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I met a last 20 years ago, who had just returned from a trip to Japan and Thailand. She liked both, however, she stated that she spent more in 3 days in Tokyo as she did in 30 days in Thailand. Since then, I have been to Thailand seven times, and I think she is spot on.
I would consider the Phillipines but where in the PI? I hear so many talk about the dangers of Manilla and also the poverty levels are pretty intense I hear.
I hear a lot of complains from foreigners living in the Philippines. It may sound very appealing to live in a country with very low cost of living but the quality of life there is awful. Many locals tend to take advantage of foreigners especially Westerners which means you pay double or triple for the services. And since US dollar continues to fall, you may realize you'll be spending as much for a not so good quality of service or product. Sure, it's a good holiday destination, but not the type of place I would settle in.
In regards to Japan, I tend to find Kobe as very appealing.
I'd love to spend a year in Penang. Have functional beaches, great food, easy access to cheap flights and just enough city and urban life to not miss a thing. And zero problems if you only speak English. I would spend a lot of time there if only it weren't such a long haul from the US.
Manila is only one of the cities of Metro Manila (the capital region), though. It's a huge area with many different areas to it. You could live in an area that isn't filled with "scum."
True one could stay in Makati or Greenhills. When I was in Bangkok I as well had to deal with people trying to scam me (e.g. approached by someone saying the Royal Palace was closed.. yet if you look around the corner, you see people lining up.
If I were to live in the Philippines, I'd probably do Baguio (cooler weather in the mountains) or Cebu (Manila without the hassle yet international flight connections).
For me, I'm not a fan of Bangkok.. in Thailand, I'd do Chiang Mai. In Malaysia, I'd do Penang.
Penang seems to be very popular on this forum in general. I'll have to check it out on my next trip. I have to say it's been nice to get back to the cool but sunny San Diego California weather vs. the heat and humidity of SE Asia
Penang seems to be very popular on this forum in general. I'll have to check it out on my next trip. I have to say it's been nice to get back to the cool but sunny San Diego California weather vs. the heat and humidity of SE Asia
Penang isn't an island paradise though, so its a love it or hate it kind of place. For the tourist who wants to get away from the rat race and enjoy quiet time on the water they would better be served by somewhere else. If you have been to Waikiki/Honolulu you would kind of have an idea of what Penang is like, urban with lots of people and industry, but with a great mix of cultures/food and plenty to do.
For that kind of money, I would have rather stayed in a nice hotel. Room service FTW! Do you feel it was worth it?
I priced hotels in the area on a monthly basis but they were smaller and a little more expensive. So considering the location was 5 minute walk to my office, was attached to the largest mall in Seoul, and was very plush, I would say so.
I stayed at a few of these places last Summer: B2 Boutique And Budget Hotel Thailand.. Never paid more than 13 USD per night. Always had good TV/AC/Bed/good front desk. 6400 per month is insane! If you can afford it, good for you, but 200 per day in Thailand is excessive for everything, and I do mean everything!
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