Luzon Islands Suggested Trips

If you want to see the Ifugao tribes, then go to the Bontoc mountain province. It was such an interesting experience to see pine forests in the middle of the tropics. We stayed at Mount Data lodge, where it actually got quite chilly at night - very special place in the Philippines.

You really need to travel with someone who knows how to get around Manila because catching Jeepneys, tricycles or buses is not easy if you don't know how!! Because of the traffic, make sure you allot plenty of time to get to your destination, especially the airport! Don't give money to beggars or more will swoop down like pigeons or seagulls (take your pick). Best way to experience Manila is to stay with a family or a friend who lives there. The only good reason to visit Manila (apart from seeing family and friends) is for the shopping. The malls are huge and pretty cheap too.

Keep an eye on your stuff, particularly when walking around. When you get in at the airport, go upstairs to the departure area to get taxis that just dropped off passengers; the taxis who wait for new arrivals overcharge.

New traditional Filipino cuisine restaurant in Quezon City, near the Sulu Hotel. It's called Adarna, and they have very good food. Highly recommended.

Best bargain shopping, if you're up for a little adventure and heat, is in Divisoria. Take the MRT north to Quezon Avenue, then hop on a jeepney to Divisoria. It's a district of stalls and bargain shopping.

Bring lots of water. Be polite, but careful. Although there are a lot of nice people in Manila (and the Philippines in general), there are always a few jerks who try to take advantage of travelers, especially if you obviously don't look Filipino.

the most modern place in manila. it's got fancy restaurants and shopping malls. but be careful. always follow your common sense!!

Lovely people. So-so food. Terrible traffic.