Naga City, Cam Sur Philippines

[Butch 3,456]

Hi,

As a bit of an intro to this brief report, I'll give some background on Naga City. It's located kind of SE Leyte, and is actually blessed with a half decent infrastructure, climate (if you like getting hit by the odd typhoon) and History. Like most of PI the spanish colonial influence is very apparent in the architecture, it's also home to a festival (Penafrancia - thanks Wiki) and the Cam Sur water park.

 

 

That map isn't much help, is it? I nicked it from wiki. The one I wanted had a location on it, anyway, it's easy to find, just google "Naga city".

 

Oddly, and surprisingly for me I saw more foreigners here than in our regular subdivision and SM Mall in Manila. It's very popular with Expats and not only those at retirement age, a few youngsters eek out a living at the Water park and some stay here on the cheap courtesy of their parents. No shame in that, good luck to them I say, besides, if I could avoid the 9 to 5 for a few years I would. It's a bloody attractive prospect for any retiring Expat as well, (non monger type) as land is cheap here, approx 2000 - 3000 peso per SqM on the outskirts of the City in a decent subdivision, but the utilities are all connected, so you get 24 hour water and electric without the need for a deep well or backup Generators (although backups are handy anyway).

 

Anyway, here's a brief TR on our week long visit to Mrs Butches home village, this one covering the first 3 days in Naga. It's pretty basic, but hopefully might be of some use or interest to someone.

 

On the Ground at Manila We flew by turbo prop to Naga, 45 mins for 1000 php per person. The flight was about 40 minutes, comfy and I was surprised at the acceleration of a small turboprop, very aggressive indeed.

 

 

Looking down at Leyte

 

 

Naga city Airport (like landing in the middle of nowhere). It's located just outside the city, one of the other reasons it's attractive to Expats, as a regular and cheap air service to Manila is operated. twice a day in the monsoon and three times the rest of the year. Not always reliable though, if it's empty they bump you to a later flight.

 

 

Cam sur is a world renown Water Park. people come from all over to use the Drag line (longest in SEA, might be the world) which pulls you along through the shallow water. Surfers use it to practice but it's mainly for wakeboarders.

It's not a cheap outing, about 1600 php for 3 hours including the rental of equipment. The whole place is nice though, clean and offers quite a few activities.

They serve food, there's also another 2 pools where you can relax and the kids can play. It does get busy at weekends though. It's very well managed, although H&S would have a fit if they visited - there's no restriction on going in the water while wakeboarders are going around. I know to the likes of me and you it's common sense, but to some filipino's it just doesn't register.

 

Pool Area

 

bloody kids.

 

 

Wakeboarding is fairly easy, just keep your arms and legs bent and take the strain, too many people lean forwards and fall in rather than lean back to take the strain of the pulley. I found this out by experience and looking a bit of a twat the first time. The Mrs liked it though, she thought it was bloody hilarious until I punched her in the mouth but I told her it was just a practice run.

 

Me, Wakeboarding like a pro.....

 

Many Expats choose to settle here as the land is cheap, there is a decent hospital and the infrastructure is 100% better than anything Manila Metro can offer. For provincial living it's an excellent option.

 

not me, another guy.

 

 

Sunset at Cam Sur Waterpark

 

 

The Evening entertainment in Naga is limited to say the least. there are "naughty" bars but as usual Mrs Butch had me on a very short leash and we ended up going to a Music bar with friends. As usual, expect to turn your watch back 30 years when entering these places and don't expect anything other than cheesy romantic songs. The beer is cheap though.

 

 

I had to cringe my way through the above set, everything from "Copa cobana" to "through the fire" - apart from slashing my wrists the only option open to me was another Gin Tonic at the horrific sum of p80.

 

Until, that is, the second band came on and there was a little bit of eye candy.

 

 

Most clubs are laid out like this,

stage: check

garish seating: check

long tables: check

distinct lack of unattatched females cos Mrs Butch doesn't trust me so she took me to this shithole where my eyes can't wander:check.

 

 

I forgot to add, Naga has a decent sized SM Mall, cinema, a few very good restaurants and decent schools as well as a good hospital. The Mayor here is very amiable, especially towards Expats so planning permission and the occasional "favour" can easily be granted. Crime is very low, and it is relatively safe to walk the streets at night. Within 5 minutes you're out of the village and into the countryside where you can get land very cheap indeed. All the food you eat is locally grown / caught. There are naughty places in Naga, but tbh you need a filipino friend to take you and be able to keep his mouth shut. Expats are welcome, and again, the girls wouldn't be taking the piss on prices. apparently, or so i'm told.

 

So that was our few nights in Naga before we headed onto legaspi to see Mrs Butches village and the people she grew up with. I'll post a follow on and hopefully a bit more cultural report once I dig the pics out.

 

If anyone has any questions about the PI other than the Sex scene (there are enough resourses for that) I'd be happy to try and answer them, just drop me a PM. While not being an expert, if I don't know then hopefully might be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. Forums are all about helping people and making new mates, after all.

 

Cheers

Butch

Edited November 24, 2012 by Butch

[firth1974 2,659]

Great start to your TR butch, I'm well impressed.

 

Looking forward to reading the rest of your report as you post it.

 

Good job.

[Butch 3,456]

hi firth

 

Thanks for the compliment mate!

 

I've posted part 2 in the open forum, maybe MM can move this into there as I've probably made a cock up placing it in this one.

 

Cheers

Butch

[mykl 72]

Interesting. I know several Filipinas from there.

[Butch 3,456]

Thanks Mods / Admin for moving the above post. Apologies for the cock up.

 

Cheers

Butch

[Evil Penevil 7,628]

Very nice report and great pics! I'll be sure to read part 2.

 

Evil

[MM 6,562]

Thanks Mods / Admin for moving the above post. Apologies for the cock up.

 

Cheers

Butch

My pleasure! Great photo journeys you've been posting