We landed at clark airport about 3pm and took a 'Jeepney' to the hotel. A Jeepney is like a stretch limo version of a 4x4, only not as nice. Clark to Central Manila takes about 2 hours so we were suprised when the jeepney arrived 10 minutes later at the hotel. We were unsure whether or not it was the right hotel but after showing our booking information they showed us to our room. We were in Angeles city! Manila is a bit confusing as most cities have districts and areas, but Manila has cities within itself. If that makes sense. Anyway we read our book on the area and it turns out we are staying in the biggest prostitute area in the whole of the Philippines. It also says in the book that if you are not here for a prostitute, then you have no reason to be here as there are no sights to see. Brilliant!!

Anyway 1 hour later the receptionist knocked on our door and said that we are at the wrong hotel! Our hotel is in the centre of Manila, 2 hours away. We took our bags to the lobby to "check out" and the receptionist said "its ok sir you can stay here, I have rang the other hotel and cancelled it for you!!" We told her we wanted to go and they rang the other hotel (the hotels are part of the same chain) to see if we could go there still. Anyway we got a bus to central Manila and we arrived at the hotel about 9pm!

We thought that was the end of the hotel drama but after 2 nights here, the electric went off. We presumed it was a powercut until all the other lights in the hotel were on! I went down stairs and they said it was time to check out. We had 3 more nights here!! Anyway it all got sorted!

The hotel is actually good. Its clean, hot shower, comfy beds etc. Also a good TV! Football is on later. The people here are really friendly and make you feel very welcome. Manila is a bit wierd as you have loads of American influences such as the cars, road signs and traffic lights. But then as you explore more, it has churhces that would look more suited to Europe or latin america. The food is really good, with rice and noodle dishes to BBQ pork and chicken.

We have done a lot of walking here, as the metro doesnt look safe and the taxis rip you off! Also, outside every bank or ATM, there is a guard with a huge shotgun! If you go in a cafe or restaurant there is a sign outside that says, "Please leave firearms outside". We asked a waitor about the gun situation and he said that most people have one! It gets a bit grim at night as street kids beg for money and the guns on the guards seem to get bigger as the sun goes down! We dont venture out too much at night! Apart from that we have enjoyed Manila, but preferred Jakarta, and felt safer in Jakarta!

Tomorrow we go to Puerta Princesa for 3 nights for some beach time. PP is on the island of Palawan, not too far off the East coast of Borneo. We have barely spent any money here, 80 quid between us for 5 days aint bad! We are saving our money for Hong Kong which will be slightly more expensive! We then fly back from PP to Clark (Manila), were we stay at the airport for 1 night, then head to Hong Kong for 12 nights!!