2 mois que nous sommes rentrés....... des images plein la tête.
Notre itinéraire Iles, de Mindoro, Pandan, busuanga, flowers island, el nido.
Je conseille absolument cet itinéraire sauvage, dépaysant, magnifique, et très peu à pas du tout touristique en novembre. Pour nos hôtels et transferts nous sommes passés parune agence très fiable spécialisée Asie .
Sur place nous avons organisé nos island hopping en privé 10 au total, et je le conseille à tous , des endroits si sublimes que l'on croit rêver, et ce sentiment d' être seul au monde au 'paradis" Les excursions sur terre nous les avons organisés avec le personnel des bancas qui nous ont beaucoup offert , en nous faisant découvrir leur pays par la mer , sur terre et en nous présentant leur famille.
Les photos que vous trouverez ici et là ne sont qu'une petite partie et ne traduisent pas ou peu l'immensité qui nous a entourés durant ces 21 jours ainsi que la musique, la gentillesse, la multitude de couleurs changeantes en fonction de la météo.
Un grand et magnifique voyage je le conseille aux amoureux de la nature et des "hommes". "Nous sommes pauvres mais si heureux" me disait une adolescente et c'est ce que j'ai souvent ressenti durant ces 21 jours.
Hello everyone,
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations: We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights: The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1: We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2: This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3: With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4: Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings. We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops. In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5: Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6: This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8: Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10: On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12: We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines. Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment. We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15: From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP). We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning. We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise. Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16: We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town. It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view. We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise. In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911. On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city. We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17: Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning. Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in. The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances: In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary: Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional. Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
We (3 adults: 68, 65, and 25 years old) are just back from a short trip to the Philippines, and I’d like to share a little summary of our journey. First of all, I’d like to thank everyone who contributes to this forum about this destination and answers the questions of those who aren’t familiar with it. I should also mention that my comments are personal and don’t reflect anyone else’s opinions. Since I don’t have any literary or photographic talent, I’ll stick to the facts and share a few details about the sights, hotels, and restaurants.
Preparations: We chose this destination in December and quickly booked our flight tickets (540 € with Turkish Airlines) for a departure on February 16 and return on March 5, 2019. We then contacted two French-speaking tour operators based in Manila, asking them to put together an itinerary based on our wishes (places to visit, type of accommodation) and our budget. We wanted to see the rice terraces in northern Luzon, the hanging coffins in Sagada, before flying to the Visayas (Bohol, Siquijor, etc.), and the Taal Volcano, while limiting our nights in Manila as much as possible. In the end, we opted for Alize, whose itinerary and quote matched our request almost perfectly. Our exchanges helped us refine our circuit.
International flights: The round-trip flights went smoothly. Turkish Airlines, while not at the level of Asian or Gulf airlines, does the job just fine.
Day 1: We landed on time (6:15 PM) on Monday, February 16, at Terminal 3. We exchanged our euros (near the car rental counters), and I can confirm the exchange rate was very good. On the way to the St. Giles Hotel (decent and affordable for a transit night), we got our first glimpse of Manila’s dense traffic. The Makati district, where our hotel was located, offers a wide choice of restaurants, so we grabbed a quick bite to recover from the trip.
Day 2: This day was dedicated to transferring to Banaue. Fortunately, we had a comfortable van and an excellent driver for this journey, which took all day (8 to 9 hours with stops). We got a taste of driving in the Philippines—and it’s terrifying. You wouldn’t want to drive on these roads. The first thing that struck us was the relatively good condition of the roads and the cleanliness (a change from other Southeast Asian countries). This impression lasted throughout our trip. Around 6 PM, we checked into our room at the Banaue Hotel (large, charm-free, but with a beautiful view of the rice terraces).
Day 3: With the help of a local guide, we took a jeepney to Batad. And then—wow! The rice terraces form an amphitheater overlooking the small village. Under the sun, it’s simply spectacular and breathtaking! Even though we’re familiar with rice terraces (Sapa, Bali, Thailand, etc.), we were dazzled by so much beauty. We spent the day walking along the terrace walls. This place is timeless and fully deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. However, we returned to the hotel exhausted (due to our ages and lack of exercise). We had dinner with our driver at the Las Vegas restaurant in the center of Banaue. The meal was decent, cheap, and the Filipino owner played the guitar to accompany our dinner.
Day 4: Today, our driver took us to Sagada. The mountain road offered spectacular landscapes (about 1.5 to 2 hours). Along the way, we stopped in Bontoc to visit the small but interesting anthropological museum. It features old photos and various objects from the Ifugao tribes, as well as a reconstruction of primitive dwellings. We then went on a short hike in Sagada with a very friendly local guide who explained the region’s funeral rites. The walk started at the communal cemetery before reaching “Echo Valley,” where we saw the first coffins hanging on the cliff. We continued to the “Underground River” and a small waterfall, ending our journey in the “Lumiang Cave” burial cave. All in all, this day was very interesting. On the way back, we made a few photo stops. In the evening, on our driver’s recommendation, we ate at the “Bistro,” a French enclave in the center of Banaue (good pizza, roasted quail, homemade fries).
Day 5: Today was a transfer day. To limit fatigue and nights in Manila, our tour operator arranged a flight from Clark to Tagbilaran (Bohol), saving us 2 to 3 hours of driving. But to catch our flight, we had to leave very early: 5:30 AM. Our kind driver dropped us off on time at the airport. To use it, we had to pay a 150 PHP tax per person. The Philippine Airlines flight (15 minutes) left early and was far from full. Upon arrival, we were taken to the Loboc River Hotel, on the banks of the river of the same name. A very charming lodge lost in a tropical garden. We stayed in a stilt cottage overlooking the river. We relaxed a bit in the lovely pool. This place is really great—the staff is charming, and the food is excellent for a reasonable price.
Day 6: This day was dedicated to exploring Bohol. The program was classic, starting with the tarsier sanctuary. We saw a few specimens in a small garden, each pointed out by a staff member. It was both good and disappointing because the animals were in pseudo-freedom in a small enclosure. Then we went to the “Chocolate Hills” and climbed 240 steps to admire the panoramic view of the hills—but by 10 AM, it was crowded. On the way back, we stopped at the butterfly garden, which was uninteresting: tiny, with few butterflies. We consoled ourselves by photographing beautiful flowers. To please our teen, we stopped at the Loboc Eco Tourism Adventure Park and crossed the river lying down, suspended from a steel cable (300 PHP). Finally, we had the traditional lunch-cruise on the Loboc River. It was a factory-like experience, and the meal was unremarkable. The only good thing was the singer on each boat and the lush vegetation. Afterward, we visited colonial churches and the cathedral, remnants of the Spanish presence, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved dip in the pool. Note that for those interested, there’s an arena near the hotel where cockfights are held every Sunday—something Filipinos are passionate (if not obsessed) about.
Day 8: Very early departure for the port. We boarded a *banca* in search of dolphins. After about an hour of sailing, we were lucky enough to spot around a hundred dolphins. Our boat then headed to the small and charming island of Pamilacan. After a walk through the little village, we came across locals traditionally building a boat. They told us it takes about a month to finish their outrigger boat. Then we had to choose our snorkeling spot between the coral garden, the fish park, and the turtle enclosure. Note that a fee is charged for each spot: 150 PHP per place and per person. It felt a bit like we were being ripped off, especially since the spots weren’t amazing—we’d see much better on Apo for much less. We had lunch on the island at one of the many small eateries (350 PHP per person).
Days 9 and 10: On our return, we were taken to the Bohol Sea Resort on Panglao Island, where we stayed for 2 nights. It’s a small, recent establishment in a quiet corner of the island. It’s relaxing—maybe a bit too much. It has a nice pool and access to Danao Beach, but the view is blocked by a flotilla of boats. We didn’t try their diving school. The meals were good. If we had to do it again, we’d skip this stop to spend more time in Negros.
Days 11 and 12: We took a fast ferry (Ocean Jet) from Tagbilaran port to Dumaguete and were taken to the Thalatta Resort, about 20 km away near Zamboanguita. We stayed there for 2 nights. Let’s just say it was our favorite. It’s a small place facing Apo Island. The rooms are simple, and the pool, nestled in a magnificent tropical garden, is fantastic. The staff is friendly, and the meals are very good. The hotel has its own diving center (snorkeling gear provided) and its own boats. We booked the Apo Island excursion: 1,350 PHP per person, including lunch. It was incredible: magnificent corals, colorful fish, and turtles of all sizes. The crew was endlessly kind and didn’t hesitate to dive to guide us to the best spots. In short, a perfect day. This site is ranked among the top 5 diving spots in the Philippines. Since we were lucky enough to be there on a Wednesday morning, we explored the surprising Malapay Market, a 10-minute walk from our hotel. You’ll find numerous stalls selling vegetables, fruits, live or dried fish, and handicrafts. Enclosures are set up for selling livestock (calves, zebu, pigs). There are also restaurants. We were lucky to see two pigs roasted traditionally on a spit. There are few Europeans, and the people are warm. A great moment. We left this beautiful place with regret because we didn’t have time to visit the island or go swimming with whale sharks.
Days 12 to 15: From Dumaguete port, we took a short crossing (1 hour with Ocean Jet) to Siquijor Island to reach the Coco Grove Beach Resort. A beautiful hotel nestled in a spacious tropical garden. Several restaurants and bars, 4 pools. Despite the size of the place, it remains intimate. You can snorkel (corals and fish) right in front of the beautiful beach. We stayed in a very pleasant duplex suite. For those interested, there’s a spa and a diving center. You can also take the Apo Island excursion (offered at 1,950 PHP). We spent our days relaxing between the pool and the beach. In the evening, the sunsets over Negros and Apo were stunning. We booked an island tour with a comfortable tricycle from the hotel (1,500 PHP). The circuit was classic and allowed us to go around the island. We discovered beaches, the famous 400-year-old ficus tree with its enormous roots, and its equally famous foot bath with its cleaning fish. Then we visited the St. Isidore Convent before heading to the Cambugahay waterfalls and their four pools. The setting is idyllic, and the water is surprisingly good—we had a lot of fun swimming. We had dinner at a restaurant overlooking the island, where you can see Apo, Cebu, and Negros. In the end, Siquijor turned out to be a real little tropical paradise. Since the hotel restaurants were expensive, we dined at nearby establishments: Fuego (clean, good—excellent raw fish—and quiet), Chekesch (louder), and the very pleasant Baha Bar, which brews its own beer and offers more refined cuisine.
Days 15 to 16: We left at dawn to return to Dumaguete and its airport by ferry. We had breakfast at the Coco Grande Hotel, an annex of the previous one. The Philippine Airlines flight went smoothly. A driver took us to the town of Taal. We stayed at Paradores Del Castillo, right in the heart of the old town. It’s a charming old house with only 6 rooms. The various rooms are decorated with antiques—a real little museum. The garden is pleasant and opens onto the town. It’s an old early 19th-century house converted into a hotel, beautifully arranged with 6 rooms in the heart of the city. The restaurant in the garden is very pleasant and offers a panoramic view. We visited an old Spanish house before heading to the beautiful Basilica of St. Martin of Tours, one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the Philippines. A mass was in progress, allowing us to gauge the Filipinos’ fervor before we could visit. When we left, it was dark, and we could admire the illuminated building. We ended our evening by exploring the night market with its many fruit and skewer stalls. A nice surprise. In the morning, we were taken to the shores of Taal Lake, an ancient caldera where a second volcano has formed in the middle of the lake, which in turn contains another lake. We boarded a *banca* to reach the island in the middle of the lake. This was followed by an uphill walk, made difficult by the high temperature (36°C) and the dust on the path. The dust was worsened by the many horses carrying (or bringing back) the less courageous. To illustrate the difficulty of the climb, the trail is marked by the Stations of the Cross and its 14 stations. We were panting while our guide trotted far ahead. Our effort was rewarded when we reached the summit and its viewpoints over the inner lake and the surroundings. The wisps of smoke seen here and there confirmed we were on an active volcano. Inside the lake, there are supposedly 45 small volcanoes, one of which emerged during its last eruption in 1911. On the way back, we had lunch by the lake before returning to Manila and the Bayleaf Hotel, whose main merit is its location in the Intramuros district. In the late afternoon, we walked along the walls of the old city. We had dinner on the hotel’s panoramic terrace overlooking the city and the bay.
Day 17: Last day! Our tour operator joined us for a tour of the Intramuros district. He enriched the visit with comments on the history, geopolitics, and economy of the Philippines. We visited the Manila Cathedral, destroyed 7 times in the past (6 earthquakes and the 1945 bombing). It’s beautiful, and its stained glass is magnificent. We couldn’t enter the San Agustin Church, the oldest Catholic building in Manila. We passed by the memorial to the Battle of Manila, which claimed over 100,000 lives. We visited the area around Casa Manila, which was closed on Monday, and had a drink at Barbara’s cabaret, located in a historic house. A very enriching morning. Then we went to the Mall of Asia, the world’s largest shopping mall, to buy some souvenirs (Kultura store) before being taken to the airport. We exchanged our last pesos at the buying rate right after check-in. The return flight went smoothly. We regretted not being able to use the facilities of Istanbul’s new airport, as its opening was delayed by another month.
Finances: In the end, we spent 1,640 € for the international flights, 4,200 € for the stay (hotels, visits, various transports) with the agency (whose professionalism we can only praise), and about 700 € for meals, tips, and souvenirs.
Summary: Luckily, we had beautiful weather throughout our stay, with temperatures between 26 and 35°C. Discovering the Philippines was a wonderful experience. The diversity of the landscapes, the kindness of the Filipinos, the cleanliness, and the truly delicious fruits (especially pineapples and mangoes). We were never harassed, unlike in many touristy countries. On the other hand, the food, though generally cheap, wasn’t exceptional. Since this country is so vast, we might return in the near future.
Though I’m not a specialist on this destination, I’m happy to answer your questions based on my experience.
Bonjour à tous,
Après 2 séjours de 5 semaines chacun en Thaïlande, l'envie de retourner en Asie nous démange...
Nous avons pour projet de partir 3 mois en avril, mai et juin avec nos deux enfants qui auront 6 ans et 3 ans.
C'est encore un "projet" et nous bloquons vraiment sur l'itinéraire (qui me parait essentiel pour dessiner ce projet).
Pensez-vous que ce soit simple de faire Philippines > Malaisie > Indonésie ? (ordre le plus logique par rapport aux saisons)
Pensez-vous qu'une escale en nouvelle Calédonie ou Polynésie française au cours du voyage puisse être à envisager ?
Est-ce que l'ordre des pays vous parait le plus simple?
Merci de vos réponses !
Pensez-vous que ce soit simple de faire Philippines > Malaisie > Indonésie ? (ordre le plus logique par rapport aux saisons)
Pensez-vous qu'une escale en nouvelle Calédonie ou Polynésie française au cours du voyage puisse être à envisager ?
Est-ce que l'ordre des pays vous parait le plus simple?
Merci de vos réponses !
Bonjour, J ai prévu de partir aux Philippines 11 jours avec ma fille et j'aurais besoin d'infos pratiques. la première semaine on a prévu d'aller à Banaue. Pour la deuxième semaine, ma fille voudrait aller nager avec les requins baleine à Oslob. Je crois que pour y aller je vais faire Manille Dumaguete par contre pour en repartir je ne sais pas. On voudrait continuer sur El Nido, Coron...Je me demande si dans la même journée on peut faire les requins baleine et aller à Cebu City pour prendre le vol de 14h25 pour ne pas perdre de temps à Cebu. Sinon ça nous oblige à passer une jounée de plus vers Cebu city. Celà dit il y a peut-être des choses sympas à y faire.
Nous finirions donc à El Nido et si possible Coron.
Est ce que notre périple est réalisable et quels sont vos conseils pratisues?
Merci d'avance pour toutes vos suggestions
Salut à toutes et tous,
enfin un frenchy qui donne des chiffres "réalistes"... ça change de tous ces foreigners qui te disent que tu peux vivre pour moins de 200$/mois sous les cocotiers ! 😉
https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3S9qW-bvomF5hMKJO_pZyGBtsggKJgB1IneoxAWgqqdpxFV8cH8FOqGaM&v=5dDJZfOw0E4
enfin un frenchy qui donne des chiffres "réalistes"... ça change de tous ces foreigners qui te disent que tu peux vivre pour moins de 200$/mois sous les cocotiers ! 😉
https://m.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3S9qW-bvomF5hMKJO_pZyGBtsggKJgB1IneoxAWgqqdpxFV8cH8FOqGaM&v=5dDJZfOw0E4
Je suis en train de préparer un trekking.
J'aurais cependant besoin de vos conseils d'expert !
J'ai vu qu'il était possible de faire le trajet en avion pour les rizières et Banaue https://fr-fr.facebook.com/philstrop/ ( Philippines Tropicales) J’AI TESTÉ : LE NOUVEAU VOL CEBU PACIFIC + ALFOSO LISTA ROAD .
Je n'ai pas compris comment fonctionne le trajet. J'ai cru comprendre qu'il faut environ 6H au total ? Malgré mes différentes lectures un peu partout pour dénicher les informations, nous n'avons pas trouvé de réponse qui répondent à notre cas. Je vous remercie par avance pour votre aide !
Bonjour,
quelle agence de voyage si possible francophone recommanderiez vous pour un circuit de 14j aux Philippines incluant Manille, El Nido, Bohol, Siquijor...Le groupe serait composé de 4 à 8 personnes.
quelle agence de voyage si possible francophone recommanderiez vous pour un circuit de 14j aux Philippines incluant Manille, El Nido, Bohol, Siquijor...Le groupe serait composé de 4 à 8 personnes.
Bonjour
Je souhaite savoir si Manille peut se visiter seul ou avec un guide.
Avez vous un conseil d agence de tourisme a Manille.
Je vous remercie
Je vous remercie
Bonjour, j ai lu sur le net qu il est possible de voir des requins baleines dans la baie de Honda de mars à juillet. Est ce que quelqu'un a une expérience à partager sur le sujet ? Le nom d une agence sérieuse pour plonger avec eux ?
Dans ce cas, je resterai une journée à Puerto Princesa avant de partir à Bohol ou Cebu.
Merci
C'est une île plutôt touristique et calme d'habitude mais juste en ce moment ça chauffe avec le groupe abusayaf. Comme ils se financent souvent en enlevant des touristes ce n'est pas forcément le meilleur moment pour s'y montrer.
Bonjour
Je viens de lire cela sur Diplomatie.gov et sur d' autres supports mais bizarrement sur place personne n' en parle ........surtout les expa. ......
J' ai donc rêve ou il y a bien eu un problème à Bohol ?
On parle de tout sur le forum Philppines, des plages , du temps ......mais pour des informations aussi importantes c' est le black out 🤔......
Effectivement si les Visayas se mettent à craindre certains vont perdre leur fond de commerce
Bonjour à tous,
je pars avec une copine le 29 février prochain direction Manille! Nous arrivons vers 12h le 1er mars et nous avons prévu de prendre un bus à 21h pour Banaue. Arrivées sur place le 2 mars, nous aimerions trouver un guide qui nous nous fasse une visite des rizières, qu'on dorme à Batad le 2 au soir, puis ballade le lendemain car on reprend le bus le 3 à 17h30 pour manille.
plusieurs questions: - connaissez une agence locale ou guide local pour nous récupérer à l'aéroport, faire un petit tour de manille et nous amener à la station de bus pour 21h? - connaissez des guides à Banaue-Batad pour les deux jours ( ballade et logement) - comment faire pour réserver un taxi à manille pour notre arrivée vers 3h du matin car nous devons aller l'aéroport pour reprendre un vol à 7h pour Palawan ?
un grand merci par avance pour votre aide ou conseils! bonne journée Geraldine
je pars avec une copine le 29 février prochain direction Manille! Nous arrivons vers 12h le 1er mars et nous avons prévu de prendre un bus à 21h pour Banaue. Arrivées sur place le 2 mars, nous aimerions trouver un guide qui nous nous fasse une visite des rizières, qu'on dorme à Batad le 2 au soir, puis ballade le lendemain car on reprend le bus le 3 à 17h30 pour manille.
plusieurs questions: - connaissez une agence locale ou guide local pour nous récupérer à l'aéroport, faire un petit tour de manille et nous amener à la station de bus pour 21h? - connaissez des guides à Banaue-Batad pour les deux jours ( ballade et logement) - comment faire pour réserver un taxi à manille pour notre arrivée vers 3h du matin car nous devons aller l'aéroport pour reprendre un vol à 7h pour Palawan ?
un grand merci par avance pour votre aide ou conseils! bonne journée Geraldine
j'essaye en vain de joindre "philippines tropicales" malgré des relances whatsapp etc ..
Quelqu'un a t'il le mail de cette organisation.
Merci pour votre retour
dahu 74
Bonjour,
Nous comptons faire un tour dans la baie des bacuits avec l'agence Nativ' Exploration pour 3 jours et 2 nuits. Pouvons-nous réserver sur place pour le lendemain ou bien avant? Merci.
Nous comptons faire un tour dans la baie des bacuits avec l'agence Nativ' Exploration pour 3 jours et 2 nuits. Pouvons-nous réserver sur place pour le lendemain ou bien avant? Merci.
Bonjour
Je serais a Puerto Princessa, je souhaite savoir quelle excursion ou tour sont a faire?
Pouvez vous me conseillez une agence locale qui puisse m'organiser des tours
Merci et joyeux noel.
Merci et joyeux noel.
Les voyageurs pressés ou peu désireux de se confronter aux transports en commun choisiront de faire appel à une agence de voyages.
Individuellement, Il est pourtant facile de gagner Santa Juliana, village le plus proche du volcan.
Que vous veniez de Baguio, Angeles ou de Manille, arrêtez vous dans la petite ville de Capas et rejoignez le lieu de départ des jeepneys pour Santa Lucia.
Ces véhicules n'iront pas au-delà de ce village, il faut donc faire appel à un tricycle qui vous déposera, pour 60 pesos, à Santana Juliana.
À quelques mètres de distance, deux frères tiennent les guesthouses de Santa Juliana. Toutes deux sont parfaitement administrées et l'accueil est excellent. J'ai choisi la Casa Hermogina, légèrement en retrait de la route principale.
Les prix pratiqués sont de 500 et 800 pesos pour une chambre ventilée ou avec air conditionné. Il est possible de se restaurer dans ces guesthouses ou pour un prix plus modique, dans le petit village.
Ces établissements se chargent de vous trouver une jeep qui vous acheminera au pied du Pinatubo. Coût aux environs de 2000 pesos, en fonction du nombre de passagers transportés. Départ vers 7h00, pour un trajet d'une heure dans le lit d'un immense cours d'eau. Le paysage est intéressant, il offre de grands espaces modelés par l'érosion.
Les jeeps s'arrêtent sur une place aménagée et à pieds, en 30-45 minutes, nous parvenons au volcan par une petite piste facile d'accès mais d'un faible intérêt, le dénivelé est modeste. Entrecoupée de passages de petits cours d'eau, cette piste est accessible aux enfants.Coucou :-)
Recherche info rafraichie...
Est-il nécessaire de réserver à l'avance sa place en Ferry entre Cebu et Bohol à l'époque de Noel s'il-vous-plaît?
A l'arrivée y a t il un comptoir commun ou faut il aller à chaque compagnie?
Merci pour votre aide :-)
A l'arrivée y a t il un comptoir commun ou faut il aller à chaque compagnie?
Merci pour votre aide :-)
bonjour à tous,
tout est dans le titre ! je trouve 14 adresses HSBC à Manille. comme je n'ai pas beaucoup de temps avant mon vol intérieur vers Busuanga, pouvez-vous m'éclairer ?
merci d'avance pour votre aide
belle journée
Cécile
tout est dans le titre ! je trouve 14 adresses HSBC à Manille. comme je n'ai pas beaucoup de temps avant mon vol intérieur vers Busuanga, pouvez-vous m'éclairer ?
merci d'avance pour votre aide
belle journée
Cécile
Bonjour à tous.
Nous partons ( 3 adultes) pour les Philippines en février 2020 pour 13 /14 nuits. Notre programme: Trek rizières Banaue et Sagada 3 jours/2nuits Le reste sur les îles Cebu, Bohol et Siquijor. Est il préférable de passer par une agence locale qui organise le tout ou se débrouiller seul? Merci de partager vos expériences. A bientôt
Nous partons ( 3 adultes) pour les Philippines en février 2020 pour 13 /14 nuits. Notre programme: Trek rizières Banaue et Sagada 3 jours/2nuits Le reste sur les îles Cebu, Bohol et Siquijor. Est il préférable de passer par une agence locale qui organise le tout ou se débrouiller seul? Merci de partager vos expériences. A bientôt
Bonjour,
Nous souhaitons rejoindre Banaue depuis Manille en van privé (7 personnes).
Je souhaiterais connaître la durée du trajet et le tarif.
Si vous avez des coordonnées d'un chauffeur ou agence, je suis preneuse.
Merci d'avance pour vos réponses
bonjour je souhaiterai effectuer un voyage de 15 jours aux philippines avec mon chéri en janvier 2019 mais je ne sais pas si je peux le planifier seule ou passer par agence car je les trouve un peu chères c'est pour cela que je me permet de faire appel à vos lumières afin de m'aider . mon ami n'a jamais voyagé et je souhaiterai lui faire une surprise et faire quelque chose de superbe car c'est son rêve d'aller visiter ce pays . que me conseillez vous ? un grand merci à vous
Bonjour à tous,
Quand vous prenez le ferry, est ce que vous payez une taxe pour le bagage à l'embarquement ?
Je viens de prendre le ferry pour Cebu avec supercat et ils ont voulu me faire payer une "porter fee". J'ai refusé car la vendeuse de l'agence m'a assuré que tout était inclus sauf le terminal fee. Ça a été un peu la guerre et le gars a raler mais je n'ai pas payé. La dernière fois pour faire Siquijor - Tagbilaran avec oceanjet j'avais payé pensant que c'était normal mais après m'être renseigné au guichet on m'a dit que le prix contenait le bagage.
Lemonk avait fait allusion à ce genre d'arnaque, si c'est bien de cela qu'il parlait, mais je pensais pas que c'était aussi bien fait. Car on a l'impression que c'est quelque chose d'officiel. En fait ils disent que tu dois laisser ton bagage pout qu'il soit chargé et que tu ne peux le garder avec toi que si tu voyages en business class...
C'est un peu comme les "guides" aux cascades à Siquijor, ils te montrent "bénévolement" le chemin sur des parcours pourtant bien faits et balisés et attendent devant toi avec insistance un billet quand tu repars..
Quand vous prenez le ferry, est ce que vous payez une taxe pour le bagage à l'embarquement ?
Je viens de prendre le ferry pour Cebu avec supercat et ils ont voulu me faire payer une "porter fee". J'ai refusé car la vendeuse de l'agence m'a assuré que tout était inclus sauf le terminal fee. Ça a été un peu la guerre et le gars a raler mais je n'ai pas payé. La dernière fois pour faire Siquijor - Tagbilaran avec oceanjet j'avais payé pensant que c'était normal mais après m'être renseigné au guichet on m'a dit que le prix contenait le bagage.
Lemonk avait fait allusion à ce genre d'arnaque, si c'est bien de cela qu'il parlait, mais je pensais pas que c'était aussi bien fait. Car on a l'impression que c'est quelque chose d'officiel. En fait ils disent que tu dois laisser ton bagage pout qu'il soit chargé et que tu ne peux le garder avec toi que si tu voyages en business class...
C'est un peu comme les "guides" aux cascades à Siquijor, ils te montrent "bénévolement" le chemin sur des parcours pourtant bien faits et balisés et attendent devant toi avec insistance un billet quand tu repars..
Bonjour,
L'an dernier je pouvais retirer 20 000Php sans problème à la PBI De retour, aujourd'hui tous les distributeurs PBI m'ont sortie un : Line Down 912
Bien sûre dans l'agence ils ne savent strictement rien ! A part " vous avez vérifier votre solde? " ou " votre banque est hors ligne! ", la preuve ...
Je suis passé ensuite à la MetroBank qui me sort une Available Balance à 0 Mais l'ATM m'a quand même sortie 10 000Php , chercher l'erreur !
Ils m'ont aussi appliqué 200Php en surcharge, ce que je n'avais pas à la PBI l'an dernier ...
Ce qui fait que sortir 20 000 Php me coute maintenant (2x200) + 200, soit 600 Php de plus que l'an dernier. Déja que l'an dernier mes 20 000Php par retrait me coûtait 1000Php de frais en tout, si cette année ça me revient à 1600Php, c'est plus la peine ...
Payer 500php de taxi pour aller à la HSBC (qui fera maintenant s'il faut pas mieux) n'est pas plus intelligent, donc ?
Merci pour votre aide ou vos conseils ...
Si je ne trouve pas un solution autre, il est évident que je ne reviendrai plus ... (j'ai d'ailleurs l'impression qu'il y'a moins de foreigner qu'avant ici)
L'an dernier je pouvais retirer 20 000Php sans problème à la PBI De retour, aujourd'hui tous les distributeurs PBI m'ont sortie un : Line Down 912
Bien sûre dans l'agence ils ne savent strictement rien ! A part " vous avez vérifier votre solde? " ou " votre banque est hors ligne! ", la preuve ...
Je suis passé ensuite à la MetroBank qui me sort une Available Balance à 0 Mais l'ATM m'a quand même sortie 10 000Php , chercher l'erreur !
Ils m'ont aussi appliqué 200Php en surcharge, ce que je n'avais pas à la PBI l'an dernier ...
Ce qui fait que sortir 20 000 Php me coute maintenant (2x200) + 200, soit 600 Php de plus que l'an dernier. Déja que l'an dernier mes 20 000Php par retrait me coûtait 1000Php de frais en tout, si cette année ça me revient à 1600Php, c'est plus la peine ...
Payer 500php de taxi pour aller à la HSBC (qui fera maintenant s'il faut pas mieux) n'est pas plus intelligent, donc ?
Merci pour votre aide ou vos conseils ...
Si je ne trouve pas un solution autre, il est évident que je ne reviendrai plus ... (j'ai d'ailleurs l'impression qu'il y'a moins de foreigner qu'avant ici)
Hi there,
I’m going on a cruise next January and will have a stop in
Coron, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa
for one day at each place.
What do you recommend for a day’s activities?
It could be a private tour or a small group.
I’m going on a cruise next January and will have a stop in
Coron, Boracay, and Puerto Princesa
for one day at each place.
What do you recommend for a day’s activities?
It could be a private tour or a small group.
hi
we want to visit the Philippines in January but we’re not sure where to go—there are so many islands!
We’d also love some advice on where to land.
I’ve checked a few discussions, but they’re not recent.
thanks for your help
Bonjour,
Nous arrivons a Manille a 21H10. Et nous ne souhaitons pas dormir sur place. Notre but est de rejoindre Puerto Galera le plus rapidement possible. Nous avons donc dans l'idée de prendre un bus directement pour Batangas. (sachant que nous devrons certainement dormir la bas)
A priori il y a des bus pour Batangas toutes les demi heure, pouvez vous me le confirmer?
Mais il nous faut rejoindre la gare de Cubao, selon vous quel est le meilleur moyen?
Merci d'avance
Merci d'avance
Bonjour
Combien de temps faut il en voiture pour rallier banaue à Clark ?
Est ce possible en taxi?
Le coût ?
Merci beaucoup
Bonjour,
à la lecture des différents posts, je me perds dans les lieux de change à l'aéroport à Manille. Je crois comprendre que le taux y est plus intéressant qu'ailleurs ?
Mais faut-il changer aux arrivées ? ou faut-il aller ailleurs ? départs ?
J'arrive au terminal 2.
Merci
Hi,
I’m trying to check the Ocean Jet website for schedules and fares, but I can’t get any timetables to show up. It’s not easy to know whether to book in advance or buy tickets last minute... Not even sure if they run the Dumaguete-Tagbilaran route.... It seems like they do, but there’s not much info. Has anyone heard anything?
Thanks in advance if you’ve got any tips! Flo
I’m trying to check the Ocean Jet website for schedules and fares, but I can’t get any timetables to show up. It’s not easy to know whether to book in advance or buy tickets last minute... Not even sure if they run the Dumaguete-Tagbilaran route.... It seems like they do, but there’s not much info. Has anyone heard anything?
Thanks in advance if you’ve got any tips! Flo
Bonjour nous partons, deux mois aux Philippines de fin mars a début juin 2020 sac a dos, par contre, de Manille à puerto galera , à part le bus et le ferry, il n'y a pas d aéroport, par moment sur les recherches on me dit oui et autres non...pouvez vous me dire ?Merci martine et francoise
