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10 days in Philippines

Replies: 55 - Last Post: Jan 28, 2012 1:35 PM Last Post By: scottyheather

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scottyheather

scottyheather avatar

Jan 25, 2012 4:47 PM
Posts:  1,152

15

Well, I think I'll be avoiding there then gwapo! Judging by the snow and freezing temperatures we experienced in Scotland this December, then it must be in the arctic!

On the weather note however, I've heard that December isn't a good time to go to the Philippines because of the rain and now I'm wondering if we should be reversing our trip and going to the Philippines in January instead? Logistically it doesn't suit us as much doing it in reverse but if the weather is going to be significantly better in January then it might be worth it. Any ideas?

scottyheather

scottyheather avatar

Jan 25, 2012 5:16 PM
Posts:  1,152

16

I know what you mean - in my experience LP guides have been out of date for years (OMG will I now be struck down by one of the moderators?). I remember going to one highly recommended guesthouse in Indonesia way back in 88 and it was a complete pigsty where the owner stood on the bed to sweep it clean for us! Also the 'completely revised' version of the Vietnam book recommended a place which had been shut down for three years!

On the other hand though, I always feel 'naked' without my LP guide because it's handy to have on you for the maps and other info - though I don't trust the info on many of the restaurants and guesthouses and the prices are mostly out of date. I guess it's because we always use it for something and it's become a habit. I do agree though that the information on here is always more reliable.

gregs3071

gregs3071 avatar

Jan 25, 2012 5:47 PM
Posts:  787

17

wikitravel? lol

i recently checked out bohol in wikitravel - useless. you get far more relevant information in an out of date LPG

scottyheather

scottyheather avatar

Jan 25, 2012 6:02 PM
Posts:  1,152

18

Yeah I just always use this site for information - far more useful imho.

gregs3071

gregs3071 avatar

Jan 25, 2012 6:12 PM
Posts:  787

19

biyahero is worth having a look at, though
http://biyahero.net/

the towns & cities section has a lot of information. the forum there looks dead & according to a recent post some of the information is out of date (so i guess the resorts & accommodation section is not 100% reliable)
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2148677

Edited by: gregs3071

scottyheather

scottyheather avatar

Jan 25, 2012 7:17 PM
Posts:  1,152

20

Oh really? And there I was thinking that I was going to see real chocolate hills.

I think we are all aware that they are guides and not instruction manuals shabu. But even a 'guide' shouldn't say it is 'completely revised' and then advertise some place that's been shut down for three years.

gregs - the problem I'm now having is that it looks like there are so many places in the Philippines we want to go to and the time we want to spend there is increasing daily. We are now looking at perhaps two and a half weeks in the Philippines with two weeks in Borneo.

shabu

shabu avatar

Jan 25, 2012 7:34 PM
Posts:  43

21

Good plan, the Borneo part. Easy and cheap to get to. You just have to decide which half.

scottyheather

scottyheather avatar

Jan 25, 2012 7:40 PM
Posts:  1,152

22

I think definitely the Malaysian part - have heard the Indonesian side has and is continuing to be deforested at a disgusting rate.

shabu

shabu avatar

Jan 25, 2012 8:35 PM
Posts:  43

23

Oh, I meant Malaysia Borneo . Sabah and Sarawak. World's apart. I have a favorite. Anyway, take a look at "The longest Way (or road) Home". Last time I read he was there in Kota after spending quite a long time in Philippines . Not a guide book but definitely worth reading. Look on the left side of the home page, it will be there. Do that

shabu

shabu avatar

Jan 25, 2012 8:42 PM
Posts:  43

24

I just checked the title. It is THE LONGEST WAY HOME, anything else and you'll end up on YOUTUBE. So, just"Google" it.

scottyheather

scottyheather avatar

Jan 25, 2012 8:57 PM
Posts:  1,152

25

Will do - thanks for that advice. Actually we want to travel overland from Kuching up to Sandakan and then take the ferry across to the Philippines. Now also considering doing a little of Kalimantan also....... the list gets longer...... But we should have seven or eight weeks to do both Borneo and the Philippines so should give us a good 'taste'.

scottyheather

scottyheather avatar

Jan 25, 2012 8:59 PM
Posts:  1,152

26

Just googled it and although I've only read a little of his homepage so far, I'm already REALLY jealous.

Jabberwocky

Jabberwocky avatar

Jan 25, 2012 9:02 PM
Posts:  235

27

16 is right about LP being of partical use
18 is right abut wiki being useless often

but yes - the net is the best source of info - add fb there (In Phils, all hotels use facebook to post info - NOT their websites!)

As for me, LP still is a good way of quickly getting an impression of the country and making foundation plans , then it is off to internet. And of course, you can read LP in the loo, hate doing that with my ipad!

shabu

shabu avatar

Jan 25, 2012 9:06 PM
Posts:  43

28

T about one man's search for home ALL over the world. .definitely read. I just signed up again, now. They will ask you to subscribe just to keep junk off. And you can unsubscribe anytime, but I'll bet you won't. Totally free, no advertising, nothing .It is a fascinating read. I met him in Kota Kinabalu. A real great guy.

scottyheather

scottyheather avatar

Jan 25, 2012 9:47 PM
Posts:  1,152

29

I've been reading his stuff since you mentioned it. Must admit though, it's making me think twice about travelling via ferry Zamboanga to Sandakan.
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