Philippines travel tales and tips

Philippines travel tales

Our customers share their travelling experiences in Philippines. Read about first hand stories on travel tips and guides, events, entertainment,shopping, food, business and transportation. 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.

R Trent	04 January 2005
Stayed at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino - Cebu, Philippines.
We used the Nissan Car rental outfit in hotel lobby to book two driving tours of Cebu which let us see all of the tourist spots. Bring small change as most places visited required a small parking fee of between P5 to P20. Drivers are professional and full of info as well as great assistance in taking pictures for us. To get around Cebu, use taxis. All that we used had working meters and rides to various spots were: Ayala Center: P60; SM Cebu: P110; Fuente Osmena: P115; Airport: under P150. Get out of the hotel and experience some of the great restaurants Cebu has to offer. We walked about 20 minutes from our hotel and found some unbelievable barbecue spots and Filipino restaurants. If you plan to stay in the hotel, the restaurants are great as well but you do pay "hotel prices".
E Stones	03 January 2005
Stayed at Hyatt Regency Manila - Manila, Philippines.
We organised our own transport to go to Luzon. The last time we have travelled by road to go north was 11 years ago when there were no place for foreign children to eat. Vehicles were so few that traffic jams were unheard of. Most cities in the Philippines are likely to have a traffic jam. Manila has got the most chaotic traffic jams we have ever come accross. A 20 minute off peak travel time could take 1+ hour during normal peak time on a clear day; 3+ hours on a rainy day! An airconditioned transport is highly recommended when travelling around the Philippines even for only 1/2 mile as traffic is so unpredictable otherwise, you will be roasted in the heat and poisoned with the exhaust fumes with the car windows open whilst in a traffic queue. There are plenty of places to eat particularly those travelling with children. Macdonald and Jollybee are now all over the Philippines. If you are driving in the Philippines, foreign drivers need to have an International Driver's Licence. Be very cautious when driving in the Philippines particularly if you are a caucasian. Never stop at the scene of the accident as you could be blamed for causing the accident. A lot of the local drivers did not attend proper driving lessons. Their knowledge of the road regulations are very limited. Local license is achieved by buying it not through driving test therefore, if you are mad enough to drive in the Philippines, GOOD LUCK to you!!
P Bennagen (2 adults and 2 children)	01 January 2005
Stayed at Microtel Inn & Suites Baguio City - Baguio, Philippines.
We have planned for our New Year's vacation in Baguio for months. And so despite the "meningo" scare, we pushed through with our trip --- we just made sure to avoid to public market. My family and I have been to Baguio several times in the past but this was the first time we got to see the famous strawberry fields --- the highlight of our trip. Even though we did not get to see the strawberries (they must have been picked earlier that day), it was still a sight to behold as we arrived there in the late afternoon --- with the sun about to set, the fog creeping in, and all the flowers in full bloom. And despite the fact that our car was already full with passengers and baby stuff, we will managed to pack in a few kilos of strawberries and vegetables for which Baguio is famous. "Meningo" scare and all, our Baguio trip was worth it!
C Laxa	30 December 2004
Stayed at Dusit Hotel Nikko - Manila, Philippines.
Some of the places I visited were: San Pedro, Laguna, Manila, Quezon City. We ate at the Kamayan Restaurant several times - the food was very satisfying and the singing waiters were entertaining. I especially enjoyed the Filipino folk songs. I shopped at SM, Glorietta Shopping Mall, Mega Mall, and Robinsons. The prices were very reasonable, especially if you are spending US dollars. Several tips: when travelling, insist on taking a metered taxi to ensure you will not be overcharged. Also, inquire if the taxi driver will be charging you extra for your luggage.
J Atwood	29 December 2004
Stayed at Copacabana Apartment Hotel - Manila, Philippines.
IF you get the chance see the location -Tagaytay - about one hour from Manila. Very beautiful scenery - green hills and a small volcano. A visit to Picnic Grove is recommended - run by the Philippine Tourist Center.
R Mendoza	28 December 2004
Stayed at BSA TOWER - Manila, Philippines.
Mall fast food is cheap and has a variety of choices, Greenbelt park, restaurant and night clubs are fun to go to. Landmark has affordable prices on basically all you need.
A Yamauchi	28 December 2004
Stayed at Atrium Hotel - Manila, Philippines.
I followed my family who was ahead of me in Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. The place is beautiful. We went to Duka Bay Resort, Medina, Misamis Oriental. The beach is nice and the cottage where we stayed was very comfortable. We are always looking forward to visit Duka Bay Resort everytime we visit Cagayan de Oro City.
C Cadelina	28 December 2004
Stayed at Oakwood Premier Ayala Centre - Manila, Philippines.
If you're in Makati just to meet old friends and shop for fashion, you may not need transportation if you're staying in Oakwood. Posh and fastfood restaurants are aplenty and within walking distance. Outback Steakhouse is just at the ground floor of the hotel, if you need a quick snack or a nightcap late in the evening after shopping your heart out at the numerous boutiques carrying local and popular brand-name clothing and merchandise. I only had to cross the street to buy groceries at SM supermarket, which seems to have everything I need.
G Fuentes	25 December 2004
Stayed at Oakwood Premier Ayala Centre - Manila, Philippines.
Oakwood is in the center of Makati and there are like 3 malls around the area - SM, Glorietta and Greenbelt. It was christmas when we came, so the Glorietta mall does not open until 12pm and SM did not open at all.
E Yamauchi	25 December 2004
Stayed at Dusit Hotel Nikko - Manila, Philippines.
Our destination was Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental. I had my parents in-law checked-in at Pryce Hotel which is close to the airport and shopping area. I think the hotel is one of the best in the city. It is overlooking the city and during night time the view is spectacular. The hotel is secured, quite and peaceful. We dined at the Cagay-anon's restaurant and enjoyed their foods very much. We went to El Pueblo to play golf and my in - laws enjoyed very much. Take note, you can't play if you are not in their dress code. I was surprised but it feels good to look at the players with proper attire. We went to Duka Bay Resort. The place is very beautiful. It can compete to some famous resorts around the country. Actually it was our second time visit and I intend to bring my family everytime we visited Misamis Oriental. We rented a van during our vacation, sometimes rental rate in a small city is cheaper than in a big city. Like for example from NAIA to hotel in Makati area the fare of the van is 600.00 pesos for one way only while in a small city it is a day price of a van.

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