Ask us a question
Please check the Frequently Asked Questions section before posting here.
Post your questions in the comments section. Do remember to subscribe to the comments, so that once it is answered, you’ll be notify via email.
All answered questions will be moved to a new thread after 1 week after bring answered. You can find them at the List of recently answered questions.
Do Not Ask These
- On bus / ferry schedules. These information can be found on the official operational companies websites.
PkTan is fascinated with this beautiful, complicated country. He loves advising travellers to Philippines and have developed this site to share all his knowledge of Philippines with everyone. Learn more about me [+]
- Bus schedule going from Pasay to Santiago City Isabela
- How to get from Tacloban to San Rafeal Farm in Babatngon
- Superferry
- Ferry
- How to get to Aklan
Tourism Philippines thrives on the knowledge of the community. Got a tip, photo or even a guide on a place you been to in Philippines? We will love to hear from you!
Myself and my partner and due to travel to the Philippines in the next two weeks for a three-week trip. We were hoping to travel up to Banaue to visit the rice terraces and the surrounding area. We were just wondering is this still possible after the floods or have the roads been badly damaged? Also I am aware there used to be internal flights to Baguio, but I cannot find any airline which still provides this service. Do you know if this is correct? Is there any easier way to get to Banaue or is the only way to get a bus from Manila?
Many thanks in advance.
Hi Chloe,
To tell you honestly, I really can’t say whether travel to the Cordilleras (including Banaue) would be a great idea right now. We were meant to go up to Banaue too in about 2 weeks time but right now we are still tad unsure. We will try calling tomorrow the bus companies traveling to that area and get a better assessment of the roads going to that area. There used to be flights going to Baguio but as far as I know, these flights were discontinued quite possibly due to safety reasons (these are just personal conjectures of course)- if we are not mistaken, the Loakan Airport in Baguio sits on top of a plateau with precipitous drops on both sides. It takes a lot of travel as well from Baguio to Banawe mind you because you either go by way of Bontoc via the Halsema Highway and other alternate routes which takes you around and around. Ideally Baguio to Banaue should be 9 hours travel time – the same number of hours you would usually spend on a bus from Manila direct to Banaue. Personally, I am not big fan of Baguio and I could skip it for all the world. However, if you decide to push through, you can go straight to Banaue from Manila and head out to Sagada in Mt. Province instead – GORGEOUS PLACE. Check out my Sagada Travel Guide under the Destinations List.
Will keep you posted about bus travel to Banaue as we were really planning of going there (but more as a stopover for Sagada) as well about the same you guys do – will just check the situation with the landslides and infrastructure.
Cheers!
Ryan
That’s great, thanks very much for your help.
I will keep an eye on the website to see if there is any update on the roads.
Thanks for the advice about Baguio, sounds best to head straight up from Manila – so fingers crossed the roads are ok.
Also is it worth continuing up to Tuguegarao and trying to fly south from there? Or best just to go back to Manila
Thanks in advance
Chloe
Hi Chloe,
As far as I know there aren’t any buses direct from Banaue to Tuguegerao. Banaue is off the main highway between Manila and Tuguegerao. If it’s 9 hours from Manila to Banaue and 12 hours from Manila to Tuguegerao, then I guess it would be about 4 hours from Banaue to Tuguegerao if you could find a bus going there directly.
However, around Tuguegerao there are meant to be some really beautiful caves, some with waterfalls and chapels inside. And near Callao Cave you can watch tens of thousands of bats fly out of caves at dusk. The flight to Tuguegerao from Manila is about 1 hour.
Hey last advisory from Sagada – Manila-Banaue-Sagada route returned to normal.
hi Ryan,
i would just like to ask if why there are no cruise ship passing by here in Cebu, Philippines? what are the reasons?
HI Gina,
AFAIK, there are no cruise ships passing by Cebu. There is a cruise ship that traverses the Coron, Puerto Galera and Boracay route. You can charter a private yacht however if you need be. Soon Manila will be a stopover of international cruises as well. Why Cebu is not included in the itinerary is actually a good question – there are a lot of good tourist spots nearby but I guess, it would be up for the LGU of Cebu along with the other provinces in the area to work on this and partner with a cruise company. Who knows, in the near future we would be seeing a luxury liner docking in Cebu.
Hi, I’ve got a quick question.
I’m planning on going to Sagada next week (Nov. 23) and want to know if its safe to travel what with Ondoy and all.
I haven’t been able to find any relevant info. I’m planning on taking a bus with my girlfriend and stay over the weekend.
Thanks!
Hi Kyle,
October 23 or November 23? There is another storm coming that may hit that area (Local Name Ramil/International Name: Lupit). Right now as far as we know, the roads to Sagada is very difficult with many roads being washed out. The possible way to get there I think is via the Banawe route. But this is unverified. You may check updates with @sagada on Twitter. Right now relief operations around that area are our best source of info Just keep checking these pages for any new development. As a rule of thumb, shy away from mountainous areas especially right now where there is another typhoon coming.
Sagada is very beautiful and we intend to go there end of October but the problem is how to get there at this point. For several days Mt. Province had been isolated from the rest of the country because of numerous landslides. Before anything, let us keep safety in mind.
Ryan
Check this website on Sagada as well – http://www.visitsagada.com/. Very helpful too!
October 23… Will the storm be hitting this weekend? I’ve never been there and I’m leaving for the states the week after so I don’t have any other time to go. I guess I could go up to banaue (I’ve always wanted to see the rice terraces).
Thanks!
Hi Kyle. The storm is forecast to hit Northern Cagayan around Wednesday. Of course, we all hope we dont have the same bifurcation as TS Parma/Pepeng which basically stumped meteorologists all around the world for its most erratic movement. I understand, we wanted to go check the rice terraces too! Keep your eyes and ears open – or check the twitter page I gave you or the typhoon2000.ph website.
Ryan
Hey last advisory from Sagada – Manila-Banaue-Sagada route returned to normal.
Okay, thank you!
By the way, I’m planning on leaving for Sagada tomorrow morning. Could you tell me the best route to take by bus coming from makati? Like where to get the bus and what to tell them (It will be my first time taking the bus on a long journey like this).
Also, how early should we leave?
Thanks!
Which way are you going through? Banawe or Baguio?
hello Ryan is the airport for boracay [cataclan] still closed to the bigger planes as i have been on cebu pacific web site and it says they are not flying there till december 1st [that message has been on there site for a long time now] but they are still taking bookings,
p.s i still have not found any hotels in Imus can you help….
Thanks for the update Stuart, just send me a holler over Twitter (@tourismpinas) ; I’ll ask people around. Cheers!
Our family is planning a trip to the Philippines mid March to April. Boracay and Palawan are two destinations on our mind. Are there connecting flights between the two islands? And is it safe to travel these areas?
Theresa
Hi Theresa,
There are flights between Boracay and Palawan. You may check SEAIR (Southeast Asian Airlines) website for that (http://flyseair.com). There are flights between Caticlan and Puerto Princesa as of this moment. Palawan and Boracay are very safe destinations. I am a regular traveler to those places and both places are very popular not only with honeymooners and groups, they are popular with families with kids too (esp. Boracay). Great places I may add!
Hope that helps!
Ryan
Hi, I was wondering if there is any regulations on what you are allowed to take into the country. I have family there that want me to bring can and packages of food. Is this allowed?. Thanks in advance for your answer.
Hi Cass,
Compared to other countries, The Philippines is pretty lenient when it comes to foodstuff brought in from abroad. Millions of bulging Balikbayan care packages attest to this.
According to the Bureau of Customs in their website:
3 WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF DUTY AND TAX FREE PRIVILEGE OF RETURNING FILIPINOS/BALIKBAYANS?
The extent varies as follows:
1. Returning Resident. Personal effects and household goods used by him abroad for at least six (6) months and the dutiable value of which is not more than Ten Thousand Pesos (10,000.00) are exempt from duties and taxes. Any amount in excess of P10,000.00 is subject to 50% duty to the first P10,000.00 exemption across the board as provided for under Section 105 (F) of the TCCP.
2. Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). In addition to the privileges granted to Returning Residents as described above, an OFW may be allowed to bring in, duty and tax free Ten Thousand (P10,000.00) of USED home appliances, provided:
a) the quantity is limited to one of each kind;
b) the privilege has not been enjoyed previously during the calendar year which fact must be declared under oath by the owner;
c) the owner’s passport is presented at the port/airport of entry;
d) any amount in excess of P10,000.00 will be subject to duty and tax.
3. Former Filipino. Professional instruments and implements, tools of trade occupation or employment, wearing apparel, domestic animals, and personal household effects shall be exempt from payment of Customs duties and taxes. Provided that the change of residence was bonafide, the privilege of free entry was never availed of before and that the articles are brought from their former place of abode.
4 ARE FAMILY MEMBERS OF RETURNING RESIDENTS, OFWs AND FORMER FILIPINOS ALSO ENTITLED TO CERTAIN PREVILEGES?
Yes, provided they themselves satisfy FAQs Chapter 1’s first three points
5 WHAT ARE THE CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS ATTACHED TO TAX EXEMPTION PRIVILEGES?
The following are the conditions for availment of duty and tax privileges;
1. Presentation to the Bureau of Customs of a favorable written endorsement which department controls the availment of duty and tax free exemptions.
2. The goods extended duty and tax free privilege are not to be sold, bartered nor traded.
3. The quantity is not commercial.
4. The goods are not prohibited importations. (See Chapter 6)
5. For regulated items, endorsements from the proper regulatory agency.
(See Chapter 5)
———————
**There might be changes on the rules and regulations without prior notice. So it is advised to check the Bureau of Customs website once in a while.
Hope that helps!
Ryan
Hi-
I have already booked a flight to Manila from Nov.12-30 Just wanted to ask what the current condition is right now? Is it safe to travel? I heard about dengue & lepsosterosis, etc. That scared me, now I’m thinking whether I should re-book it next year. Please advice. Also, how’s the tourism after Ondoy?
Thanks!
Hi Ley,
Currently, the weather is a mix of partly cloudy, with sunshine and wind. Leptospirosis are a main danger only to people who waded in floods, and floods are now gone, so no worries. I think anywhere in Southeast Asia (even in Singapore), you should be careful of Dengue. I had them before, back in 2001 and it wasn’t pretty. Make sure you put on some bug repellent if ever you wanted to go somewhere where there is stagnant water.
There were no tourism figures yet after Ondoy, but I reckon the sector was hurt, not as much as a drop of foreign travelers to the Philippines but from the domestic tourists as well. Apart from some areas in Luzon, the rest of the country is okay. I am traveling this weekend to go birdwatching in Bataan. :)
Cheers!
Ryan
hi guys …
im searching this site and seems quite interesting….
im a new visitor to the Philippines…hopefully ! its my first holiday there , visiting around next dec/jan for 1 month……
i would like some tips on how should i plan my trip…..looks like the main hot spots that are compatible to my likes are Boracay , Cebu , Palawan , Puerto Galera & a bit on Manila….i would like to know how much preferably time would be enough for these places and how i organize my trip …. maybe manila to puerto…..then cebu ..borocay…palawan back to manila ?? any better tips ??
many thanks …g’day all
keep the good work here…
Hi Michael,
Regarding your question, that really depends on how much time and money you have. Some people spend an entire week in Boracay, I know a couple from Sweden who spent 4 weeks in Palawan! Now, see first what visa will you be on here- pretty much for most nationalities, there is a 21 day visa free travel to the Philippines. You have to check if your country is on that list. Some countries has 3 months visa free stays and others require a visa before traveling to the Philippines. Let’s say you are on the majority list of countries with 21 days visa free stay, you can allocate the amount of time spread out in those 21 days. Make sure that you are at the airport leaving the country on the 21st day! Otherwise you may have to file an extension (Check our article on Philippine Tourist Visas by our Expat Writer’s column- Walkabout Pinas).
Check the availability of flights. SEAIR (Southeast Asian Airlines) is your best bet between island hopping. As far as I know, they have a Manila-Cebu-Boracay (Caticlan) – Puerto Princesa (Palawan) which can be connected via road to El Nido (Palawan) – Manila loop. Puerto Galera is another story though. Check their website for details – flyseair.com.
Decently, you can break down your stay like this:
Manila- 2 days
Cebu – 2-3 days plus Bohol – 5 days
Boracay- 3-4 days
Palawan- 7-10 days
Manila – 2 days
Cheers man, hope that helps.
Ryan
thanks for info Ryan ….
im spending a total of 29 days , so roughly i can plan on ur advise……basically i prefer the white sandy beaches + nightlife….as we are a group of single males ( sumone mention the craziness of Angeles too)….not sure about it ……..!! Palawan seems a paradise regarding nature etc so we will visit as well…….do cebu , borocay and puerto have many similarities ?? i dont like to take the hassle of flights & travelling just to visit another place and find out its more or less the same.
Thanks again….
Hi Michael,
I am not a big fan personally of the “nightlife” in Angeles. It is too seedy for my taste. Last February I went to Clark to do hot air ballooning and wished to stay to rest in one of the motels just before another event, and I get hassled by local trike drivers for prostitutes. I don’t support such kind of tourism however. Manila has a rocking nightlife and if you hang out at the right places you’d be able to mingle with the locals and other expats minus the stain of prostitution.
Okay nightlife wise, Cebu tracks Manila. Cebu’s beauty is more concentrated in its culture, food and many stunning dive spots. It is also a good jump-off for the nearby Bohol province with its over 1,000 Chocolate Hills and white sand beaches and tarsiers. If party is what you really wanted then Boracay is the ultimate island party place in the Philippines. It has one of the most awesome beaches in the world and a pretty good nightlife especially for singles, Don’t forget to drink for your country at Cocomangas – I their infamous 15 shots last December.
I am not a big fan of Puerto Galera although it does have some nice secluded coves, but basically (I know I am going to be crucified for this), Puerto Galera is the poor man’s Boracay. It is cheaper and it is close to Manila and the beaches are definitely inferior than Boracay.
If you really have to streamline your travel. I’d say never miss Coron (Northern Palawan), Puerto Princesas Subterranean River (longest navigable underwater river in the world) and then you can spend some time in Boracay as well as Manila.
Cheers
Ryan
thanks for positive comments Ryan …. i know ur an expert here so i guess i will spend
more time in Boracay rather than going to Puerto Galera and feel dissappointed ….
keep the good work here….
Mick
Hi Mick,
Well some people likes Puerto Galera, but save for some secluded beaches, the place is a bit seedy for my taste. And since it is more readily accessible to Manila, there’s more people there. They do have some great diving opportunities (same as Boracay). Near Puerto Galera is Verde Island with spectacular diving (for advanced divers). It is called the center of the center for marine biodiversity in the world – pretty much like underwater equivalent of the heart of the Amazon. That is of course if you are into diving. :)
Let me know what else I can help you with Boracay – I usually visit that island once a year (though not this year). Last time I was there was December last year and then next time probably would be January 2010 on my way to Romblon. Oh yeah, a friend of mine way back high school days own a cruise ship that sometimes ply the Coron, Palawan to Boracay route. Let me know if you are interested and I can send him a message. He owns two private islands in Northern Palawan as well as a hotel in Boracay. :)
Cheers!
Ryan
May I know if you have knowledge about the International Tourist Yacht Club and Makati Golf and Country Club, Inc. which existed several years ago?
Hi Ephrem,
Do you mean Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City which was established in 1901? That still exists until today. I have written an article on Manila Yacht Club as well, it its listed on our Destinations page under Manila.
Cheers,
Ryan
Hello !
First time Philippines.
We like to make a trip by car from Manila (November 24) to Baguio > coastal to Vigan >
henco to Salcedo>Cervantes>Bauko>Gonogan>Bontoc>Sagada after a few days back via
Banaue>Lamut>Solano> Manila
One week for this trip = OK ?
Where in Manila can we rent a 4WD ( have been looking for days now-none found).
Any good addresses?
Thanks for your help
Andre
Hi Andre,
Contact Ohmar of Camp-O. He rents out 4WD and does the Cordillera Loop. I havent used his services personally but he is the only person I know so far who rents out 4WD and customised tours. Contact him at +63.917.6285750. As for the road conditions in those parts where you plan of going, you better check it with him beforehand as some roas were heavily damaged due to the latest typhoons.
Have fun and be safe!
Ryan
Thank you Ryan for your help !
We like a self-drive car , but cannot find Camp-O in Google.
Does he have a website or email address?
We live in Belgium .
Thanks again.
Andre
Hi Andre,
I am not sure if they do the self-drive car arrangement but here is his email – ohmarp@yahoo.com. I dont think they have an updated website (or any website for that matter). His shop is on the same building where I work for my day job (hehe, I need to work to fund my travels, LOL). He seems to be a really nice guy. Just let them know I referred you to him. :)
Anyway, take care mate, I had a couple of friends from Belgium who used to live here in Manila.
Hope that helps!
Cheers
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Have sent him an email, but after 3 days no response.
Do you still see his shop in the building?
Maybe you can leave a note..
Thanks for the help.
Andre
Hi Andre,
I actually saw him today, was meant to drop by again but I got busy with my day job, will remind him on Monday. Cheers man,
Ryan
hi! good morning,talk to ryan about your inquiry of 4×4 vehicle. unfortunately,i don’t know of an agency that rents out 4×4 vehicle, especially if self drive. what’s your email address, i’ll try to find or help you.
thanks. ohmar
Hi Omar !
Thanks for your help. The mail address is listed below.
axxxxxxxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Thanks again.
Andre
Edited by Admin
- Email privately sent
Hi Ryan,
My friends and i will travel to Sagada at the end of the week (Nov. 27-30). Is it safe to travel during that day? Is the Sagada back to normal? We’re worried that the recent landslide/typhoon might have affected Sagada and we’re afraid of our safety.
Thanks a lot!
Hi Tiff,
I think Sagada survived the recent typhoons pretty well. However, the roads going there were affected to some degree. As far as I know people had trouble navigating the Halsema Highway and most pass through the Ifugao side. You may check with SAGGAS (their website listed on the guide above) directly when it comes to road conditions. The weather had been pretty clear in the past few weeks so it should be okay by now. Otherwise, constantly monitor the weather conditions just to be on the safe side.
Cheers and hope you have fun in Sagada! Also please do come back to our site if there are any updates of travel to and from there.
Ryan
Hello! You have an amazing travel/tourism site here. Do you know some eccentric places here in Manila? Kind of out of this world. These could be shops/restos/bars, etc. Visiting these places might deviate me from the usual malls I’m usually going to. Thank you! :)
Thanks Dheng,
Thanks for your really kind words… Actually there are quite a few of quirky and interesting places around Metro Manila. For one, I went to this artist enclave somewhere in Pasay (near Heritage Hotel) and when we drove inside – it was like I stepped back in time during the 1950s era. It was a small compound with 50s era houses, aging trees, and under the afternoon sunlight, it was just totally unbelievable! I forgot the exact location though. We have also heard of super-secretive restaurants tucked in nondescript buildings with no signs at all but just had the most mouthwatering steaks. I will try to come up a list sometime soon. (I have just a lot of travel guides coming up yet, so I will take a raincheck on that.).
Cheers!
Ryan
In January we will visit the Philippines for the third time, this time we want to focus on Mindanao.
For this I have a question: is it safe, and possible, to explore the region around Lake Lanao and Marawi on our own pace, so without a guide and with public transport, bus and boat?
Are there any places to stay in the area, or do we have to contact the mayor to arrange a bed?
Thanks,
Yvekes
Hi there,
Lake Lanao and the Marawi area is NOT safe to go around right now especially unescorted or during the months running up to the elections next year.Skip the area for now. Even my friends in Iligan dissuaded us to go to the area even if Marawi is just 30 minutes away from Iligan.
Hope that helps. Choose the Surigao provinces instead or Camiguin.
Ryan
Ryan,
Why would you prefere the Surigao area? Is this just your personal preference?
Hi,
Northern and Eastern Mindanao and Davao normally are safer compared to the ones in ARMM which are NOT safe around this time. I base my observations from what I have heard from my friends who live in Mindanao and also news reports coming from that region. I am not sure whether Sultan Kudarat, Cotabato City and Maguindanao are under a state of emergency after the recent things going on in Ampatuan, Maguindanao (which is at least 1,000 kilometers away from Manila by the way). These are just my suggestions, if you really wish to go, no one can stop you – just exercise extreme caution when traveling around those areas especially during these elections season.
Ryan
hi Ryan ,
After doin a lot of ‘HW’ from loads of websites i roughly planned this itenary…what u think of it ? as ur an expertise i will follow all your useful advices….im a first time visitor to Philippines … so much thanks for your patience & help …..
24th Dec. arrive in Cebu via Bkk-Manila ( havent find a more cheaper flight ..flyin with CebuPacific )
28th Dec. Off to Bohol for 3 days ( plan for a fast ferry 2 way travelling )
31st Dec. Cebu – Boracay ( seems that the most ideal trip is via Air philippines to Caticlan as Kalibo airport seems a long way from island…..read about 2 hr drive )
4th Jan. Caticlan – Manila ( Air philippines again )
4th Jan. Manila -Puerto princessa .. spending 5 days in Palawan …. ( using Cebupacific )
thats all !!!….hope can get some more useful tips about your views , if any !
thanks
michael
Hi Michael,
Sorry for the late reply, I just arrived from Batanes an hour ago. I think your itinerary sounds okay. Btw the drive from Kalibo to Catcilan is just about 1-1.5 hours. Be careful with flying with Cebu Pacific. Cheap airfares but really sucky customer service. :)
Cheers
Ryan
I was hoping you might be able to give me some advice on my itinerary. My girlfriend and I (roughly 30 years old) are arriving in the philippines on the 28th of december. So far we have the following trip planned and it is the second half I want help with.
28th/29th Manila
30th fly to busuanga 3 days in coron
taking the Tao expedition cruise down to el Nido
7th -9th el nido
10th/11th/12th port barton, underground river and on to P Princessa
Basically we fly out on the 24th from Manilla and we’re hoping to fit in a trek up a volcano and maybe the whale sharks in Donsol. Other than that we’re looking for relaxed islands with fairly laid back accomodation
at present we were looking at flying back to Manila and getting either the overnight bus or early flight to legaspi and straight on to donsol. we then really want a taste of the visayas. In our research we liked the sound of sipalay, siquijer (sorry for my spelling), dumaguete, camiguin (really liked this but think this might be too difficult/time consuming). If we were to fly to cebu what route would you recommend that would give us the most experiences for the least amount of travel. We are on a budget but if there’s cheap flights that save a lot of time then we’re happy enough to splash out.
Thanks for any advice you might have.
Dave
Hi Dave,
If you’re looking to trek up a volcano then Taal is close to Manila. You can catch a bus to Tagaytay and then get to Talisay and catch a boat across the lake to Taal volcano and climb it all in a day. It is also possible to climb Mt. Pinatubo in a day from Manila.
As for Donsol, That time of year is still a little early to be guaranteed whaleshark sightings.
With Dumaguete, most flights from Manila are usually a bit expensive. I think the cheaper way is to fly to Cebu then catch a bus down to the south and then get a ferry across to Negros. From Dumaguete you can get out to Siquijor by ferry. Sipalay is at 4-6 hours drive from the two airports in Negros. Just north of Dumaguete is Bais City, they have a big white sandbar and dolphin watching. There’s also some nice national parks, waterfalls and mountains in that area too.
From Cebu you can take a ferry to Bohol and then another ferry on to Camiguin, if you’re looking for a cheaper option.
Camiguin is a bit more expensive and many places in Palawan are expensive.
Hope that helps.
I’m going to the Philippines for 2 weeks holiday with my friend in March.
We will be travelling by Cebu Pacific to Clark Airport.
Can you recommend some nice, safe and affordable hotels in Clark?
Also are there any transports from Clark Airport to Baguio City?
We like to visit Baguio City.
Hope to get some useful advice from you soon.
Thanks and Best Regards,
Steven
Hi Steven,
You may check out my Pampanga travel guide for Clark Hotels. The better (and less sleazy ones are usually more expensive). I dont think there are direct transfers from Clark to Baguio (the only ones that I know of are from Vlark and Manila). There are vans for hire but they may be very expensive. I believe you may have to head out to the Dau Bus Terminal for that.
Regards!
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for your advice.
We will be staying in Baguio City. Is it possible to travel to Banaue Rice Terraces and back for day tour?
What’s the travelling time from Baguio City to Banaue Rice Terraces?
Or is it better to stay nearby around Banaue area?
Regards,
Steven
Hi Steven,
On a good day, travel time from Baguio to Banaue is approximately 6 hours, so I guess that answers your question regarding day tours to Banaue. However, I am not privy to the info whether the roads from Baguio to Banaue are still doing great after the last typhoon so it may take longer. Usually if you intend to go to Banaue from Manila, we bypass Baguio altogether because it would take us longer to get there. If you are planning to go to Ifugao, you might as well head out to Batad where the rice terraces looks more graceful and less commercialised than in Banaue,
Cheers!
Ryan
hi ryan i leave for the philippines and i have a question about tipping, if someone helps with carrying baggage or if i get a taxi how much would they expect, i would a taxi travel from manila airport to imus cavite,or it here a better way to get there that you can reccomend,,,
Hi Stuart,
There are no standard rules of tipping in the Philippines. A lot expects a tip however and so it is wise to carry 20 peso bills in your pocket. I guess for the airport, I reckon 20-50 peso tip should be more than enough (it sounds stingy I know) but it also depends on how big the luggage the person is carrying for you and how far the person is carrying it for you. For the airport, I have yet to encounter someone to take my luggage (other than the driver of my rented car), so it never occurred to me to tip anyone aside from the tip I give to the driver afterwards.
In some cases, there are standard rates for porter services (at seaports it used to be 20 pesos piece per luggage). For a long drive to Imus, 100 pesos tip should be fine I think. Will you be taking the standard airport taxi (yellow cab)? Or are you hiring a car rental company like Avis. Be prepared to shell out for the toll fees as well,
Hope that helps!
Ryan
Hi Ryan,
Thanks for the suggestion to Batad rice terraces!
We will stay few days in Bambang in Nueva Vizcaya.
How long is the travelling time from Bambang to Batad rice terraces?
If i’m not wrong from Bambang to Batad rice terraces is nearer than to Banaue, correct me if i’m wrong.
Thanks and have a good day.
Steven
Hi there Steven,
I dont have the exact travel time from Bambang to Batad, BUT as far as I know, Bambang is one of the towns that you will pass by going to Banaue from Manila. Also if I am not mistaken in order to get to Batad, you have got to get off Banaue first and ride the jeepney to Batad wherein you will have to trek through the rice terraces to get to the village. I will have to double check on that.
Cheers and Happy Thursday!
Ryan
Ryan,
Do you have any idea about the price for a taxi for the day in the Dipolog region?
I know it al depends on the distances travelled, but I’m happy with a rough idea!
Thanks,
Yvekes
Hang in there mate, I will check for you. :)
Hi Yvekes,
I am hearing from a friend that for a day around that area, it should be around 3,000Pesos. I’ll try to go ask people again..
Hello Ryan,
I will be spending a month in Baguio in February/March and, road conditions aside, I was curious what the best bet for visiting some of the rice terraces were. Reading some of your other replies, Batad sounds more enjoyable, would it be closer or further than Banaue? Are there scenic terraces closer to Baguio? Also, I noticed you mentioned about a minimum 6hrs travel time(pending conditions), do you have recommendations on a place to stay there, as I think if we do go I’d like to spend at least the better part of a day there and would either drive up the night before and drive back after checking it out, or drive up early in the morning to spend the day and sleep there before heading back in the morning.
Thank you!
Derek
Hi Derek,
There are different planting seasons for the different terraces.
Banaue – cleaning and planting season – March; best viewing is June/July
Batad – planting seasons – August and February; best viewing is April/May and October/November
Barlig, Kadaclan, Natonin, Hapao, Hungduan – planting season – February; best viewing is April/May
Kalinga – (same as Batad)
Kiangan- (same as Batad)
Mayoyao – (same as Batad)
Maligcong, Bontoc – (same as Banaue)
All rice terraces are further away than Baguio unfortunately and you wont be able to see any rice terraces along the way. We actually thought of going to Batad this January 22 but we postponed it to April/May so that terraces looks better than mud paddies. We haven’t tried the places there yet, but we heard that according to reviews, Batad Kadangyan Lodges (they use traditional Igorot huts and they are situated on the terraces itself) and Hillside Pension seems to be good places to stay. Other tip: get your guide in Batad if you are heading to Batad as guides in Banaue charges more. I reckon if you are not familiar with the roads around that area, I would say to pass the opportunity driving at night- just to be safe. :)
Lemme know if you pushes through. Hope this info helps!
Cheers and Happy New Year!!
Ryan
Sir,
I am a US soldier going on leave from Iraq to visit the Philippines and would like any and help you could give me regarding what would be the most enjoyable way to spend my two weeks with the least amount of cost. I am looked up so much information that I am beginning to go into information overload. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Justin
Hi Sir, I am sorry, I haven’t seen your reply until today…
Let’s see two weeks? Hmm.. what months are you coming? And how much exactly are you planning to stay and what stuff would you like to check out? Beaches? Mountains? Diving? Culture? Lemme know so I can suggest places that you can visit. :)
Cheers!
Hi Ryan,
I will be in clark next month. I plan to take bus in Dau bus terminal to Baguio city.
I understand that there is a new highway called SCTEX. I like to know if the bus in Clark Dau bus terminal go by this SCTEX or McArthur Highway?
Which route is faster to Baguio City and both routes take how many hours?
Also what is the price each trip per person in Clark Dau bus terminal to Baguio city?
Thanks for your time and have a nice day.
Steven
Hi Steven,
I wanna jump in since Baguio is my second home. :) Attended 4 university years there.
If you are in Dau, wait for Victory Liner Baguio route at Dau terminal. I believe most of the buses headed north of Luzon are taking SCTEX now. That is the faster way to get to Baguio. Honestly, I don’t see a lot of difference in taking SCTEX or Mc Arthur highway. Just the same to me becasue you are still going to pass the long road of Tarlac province. :)
Daytime travel time to Baguio from dau is 4-6 hours. Night time, ir depends.. you can get there in three hours.. really depends..
Bus fare from Dau to Baguio? One way- 25o Php max.
Hope that helps.
Mhay
Hi Steven,
Sorry for the delayed reply, I was away a lot these past month. AFAIK, all buses now traverse the SCTEX and it does cut the travel time significantly. Whether the bus go through the MacArthur Hway or SCTEX, you may have to check that out at the bus terminal itself. The prices vary for fares as well depending on which bus company you are going to take.
I apologize again for the delayed reply, been traveling heaps lately, dint have time to look up the page.
Cheers!
Ryan
Hi there,
Need you help. Planning to have a vacay in Davao. Any idea on Pearl Farm day tour rate? We are planning to just stay in the city and just go to the wharf at 8am going to Pearl Farm then just go back to the city late in the afternoon. Any thoughts and suggestions. Any other itineraries fro Davao except for Mount Apo.
Thanking you in advance.
Mhay
Hi Mhay,
You may try to check on their website- pearlfarmresort.com/home.shtml
You can do the ziplines, visit the crocodile farm, the Philippine Eagle Center as well as if you got time, you may do a side trip to South Cotabato (Lake Sebu) or check out the beaches of Sarangani. More info on our Davao City article.
Cheers!
Hi PK/Ryan
I love your website (http://tourism-philippines.com) and want to thank you for keeping it so real!
Hope you do not mind if I pick your brain. I have travelled extensively through SE Asia, but not really explored the Philipines. After reading your website and stories, I am more excited and confused about my impending trip.
Firstly I am irritated that I have only given myself 21 days to explore, but with that in mind and all your information on the website I would like your advice on what I intend to do in those 21 days.
I am flying into Manila on 29 April and will rest for one day, so my adventure really starts on 31 April and finishes on 18 April, when i fly back to London.
I have this notion in my head that I can travel from Manila-Daet-Legaspi-Donsol-Samar-Leyte-Bohol-Siquinor-Cebu-Giumaras Islands-Negros-Coron-Palawan-El Nido-Puerto Galera- Batanyas-Manila in the 19 days.
I definitely need to swim with the whale sharks (my lifetime dream to see one after many diving disappointments). The rest is totally flexible and I would like to get away from the madding crowd and see some really beautiful beaches and little secrets.
I would love to hear your opinion and top tips or your favourite places/must sees. I am also using this trip to gather some information on where in Phillipines I would like to retire one day so any hints on that would be great too!
I hope you will impart some of your knowledge and experiences and look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards
Duncan
Hi Duncan,
Okay, 21 DAYS with all those places you wanted to visit? Sorry. You got me literally screaming in front of my monitor for a bit there. I think it is impossible to cover those places man in one go!
Here is my suggestion for you, let us try to cut and try to make order out of the places you wanted to do and go:
Manila-Legazpi-Donsol-Daet-Manila Leg
Fly into Legazpi, work your way to Donsol, stay overnight (do a firefly cruise)- do the whale shark interaction first thing in the morning. Hire a van with other people and head straight to Legazpi to have some Mayon photo ops, bus back to Daet (overnight), head out to Mercedes Islands then leave same day for a nightbus to Manila.
I have yet to start writing the guide for Donsol and Legazpi (I just came back from there two weeks ago. Check out our photos and videos of whale sharks and Mayon on our Facebook Fan Page – Tourism Paradise Philippines).
Approximate time spent- 4 days at least.
Manila-Cebu-Bohol-Manila Leg
Fly into Cebu, check out the Santo Niño Basilica, then take the ferry to Tagbilaran-head out to Panglao Island. Most resorts are on Alona though there are pension houses in Tagbilaran. At the Tagbilaran airport, you can arrange an immediate tour of Bohol’s sites: Chocolate Hills, River Cruise, Tarsier Conservation, Baclayon Church, Blood Compact Site, Mahogany Forests. Arrive at your hotel/resort and maybe catch the sunset. You can head out to the better Dumaluan beach (where Bohol Beach Club is located). Check out my guide on Bohol on this. And then fly out from Tagbilaran back to Manila.
OR you can go back to Cebu and catch a flight to Puerto Princesa. Check the airlines if there is an available connection between the two places and make sure to check which day of the week it is.
Approximate time spent – 3-4 Days
Manila/Cebu-Puerto Princesa-El Ndo-Manila OR
Manila/Cebu-Puerto Princesa-El Nido-Puerto Princesa-Coron-Manila
Check out my Puerto Princesa guide on this, you can do a Underground River tour in Sabang and then come back to Puerto Princesa and work your way up to El Nido town. Be prepared for really bad roads between the two places. From El Nido, you can fly out there via SEAIR. Expensive BUT convenient. But since you want to cover Coron as well, and if there are flights on those dates between Puerto Princesa and Coron, then you are in luck but of course you have to travel back to Puerto Princesa again in order to fly to Coron. Otherwise there are no direct links between El Nido and Coron. If you are feeling adventurous, you may catch some of those cargo vessels but since you are out of time- best not to push your luck.
Without Coron – you need at least 8-10 days (4-5 days just for Puerto Princesa + Sabang’s Underground River)
With Coron – 15 days at least.
As for Puerto Galera, I am not a big fan. With this scorching summer, expect hordes of people from Manila descending there as it is the cheaper and closer getaway compared to Boracay. Batangas is GREAT – If you are diving. Anilao (beginner to advanced) and Verde Island Passage (advanced divers only) should not be missed at all.
I haven’t been to Samar/Leyte yet, so I can’t really comment on these places, except I know that you can fly into Tacloban, work your way to the different Samar Provinces for great surf spots, nice beaches, and interesting caves and it is still bereft from the hordes of tourists.
Hope that helps man!
Ryan
Ps. Be forewarned, because of this massive El Niño heat, people will love going to the beaches. :D
Cheers mate!
PPS.
You can also do this route if you got the time and patience- Manila bus to Daet work your way down to Sorsogon, go all the way to Matnog jump to Samar, cross over to Tacloban ferry to Leyte then jump to Cebu then Bohol. Not sure if there are ferries from Bohol to Siquijor but Cebu being a hub, there should be one coming from there. From Siguijor, you can cross over to Dumaguete and then work your way through to Bacolod jump over to Iloilo and do a side trip to Guimaras. There is a boat from Iloilo to Puerto Princesa but this is a really slow boat, From Puerto Princesa, you can work all the way to El Nido, get on to a cargo boat to Coron via Taytay then from Coron all the way back to Manila.
If you are going to do it this way, 21 days will not be enough. This would be at least a month and half and you’d spend more time on buses and boats than enjoying the sites..
Just a heads up man.
Oops, from Samar you can take an overland route to Leyte and then ferry to Cebu,
Unfortunately I dont have the ferry skeds as well.