Newbie asks: Indonesia vs Philippines comparison?

[mgclp5]

This is my first post. I am so thankful to have found this forum!

I have been to Philippines several times. Now I plan to make my first visit to Indonesia. I'm concerned about cost of hotels, restaurants, taxi fare as it seems to be a bit more costly? Also on cultural differences. I'm hoping someone on this forum that has insight on both countries can enlighten me? Thanks in advance!

Lawrence S.

[Ricksters68]

Hi Pare, Kamusta na???

I was born in the Philippines but grew up in Australia. Indonesia vs Philippines? can't really compare much. Everything are exactly the same in regards to weather and traffic. Cost of living, its a bit cheaper in the Philippines. The only differences are the culture, religion (95% Catholic 4% Muslims and 1% mixed religions) which here in Indo its vice versa, 95% Muslims etc...

Your wrote that you're concerned about cost of hotels, restaurants, taxi fare as it seems to be a bit more costly? Also on cultural differences.

Cost of hotels are the same. Maybe its only few dollar differences. I'm sure that you can find cheap hotels here as well, but its cheaper to rent an apartment if your staying long term.

Restaurants are not that expensive, its the same cost if you have dinner in Greenbelt, Makati. (not sure if thats where you hang out, but most tourist do hang out there). Taxis are also same price compare to the Philippines.

I'm married to a beautiful Indo, that is why I'm currently here.:)

[Captain]

You can google as there are some surveys about cost of living for expats and quality of living.
Basically, quality of living is sligtly better in Manilla for expats
http://www.finfacts.com/qualityoflife.htm

but on the contrary Manilla is considered more economical to live :
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/asia/singapore/2008/06/13/160837/Tokyo-Asia's.htm

As a matter of difference, both countries looks the same with beautiful beaches and countryside except that there are many tropical storms in the Philippines and there are none in Indonesia. For the rest, it depends of your own religion but of course it makes a lot of difference in the behavior and way of thinking. In both countries people are very religious but in despite of that, you can find many young people who are surprisingly not conservative in their current life.
Good luck

[kingwilly]

dont forget tsunamis

[mgclp5]

I heard English is not spoken as much. This will be an adjustment for me. When I was in Philippines I didn't care much for the popular areas that were full of other tourists. I really liked Mindanao. Any place like that over in Indo?

[atlantis]

I heard English is not spoken as much. This will be an adjustment for me. When I was in Philippines I didn't care much for the popular areas that were full of other tourists. I really liked Mindanao. Any place like that over in Indo?
Sulawesi among many other places in Indonesia could be a good choice then.

[mgclp5]

Thanks for the great advice! One more question:

For travel expense reasons.. If I travel with my Indonesian gf will we have to get separate rooms? Is it unacceptable for a un-married couple to share a hotel room or apartment?

[Endahk]

You don't have to get a separate room if you are staying in a hotel, you can even get a cheaper price if your Indo gf does the check-in rather than yourself, as hotels normally give special rate for Indonesian. I've done this few times with my bf, the staff there always assume that we're married anyway, never bother to ask.

As for apartment I'm not sure, but you always can find a 2 bed rooms apartment and tell your landlord that you're going to share it with your gf, just don't say that she's your gf though. If you rent a house, you need to register with your RT and he probably will ask whether or not you're married, and I think it's gonna be more difficult for you and your gf to live together there.

[waarmstrong]

For travel expense reasons.. If I travel with my Indonesian gf will we have to get separate rooms? Is it unacceptable for a un-married couple to share a hotel room or apartment?[/quote]

mgclp5, as with may questions, the true answer is, "it depends." The dependent variable in singles traveling together is, "where in Indonesia are you intending to book a room?" I have found that most locations catering to international clients follow something like the US Army don't ask - don't tell policy, but in the vast Indonesian hinder-land, there is more than a fair chance that you will be asked to produce proof of marriage. I have had such an experience.