Choosing islands
Planning a trip to the Philippines for 17 nights in April. Flying into Manila first and staying there for one night. Original plan was to fly to El Nido for 4 nights, head to Boracay for 5 nights then head to Moalboal for 5 nights then back to Manila. It appears we will need to fly to each island but some airline reviews don’t sound very good so we may need to cut one island out? Can someone help or recommend where we should go
Thanks
Which airline reviews are you referring to as "not good"?
Cebu pacific and Airswift. Philippine airlines maybe best?
I have travelled on all three airlines and would be happy to use them again. Air Swift has a monopoly and allows for quicker connections.
Delays and cancellations are normal due to inclement weather and air traffic congestion.
Great thank you. Do you have any recommendations on islands in the Philippines?
Your plan sounds good. Don't worry about the airlines, they are fine. People often give negative reviews because of cancellations and delays, which can be common here due to weather related issues. Just be aware of this and be sure to be back in your departure city the day before international departure.
The reviews also seem negative based because those who are unhappy will be more inclined to review whilst those happy don't tend to review as much.
Great thank you. Do you have any recommendations on islands in the Philippines?
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So many (in fact over 7,0000 islands) but you have only 17 days and your plan looks ok.
Be in Manila the night before your international flight to limit missing your flight because of these delays.
Edited: 5:56 pm, January 12, 2025>>> Cebu pacific and Airswift. Philippine airlines maybe best? <<<
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Other than AirAsia they are pretty much the only domestic airlines.
I would take the reviews with sack of salt as the vast majority who fly across the archipelago do so without issue and without resort to bothering the internet. Those that do complain don't realise that most of the issues with flights in the Philippines sit outside the gift of the airlines and 95% of the issues are to do with weather and airspace congestion. That's just the way it is I'm afraid and given your limited time in the Phils, flying is the only real option.
Just be aware that Cebu Pacific and AirAsia are point to point LCCs just like Ryanair and Easy Jet so understand their T&Cs and restrictions. Also, be aware a lot of the islands are served by small turbo props and you will not get the weigh allowance you will on those operating Airbus services. This is particularly the case with AirSwift who operate 42 seaters and unless you buy their premium fare the base weight allowance is 10kg.
If you go with that mindset and knowledge you will be absolutely fine.
The above should read over 7,000 islands.
Thank you everyone
