Newbie looking for some advice

Great site you guys have here!

I plan on staying in Philippines for 2-3 months when I finish work here in Korea. Dumaguete will be one of the cities I will reside for a month. Along with Cebu for a month. Debating on spending some time in Iloilo or Cagayan de Oro as well.

Been to Philippines once about a month ago (Manila for 5 days) and had a blast during a short holiday.

Some background on myself, 26 year old guy. Pretty seasoned traveller (central america and south america).

Regarding Dumaguete, I will have a budget of around 1500 dollars. Will need to find an apartment, hotel, apartelle, or pension for 300-500 usd a month. All I need is the basics bed, a/c, hot shower, internet, nothing fancy.

I plan on renting a scooter for a month as well, but I am a bit paranoid that someone will steal it. Am I being over paranoid, and do they have insurance or something?

What is the closest cheapest nicest beach to go to that's 30-60 minutes scooter ride away?

Well, any and all advice and suggestions on lodging or anything are welcomed! Thanks.

 

A little information

You should be able to find an apartment, including Landry and cleaning service for about 10,000 P a month... the guys at McD's know of this one place that is located north of central town on Mango. I have a friend there who will be away in June and may sub-rent to you if you need a short term.

I would not worry too much about getting scooter stolen, but I could be wrong on this issue. The typical rental is about 200 P per day, but you can negotiate a better rate for longer terms.

The Drill Shack resort south of town is free. So the price is right, but I am not sure quality of the environment as I have never been there, but some friends like it. Mike Beach (Duain) resort and Bambula (Bacong) Resort are nice places with very nice environments to American standards. Mike's does not charge for use of pool or ocean, only buy your meal there. Lunch for two is about 450 P for two. The food is very good, with some Mexican dishes that almost taste like at home. Bambula charges 100 P to swim in the pools. Usually cost for me is about 450 P for an afternoon with drinks and snack and swimming for two. I usually do not eat food there, but enjoy the appetizers and drinks they serve. The Milky Rum for 100 P a pitcher, is a mix of rum and coconut pulp and juice... usually one pitcher for two with put at least one of the two people out for the count.

I have not found CDO to be that interesting. Beware, the girls there, as they seem to run very young, and of course they lie about their ages. I have not heard of anyone getting in trouble there, but I would be careful. More action with clubs with ladies there than Dumaguete which has nothing like that if you read the publicity releases.

Enjoy your visit, and good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply and advice.

10,000 pesos for rent would be great. Guess I shouldnt be to worried about finding a place with the internet and asking locals for help.

Yea I heard to negotiate a lower price for the scooter rental for a month.

Duain is the onebeach that I knew of for riding out on a scooter for a couple of hours of beach time.

The main thing that appeals to me about CDO is that its relatively off the tourist / gringo trail. Heard there is pretty good nightlife there. Another plus is some good nature spots around CDO. Iloilo is also off the tourist / gringo trail and is also a University town.

I am a bit worried about the nightlife in Dumaguete being adequate enough for me. Not many night / dance clubs with many people from what I heard. Seems like they have random parties around the city at night though.

How many other young guys 21-28 are in Dumaguete regularly? I normally dont like to go to tourist towns like Dumaguete when I travel.

Thanks again

 

Regarding nightlife, number one priority is always the number of single / available women. Whether its a bar or club is irrelevant, although I prefer clubs or places with a dance floor as I like to dance. Which places in Dumaguete generally have the most women at night?

I plan to head up to Bacolod on a sat night to check out the scene there.

Glad to hear about the scooter.

Any recommendations on a short term hotel or apartment?

 

Nice info man.

I am use to free lance clubs and bars in central & south america along with Manila so Why Not wont be anything new. There is actually a term used for picking up working girls for free "shoring" which ive been known to do when nothing else is available lol.

I wont be paying to take any girl home. Maybe if I was in the Middle East, Philippines is the last place in the world a 26 yr old guy would need to pay for women.

These places you mention get a decent crowd mid week or only on weekends?

 

Yea usually best if your in a place known for working girls or if there is any question to just let them know before you leave the club that you are not paying for their company.