nomad4ever

Over the last few years, some countries in Asia made it more and more difficult for long-term tourists (or none-working Expats) to stay longer than just a few months in country. Thailand only recently made their Visa Rules more difficult and complicated; before that monthly Visa Runs to the neighbouring countries were quite common.

Indonesia introduced a Visa-On Arrival (VOA) for maximum 30 days with respective fees only back in 2004 – before you could get a 3 months stamp for free. The bureaucratic processes to attain and extend a Social Visa are legendary. Although there were some rumours of longer VOA (up to 120 days) a few months back, those have yet to materialize.

written by Chris

I was asked by Arelle to write some more about the Philippines. Especially the beaches of the Philippines. So here we go:

Are the Philippines worth visiting? You bet!

It’s an amazing country. With friendly people, cheap accomodation and 7.000 islands to chose from. Lonely Planet calls the Philippines the ‘forgotten islands of South-East Asia’, which is a shame; because the Philippines have a lot to offer.

Especially, if you like water sports, soft sand, ocean waves and beach life. Where to go? Where to start?

written by Chris

Having returned from our short trip, I put some pictures of Camiguin Island (Waterfall, Hot Springs, Sunken Cemetry) and Boracay (White Beach) on my Flickr.com Page.

Check it out under:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomads-vagabonds/

We arrived in Manila just a few days after a new coup alert was issued by president Gloria M. Arroyo. That meant more police than usual, traffic/car controls and even more traffic congestions. Fortunately, outside of Manila things went on in the usual relaxed manner, with sleepy Camiguin Island and lively Cagayan de Oro completely unimpressed of the political turmoil. In Boracay we saw the start of the low (cooler) season, which left most hotels/resorts in a run for their money. Rates started with 500/1000/1500 Peso/Night for Bamboo Hut Fan/Aircon/simple Hotelroom. All-you-can-eat buffets started at 200 Peso/Pax and 2-for-1 drink promos for as low as 30 Peso/San Miguel Beer, or 40 Peso for Rum Coke – that’s what I call value for money!

written by Chris

The travel bug did bite again, so we decided to go on a 12 day trip to Camiguin, an island south of Cebu in the Philippines. Having visited Boracay, Malapascua, Bantayan, Cebu, Cabilao and Bohol already – thinking about the fine ‘Tanduay’ Rum and countless Karaoke bars, makes the mood swinging in holiday tunes already. Thank god for Tiger Airways!

Just 2 years ago a return trip from Manila was about SGD 700 for one person, these days 2 persons can fly return for less than SGD 500. Okay, it’s Clark Base instead of Manilas notorious Ninoy Aquino airport, but that even sounds like a revelation!

written by Chris

One of the the new unofficial McD outlets somewhere on Cebu/Philippines.

written by Chris

On a recent short trip to Vietnam I had the chance to explore the country anew, after having not visited for over 7 years. The Vietnam Lunar Festival Tết Nguyên Đán was just in its last few days, when I touched down in Ho Chi Minh or Saigon.

Over the course of almost 2 weeks I commuted between Saigon and Vung Tau, a beach holiday destination just 125 km south of Vietnam’s largest city.

The overall experience was quite positive, it’s surprisingly easy to get around and make the most of your trip. Vietnam is quickly becoming a modern Asian country, after having suffered so much just a few decades ago.

written by Chris

Cebu and Bohol are apart from Boracay and Manila maybe the most valuable assets for the tourism industry in the Philippines.

Cebu has the second biggest international airport in the country and is a great hub for island-hopping, entertainment options or simply coming back to Civilization after having successfully toured the surrounding islands or provinces. Bohol is an interesting island which features beautiful nature, wildlife and friendly people.

So far, it was only possible to get from one of these islands to the other via ferry services, which takes anything from 2-4 hours, depending on weather conditions. But hear me out, what seems to be in store for the near future:

written by Chris

Recent Awards of nomad4ever.com:

07/2010	04/2011	08/2011

Please click on the image to open a new tab with the respective article or website.

Further mentions:

Interview by GQ China 07/2011 Print Edition

Tricycle Diaries, Featured in GenSan Gazer Philippines 03/2010

(The starting article for the Tricycle Diaries Trip can be found here.)

Featured on LiveInThePhilippines.com Guest Column 07/2009

Around the Philippines – in a Tricycle

Interview by JetSetCitizen.com 05/2009

written by Chris