I'm new here and this is our first time to Philippines

[Coco109]

Hello,
We just joined yesterday. I'm from Taiwan, my husband is English. We live in Taipei and we love travelling around SE Asia, been to Thailand many times, kho Tao is our favourite place.But it's our first time to Philippines together (he went 18 years ago, when he was 18!)
We like backpacking, snorkelling, sunbathing, but we also like meeting people, meeting fun friends is always the high light in the journey.

The thing is, we've booked the tickets to Cebu on Feb. The original idea was going to Alona beach, but after reading some threads on here really make us want to go to Dumaguete! But not sure should we stay in the city,place like Hotel Palwa, Harolds Mansion.. or the place by the beach like Kookoo's Nest,MalatapayBeachResort or El Dorado Beach Resort..

Love to hear some infor/ideas
cheers

[Rhoody]

Hi
and welcome to DI

It all comes down to your budget and time. The beaches on Alona are for sure "beachier" as we have vulcanic dark sand here in Duma. KooKoos is quite far from the City but great for a couple of days. If you stay in Duma you have plenty of options for trips to different destinations.
You might wanna consider Siquijor for a few days.

cheers

Rhoody

[Coco109]

Thank you Rhoody,
We're going to the philippines only for a week, don't really need a posh resort, but thinking about doing some boat trips, enjoying the sun and swimming with the fish.. actually we've been thinking about doing the diving course but always too lazy to get it togather for years..
Here is a rough plan... a bit worry if the schedule too tight?

3 days 2 nights in Alona beach...not sure is this worth though?
(We've booked our flights to Cebu)

On the 3rd day, boat to Dumaguete for 4 days 3 nights, where we could do the boat trips to Apo island, Siquijor for the day and then have a drink maybe dancing or having a chat with some locals or travellers in the evening. Does the accomodations like Hotel Palwa, Harolds Mansion... do the boat trip for non divers?

cheers

Coco109

[Teacher]

Philippines is a great place. I really hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

[cutlery]

Originally Posted by Coco109

Thank you Rhoody,
We're going to the philippines only for a week, don't really need a posh resort, but thinking about doing some boat trips, enjoying the sun and swimming with the fish.. actually we've been thinking about doing the diving course but always too lazy to get it togather for years..
Here is a rough plan... a bit worry if the schedule too tight?

3 days 2 nights in Alona beach...not sure is this worth though?
(We've booked our flights to Cebu)

On the 3rd day, boat to Dumaguete for 4 days 3 nights, where we could do the boat trips to Apo island, Siquijor for the day and then have a drink maybe dancing or having a chat with some locals or travellers in the evening. Does the accomodations like Hotel Palwa, Harolds Mansion... do the boat trip for non divers?

cheers

Coco109

you may consider also check Inn, Bethel guest House,plaza maria luisa or C & L suites Inn....