I have been to Boracay and loved it....but some don't due to it being an upscale resort island well known and expensive. I would not hesitate to go again but there is no P4P that was obvious so unless you bring your own you should consider it a place to chill and enjoy the glorious natural surroundings.

If mongering is a consideration you might want to look into Cebu---much info on the web regarding same; I have not been but am very tempted....

Subic/Olongopo is another possibility; spent a couple days there this past year and found it quite pleasant. Plenty of bars/clubs to occupy you for a day or two and very low-key and relaxed. You won't be swimming in Subic Bay so pick a hotel with a generous sized pool!

Have a great trip!

Forget driving in the PI. Nuff said on that.

IMHO nobody with a clue goes to Baguio for the action. Some would say nobody smart goes there this time of year when the weather more closely resembles Seattle in winter than a tropical paradise. The bus ride from angeles will be about 6 to 7 hours.
Today is the first day that it has not rained much of the day in the last week (I am on the coast just down the mountain from Baguio).

The reason many of us PI experts hate Boracay is not that it is "expensive"but because it is so overdeveloped now and, where hordes of foreign tourists congregate, leeches will follow. If you like Phuket you may love it there.

Again, it is now in the heart of the rainy season so dont go to Boracay expecting much sun or beach weather (and there is little other reason to go). The snorkeling and diving is mediocre even in good weather.

Cebu has MUCH more action and much better weather this time of year. Snorkeling can be great if you are willing to travel about an hour and a half from the city.

If you want snorkeling close by to girlie action go to Puerto Galera. search for Rogers reports from there. Subic has the girlie action but beaches that look like Texas and the snorkeling is shit (I would not get in the water anywhere in Subic Bay personally).

I'm planning my trip (Oct 1-9th) to PI. I was looking to visit Boracay again. so you recommend Cebu over Boracay? you also mention weather is not as good with typhoon and all... what other island do you recommend or just don't come to PI?

I too will be going on my cherry trip with two buddies in Oct. and all the info helps a lot.

We will be in Manila for a few nights. Are the hotels (ShangriLa, Mandarin Or., Intercontinental) in Makati gf friendly? Is there much action on the Green Belt? Have read previous posts about Cafe Havana and the great potential for non-pros. Is this still true?

For AC, how far is the Lewis from most of the action? In terms of value and convenience, is it worth staying at the higher end hotels (ABC, Lewis) or is somewhere like Pacific Breeze good for first timers?

Sorry for hijacking the thread - I know Longgun said he was skipping Manila.

Thanks again everyone.

higgins

Cheers

Agree TOTALLY with Bohol over Boracay. A true gem is Camigin island just south of Bohol; harder to get to and less great beaches but foreigners are so rare it is easy to score (NO PRO ACTION HOWEVER) and it is the friendliest and safest place in all the PI IMHO. Looks like Tahiti. The most beautiful island in all the PI IMHO.

For girlie action the first choice should be Davao. Many will freak to learn it is on Mindanao but the area is very safe and it is truly the motherlode for both pros and non pros. But it will seem more foreign and has way less american style eateries and the like than Cebu. Read the ISG for details on action. My preferred hotel is Casa Leticia, ands Apo View across the street is fine too, but if you have bucks to burn the Marco polo is 5 star and girl friendly.

Lewis Grand is an excellent hotel in an excellent location. I actually prefer staying up at that end of town than Lower fields but it is no more than a 10 minute walk to Pacific breeze Hotel/Lower Fields area. ABC will cost you $ per night but is also in a great location.

What!? You are referring to actual chickens, right?

Just be careful...I wouldn't have a clear conscience if I didn't tell you that. I was robbed near Executive Plaza (outside of LA Cafe) and that same day saw a knife pulled on a guy right in front of me in that same area.

Surfer loves the place and thinks it's safer than downtown Des Moines at 1:00 P.M. So, different strokes....

Have fun!!

NO WAY you need to bring girls to Cebu from AC; to Bohol yes. Most bars will try to charge the girl "their" 50% of the barfine plus you must make arrangements with her. Negotiate with gifts, cellphone etc more than hard cash if you want more GFE type trip.