Looks great mate. I went there in about 2013 and loved it. I'd love to go back because there's way more than you can see in one trip.Been meaning to bump this for a while. Been interesting reading back the comments, particularly the COVID19 stuff, little did we know just how much it would change the global landscape.
The long and the short of it is that Philippines is far and away the most amazing place I've ever been to. Had the most incredible couple of weeks out there, and I'm itching to go back. Everything about the place was absolutely perfect.
The whole itinerary went without a hitch after Manila. Unfortunately my time there was very brief, as the storms in the UK back in February meant I had to fly out a day later than planned. It then took forever to get to the hotel in Makati from the airport as there had been an accident and the traffic was bottlenecked all down the tunnel. Think it was about 9pm local time when I checked in, dropped bags and quick shower, and headed over to the rooftop bar at the hotel across the road (it was their sister property).
Was on a flight to Boracay the next morning so it really was a flying stop, and thats where the holiday really began.
Boracay; stunning. Incredible sea, sand. Did a sunset boat cruise one afternoon but other than that just mostly spent the days relaxing on the incredible beaches.
This was the view from my balcony, overlooking White Beach.
The sunsets were out of this world, too.
After 6 nights there, it was onwards to Bohol. Flew into Cebu and got a boat over to Bohol.
Absolutely loved my hotel, right on the beach and they had hammocks, daybeds, swings etc such an amazing spot literally as you left your room.
Did a full private day tour of the island, to include all the main sites and attractions. The chocolate hills were amazing to see in person.
After 5 nights in Bohol, it was back to Manila but the enforced flight changes before I left the UK meant I could spend the final 2 nights up in Angeles City where I stayed with a work client (sounds dodgy, it wasn't haha)
It was great to see this different side of the Philippines, as she introduced me to loads of her family in the local area and we took a trip up to Mt Pinatubo. A really interesting contrast from the beaches, and an area of the country I likely wouldn't have seen unless she insisted I stayed with her.
My return flight from Manila wasn't until the evening so I did have a bit of time on my final day to see a little more of the capital. Had a wander round one of the public parks and the museum dedicated to Jose Rizal.
Despite the storms delaying me out of the UK, and the impending stuff with COVID19 that was starting to kick in as I left, I think I got very lucky to time my trip when I did. They had banned planes arriving from China and I think Chinese visitors generally make up about 50% of their tourism, so you had these amazing beaches and places of interest without the hordes of people.
The plan is to return in 2022 (would love to go next year but I'm finally returning to Bali as the big trip for 2021). Looking towards the Palawan/Coron/El Nido area and hopefully Siargao if I have the time.
If anyone is thinking of heading to Philippines then I'd urge you to go (or if you're planning on going SE Asia then get Philippines into consideration).
The people, the weather, the value, the picture perfect beaches.....my new favourite destination.
Thanks for all the pre departure recommendations and pointers!
I still think Blackpool would be better.Been meaning to bump this for a while. Been interesting reading back the comments, particularly the COVID19 stuff, little did we know just how much it would change the global landscape.
The long and the short of it is that Philippines is far and away the most amazing place I've ever been to. Had the most incredible couple of weeks out there, and I'm itching to go back. Everything about the place was absolutely perfect.
The whole itinerary went without a hitch after Manila. Unfortunately my time there was very brief, as the storms in the UK back in February meant I had to fly out a day later than planned. It then took forever to get to the hotel in Makati from the airport as there had been an accident and the traffic was bottlenecked all down the tunnel. Think it was about 9pm local time when I checked in, dropped bags and quick shower, and headed over to the rooftop bar at the hotel across the road (it was their sister property).
Was on a flight to Boracay the next morning so it really was a flying stop, and thats where the holiday really began.
Boracay; stunning. Incredible sea, sand. Did a sunset boat cruise one afternoon but other than that just mostly spent the days relaxing on the incredible beaches.
This was the view from my balcony, overlooking White Beach.
The sunsets were out of this world, too.
After 6 nights there, it was onwards to Bohol. Flew into Cebu and got a boat over to Bohol.
Absolutely loved my hotel, right on the beach and they had hammocks, daybeds, swings etc such an amazing spot literally as you left your room.
Did a full private day tour of the island, to include all the main sites and attractions. The chocolate hills were amazing to see in person.
After 5 nights in Bohol, it was back to Manila but the enforced flight changes before I left the UK meant I could spend the final 2 nights up in Angeles City where I stayed with a work client (sounds dodgy, it wasn't haha)
It was great to see this different side of the Philippines, as she introduced me to loads of her family in the local area and we took a trip up to Mt Pinatubo. A really interesting contrast from the beaches, and an area of the country I likely wouldn't have seen unless she insisted I stayed with her.
My return flight from Manila wasn't until the evening so I did have a bit of time on my final day to see a little more of the capital. Had a wander round one of the public parks and the museum dedicated to Jose Rizal.
Despite the storms delaying me out of the UK, and the impending stuff with COVID19 that was starting to kick in as I left, I think I got very lucky to time my trip when I did. They had banned planes arriving from China and I think Chinese visitors generally make up about 50% of their tourism, so you had these amazing beaches and places of interest without the hordes of people.
The plan is to return in 2022 (would love to go next year but I'm finally returning to Bali as the big trip for 2021). Looking towards the Palawan/Coron/El Nido area and hopefully Siargao if I have the time.
If anyone is thinking of heading to Philippines then I'd urge you to go (or if you're planning on going SE Asia then get Philippines into consideration).
The people, the weather, the value, the picture perfect beaches.....my new favourite destination.
Thanks for all the pre departure recommendations and pointers!
I truly hope that, one day, you'll find some solution to the internal turmoil you're going to go through for making such a rash decision.