Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hwarangi]

Hi,

I'm planning on going to a beach with my BF, but I'll be in Manila by myself for about a week first.

I was wondering how safe or unsafe I'll be, or if anyone has any tips for not drawing attention to myself, places (not) to go, etc..?

I've travelled by myself extensively, but usually in countries where I blend in with general populace (Europe).

Any advice would be greatly welcomed!

Thanks!

[kardisa]

I did a visa run to Manilla last year, and my travel-buddy ditched out at the last second. From what I remember (I was only there 4 days), Manila's "bad areas" are pretty much adjacent to the "good areas", at least in the central part of the city. However, I never felt unsafe during my trip. Just make sure you follow basic safety rules (don't walk around at night by yourself, don't flash large amounts of money, be aware of your surroundings, etc.) and you'll be fine.

If you want to stay in an area with other foreigners, then stay in Ermita or Malate. You'll also find the best nightlife in those neighborhoods. However, be warned that if you have fair hair/skin you WILL attract attention, regardless of what area you're in. It's not a bad thing, but it might make you uncomfortable to be catcalled and stared at incessantly.

Have a great time and definitely check out Intramuros, Manila Cathedral, and Taal Volcano.

[Yaya]

Hmm, why would you need to stay in Manila for a week? I'd say three days max.

But if you are going to stay, I'd stay in Makati. It's cleaner, safer and has chic places to hit. I just spent the weekend in Manila and had fun, BUT I also know that it was good for two full days but probably not for longer.

Seriously, reconsider staying in Manila for a week. If you can go elsewhere in the Phils, DO IT.

[DeMayonnaise]

Agreed. Manila is a dump...I'd much rather spend a week on a beach somewhere other than Manila. Flights are cheap within the country, anyways...

[hwarangi]

Thanks for your responses everyone.

I wanted to stay in Manila to shop, see a friend, and plan travel from there; gonna be in-country over a month.

Anyway, your advice was duly noted.

Thanks again.

[northway]

[Yaya]

I love the Phils but in many ways, being in Manila isn't that much different than being in Seoul. The traffic is horrendous, pollution is bad, prices are higher than in the other parts of the Phils, the people aren't the friendliest, it's basically all malls, sightseeing is overrated (I hit Chinatown and was duly disappointed), and well, you get the idea.

I'm hoping flights to Cebu get as cheap and numerous as those to Manila. It seems more Koreans want to hit Cebu and that's why flights going there tend to be more expensive and less available.

[northway]

[brickabrack]

Get out of Manila. Read some books on the beach for a few days. The best advice anyone could offer.

[Caffeinated]

Be careful of scams and crime.

[Cerulean]

Yep, I will avoid it if I'm ever in the Phils again. And I did it on the way out which was such a dumb idea. I should've done it first and left the beach for last.

Lesson learned.

[Mosley]

Pretty much agree with all the respondents here. If you MUST stay in Manila...

1) Keep it to a MAX of 3days.
2) Stay in Makati.
3)Visit the Chinese Cemetery & the Pacific War Cemetery(I'm not morbid, just a history buff)
4) Keep a grip on your valuables
5) When you leave to catch a flight or get to a bus station allow for OODLES of time in the maddening Manila traffic.

[I-am-me]

You Crazy!!