Some of them have crazy stories to tell.? I’m pretty quick to ask about personal issues like friends and family.?

If you think you’re connecting with a girl and you like her, and you want to ask her if she’d like to go with you back to your hotel, then you ask her a serious of questions.? Let her know that you like her and ask her if she would like a, “Bar Fine.”? She’ll either say yes or no.? She may not want to go home with you, she might be on her period, or she might be a “cherry girl,” which means she’s a virgin.? It’s important to be respectful and realize that all of these girls are not necessarily ***********.? These places are like strip clubs, only they keep their clothes on.? They might give you lap dances (way better than anything you’ll get in the states and it’s only a couple bucks) or have a drink with you and talk.? If she says, “yes,” when you asks if she wants a “Bar Fine,” then continue with a few questions and let her know that you’re happy she wants a “Bar Fine,” but you have a few questions first.? Ask her if she’s on her “mens.”? This is how they refer to their menstruation period.? You don’t want to get her back to the hotel and find out you can’t do what you wanted to because she’s bleeding.? Ask her what time she has to go home in the morning.? You don’t want her leaving that night (or maybe you do), but it’s better if she’s not leaving at 5am because she has a kid or something.? If she’s good to go, then let your waitress know that you’re going to bar fine her.? She’ll bring you your total bill.? It costs between $20 – $25 to “bar fine” a girl.? The girl will go change and then you leave together.? When you get back to the hotel you will both take showers.? Use a condom even though they are checked every week.? Don’t mess around with your life.? It’s up to you if you tip her.? She will get half of the “Bar Fine” the next day when she goes back to the bar either way.? It’s sad that these girls sell themselves and only get about $10, but they would only make maybe two or three dollars a day if they worked a regular job at the mall, plus they would work 13 hour days at another job.? What would you do?? Would you work a lot harder for much less money?? A lot of these girls come from the Province, which means they are from poverty, unlike any poverty we have in America.? They are from either remote islands or small villages and they are trying to send money home.?

Riding jet skis in Boracay is awesome!? You feel like you’re in a Jay Z music video.? It’s just the most amazing scenery to ride a jet ski in.? At some point you realize you’ve died and gone to heaven.? It’s somewhere between realizing you’re on this small tropical island in the Philippines, on the other side of the world, and dancing with the most beautiful women and the clubs.? They love to dance.? Actually, the three things people in the Philippines love are Obama, Hip Hop, and Basketball.? Anyway, back to jet skiing.? It was a little more than a dollar a minute, but well worth it.? We signed up for 30 minutes, but I think they gave us 45 minutes.? That was a good amount of time.? I was ready to stop when I did.? I was lapping people.? It’s ok to pass others (or at least no one yelled at me for it) as long as everyone is going the same way.? You should never go the opposite direction of someone.?

My friends met a guy named George within their first hour of arrival in Manila.? This guy was a hustler and knew everyone in the city.? At first he tried selling my buddies some Viagra.? By the way, there are tons of people selling Viagra and Cialis on the streets of Manila.? Then George asked my friends if they wanted to shoot Uzi’s.? This caught the attention of my friends.? “Hell yeah we want to shoot Uzi’s.”? So George took them around the corner to a gun range.? This was probably the most expensive thing anyone did on our trip.? It costs $1 a bullet to shoot Uzi’s.? It was worth it because now they have a fantastic story to tell people.

LA Cafe is a bar in Ermita, Manila, Philippines.? This is where a lot of girls hang out.? Some of them are working girls, but they weren’t charging us since they were just happy to hang out with some cool guys.? Be careful not to get hustled in this place.? I went there with three of my friends from California.? As soon as we walked in all the girls turned and looked at us.? I’m 6’7″ and we are all white, so we stood out everywhere we went.? We went into the VIP area upstairs (it’s only a couple bucks per person to enter) and we got a table.? We each left at different times because that’s what we always do.? I rarely come back to the hotel with my friends.? I get distracted too easily.? I left after hanging out for about an hour and a half.? I knew that my roommate had already left, therefore there should have been two of my friends left at the bar.? When I left I said bye to one person and I gave him $30 for the drinks, and I assumed the other friend was in the bathroom.? I was wrong.? Our other friend decided to leave without telling any one.? Never do this!? Always let the other people you’re with know when you leave or decide to do something else.? Anyway, my buddy was left at the bar by himself and there were all these girls who kept inviting their “cousin” over to drink and they were all drinking wine and ordering salads.? Then the bill came and of course it was expected that my buddy pay the whole thing.? The girls there never pay for anything because they are broke.? The bill was 5,200 pesos (more than $100, not much considering how much we drank).? My friend only had 5000 pesos on him and finally talked one of the girls into paying the other 200 pesos.? He left the bar and brought three of the girls back to the hotel lobby, but then they started complaining about how the one girl had to pay 200 pesos and they wanted my friend to reimburse her for that.? He explained that they drank a bunch of drinks and ate food, so they should pay something and he still paid much more than his fair share.? Keep in mind that this argument was over $4.? Then he pointed to the front door and said, “well, there’s the door.”? These girls are all hustlers, so beware.? Other than that, it was a fun place to hang out and play pool.? We stayed in a nice hotel in Emita, Manila, just a few blocks away from LA Cafe, and it was $100 a night, but it had a living room with a sofa pullout bed and a bedroom with a queen size bet, plus two bathrooms, so I split that with one person and it was $50 a night/person.

The Philippines is an awesome place to visit.? I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an adventure.? It’s cheap, the people are nice, and the natural beauty is second to none.? It is important to stay safe any time you travel to the Philippines or any other third world country.? See travelingmiller.com to find out more on how to stay safe and have fun in the Philippines.? There is also a video from Palawan, which is another great destination in the Philippines.

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Claire Ortega asked:




The Philippines is a country of diversity – brimming with colorful people living in colorful places. But not when it comes to the weather. There are only two seasons in the Philippines: wet and dry. But don’t let bad weather keep you from having fun on your trip! A little Philippines travel guide will go a long way.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change has affected the weather in tropical Philippines, too. There used to be a clear point when the seasons started and ended. Today though, Filipinos (and their visitors) experience unexpected weather changes: the sun could be shining warmly one moment, and heavy rain could be pelting down the next. But generally, the country experiences its warmest from April to October. The rest of the year is relatively colder because of the monsoon winds. On average, twenty typhoons enter the country yearly; the majority of which occur during the latter half of the year.

LOCAL WEATHER

Some places in the Philippines are known to have their own weather system – specially in mountainous areas. Weather could also be magnified in places near beaches or other bodies of water. It is best to keep updated with weather changes from local and international news. PAG-ASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration) is the government weather bureau. They publish hourly reports whenever a typhoon hits the country.

BE PREPARED

During your stay in the Philippines, always bring around your weapons against the elements. Sun block is good for preventing painful sunburns (specially for those with sensitive skin). Umbrellas can shield you from both the harsh sun and the pelting rain. Hats with wide brims or visors protect your hair and eyes. Sunglasses can help prevent the sun from damaging your vision. And fans can help keep you cool through the humid days.

Keep these Philippines travel information in mind, and you will enjoy your stay in the Philippines come rain or come shine.

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Allan Merin asked:




With its 7,107 islands, the Philippines boasts of some of the world’s best tourist destinations. This Southeast Asian nation remains one of the frontier travel havens in the world even if sometimes overlooked by int’l visitors because of some security reasons. Home to some 92 million people, the Philippines is surely one of the top notch destinations worth traveling to.

Traveling in the Philippines is not (as) tricky as some people may think. Due to its modernized telecommunication systems and public infrastructure, going from one scenic spot to another is as easy as 123. To make the trip more memorable and enjoyable, here are some tips to follow while vacationing in the Philippines.

Be Prepared

Proper planning is a must. Since you can visit the country any time of the year, look for travel agencies and luxury resorts that offer great and affordable vacation packages all-year round. Remember that without careful planning, your trip to the Philippines may end on a sour note.

Check The Weather

Note that the country can be prone to earthquakes and typhoons since it is situated in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire. So the best times to visit the Philippines would be from Dec to May. The weather on these months is the most conducive for traveling. Plus, summer time is the perfect time to enjoy the nation’s finest beaches in Boracay, Batangas, and Palawan. Not to mention the colorful festivals in Aklan, Cebu, and Iloilo.

Travel Light

It is always best to travel light. Bring a pair of sturdy shoes and slippers, especially when trekking some of the breathtaking mountains in the Philippines such as Mount Apo in Davao and Mount Pulag in Cordillera. Most tourist spots in the country are very much accessible by public transport vehicles such as buses, jeeps, and tricycles.

Secure Your Valuables

Never leave your valuables – money, passport, license, jewelries- unattended. Always keep them in a safe place. Or better yet, have these valuables with you at all times in your backpack or small handbag.

Enjoy

When in the Philippines, leave your worries behind; enjoy its rich natural resources and make friends with the accommodating local folks. Also, don’t miss out on the country’s delicious delicacies – from simple rice cakes to exotic dishes. Lastly, do not forget to bring home trinkets or souvenirs from local shops and shopping centers located across the nation.

Hopefully, the Philippines travel tips will make your vacation in the country a safe and memorable one.

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Pierre Smith asked:




The Philippines is a majestic place to visit. The country has so much to offer to its millions of visitors each year. Because of the diversity of the things a tourist can do in the Philippines, it has been such a popular place to unwind, relax, and genuinely have a great time. There are many popular vacation spots in the Philippines and if you have all the time to spend exploring the country’s 7,107 islands, then by all means do so and have a grand time. However, if you only have a limited time to spend in this beautiful country, here are the top 5 Philippine vacation destinations to visit.

The top 5 Philippine vacation destinations mentioned here are not arranged in a particular order but rather chosen because of its wonderful attractions. These top 5 Philippine vacation destinations are also the places that have an increasing number of tourists recorded to visit each year, which just shows that these are the areas which cater very well to them.

The first place on the list is Baguio City, a mountainous place in Northern Luzon, which is approximately six hours from the Manila, the country’s capital. Baguio is known for its climate which can be very cold even during summer. Locals and tourists alike enjoy going to there during the Christmas season to unwind. Much greenery can be found in Baguio. It is also known for its strawberries which are at par with the strawberries grown abroad. There are lots of things to do in Baguio like strawberry picking, horse-back riding, and golf, among others.

When in the Philippines, one should not miss the chance to see the Chocolate Hills located in the province of Bohol. The Chocolate Hills is on its way to become one of the new Seven Wonders of the World as per online voting. Not only are the Hills amazing, but the entire province as well. Bohol is known all over the world for being the habitat of the world’s smallest primate – the tarsier. Not only that, Bohol is also known for its white sand beaches and excellent dive spots in Panglao. It also has the Loboc River and a Man-Made Forest to add to its fare.

Next on the list is Boracay. Boracay is a haven for tourist for its pristine white sand beaches. There is so much to do in Boracay which can range from a relaxing dip in the pool, a quiet time on the porch, a swim in the beach, or a party during the night. Locals love going to Boracay to have a good time. It is Philippine’s very own Miami.

Fourth on the list is the Queen City of the South, Cebu. Cebu is just an hour away by plane from Manila, and it is known for being a place that offers diverse options for the tourists. Like Bohol, Cebu also has fine white sand beaches in its northern part, particularly in Bantayan Island. Cebu is also known to have very good diving spots in Moalboal and Mactan.

Lastly, you should not forget to pay Palawan a visit. The place has a wonderful biodiversity and is rich in natural resources. Palawan also boasts of its beaches and its beautiful underground caves. Visiting Palawan will truly be a pleasant experience because it is nature at its best.

These are the top 5 Philippine vacation destinations that you can visit. For sure, these places will not be on the top of the list if they fail to give the much needed break that most people want.

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Patrick Mcgrain asked:




Cost of living in Cebu Philippines and Camotes Islands Cebu, Philippines. Many expats living in the Philippines are sharpening their pencils and watching their spending habits much more closely as the dollar continues to drop against the peso. Currently the exchange rate is approximately $1.00 to P40.00. That’s a BIG difference from just three years ago when the dollar fetched P56.00. To make matters even worse the dollar is expected to drop to P38.00 and some circles are saying it may go as low as P30.00 within the year. The expats currently living in the Philippines are feeling the lower exchange rate from their monthly retirement pensions and tightening their belts. Expats that have been considering retiring to the Philippines may well be looking else where for a retirement location. To make a bad situation worse the Cebu Hotels are talking about a 10% increase for their rooms. Surely other services will follow the increase and soon the dollar may shrink to an even further all time low in the Philippines.

In 2004 a dollar bought P56.00, so when I exchanges $1,000.00 at a Philippine bank or Money Changer I got P56,000.00. Today $1,000.00 buys just P40,000.00 a P16,000.00 decrease of $286.00 or 29% less. Now add a conservative estimated Philippine inflation rate to the 29% decrease and you are looking at a total loss of about 40% in just three years. WOW! That’s a big hit and a really big hit for a retired guy with a pension of just $1,000.00 There goes the Filipino myth that all foreigners are rich. Instead of living like a king in the Philippines with a pension of $1,000.00 foreigners may find themselves to be a lowly prince and maybe even a pauper with a mere pension of $1,000.00.

Now the questions for those expats living in the Philippines and for those considering the move to the Phillippines is simple, is it worth it? Should I find a cheaper country to retire and spend my pension? Before an expat answers the question we need to consider the big picture and that means what does it cost to live in the Philippines today?

Many things we buy in the Philippines are cheaper than in the US, Canada, Europe and Australia. However, many things also cost the same and sometimes more. Building a house in Cebu is still a huge bargain. Buying a condo is also a bargain. A new house in Cebu can be had for $40,000.00 and a nice Condo for about $60,000.00. My little one bedroom house in the VERY rural Camotes Islands cost just about $8,000.00 to build and furnish and that includes the land. At the current exchange rate and inflation the same house, land and furniture would cost about $11,320.00 Yes, That is a big jump, but still very cheap by western standards. My Monthly Budget changes all the time, but here is what I have been spending for just the basics:

$200.00 Food

$50.00 Electric

$20.00 Internet connection

$20.00 Satellite TV

$15.00 Cell Phone

$5.00 LPG gas for cooking

$60.00House maintenance

$20,00 Motorcycle maintenance and gas

$100.00 Monthly Cebu City trip Entertainment, Movies, restaurants

$490.00 TOTAL MONTHLY COST

The following estimated budget is for two people living in Cebu City.

$200.00 House rent In Cebu City.

This would be a nice house. It doesn’t cost much for rent.

$150.00 Food

$50.00 Electric

$20.00 Internet connection

$20.00 Cable TV

$25.00 Phone

$5.00 LPG gas for cooking

$30.00 Maid Live-In $40.00 maximum

$50.00 Transportation, Taxi, Jeepney

$200.00 Entertainment, Movies, restaurants, golf and beaches

$750.00 TOTAL MONTHLY COST

Please note the Cebu City budget does not include a car allowance. It is much cheaper and easier to use Jeepneys and Taxi Cabs.

Both of these budgets still get you in under $1,000.00 a month. By far my rural budget is the cheapest. However, The keyword is RURAL! Not everyone wants to live in the Rural Islands. I love it in Camotes Islands, but there ain’t much in Camotes for those that like the night life, shopping and restaurants. The Cebu City budget may well be a bit conservative. However, it is a good starting point. You may need to adjust for your lifestyle.

REMEMBER!! I did not include visa cost and medical insurance. On average a Tourist visa will cost about $1.00 per day and medical insurance can be outrageous depending on the carrier.
You also need to have enough money for emergencies: trips home, Accidents, theft, and medical emergencies. I recommend you have at least $5,000.00 at any given time to draw from and $10,000.00 is even better. If you don’t have an extra $5,000.00 for emergencies don’t go. The worst thing that can happen to an expat is to be in an emergency situation in a foreign country with no money and no way home.

At the end of the day it appears the Philippines is still a good retirement option. Not as good as it once was, but still a strong option for a place to retire on a modest pension. However, I suspect many expats will want to save their money and consider the rural areas of the Philippines to retire. The rural areas can be very enjoyable for those in good health. However, if you need regular medical care you may find the rural areas lacking in medical facilities. Also, if you want all the frills of a city then the rural areas will be a true disappointment. I think the Philippines may well see a decrease in western Foreigners retiring to the country. Another significant issue is the thousands of OFW’s Oversea Filipino workers. OFW’s are all over the world and they contribute a LARGE portion of the Philippine economy. The OFW’s send money home to their families every month. With the decreased dollar to peso rate I suspect the OFW’s will need to tighten their belts just as much as the expats.

To answer the two questions. Is it worth considering the Philippines as a retirement option or should one consider another country? My answer is both Yes and No. If you have a pension of $1,000.00 yes, but with caution. If your pension is less than $1,000.00 you need to REALLY think it through and maybe consider another country. Still, the Philippines is a pretty good option and a cheap place to live if you can stick to a realistic budget and have at least $5,000.00 for emergencies.

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