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Lyndsay commented about Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines, On Saturday December 13th, 2008 01:43:00 AM
I am a Filipina backpacker, I have been travelling for 6months now around Southeast Asia, and asked other backpackers if they're gonna do Philiipines, most of them says NO. When I asked why, they've got similar answers..."It's expensive in the Philippines..."
I must say, there's no backpackers in the Philippines because there are no guesthouses, hotels, cafes that are catering to backpackers...and it's awesome for you Mr. Andy to consider Philippines on putting your own hostel catering to backpackers. If only there are a lot of business establishments that caters to budget travellers which are the backpackers, they will start coming to Philippines, and more than half of travellers in the world are backpackers, so we got to start encouraging them in our country.
Also, prostitution in the Philippines is illegal which helps lessen the sex tourism, unlike Thailand, and I think everywhere has their own(prostitution) whether its legal or not. Every country has its own beauty and weaknesses...And what Sowelu just said is so true, Subic and Manila are not the ones that we boast in the Philippines, if you haven't heard Palawan, Boracay Island, Hundred Islands, Surigao, Vigan, and a lot more places tourists haven't see...the places you just mentioned is not popular for its beauty(though Subic has few good beaches,not great), it is popular for something guys would love to deal with...lol...
Don't get me wrong, I love Philippines and Thailand, they've got their +'s and -'s, but they're both great! and I admit as a Filipina backpacker, Philippines cost of living is way much marked up, specially on tourism stuff. The difference is shocking, that I could even a rent a condo in Bankok, fully furnished, including water, DSL, electric bills for 7,000Baht!!! whereas you can't in Manila...too many uneccessary rules that keeps the tourist away, like minimum rent is 3months...and eating at a good cafe 3x for 100baht a day. How's that? that's good food, healthy ones...
Philippines is not that bad, we just have to improve systems...we only cater to business travellers and yuppies...but really, backpackers will boost the economy, knowing they are the most dominant travellers in the world, thay spend more when they can stay longer...
And to all planning to visit Philippines, you just have to stop booking stuff online, find out your own...its better if you know a local who will do bargaining for the real prices for you...and they know where the real price area is.
Anyways, this is almost a blog...lol...reach me through mine at: http://www.lyndsaycabildo.com ....and Advance Happy Holidays to you peeps!!!
Comment About Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines
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