Manila

[Red Kilt]

This has been the case for over a year now. I was there last year and the large ferries were the only option. The little pier at PG doesn't exist as that's where they are building the much needed shit farm. The disused bancas were all lined up on the shore, obviously with no where to go.

Not true ED. Please don't give incorrect information.

The embargo started on July 1.

I was there a few weeks ago in mid-June. Picked up by a pre-ordered banca on a beach in Batangas and straight across to El Galleon pontoon.

Many bancas were still plying the route. It's stopped now though although some resort owners are getting together to buy their own larger fast ferries. Expect them on the water in a few months.

[Goferring]

Don't beat me up but have been thinking about changing to go to Cebu & then around Mactan & close Islands - better option than a Sabang/ Angeles double?

NI

This is VERY do able. Cebu City has everything from sleazy bars on Mango Ave to high end discos and clubs where you can try your Game / luck. It also has what I consider the best online action in all of PI.

Some OKish beaches around town and some very nice places within a couple hours day trip or overnighter. BYO is easiest but again, many are there online. You just need to have a look. Alona, Malapascua, Moalboal are all very nice and girls would jump at the chance of going there for a day or two.

Enjoy. G.

[Mr Enternational]

Have been to Subic but I would prefer a beach where I could swim or snorkel. Like Pattaya prob would only stick my toe into the water at Subic.

Puerto Galera really is not that beach IMHO. I would not say it is as bad as Subic or Pattaya, but it is no Boracay either. It is definitely a great place for scuba diving though.

[NewImage]

There is always Subic (Barrio Barretto). The beach (Baloy Beach) is like Pattaya. Fucked up. But the town has plenty of bars with friendly girls, floating bars, and a sea breeze, plus its very close to AC, so if you get tired of AC or just want a fast, no hassle change of scenery I suggest you go there.

You will most likely receive different opinions on this, but for me it would be a no brainer: I would stay in Manila if I was arriving a 5pm and have a really good time on Burgos St. or at the EDSA Entertainment Complex and then the following day take a leisurely ride up to AC. But that's because I really like Manila bar girls and I think they are the hottest bar girls in the PI. Sure, they cost more; splurge a little. It's only money and it's your 1st night in country! Besides you can always do a little Dollar-Cost Averaging later with your Perimeter Road or Barrio Barretto bar girls. You will thank me for this suggestion later.

As always your suggestions are helpful. Have been to Subic but I would prefer a beach where I could swim or snorkel. Like Pattaya prob would only stick my toe into the water at Subic.

I am leaning to your suggestions re first night in Manila too.

Thanks.

NI.

[Member #4698]

God dam it just want some Filipina pussy and a beach but don't want to BYO. Why isn't there a Phuket or pattaya (not that thats a beach in my eyes ) place in Phils.

There is always Subic (Barrio Barretto). The beach (Baloy Beach) is like Pattaya. Fucked up. But the town has plenty of bars with friendly girls, floating bars, and a sea breeze, plus its very close to AC, so if you get tired of AC or just want a fast, no hassle change of scenery I suggest you go there.

Unfort I arrive at 5 pm on a Tues which gives me the option of a night in Manila or wait till after 9 and get a bus or taxi to Angeles.

You will most likely receive different opinions on this, but for me it would be a no brainer: I would stay in Manila if I was arriving a 5pm and have a really good time on Burgos St. or at the EDSA Entertainment Complex and then the following day take a leisurely ride up to AC. But that's because I really like Manila bar girls and I think they are the hottest bar girls in the PI. Sure, they cost more; splurge a little. It's only money and it's your 1st night in country! Besides you can always do a little Dollar-Cost Averaging later with your Perimeter Road or Barrio Barretto bar girls. You will thank me for this suggestion later.

[NewImage]

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but I know several residents / frequent repeat visitors that have stopped going to Sabang purely because of the fuck around factor not being worth it to them.
Note I said to them. I wish NI a good break and I'm sure there are people who still enjoy going there. As usual YMMV applies to everyone and everywhere.
Enjoy. G.

Thanks for everyone's patients. Yeah I have been planning a long way ahead.
Have got airfares booked already return to Manila from 3rd to 23 rd Dec.
God dam it just want some Filipina pussy and a beach but don't want to BYO. Why isn't there a Phuket or pattaya (not that thats a beach in my eyes ) place in Phils.
I go stir crazy just sitting in hotel rooms or lazing by the pool in places like Angeles where I could last maybe 9 days at the most.
Don't beat me up but have been thinking about changing to go to Cebu & then around Mactan & close Islands - better option than a Sabang/ Angeles double?

I do give back - if you want a read my JBR from KL are on the Mal KL forum.
NI

[Goferring]

You have been planning this trip for a very long time (nearly a year now). I think we are all looking forward to reading the reports LOL.

I don't want to rain on anyone's parade but I know several residents / frequent repeat visitors that have stopped going to Sabang purely because of the fuck around factor not being worth it to them.

Note I said to them. I wish NI a good break and I'm sure there are people who still enjoy going there. As usual YMMV applies to everyone and everywhere.

Enjoy. G.

[Engine Driver]

Unfort I arrive at 5 pm on a Tues which gives me the option of a night in Manila or wait till after 9 and get a bus or taxi to Angeles.

I also want to go to Sabang so coming back thru Manila will mean a stop overnight there.

One of the issues is I fly out Mon night late but advice says I should come back a day before which means coming from Sabang on a Sunday which is not advisable.

I have been told the best time to come back to Manila is Sunday night late so maybe I reverse my trip and go Sabang firts and Angeles second? Thoughts.

NI.

You have been planning this trip for a very long time (nearly a year now). I think we are all looking forward to reading the reports LOL.

[Engine Driver]

Note that the Mayor has now stopped all small bancas from travelling from Batangas to PG. Customers have to use the larger ferries now.

Your options are dictated by the schedules now.

This has been the case for over a year now. I was there last year and the large ferries were the only option. The little pier at PG doesn't exist as that's where they are building the much needed shit farm. The disused bancas were all lined up on the shore, obviously with no where to go.

[NewImage]

Note that the Mayor has now stopped all small bancas from travelling from Batangas to PG. Customers have to use the larger ferries now.
Your options are dictated by the schedules now.

Yes maybe he's getting a cut off the trike mafia. Prefer the Sabang express.

NI.

[Red Kilt]

Travel to Puerto Galera. Any day is fine?

But return from PG heard boats can get full esp Sun & hols.

Note that the Mayor has now stopped all small bancas from travelling from Batangas to PG. Customers have to use the larger ferries now.

Your options are dictated by the schedules now.

[NewImage]

I wouldn't go to AC at 9 pm. That sounds terrible to me. Your killing a day hanging around MNL for no good reason and screwing up your night in AC. The best time to go to AC is anytime after morning rush hour and before evening rush hour. 10:30 pm to 3 pm is your window unless you are arriving at the airport internationally and have no choice. Not only will you suffer the least amount of traffic, but you will arrive in AC with plenty of time to settle in and hit the bars. Returning to MNL on Sunday is problematic unless you beat the traffic by leaving AC early in the morning.

Unfort I arrive at 5 pm on a Tues which gives me the option of a night in Manila or wait till after 9 and get a bus or taxi to Angeles.

I also want to go to Sabang so coming back thru Manila will mean a stop overnight there.

One of the issues is I fly out Mon night late but advice says I should come back a day before which means coming from Sabang on a Sunday which is not advisable.

I have been told the best time to come back to Manila is Sunday night late so maybe I reverse my trip and go Sabang firts and Angeles second? Thoughts.

NI.

[Member #4698]

So have a flexible schedule so. Travelling to Angeles is best after 9 pm? Any day is fine?

I wouldn't go to AC at 9 pm. That sounds terrible to me. Your killing a day hanging around MNL for no good reason and screwing up your night in AC. The best time to go to AC is anytime after morning rush hour and before evening rush hour. 10:30 pm to 3 pm is your window unless you are arriving at the airport internationally and have no choice. Not only will you suffer the least amount of traffic, but you will arrive in AC with plenty of time to settle in and hit the bars. Returning to MNL on Sunday is problematic unless you beat the traffic by leaving AC early in the morning.

[Mr Enternational]

So have a flexible schedule so. Travelling to Angeles is best after 9 pm? Any day is fine?

Dude you are overthinking it. Just go. I have never sat around and said well I can not go to so and so until the clock strikes 9. Only be mindful if you are leaving somewhere and heading directly to the airport in Manila to leave yourself enough time because of heavy traffic.

There are tons of hotels. Just look on a site like hotelsdotcom for availability when you are on your way to whatever city.

[NewImage]

Ok so know that peak hour in Manila is 6 to 9 am and 5 to 9 pm. Saturday morning lots of people go shopping and Sunday coming back into Manila is not good apparently as many are returning home.

So have a flexible schedule so. Travelling to Angeles is best after 9 pm? Any day is fine?

Travel back to Manila. Same but if check out is 12 just head back then? But not on Sun?

Travel to Puerto Galera. Any day is fine?

But return from PG heard boats can get full esp Sun & hols.

Advice is always stay in Manila night before flight, right?

Also going 3/12 - 23/12 not sure how long I want to stay at any of the 3 places Manila, PG or Angeles. Want to be flexible. Do I need to book to ensure I get hotel of choice. Its prob high season so do hotels fill up quick?

Appreciate.