I'll be spending a month mostly in east Asia this summer. In reading about less visited places, I came across the Province of Biliran in the Philippines. It sounds interesting, and not overvisited.

If you've visited Biliran, I'd appreciate any information you might have on sights, accomodations (any hotels or other accomodations with air conditioning?), openness of the people to visitors, and transportation in the area. Thanks, Jake1.

Anybody?

I'll try once more. Anyone have the inside dope on Biliran? I might post a separate thread on this, but can anyone recommend a nice hotel with A/C in Tacloban?

When is "summer"? Over here in the Philippines, summer months are officially over though the weather feels like it still is. If you haven't gone yet, hang on. I'll ask around as I know people who've been to Tacloban (I myself haven't been there yet though).

hmm i live in phil but never heard of biliran before. I dont think you can see much if its a small province. But anywhere in phil they can speak english and are usually friendly to foreigners. I would suggest you check out other places. Phil has 7107 islands and there are definitely a lot more nicer places ( not that visited too ). Try donsol, sorsogon you can snorkel with the butandings ( whale sharks )live and ride a boat to this river where fireflies light up the trees. or apo island in dumaguete ( small town, great beaches and caves ), Malapascua in cebu is where you can dive with manta rays and sharks,or bohol ( beaches/dolphin watching/tarsiers/), puerto princessa, sagada ( mountains, hanging coffins ) and many more.. I did check the net, here is a website on biliran if you really are dead set on going there. http://www.biliranisland.com/.. good luck!!!

Thanks for the information and the website--I'm factoring everything in. I really do enjoy "different" vacation experiences--not into beach resorts, guided tours, and such. I more enjoy seeing and mingling in different cultures. I will be leaving for the Philippines August 21 and will have 3 weeks.

I finally got to ask about that hotel at Tacloban where my friends stayed when they were there. It's Hotel Alejandro. Apparently the hotel itself is full of history as described in this article from the website of the Manila Bulletin. It's got a museum sort of, displaying war photographs in Leyte. http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/03/...031658841.html
The hotel's website is http://alejandro.tacloban.biz

darna--Thanks so much for the hotel recommendation. It looks fine to me.

Yes. I hope you like it. I'd appreciate getting your review about the hotel should you decide to stay there. Happy trip!

d--thanks for the recommendation of the Alejandro. It met my needs nicely at a great price.

I'm glad you liked it! I hope you visit the Philippines again!

Jake,

I'd love to hear about your trip in the Philippines. Shoot me an e-mail: [email protected] - I have similar desires when traveling -to get off the beaten path. I'd love to hear where you went.

Thanks,
Mickey