Customer Reviews

Lonely Planet Philippines (6th ed)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Lonely Planet series is excellent and you can never go too wrong with it. Unfortunately, the Phillippines guide book written by Jens Peters is seriously out of date. This book was published in 1997 when the political and economic situation in the Phillippines were radically different. Since the Asian economic crisis, the Piso is now worth half as much as it was in 1997 but the unsuspecting reader will not know this. The political situation is such places as Mindinao has also deteriated considerably and poses a danger to tourists.

Peters provides this book with a wealth of information and it certainly isn't his fault that Lonely Planet has lapsed in updating it. I advise travelers to verify the information in this book with friends and sources on the Internet. I also hope that LP updates this book as soon as possible.

This book helped me a lot when I was visiting the Philippines, but there were a lot of ommissions, such as residence visas, work permits, etc. in case someone decides to stay longer... A good way to get around in Manila soon will be the LRT, it's nearing completion with a route following EDSA all the way to Quezon City! Shipping and airplane schedules change so often, putting schedules in the book is only more confusing than anything but it helps to give a good idea. WG&A, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific etc. all have web sites, and I think these might be more helpful. Internet access is very common in the Philippines these days, but be careful! I logged on in an internet 'cafe' in SM Megamall, Mandaluyong and it took a lot longer to get on than I thought posible! Then the computer misread the data and posted everything in my account erased! the trick is to find good, reliable ISPs and post their info in the book, this might also be helpful.

Jans Peters wrote a very informative book published in 1993. Since then, two editions have been released with no changes in the sections I have first hand knowledge of. (southern Cebu) A hotel that went out of buisness in 1993 is still reccommended and the many places that have opened up since then have not been added. It is obvious that since the death of Jans no one at lonely planet has bothered to update this(formerly) excellent guidebook. What a shame Lonely Planet keeps republishing it without updates.

I have used many Lonely Planet Guides and they are all useful. This one is also useful, but unfortunately tends to present facts only. The other books have plenty of opinions which are so valuable. LP Philippines doesn't have many of these and it is difficult to pick the "best" places. It also lacks info on the "darker" side of the Philippines, especially Manila and I feel it needs more on travel safety and security - without being paraniod.

I was able to use this guide exclusively while extensively traveling throughout the Philippines over a period of six months. The only thing missing is a map of jeepney routes in Manila. I found myself frequently, and simply, amazed at the accuracy of so many details, even in the remotest areas. My experience in-country was greatly enhanced and a tremendous success, thanks to this book

As always, Lonely Planet provides excellent and thorough travel information and travel tips. But all such information is extremely time-sensitive. With this guide published in 1997, which contains advice dating back to 1996 or so, we are far out of date ! Advice is great and complete, but much of it is out-dated. The Philippines have changed a lot in the last four years. Prices quoted in the guide make no sense any more. Historical and political information also need a great deal of revision. All in all, on this occasion you may be better off getting one of the other guides (until - of course - LP publish a newer edition of this one).

The biggest and most beautiful hotel in Legaspi City, Albay which is Mayon International Hotel is not included in your 7th edition. Your data about this city is very much outdated. Lots of hotels written in the book have shut down. Do another research.

Very informative, however, when put into practice, we found many innaccuracies. Panglao is shite - just don't go- people are blatantly hostile! Bohol is top bannana, as is Boracay. Check out Nadine's coffee shop for a good cuppa, but keep a sharp eye on your jeans if you go swimming - oh and watch for luminous jellyfish!!! The book is very good on practicalities but shite on opinions. Happy travels, love Rhi and Liz XXXX

lotsa interesting places jens has visited........even met some of the people that contributed info. on far off treks.....i think a guide book would be a great help to new travellers.!..

LP Philippines contains very informative data for travellers. But what it lacks poorly in is the author's opinion for the places which would help the traveller in deciding how to map out the itinerary.