First Visit To The Philippines -- Trip Report

[Josh]

Last month I travelled to the Philippines for two weeks for the first time.

Before my trip, I tried to do as much research as I could.

Here are my experiences and observations.

1. Taxis:
   • Every taxi I used had a meter and used it. However, I never paid the same amount for any of my 20 or so trips. Every interaction they wanted to negotiate extras like toll road fees and traffic. Expect to pay for any tolls out of your pocket during the drive.  My Filipina fiancée did the talking so I think this is normal end expected.
   • Airport: I knew what to pay. I saw the signs in the airport regarding fees. However, I did end up getting a private car and paid way too much for that initial trip from the Airport to where I was staying. After 24 hours plus in airports I just wanted to get safely to my destination with my luggage. I had many other concerns on my mind and didn’t want to deal with this.
2. Asia: I thought I was a seasoned traveler because of my experience in Western Europe. I now feel very differently. I feel that Western Europe is very much like the US. There is a whole bunch of other countries and continents out there. Asia is a whole different experience.
3. Language: I had been watching TFC and GMA on TV in the US every day for months prior to leaving. I feel they speak a lot more English on the TV than the everyday person on the street.  A number of people that I met had not spoken English since high school. I had no troubles, but a lot less English was spoken and used than what I was expecting.
4. Health:  I fully anticipated some sort of stomach type issues. I was pleasantly surprised when I did not have any.  I did take airborne on the flight and the first couple days to try and stay healthy for my short visit. I came down with a cold on day 9.
5. Food: One of the best parts of the trip. I loved the food. I lost track of the names of all the different dishes I tried. There were one or two seafood dishes that I wouldn’t order again. I did try balut which was really good, though I did not look at it as I ate. I did not try any dishes made from blood products. I did not gain or lose any weight. My diet was healthier and my body seemed to like it much better than my normal diet. I ate far less sugar, and ate on a more regular schedule than at home.
6. Gifts:  I was travelling on a budget.  I brought gifts for my fiancée and her daughters, that is pretty much all I brought with me. Her parents do not live in country. The friends and family of my fiancée did a whole bunch of things for us. We stayed at their houses. They drove us hundreds of kilometers. We ate at restaurants with them. We went to restaurants. We stayed at hotels. I knew I would meet some friends and family. I did not expect this type of warm welcome. I feel indebted to them. Had I known how the trip was going to go, I would have spent a lot more of time, money, and effort into gifts for the friends and extended family.
7. Showers: The showers had one water knob. Either on or off.  Expect a cold shower! One hotel I stayed at did have a hot shower.

 

I was amazed at how little money I spent.  I did propose to my girlfriend while I was there. This was the best trip of my life.  

[Dave Hounddriver]

That is a fantastic trip report.  It takes me back to my first visit here.  Thanks for the report.

[intrepid]

I agree.  This is a good report!

 

Had I known how the trip was going to go, I would have spent a lot more of time, money, and effort into gifts for the friends and extended family.

 

This is exactly how I felt after my first visit also.  :thumbsup:  I would have to guess there are many others who felt the same way.

[bows00]

My diet was healthier and my body seemed to like it much better than my normal diet

 

Really?  That is a surprise to me.  Filipino food is normally more fried and greasy and I tend to gain weight on my trips.  My favorite dish is the "sig sig", where they bring you a sizzling platter of pig parts...sooo good...

 

Surprising you didn't mention any locals there offering you a chance to meet their sister, niece, or daughter... always happens at least once every trip...

[Jollygoodfellow]

Yes good report but vital info is missing as the Philippines has many locations and each can be different such as cold showers at hotels is not the norm everywhere or every hotel.  :thumbsup:

[Jack Peterson]

One hotel I stayed at did have a hot shower.

 

 

:hystery:  Josh, You Obviously did not make it out to the provinces or your ladies house!

However, Welcome, when will be your next visit?

 

JP  :tiphat:

[Josh]

Thanks for the comments guys!

Next trip is looking to be around October.

As far as sister, niece, or daughter offers, my fiancée kept by my side so I was well tended. I was usually traveling with a group of 6-10 Filipino's.

Another great feature:
The water temperature of the ocean and swimming pools.
They were so warm it was fantastic.

Locations visited:
I didn't get out to far, Metro Manila area, Subic Bay (Olongapo), Baguio.

The hotel was the place with the nice hot shower was Mount Crest Hotel in Baguio.

[prodigal1]

Congrats!  I hope my upcoming first trip in September goes as well.

[cyberbro]

Hello,

Nice report.

 

This is not said with any malious what so ever, but going to PH then talking about your Asian experience is not really a fair statement since PH is so Americanized (Metro Manila). I know I did the same thing but then started thinking about that one day.

 

From the west cost can you fly direct or stop over in Japan or Hong Kong?

[expatuk2014]

great report ! more or less the experience as me on my first visit !

mind you I did get a shock when we stopped at a restaurant and seeing the guard with a Rifle !!

wasent told about that,  :rolleyes: coming from the UK where most of the police are unarmed was a bit of a surprise.