Thanks for the post about your country, Sojourner - do you know Bohol? Here's a good guide to the island.
http://matadortravel.com/travel-guides/philippines/bohol-philippines-off-the-tourist-trail
How does Bohol compare to your favorite places? Also, I hear there are some separatist groups in the Philippines. Is there anywhere where it is not safe for a Westerner to travel?
Thanks for your information and advice!
-Tim
Tim, the Philippines is a very beautiful and interesting destination for smart travellers like you who wants to spend their money in a worthwhile trip. Yes, it is true that there are separatist groups in the Philippines but the government keeps them away from the low land and cities. Most of them are forced to stay in the highest and remote mountains in farawar provinces. The places where they camp is certainly closed to visitors and the local tourist guides will warn you if they hear you want to visit one of those places. However, do not fret my friend 'coz we have a lot more to offer than those idiot rebels haha. You still have access to our more than 7000 islands where snorkeling, mountain climbing, surfing and native shopping can be done at the safest cost. For instance, we have Boracay Island, one of westerners' favorite here. It's a white sand island packed with 5 star hotels and resorts in the middle of the ocean and located in the heart of the Philippines. It is accesible by ferry boat and airplane and a good place to find a native lover too. We have a lot of colorful festivals and everywhere you go here is an interesting place to remember. If you want to visit the Philippines, the last thing you'll have in your mind should be the separatist groups. They won't risk their lives to greet you in the lowlands. Besides, most of them are weak nowadays due to the government's full military and security surveillance that they find it hard to move and plan. Except for those rascals, Filipinos are warm and hospitable. Every single soul in here will welcome you with a big smile when you arrive. The Philippines are by far the best Asian destinations worth travelling for. We have everything you love about for a superb and fabulous vacation. It is also exciting that the internet is available everywhere here through WI-FI so you won't feel lost and far from your loved ones while sun-bathing...or, better bring 'em all as well! Tim, the Filipinos are waiting for you! Happy travelling, man.
Your friends at GreatVibes
Joined: 04-19-08
Of course I have the honor to say that. It is my own country. But no, please do not take it that way. It is true however, that the Philippines, except from its failing government and poor economic stability, has a lot of beautiful things to offer. It has 7, 101 islands and islets which has each unique beauty. The Philippines is truly a blessed country when it comes to its natural resources and wonders. Let us start from the north.
Batanes, is the northernmost province and I think the smallest (it is consists mostly of five to 10 small islands and islets) province of the Philippines. Batanes is an extraordinary destination because it defies the usual Philippine characteristic. Since it is much closer to Taiwan and Japan than it is to other Philippine provinces, it somehow created a combination of three cultures which include Chinese, Japanese and its native Ivatan. What I like about Batanes is that it is very foreign. Its hills, its climate which is colder than the rest of the Philippines, its people who looks more like Chinese or Japanese than Filipino and their very clean and green islands.
Moving to the mainland, we have Laoag City, Baguio the city of pines, Vigan the world heritage city, Metro Manila the nation's capital region that consists of more than 8 big cities and suburbs, Metro Cebu and Metro Davao.. We also have Boracay, famous for its white sand beach and world-class resorts and bars.