Philippines

Coron is perfect for those who want to escape urban life. Much of Coron is a group of islands and the view is breath-taking! Sunglasses can help you enjoy the sights a little longer.

When you are in Koronadal City, take a side trip to Lake Sebu which is barely an hour away. Enjoy the indigenous culture and savor the fresh fish from the lake. The locals has created various ways of cooking "tilapia". You will have this fish in sweet and sour, fried, "kinilaw", and paksiw. Having dinner or lunch at a restaurant which is floating on the lake is indeed a wonderful treat. You will also be entertained by young people showcasing their native dances. After eating, enjoy the karaoke on board. Then, take the 1 hour cruise that will bring you around the lake guided by a local tourist who are very helpful. The cruise guide is supposed to be bilingual but its not. The local language, b'laan, is nice to hear. After the cruise, enjoy shopping of locally made products... mostly earrings and necklaces using beads. On your way back to Koronadal and off to General Santos City, pass by the huge pineapple plantation at the foot of Mt. Matutum. Its pineapples and pineapples as far as your eyes could see. You may also buy fresh fruits along the highway. Ten years ago, the road to Lake Sebu was not so good. Today, it is very accessible and safe.

Hot and dirty. if your rich you drive in your air- conditioned car, from your air- conditioned house to the air-conditioned supermarket, shopping centre, amusement park. Whilst people try and sell yesterdays newspaper to you throguh your car window when you're stuck in traffic. Keep your windows up to avoid smoke and hands entering. Shopping rocks, people are lovely, yay if you have a pool, sucky if you don't.

Climb the mountain silly! What else are you here for?

Be sure to take advantage of all of the little islands around Cebu, which have beautiful beaches but not so many tourists. If you like diving or snorkeling there are lots of great places to go--but plan in advance with a travel agent because lack of organization can make planning inside of Cebu quite confusing if you don't speak the local dialect or are being escorted everywhere by a local.

Dont drive in Philipines!! lol the Gypneys are crazy and no one follows the rules, unless you are a seasoned offensive driver :)

Try not to travel here alone. Ever. Ha ha... I grew up here- it's got some beautiful beaches not too far away. But seriously- not on your own.

The markets in Manila are awesome! Remember that bargining is normal-never settle for asking price!

Most visitors (which is almost exclusively male) come her for one reason and since kids and people who complain too much read this, I won't say what that reason is. But there is another activity that is g-rated to do. Mt. Pinatubo is a volcano that had a huge impact when it erupted in 1991. It expelled 10 cubic kilometres on the surrounding 125,000 sq km. Today it is peaceful and you can go hiking through some of the new terrain that has been created. Myself I took a flight over and around the volcano. It was a bit hazy that day but still had clear views of the crater lake that is on top of Mount Pinatubo.

The Italian place on the top floor of JS Gaisano... Simply brilliant. Why you're eating Italian in the Philippines? Couldn't tell you, but you won't be disappointed.