Route Update: Entering the Philippines

Posted by on March 21, 2013

flag_phBefore coming to Phnom Penh I got back in touch with Chris and Dolf from Belgium whom I had traveled with in Laos. They entered Cambodia a few days before me and were on a tight 10 day itinerary for that country. Their plan was to go to the Philippines afterwards and they asked if I wouldn’t like to tag along to share fun and costs. I originally wanted to travel the Philippines in March and June. Thinking about it for a while, the idea of going there earlier with the guys sounded very appealing. I not only would have some great company but also could avoid the chance of getting stuck in a typhoon since the season starts as early as June. I could also come back to Cambodia after my planed stint in Vietnam to visit the rest of the country.

A lot of good arguments so there it was: The first major change of my original itinerary. Beforehand I had to arrange a few things though. I went to the embassy in Phnom Penh to arrange the extended 59 days visa, had to book both flights and my first night of accommodation. I can say it was a little bit of a hassle but it all worked out well and here I am in Manila together with Chris and Dolf – The BLC Crew reunited.
The next updates will come soon as we already did an awesome trip to the North. Stay tuned….

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16 Responses to Route Update: Entering the Philippines

  1. TheBlackTwig

    Good decision. Although off-peak season provides cheaper rates, I suggest traveling around the Philippines before the rainy season. Eager to read more about this forthcoming trip. 🙂

    • Phil D.

      Hi Twig,
      at the moment I wish I would travel during off season. Everything here seems to be expensive. From accommodation to food and attractions. I am not used to this price level anymore coming from countries like Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Gues I will have to see how it is on the islands…. Thanks for your feedback. Greetings from Naga, Philipp

  2. samokan

    Have fun !!

    • Phil D.

      Hi Samokan, thanks a lot. I will try to do so. So far it’s been good… Greetings from the Philippines.

  3. Jeff | Planet Bell

    I look forward to your updates. I am planning on visiting the Philippines in October/November later this year.

    • Phil D.

      Hi Jeff,
      thanks a lot for following my updates. I do my best to keep them coming. I think you will have a great time in the Phils. Prices will be sure lower than they are now. Do you have an idea what you want to do and see? Greetings, Philipp

  4. Larissa

    Welcome to the Philippines. Enjoy!

    • Phil D.

      Hi Larissa, thanks a lot! Are you from the Philippines? If so, which area? We will be travelling around a bit and might stop close to you. Thanks again for stopping by, Philipp

      • Larissa

        Not from the Philippines, just been living here in Davao City for the past 8 months. Enjoying the posts and pictures from your travel. If you are looking for some place out of the way, and maybe a person with a story to tell have you heard of this woman?http://journeyingpinay.blogspot.com/2012/12/kalinga-buscalans-whang-od-pretty.html A number of acquaintances have tattoos by her and have really enjoyed traveling to meet her.

        • Philipp Dukatz

          Hey Larissa, thanks for your feedback. How is life in Davao? I am not sure if we will make it to Mindanao but I heard it is very nice. The story of the old lady sounds very interesting. Maybe we will hi the place. But then, there is so much to do and see in the Phils that it can become really hard sometime to chose what to do and what to skip. We still have to fix our itinerary for the next few weeks. I hope I can keep the updates coming regularly since internet is a little bit hard to come by sometimes….. Greets, Philipp

  5. wanderingcha

    Glad you’re having a great time here. Have fun surfing, snorkeling, diving, trekking and meeting Filipinos 🙂

    • Phil D.

      Hey Wanderingcha,
      thanks for stopping by. It seems that the Philippines ave just too much to offer. It is great here and we are enjoying every bit of it. We will spend two months here and even that time is still way too short to experience the country. I already know that I will have to come back. Thanks again for your feedback, I really appreciate it. Greetings from Biliran, Philipp

      • wanderingcha

        Biliran?Cool! That’s about a few hours away from my province Leyte. There’s a lot of beautiful islands in that little undiscovered paradise of Biliran.

        • Philipp Dukatz

          Hi Cha, yeah we also want to explore one or two of the surrounding islands. Tomorrow we will tour the island itself. Excited to see how that is. Where abouts do you live then?

          • wanderingcha

            Leyte, the capital of which is Tacloban. Try visiting Kalanggaman Islet in Palompon, Leyte or Cuatro Islas in Inopacan, Leyte.
            In Biliran, I’ve heard great things about Higatangan and Sambawan islands though I’ve never been to those. They’re on my bucket list. 🙂
            All the best with your Biliran tour!

          • Phil D.

            Hi Cha, thanks for the tips. We will head to Maripipi and Sambawan tomorrow. I will let you know how it was. Not sure if we have the time to rech those other places you have mentioned.Thanks for the advice and greetings from Naval, Philipp