Whoops we're in The Philippines!

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Hello everyone!

We have now left China, ended with a few days in Hong Kong, seeing the wonderful sights of
The Harbour and absorbing the views from Victoria Peak. We enjoyed our stay as we hadn't see
Western people and had such a choice of Western food for such a long time! This blog does needed updating!

Time to move on we decided to chance a flight to Vietnam, to continue our travels down Asia, and went to the airport in hope of a bargain.
We did manage to get a flight but unfortunately we hadn't applied for a visa, as we thought we could do
this upon entry. So we got our refund and stood analysing the Departures board with our South East Aisa
Lonely Planet in hand to check out visa requirements. It came down to Bangkok, Kula Lumpa or Singapore.
Next we had to check the monsoon rainy seasons, not 100% happy, we checked the Departures again....
I noticed Cebu, Central Philippine Island. Without too much thought we bought the tickets and rushed to
our Gate. So here we are, it's like being on a luxury holiday! The sea is really warm, white sands making the
sea turquiose! Purely beautiful coastlines! The choice of beautiful beaches is overwhelming we're forever
studying the map!

Google our (at the moment plan): stayed 3 nights in Moalboal (Dolphin Dive House), next up to Malapascua Island, then Boracay then north islands of Perto Princess Island. We have 21days on our visiting visa, so maybe we may need to extend it!



Ok, We've now been to Malapascua, and wow how beautiful it was! Not yet commercialised, a very special place. No raods, no even 24 hr elecrticity, showers with brackish water and everything comes via a small boat from the main land. Completely amazing. We extended our stay from 3 to 5 nights to enjoy such an island. Our room had brilliant views all around of the turquoise waters by day and evening storms of distant lightening and brightly coloured sunsets. We feel we've been on holiday! I highly recommend this backpacking!

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Photos

Snorkelling from our privately hired boat and crew!
Crystal clear waters, tropical fish. Phil's not wearing a wet suit, but his t-shirt because the sun was so strong!

No roads on this island!
Just palm trees and pathways. Very remote on Malapascua, perfect.

Paradise
I didn't think places existed like this, only in the movies!

I went snorkeling too.
Not a great pic!

The clearest waters i've ever seen.
Oh and the warmest too!

A run down hotel business.
So much land, beautiful views, yes i did consider buying a little bit of paradise!

Comments

[Marc]

Hitting All the Right Places...
You guys are hitting all the great places in the Phils, but be sure to go to El Nido and go island-hopping. Where are the pictures? Hope they're coming... Enjoy the country.

[mum]

looks very good
well you must be suntanned and ready for crowds now.... all looks so good bet you do not want to move on to the real world ...... next week i go to England your travel blog printed and coming so the case is extra weight !!!!! why did you mention boats .....guess lots more to see where you are so a lot of boating around and lazy living keep enjoying take care love to you both Mum Dad xx

[Vince]

Philippines
That's the good thing about the Phils...there are no crowds and tourists to speak off...Hope you guys are enjoying your trip! Great blog, by the way!