Travel Announcements Only (No questions or comments please)

[Jambo]

Just watch out this time of year, there can be significant headwinds and flight delays for flights going from West Coast US to Hong Kong. Once on Cathay they ran short of fuel, couldn't bingo to Taiwan because of fog, so turned around and landed in Osaka. 8 hr delay.

[Member #4147]

Well I have a v busy schedule but could fit in some early double dates perhaps hit a disco. Anyone ever take champagne into Juliana's or Pump? I have a couple bottles I'd like to dispose of if the corkage fee is reasonable. Happy hr at the Executive Lounge daily so if your in da hood.

[Jackzonian]

Thanks Mattrick, those are good tips. I will look into Continental via HK. I like KAL for service but I don't like extra Leg when routed through Seoul. It adds a 6 or 7 hour flight to MNL or BKK, compared to HK which is less than 2 hours.

jack

[Buko Max]

Anybody have any suggestions on the fastest and cheapest way to travel from New York City to Manilla/AC.

I am also looking for low cost air tix to PI from NY (...or LAX).

Most airlines these days are very competitive so you also have to look at convience, service and FF programs as well.
The cheapest time to fly to the PI is September through November and Feburary through May.
Other then Cathay Pacific out of NYC, check Continental's nonstop flight from EWR to HKG. Then there are a few choices for the two hour flight to either Clark, Manila or Cebu.
From the west coast I like KAL and Asiana. Have never flown the latter but have heard good things about their prices and service.

[Jackzonian]

I am also looking for low cost air tix to PI from NY (...or LAX).

What I saw: PAL had a good deal going out of LA, $780+ but when you looked for dates, it always crept up closer to $900+ The usual. More out of NY. And all of this blacks out the Xmas season dates.

Then there is Cathay Pac. The deal-of-the month is usually good -NY or west coast- to Asia. This month it was to Manila. Again, hard to get that best offered price, it creeps up toward the $1000.00 mark, then add taxes. The $750-800.00 seems to be the teaser and difficult to lock up.

Cathay's next "deal-of-the month" starts December, so there will be a different deal.

Finally, you long time PI experts, give the newbies your run down.

For example:
I know Bkk well, so I would say, "Nbr A3 [verify] bus to Nana Plaza Station, stay at the Woraburi or the Dynasty, Soi 4 and hang out mostly at Nana Plaza. Take the bus to Pattaya from Ekkamai station and stay at the Viking outside of town or the Flipper Group near Soi 8. In South Patt, take the ferry to Koh Larn for diving. Rent a scooter if you like danger & excitement. Play golf anywhere you get a t-time, but it's not cheap."

That's what I want from one the PI experts! I visited Makati briefly, stayed at the City Garden and liked it all a lot. Would repeat that action but want to combine it with a nice beach (snorkel/dive) and girls.

Love to get the replies. jack

[Nocal]

Arriving later today and hanging in Makati area thru the 17th. First time "laying":) over in Manila. Off to AC on the 18-19th before heading to BKK.

If anyone around for a drink and a barhop, 1st beers on me.

[Adinga]

Anybody have any suggestions on the fastest and cheapest way to travel from New York City to Manilla/AC.

I plan on visting the Phillipines this summer.

Thank you

[GregLondon]

Re Cebu

There are plenty of mid priced (1500-2500P hotels available.) I use the net alot and like to have a swimming ppol for a dip, which points you towards MAngo PArk which is one of the few with free unmetered wifi in the room. If you dont use the net much the mango PArk isnt so freindly and I think theree are better optionsat that price.

Re too long/short Cebu is not such an iunteresting city so 4 days would be OK, but there are loads of gilrs so if thats what you have come for you can keep amused indefinitely. If you want nicer scenery you may consider staying a few days and then a side trip to somewhere with decent beaches - probably bring a girl you met in cebu with you, if thats the plan.

Vietnam is an interesting tourist destination but rather hopeless sex destination as the police crack down too heavily. If you want to try Viet Girls - annd the ones available for sex are generally cute but highly commercial , go to cambodia where you can try both the Viets and the Khemer girls at reasonable rates. Thailand of course offers plenty of sites fantastic food, superior value for money on accommodation. On average the girls are arguably cuter than in the Phils, but much more commerical, clock watching speak less English and there is far less scope for the semi pro/sideline girls who for me are the big attraction in PI.

Had my first visit to the PI last month spending a week in the Pan Pacific in makati or malate or wtf, but had a blast.

I just booked 10 day stay with KAL into CEBU for Dec 2-12. Will 10 days be too short?? Too long?? Should I allocate more time next go round for a jaunt to Thai or 'nam??

I'm looking at staying initially at the Diplomat for cheap but reasonable accomodation, located near action.

The Pan in MNL was very nice, but luxurious accomodation unneeded. I want a decent room with good location (poontang), gf friendly and reasonably safe.

Any suggestions appreciated!

PB

[Pete Benetar]

Had my first visit to the PI last month spending a week in the Pan Pacific in makati or malate or wtf, but had a blast.

I just booked 10 day stay with KAL into CEBU for Dec 2-12. Will 10 days be too short?? Too long?? Should I allocate more time next go round for a jaunt to Thai or 'nam??

I'm looking at staying initially at the Diplomat for cheap but reasonable accomodation, located near action.

The Pan in MNL was very nice, but luxurious accomodation unneeded. I want a decent room with good location (poontang), gf friendly and reasonably safe.

Any suggestions appreciated!

PB

[Member #3428]

Makati for a week but I hope to be tied to a bed with three virgins (ok so I know first hand that none of them are virgins in any hole) most the time but will be around. Any one around let me know.

I'm a complete ass hole just ask GE or Wicked Roger or half the Thai Board :D

OK now seriously I might be very busy or I could be very bored with a lot of free time, all depends on the work, if everything falls into place I'm going to hopefully fornicate a lot, if shit hits the fan I might have to actually work (in the day time).

[Bob Bowie]

Hey Jack,

I am leaving on 22nd morning and back on 30th, from Korean Airlines. I booked it online (thru orbitz) last week and paid $662 including taxes (it's the best price I ever been to Manila). In fact, I was watching prices since last 2-3 weeks on same website and was getting top deals from northwestern or china airlines in range of $750-$900. Suddenly one afternoon this price showed up and I booked it immediately. I can still see $662 price on same search result page for similar itinerary. So hurry up man.
Hope to see you there.

Lucky

I almost took that deal last month, but I could not take the 12 hour lay over in Korea, both ways. At least you only have a 10 hour layover on your return, so it is not as bad.

[Guy Lucky]

Hey Lucky - I am shopping for an air ticket out of LAX. Do you mind saying what you paid? Or if it's a ticket paid by your business, never mind. I'm waiting for Cathay Pacific deal-of-the-month to see if I can get to Manila on a budget.

Thanks, j

Hey Jack,

I am leaving on 22nd morning and back on 30th, from Korean Airlines. I booked it online (thru orbitz) last week and paid $662 including taxes (it's the best price I ever been to Manila). In fact, I was watching prices since last 2-3 weeks on same website and was getting top deals from northwestern or china airlines in range of $750-$900. Suddenly one afternoon this price showed up and I booked it immediately. I can still see $662 price on same search result page for similar itinerary. So hurry up man.
Hope to see you there.

Lucky

[Robbaf]

Hey Lucky - I am shopping for an air ticket out of LAX. Do you mind saying what you paid? Or if it's a ticket paid by your business, never mind. I'm waiting for Cathay Pacific deal-of-the-month to see if I can get to Manila on a budget.

Thanks, j

Email that I received from PAL.

Robb


Awesome Fiesta and Mabuhay Class Online Fares!! BOOK and BUY NOW!!

Los Angeles/San Francisco to Manila
for as LOW as USD818*

Las Vegas to Manila
for as LOW as USD752*
Economy (Fiesta) Class Roundtrip ALL-IN Airfares
*Exclusive of Government Taxes

Convenient connecting time to most PAL Domestic
and Regional destinations

BOOK & BUY NOW!!


Conditions of Travel:
Valid for round trip travel on Fiesta (economy) class
Minimum 3 days and maximum 2 months stay
Tickets must be issued on or before 31 October 2009
Confirmed Reservations are required for all sectors
Extension of ticket validity is not permitted
Limited Seats only
Exclusive of Government Taxes
Any change is permitted at a charge of USD 150.
For any change that requires ticket re-issuance, charge additional USD 25
Cancellations/Refunds
Before Departure - charge USD200
After Departure - Non-refundable
Child/infant discount
Accompanied Child 2-11 years old -75% of the fare
Unaccompanied Child 8-11 years old - 100% of the fare
Infant under 2 with a seat - 75% of the fare
Infant Under 2 without a seat - 15% of the fare
No Mileage Accrual for TKWEB2M/TKXWEB2M/EKWEB2M/EKXWEB2M/
EKWEB2ML/ UKWEB2ML/ WKWEB2ML/WLWEB2ML
Some tickets cannot be used in conjunction with an Upgrade Travel Certificate (UTC) or Service Class Upgrade
Book and Buy your tickets now at www.philippineairlines.com

[Jackzonian]

Hey Lucky - I am shopping for an air ticket out of LAX. Do you mind saying what you paid? Or if it's a ticket paid by your business, never mind. I'm waiting for Cathay Pacific deal-of-the-month to see if I can get to Manila on a budget.

Thanks, j

[Guy Lucky]

Guys,

I will be flying from LAX to MNL on 22nd Nov for spending thanksgiving weekend as far as possible from office. I have a plan to hang around in Makati/Manila from 23rd to 30th, with a 1-2 days break to Cagayan De Oro. I am pretty familiar with area as I worked there on some expat assignment 5 years back.

It's always nice idea to do bar hopping with buddies than alone. So let me know if any of dude around to grab bear and have bar fun together.

PS: I'm east indian guy living in LA, so Lakers, Chargers and Padres fan will be a plus. tarheels as well.