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Claudia WilliamsRepostFacebook5
Oct 2

We're in the final stretch before leaving for the Philippines, and I have a few last-minute questions. The plan is to fly into Cebu and stay in Lapu-Lapu to settle in, then head off to explore Mindanao (CDO, Davao, Butuan City, etc.).

We found an Airbnb we really like, and it's about $1,000 USD a month. To save money, we offered to pay a lump sum for 6 or 12 months. My first thought was that the ceiling is about 85% of that, to account for the Airbnb fee. It's a house, and wifi, electricity and drinking water are included. I'm thinking 10-20% off is fair depending on the lease length, but honestly I have no idea.

1) If the landlord kicks us out and keeps our money, do we have any protection at all? I'm not sure what clauses can go into the contract.

2) For short trips to other Southeast Asian countries, I'm looking for an airline-friendly bag that fits about a week of clothes, toiletries and a laptop. Any recommendations?

3) We'll definitely check out CDO, Davao City and Camiguin Island. Maybe Malaybalay and Butuan City too. The goal is to find scenic places, mountains and beaches. Any must-visit spots in Mindanao you'd recommend?

4) We're planning a two-week trip in late December. Option 1 is Cebu and Bantayan Island, option 2 is Baguio/Bolinao/Clark. It's a tough call because we want to go to all of them lol

We're thinking a week in each place, but we haven't found much near Cebu besides Lambug Beach.

필리핀으로 떠나기 직전 마지막 단계인데, 막판에 몇 가지 여쭤볼게요. 계획은 세부로 들어가서 라푸라푸에…
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Reactions14 of 17 original comments
Don't prepay long-termOffers from localsIs Mindanao safe?Go with CebuBag tips & jokes
Don't prepay long-term
Eireen Galvez6

I think you're better off renting for just a month, and once you're there, ask for a discounted rate if you really like the place. I've seen posts about people running into problems with long-term rentals and regretting it. If a friend or someone who stayed in the same unit recommended it, then you could offer long term

Offers from locals
Ambierlez Zenab2

You can rent my house in an exclusive subdivision: free wifi, fully furnished, community pool, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, at 500 dollars a month. 1,000 USD is too expensive for rent

Is Mindanao safe?
Wayne Smith0

Why do you want to go to Mindanao? Of all the places in the Philippines, it's the most unsafe. Check the government travel advice and also your insurance, which probably doesn't cover you there

Go with Cebu
Von J Espinosa2

I'd strongly recommend Cebu for your two-week trip. 😊 Cebu is much more than one beach, you can experience almost everything within a single province. Bantayan Island, Malapascua, Moalboal and the rest of northern and southern Cebu are especially popular with international travelers and expats. You'll find beautiful beaches, diving and snorkeling, the famous sardine run, waterfalls, canyoneering, mountains and scenic highlands. That's what makes Cebu special: island life, mountains, waterfalls, history and modern city conveniences, with plenty of transport connections for getting around. There are also established expat communities in several parts of Cebu, so foreigners usually won't feel isolated. You could spend the full two weeks exploring Cebu and still have plenty left to discover. Cebu really gives you a bit of everything in one place. 💚🌴🇵🇭

Bag tips & jokes
PurpleLizard30180

For #2, SM Supermarket bags are the strongest. I traveled through Laos and Myanmar for 6 weeks with everything I owned in 3 of them.

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