Comments on: 6 Months Philippines – the Best, the Good, the Ugly http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/ Life is what you make it! Mon, 06 Feb 2012 15:04:35 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Chris http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-58315 Chris Thu, 24 Nov 2011 05:52:12 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-58315 Sure, drop me a note, once you reach here....I will be definitely here until end of the year. ;-) Sure, drop me a note, once you reach here….I will be definitely here until end of the year.

]]> By: AB in Berawa http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-58258 AB in Berawa Tue, 22 Nov 2011 05:12:52 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-58258 Hey Chris Monster thanks for the perspective. I am in Los Angeles, California right now, on the magic carpet ride back to Bali 1 December. Let's connect for a beverage soon after if you're in Bali. - AB Hey Chris

Monster thanks for the perspective. I am in Los Angeles, California right now, on the magic carpet ride back to Bali 1 December. Let’s connect for a beverage soon after if you’re in Bali. – AB

]]> By: Chris http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-58249 Chris Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:38:20 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-58249 <strong>Lisa</strong>, let's make the best out of it! :D <strong>AB in Berawa</strong>: good questions, I'm pondering similar ventures, still in the early stages, with Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar thrown in as well. In regards to Bali and the Philippines (around Cebu) I would rate the following: 1. Internet - Philippines wins hands down in regards to cost, speed, reliability. If you rent a house, you even have more (and faster fixed line) options, than just 3G, which is pretty good already. Bali is definitely 5 years behind here. 2. Housing - comparable, Philippines is maybe a bit cheaper than Bali in that regards, especially after the explosive price hikes in Bali in the last 24 months. But housing amenities (also electricity) are still cheaper and more comfortable in Bali. 3. Transportation - even. Public transport is cheap in both countries, traffic is definitely less in Pinas, even in Cebu. Cebu is a village compared to Bali's traffic. If you rent bike or car, definitely Indonesia is way ahead and much cheaper. Motorbikes are at least 1, maybe even 2 generations behind in the Philippines, quality/cost/reliability sucks, as mainly it's all cheap-chinese-sh*t assembled in the Philippines, while I would rate Indonesia much higher and more modern in that regard.......gasoline prices of course better in Indo, as they are still subsidized, hard to find any country that's cheaper than Indo in that regard. 4. Visa - easier in Philippines, but costs are comparable. In Philippines you can easily extend in every major city for up to 18 months (first 3 weeks are free), no special forms or agents needed, easy as pie. Indonesia - let's not start about that topic! Lol! Good luck and see you around! ;-) Lisa, let’s make the best out of it!

AB in Berawa: good questions, I’m pondering similar ventures, still in the early stages, with Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar thrown in as well. In regards to Bali and the Philippines (around Cebu) I would rate the following:

1. Internet – Philippines wins hands down in regards to cost, speed, reliability. If you rent a house, you even have more (and faster fixed line) options, than just 3G, which is pretty good already. Bali is definitely 5 years behind here.

2. Housing – comparable, Philippines is maybe a bit cheaper than Bali in that regards, especially after the explosive price hikes in Bali in the last 24 months. But housing amenities (also electricity) are still cheaper and more comfortable in Bali.

3. Transportation – even. Public transport is cheap in both countries, traffic is definitely less in Pinas, even in Cebu. Cebu is a village compared to Bali’s traffic. If you rent bike or car, definitely Indonesia is way ahead and much cheaper. Motorbikes are at least 1, maybe even 2 generations behind in the Philippines, quality/cost/reliability sucks, as mainly it’s all cheap-chinese-sh*t assembled in the Philippines, while I would rate Indonesia much higher and more modern in that regard…….gasoline prices of course better in Indo, as they are still subsidized, hard to find any country that’s cheaper than Indo in that regard.

4. Visa – easier in Philippines, but costs are comparable. In Philippines you can easily extend in every major city for up to 18 months (first 3 weeks are free), no special forms or agents needed, easy as pie. Indonesia – let’s not start about that topic! Lol!

Good luck and see you around!

]]> By: AB in Berawa http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-58238 AB in Berawa Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:13:26 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-58238 Hey Chris As we are debating between another year in Bali or a new year in Philippines (guessing Cebu but open to anywhere) curious to hear your Bali vs Philippines with regard to: 1. internet (both speed and reliability, as Bali's 512kbps if you're lucky is killing me right now) 2.housing costs (a 2Bed house on or walkable to the beach say in Santa Fe vs Seminyak) 3 road trips around the country (regard road chaos etc, example, the drive from Kuta to Seminyak to Canggu to another 20K further/Balian) and 4. visa renewal Any insights are huggggggely appreciated. - Andrew and Martini and Dragon Hey Chris
As we are debating between another year in Bali or a new year in Philippines (guessing Cebu but open to anywhere) curious to hear your Bali vs Philippines with regard to:

1. internet (both speed and reliability, as Bali’s 512kbps if you’re lucky is killing me right now)

2.housing costs (a 2Bed house on or walkable to the beach say in Santa Fe vs Seminyak)

3 road trips around the country (regard road chaos etc, example, the drive from Kuta to Seminyak to Canggu to another 20K further/Balian)

and 4. visa renewal

Any insights are huggggggely appreciated. – Andrew and Martini and Dragon

]]> By: Lisa from London http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-58237 Lisa from London Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:54:40 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-58237 Exactly, Chris! Where do you draw the line. I have experienced living in the tropics without electricity and running water. I can live without the former but definitely without the latter, lol! But it would be nice to have that constant internet connection thrown in as well. Sigh... life is all about the trade offs I guess. The biggest conundrum there is. Exactly, Chris! Where do you draw the line. I have experienced living in the tropics without electricity and running water. I can live without the former but definitely without the latter, lol! But it would be nice to have that constant internet connection thrown in as well. Sigh… life is all about the trade offs I guess. The biggest conundrum there is.

]]> By: Chris http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-58170 Chris Sat, 19 Nov 2011 13:36:37 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-58170 <strong>Lisa</strong>, yeah - sometimes it's not easy to find the right balance between tranquility and progress. A nice beach location can be paradise, but some modern amenities or electricity can go a long way to make you feel more comfortable also. But where to draw the line? Of course, it will be nice to have internet, good roads, cheap shops and supplies from afar, but when will it start to spoil the original and relaxing atmosphere you loved about a location in the first place? Hmmm! ;;) Lisa, yeah – sometimes it’s not easy to find the right balance between tranquility and progress. A nice beach location can be paradise, but some modern amenities or electricity can go a long way to make you feel more comfortable also. But where to draw the line? Of course, it will be nice to have internet, good roads, cheap shops and supplies from afar, but when will it start to spoil the original and relaxing atmosphere you loved about a location in the first place? Hmmm!

]]> By: Lisa from London http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-58008 Lisa from London Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:15:29 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-58008 thank you for this very interesting post! I especially loved your post on Siquijor. wonderful photos! I spent some years in Dumaguete and always spent my school summer holidays in Siquijor. It has a very special place in my heart. I hope things won't change much on that lovely island where life is simple and the wheels of time grind ever so slowly. Don't get me wrong, I do want progress but I don't ever want it to be the next Boracay where it's like having Glorietta in front of the beach. I miss the balmy breezes of the Philippines more so during these winter months here in Europe. thank you for this very interesting post! I especially loved your post on Siquijor. wonderful photos! I spent some years in Dumaguete and always spent my school summer holidays in Siquijor. It has a very special place in my heart. I hope things won’t change much on that lovely island where life is simple and the wheels of time grind ever so slowly. Don’t get me wrong, I do want progress but I don’t ever want it to be the next Boracay where it’s like having Glorietta in front of the beach. I miss the balmy breezes of the Philippines more so during these winter months here in Europe.

]]> By: Mal Wright http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-53845 Mal Wright Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:04:43 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-53845 Hi, mostly I agree with you, especially about the people. Despite the infrastructure problems ( and mostly Westerners just have to get over themselves and open their minds a little ) it's a beautiful place with beautiful inhabitants. And the San Miguel Pilsen is among the best beer in the world! I spent 6 months in Kidapawan, near Davao, last year, and I'm just about to head back there for another 5 months this year. I love it! You have to get to Mindanao, it's paradise. Manila is hell on earth. By the way, if you're married to a Pinoy, and travel there together, it's visa free for 12 months stay. It's called the balikbayan system. My observation: The wonderful family values and the corruption are branches of the same tree. If you put family first, and you have a position of influence, you make sure your family is taken care of. That's corruption and cronyism. Eliminating corruption and preserving family values is a difficult balancing act. I'd be happy to host you in Kidapawan anytime, call or text +64 21 214 8950. It's a NZ phone on roaming. Cheers, Mal. Hi, mostly I agree with you, especially about the people.

Despite the infrastructure problems ( and mostly Westerners just have to get over themselves and open their minds a little ) it’s a beautiful place with beautiful inhabitants. And the San Miguel Pilsen is among the best beer in the world!

I spent 6 months in Kidapawan, near Davao, last year, and I’m just about to head back there for another 5 months this year. I love it! You have to get to Mindanao, it’s paradise. Manila is hell on earth.

By the way, if you’re married to a Pinoy, and travel there together, it’s visa free for 12 months stay. It’s called the balikbayan system.

My observation: The wonderful family values and the corruption are branches of the same tree. If you put family first, and you have a position of influence, you make sure your family is taken care of. That’s corruption and cronyism. Eliminating corruption and preserving family values is a difficult balancing act.

I’d be happy to host you in Kidapawan anytime, call or text +64 21 214 8950. It’s a NZ phone on roaming. Cheers, Mal.

]]> By: Lauren http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-51204 Lauren Thu, 13 Jan 2011 02:21:44 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-51204 Some of my good friends are Filipinos and they are very good. I really wish to visit Philippine this year as I want to know more about them. I don't care about the Ugly part, every country has some ugly things even developed countries. Some of my good friends are Filipinos and they are very good. I really wish to visit Philippine this year as I want to know more about them.

I don’t care about the Ugly part, every country has some ugly things even developed countries.

]]> By: AB in Berawa http://www.nomad4ever.com/2009/12/25/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/#comment-51203 AB in Berawa Thu, 13 Jan 2011 01:49:55 +0000 http://www.nomad4ever.com/?p=1408#comment-51203 Safety: As one from Los Angeles who travels a lot of deep third world: No where in the world is more dangerous than the 405. (16 lane commuter freeway from West LA to South Orange County, sees more traffic than almost any other road in the world.) Safety: As one from Los Angeles who travels a lot of deep third world: No where in the world is more dangerous than the 405. (16 lane commuter freeway from West LA to South Orange County, sees more traffic than almost any other road in the world.)

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