I want to visit a friend in Manila, Philippines. Is it safe??

Question

I wish to visit a friend in Manila, but is it safe to visit?. The advice from the British foreign office makes it seem as though it is on the same level as Bahgdad !!!

Answer 1

When i was somewhere else but home, i used to watch World News so i can update myself with whats happening to my homeland. That was the year 2000 and so everybodys expected to have a grand celebration because its the millennium. So i watched, they have broadcast events around the world, india, saudi, europe...the festivity, the fireworks was captivatiing...everybodys cheering and big smiles on their faces...and then the Philippines (i've been here all my life and i know how we celabrate new year its always a blast) but what ive seen in the idiot box was devastating, an ordinary street with no people and a small fountain of fireworks in the middle and thats it. :( Is that how we project our country to the world? Sometimes dont believe in what you hear, there are times all you see in the news are calamities and disasters, there's always a good side in everything. And yknow if its our time to go, its our time to go, there's no escape wherever we are, not even in the comforts of our own room. So pack your bags and come over here =), but before you do buy some "pasalubong", that's a must :).

Answer 2

Makati is probably one of the safest areas in Metro Manila and I am not implying that the rest are unsafe. Unless your a Filam you will be looked upon as a tourist no matter what you consider yourself to be. A few words of advice: Pedestrian Crossings mean nothing, Road rules exist but are ignored, The majority of the taxi fleet should have been scrapped years ago, The most important piece of information that I can give to a new visitor is for him to purchase a neck brace lol. This is because despite all the problems and woes that the Philippines has, it has been blessed with a very high proportion of beautiful females (not to mention some extraordinary looking bakla's (gays).

Answer 3

All depends. If you were going to Miami and there were riots in New York would the U.S. be safe?

If your friend lives in MIndanao think three times. If your friend lives in the west of MIndanao think ten times. If your friend lives in Manila think of any big city in the world but think of an area "in transition" . Unless you are in the 3 or 4 guarded , gated areas of Manila where the rich live, no place in Manila is totally safe but the tourist areas of the city are no more / no less safe than other third world countries.

Answer 4

Manila is safe, dont worry. I've been to Manila before and i have no place to stay because of some difficult circumstances that happened to me. The taxi driver who pick me offered help and rang several of his friends to ask them to accomodate me. They did without questions and they treat me like a king. In my opinion Filipino will never let you (travellers) sleep on the street they will help you no matter how poor they are. Filipino hospitality is second to none. But make sure you have adequate knowledge about the place and I advice you to make and read informations about Manila before you fly there. In case anything happen you'll know where to go. If u are female traveller do some extra safety precaution measures. Manila is safe from terrorist threat but because of some political difficulties their own army did hijack a hotel/shopping complex two years ago in a mutiny. Hahaha. Crazy right? But that's Manila. Enjoy your stay there and email me if you have any queries.

Answer 5

Most definitely it is safe to visit Manila. As long as you visit places that are known tourist sites then you don't have anything to worry about. Avoid places with known insurgents like in Mindanao, although there are also places there that are quite safe. When you are here just be sure to practice some pratical sense like don't flash around wads of cash, don't go hooking up with strangers in seedy places, and stuff like that. You'll find that you will enjoy your trip here tremendously if you come here. I'm sure with your friend here you should be in safe hands.

Answer 6

Do you live in Manila or further away.? Do you live in Baghdad?
It depends where you live. You could ask your friend. She lives there so she might have a good idea.. Of course you could stay and get knocked over by a bus! Be safe be sensible but actually foreign office advice is often good. You cannot get insurance if you go against their advice,. Good luck.

Answer 7

It is safe and plus Manila is located in the upper region so it's deff. safe. I'd also take The Philippine Airlines (PAL) if I were you. They're totally great!

Plus I'm sure someone in the airport or even in the streets speaks English, so just ask someone whenever you're in need of something. I'm sure they'll try and help you in the best possible manner.

Answer 8

i can't blame the british foreign office but then they're just being waaaayyyyy too careful or have never been here and just rely on the reports they receive. anyway, i've lived in manila all my life and i can tell you that it's safe to go. of course just take care of yourself. there would be some places that are quite dangerous but not all. take note of the places you'll visit and you'll be just fine.

Answer 9

Dont worry your quite safe, I would feel safer in Manila than parts of London anytime.

Its really only petty crime that tourists have to worry about, pickpockets, mobile phone thefts, motorbike bag snatchers, street scams and confidence tricks, but all can be avoided with a bit of forward planning and common sense.

Go, enjoy yourself, have fun, explore part of the country.

Answer 10

Anytime you leave your country and go to a foreign place there are risks. They have a different way of life. So, it is your choice. I'm sure it is beautiful there and I also don't think there will ever be a safe time to travel again. There will always be risks. So, you either go, or you miss out on things and live in terror. You should also ask for your friends opinion.