I will be landing in Manila in the Phillipines on Dec3rd for a 5-6month stint of Travelling and Chilling,so as this is my first time to the Phillipines i would be appreciative of any info on where firstly to spend Xmas and New-year, preferably on the beach (as im a bit of a beach bum),then where would be good to travel to after that for a mixture of more nice beaches and also to see some other must sees like the Choclate hills,subterranean river and Mt Apo or any other reccomendations,im travelling for up to 6months so time is not a factor.
I have a Lonely planet Phillipine book,but you cant beat the Feet on the street (or Sand) for info.
So come on you Backpacking brainboxes give me info.
Cheers Dudes and Dudettes.
Vincentjustin
vincentjustin
1
cdoguide
Aside from LP also buy other travel guidebooks so you have something to compare with. There have been some complaints about LP guidebook.
December to May is travel season in the Philippines and things can get a bit expensive. March to May is Philippine summer so expect more travel than usual. Book in advance if possible. Since you are a beach bum, I guess you will be spending most of your time in the Visayas region. Boracay Island is the top beach destination in the Philippines. It is located off the coast of Aklan Province. You can then go south to visit the city of Iloilo and hop to Guimaras Island. Palawan Island-Province will also suit your needs. It is where the underground or subterranean river is located. The Amazing Race Philippine leg was held in El Nido, Palawan. Go to the Tubattaha Reef near Palawan. The reef is a UN World Heritage Site. Cebu Island-Province is a top tourist destination and the hub for sea and air travel in the Visayas region. It has an international airport, the second major airport in the country. There are outlaying islands near Cebu like Camotes, Malapascua and Bantayan which has good beaches. Olango Island is a bird sanctuary near Cebu. Bohol Island-Province is famous for Chocolate hills and beaches. The charming city of Dumaguete and Siquijor Island is also a must see places.
In Mindanao, visit Camiguin Island-Province in Northern Mindanao. It is a small volcanic island with hot springs and some beaches. If you are into surfing, visit Siargao Island in Eastern Mindanao. There are also good beaches around Dinagat Island. Down south is Davao City and Samal Islands which is famed for its beaches. Davao is the biggest city in Mindanao.
For more info, check Philippines tourism website at
http://www.tourism.gov.ph</a>
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