O/T Philippines Travel Advice

[ArmchairDetective]

I know there's a few well travelled people on here. Thought I'd give this a go.

We're going next year for two weeks. First two thirds of the trip is sorted, visiting a couple of areas in Palawan.

It's looking like Cebu is the best option for the remaining third of the trip. This is where we're a little unsure of the area. It looks like Cebu City is quite built up, with Cebu island and the surrounding areas quite a big place. If anyone has been to Cebu (or any other areas close by such as Bohol, Boracay, Siargao), I'd appreciate any recommendations/advice about where to stay/avoid/go somewhere else.

Thanks!

[Clive 1960]

Hi i live in Cebu and it's a great place and a lot of places to visit, Boracay is 40 minutes on plane and is beautiful. Cebu City is great to do things.

[ArmchairDetective]

Jackpot!

Looks an amazing place to live!

We'll likely be there for around 4-5 days in the dry season. It's the end of our trip so will likely be winding down, relaxing, but would be rude not to take in some of the sights and excursions whilst we're there, e.g. shark trips, waterfalls, see the city etc.

Could you comment on whether it's best to base in the city/Mactan, or one of the hotels closer to some of the excursions, e.g. Oslob?

Unfortunately the trip probably isn't long enough for us to stay in both Cebu and Boracay, we'll likely see one or the other - but I'm not complaining. From your post I'd be interested to know whether you'd just recommend spending 4-5 days in Boracay and skipping Cebu - still an option we're considering as the photos of Boracay look incredible

Thanks for your reply.

[Clive 1960]

Hi, i actually live in Mactan near the hospital in a subdivision and also another Claret lives there . the beach is nearby and the airport is 5 minutes drive away. Cebu City is about 30 minutes in a taxi and it's amazing.

[Clive 1960]

Jackpot!

Looks an amazing place to live!

We'll likely be there for around 4-5 days in the dry season. It's the end of our trip so will likely be winding down, relaxing, but would be rude not to take in some of the sights and excursions whilst we're there, e.g. shark trips, waterfalls, see the city etc.

Could you comment on whether it's best to base in the city/Mactan, or one of the hotels closer to some of the excursions, e.g. Oslob?

Unfortunately the trip probably isn't long enough for us to stay in both Cebu and Boracay, we'll likely see one or the other - but I'm not complaining. From your post I'd be interested to know whether you'd just recommend spending 4-5 days in Boracay and skipping Cebu - still an option we're considering as the photos of Boracay look incredible

Thanks for your reply.

The whale shark's which is South of Cebu is also great but you have to get up early to see and swim with them which is amazing.

[Clive 1960]

Jackpot!

Looks an amazing place to live!

We'll likely be there for around 4-5 days in the dry season. It's the end of our trip so will likely be winding down, relaxing, but would be rude not to take in some of the sights and excursions whilst we're there, e.g. shark trips, waterfalls, see the city etc.

Could you comment on whether it's best to base in the city/Mactan, or one of the hotels closer to some of the excursions, e.g. Oslob?

Unfortunately the trip probably isn't long enough for us to stay in both Cebu and Boracay, we'll likely see one or the other - but I'm not complaining. From your post I'd be interested to know whether you'd just recommend spending 4-5 days in Boracay and skipping Cebu - still an option we're considering as the photos of Boracay look incredible

Thanks for your reply.

Hotels near me which are superb are Plantation Bay, Shangri-la, Duist thani ,

[Tribesmen]

Wow love to go back as it's been over 30 years since i was last there . Some real stand out places to visit Boracay was something else when i was first there wooden huts by the beach any amount of fish cooked for you from the day's catch , i know it's 5 star hotels all the way now but the beach will be the beach really outstanding spot .

[pompeyclaret]

I went 20 ish years ago, great memories.

Didn't like Cebu much, but probably more down to it being a city and getting sick.

Bohol was my favourite, chocolate hills, Tarsier (tiny monkeys), some great waterfalls and was very raw.

Was at Boracay too, was nice, amazing sands, but hear has become very modern/ over visited

[Clive 1960]

I went 20 ish years ago, great memories.

Didn't like Cebu much, but probably more down to it being a city and getting sick.

Bohol was my favourite, chocolate hills, Tarsier (tiny monkeys), some great waterfalls and was very raw.

Was at Boracay too, was nice, amazing sands, but hear has become very modern/ over visited

Boracay is beautiful even though it does attract a lot of people, Ayala is nice place to go to.

[ebby]

My son has recently been using Philippine Airlines to get from Perth to Vancouver and back a few times. Cheapest but you get what you pay for ; never on time and says Manilla airport is twenty years behind the times.

[wbfc]

I liked Cebu and Bohol ... I have a filipina wife which is just amazing... you will have a great time wherever you end up going

[Alanstevensonsgloves]

Out of interest why is having a Filipino wife amazing?

[GetIntoEm]

Out of interest why is having a Filipino wife amazing?

He's 65, shes 18

[Alanstevensonsgloves]

He's 65, shes 18

Years or inches around the waist?

[mkmel]

I liked Cebu and Bohol ... I have a filipina wife which is just amazing... you will have a great time wherever you end up going

I'm with you all the way wbfc!

I also have a Filipina Wife and she is certainly amazing.

[wbfc]

I will bite ...she is amazing because she is kind and caring and always smiling..

My first wife died when she waa 35 years old ...so I am very lucky and grateful to have a second chance

My current wife is younger but I am only 52 and she is 38 so it is not a silly gap

Enjoy your trip!!!

[Alanstevensonsgloves]

I will bite ...she is amazing because she is kind and caring and always smiling..

My first wife died when she waa 35 years old ...so I am very lucky and grateful to have a second chance

My current wife is younger but I am only 52 and she is 38 so it is not a silly gap

Enjoy your trip!!!

I will declare my hand here. My gf is Taiwanese and is the most unbelievable lady to me. She even knows more about modern European history than me! Always happy, always positive. I'm 52, she's 44 and looks 34. To be fair I look 42 so she's got lucky herself