Mildner

Can you help me to choo0se one???who has better shopping,beaches.What is the cost of food in nice restaurants,drinks;in both countries???Thanks a lot.

Gabriel

In general, both the capital cities of Philippines (Manila) and Indonesia (Jakarta) are not traditional Asian tourist cities, unlike Bangkok or Hong Kong. <BR><BR>Resorts in the Philippines would include Cebu, Palawan (Famous Amanpulo resort but very expensive at USD600 per nite, but there are other resorts)and Boracay. Both Palawan and Boracay have white sand and clear water.<BR><BR>Indonesia has Bali(now very touristy)and Lombok, amongst others.<BR><BR>Cost of living (food, drinks etc) fairly similar in both countries, that is, fairly cheap.<BR><BR>People are also very warm and friendly in both places, especially in the resorts. Jakarta may not be friendly to westerners, given recent events.Both places also have incredible traffic, pollution and crime in the main cities.<BR><BR>If I had to choose between the two, I would choose the Philippines, mainly because of the friendly people who speak English. But I'd go to Thailand over the two.

Ick!

Having traveled all over SEAsia, I have to congratulate you on selecting the two least savory destinations out there.<BR><BR>I found Cebu absolutely frightening and was told by my deluze hotel not to step outside at night- I believed them. I found the beach that was supposed to be gorgeous to be disgusting- never raked, very dirty cloudy water.<BR><BR>Indonesia's Bali at least is a beautiful island. The shopping is outstanding for crafts, cotton garments and unusual wood instruments. The food was also much better than Philippines- in beautiful exotic settings, esp. UBUD.<BR><BR>I cannot describe jakarta, haven't been.<BR>

Jerry

Haven't been to Indonesia, but found the Philippines to be friendly. Agree with the last poster, however, to beware the cities. I've been all around Cebu at night, but would recommend being with Philippino friends. Also, never carry a wallet in the back. In Cebu would recommend the Cebu Midtown Hotel for price, view and hospitality. If you want a nice beach, you need to get away from the cities (not easy in a small nation of 79 million). Bohol (a short trip on the SuperCat from Cebu) is the nicest place I've been in the Phils. Talked with a British gentleman who has lived there for several years who told me it is very safe. Also is somewhat wooded and clean. Tagbilaron City has modern amenities but also Philippine charm. Unless you are a seasoned travelor, be sure to make Philippino friends who you can trust to show you around. If you feel insecure striking out in the country, I would recommend sticking with the resorts which are publicized all over the internet. If you go to SE Asia, DON'T miss Hong Kong.

Aarti

Im an Indian living in Jakarta. Bali and Lombok are the two most popular tourist destinations. Ive been to both and I must say you wont be disappointed if you made a trip. Lombok is less commerical, more on the quieter side while Bali is buzzling with activity- night life, shopping, water sports (and the beaches are good too!). If you're into diving though, I wouldnt recommend Bali, Lombok is a better option.

L

Lombok is the better option over Bali!!!! You have to be joking. <BR>Indonesia is a dirty place at the best of times but at least Bali hotels and shops, because of western visiters, is clean - not that Denpasar is anything other than another disgustingly dirty Asian city. Further Bali is not Moslem and thats a plus too. <BR>I have been to the Philippines too and for my money I would prefer to go there as long as you stay away from Cebu, which is dreadful. The day I was there was the day after they had shot the Mayor and there was a stone memorial in the middle of the road. I felt very unsafe in the middle of the day in the market and the hotel we had was something out of a horror movie ( five cockroaches doing breast-stroke in the toilet cistern) and because we were unable to get out of the place the only way to survive was to drink the rum and coke which was very cheap! However there are some lovely places in the Philippines and some of the islands are particularly nice. Unfortunately Zamboanga, which is a facinating place and which I enjoyed very very much, is off limits because of unrest there and the fact that its highly likely you will be kidnapped. <BR>The Philippinos were a delight and contrary to what people say about the crime there we found them to be very honest in the main and particularly so when my friend left her purse on the little bus and everyone on the bus yelled and shreiked until the driver turned around and brought it back to us!! <BR>I also found the food very interesting and enjoyable and have since learned to cook some of the specialities. <BR>The water supply in the country was installed by the Americans and is drinkable water - probably the only good water in the whole of Asia. <BR>I was never pestered in the Philippines like they do in Bali ( even where they are not supposed to be) and of course most people speak very good English. <BR>Great buys in Manilla in clothes but there you do have to be careful of the con-men.<BR>

Aarti

I said Lombok is a better bet over Bali if someone wanted to go diving. Otherwise Bali it is. Mr. Australia, you seem to be a very picky person. If "dirt" is all you're concerned about, Asia is definitely not the place for you. For one, the charm of being in an Asian country is to feel the rustic earthy enviornment. Indonesia is just as dirty (or clean) as the Phillipines. The food is equally good, if not better. The value for money, I assume would also be pretty much the same. I agree people dont speak english too well, but thats not true for places like Bali where tourism is the main industry. The Indonesian people are a warm and friendly lot. Hospitable is the word that comes to mind.

l

Aarti if you think that Cholera, Typhoid, dysentery, hep A and Hep B are just a little "dirt" then I can see that the WHO has a great uphill battle in Asian countries. Its not called Bali Belly for nothing. The filth in Indonesia is appalling and health regulations non-existant. On top of that there is Malaria for which any precaution is now only 40% effective. Further in Indonesia you have to be flown out to a hospital to either Singapore or your own country if you get sick. A little dirt my foot!<BR>

Waki

Unfortunately, most Australians do not agree with Mr. Australia here and have made Bali their backyard hagout. Not to disparage them, but a lot of Bali feels like an all-year spring break fest. If you're into that, you'll love it. But Bali -and Lombok, in particular- has some absolutely spectacular locations. You will not be disappointed. Granted, there isn't much in Jakarta, but Sumatra and Sulawesi are superb. There are so many gorgeous places in Indonesia (the eastern islands of Flores, Sumbawa, Sumba, farther East Irian Jaya, Kalimantan), and it's all virtually crime-free.<BR>If you want luxury, go to Europe, it you want authenticity, disregard Mr. Australia.

L

why are you making out that Indonesia is something that it is not. The previous writer suggests it OK in Irian Jaya for heaven's sake. There is a virtual civil war (covert or otherwise) going on there most of the time. It is not safe. The original residents have the same appreciation for Indonesia over-running their country as the East Timorese have for them doing the same there. <BR>The fact that Australia and Indonesia were on a virtual war footing last year because of the Jack-boot behaviour of Indonesia seems to have been forgotten by the previous writer or he chose to overlook it. <BR>Indonesia is NOT safe. <BR>If those Australians who wish to get high on magic mushrooms and whatever else they can find, choose to go to Bali to get their fix so be it, there are people all over the world who think its "cool" to go to places just so they can say they have been overseas or for reasons that its easier to obtain a cheap supply of drugs or whatever. <BR>The chances of getting sick in Indonesia is about 90% and that includes only eating at the hotel you are staying at and taking all the precautions that you can think of. <BR>I believe that health is the most important asset one can have and therefore staying away from 3rd world countries with dubious health regulations is the best form of staying healthy. <BR>

james

I agree with all the negative comments about Indonesia. About the only place that is worse that it is India and Bangaladesh etc. Rabid monkeys all over the place I can do without too.<BR>To the person who asked the question, I would personally go to the Phillippines or perhaps Lang Kawi in Malaysia which is very nice.

BarryCoogal

I agree that the Philippines is a more interesting place to see. Stay away from the state of Mindanao though as that is where there is unrest. <BR>The Spanish influence in that country is really nice and the people are a very friendly lot. There is much to see and many wonderful places to go. The food is cheap, the beer and rum is cheap and the cigars are wonderful and they too are cheap. <BR>Try the speciality of "Halo Halo" which is a lovely cool desert type of drink that they make. Also try Bucco Pie made from young coconut . Shop for lovely clothes and very cheap material, amongst other things. Stay in some of the World's loveliest hotels that Mr Marcos kindly built or took over. Its an interesting place <BR>