Many thanks for the swift reply, think I,ll now put Camiguin on the back burner for another year and make for Palawan, that said Siquijor has just popped up on my radar, have you been ? gets damned difficult when you realise just how many destinations there are which all looking fantastic.

Only read your piece on Camiguin after I sent the last mail, sounds like the sharks have moved in, as a veteran over the last decade on lesser know Thai Islands I know the story only two well, rapacious obsession with money takes hold so damned fast.

cheers

That’s a hard call alright. I’ll answer your main points.

You’ll be away from the bar scene in both places.

Nice beaches? El Nido, hands down.

Fishing? El Nido, rent a boat or from the shore.

Nice roads for a bike? Camiguin.

Boxing, it will be normal due to Manny Pacquiao. There are gyms everywhere in The Philippines, most are quite basic.

Cottage with cooking facilities for 15,000 – 20,000. This get’s harder. El Nido would be easier and more affordable. Try staying at the further end of the town, by cliffside cottages, and the Golden Monkey. Then ask around for a place. In Camiguin I think it will be more costly unless you run into a local wanting to share with you as it’s full of resorts and people looking for investors.

Hope this helps

Dave

Finally we want to rent a little cottage or house with cooking facilities, nothing flash, just fan bedroom, bathroom and kitchen/kitchenette within a brisk walk of the beach or short bike ride. Do you think we could find something for 15000 php – 20000 php for the month or is this unrealistic ?

Great source of info this site, keep up the good work and hope Palawan is working out for you.

P.S (understand you might not be able to answer all but any info appreciated)

Dave

There are direct daily flights from Cebu to Palawan, and indeed Manila Palawan/Cebu. So getting there is not too much trouble. If you have the money, there are also direct flights from Manila to El Nido, otherwise it’s a 6-7 hour drive from Peurto Princessa to El Nido.

Yes, Bohol is easier. Chocolate hills, trekking, diving and Tarsiers. El Nido for paradise islands, cliff climbing, beaches and diving.

If everything goes right, El Nido hands down is the answer for me. A safer bet is Bohol.

Book your flights in advance on Cebu Pacific. Call your credit card company first to tell them you are using that company.

El Nido Guest houses are listed under my guide to the Philippines under places I stayed http://www.thelongestwayhome.com/Countries/philippines.html

All the best
P.S. There are no ATM’s in El Nido, get your cash before going there or prepare to exchange currencies.

great article.

Maybe you can help me a little with my planning?

I will be on Philippines with some friends for seven days. We are arriving by plane at Cebu. At the moment we can’t decide if we go to Bohol or Palawan (El Nido). Normally, Palawan would be our choice Nr. 1, but we aren’t sure if we loose to much time with travelling if we go to El Nido. Travelling from Cebu to Bohol is much more easy and faster.

What’s in your opinion the best way to get from Cebu to Palawan and how long will this take?

Thanks a lot for your help. Because we have only seven days on the Philippines our final diestination has to perfect with a mximum of time.

Cu,
Markus

PS: Any Guesthouse recommondations for El Nido?
PPS: What was your ranking (Nr. 2 – 7) behind Palawan?

I haven’t been to Palawan yet but it’s one of the few places in the country that has the cleanest city (Puerto Princesa).

I’m glad to have stumbled on your blog. Great posts here!

Best of luck with the move to Palawan. It’s certainly one of the “better” locations to relocate in The Philippines. I’d certainly spend some time traveling the whole island first before settling in any one spot. It’s a varied place. But El Nido is pretty much an ideal setting for many things!

by the way,I’m not a traveller..I’m just researching for the assignment of my sister..

God bless!