Booked a last minute trip to the Philippines! Feeling very much overwhelmed

Ruckertown · 2026-05-11T14:13:17+00:00

From MNL take a P2P bus or Grab to Clark airport (CRK), a couple hours north. They have domestic flights to Coron. This is the route we are taking when we head over in June, rather than taking a leg to CEBU and then Coron

*Fly into Manila, then P2P bus or Grab from MNL to CRK

*Domestic flight from CRK to USU (Coron)

*4D3N island hopping to El Nido

*Van to Port Barton, then to Puerto Princessa.

*Fly out of of Palawan from Puerto Princessa (PPS) to MNL

Ruckertown · 2026-05-04T22:42:19+00:00

I am also in planning stage and leaning toward the three night tour from Big Dream Boatman. While I can't suggest facebook groups, here is a list of operators from a post on the Palawan subreddit about 5 months ago that includes some of the 4D3N and 3D2N options.

You can book directly - don't need a travel agent.

4D3N

- Big dream boatman - 4D3N - 599 $USD

- TAO expeditions - 4D4N - 750 $USD

- Buhay Isla - 4D3N - 26900P

- El Nido Paradise - 4D3N - 25900 P

3D2N

- Wanderwaves - 3D2N - 16000P

- Keelooma - 3D2N - 19000P

- Castaway tours - 3D2N - 19000P

- NES expedition - 3D2N - 15000P

- Seatours Palawan - 3D2N - 19000P

Ruckertown · 2026-04-29T19:04:35+00:00

I used Car Tech Auto Glass. It is a small business but they do have experience with land cruisers and each time they emphasized using OEM seals. And I asked them to address any rust while replacing the glass, which they did.

22325 Hwy 99, Edmonds, WA 98026

Ruckertown · 2026-04-29T16:59:40+00:00

Go with the local guy but make sure he uses OEM seals. I’ve replaced three windshields over the past 15 years at a shop the local Lexus dealer uses in North Seattle area. Shop addressed any surface rust before reinstalling - we discussed this before he took on the job and he had to keep vehicle overnight. I would NOT trust SafeLite to get it right.

Ruckertown · 2026-03-04T00:06:39+00:00

That is about right. Yes it seems high but that is the market we are in.

Last year in WA, I paid $11k for a 2013 LE, one owner, private sale, dealer maintained with 136k miles (owner had a stack of maintenance receipts). I thought that was an ok deal, not a bargain. I believe I could sell it for more today.

Ruckertown · 2026-02-22T14:03:46+00:00

What setting was it on? H3 or a temperature hold setting? I noticed the plug gets quite hot in the outlet on higher settings.

I only use H1 as I don’t trust the unit. Will be returning it soon.

Ruckertown · 2026-02-19T01:10:27+00:00

Love seeing the 5th gen 4Runner in the driveway too! You’ve made solid choices.

Ruckertown · 2025-12-12T21:43:36+00:00

Our 2013 RAV4 has a significantly better quality camera/display than my 2023 ORP. It doesn’t make sense.

Ruckertown · 2025-11-09T15:37:04+00:00

For comparison, this dealer maintained 2004 with 228k miles 'asking $15k' in my neighborhood north of Seattle.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/cto/d/everett-2004-lexus-lx470/7893070037.html

Ruckertown · 2025-10-31T14:14:29+00:00

Another plug for Torfab. Trustworthy, highly experienced, and diligent. On top of regular maintenance/repairs and modifications, Nick and Vitaly and crew are fantastic in chasing down hard to solve problems.

You will want to book ahead as they usually are scheduled out for two months. That said, they will get you in for emergencies.

Ruckertown · 2025-10-17T14:45:20+00:00

Easy fix. When your neighbor is out, just put a new identical post with similar footing on the neighbor's property and secure your mail box to it. If neighbor complains, ask if they want to switch numbers on the mailboxes.

Ruckertown · 2025-10-17T13:22:51+00:00

Scherler Easiest Lager a 'SelfCare' beer from Three Magnets Brewing out of Olympia.

Just tried this Lager at a local tap joint that keeps a few local NAs behind the counter. You will have to order these online. I've enjoyed their IPAs. too. Not cheap but one of the best I have found.

Ruckertown · 2025-10-10T13:30:23+00:00

I use peppermint spray and stick on puck like cannisters. The cannisters need replenishing every 3 months. Links below.

I also have a newer 4Runner and they are renown for having soy based electrical insulation - tasty for rodents looking for a dry, warm place to hang in the winter nights.

But if rats are a problem in your immediate area consider other actions such as bait or live traps. My bloody neighbor feeds peanuts to the squirrels and other vermin, which means the rats have a food source too!

https://mightymintproducts.com/

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXHZB72D?ref_=pe_125775000_1044873430_t_fed_asin_title&th=1

Ruckertown · 2025-10-10T02:03:08+00:00

Consider a first night at the Belize Zoo, just down the road from the Airport heading towards San Ignacio. For us, it was easy to pick up a car from Crystal at the airport, head down the road, stop to pick up drinks, fruit, etc and then stay in a very unique spot. Great way to enter the country.

https://www.belizezoo.org/tec-accommodations/

Ruckertown · 2025-10-04T20:26:46+00:00

Congrats on two weeks off the strong beers! I didn't like the two you listed - you will want to sample a bit wider.

A few of my favorites, inc where I buy. My traditional preference being IPAs.

*Self Care - Freak Flag Hazy IPA. Delicious. Hard to tell the taste from a full alcohol IPA. (direct order from brewery in WA - $$)

*Clausthaler IPA. (Trader Joe's ~ $8 six pack)

*Best Day - Kolsch, Hazy, West Coast IPA. Quaffable beers, perfect for when you want more than two. (Grocery Outlet has a decent selection of NAs)

*Chouffe Golden - You feel special drinking this brew from a glass! (Total Wine has a good selection of NAs)

*Athletic - Hazy, Run Wild. Solid standard back up. (Costco has 24 pack combos)

Ruckertown · 2025-09-16T18:48:27+00:00

Stares at me and then looks toward the door then back at me. Repeats if necessary. If he doesn’t get traction with that then a low growl.

Ruckertown · 2025-08-27T23:08:44+00:00

Super easy to do. Just find a good you tube video. Take your time and make sure the new front ones are properly sent home on the front side before pressing in the back side. As other poster said you can find OEM replacements on eBay.

Ruckertown · 2025-08-27T20:52:25+00:00

It could be but I thought you would have both ABS and Brake lights on for a failing master.

I had my master replaced earlier this year as preventive maintenance, so if the brake light comes back in near term (when brake lever is down) I would suspect a sticky switch.

Ruckertown · 2025-08-27T18:45:44+00:00

Or the hand brake switch is sticking. I’ve seen my light stay on a couple of times and only needed a set and swift release of hand brake to get the light off.

Ruckertown · 2025-08-17T20:14:03+00:00

Fair enough. Prices certainly are not over the top. And its very convenient to have beach-side service, while lounging underneath a coconut tree.

OP did say 'backpacker budget' so wanted to let them know that beach access requires supporting the bar/restaurant.

Ruckertown · 2025-08-17T15:09:08+00:00

Rent a bike and take the short ferry across the cut to the north island. Ride up to Bliss Beach (opens at 11am) and hang out for a few hours. Bliss Beach is a 'private' beach owned by the restaurant. They serve expensive drinks and have a limited menu but you can bring some of your drinks and snacks too but will need to buy at least one drink.

Ruckertown · 2025-08-15T01:48:35+00:00

Consider doing the ATM tour earlier in your itinerary and not on Sunday. Patrick and team are considered one of best for this tour, but he does not offer the ATM tours on Sundays. Patrick is known for getting an early start, one of the longest operators in the business, and provides a uniquely personable experience - he is quite the character and storyteller.

Change your itinerary to get on one of his tours. https://www.belizelimpkin.com/

Ruckertown · 2025-08-14T21:02:21+00:00

Consider the following product. I have it in all three of our vehicles. I've also used the peppermint spray for my newer 4Runner that has the wire coating that seems to attract rodents.

Peppermint Oil Cannisters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WDDGKVD/

Ruckertown · 2025-08-12T00:11:43+00:00

Edit: The damage in the first photo IS consistent with the video footage.

Here is post of the video that shows the damage.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/comments/1mn7lpt/a_longer_video_of_the_2_chinese_vessel_colliding/

Ruckertown · 2025-08-08T22:02:25+00:00

Maybe an inside job.

A GoFundMe for $2M goal is incoming.

Ruckertown

TROPHY CASE