Welcome to the Philippines. You might be new here, or perhaps just looking for some information. Please feel free to check out this ‘Welcome to the SHOM Philippines guide’.
A culmination of shared information, tips and practicalities of living in Manila and the Philippines from other SHOMs. The information listed in this guide is for informational purposes only. Some details or contact numbers may have changed. The services listed are by no means an exhaustive list and we are sure there are many more services, events, places and offerings out there.
We hope you find the guide useful in settling in and enjoying your new posting. This is not intended to contradict any guidelines supplied by your Embassy or Organisation. We encourage readers to contribute detailed updates, new information and ideas. If you have any updates or suggestions.
Enjoy!
“I know everyone in the Philippines is happy.”
Manny Pacquiao
Before You Arrive
Some tips to help you
- Find a home near where you will spend most of your time to cut down on traffic
- Join the Facebook group Ma’am Manila
- Don’t be shy to ask for help from people who have been here longer
- Find people who like it here! People who like the culture and country will be happy to share all the positive aspects with you. Conversely, try to avoid those who are eager to share their complaints and horror stories.
- Recognize that culture shock is natural and normal, everyone goes through it to one degree or another. It can be overwhelming when you first arrive but don’t feel that it will always be like that
- Find things you like to do, and do them.
- Join your local gym or exercise class and make friends
- Be a tourist – explore the neighborhood and do fun stuff.
Exploring Manila and Beyond
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Quezon
- Villa Escudero Plantations and Resort
Km 91, Tiaong, Quezon
A self-contained working coconut plantation, It was founded in the 1880s by Don Placido Escudero and his wife Dona Claudia Marasigan. The Plantation includes a museum, bamboo rafting, waterfall restaurant, coconut pavilion, cafe indigo, swimming pool. Day tour and overnight stays in River cottages.
+63 (02) 8-523-0392, +63 (02) 8-521-0830, +63 (02) 8-523-2944, +63 917-583-7727, +63 919-993-4744
info@villaescudero.com | https://villaescudero.com/
- Borowan Island Resort
Borawan is a tiny island that sits off the coast of Barangay Lipata, Padre Burgos. From Padre Burgos, it’s a 15-minute boat ride to reach Borawan.
STATION 1 & 2 – ENTRANCE FEE: P220/pax Overnight | P150/pax Day Tour
COTTAGE:P1,250 Overnight (Good for 10 to 15 pax)
TENT RENTAL: P500 Overnight (Good for 2 to 3 pax)
*Guests can bring food in Stations 1 & 2
STATION 3 – *Entrance Fee is INCLUSIVE for Station 3
ROOMS (air conditioned): P4,800 Overnight (Room good for 4 pax)
P3,800 Overnight (Room good for 2 pax)
BEACH HOUSE (air conditioned): P8,000 Overnight (Good for 8 pax)
*Food not allowed in Station 3 (except chips)
BOAT FARE: P800 for 8 pax (Crossing from Pier to Borawan Island resort and vice versa) or P2,500 for 8 pax (Crossing with island hopping)
http://www.theborawanislandresort.com/
Tagatay & Taal
- Sonya’s Garden (1h30)
Barangay Buck Estate, Alfonso, Cavite, PH
info@sonyasgarden.com | https://sonyasgarden.com/
Mobile/Viber No: +63 917 700 4645/ +63 977 850 8273/ +63 917 503 1080
lovely bed and breakfast/beautiful garden/great spa/waterfall
- Shercon Resort and Ecology Park (1h50) (€)
https://www.facebook.com/Shercon-Resort-and-Ecology-Park-137343479686621
Contact Numbers: 0917-506-1204/0922-838-5293/0939-904-7130/0917-117-5888
Picnic and Overnight stays | Large outside space (7-8 different pools), climbing wall, small zip-line | basic and mid-range accommodation | basic food offer | (Pets allowed)
Cavinti, Laguna, Philippines
- Aquascape Lake Caliraya
cottagesandmanymore@gmail.com | https://www.facebook.com/AquascapePH
Floating houses | Jet ski/Speedboat/High-speed tubes/banana boats/kayak/paddleboard/ATV
Lipa (1h45)
- The Farm in San Benito (€€€)
https://www.thefarmatsanbenito.com/
+63 918 884 8080 +63 917 572 2325 | 24/7 hotline: +63 917 572 2222
(Pets allowed – extra cleaning fee)
Batangas
- Anilao
- Vivere Azure
Barangay Aguada, San Teodoro Anilao Anilao Batangas, Mabini, Batangas
https://hotels.cloudbeds.com/en/reservation/JNpYCV#checkin=2021-09-15&checkout=2021-09-16
+632 771-7777 | diving, snorkelling, island hopping, surfing, kayaking
- Le Chevrerie Resort and Spa
052 Barangay Ligaya, Anilao, Mabini, Batangas, Philippines, 4202
+63998-5567357 | +63917-7033320
To check out other resorts availability see following blog: https://outoftownblog.com/best-beach-resorts-in-anilao-batangas/
2. Calatagan (2h30)
- Lago de Oro (€)
http://lago-de-oro.com/?fbclid=IwAR1Q0B5MO6XB1mlfWee4t_YNlEy-zWF5Z556A0sBVr79Szfi7WhzE1bZGdQ
wakeboarding/island hopping
Puerto Galera
- Fisherman’s Cove Resort and Diving Center – children allowed
Puerto Galera, Mindoro Orientale
0917 533 2985
- Lalaguna Villas Luxury Dive Resort and Spa
Small Lalaguna Beach, Puerto Galera, 5203 Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
(point-to-point transport, private pick you up and transport incl. private boat to resort)
Phone: +63 917 570 3415 | WhatsApp/WeChat/Viber: +63 917 570 3415 | https://lalagunavillas.com/
- El Nido holiday bubble (€€€)
https://www.travelbubble.elnidoresorts.com/ or contact by email hmontemayor@elnidoresorts.com
El Nido Resorts – Apulit | Miniloc | Lagen | Pangulasian
Ten Knots Development Corporation, 3rd Floor Alveo Corporate Center, 728 28th St., Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Taguig, Philippines
T: +632 7902 5900 ext. 5965 | M: | F:+632 7902 5905 |
all 4 days travel bubbles included (return flights/full board/boat transport/lodging)
Subic Bay
- Camayan Beach Resort
T. – +63 47 252 8000
reservation@camayanbeachresort.ph
Ocean Adventure Admission – http://bit.ly/3bd6QOQ
Adventure Beach Waterpark Admission – http://bit.ly/3pTBAZg
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