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General Safety Manila
47 Reviews on the street in Manila two welldressed middle aged woman(they looked like nice filipina moms to me) began conversation with me. nice talk so we had lunch together. They told me they are from the...
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Airport/Security Checks Manila
13 Reviews First, I'm a long time airline employee that is very well traveled...Manila airport is a challenge. Pay attention! I didn't have a problem twice thru here, but again, pay attention. Take a few minutes...
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Health and the Weather Manila
13 Reviews If you are a Westerner like me, stay away from ALL ice and tap water. Do not drink any kind of shakes or eat any kind of desserts with ice (halo-halo) from any restaurant. Keep to the bottled water...
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If you head into the mountainous region of Central Luzon beware that the bus drivers don't slow down for much!! A guardrail is rare and when I have seen them it seemed like they weren't needed in that spot. Beware especially during the rainy season in the mountain regions. There can be washouts and the road can completely disappear!
Some parts of the Philippines and of course to the places I had been, I noticed that there were no traffic lights and some of it aren't too strict in persuing the jay walking. But, I'm sure this isn't too bad?eh?;-)
Filipinas are not all "asian-looking". 300+years of Spanish rule, hundreds of years of trading with the Chinese and Malays, some Japanese and a lot of American presence in the last few decades have given us a different look...Be warned! The beauty and charm of Pinays all over the world are one of a kind. If you do come and visit, be prepared to be enchanted by beautiful smiles.
If you're in Mindinao, especially near the coast...beware! Use caution with everything you do, and be careful who you befriend. People are kidnapped in and around Zamboanga often by Muslim extremists. They are interested in having their own state, and find kidnapping a great way to draw attention to their cause, and a great way to raise money. When I was there I was cautioned not to let anyone know my itinerary in advance. While working in the forest as a volunteer there, one of the locals came back glum one day. I wondered what was wrong. Turns out he lost the clip to his GUN! Until then I didn't know he was my bodyguard. I had one for most of the time I was there.
When riding a taxi (cab), always ask the driver to turn on the meter after you tell him your destination. If he refuses, tell him to stop. Then alight and look for another taxi (unless you're really desperate for a ride). Also, watch out for taxis with funny-smelling air fresheners. Chances are, these air fresheners have some sort of sleep inducing drug which allows the driver to rob or even rape you when you are rendered unconscious.
HealthThe Philippines are a tropical country. So beware of the sun. Also protect yourself against moskitos. If you go to Palawan and you travel around protect yourself against malaria. It´s best to use a moskito net. Think about aids. Use condoms. Beware of the Abu Sayaf. It´s better not to travel to the south of Palawan and the west side of Mindanao. And remember: Cook it, peal it or forget it. So for example be careful with icecream which is sold on the street.DrugsDon´t take drugs in the Phillippines. At some places like the Kawasan Falls people offer you Marihuana. If you drive through the mountains of Cebu you will find also streets where you not allowed to cross. May you guess why ?TravelingIf you travel alone trough the country don´t be to trustworthy. The most Filipinos are poor and earn only 200-300 Piso per day. Although the most of them are friendly there are also some bad...
I think everywhere in these world you can find such bad people. In many crowded places in Philippines specially in Manila...sometimes pickpocketers and even hold ups is unexpected. I would suggest you if you'll go around in such place, never wear jewelry, don't bring much money, just enough for the day and and devide it in 2 different pocket of yourself.
It's very natural if you see guards in many establishments in Philippines specially in all banks. These guards are just standing and walking around the area, some are inside too. They assist and help customers or even passers by to protect from bad incident.Whenever you are victimized by such incident inside establishment or around the area, just don't hesitate to report them first if they are present, then to the police.
One thing about driving around in the Philippines, foreigners must learn that warning signs on the roads are either nonexistent or are placed too near where the trouble is that you wont have time to react to the danger. Filipinos already are very familiar with this and have somehow adapted very well to this peculiar habit of warning you too late. They make good drivers too abroad. I guess being faced with these obstacles at home, they can tackle almost any road conditions anywhere else.In the countryside, as in the picture, you might suddenly find the road only functioning with only one lane. Although it is considered illegal to dry the palays (rice) on the roads, many still do it because they don’t have enough places to dry the rice in. Farmers put these small obstacles like branches or pieces of wood to prevent vehicles from riding over and crushing the rice. Sometimes, they put nails...
I met some Germans who had taken candy from an old lady on a bus in the countryside and woke up the next morning in a strange buliding with all of their possessions stolen. Oh well, at least they have their kidneys! I felt a little bad for them, but I wouldn't take candy from an old lady I didn't know no matter where I was.
Makati Shangri-La Manila Manila
17 Reviews and 406 Opinions This is my Makati Shangrila Tips with the Newer Pictures. The Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is a...
Dave's Straw Hat Inn Boracay Island
10 Reviews and 451 Opinions Let me start this by saying Dave's is amazing, really. The staff was friendly, Always had a smile on...
Rock Inn Sagada
4 Reviews and 24 Opinions When we went to Sagada, we tried looking for accomodation in the town proper but had really a hard...
Reviews and photos of Philippines attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Philippines sightseeing.
Q: Hi There I'm going backpacking with 3 other friends for 5 days in the Philippines and was wondering if anyone has any...
A: Some suggestion of mine: Shooting the rapid at pagsanjan falls then spend the night at tagaytay. 2nd day, taal trek, a bit of city tour and then a 45 drive to Lago de...
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