Jens captured the top local favorites with places, sights to see, and esp restaurants His quotes on prices and description on lodging is on the mark I just came back from the Philippines and knowing the language and speaking to locals during my backpacking, they were surprised that a German guide book author know their restaurants of choice The only downside is that the author needs to elaborate on some local festivals and also missing information in areas like Cavite, Tagaytay etc But it's definitely a great guide book to have it was my bible during this year's visit and got courageous on venturing out on my own Have fun

A heavy book to carry, but it is the best there is right now. I use it every trip.

This book is very thorough, but I actually like The Rough Guide to the Philippines better.

I really don't know why everyone is giving this book five stars. I purchased this book based on the recommendations I saw here, despite the fact it is a year older than the latest Lonely Planet. I do have the Lonely Planet guide that Jens Peters wrote from years ago, so I figured I'd go with his latest. I was wrong. I found his suggestions and assessments incomplete compared to the recent LP and the book is peppered with advertisements, which make me question whether or not these ads influence his writing. I have returned this book and purchased the latest LP Philippines. I'm very happy with my decision. With a dearth of updated Philippines travel guides in the first place, I'd go with LP... at least until Moon Guides update their version!

The topics covered by the author as far as attractions, accomodations, transportation and local customs are very accurate. This is a must read not only for foreign visitors but for Filipino travelers too because most Filipinos only know about Boracay! Not too many locals have gone and visited the Banaue Rice Terraces as a good example. This book describes a Philippies that has other worthwhile places to visit aside from the usual white sand beaches.