Sophie and Dale's Guestbook

Read between the Lines
Dale, don't even assume that this guy Erick is Filipino he prolly lives somewhere else in SE Asia with a highly developed Tourism industry for which he has a stake i.e. hostel, bar etc. I feel his comments are precisely well written to give you guys a bad impression of our people, not to mention our country in general. The fact is, poverty exists in any country in the world although with varying degrees and seeing the reality for yourself is part of the adventure. The mere fact that it stared you straight in the face shows the lack of pretensions on our country's part in contrast with other countries in the region which are trying so hard to mask it by putting up walls on their shanty towns to hide the eyesore from tourists. I feel Erick's comments are precisely tailored to give a bad impression of our people and country in general by way of reverse psychology in order to divert and preserve future flows of tourists and hard currency to say the least, towards another competing country in the region.

Chile or Argentina
If I come to South america and don't get to Chile but visit Argentina and Patagonia, do you think I'd be missing much?? we have 14 days only/

Bali
Hey guys. I'm sorry that you had a not so ideal time in Bali. I am an American - Indonesian living in NYC and I even have to admit that the Balinese can be greedy at times and its always at the expense of their own people. And its not just foreigners that get the short end of the stick but also to their own people that they act this way too. I always have a good time in Bali and always manage to visit every time I'm in Indonesia. BUT really Indonesia is more than JUST Bali. I get so aggravated every time someone mentions Bali is the only island to visit but there are so much more to see. Bali wouldn't be Bali if it wasn't for the Javanese for example. I can speak fluent Indonesian and I basically blend in with my brown skin and asian face but even I still get harassed in Bali for more money than I should be putting out. But you know what I think led some Balinese that way? because I observe some of the foreign tourists esp Aussies that visit the island and they totally SUCK in bargaining. so it ruins any chance of bargaining for other people when they just give in so easily because *insert foreign accent here* "its so cheap!" I swear when I watch these tourist sometimes I just want to slap some sense in them and tell them get to know some local people and get some good tips, they could even save some money but I figure they might be pretty well off in their homeland. (rich parents) Bali is beautiful there culturally and naturally and it does balance out between modernity and the traditional- Basically it has something for everyone. I love Bali and I would advise not to stay in Kuta unless you like the idea of a overpopulated, drunken mess, touristy overrated area. :) Also if you can, rent out your own car or go on tours. Ubud is def a must and yes the shopping there is spectacular for shopaholics like myself.

Perfect
A sunset. A deserted island. A dinner by the sea. A ring under a shell. Someone seems to know how it's done perfectly. Congratulations to you both! The perfect setting indeed. Those pictures are FANTASTIC! I miss that place! Happy 2010!

How I miss that place
Hey guys, just wanted to say thanks for that great entry. It brings back very fond memories of my time there (which seems ages ago already). I wish I could have spent more time there, especially if someone had proposed to me :-) I really can't think of a better spot for that!

Congratulations!
The way you describe the place just makes me jealous, I definitely should go back to Palawan. ... and congratulations for the engagement!

Nice one you two - Rosy
Glad to hear you found the right place to pop the question, I'm sure the lads at work will be pleased for you both. The pix around El Nido look stunning, good luck for the rest of the journey, look forward to meeting up sometime in the furture

Love your pix and blogs!
Hey guys I just want to say I love reading your blogs and seeing your pix especially through your journey in the Philippines. One of my fave places in the world is El Nido and seeing your pictures brings back so many memories dear to me. I'm an aussie born lad who's mum happens to be Filipino and dad Kiwi and I have to thank you for embracing the Philippines the way you have. I often get asked by people here why go to the Philippines, with a constant comparison to Thailand, Bali and even Vietnam. Well I guess your pix and blog speak for themself, I have travelled extensively myself and there is quite something about the Philippines which makes it unique. Thanks so much guys enjoy your trip. P.S If you get the time head to Iloilo end of January after Ati-atihan for Dinagyang, awesome festival, Guimaras island is gem too!

hi guys !
I'm really glad that you guys discovered this gem in the Philippines. At the same time, your blog scares me a lot. Knowing our country's corrupt governance and culture of greed, once tourist starts to come in, you can give it 10 years max and everything will go down the drain from there. Boracay was once a true paradise, even Puerto Galera once had live corals very near the shores. I hope Palawan will not be spoiled too by our greedy government and selfish people wanting to have quick cash at the expense of nature.

Blog of the year 2009 for the Asia/photography cathegory
Check this out :) http://www.travelblog.org/Forum/Threads/22180-1.html

Happy New Year
Great pictures, guys! Looks like another adventure. Can't wait for your blog about El Nido. And yeah, Happy New Year!