Weighing the opportunity cost of a 2 week itinerary in the Philippines

@surfboy Thanks for the heads up, I'm currently in the confirmation process.

Cebu is the country's heart, but Manila is its' soul. That being said, culturally, you can experience the best of the Philippines in Manila, since it draws influence from all throughout the country.

@divadmsp Thanks for the advice! I'll bear your wise words in mind while I plan for my trip

@callippo @big_jim @bisayadako
Thank you for the valuable advice. I do understand the risks involved in the sport and I will assess them while planning for the trip. With regards to the quality of the rapids, I can only say that I know next to nothing about the sport. Thank you for pointing the technicalities out, very much appreciated.

@velysia Agreed! However with the time I can spare, I will probably just drop by Sagada as it is more convenient (direct bus compared to getting to Batad) and also the numerous activities the Sagada offers over Banaue/Batad. Thank you for the tips!

What you can do in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro -have you actually been there to find out? how about visiting other parts of mindanao like illigan /bukidnon /camiguin ? where u can do all those things u mentioned in luzon and the op didnt mention wanting to do anything in cdo other than rafting

Yeah. Like I said, most of the things you can do in Cebu and CdO are doable in Luzon, and I dare say, cheaper, since it involves less plane flights, boat rodes, etc.

2 weeks are the OP's time frame. The nicest beaches may be in the Visayas, but there are many beach options in Luzon that reach the standards of those as well. Also, by staying in Luzon, OP can do more stuff, instead of waiting in the airports. I believe North Luzon and Manila are doable in 2 weeks, even with a leisurely trip.

WWRafting in north luzon is a limited window. Outfitter(s) will not risk running a flooded river like now. You also need to spend days in the mountains waiting for a WWR ride while the mosquito's are having a feast at you.

WWRafting in CDO is ALL YEAR ROUND. Amenities like shops, hospitals, mall, banking, etc is just a short 45 minute ride. Access to Basic and Advance WWR runs all via concrete roads. CDO is also the hub of Northern Mindanao. Camiguin (volcano, hiking, scuba, etc), Bukidnon (Dahilayan, Camp juan, try the best steak at Delmonte, etc), Iligan (at least 24 waterfalls within the city boundary, etc), Mis. Or. (duka, alibuag, white island, etc), Mis.Occ (dolphin island, dakak, etc), and even Siargao, and Agusan Sur( Britannia, Enchanted, Tinuy-an, Lanuza surfing, etc)

@callippo : have you tried the Tignapoloan run? There are upper sections in CDO that are difficult to WWR run

@divadmsp : if you haven't been to CDO, just STFU about CDO.

Huh? So why the hate? If you have better options/replies to the OP then just simply type them here, OK?

And anyways, It's true. Most of what you can achieve in Cebu and CDO (Ok, I've been there) are easily achievable in Luzon. Most doesn't mean ALL, but with only two weeks to spare, its better for a Manila and Luzon tour. More variety and more places to see in a less expensive itinerary and a less hurried travel.

If you are joining Tao, then you have to allow 7 for it (1day before the trip, 5days for Tao, 1day to get out of Palawan). As previously advised, slots filled up quickly, thus your other itinerary depend so much on the sked youll get from Tao.

Hi everyone,
Sorry for jumping into this topic but it seems the most active topic about Palawan at the moment. Have any of you had any experience with Palawan Explorers? We are planning to book an El Nido to Coron overnight trip with them, but I can't find any reviews of their performance. Neither here nor on Tripadvisor. Have you heard of them at all? Thanks in advance for any tips or recommendations.

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