Asia - Posts - Travel and run

Philippines – Summary, tips and budget

28 February 2019

At the end of my WHV in New Zealand I had 3 weeks to “fill” before coming back for a Vipassana meditation retreat. I chose the Philippines, the nearest destination and therefore the cheapest from NZ. To get to the Philippines I took a ticket with China Southern Airlines. Little wrong note on the way, my flight Auckland-Guangzhou was canceled and they put me on the flight after. Regardless of the fact that it was impossible to have my Guangzhou-Manila…

One day in Manila intra muros

25 February 2019

On the way back from Apo Island I wanted to take extra time to be sure not to miss my international flight. I first spent a night in Dumaguete before returning to Manila and visiting intramuros. Finally no issues with transport during my trip! Dumaguete From Apo Island I shared a boat with French couple who negotiated a boat for 1500 (500 per person so). After the wet cross, I walked to the main road to Malatapay and took the…

Apo island, the turtle island!

14 February 2019

During my stay in the Philippines I wanted to see turtles in their natural environment. After some research, it turned out that Apo Island was a good destination. The turtles are visible close to the beach by snorkeling! Accommodation and crossing from Siquijor To make make it easier I had booked in the same resort than Siquijor. You have to know that it’s difficult to communicate in advance with hotels on the island because they have very slow internet and there are…

Siquijor, the witches island

16 January 2019

I heard a lot of good things about the island of Siquijor and especially by its quiet side tourism. In addition it is the island witches so do not be surprised not to cross too many Filipino tourists here (while they still travel quite a lot in their country). They rather fear this island. Arrival on the island From Bohol there is a daily ferry to this island. It arrives in the city of Larena. On this island I a little…

Bohol and its chocolate hills

12 January 2019

After staying 2 days in Malapascua I joined the island of Bohol for 3 nights and specifically in Tagbilaran. Arrive at Tagbilaran I mentioned it in my last post, take the boat back since Malapascua is quite folkloric! I then took the bus to Cebu and then a taxi to “Pier 1”, boarding for Bohol. I could not take the first Ferry so I had to wait 1 hour. The crossing with Ocean Jet costs 500PHP + pier fee 25 +…

2 days in the tiny island of Malapascua

9 January 2019

After Coron my choice fell to the Visayas starting with Malapascua! Access to the island I knew that my transfer to Malapascua was going to be long! So I chose a direct flight to Cebu early in the morning with the Philippine Airlines company. Attention for internal flights checked baggage included 10kg only! Then you have to pay 200PHP per extra kilo. It was then the bazaar at the airport with everyone trying to put the maximum weight in their hand…

First stop in Philippines : Coron!

6 January 2019

After a first night in Manila I took a direct flight the next morning to Coron! Introduction Coron is an island of Palawan. But the city of Coron is located on the island of Busuanga! The island of Coron is quite sparsely populated. I took a room at Happy Campers and honnestly I highly recommend it! The owner is very friendly and very helpful. The sanitary facilities are new. There is no bunk bed here. Each one is bed and…