I've been to Manila a year ago on a business trip and i was amazed by the friendliness of its people and a festive city life mood. And the food, oh yeah, i forgot my diet, they're fabulous. But is just a 4 day trip and i haven't tour around the island. I'm hearing a lot of Boracay, Cebu, Palawan and Davao Island. I love to get there the next time i went there this year maybe April. Could someone help me how to get to those islands?<BR><BR>thanks<BR>Mike

I agree with you Mike the Philippines is about as friendly as it gets, however some of the places you list are in turmoil right now as rebel groups want independance, and the way they raise money is by kidnapping people for ransom. Palawan is unfortunately one of those places, although it is beautiful and one of the best dive sites in the world. Borocay and Cebu should be safe, and are also nice in their own way. Davao is actually a city on the island of Mindanao. You are probably OK there in the city, but you want to avoid going south or west to Cotabato, Zamboanga or General Santos on the same islandagain the insurrection makes it dicey, although you would have a lovely time going there. Anyhow to answer your question, there are international flight direct to Cebu, every where else I would recommend flying from Manila or Cebu. The ferries have a nasty habit of capsizing every now and then. you might want to consider going to Mindoro island (beautiful beaches) or north to Baguio and Banaue. Fodors and other travel companies have some excellent resources you can use to design your trip. Mabuhay

Don't miss Alan's suggestion of Banaue. The rice terraces are incredible. I believe there are bus trips from Manila.

I have been to Boracay last year and it was that good, I'm going again in 10 days time with my husband and 8 year old child. The beach is so white and water crystal clear, good diving, fishing etc. The main beach is 7 klms long and there are around 200 restaurants right on the beach. They put their diner tables out on the sand with lights, romantic and the food ranges from all nationalities. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is very cheap too. About $2 for a cocktail and 70 cents for a beer. Most places have happy hour starting from 4pm to 9pm, 2 drinks for the price of one. You can get a one hour massage for $8, just great. Not much shopping, just the local handy crafts/clothes. Great hand made wooden ships at $17.<BR> To get there, fly Phillppine airlines from Manila to Kalibo airport, about one hour flight. From there arrange to be picked up from the airport from the hotel where you will be staying. It is about a 90 minute ride by coach to the Island of Boracy and then a 10 minute ride by boat. Or you can fly from Manila to Catalina airport and then a 10 minute ride by boat but those planes are a bit shonky. It's a great place to lay back and relax, be pampered at little cost.

I'm going to the Philippines in two weeks. I'll head up to Banaue and Sagada, then back to Manila for a week, then I was hoping to go to Palawan (El Nido). Unfortunately my friend's family is really worried about the danger in Palawan, any other suggestions? I'm worried that Boracay might be too touristy, and we're now thinking of Bagguio(sp?) the 'summer capital', but I'm not sold on that idea.

To Marie: i suggest you push thru with your plan trip to Palawan (El Nido). Muslim terrorist group are now confined in the island far far south of the Philippines. I've been there this summer and everything went great as usual. The kidnappings are a thing in the past and overly exxagerated. Go for it, its a lifetime experience and adventure. Enjoy your vacation in Palawan truly 'A Paradise on Earth'.

I know this is an old post, but I'm a newbie to this board

My 2 cents about the Philippines.
I have been there 6 times on business, and always managed to stay for vacation.

I think this country is one of the best travel deals!
Positives:
-EVERYONE speaks English
-Highly educated populace
-Interesting heritage (Spanish, American thrown in with the southeast Asian flavor)
-Outstanding cuisine (amalgam of many cuisines so it is absolutely delicious)
-Amazing nature (mountains, beaches, reefs, waterfalls, volcanoes, etc) so there is something for everyone
-Cheap cheap cheap hotels, restaurants, etc compared to Europe.
-Very gracious people who seem to love tourists and welcome them

Negatives
-Long flights from the US
-Insurrection in the south (Mindanao) has made tourism iffy in a beautiful part of the country. Mindanao is where the Muslims reside and have been pushing for secession from Philippines.
However, just read up which areas to avoid in Mindanao - the rest of the country is amazing.

MUST SEE (in my opinion):
Baguio, Banaue rice terraces, Tagaytay, Boracay beach, Cebu.
Cebu is so cosmopolitan - I was quite delighted!