Breanna's Travel Guide to the Philippines (Manila & Puerto Princessa)

Welcome.

I've written up some tips, details and information about my trip to the Philippines for those interested in traveling there.

First and foremost, do your research. Figure out exactly what you want to see and experience while in the Philippines. Know the travel warnings and areas to avoid in the country, what to be mindful of and average cost of transportation, tour packages, and souvenirs. As a tourist to any country, we are targeted for scams to get the most money because we can be uninformed of the "locals' prices." I've only been to two areas of the Philippines, and I would only recommend one. I don't recommend Manila, unless you just want to say you've been to the capital city. In my opinion, it doesn't represent Filipino culture. I wouldn't consider it a tourist location, but you can make the most of your experience if you go.

1. Palawan
     a. Puerto Princesa
     b. El Nido
2. Boracay
3. Cebu
*The other places recommended are by Filipinos themselves.

Manila:
Leaving from the airport, DO NOT take the white vans/cars on the other side of the street [if at Terminal 1]. They are a "tour agency" offering transportation with skyrocket prices. They requested about 3150 php (about $72 USD) to take me to my destination. With a metered taxi, it should have been about 250 to 450 php ($5 to $9 USD). My taxi driver didn't have his meter running (which you should confirm is working before the ride or negotiate a price) and ended up charging me 800 php.

I recommend getting accommodation inside Makati. I stayed in Alabang, which is maybe a 30 minute drive to Manila. It's near a Skyway that is quicker for commuting. But with transportation, it's very tricky and time consuming to commute. I stayed at the Azumi Boutique Hotel.

For traveling around Manila, I highly suggest walking and Uber. Traffic is highly congested. If in a taxi, the meter will still tick. If you have to go through tolls, you have to pay for that, in addition to your fare. In an Uber ride, you don't have to worry about tolls (all of my drivers paid for mine), and the price is set once you book. The rates are good, in my opinion, taking in account the convenience and traffic. There are metros, but it doesn't reach certain areas. There are local transportation options, jeepneys and tricycles, but you would have to do more research to get a better understanding of how they operate. I only took a tricycle for 2.2km, and it cost me 50 php. Whenever traveling in the Philippines, I think one should experience at least one trip in the local transportation; it is unique. Also, if you're looking for souvenirs, I found this store called Souvenir Island in Quiapo Market.  I highly recommend it. A Filipino recommended another one, but I can't remember the name. I was struggling to find souvenir shops and stumbled upon this one.

Puerto Princess (Palawan):
For a more relaxing and smooth trip, I would recommend travelers to find a hotel or resort that is all-inclusive. Meaning, they offer pick-up and drop-off at the airport free of charge, continental breakfast, tour packages (less hassle), and complementary transportation to the shopping center (optional). I stayed at Panja Resort Palawan. It seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, and I don't know what the estimated taxi fare for that distance is. It was nice to have the driver of the resort waiting outside the airport for me after my flight had landed.


For tours, I booked through my resort. Though it may have been a little extra, for convenience, it was worth it. (3450 php for both tours.) I can be adventurous and try things on my own, but certain things I prefer not to worry about. The tours include pick-up and drop-off, entrance and environmental fees, and lunch. Pick-ups are usually between 07:30 and 08:15, and drop-offs are usually around 16:30.

-Underground River Tour: You get to visit one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and Ugong Rock.  Ugong Rock has optional excursions. You can go through the cave with a guide and zip line to the bottom at the end, if you want. There are three options: 1. Tour the cave, 2. Tour the cave + zip-line, 3. Tour the cave + "superman" zip-line. I chose option 3 for 550 php. Again, this is all optional. Things to pack: sunscreen, sunglasses, water/water bottle, camera (and a water-proof case if not water-proof), a roll of tissue, hand sanitizer, and a portable charger.

 

-Honda Bay Island Tour: This is an"island hopping" tour. You go to Starfish Island, Luli Island, and Cowrie Island. At each island, you're able to go snorkeling and feed bread to the fish. Lunch will be provided on one of the islands. There will be an opportunity to rent water shoes and snorkeling gear at the beginning. Life jackets will be provided on the boat. It is better (cheaper) to bring your own snorkeling gear and water shoes. Things to bring: sunscreen, sunglasses, towel, swimsuit, water/water bottle, camera (and a water-proof case if not water-proof), a roll of tissue, hand sanitizer, and a portable charger.

Other Recommendations: When traveling to different islands, I would recommend Cebu Pacific Airlines. Always have enough Philippine pesos on hand. This country isn't "plastic friendly." If you want to purchase souvenirs, optional excursions, food and beverages that's not included with the tour, you'll mostly likely be paying in pesos. Also, set aside up to 500 php for an "exit fee." This is a fee you'll have to pay once leaving the island domestically. I made the mistake of using all my pesos, getting to the airport and finding out that I had to pay the terminal fee in pesos only. On my "lucky" day, the airport's ONLY ATM wasn't working, and I had to walk 20 minutes to the nearest ATM to take out money.

The Philippines has a lot to offer and is an amazing country to explore! I highly suggest you give the Philippines a chance and visit. You may hear and read a lot of negative things about this country, but you can't trust and believe everything. You can read my story about my adventures in the Philippines.