going to the philippines, any recomendations?

Question

i think im only going to Pozorrubio and Baguio though, not Manilla. :( any tips or anything? my dad said to be careful of stray dogs and muggers/pick-pocketers. *sigh* lol

Answer 1

Mabuhay! Just be a good girl & follow the safe travel tips. ♥♥♥

Answer 2

MY TOP TEN TIPS ON GOING TO THE PHILS:
10. Don't drink the water (only drink bottled water, and make sure the seal is intact)
9. When heading to the john to number 2, keep an open mind and take your own TP.
8. Don't bother with a purse, wear a money belt under your clothes. Keep the money part up front by your crotch, then you will know if someone is touching you.
7. Don't dress slutty. Sorry, but in that male society, it would be hard to prove rape if you have your belly bare and thong sticking up your back.
6. Keep your passport wtih you at all times. It's a hassle, but worth it.
5. ALWAYS go out in groups, and preferably have a native friend/escort.
4. Do not tip waiters, bellboys etc any more than 50P.
3. DO NOT leave valuables in hotel rooms, laying on the beach, in a jeepney etc.
2. As a rule, don't eat from street vendors unless you have a very strong stomach.
1. If you go to the beach, unless you are dark skinned, only stay in the sun around an hour, or you will regret it.

There is much more, and I kind of revised things to apply to a woman. Please say you are not just going and travelling alone. It's hard enough to get around a strange foreign city in Asia when you have locals helping. I am not trying to discourage, just lending advice. Baguio is a must see, but try to rethink your Manila idea, you will be missing an awesome place. bon voyage.

Answer 3

There are a hundred things you should beware of in the Philippines:

1: Take every precaution to ensure that your credit/ debit cards and above all, your PASSPORT and air ticket are with you ALL the time, tucked safely in a wallet that you can wear on your body or a small purse that will fit tightly in the front pocket of your jeans- in a manner that nobody can pull it out- including you- in a hurry. The thicker the jeans, the better since they can bear a quick slash from a razor blade.

2: At ANY shop or hotel or wherever you pay by your credit card, make sure the staff swipe the card before your eyes. It is very common in the Philippines for foreign tourists to end up paying for what they never bought or ate.

3: Double check hotel, restaurant and shop bills and items included. Also, never leave anything valuable in the hotel room, unless it is operated by some global brand.

4: Never display your cash in the open. Keep a lots of Piso 10, 20, 50 and 100 notes in the left front pocket of your jeans or a jacket. Avoid the 500s and 1000s. Pickpockets and "hold-uppers"as locals call them, are everywhere.

5: Dont venture out into crowded areas, especially during the evenings. Also beware while going to local pubs or discos and do so only in a group with a local guide.

6: Avoid eating any kind of food from the streetside. Food safety at such places is highly suspect and you can easily get food poisoning. Also, streetside stalls usually serve fish and hence anything you buy there- even meat- will bear that distinct fish odor.

7: Filipinos love to eat pork and unless you are so inclined, it's best to avoid that meat while in that country. Pigs grown for meat there are known to be often infested with tape worm, a parasite that can also grow up to 10 metres long in humans.

8: Tap water is strict no-no and drink only bottled water- there are some excellent brands available in the Philippines.

9: Avoid getting into deals where somebody will ask you to sell something you have at a price much higher than what you paid.

10: It is common for strangers, including women, to come knocking on your hotel room at rather odd hours. Such women will usually give some sob story- that they couldnt go home for some reason or whatever....and ask you whether they can stay the night with you. Many men have fallen prey to this and found themselves robbed or drugged and looted. Foreign women have also been robbed while asleep because of their benevolence.

Beware of urchins and especially mothers with infants and kids who will come begging for cash. The kids in tow are often smart at grabbing your purse, bag, chain, wallet or watch and fleeing.

One more tip as far as food is concerned: Some people of the Philippines eat dogs, cats, snakes and other exotic flora and fauna. You may wish to check what a particular dish means in the menu, before placing the order.

Be careful of the taxis in which you'll travel and dont allow the driver to pick up any other passengers, even if there's sufficient space in the vehicle.

Answer 4

Wear suntan lotion. Try out the native foods. Talk to Filipinos where yu stay and learn a lot from their stories. aTTEND FIESTAS. and watch the streetdancers. They are so passionate, and colorful, you could shed tears of appreciation. In the early morning, take a walk around the community, but be cautious of dogs. Baguio is charming, but they say only the Camp John Hay area bespeaks of the BAguio of yesteryears. As a crowded city it has its overpopulation, squatters and water problem, plus the problem of their local politicians over the pay parking meters. Go to church. SInce you are already in the area, youmight suggest to your folks to take you to MAnaoag. Maligayang Bati at Byahe!

Answer 5

hi. are you visiting baguio? if you need a place to stay, you can come to our place for a minimal fee and we also offer a tour around baguio. email me at [e-mail]

anyway in case you don't want...here are some things i hope that could help you.
...learn some filipino words just some basics..it would help a lot during your stay here.
...be very alert...you may not know someone is already following you and taking a peek at your bag or your pockets.
...always bring your valuables...put money in your pockets...not in your bag...and if possible very close to your body so you would know if someone is interested in getting it.
...be very careful with those who seem nice because you do not know if those who are nice are really nice and not after what you have...we all have different kind of people around...its not just in pozorrubio and baguio but in all places tho...
...the others have already said their own advise so keep those in mind..
...instinct and common sense ...

Answer 6

Anywhere you go not only in the Philippines, always be alert with the people around you. Be observant. Baguio is small & very nice place. If you need help on the accommodation, you can email me. Pls check my profile.

Answer 7

Why not change your itinerary and go to Boracay in Aklan instead? That is, if you're a beach lover. Boracay would rival any beach in the world! The white sand is as fine as talcum powder and isn't hot on your feet. There's actually a lot of fun things to do there--try out the numberous restaurants and fruit shakes Boracay's famous for.

Answer 8

You will need Area Security Threat Asessment (Baguio and Pozorurubio) You can have that by asking it to Filipino Freelance Private Investigator's website: http://www.filipinoinvestigator.ph

Answer 9

Just remember this simple rule. Use your common sense. If something feels wrong, say no and leave.

Check my website at http://cdoguide.com

It is a tourist website for my hometown but it has travel tips applicable to all tourists visiting the Philippines.

Click on TRAVEL CONCERNS and read HEALTH, TRAVEL TIP and TRAVEL SCAM section.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your stay!

Answer 10

heres a small tip: im sure the locals there will already know this by just looking at you, they will already know you are a foreigner and hike up the prices when you are shopping...so try to have a filipino friend haggle. you can haggle too, but id assume it would be harder. just because ur a foreigner, ie, american, they will assume you have lots of money and try to ask you for money because their 'grandmother's sister's godson has to have surgery and they cant afford' but who knows ,maybe true, a lot of poverty and its hard to come up with money...but im just giving u a heads up...cuz it can happen