preventive medicine; shots and other Philippines General Tips

Favorite Thing: When traveling through asia, I think that it's always a safe thing to do. Today when you get a hepatitis shot you'll get a series of three over, I think 6 months. You can catch hepatitis anywhere, even in the states eating from dirty utensils. Same is true throughout asia. Typhoid can be a problem as well but not as prevelant, but again safe is better. Should you decide to get the shots, remember to allow for enough time for the hepatitis shots.
Good luck!


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Favorite Thing: Hey Shoman,
Probably the best travel book that I have used while traveling in the Philippines is the Lonely Planets guide on the Philippines. When I go I take it with me, as well as other countries such as Thailand and others.
The reason I like it is because I can get on a bus and follow along in the book as we go. It gives a pretty comprehensive list of places to stay, top end to group hostels in each town and city, along with average price you'd expect to pay. Restuarants as well, how to get there guide, postal info, sights to see, landmarks, etc... I lived in Thailand for almost two years, Bangkok and once I bought the book I started to explore places that I didn't know were there. I've used other guide books but this one is just so much more user friendly.
Just my opinion on what's the best book to use.You can get at any Barne's and Noble or Borders book store.
Good Luck!
David


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Favorite Thing: Ken,
Great tip on Jens Peters. Don't know why I have not run into this web site before but many Thanks!!
semper fi
Salamat Po!
David


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Favorite Thing: During this time frame you should not have any problems. I am not sure what roads you are talking about, but you are either going to fly to Palawan or take a boat. If and when you do travel by road they shouldn't be bad considering where you are going. You are not going into mountainous areas of Banaue. The roads should not be an issue.I would strongly suggest flying to and from Palawan, if for nothing else to save time, lots of time!
The weather, you could get some rain but I doubt that you'll get very much, 20-30 minutes at a time at most and you could get some cloudy skies but for the most part the weather should be pretty good. Overall the weather should be just fine, maybe even great considering it'll be a little cooler just coming off the rainy season, which will be good.
Have fun and enjoy.
Sorry, time to see the other places?, I don't know what you itinerary looks like but it looks as if you should have plenty of time.


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Favorite Thing: The weather should be just fine. You may experience some rain for maybe 15-30 minutes but it usualy lets up and the sun comes out or you may have some clouds. But for the most part the weather will be fine. You are long past the real rainy season by that time.
have fun


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Favorite Thing: Asianbelle is correct in what she says, I have experienced that many times while visiting. The filipino's are very concientious of strangers and their ability to speak "good" english. Once they warm up to you it's usually fine, and who speaks really good english anyway!?
I would add a couple of other issues to this as well. There definitly is a general "fear" in the country, and it is different from the province than in the city. I once approached a police officer in the city, tapped them on the shoulder to ask directions and they about jumped out of their skin. I approached form their side so it wasn't like it was a total surprise to them.
I have heard many theories. Some I think are correct, some not. I also do not believe that there is any single answer. I saw this same thing in some other countries I lived and worked in, and if you look back in their histories some of it does make sense. I think this is very unfortunate for the Phillippines because people mistake it for something other than what it is, and generally speaking the filipino people are great friendly people. As I have been saying for years however, the country could do so much more as far as opening tourism up more so that more people would come, therefore, more exposure to the local populace, as well as jobs, economy etc...


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Favorite Thing: Yes the Phillippines is a christian country, 95%+ Catholic so they celebrate Christmas in a big way. Your biggest problem would be timing your travel plans around the time everyone goes home to celebrate as the buses will be packed! and the roads busy. I would say at least 3 days before, up to Christmas day and the same for New Years to extend to 2-3 days after NY's day. Expect it to be busy and seats limited. Patience is the name of the game, which can be said for any time you are traveling in PI.
You may also want to check with your accomodations to make sure they do have or not have "compulsary dinners" and higher rates. Most of them will have this over the holidays on Christmas and New Years day. Sometimes the rates can be as much as 3X the normal rate, so be prepared for that.
Good luck and have FUN!


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Favorite Thing: One of the more popular places is the Banaue/Sagada area depending on the time of year that you are going. Rains during the rainy season often prevent travel to this region as the mountainous roads can be trecherous. There are several hiking trails throughout the hilly mountainous area, and it can be scenic looking at the rice terraces, which this area is famous for. Be prepared for along trip, bus ride to the Sagada area from Bagiuo but once you are there it is worth it. You have to make your way to Bagiuo, ususally stay overnight and catch an early morning bus ride into Sagada/Banaue, also make sure that you know where the bus leaves Bagiuo from as it is not from the normal bus station, at least it wasn't before. Make sure that you are dressed properly as it can get cool, especially in the evenings.
Have FUN!

Fondest Memory: http://www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.html?wpt=banauv

http://www.travel-philippines.com/locations/central-luzon/4-sagada.htm

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Favorite Thing: I don't see that it should pose a problem. As long as you still have your passport, and you have not been a convicted pedophile, or other high crimes, and you are not on a restricted list from the Phillippines you should not have a problem.
You can always contact your nearest Consulate or Phillippine embassy and ask them to be sure, which may be the safest thing to do. But I cannot think of a reason that that alone should prevent you from traveling to their country.
Good luck


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