After writing my firsst 8 articles I have thought about it and the responses interest I have got and decided on my next article to be on "Rules on Better Email"
This article is extracted from the following site if you wish to followup get further explanation here is the link and the article written by Leon Bambrick.
I've been putting together Development Guidelines for my employer and in the process have reviewed many published standards (in the .Net arena) from around the world. In each category, the suggestions at SSW are always among the best.
- Leon Bambrick,
http://www.ssw.com.au/ssw/Standards/Rules/RulesToBetterEmail.aspx
Often their emails are rambling and unorganized, forcing the reader to wade through blocks of totally useless text. When it comes to written communication, less is more. Having hundreds of emails in your Inbox is not uncommon. But it's very uncommon to find people who successfully manage their Inbox. Instead they let their Inbox become a great black hole with no business value. Email has a bad name in business primarily because people don't treat email correctly. Email can be a vital tool to your company and your software development project, but it has to be managed. Email will be an accurate record of requests, conversations, and decisions. Emails are legal documents and will be treated with the same care as any other correspondence with clients or employees. Email is also in an extremely effective task tracking tool, and requests made by email will be treated with the same seriousness as Project Plans and other directives, for email can be seen as the protocol between the sender and receiver. Here are a series of email rules / etiquette that govern how we use our Inbox.
Do you agree with them all? Are we missing some? Email us your tips, thoughts or arguments. Let us know what you think.
*** Update *** Instead of manually implementing these rules, use SSW LookOut! to automatically implement them for you. If you use Microsoft Outlook as your email client, download it and give it a go.
Indicates important rule
Rules to Better Email
Do you use email for tasks - not communication?
Is your inbox a task list only?
Do you reply DONE and delete the email?
Do you save important items in a separate folder?
Do you keep the history of an email?
Do you send unnecessary emails?
Do you know how to hurry someone up?
Do you realize the importance of a good email Subject?
Do you sort your emails by Received AND Important?
Do you know when, and when NOT, to use email?
Do you realise that less is more?
Do you know the right way to report bugs?
Do you use the voting option appropriately?
Do you seek Clarification Via the Telephone First
Do you prepare, then confirm conversations/decisions?
Do you send yourself emails?
Do you CC everyone and reply to all when necessary?
Do you use email signatures?
Do you avoid using images in your email signatures?
Do you keep your email addresses in a company database?
Do you always keep your sent items?
Do you think that when replying to emails it's better late than never?
Do you minimize Outlook distractions?
Do you follow up emails effectively?
Do you know the two ways to follow up a task?
Do answer all questions, and pre-empt further ones?
Do you add context/reasoning to your emails?
Do you avoid the Rules Wizard?
Do you use active language in your emails?
Do you know that people misunderstand sarcasm in email?
Are you careful with your spelling, grammar and punctuation?
Do you know how to add someone into the conversation?
Use Tasks only for Recurring Appointments
Do you manage your Deleted Items?
Do you include the name of the person you address as the first line?
Do you send tasks one email at a time?
Do you respond to each email individually?
Do you use > and indentation to keep the context?
When you reply inline, do you use a different color?
When asked to change content, do you reply with the content before and after the change?
Do you avoid emailing sensitive information?
Do you always remember your attachment?
Do you avoid huge images or attachments in your email?
Do you use Word as your Editor?
Do you resist the urge to SPAM to an email alias?
Do you avoid sending your emails immediately?
Do you know how to recall an email?
Can you sort your emails by ClientID?
Do you manage your email accounts?
Do you use "Request a Receipt" selectively?
Do you send Outlook Calendar appointments when appropriate?
Do you know how to add an appointment in someone else's calendar?
Have you done follow-up for tomorrow appointment?
Appointments - Do you see who is coming to the meeting in the subject?
Do you avoid putting the time and date into the text field of a meeting?
Do you avoid using Auto Archive?
Do you remember that Emails aren't your property?
Do you monitor company email?
Do you avoid using words that make your email like junk mail?
Do you unsubscribe from newsletters?
Do you avoid replying to all when you are only BCC'ed?
Do you use the security options in Outlook 2003?
Do you use Offline Email?
Do you avoid using Out of Office?
Do you fix up the history?
How do you reply to free support requests which would need more than 20 minutes work?
Do you include the original content in your email when asking for modifications to be made?
Do you use a search tool to find your lists of sent items instead of doing it manually?
Do you assume necessary tasks will get approval?
Do you work offline with the current release public folder?
Are you aware of the importance of client's attachment?
Do you know how to reduce spam?
Do you know when to use +1?
Do you put the estimation at the bottom of the email when sending a task to self?
Do you know how to reply a bug or problem reported?
Do you know how to hand over tasks to others?
Do you avoid attaching emails to emails?
Do you not send bulk email in the TO field if all parties are not contacts of each other
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Australian education,Government contracts,superanuation,transport,Australia Post
I would like to talk to you today about Australia superanuation,transport,Australia Post,Government contracts .
The many companies that make up the employment network and associated indsutries,education the need for revision of funding and reallocation of resources and a change in management style, the transport industry a brief history and expansion ideas for Australia Post..
1) SUPERANUATION
This was introduced to bring in forced savings for the people of Australia and has been raised as a percentage of income over time. I believe this to be basically a good thing but flawed in other ways and needs attention.
If this is forced savings then why in the financial crisis of early 2000 did alot of policy holders loose alot of money on paper on their polcies. Secondly this money is not being used by the government at all to build infrastructure, better hopitals roads ,schools etc.
I think we need to ask policy holders and the superanuation what they think when they loose policy holders money and what they think about fixing it.
I believe companies who loose money should not pass it on to the policy holders same as savings in a bank it was the government that introduced so you have a responsibility to the people to look after there interests.
I think the super should be dropped from a mandatory 9% to 5% for a persiod of time to help companies cope with the current financial crisis unless they are willing want to reatain the 9%. 1% percent of the super should go into government bonds and given a market interet rate this would then be used for infrastructure funding such as new schools, roads, hospitals, and funding in buying into government business where there is a need for development, and for the drought affected regions. Superanuation providers should providea statement from the financial investors as to there financial viablity and projected loss to there policy holders. If ING has lost money then I believe AMP will not be to far behind them.
The financial lenders should have if it drummed into this super is for our future people and country and should be invested into Australia not overseas for short term gain loss on the stock market.
Education
I think that funding to private schools should be reduced as they have grown big over the last 10 Years and have got every concievable thing for the students.
There has been a huge growth in private schools over the last 20 years because of a belief and lack of trust in the ability of public schools to deliver good qaulity education.
Examples of good private schools thats have prospered are IGS(International Grammar school in Ultimo Sydney, and ST Catherines Girls school Clovelly Sydney.
Funding should be reduced by 25% or more for private schools except for preschool education where all preschools in NSW are predominately private and fundi ng increased to them if they reduce costs to the parents. Preschools is a very expensive and costly expense for parents and believe more assistance and the growth of public preschools should be looked at.
Government contracts
Job Network and associated industries that are contracted by the Government
I have seen the previous government make a big mistake in closing down Employment National which provided quality employement in the Job Network and Intensive assistance. Pressure was brought to bear by industry to close it down asnthey saw it as a threat and to competitve. They goverment forced EN to restructure due to taking away the Intensive assistance program>
I believe hte governemtn decision at the time to be flawed as why close a company rather than build it up and sell it when it is profitable.
I believe the flawed approach by goverment in handing out contracts to companies or taking them away. The contract is for 3 years and is based on a star rating system, god only knows what criteria they use to get these ratings.
What happens is when a company looses or wins a contract it causes problems for the employee and the people that they provide a service to. The employee shifts to the new company that has got the contract files are lost of the client, income is lost and the industry is in panic for a period of time in orgainisng the proposal for the next tender and spend a substantial amount of manpower and money in doing so.
I believe this industry should be looked at and the need for some mesaures and management skills developed to build this industry as it is a contracted government dept although private business.
Transport industry and Australia Post
A little history about 10 years ago TNT was the biggest transport company in Australia. Today it is nothing like what it was, how did this happen and who caused it go off shore and owned by Dutch Post.
TNT Ltd had David Mortimer as its chairman and they owned 51% in TNT Express World Wide and the rest owned by 5 Eurpean post offices Deutsch Post, Dutch Post and a few others I can't remember.
What happened Dutch Post got into bed with David and manouvered and managed that TNT Ltd was bought by Dutch Post. This in effect sold out a great Australian company with a lot of experienced managers and loyal workers. Subsequently Dutch Post restructered lost or retrenched alot of staff and alot key personnel left TNT is only a shadow of its former self and I believe is still losing money,because it lost key peronnel that have gone to companies like Toll Holdings, guess who is the leader in trasnsport today with fingres in many pies from avaition to stevedoring.
Alot of post offices around the world are very worried because of the internet and email and the loss of business and decline in traditaional revenvue that is why the 5 post offices bought into TNT Expressworldwide.What happened afterward the CEO of TNT Expressworldwide left and started his own private mail company and private contracted his services to Deutch Post. His name was James McCormack a visionary and very intellgient person. He layed a plan with DEutch Post for the buying of DHL, and the buying out of US company AEI(Air EXpress International.
So what have we got today DHL/AEI owned by DEutsch Post
TNT owned by Dutch Post
Australia Post owns a doemstic transport company called Sky Track and has a shareholding in some joint ventures with Qantas.
I believe Australia Post which posted a profit of $504millions should look at expansion worlwide and buy a courier company to further expand its courier and parcel base. People should be very careful of David Mortimer and replace him if this was at all possible because he has shown he doesn't care about Australian business and is not ethical and loyal to his employees.
There should be somone who knows the tranpsort industry well to write a private paper on its viablility and possible acquistions for Australia Post.
The many companies that make up the employment network and associated indsutries,education the need for revision of funding and reallocation of resources and a change in management style, the transport industry a brief history and expansion ideas for Australia Post..
1) SUPERANUATION
This was introduced to bring in forced savings for the people of Australia and has been raised as a percentage of income over time. I believe this to be basically a good thing but flawed in other ways and needs attention.
If this is forced savings then why in the financial crisis of early 2000 did alot of policy holders loose alot of money on paper on their polcies. Secondly this money is not being used by the government at all to build infrastructure, better hopitals roads ,schools etc.
I think we need to ask policy holders and the superanuation what they think when they loose policy holders money and what they think about fixing it.
I believe companies who loose money should not pass it on to the policy holders same as savings in a bank it was the government that introduced so you have a responsibility to the people to look after there interests.
I think the super should be dropped from a mandatory 9% to 5% for a persiod of time to help companies cope with the current financial crisis unless they are willing want to reatain the 9%. 1% percent of the super should go into government bonds and given a market interet rate this would then be used for infrastructure funding such as new schools, roads, hospitals, and funding in buying into government business where there is a need for development, and for the drought affected regions. Superanuation providers should providea statement from the financial investors as to there financial viablity and projected loss to there policy holders. If ING has lost money then I believe AMP will not be to far behind them.
The financial lenders should have if it drummed into this super is for our future people and country and should be invested into Australia not overseas for short term gain loss on the stock market.
Education
I think that funding to private schools should be reduced as they have grown big over the last 10 Years and have got every concievable thing for the students.
There has been a huge growth in private schools over the last 20 years because of a belief and lack of trust in the ability of public schools to deliver good qaulity education.
Examples of good private schools thats have prospered are IGS(International Grammar school in Ultimo Sydney, and ST Catherines Girls school Clovelly Sydney.
Funding should be reduced by 25% or more for private schools except for preschool education where all preschools in NSW are predominately private and fundi ng increased to them if they reduce costs to the parents. Preschools is a very expensive and costly expense for parents and believe more assistance and the growth of public preschools should be looked at.
Government contracts
Job Network and associated industries that are contracted by the Government
I have seen the previous government make a big mistake in closing down Employment National which provided quality employement in the Job Network and Intensive assistance. Pressure was brought to bear by industry to close it down asnthey saw it as a threat and to competitve. They goverment forced EN to restructure due to taking away the Intensive assistance program>
I believe hte governemtn decision at the time to be flawed as why close a company rather than build it up and sell it when it is profitable.
I believe the flawed approach by goverment in handing out contracts to companies or taking them away. The contract is for 3 years and is based on a star rating system, god only knows what criteria they use to get these ratings.
What happens is when a company looses or wins a contract it causes problems for the employee and the people that they provide a service to. The employee shifts to the new company that has got the contract files are lost of the client, income is lost and the industry is in panic for a period of time in orgainisng the proposal for the next tender and spend a substantial amount of manpower and money in doing so.
I believe this industry should be looked at and the need for some mesaures and management skills developed to build this industry as it is a contracted government dept although private business.
Transport industry and Australia Post
A little history about 10 years ago TNT was the biggest transport company in Australia. Today it is nothing like what it was, how did this happen and who caused it go off shore and owned by Dutch Post.
TNT Ltd had David Mortimer as its chairman and they owned 51% in TNT Express World Wide and the rest owned by 5 Eurpean post offices Deutsch Post, Dutch Post and a few others I can't remember.
What happened Dutch Post got into bed with David and manouvered and managed that TNT Ltd was bought by Dutch Post. This in effect sold out a great Australian company with a lot of experienced managers and loyal workers. Subsequently Dutch Post restructered lost or retrenched alot of staff and alot key personnel left TNT is only a shadow of its former self and I believe is still losing money,because it lost key peronnel that have gone to companies like Toll Holdings, guess who is the leader in trasnsport today with fingres in many pies from avaition to stevedoring.
Alot of post offices around the world are very worried because of the internet and email and the loss of business and decline in traditaional revenvue that is why the 5 post offices bought into TNT Expressworldwide.What happened afterward the CEO of TNT Expressworldwide left and started his own private mail company and private contracted his services to Deutch Post. His name was James McCormack a visionary and very intellgient person. He layed a plan with DEutch Post for the buying of DHL, and the buying out of US company AEI(Air EXpress International.
So what have we got today DHL/AEI owned by DEutsch Post
TNT owned by Dutch Post
Australia Post owns a doemstic transport company called Sky Track and has a shareholding in some joint ventures with Qantas.
I believe Australia Post which posted a profit of $504millions should look at expansion worlwide and buy a courier company to further expand its courier and parcel base. People should be very careful of David Mortimer and replace him if this was at all possible because he has shown he doesn't care about Australian business and is not ethical and loyal to his employees.
There should be somone who knows the tranpsort industry well to write a private paper on its viablility and possible acquistions for Australia Post.
China Melamine Sanlu and Fonterra will they recover or will Fonterra lose NZ$200million
I have looked at the Sanlu /Fonterra case and NZ business's ownership in Australia, and China and the melamine problem.Fonterra had a NZ$200 million stake in Sanlu. The questions I ask what went wrong why is it so wide spread, why and who covered up and delayed releasing the story and who from NZ is responsible. New Zealand companies from an historical context and a Australian company I worked for which is owned by a NZ company. And now the Sanlu case shows to me the inablility for NZ companies to effectively control and manage there investments overseas.The examples I will give you are Air New Zealands ownership of Ansett, they failed to correctly evaluate the company before buying it and no its strengths and weakness's e.g. Nepitism, old fleet, and no changes to the management structure when they bought the company.Penglellys owns ITM in Australia and they run this company by remote control and have got no control measures in place to protect their investment, they will run into trouble if not very careful., and Fonterra there name is tarnished have lost so far NZ$95million and more to come. What are they going to do about rebuilding Sanlu and put control measures in to protect theiryour investment and NZ reputation.
My suggestion would be to change the name to your NZ name and call it Fontera China as an example put a NZ management team in to find the problems and rebuild the company and look at acquistion and expansion and deliver a quality product at a higher price.The Chinese are well known for selling a low priced products and cutting costs to deliver the product this is particular common here in the Philippines in DVD's and Xmas lights the dvd player didn't work when I got it home and the Xmas lights switchs were fkexible and dangerous.They will need a manager, a purchasing manager, a marketing manager, and a dairy adviser as a basis. You need to deliver a quality product Chinese can trust and sell that way.Fonterra have dropped the ball and lost money and thier your reputation pick the ball up and fix the problems up don't run like Air New Zealand and the government had to bail Air New Zealand out.
My suggestion would be to change the name to your NZ name and call it Fontera China as an example put a NZ management team in to find the problems and rebuild the company and look at acquistion and expansion and deliver a quality product at a higher price.The Chinese are well known for selling a low priced products and cutting costs to deliver the product this is particular common here in the Philippines in DVD's and Xmas lights the dvd player didn't work when I got it home and the Xmas lights switchs were fkexible and dangerous.They will need a manager, a purchasing manager, a marketing manager, and a dairy adviser as a basis. You need to deliver a quality product Chinese can trust and sell that way.Fonterra have dropped the ball and lost money and thier your reputation pick the ball up and fix the problems up don't run like Air New Zealand and the government had to bail Air New Zealand out.
Corruption in Biliran Island Philippines
Good morning how are you today my name is John I am a NZ citizen and live in the Philippines with my wife and Child and wait toget there visa's approved for Australia.
I have been living in Biliran for over a year on an off between trips to Australia.
I know the region well.
I have recently read about aid byaid agency JICA that they have provided aid to Biliran to help with pregnant women to provide medical equipment. The aid package was us$1.5 million and another aid country to provide 32 million euros.
I have since read that the Espina family are corrrupt and the person who controls finances for this aid is Governor Espina. I read that there was a ghost hospital costing 21 million pesos. That the House of representatives for Biliran Glenn A Chong was so incensed when one of there members was killed he ran for Parliamnet to oust the older Espina. The Espina family have controlled the government in Biliran.
My observations of Hospital in Naval, local Barangay in Pinangomhan health clinic and the health clinic in Biliran, I can see no new equipment anywhere such as computers, medical equipment or ambulance. Maybe its there but I didn't see it.
The medical situation in Biliran Island is a problem it needs a bigger hospital currently overcrowded in Naval, need medical equipment and in house pharmacy to supply medicine and not have to buy it at the local pharmacy.
A couple of indicators to indicate a possible problem are no evidence of equipment, official Biliran Island websites that haven't been updated since 2004 and one that hasn't been updated, and a governor that uses a Yahoo address instead of a government email address, very strange. Two brand new JICA Toyota Hi-Lux vehicles sitting in the carpark of the Biliran Garden Island Resort owned by Governor Espina,and not being utilised by government to help provide assistance and reports of corrpution, and Glenn Chong who was so incessed with the Espina family dominating government he ran for the house of representatives.
Japan gives a lot of aid to the Philippines and I would not want this to stop.
I have also read that the Japanese Government have provided funding for the road from Tarlac to Subic, if you really want to help the Philippinos fix the road on Samar which is a national highway running from Allen to Tacloban it is a national disgrace.
If Toyota want to test some vehicles this is the place to take them if you don't believe me go and have a look for yourself the vehicles will be broken or need repair by the time they have covered the journey.
There is old saying where there is smoke there is fire.
Have a good day, and hope this email is of some help to you.
I have been living in Biliran for over a year on an off between trips to Australia.
I know the region well.
I have recently read about aid byaid agency JICA that they have provided aid to Biliran to help with pregnant women to provide medical equipment. The aid package was us$1.5 million and another aid country to provide 32 million euros.
I have since read that the Espina family are corrrupt and the person who controls finances for this aid is Governor Espina. I read that there was a ghost hospital costing 21 million pesos. That the House of representatives for Biliran Glenn A Chong was so incensed when one of there members was killed he ran for Parliamnet to oust the older Espina. The Espina family have controlled the government in Biliran.
My observations of Hospital in Naval, local Barangay in Pinangomhan health clinic and the health clinic in Biliran, I can see no new equipment anywhere such as computers, medical equipment or ambulance. Maybe its there but I didn't see it.
The medical situation in Biliran Island is a problem it needs a bigger hospital currently overcrowded in Naval, need medical equipment and in house pharmacy to supply medicine and not have to buy it at the local pharmacy.
A couple of indicators to indicate a possible problem are no evidence of equipment, official Biliran Island websites that haven't been updated since 2004 and one that hasn't been updated, and a governor that uses a Yahoo address instead of a government email address, very strange. Two brand new JICA Toyota Hi-Lux vehicles sitting in the carpark of the Biliran Garden Island Resort owned by Governor Espina,and not being utilised by government to help provide assistance and reports of corrpution, and Glenn Chong who was so incessed with the Espina family dominating government he ran for the house of representatives.
Japan gives a lot of aid to the Philippines and I would not want this to stop.
I have also read that the Japanese Government have provided funding for the road from Tarlac to Subic, if you really want to help the Philippinos fix the road on Samar which is a national highway running from Allen to Tacloban it is a national disgrace.
If Toyota want to test some vehicles this is the place to take them if you don't believe me go and have a look for yourself the vehicles will be broken or need repair by the time they have covered the journey.
There is old saying where there is smoke there is fire.
Have a good day, and hope this email is of some help to you.
My travels in the Philippines and some Hotels Philippines
I have travelled extensively in the Philippines from Davao in Mindanao by road to Angeles in Luzon,caught buses, vans , caught the Superferry from Manila to Davao twice, and flown around the country alot.
Some basic facts
The Philippines is a Christian country , and English is widely spoken except in the provinces.
The Population is at last estimate 80 million.
The Philippines comprises of approx 7000 islands.
The main tourist destinations are Boracay, Puerto Gallera , Bohol, Angeles city, Bagiuo.
Main cities are Manila, Cebu, Davao,
Some other cities are Angeles city, Tacloban, Dumagete, Cagende oro, General Santos, Butuan,Batangas
My experiences by Region city.
Luzon
Manila,
Manila a lot of hotel prices seem to be around 1600pesos. This is the main city and has a population of around 10 million . Very crowded, main are for foreigners is Makati.
My first experiece, I stayed at a hotel cost Pesos500 per night no window, single bed and basic shower. I didn't have much money so I looked at price only. Learnt a valuable lesson don't believe what is on the Internet about bookings.
City Garden Hotel
Great hotel good service rooms are good beds comfortable, good roof top pool and food prices reasonable, Internet available in foyer and they spoke English, food was good and catered for westerners. Close to bars and nightclubs. Price I think was about $1800pesos per nite.
St Moritz
Good Clean beds comfortable small hotel, catered for westerners food good and price okay, Internet access at foyer, friendly and service orientated. Very hard to get a room as nearly always full.
.
Townhouse Hotel
Stayed 1 nite cost 800pesos didn't like very much the rooms didn't have aircon, no windows, had to pay a deposit for the towels, kitchen was slow, and took awhile to find. A lot of foreigners stay there must be the price and friendly owners that people come there.
Angeles City Pampanga (85kms north of Manila big tourist destination for a lot of foreigner a lot of girlie bars)
Clarkton Hotel
Good service they had a hotel person at airport and got a free ride to hotel and booked there first time I have been back there a few times.
They are service focused have good restaurant, good service, pool , Internet, barber shop, nite club, karoake bar.
The rooms are good with refrigerator and beds comfortable they have a range of rooms available, have a free pickup and drop off service at nite to town and back..
I don't stay there anymore and the reason for this is that the hotel does accept credit cards but will want a 8% margin and the price quoted for the room was $1600 which didn't include vat this annoyed me and I sought out my friend who came here twice a year where they stayed.
America Hotel
Stayed there a couple of times the rooms are good beds big and comfortable,had Internet access at foyer the service at breakfast very slow which annoyed me so didn't stay there any more.
Marquis Hotel
Good price rooms okay have various price and quality rooms, food okay. Have pool and free Internet access. Accept credit card with no extra charge and charge only the rate per room. Price for rooms ranged from 900-1500pesos per nite.
Narra apartments
English owned. Advertises his apartments in the Blue Book a local paper here.
Geared for long term residents you pay monthly our apartment costs $15,000 pesos per month plus cable TV and electricity free wifi, good secure location with friendly owner who fixes or changes things when you ask. Close to town and SM Mall. Has kitchen, hot showers and double bed.
Subic Bay (50kms north of Angeles on the coast)
Blue Rock Hotel
Good hotel stayed about 6 days there a bit expensive have wifi Internet, good bar and restaurant we only ate at the hotel, floating barge for drinks and relaxing, scuba diving, on the beach. Won't go back there when I go as have heard about another hotel which caters for families called Johanns. Which is cheaper.
They also wanted to charge a percentage for credit card so had to go to town and find an ATM.
Leyte
Tacloban
We went to Tacloban a lot as this is the main town in the Visayas for Immigration, foreign affairs,and BIR(bureau of Revenue tax dept) etc
Budget room hotel
Rooms good price good $850 pesos per nite, food not very good, service not very good we always had to go and get toilet paper and a towel when we first arrived, and 2 singles beds we always had to push together.
Rosevelt pension
Various quality rooms from basic to good, no Internet,Restaurant good. Always full with locals only stayed there twice. Quiet rooms.
Manhatten Inn
Didn't like rooms close to streets noisy couldn't sleep and had two single beds not double bed.and no reataurant.
I stayed at two other hotels which were good but can't remember there names we always just free lanced when we were there.
Mindanao
Davao
WhiteMansion Hotel
Well what can I say about this place it was great it is an apartment style hotel with kitchen, has pool free Internet access in room, good security and service orientated. It accepts everyone but likes long term tenants.
A little expensive it cost $10,000 pesos per week. We became very good friends with Bert and his family the owner and went out a few times to parties , went cycling with him, and sat drinking a lot into the nite , he helped when I bought a house in Davao it cost but that was okay. Not far out of town you can get a trike to main shopping centre in about 20 minutes.
Cebu
St Moritz
Good Hotel German managed good large rooms, beds comfortable, cable TV, limited Internet access , food is western and good and are service orientated. Won't stay there again they charge 12% vat on top of price quoted and charge 8% service charge on food and drinks.
Moalboal Cebu (about 2 hours by car bus down the coast a divers area)
We stayed for a few days here at an apartment style hotel it was okay it had kitchen cable TV, and the nite life and restaurants were good.
Problem with MoalBoal no ATM's I didn't do my home work enough and had to get the bus back to Cebu city to get money a 2 hour journey each way by myself I was very nervous the bus's are not like Australia, full seats small,and the drivers drive fast.
Samar
Catbalogan
I stayed at 2 hotels here one was good the other very funny the shower was in the same area as the bedroom and they didn't give us a sheet or towels. No restaurant. The other one was okay and provided good service and food. The only problem with Samar is the road from Allen to Tacloban it is an absolute disgrace and a normal drive of 100kms in Australia takes 1.2hrs this road takes 4 hrs. The only thing I think every time I go there is I can't wait to get of this god forsaken Island, because I am tired and exhausted.
During my driving from Angeles to Biliran I stayed at 2 hotels along the way which were good but I can't remember there name.
Mindoro
Puerto Galera
Sabang
This is a divers destination it is 5 hours by van from Manila, then you get a boat from Batangas to Sabang takes about an hour and half. Sabang is not a very big place. A lot of foreigners here.Take enough money limited ATM access here. Lots of things to do.
A lot of hotels here and competition is quite fierce and prices are good. The biggest hotel is one owned by a Korean group and brings Koreans to come diving here.
Tina's
This was an apartment which had kitchen the service was good and the restaurant food excellent.
It cost us 9000 pesos for the week. Only problem lack of security I had my wallet and pocket knife stolen from the room while we were asleep and our friend also had stuff stolen as well this has never happened to me before in the Philippines
Well that's about it for now hope you find this of some interest
Some basic facts
The Philippines is a Christian country , and English is widely spoken except in the provinces.
The Population is at last estimate 80 million.
The Philippines comprises of approx 7000 islands.
The main tourist destinations are Boracay, Puerto Gallera , Bohol, Angeles city, Bagiuo.
Main cities are Manila, Cebu, Davao,
Some other cities are Angeles city, Tacloban, Dumagete, Cagende oro, General Santos, Butuan,Batangas
My experiences by Region city.
Luzon
Manila,
Manila a lot of hotel prices seem to be around 1600pesos. This is the main city and has a population of around 10 million . Very crowded, main are for foreigners is Makati.
My first experiece, I stayed at a hotel cost Pesos500 per night no window, single bed and basic shower. I didn't have much money so I looked at price only. Learnt a valuable lesson don't believe what is on the Internet about bookings.
City Garden Hotel
Great hotel good service rooms are good beds comfortable, good roof top pool and food prices reasonable, Internet available in foyer and they spoke English, food was good and catered for westerners. Close to bars and nightclubs. Price I think was about $1800pesos per nite.
St Moritz
Good Clean beds comfortable small hotel, catered for westerners food good and price okay, Internet access at foyer, friendly and service orientated. Very hard to get a room as nearly always full.
.
Townhouse Hotel
Stayed 1 nite cost 800pesos didn't like very much the rooms didn't have aircon, no windows, had to pay a deposit for the towels, kitchen was slow, and took awhile to find. A lot of foreigners stay there must be the price and friendly owners that people come there.
Angeles City Pampanga (85kms north of Manila big tourist destination for a lot of foreigner a lot of girlie bars)
Clarkton Hotel
Good service they had a hotel person at airport and got a free ride to hotel and booked there first time I have been back there a few times.
They are service focused have good restaurant, good service, pool , Internet, barber shop, nite club, karoake bar.
The rooms are good with refrigerator and beds comfortable they have a range of rooms available, have a free pickup and drop off service at nite to town and back..
I don't stay there anymore and the reason for this is that the hotel does accept credit cards but will want a 8% margin and the price quoted for the room was $1600 which didn't include vat this annoyed me and I sought out my friend who came here twice a year where they stayed.
America Hotel
Stayed there a couple of times the rooms are good beds big and comfortable,had Internet access at foyer the service at breakfast very slow which annoyed me so didn't stay there any more.
Marquis Hotel
Good price rooms okay have various price and quality rooms, food okay. Have pool and free Internet access. Accept credit card with no extra charge and charge only the rate per room. Price for rooms ranged from 900-1500pesos per nite.
Narra apartments
English owned. Advertises his apartments in the Blue Book a local paper here.
Geared for long term residents you pay monthly our apartment costs $15,000 pesos per month plus cable TV and electricity free wifi, good secure location with friendly owner who fixes or changes things when you ask. Close to town and SM Mall. Has kitchen, hot showers and double bed.
Subic Bay (50kms north of Angeles on the coast)
Blue Rock Hotel
Good hotel stayed about 6 days there a bit expensive have wifi Internet, good bar and restaurant we only ate at the hotel, floating barge for drinks and relaxing, scuba diving, on the beach. Won't go back there when I go as have heard about another hotel which caters for families called Johanns. Which is cheaper.
They also wanted to charge a percentage for credit card so had to go to town and find an ATM.
Leyte
Tacloban
We went to Tacloban a lot as this is the main town in the Visayas for Immigration, foreign affairs,and BIR(bureau of Revenue tax dept) etc
Budget room hotel
Rooms good price good $850 pesos per nite, food not very good, service not very good we always had to go and get toilet paper and a towel when we first arrived, and 2 singles beds we always had to push together.
Rosevelt pension
Various quality rooms from basic to good, no Internet,Restaurant good. Always full with locals only stayed there twice. Quiet rooms.
Manhatten Inn
Didn't like rooms close to streets noisy couldn't sleep and had two single beds not double bed.and no reataurant.
I stayed at two other hotels which were good but can't remember there names we always just free lanced when we were there.
Mindanao
Davao
WhiteMansion Hotel
Well what can I say about this place it was great it is an apartment style hotel with kitchen, has pool free Internet access in room, good security and service orientated. It accepts everyone but likes long term tenants.
A little expensive it cost $10,000 pesos per week. We became very good friends with Bert and his family the owner and went out a few times to parties , went cycling with him, and sat drinking a lot into the nite , he helped when I bought a house in Davao it cost but that was okay. Not far out of town you can get a trike to main shopping centre in about 20 minutes.
Cebu
St Moritz
Good Hotel German managed good large rooms, beds comfortable, cable TV, limited Internet access , food is western and good and are service orientated. Won't stay there again they charge 12% vat on top of price quoted and charge 8% service charge on food and drinks.
Moalboal Cebu (about 2 hours by car bus down the coast a divers area)
We stayed for a few days here at an apartment style hotel it was okay it had kitchen cable TV, and the nite life and restaurants were good.
Problem with MoalBoal no ATM's I didn't do my home work enough and had to get the bus back to Cebu city to get money a 2 hour journey each way by myself I was very nervous the bus's are not like Australia, full seats small,and the drivers drive fast.
Samar
Catbalogan
I stayed at 2 hotels here one was good the other very funny the shower was in the same area as the bedroom and they didn't give us a sheet or towels. No restaurant. The other one was okay and provided good service and food. The only problem with Samar is the road from Allen to Tacloban it is an absolute disgrace and a normal drive of 100kms in Australia takes 1.2hrs this road takes 4 hrs. The only thing I think every time I go there is I can't wait to get of this god forsaken Island, because I am tired and exhausted.
During my driving from Angeles to Biliran I stayed at 2 hotels along the way which were good but I can't remember there name.
Mindoro
Puerto Galera
Sabang
This is a divers destination it is 5 hours by van from Manila, then you get a boat from Batangas to Sabang takes about an hour and half. Sabang is not a very big place. A lot of foreigners here.Take enough money limited ATM access here. Lots of things to do.
A lot of hotels here and competition is quite fierce and prices are good. The biggest hotel is one owned by a Korean group and brings Koreans to come diving here.
Tina's
This was an apartment which had kitchen the service was good and the restaurant food excellent.
It cost us 9000 pesos for the week. Only problem lack of security I had my wallet and pocket knife stolen from the room while we were asleep and our friend also had stuff stolen as well this has never happened to me before in the Philippines
Well that's about it for now hope you find this of some interest
Pattaya Thailand: The sex crime and suicide capital of Asia( 85kms south of Bangkok)
Hi how are my name is John and am writing this to you to warn others of the risks in Pattaya and what goes on there.
I will give you a brief history of a friend on mine who was British and somehow although I never new got Australian citizenship committed suicide in Pattaya in May 2007, by jumping off a 7th floor condimium he had just purchased.
Link for any one interested at looking up and seeing some answers on a forum very graphic.
http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/13577-pattaya-australian-man-dead-after-falling.html#post732543
Martin had lived in Thailand for about 10 years and bought and sold condominiums to pay his way. His hobbies, interests were cycling, buying and selling condimiums and chatting up boys from the age of 17-20 and sleeping with them. He told me when I visited him about 3 years ago he had slept with 500 boys over a 5 year period a feat in any ones estimation he was a bit of sex maniac. He didn't drink, smoke or keep bad company was intelligent and could play the drums very well, he served in the British Army as firstly in the boys army which probably saved his life as he had a very troubled up bringing. His mother was single and she once hit him with a knife which left a big scar on his head and he was conscious of this. He then served in Burma, Africa(he showed us the film Zulu were he was in uniform in the film), served in Hong Kong as a Provo Police officer, and in Ireland where he didn't like fighting the Irish and left the army and immigrated to Australia. I first meet Martin when I was 17 with my brother in Kings Cross where he worked at Franklins. We became good friends and went to clubs, he taught me to drive and I bought proof coins off him as he was a specialist in numismatics and we used to have a cup of tea occasionally and chat about various things. He worked in Security for 20 years mainly at Crown Street Womens Hospital which is now closed and was very good at his job.. He new a lot of people in Kings Cross and some undesirable one's who were Paedophile's that are now dead namely Johnny McClean,Lord Mayor of Wollongong was his nick name to name a few.
We had meet through Johnny McClean the infamous Murphy Brothers (Anita Coby Killers). These kids were victims of the paedophiles.
He slept with a boy who was 17 and this was a crime in NSW at the time and the law has now been changed the same for girls 16.
The NSW Wales government had a witch hunt on Paedophiles and the boy who now lived in Perth with his girlfriend and was a male prostitute at the time dobed him in. He panicked and tried to commit suicide by shooting himself and taking sleeping pills he failed. He went to hospital and to court was convicted and had to do 500 hrs community service he did this for Amnesty International diligently and then sold his property and went to live in Pattaya.
I think he stayed out of trouble in Pattaya as I meet one of his friends who owned a apartment complex, and when I was there he never took me to a club like the old days he dropped me off at a night club to find a woman and have a beer and enjoy the music.He was very fit for his age and was a fitness fanatic and would cycle everyday and did not own a car. His major fear was of being sick and he told me about when he had tests for HIV/AIDS and they were negative and he jumped for joy when he left the hospital. I hadn't seen him for about 3 years but believe from what I can gather he may have got AIDS as he never took pills which were found in his bag when he jumped.
Well 4 years later he falls from the condimium and dies.
I did a lot of research after I found out about this contacted the Australian and British Embassy and found out who his solicitor was and researched about Jumpers in Pattaya and Aids in Thailand.
From my research and going there I can tell you the following that Pattaya is the sex capital of Asia with a lot of associated problems like AIDS,a lot of STD, girls only get checked once every 3 months,drugs,prostitution for males and females and very dangerous for long term foreign residents as there are reports of a Jumper once a week in Pattaya. Why Jumping I don't know it is peculiar to there.
In Martins case it was not typical its was not a broken relationship because of his childhood he never entered into a relationship and never let a boy stay over night, did not take drugs,did not drink alcohol, he was well off with no financial problems, didn't gamble so what was it and the only thing I can come up with was he had got AIDS.
I don't believe he was pushed or slipped because he went to his solicitor and did his will the day before.
My research found that the testing in Thailand for aids is not accurate and is flawed based on world testing methods.
I believe he had got tested and had been told he had AIDS was on medication and got depressed and decided to end it all.
So what have we got a big sex industry for men and women alike, a lot of problems such as aids and std diseases.
And one farang foreigner jumping off a high rise building a week, and doesn't even look at crime in the region.
If we look at a year of jumpers we get 52 foreigners a year a pretty nasty figure, something is really wrong there and I don't know what it is..
I live in the Angeles Philippines and have never heard of a suicide or a lot of aids or std diseases as the girls get checked once a week and are registered to work ,the whole situation is a lower profile here when I was in Pattaya I was acousted for sex everywhere on the street, when I got a lift, when I went for a walk,and in the clubs by the bar girls.
In summary Pattaya is great if you go there for a few days and are single male, be aware of std and aids related diseases and is not suited to families and is dangerous for long term foreigners as depression and suicide are very high.
The only thing I can come up with is there mustn't be any clinics for depression or someone to ring or talk to if you have a problem. I can't also understand why there are so many suicides in so called Paradise.
You might say why bother he was a border line Paedophile and it was over a year ago and good ridens to bad rubbish.
That is not the point the issue here is what happened what were the causes and how can we save lives.
Hope this is of some value to help the foreigners living in Pattaya and those planning a trip there and that aids testing can be improved.
I will give you a brief history of a friend on mine who was British and somehow although I never new got Australian citizenship committed suicide in Pattaya in May 2007, by jumping off a 7th floor condimium he had just purchased.
Link for any one interested at looking up and seeing some answers on a forum very graphic.
http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/13577-pattaya-australian-man-dead-after-falling.html#post732543
Martin had lived in Thailand for about 10 years and bought and sold condominiums to pay his way. His hobbies, interests were cycling, buying and selling condimiums and chatting up boys from the age of 17-20 and sleeping with them. He told me when I visited him about 3 years ago he had slept with 500 boys over a 5 year period a feat in any ones estimation he was a bit of sex maniac. He didn't drink, smoke or keep bad company was intelligent and could play the drums very well, he served in the British Army as firstly in the boys army which probably saved his life as he had a very troubled up bringing. His mother was single and she once hit him with a knife which left a big scar on his head and he was conscious of this. He then served in Burma, Africa(he showed us the film Zulu were he was in uniform in the film), served in Hong Kong as a Provo Police officer, and in Ireland where he didn't like fighting the Irish and left the army and immigrated to Australia. I first meet Martin when I was 17 with my brother in Kings Cross where he worked at Franklins. We became good friends and went to clubs, he taught me to drive and I bought proof coins off him as he was a specialist in numismatics and we used to have a cup of tea occasionally and chat about various things. He worked in Security for 20 years mainly at Crown Street Womens Hospital which is now closed and was very good at his job.. He new a lot of people in Kings Cross and some undesirable one's who were Paedophile's that are now dead namely Johnny McClean,Lord Mayor of Wollongong was his nick name to name a few.
We had meet through Johnny McClean the infamous Murphy Brothers (Anita Coby Killers). These kids were victims of the paedophiles.
He slept with a boy who was 17 and this was a crime in NSW at the time and the law has now been changed the same for girls 16.
The NSW Wales government had a witch hunt on Paedophiles and the boy who now lived in Perth with his girlfriend and was a male prostitute at the time dobed him in. He panicked and tried to commit suicide by shooting himself and taking sleeping pills he failed. He went to hospital and to court was convicted and had to do 500 hrs community service he did this for Amnesty International diligently and then sold his property and went to live in Pattaya.
I think he stayed out of trouble in Pattaya as I meet one of his friends who owned a apartment complex, and when I was there he never took me to a club like the old days he dropped me off at a night club to find a woman and have a beer and enjoy the music.He was very fit for his age and was a fitness fanatic and would cycle everyday and did not own a car. His major fear was of being sick and he told me about when he had tests for HIV/AIDS and they were negative and he jumped for joy when he left the hospital. I hadn't seen him for about 3 years but believe from what I can gather he may have got AIDS as he never took pills which were found in his bag when he jumped.
Well 4 years later he falls from the condimium and dies.
I did a lot of research after I found out about this contacted the Australian and British Embassy and found out who his solicitor was and researched about Jumpers in Pattaya and Aids in Thailand.
From my research and going there I can tell you the following that Pattaya is the sex capital of Asia with a lot of associated problems like AIDS,a lot of STD, girls only get checked once every 3 months,drugs,prostitution for males and females and very dangerous for long term foreign residents as there are reports of a Jumper once a week in Pattaya. Why Jumping I don't know it is peculiar to there.
In Martins case it was not typical its was not a broken relationship because of his childhood he never entered into a relationship and never let a boy stay over night, did not take drugs,did not drink alcohol, he was well off with no financial problems, didn't gamble so what was it and the only thing I can come up with was he had got AIDS.
I don't believe he was pushed or slipped because he went to his solicitor and did his will the day before.
My research found that the testing in Thailand for aids is not accurate and is flawed based on world testing methods.
I believe he had got tested and had been told he had AIDS was on medication and got depressed and decided to end it all.
So what have we got a big sex industry for men and women alike, a lot of problems such as aids and std diseases.
And one farang foreigner jumping off a high rise building a week, and doesn't even look at crime in the region.
If we look at a year of jumpers we get 52 foreigners a year a pretty nasty figure, something is really wrong there and I don't know what it is..
I live in the Angeles Philippines and have never heard of a suicide or a lot of aids or std diseases as the girls get checked once a week and are registered to work ,the whole situation is a lower profile here when I was in Pattaya I was acousted for sex everywhere on the street, when I got a lift, when I went for a walk,and in the clubs by the bar girls.
In summary Pattaya is great if you go there for a few days and are single male, be aware of std and aids related diseases and is not suited to families and is dangerous for long term foreigners as depression and suicide are very high.
The only thing I can come up with is there mustn't be any clinics for depression or someone to ring or talk to if you have a problem. I can't also understand why there are so many suicides in so called Paradise.
You might say why bother he was a border line Paedophile and it was over a year ago and good ridens to bad rubbish.
That is not the point the issue here is what happened what were the causes and how can we save lives.
Hope this is of some value to help the foreigners living in Pattaya and those planning a trip there and that aids testing can be improved.
Travel in the Philippines and Thailand, Terrorism, and warnings by smart traveller and iAustralian Embassy Philippines
How are you today my name is John and am a New Zealand citizen and have been a resident in Australia for 45 years over the last few years I have been residing in the Philippines.
I would like to say a few words about the Philippines. and Thailand
These involve the website smarttraveller,Australian Embassy in Manila Philippines and about terrorism and safety in the Philippines, and a warning and advise on travel to Pattaya Thailand.
Smarttraveller information .
I have read this for Thailand and and Philippines and have noticed a few things I would like to point out.
Philippines
I have been living and travelled around the Philippines by myself and with Philippino's extensively.
I have travelled by road own car,van , bus, air, ferry, trike, jeepney ,tricylce, motorbike and bicycle.
I have been in the regions of Mindinao, Leyte, Biliran,Samar, Luzon and the following cities and towns Manila,Cebu,Davao,Batangas,Angeles City,Puerto Galera,Moaboal,Ormoc,Butuan Cagendero,Suragia, Catbalogan,Tacloban, Naval,Biliran. I have driven by myself from Davao in Mindanao to Angeles in Luzon.a feat in any ones estimation. I have travelled on the Superferry from Mnaila to Davao twice. Travelled extensively by air around the country.
Terrorism
The high level of terrorism alert for Philippines is not correct and should be downgraded to a ciivil war that has been going that is of Muslim origins and primarily based in the Southern part of Mindano namely Zamboanga province. I can't talk about General Santos as I haven't been there but my friend Clem has family and a house there he can tell you what goes on there.
The only problems I have had in the Philippines are having my wallet stolen from my apartment in Puerto Galera,being tricked by a con man in Angeles city in a card game.
Some of your reports and warnings are not accurate and the incidence of them is not that many. Do you but a warning to travellers going to Australia about road safety with the high level of deaths on the road. No.
Davao Mindanao, there is a low level of terrorism, crime and drugs because they have a huge police presence and is very safe. There is a swat/response unit that is like the secret police consisting of all the different members of the various ethnic groups and know everything. I know because I have meet them and drank with them and been out on the town and become quite friendly with them. The Mayor of Davao has a hit squad that eliminates drug traffickers and people doing the wrong thing.
The rest of the towns I visited the Police and Army presence was low except for check points which they never stopped you. There is a problem with Police in Manila they are called Crocodiles they pull you over for commiting a driving error and extort money from you. I was in a taxi twice in Mnaila on differnet occassions where we were pulled over and fined the driver for going through a red arrow light, the evidence they said was that the crossing sign was blinking red and I argued with them about this they were incorrect to use this as the basis for fining the driver, they still issued the fine and took my name down.
The Jeepney,,Bus, trikes,vans, ferry air,and driving around by yourself is safe generally.
Travel by sea is generally safe and Superferry is the safest and best provider.(check out there website)
Travel by air is safe and the best is Cebu Pacific and have a website for bookings and issuing tickets and have brand new aircraft.
Travel by road is safe but need to be careful because the Philippino bus's and vans drive very fast and are erratic and you drive on the other side of the road. On the island of Samar the road is very dangerous from Allen to Tacloban is a national disgrace and a normal 100ks trip can take 4 hrs with not many service stations. Driving in Manila is very difficult and it is easy to get lost you need a driver.
Sex industry in the Philippines
Is primarily based in Angeles city exists in other places but not as big and is safe well controlled and has a low level of disease as the girls in the bars get checked once a week, it is primarily heterosexual based with hardly any homosexual acitvity. There is no soliciting on the streets only in clubs where you meet the girls. They are registered and go to a health clinic once a week and the mama San controls and looks after them. There is a low Police Presence here only the tourist police. There is some minor crimes here such as con men and some shootings but these seem to be caused by ruthless bad mannered foreigners who own business's and foreigners who do stupid things and upset the locals.
Australian Embassy Philippines
I have the miss fortune of having to deal with this office over 3 situations. Twice for a tourist visas and an ongoing one for a permanent spouse visa.which has been going on now for 9 months.
The embassy is unfriendly, hard to contact, uses the internet for everything, poor customer service, difficult to get to see face to face unless you scream and shout,not full declaration of what is required when you apply for a visa, and lack of trust of the Philippinos in general.
Other than the slow apathetic service and huge amount of different forms, paperwork and lack of trust there are 2 things I can't understand the need for a criminal check in New Zealand and a medical examination for me.
I am a New Zealand citizen and left NZ when I was 7 years old and have been working and residing and have been of good character for 45 years and served on sporting boards voluntarilly for a period of 5 years in one case.,
The other one is why do I a New Zealand citizen have to get a medical examination when I can come and go as I wish and am treated the same as an Australian citizen.
I am beyond caring about whether my wife and I go to Australia and know this is not the type of service and help that Australian Government employees should be giving. I have spoken to the embassy in Hong Kong and they were easy to contact and provided good guidance.
On a another note I can't understand why you are giving aid to the Muslims in Zamboanga, when this is putting your staff in a terrorist zone, and without using some of the money for the other needy people Catholics in the Philppines, and not using it for leverage for peace.
Why do you support terrorists(Muslims extremists) and there families. When you and your government are supposed to be fighting the war on terrorism. The government or previous government is a total contradiction on what you say.
Pattaya Thailand(85kms south of Bangkok)
A friend of mine who was Australian citizen committed suicide in Pattaya.
This is a pretty graphic website be warned.
http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/13577-pattaya-australian-man-dead-after-falling.html#post732543
I have done a lot of research on the net on this place, been there and researched suicides,aids in Thailand and researched your website smartraveller.
This place is the sex, crime and suicide capital of Asia.
There are some very serious problems there. Sex is uncontrolled you get solicited on the street, when riding a motorbike and in bars and while going for a walk. Most of them are unlicenced workers and the licensed ones only go for a checkup once every 3 months. There is high level of suicide by long term foreigners, one a week,52 a year. There is also a lot of paedophila going on there my friend told me he slept with 500 boys over a 5 year period I can only assume they were over 16. Your chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease is high and foreigners should take precautions. Aids is a problem and there are conflicting reports on this matter but the testing in Thailand by international standards is inferior and you can get a wrong reading.
Your warnings on smartraveller regarding Pattaya is nil, your mention of sex industry is nil, your mention of sexually transmitted diseases is limited to be aware of HIV/ Aids
There are 6 million people travelling to Thailand and high percentage are males from all over the world.
I don't know how many Australian's go there. Every male not married is going for sex whether male or female and they need to warned wear protection, only sleep with girls from licensed bars and the Thai govt should be pressured to get the girls,male workers to get weekly medical check for girlsboys ,men in bars that are registered, the police should be vigilant against solicitation on the street by prostitutes do reduce sexually transmitted diseases,.and paedophila should be looked at in Pattaya. Etc
There is a high rate of suicide in Pattaya amongst the long time foriegner.
One suicide a week this equals 52 a year not as bad as the road toll in Australia but it, needs to be looked at they mainly are jumpers the preferred method in Pattaya very strange. There needs to be a warning as a start on smart traveller on suicide and depression for long term residents in Pattaya and where to seek help, and try and find what is causing the high level of suicides in Pattaya and get some form of prevention.
That is a few of the problems in Pattaya and I haven't even looked at the crime issues there.
I would like to say a few words about the Philippines. and Thailand
These involve the website smarttraveller,Australian Embassy in Manila Philippines and about terrorism and safety in the Philippines, and a warning and advise on travel to Pattaya Thailand.
Smarttraveller information .
I have read this for Thailand and and Philippines and have noticed a few things I would like to point out.
Philippines
I have been living and travelled around the Philippines by myself and with Philippino's extensively.
I have travelled by road own car,van , bus, air, ferry, trike, jeepney ,tricylce, motorbike and bicycle.
I have been in the regions of Mindinao, Leyte, Biliran,Samar, Luzon and the following cities and towns Manila,Cebu,Davao,Batangas,Angeles City,Puerto Galera,Moaboal,Ormoc,Butuan Cagendero,Suragia, Catbalogan,Tacloban, Naval,Biliran. I have driven by myself from Davao in Mindanao to Angeles in Luzon.a feat in any ones estimation. I have travelled on the Superferry from Mnaila to Davao twice. Travelled extensively by air around the country.
Terrorism
The high level of terrorism alert for Philippines is not correct and should be downgraded to a ciivil war that has been going that is of Muslim origins and primarily based in the Southern part of Mindano namely Zamboanga province. I can't talk about General Santos as I haven't been there but my friend Clem has family and a house there he can tell you what goes on there.
The only problems I have had in the Philippines are having my wallet stolen from my apartment in Puerto Galera,being tricked by a con man in Angeles city in a card game.
Some of your reports and warnings are not accurate and the incidence of them is not that many. Do you but a warning to travellers going to Australia about road safety with the high level of deaths on the road. No.
Davao Mindanao, there is a low level of terrorism, crime and drugs because they have a huge police presence and is very safe. There is a swat/response unit that is like the secret police consisting of all the different members of the various ethnic groups and know everything. I know because I have meet them and drank with them and been out on the town and become quite friendly with them. The Mayor of Davao has a hit squad that eliminates drug traffickers and people doing the wrong thing.
The rest of the towns I visited the Police and Army presence was low except for check points which they never stopped you. There is a problem with Police in Manila they are called Crocodiles they pull you over for commiting a driving error and extort money from you. I was in a taxi twice in Mnaila on differnet occassions where we were pulled over and fined the driver for going through a red arrow light, the evidence they said was that the crossing sign was blinking red and I argued with them about this they were incorrect to use this as the basis for fining the driver, they still issued the fine and took my name down.
The Jeepney,,Bus, trikes,vans, ferry air,and driving around by yourself is safe generally.
Travel by sea is generally safe and Superferry is the safest and best provider.(check out there website)
Travel by air is safe and the best is Cebu Pacific and have a website for bookings and issuing tickets and have brand new aircraft.
Travel by road is safe but need to be careful because the Philippino bus's and vans drive very fast and are erratic and you drive on the other side of the road. On the island of Samar the road is very dangerous from Allen to Tacloban is a national disgrace and a normal 100ks trip can take 4 hrs with not many service stations. Driving in Manila is very difficult and it is easy to get lost you need a driver.
Sex industry in the Philippines
Is primarily based in Angeles city exists in other places but not as big and is safe well controlled and has a low level of disease as the girls in the bars get checked once a week, it is primarily heterosexual based with hardly any homosexual acitvity. There is no soliciting on the streets only in clubs where you meet the girls. They are registered and go to a health clinic once a week and the mama San controls and looks after them. There is a low Police Presence here only the tourist police. There is some minor crimes here such as con men and some shootings but these seem to be caused by ruthless bad mannered foreigners who own business's and foreigners who do stupid things and upset the locals.
Australian Embassy Philippines
I have the miss fortune of having to deal with this office over 3 situations. Twice for a tourist visas and an ongoing one for a permanent spouse visa.which has been going on now for 9 months.
The embassy is unfriendly, hard to contact, uses the internet for everything, poor customer service, difficult to get to see face to face unless you scream and shout,not full declaration of what is required when you apply for a visa, and lack of trust of the Philippinos in general.
Other than the slow apathetic service and huge amount of different forms, paperwork and lack of trust there are 2 things I can't understand the need for a criminal check in New Zealand and a medical examination for me.
I am a New Zealand citizen and left NZ when I was 7 years old and have been working and residing and have been of good character for 45 years and served on sporting boards voluntarilly for a period of 5 years in one case.,
The other one is why do I a New Zealand citizen have to get a medical examination when I can come and go as I wish and am treated the same as an Australian citizen.
I am beyond caring about whether my wife and I go to Australia and know this is not the type of service and help that Australian Government employees should be giving. I have spoken to the embassy in Hong Kong and they were easy to contact and provided good guidance.
On a another note I can't understand why you are giving aid to the Muslims in Zamboanga, when this is putting your staff in a terrorist zone, and without using some of the money for the other needy people Catholics in the Philppines, and not using it for leverage for peace.
Why do you support terrorists(Muslims extremists) and there families. When you and your government are supposed to be fighting the war on terrorism. The government or previous government is a total contradiction on what you say.
Pattaya Thailand(85kms south of Bangkok)
A friend of mine who was Australian citizen committed suicide in Pattaya.
This is a pretty graphic website be warned.
http://teakdoor.com/thailand-and-asia-news/13577-pattaya-australian-man-dead-after-falling.html#post732543
I have done a lot of research on the net on this place, been there and researched suicides,aids in Thailand and researched your website smartraveller.
This place is the sex, crime and suicide capital of Asia.
There are some very serious problems there. Sex is uncontrolled you get solicited on the street, when riding a motorbike and in bars and while going for a walk. Most of them are unlicenced workers and the licensed ones only go for a checkup once every 3 months. There is high level of suicide by long term foreigners, one a week,52 a year. There is also a lot of paedophila going on there my friend told me he slept with 500 boys over a 5 year period I can only assume they were over 16. Your chance of getting a sexually transmitted disease is high and foreigners should take precautions. Aids is a problem and there are conflicting reports on this matter but the testing in Thailand by international standards is inferior and you can get a wrong reading.
Your warnings on smartraveller regarding Pattaya is nil, your mention of sex industry is nil, your mention of sexually transmitted diseases is limited to be aware of HIV/ Aids
There are 6 million people travelling to Thailand and high percentage are males from all over the world.
I don't know how many Australian's go there. Every male not married is going for sex whether male or female and they need to warned wear protection, only sleep with girls from licensed bars and the Thai govt should be pressured to get the girls,male workers to get weekly medical check for girlsboys ,men in bars that are registered, the police should be vigilant against solicitation on the street by prostitutes do reduce sexually transmitted diseases,.and paedophila should be looked at in Pattaya. Etc
There is a high rate of suicide in Pattaya amongst the long time foriegner.
One suicide a week this equals 52 a year not as bad as the road toll in Australia but it, needs to be looked at they mainly are jumpers the preferred method in Pattaya very strange. There needs to be a warning as a start on smart traveller on suicide and depression for long term residents in Pattaya and where to seek help, and try and find what is causing the high level of suicides in Pattaya and get some form of prevention.
That is a few of the problems in Pattaya and I haven't even looked at the crime issues there.
Philippines the sub topics are Aid,Corruption,Business in the Philippines, Corrupt leaders in prominent positions., and a historical perspective on th
My subject for discussion is the Philippines the sub topics are Aid,Corruption,Business in the Philippines, Corrupt leaders in prominent positions., and a historical perspective on the Philippines, OFW's(Overseas foreign workers) and Schools and hospitals, and sport .
1) Philippines and Corruption
Historically the Philippines was of Spanish origins with the Catholic Church taking over the religious beliefs of the country. If we look at most of the countries were the Spanish and the Catholic Church have been we see corruption, civil wars and poverty e.g. Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, etc.. If we look at the countries where the British were we see robust economies, a low level of corrutpion, good infrastructure and good socialist sturcture. So you tell me what is the problem historicallly and how to rectify it.
1) How to reduce corruption
a) Promote whistleblowing as in the case of Jun Luzada and the ZTE deal.
b) have a board of selectors to hire staff instead of one person who hires friends and family relatives in goernment jobs.
c) The Philippines is ranked 117 out of 159 on the Corruption scale worldwide which will severally reduce the aid to the Philippines in the future unless real steps are taken to get it under control and make reforms. Need to create a level of trust so countries will provide aid again and lower the ranking.
d) If aid is given it should be given under tight constraints such as controlled by the Embassy concerned, an embassy official controls the purse strings and controls and checks what is going on, the contracts for goods and services go to the country suppling the aid which will hire local staff where required.
e) Promote ethical behaviour through church using local leaders the church has to take some responsibility. I have seen a church goer commit fraud.
f) Promote ethical behaviour by bringing overseas specialist into various departments such as Hospitals,Police,Local Government, and Provincial and Main government. For guidance and to be able identify inherint problems.
g)brain drain a highly skilled work force leaving each year estimated at 1,000,000 million to use them before they leave to prevent corruption and identify it.
h) If the people find out about corruption it should then be investigated using overseas investigators and prosecuted where possible.
i) Promote on television, radio and newspapers investigative journalism to show the problems and find ways to fix them.
j) a lot of solicitors are corrupt caused by sellers who want to reduce the capital gains tax they pay. They get nothing for doing this so why do it.Wipe out capital gains tax on properties and all the associated paperwork and give solicitors the job of transferring the property from seller to buyer. Look at the Australian system and duplicate it here in the Philippines.
k) A government that doesn't seem to understand its priorties. For example the building of roads double or triple roads on the island of Luzon and is neglested every where else an example of this is on the island of Samar the road from Allen to Tacloban is an absolute disgrace and needs urgent attention. I have driven a lot in Australia, New Zealand, Austria Italy Czech republic,Thailand and never seen or felt so exhausted in my whole life if you want to test yourself then go there a typical 100kms in Australia takes 1.2Hrs this road takes 4hrs there is no maintenance and the only thing I can ever think when I go to Samar is I can't wait to get off this god forsaken island.
2) Sport, this country has little or no sport development programs. If we take a look at the Olympics zero medals what are the governments plans to overcome this appalling situation they need help from overseas such as Australia to set up clubs, provide facilities promote sport in school and get it televised and promoted on television. We only get sometimes some college sport here.
3)Business in the Philippines.
Why aern't business's corrupt and going out of business here because they don't promote nepitism,and keep controls on what is going on and promote and hire the right person for the job.
Some of the companies that are prospering in the Philippines are SM Malls has one of the largest malls in Asia Pacific as is currently expanding into China and owns Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific has got brand new aircraft A319/A320 and is expanding into international ports. San Miguel Breweries largest beer company in the Philippines and owns James Boag Brewery in Tasmania. Mcdonalds, HSBC Bank, China Bank, Citibank, Jollibee a company similar to McDonalds has branche in a few overseas locations.
Staff are loyal and don't get paid very much and work hard on average they work 6 days a week not sure if they get holiday pay as government workers do.
Promoting telethons in the Philippines to get aid for the poor, the hospitals as in Australia, getting industry to give aid and overseas to match the aid given by industry in the Philippines.
4)Police schools and hospitals.
All 3 urgently need computers and Photocopiers they are still using typewriters can't remember the last time I used one of these. In Biliran hospital I had the unfortunately had to stay there twice when my wife was pregnant, the hospital is to small we had to wait in the reception for 2 days each time before and after my wife gave birth. We had to get medicines from the local pharmacy, and get our doctor to do the deilvery who we paid direct. I wouldn't want to tell you what it is like if you get mentally ill in this country what happens.
The Police are lazy and lack direction they sit all day on guard posts and don't stop traffic what a waste of resources and there is some corruption in Manila by Police on patrol they call them crocidiles.
Hospitals lack urgent equipment and to kept some of the trained people going overseas.
Schools, don't do sport, lack photocopiers and computers have no social worker or guidance councillor, students can not speak English at all even though learnt at school. No school buses so parents that can;t afford the transport the student stays at home.
5)Terrorism
Terrorism is not a problem in the Philippines except for the Civil War that has been going on in Zamboanga for the last 30 years. The Philippines should be downgrade from a terrorist country to a country with a Civil War in a remote place.
6) Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Manila is very unfriendly and hard to contact and not customer service orientated and it is very hard to get to see a customer service representative to get your visa processed without documenscreaming and shouting and the over use of the Internet for the getting of its, and staff who can't read basic documents when it says third party they send to me instead recognising it is they who are the third party, staff who are Phillipino's who are jealous I believe and I can't understand why you would have them processing our paperwork. Not full declalration of thewhat is required when you apply for a visa this goes for Tourist and SPouse sponsored visas. Lack of trust by the Embassy to Applicants and having to prove your are marries and get photos and write a story of where and when you meet. I am a New Zealand citizen living in Australia for the lst 45 years and I had to get a medical examination,get a criminal record check from NZ even though I left there when I was 7 years old and have a good character and worked for over 40 years in Australia,
Why am I wrting this and sending it to you to highlight a few of the problems here and also the good side, most of the Philipinos are friendly people and the woman in general make good wives and the standard of living if you are live here is reasonably well off, you would have a servant or maid or driver at very little cost, and live in a housing estate and shop in an excellent shopping centre better than in Australia.
The Philipines needs urgently to get help in many areas or it will slip into a very underdeveloped country, I would be glad to hear from you, if you think I am crazy then okay but someone needs to look at the problems and provide help not just see the problems and put your head in the sand.
There are many Philipinos overseas providing some help in supporting families back home but it is only money. You need to provide help for your people by telling people about the Philipines and getting help and voicing your concerns politically.
The Philipines is great place to invest and is cheap to stay and get around.
That's all for today I AM A bit tired from writing this so have a good day
1) Philippines and Corruption
Historically the Philippines was of Spanish origins with the Catholic Church taking over the religious beliefs of the country. If we look at most of the countries were the Spanish and the Catholic Church have been we see corruption, civil wars and poverty e.g. Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, etc.. If we look at the countries where the British were we see robust economies, a low level of corrutpion, good infrastructure and good socialist sturcture. So you tell me what is the problem historicallly and how to rectify it.
1) How to reduce corruption
a) Promote whistleblowing as in the case of Jun Luzada and the ZTE deal.
b) have a board of selectors to hire staff instead of one person who hires friends and family relatives in goernment jobs.
c) The Philippines is ranked 117 out of 159 on the Corruption scale worldwide which will severally reduce the aid to the Philippines in the future unless real steps are taken to get it under control and make reforms. Need to create a level of trust so countries will provide aid again and lower the ranking.
d) If aid is given it should be given under tight constraints such as controlled by the Embassy concerned, an embassy official controls the purse strings and controls and checks what is going on, the contracts for goods and services go to the country suppling the aid which will hire local staff where required.
e) Promote ethical behaviour through church using local leaders the church has to take some responsibility. I have seen a church goer commit fraud.
f) Promote ethical behaviour by bringing overseas specialist into various departments such as Hospitals,Police,Local Government, and Provincial and Main government. For guidance and to be able identify inherint problems.
g)brain drain a highly skilled work force leaving each year estimated at 1,000,000 million to use them before they leave to prevent corruption and identify it.
h) If the people find out about corruption it should then be investigated using overseas investigators and prosecuted where possible.
i) Promote on television, radio and newspapers investigative journalism to show the problems and find ways to fix them.
j) a lot of solicitors are corrupt caused by sellers who want to reduce the capital gains tax they pay. They get nothing for doing this so why do it.Wipe out capital gains tax on properties and all the associated paperwork and give solicitors the job of transferring the property from seller to buyer. Look at the Australian system and duplicate it here in the Philippines.
k) A government that doesn't seem to understand its priorties. For example the building of roads double or triple roads on the island of Luzon and is neglested every where else an example of this is on the island of Samar the road from Allen to Tacloban is an absolute disgrace and needs urgent attention. I have driven a lot in Australia, New Zealand, Austria Italy Czech republic,Thailand and never seen or felt so exhausted in my whole life if you want to test yourself then go there a typical 100kms in Australia takes 1.2Hrs this road takes 4hrs there is no maintenance and the only thing I can ever think when I go to Samar is I can't wait to get off this god forsaken island.
2) Sport, this country has little or no sport development programs. If we take a look at the Olympics zero medals what are the governments plans to overcome this appalling situation they need help from overseas such as Australia to set up clubs, provide facilities promote sport in school and get it televised and promoted on television. We only get sometimes some college sport here.
3)Business in the Philippines.
Why aern't business's corrupt and going out of business here because they don't promote nepitism,and keep controls on what is going on and promote and hire the right person for the job.
Some of the companies that are prospering in the Philippines are SM Malls has one of the largest malls in Asia Pacific as is currently expanding into China and owns Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific has got brand new aircraft A319/A320 and is expanding into international ports. San Miguel Breweries largest beer company in the Philippines and owns James Boag Brewery in Tasmania. Mcdonalds, HSBC Bank, China Bank, Citibank, Jollibee a company similar to McDonalds has branche in a few overseas locations.
Staff are loyal and don't get paid very much and work hard on average they work 6 days a week not sure if they get holiday pay as government workers do.
Promoting telethons in the Philippines to get aid for the poor, the hospitals as in Australia, getting industry to give aid and overseas to match the aid given by industry in the Philippines.
4)Police schools and hospitals.
All 3 urgently need computers and Photocopiers they are still using typewriters can't remember the last time I used one of these. In Biliran hospital I had the unfortunately had to stay there twice when my wife was pregnant, the hospital is to small we had to wait in the reception for 2 days each time before and after my wife gave birth. We had to get medicines from the local pharmacy, and get our doctor to do the deilvery who we paid direct. I wouldn't want to tell you what it is like if you get mentally ill in this country what happens.
The Police are lazy and lack direction they sit all day on guard posts and don't stop traffic what a waste of resources and there is some corruption in Manila by Police on patrol they call them crocidiles.
Hospitals lack urgent equipment and to kept some of the trained people going overseas.
Schools, don't do sport, lack photocopiers and computers have no social worker or guidance councillor, students can not speak English at all even though learnt at school. No school buses so parents that can;t afford the transport the student stays at home.
5)Terrorism
Terrorism is not a problem in the Philippines except for the Civil War that has been going on in Zamboanga for the last 30 years. The Philippines should be downgrade from a terrorist country to a country with a Civil War in a remote place.
6) Australian Embassy
The Australian Embassy in Manila is very unfriendly and hard to contact and not customer service orientated and it is very hard to get to see a customer service representative to get your visa processed without documenscreaming and shouting and the over use of the Internet for the getting of its, and staff who can't read basic documents when it says third party they send to me instead recognising it is they who are the third party, staff who are Phillipino's who are jealous I believe and I can't understand why you would have them processing our paperwork. Not full declalration of thewhat is required when you apply for a visa this goes for Tourist and SPouse sponsored visas. Lack of trust by the Embassy to Applicants and having to prove your are marries and get photos and write a story of where and when you meet. I am a New Zealand citizen living in Australia for the lst 45 years and I had to get a medical examination,get a criminal record check from NZ even though I left there when I was 7 years old and have a good character and worked for over 40 years in Australia,
Why am I wrting this and sending it to you to highlight a few of the problems here and also the good side, most of the Philipinos are friendly people and the woman in general make good wives and the standard of living if you are live here is reasonably well off, you would have a servant or maid or driver at very little cost, and live in a housing estate and shop in an excellent shopping centre better than in Australia.
The Philipines needs urgently to get help in many areas or it will slip into a very underdeveloped country, I would be glad to hear from you, if you think I am crazy then okay but someone needs to look at the problems and provide help not just see the problems and put your head in the sand.
There are many Philipinos overseas providing some help in supporting families back home but it is only money. You need to provide help for your people by telling people about the Philipines and getting help and voicing your concerns politically.
The Philipines is great place to invest and is cheap to stay and get around.
That's all for today I AM A bit tired from writing this so have a good day
Backpacking in Asia
My Topic for discussion is low cost travel from Australia to Asia and backpacking and staying at cheap hotels around Asia.
First there are 3 low cost carriers flying out of Australia to Asia,Viva Macau(Sydney,Macau),Air Asia(Gold Coast,Melbourne,Perth to Kuala LUmpur) and Tiger Airways(Perth to Singapore).
They all have good webites and you pay by credit card and print off your e ticket.
A typical journey to Asia based on my experience.
1) Book flight Viva Macau offpeak cost as low as $179 plus taxes one way to Macau.
2) Book a backpackers or hotel in Macau, Macau is a clean and safe place to visit and is the gambling capitol of Asia with revenues higher than Las Vegas. There is only one Backpackers listed and is full on weekends so check this first before you book your flight, if you book a hotel try and check it is in the centre of the city and try and find out any comments on it. Stay a few days Macau. You don't need a visa.
3) Catch a ferry to Hong Kong stay a hotel or backpackers check out the sites and nite markets. Hong Kong is a safe place to visit you don't need a visa.
4)Then I would book using Cebu Pacific and fly to Clark(Angeles City) from Hong Kong you can book and pay by Internet and they are E ticket. You have to decide before you go to Philippines if you will be here for 21 days or more if more you will need to get a 59 day visa from the Philippines Embassy in Sydney.Once in Philippines Clark airport goto the Clarkton hotel desk on way out and get the free van to there hotel if not you have to pay 350pesos for a taxi, stay one nite at Clarkton cost about 1600pesos they have pool,restaurant,club with music and girls, and karoake bar and Internet and have western food.You can book the Clarkton over the Internet.
Second day if Clarkton to expensive you can change to the Marquis hotel up the road they have rooms ranging from 900-1400 pesos same facilities as Clarkton except karaoke bar and girlie bar.
Visit the nite life by getting a free van or trike to town both hotel will also pick you up.
From Angles you can go to Subic (diving and beach resort) or check out the scenic attractions around Angeles.
5) After you have been in Angeles for a few days you will get a feel for the country.and may want to travel around a bit 3 options her is where to I want to go you can fly from here using Air Asia to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabulu, or get Cebu Pacific to Cebu or Davao or TigerAirways to Singapore, get a bus or taxi to Manila.
6)If you decide to go to Manila it is a big place and the best bus service is Swagman Fly the Bus from Angeles to Manila Swagman, you could stay a few nites at the Swagman Manila or goto St Illians Inn, St Illians Inn better as close to Makati and shooping mall and restaurants and is not to expensive for Manila. Expect to pay around 1600pesos. If you want to go up market and want a pool then City Garden Hotel is very good.
Manila is a big place population 10 million with a lot of traffic congestion, but from ST Illian"s or City Garden it is not a problem.
7) AFfer a few days in Manila you wondering where to I go next well a couple of options are.
A) Goto Puerto Galera stay at Sabang beach need to get a van to Batangas and get a bunger(ferry) to Sabang plenty of apartments , hotels in Sabang you don't have to book as plenty of hotels and price is about 1000 peso's , they have diving and you can hire a boa to visit all the other towns.
Just have to be aware of 2 things security and no Atms's on Island so take enough cash.
Get a bus/van back to Manila.
B) get a bus from Manila to Davao it will take a while but you will experience a lot of interesitng things.
C) Fly to Cebu or Davao.
If you goto Davao book with Cebu Pacific not hard to get accomodation check accomodation on Internet, cabs from Davao to town are not very expensive best place I would stay would be White Mansion they are a bit expensive $1600 pesos per nite/nite or 10,000 peos per week have pool, kitchen , Internet,motorbike hire and bicycle hire, the owners are very friedly and advise about any attractions and where to go. Davao has good restaurants a lot of things to see, have white water rafting, zoo. Etc
D)From Davao to Kuala Lumpur or goto Macau using Cebu Pacific
Stay a few nites in Kuala Lumpur check out packpackers or cheap hotels on Internet.
E)Book a flight using Air Asia on the Internet flight from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne or Gold Coast or get a flight to Macau using Viva Macau back to Sydney.
First there are 3 low cost carriers flying out of Australia to Asia,Viva Macau(Sydney,Macau),Air Asia(Gold Coast,Melbourne,Perth to Kuala LUmpur) and Tiger Airways(Perth to Singapore).
They all have good webites and you pay by credit card and print off your e ticket.
A typical journey to Asia based on my experience.
1) Book flight Viva Macau offpeak cost as low as $179 plus taxes one way to Macau.
2) Book a backpackers or hotel in Macau, Macau is a clean and safe place to visit and is the gambling capitol of Asia with revenues higher than Las Vegas. There is only one Backpackers listed and is full on weekends so check this first before you book your flight, if you book a hotel try and check it is in the centre of the city and try and find out any comments on it. Stay a few days Macau. You don't need a visa.
3) Catch a ferry to Hong Kong stay a hotel or backpackers check out the sites and nite markets. Hong Kong is a safe place to visit you don't need a visa.
4)Then I would book using Cebu Pacific and fly to Clark(Angeles City) from Hong Kong you can book and pay by Internet and they are E ticket. You have to decide before you go to Philippines if you will be here for 21 days or more if more you will need to get a 59 day visa from the Philippines Embassy in Sydney.Once in Philippines Clark airport goto the Clarkton hotel desk on way out and get the free van to there hotel if not you have to pay 350pesos for a taxi, stay one nite at Clarkton cost about 1600pesos they have pool,restaurant,club with music and girls, and karoake bar and Internet and have western food.You can book the Clarkton over the Internet.
Second day if Clarkton to expensive you can change to the Marquis hotel up the road they have rooms ranging from 900-1400 pesos same facilities as Clarkton except karaoke bar and girlie bar.
Visit the nite life by getting a free van or trike to town both hotel will also pick you up.
From Angles you can go to Subic (diving and beach resort) or check out the scenic attractions around Angeles.
5) After you have been in Angeles for a few days you will get a feel for the country.and may want to travel around a bit 3 options her is where to I want to go you can fly from here using Air Asia to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabulu, or get Cebu Pacific to Cebu or Davao or TigerAirways to Singapore, get a bus or taxi to Manila.
6)If you decide to go to Manila it is a big place and the best bus service is Swagman Fly the Bus from Angeles to Manila Swagman, you could stay a few nites at the Swagman Manila or goto St Illians Inn, St Illians Inn better as close to Makati and shooping mall and restaurants and is not to expensive for Manila. Expect to pay around 1600pesos. If you want to go up market and want a pool then City Garden Hotel is very good.
Manila is a big place population 10 million with a lot of traffic congestion, but from ST Illian"s or City Garden it is not a problem.
7) AFfer a few days in Manila you wondering where to I go next well a couple of options are.
A) Goto Puerto Galera stay at Sabang beach need to get a van to Batangas and get a bunger(ferry) to Sabang plenty of apartments , hotels in Sabang you don't have to book as plenty of hotels and price is about 1000 peso's , they have diving and you can hire a boa to visit all the other towns.
Just have to be aware of 2 things security and no Atms's on Island so take enough cash.
Get a bus/van back to Manila.
B) get a bus from Manila to Davao it will take a while but you will experience a lot of interesitng things.
C) Fly to Cebu or Davao.
If you goto Davao book with Cebu Pacific not hard to get accomodation check accomodation on Internet, cabs from Davao to town are not very expensive best place I would stay would be White Mansion they are a bit expensive $1600 pesos per nite/nite or 10,000 peos per week have pool, kitchen , Internet,motorbike hire and bicycle hire, the owners are very friedly and advise about any attractions and where to go. Davao has good restaurants a lot of things to see, have white water rafting, zoo. Etc
D)From Davao to Kuala Lumpur or goto Macau using Cebu Pacific
Stay a few nites in Kuala Lumpur check out packpackers or cheap hotels on Internet.
E)Book a flight using Air Asia on the Internet flight from Kuala Lumpur to Melbourne or Gold Coast or get a flight to Macau using Viva Macau back to Sydney.
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