It's more fun in the Philippines (or so I've heard)

[AdMEL]

Sands Hotel at station 3 stayed there many times. Lovely staff and facilities I especially like their executive suites.
Boracay Sands Hotel in Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan, Philippines

Boracay Uptown had just opened when we stayed there. I have to say it has a fabulous pool overlooking the beach definitely the highlight of the hotel.
Boracay Hotels and Resorts | Boracay Uptown Official Website

This is at station 2 where all the action is at night so it will be noisier.

Also stayed at the newer Boracay Regency which is off the beach.

I hate the smell of mould so where I will stay this December/January will depend on what new places have opened.

Yes the Shangri La is not cheap for dining but for the location and ambience I find the clifftop restaurant outstanding value.
I can't remember looking at the Pito huts so I can't comment.

Thanks again for your input.

Whilst they look nice (interesting that Sands has European architecture!) The prices I'm getting are AUD 100 - 200 a night. Granted it's with 1-2 weeks notice.

Care to share your $25 place?

 

[Inver]

Thanks again for your input.

Whilst they look nice (interesting that Sands has European architecture!) The prices I'm getting are AUD 100 - 200 a night. Granted it's with 1-2 weeks notice.

Care to share your $25 place?

Ring the hotel direct and prepare your bargaining skills. Never paid more than $85 at the Sands (except for the executive suite) although we didn't do near as well at Uptown.

TREE HOUSE BORACAY - Resort
Treehouse Boracay crude basic rooms but so close to great snorkelling. Don't expect much for your money, but I found the room ok for just having a place to sleep.
This is where we stayed when everything else was just about booked out for Chinese New Year. Bit of a nuisance if you need to get a trike to station 2 but I did enjoy the walk.
Worst part of the room is the shower/toilet but the room was clean and important to me no mould.

Again we don't book anything except the first night at Boracay. We just go walking the next morning find something we like and then negotiate for how long we want to stay.

 

[Alanslegal]

IMHO, Cebu would be the place to go.
It's More Fun in the Philippines » Cebu

Hey Ric, it's been a while. I hope you've been well

We're 2 late 20s/early 30s females with a combined weight of <120kg so safety is relatively important. We're mainly into beaches (scuba, snorkelling, sailing etc) rather than history or shopping. And eating of course . Drinking / partying not important.

I agree with Ric on that one, Cebu is very convenient, nice white beaches and stay at one of the resorts of Mactan Island and you would feel quite far away from the hustle and bustle that Cebu could be. I was there in March for a few nights (I stayed at the Movenpick Resort and Spa Mactan Island, quite enjoyed my stay there) and I will be going back there in six weeks times and this time staying at the Shangri La Mactan Island. Staying at either resorts you will be away from all the tourist stuff but if you wanted to, you could always take a taxi to the main shopping centre such as Ayala Centre. It's only like 15kms from the resorts but you know their traffic jams can mean up to an hour to get there. Also from Cebu you can always catch a ferry to Bohol and see the Chocolate Hills, they are pretty amazing to see.

 

[YSSY]

I would say that as western woman I would have a but of caution in the Philippines, take care not be in a position where you could be in danger. Drink from bottles which are opened in front of you etc unless in good standard hotel bars etc.
I spent a few years living in the Philippines, it's definitely not setup for tourism, but is a good place to visit. Rape however seems to be almost legal...

 

[Ric]

Hey Ric, it's been a while. I hope you've been well



I agree with Ric on that one, Cebu is very convenient, nice white beaches and stay at one of the resorts of Mactan Island and you would feel quite far away from the hustle and bustle that Cebu could be. I was there in March for a few nights (I stayed at the Movenpick Resort and Spa Mactan Island, quite enjoyed my stay there) and I will be going back there in six weeks times and this time staying at the Shangri La Mactan Island. Staying at either resorts you will be away from all the tourist stuff but if you wanted to, you could always take a taxi to the main shopping centre such as Ayala Centre. It's only like 15kms from the resorts but you know their traffic jams can mean up to an hour to get there. Also from Cebu you can always catch a ferry to Bohol and see the Chocolate Hills, they are pretty amazing to see.

Hi Alan,
I am well, thanks! Am enjoying the lovely spring weather in Sydney before heading back to Manila again.
When are you back for some more crispy pata??

Re Cebu.
There's a few more other places that's away from Cebu City if one wants to get away from the city's hustle and bustle; Moalboal comes to mind.
Have a read through here: Cebu Hotels - My Cebu Guide, Lowest Price Hotels In Cebu

Cheers,
Ric

 

[Ric]

I would say that as western woman I would have a but of caution in the Philippines, take care not be in a position where you could be in danger. Drink from bottles which are opened in front of you etc unless in good standard hotel bars etc.
I spent a few years living in the Philippines, it's definitely not setup for tourism, but is a good place to visit. Rape however seems to be almost legal...

I agree with your first statement and that will apply to almost everywhere in the world!

I too agree with your 2nd statement but with some qualifying comments. it is set up for tourism but if you are expecting standards of, say, Hayman Island or Hamilton Island, then you will need to go elsewhere. However, there's still one resort to go to in Philippines that may meet your standard: Philippines Scuba Diving, Philippines Luxury Beach Resort - Amanpulo an Aman Resort - home

As to your last statement, I will let others comment but suffice to say that Philippines is not India!

 

[smit0847]

We're 2 late 20s/early 30s females with a combined weight of <120kg so safety is relatively important.

Not sure why you thought I was female, but actually male!

Sorry - I didn't notice the different usernames - thought it was the same person.

 

[k_sheep]

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Cebu Pacific is by far the airline I.....

Awww and what a gorgeous tarsier in your avatar!

We're spending 1 night in Cebu (Bayfront Hotel), then getting the ferry to Bohol, planning on 3 nights at Alona beach (haven't booked anywhere yet - taking suggestions, but otherwise will probably just get a taxi and try to bargain once we're there), getting a boat over to Oslob and staying there (BCD's place) for the night.

Can't wait!