Latest reviews in Philippines

Manila airport is often referred to as one of the worst in the world. While this might be reasonable for terminal 1 (the oldest and only international terminal, built around 1980), there are at least two nicer and newer terminals for domestic flights and airlines from the philippines. The 4 different terminals are seperated from each other (up to some 3 km distance), but are more or less connected with shuttle buses. Still, terminal 1 is the most important terminal and this is frustrating for passengers: It is marode, there are only few shops around and the waiting time in the lines for check-in, security, terminal fee and passport control can be as long as 2 to 3 hours alltogether. Additionally, the gates are somehow depressing with not more than bare nothingness around. Terminal 2, exclusively hosting Philippine Airlines, is much nicer, as it was completed 1998, but still is is not working very good: The baggage claim display was broken on one of the carousels and the other was displaying not every flight... At least most of the service crew was friendly and the baggage cars are without deposit (at least at Terminal 1). (stativision, 17-01-2012) 2

Very friendly, reliable, and reasonably-priced German-run dive shop right on Alona Beach. They have all the top-notch equipment and several very professional instructors. They can arrange boat trips and show you all the best spots. NOTE: noway near Cebu, on totally different island – Qype only has about 3 cities in the database and unless you pick one of them you can’t save a location. (James Smith, 27-12-2011) 5

Gorgeous beach, still relatively unspoilt despite being lined with resorts. Fine white sand, crystal clear water with gentle waves. It's about 1km long with bars, cafes, restaurants and palm trees all the way. There are other longer, finer, more peaceful beaches in the area but Alona is still very relaxing with everything at your fingertips. The only downside is the number of touts trying to sell boat trips and island tours. There are also massage ladies who offer gentle 1 hour massage treatments for 300PHP, or foot scrubs, manicures, pedicures etc. There is great snorkelling to be had right off the beach. Despite the number of boats, you're guaranteed to see lots of little colourful fish, crabs, huge starfish, and big sea urchins.There are plenty of dive shops along the beach where you can rent snorkelling gear or even learn to dive on the reef just off the beach. If you're looking for some spectacular marine life then hop on a boat to Balicasag island, 30mins-1hour away where you can catch an aquatic wonderland - even some critically endangered turtles! We tried a dive course with Genesis, towards the North of the beach. At night time the beach turns to a dining area with tables and chairs laid out on the sand and lit by candlelight... perfect. At least it would be perfect if the food was a bit better... there's plenty of seafood options but it's mostly BBQ and they like to grill everything until it's thoroughly charred. Philippine food seems to be a bland mix of american and cantonese, except without the chorus of flavours you can reliably expect from other asian cuisines. We ended up eating in the Isis Thai restaurant at the South end of the beach most nights as they are the only place that seem to use any chili. Other places offer a kind of tabasco sauce that, despite being labelled as 'the worlds hottest', is merely quite sour and wouldn't upset a baby... even if it got in their eyes. Anyway, no matter what you find to eat, you can wash it back with some san miguels or delicious mango juice, to the sound of lapping waves. Definitely a very relaxing place to spend a week! NOTE: noway near Cebu, on totally different island – Qype only has about 3 cities in the database and unless you pick one of them you can’t save a location. (James Smith, 27-12-2011) 5

Very charming little guesthouse with 4 traditional villas made from native materials. Tropical luxury. The area is still relatively undeveloped but even so, there are still quite a few characterless resorts sprawled along Alona beach. If you're going for a relaxing tropical getaway then you couldn't do any better than Alumbung. We stayed in a 2 story little villa with a thatched roof - bedroom upstairs, bathroom and living area (with hammock!) downstairs. There are coconut and banana trees in the garden and the decor is quaint and picturesque down to every detail. The rooms don't have all the mod-cons like air-conditioning so it might not be so comfortable in peak of the humid summer season, but there is a fan and a cool minibar stocked with very reasonably priced drinks. The mosquito net that drapes over the bed just adds to the charm. It's run by a french-filippino couple who are very friendly and accommodating. They can provide simple snacks and additional (and still very reasonable cost), and also arrange all the trips and transport you'll likely need. Their package tours are the same as those offered by touts along the beach - research first if you want to pick and choose where to go. The rooms are cleaned thoroughly every day, with fresh flowers placed on the sheets and pillows. The only down side is that it's quite far along a bumpy dirt track to get to the beach in either direction (Danao beach is peaceful and secluded, while Alona is where the bars and restaurants are). There's nothing in the direct vicinity of Alumbung so you'll have to venture out each day - motorbike taxis are always available from directly outside and will take you on the 2 minute journey for 20PHP per person - the drivers are very safe and friendly and never rip you off or drive erratically - otherwise you're looking at about an hour's walk in the baking hear / pouring rain. Alumbung's seclusion is actually an advantage though... no blaring music through the night - just the sound of insects, frogs, bats, and an occasional cockerel (who seems very confused about when sunrise occurs...). 45 minutes from Tagbilaran airport by car. They can arrange airport pickup - probably best as otherwise it's quite difficult to find. NOTE: noway near Cebu, on totally different island - Qype only has about 3 cities in the database and unless you pick one of them you can't save a location. (James Smith, 27-12-2011) 4

Lovely hotel, near to local shopping. rooms are a nice size and are well presented. (Mark_Watson, 20-12-2011) 5

very nice hotel in Davao, staff is nice, good breakfast ( buffet ) ..swimming pool..i enjoyed a lot to stay there..a bit far from shops, need to take taxi to go out. (gregor4, 29-11-2011) 4

nice as always . jollibee is a good fast food, famous in phils. enjoy it with family! (gregor4, 13-11-2011) 4

good hotel in the nice town of davao. staff is nice. (gregor4, 13-11-2011) 4

It is one of the best breakfasts ever in a hotel that I have had. The variety of food is superb ranging from western, japanese, chinese, and indian cuisine. Great ambience and very attentive staff. (rreago, 02-10-2011) 5

Just ordinary hotel but with a fair price. Close to the party neighbourhood. But nothing especial. (Gourmetrax, 15-09-2011) 3