Puerto Galera

Puerto Galera is a municipality in the province of Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 21,925 people. Puerto Galera is only three and a half hours away from Manila first by bus to the port at Batangas City and then by boat. This coastal town is well known among tourists for its numerous pocket beaches and many snorkeling and Scuba diving spots. The area was designated a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973 and has some of the most diverse coral reef diving in Asia. The marine environment has benefited in recent years from the influx of tourist dollars. This has seen a huge reduction in the number of fishermen in the area, as they gain higher revenue from tourists. A great place to visit and a fantastic area for your next scuba diving holidays.

Manila Airport

Travelling by air in the Philippines is not easy. Today I arrived on a plane from Caticlan to connect to my flight to Bangkok. Once I picked up my luggage, checking through to my destination was of cause not possible, I had problems finding my luggage tags. Since I never had been asked for those tags before it took me a while to locate them but I managed. My next adventure was to find out which airport to go to. Yes you heard right here in Manila there are not three different terminals but three different airports. Getting in a taxi for about 15 minutes I arrived on the correct airport trying to check-in. Once I stripped almost naked to clear security, which I can understand, I tried to locate my check-in counter. I was told I had arrived to early to check in and that I had to wait for three hours before check-in opens. I thought I go a bit shopping or might have a coffee while checking my emails. But no you are in Manila and there is not even a bench to sit down. No coffee shop, no post office, I had to send some documents too, no restaurant, basically no nothing. So I sit on my luggage trolley waiting for the time to pass and I filled in a suggestions card from the airport authorities. My suggestions was: Build a new airport.

Boracay Island

Boracay Island is one of those place which seem to be made just for holiday. The white sand, crystal clear water and blue sky invites not only hundred of honeymoon makers from Korea. It is the perfect spot to hang-out and relax for a few day. And you don't have to miss out on anything here. There is a huge shopping mall, the local food is delicious and wireless Internet connection widely available. Definitely a spot to visit. To read about some of the restaurants I can recommend in Boracay go to http://www.worldrestaurantreview.blogspot.com/

Manila

The Philippines are a great place to visit and the people here are friendly and helpful. But staying in Makati or better getting there is almost a nightmare. Especially during rush-hour you just wish you could sit on a nice relaxed beach without any traffic. But there are some good places to visit and the nightlife in Makati is not bad at all. But as always for me after too much time in the big city it's time to move on.