can anyone give advice on where to go in the Philippines? How about North Luzon and Banaue? Can I book round-trips in Manila (Group tours, I'm travelling alone and cannot afford private guides and drivers). Are there also (Group) round-trips to the islands in the Sounth? Where would you suggest to relax lateron? I imagine a hotel at the beach with rooms/bungalows with ocean view. Thanks very much for any advice! <BR>Rose

The Banaue rice terraces is definitely a must-see and Boracay beach is where you'd want to relax. Check out www.tourism.gov.ph . <BR> You'll be surprised at how affordable a private guide may be. It was many years ago when I visited last and can not recommend group or private tour guides.

Well,well here we go again. PHILIPPINES, my beloved homeland. <BR> <BR>Banaue is fantastic. There are agents who offer group tours to Banaue. Pls check at www.asiatravel.com. <BR> <BR>Boracay is one of the world's best beach and it is certainly not to be missed. Many resorts have the sea view and they are great. An alternative is Cebu in central Philippines, a city and resort island in one. <BR> <BR>Another great option is the very private AMANPULO resort in Palawan. It is rather expensive but it is worth the price. You can opt for the cheaper El Nido and Club Paradise also in Palawan. <BR> <BR>If you want to dive then go to Puerto Galera in Mindoro and Balicasag Island in Bohol. Excellent dive sites! <BR> <BR>Farther south, you can go to Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island in Davao. <BR> <BR>Pls visit www.asiatravel.com and look for all these there...Email me back if you need more info. <BR> <BR>Have a nice stay in the Philippines.

Rose - do you need to be with a group? I'm a 30 something woman who spent 3 weeks travelling in the Philippines on my own and met wonderful people and had a glorious time. And what sort of travel are you after? 5 star? I went on a budget haul (which is easy there - everything's pretty cheap). Landed in Cebu and caught ferries and made it up as I went along. The beauty of travelling this way is that there are always surprises and adventures. Happy to elaborate further.

Hi Rose ! <BR> <BR>I was a tour-operator before organizing affordable grouptours to Banaue. I sold my business to a friend. I think he is still operating. If you are interested <BR>just contact me.

BORACAY is the place to chill out but still have everything there. Including tons of tourist - local and foreign. Stayed there for 8 days. <BR> <BR>ALONA BEACH on BOHOL is also Paradise without all the tourist. It's so nice and peaceful. Good dive sites and amazing beach. $10 bungalows and paradise at your footsteps. Stayed for a week there <BR> <BR>Cebu sucks <BR> <BR>Puerto Galera has crappy beaches but excellent snorkeling just off shore esp in big Laguana beach. The accomodations are more expensive.