Need advice about a trip to cebu and manila.?
I am planning on going to the philippines from september 4th to the 7th. How is the weather around this time? I also would like to do some shopping. Do you think a 1000 US dollars would be enough? Should I bring more? This is not including plane tickets and hotels. I will have already paid for that stuff prior to the trip. Which would be better for shopping cebu or manila? When in cebu, would it be better to stay in cebu city or on mactan island? I was looking at one of the top three resorts on mactan island or the marriot in the city. thanks. any advice will be helpful.
When I say shopping, I am talking about clothes. I hear its cheaper than in the states; is that true? I do wear some brands but I am really not into them. Thanks again.
Yes the hotel and airline tickes would be paid for and is NOT included in the 1000 dollars. I want to know a good amount because I am going to use transfer over a set amount to a prepaid master/visa card. I always take these and leave my actual debit card and credit card at home. haha… I do ask a lot of questions. I am very analytical. again thanks for everyones advice. You all are helping to make my trip even better.
You will probably find more to shop in Manila than in Cebu. But you may like to buy a couple of Cebuana guitars as gifts back home.
Cebu City is small, you may like to consider 1-2 days in Cebu City and rest and relax in Mactan.
If everything is paid for already, USD1k should be more than enough, not much to buy really or maybe I am not the shopper type.
IMO Cebu is a better choice as Mactan Island features some nice beaches. Bohol is a very short hop from Cebu with even better Beach’s lower prices. Manila is a much larger city, huge in fact but no close beaches.
Manila hotels, Intercontinental is well located in the city. It’s across the street from a major mall and other attractions and has a nice pool area.
For metro Cebu City hotels the Marriott was recently renovated and it’s very near to a large mall. The food at Marriott is OK but it would not be my choice. Waterfront is better in every way, Marco Polo the best IMO for a bit more money.
Mactan-Cebu beach resorts… Plantation Bay is great I love that place, Shangri-La is nice too not cheap but still a good value.
Don’t take more than $100.00 cash with you. Use your ATM card. Check with your bank if it will work in Philippines. Also contact your bank that you will be using your credit card and ATM card in Philippines.
You will have a great time in Philippines. Be respectful drink lots of water and use sun screen.
Update….
I would be wary of the prepaid type credit cards issued from USA for use in Philippines. Do you know for a fact they can be used in the Philippines? If I were you bring an ATM card and have your bank stop line of credit and withdraw from savings options for the duration of your vacation.
the weather will be hot and humid.
manila is better for shopping. 1000 greenbacks will be plenty, and yes the prices are lower because the wages and the rent are lower.
mactan island is a short taxi ride from the cebu so please yourself, although i agree with the other answer regarding bohol (actually the best beaches on bohol are across the bridge on panglao island), a 2 hour ferry trip away. but if you are mainly interested in shopping then bohol is not the place for you
She wants to go to Hong Kong cause the shopping is cheaper there.
If you are looking at high priced hotels they will eat into your grand quickly. If you already have that paid for a grand will go a long ways.
There are very nice hotels in Cebu much cheaper and clean. Beaches a taxi ride away.
Shoppin will be better in Manila simply because of more bigger malls.
Cebu is for enjoying and relaxing.
How about just move in here! You have so many questions… hahahha