Is Philipines safe to visit?

@noyida (795)
Singapore
June 19, 2007 10:01pm CST
I am interested to visit Philipines for holidays. But I know nuts about it. Yes I know, there is internet that we can get more info, but too much info and I had very little time to really explore. Since myLOT have a Philipines members, it is better for me to get info from the native. Media had been telling us about how not safe is Philipines- rioting, bombing..hhmm. But then when I surf the Net for some info, the place look very exotic. Plus I'm totally lost,which part of Philipine to visit and where is the safest place there. So all myLOT Philipines members, please give me some advise on my mission to visit your exotic country. Oh ya, if you are not Philipino but had been there, do share your and give tips. Thanks.
1 person likes this
13 responses
@klystron635 (1519)
• Philippines
20 Jun 07
Hey Noyida! I am a Filipino. I live in Mandaluyong City, my place is a city away from the capital of Philippines. There are beautiful places in my country. But I suggest you first visit El Nido in Palawan. It's paradise out there. Then you should try the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan. You'll be swimming from island to island. Complete nature, just you and the islands. You can also try Boracay. A lot of foreigners love that island. I don't think Philippines is a dangerous country. Our police and soldiers are doing there best to avoid incident such as bombings and rioting. I'll be honest, there are some bombings and rioting that is happening but usually it happens in the southest part of the Philippines, Mindanao. You see the people there would like to separate from the Philippines. They like to build their own country but then the Government won't let them. That's the issue. If you need to know more, don't hesitate to ask me.
• Philippines
21 Jun 07
I am not a Muslim but I guess I have an idea of Halal. Halal is the good food, right? While the bad food is haram? Correct me if I am wrong. If you are talking of about the good food, definitely there will be. Send me a message if you decided to go in the Philippines and if you tried El Nido, Palawan. I really wanted to go there but I am completely busy right now.
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• Philippines
27 Jun 07
I see. I had a similar discussion a month ago. But you explained it better. Thank you. I know understand what's the difference between those two.
@noyida (795)
• Singapore
20 Jun 07
The mention of all those beautiful places make me more excited. You bet there are a lot more to see back there rite. Thanks for your informative response. I'll take note on that. BTW, any possiblities of HALAL food at Palawan?.
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@mari_skye (1637)
• Philippines
21 Jun 07
Thank you for your interest in our country. The Philippines is composed of many islands where you can have a variety of choices depending on your taste. My hometown is Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines. It is dubbed so because of its cool climate. Lots for foreigners visit it to relax and unwind and feel the beauty of the mountains. There is also Sagada in Mountain Povince, a little town about six hours from Baguio. The attraction here is its rustic beauty and unique culture. Most travellers love this town because they want to see its beautiful caves. Another favorite destination in the northern part of the Philippines is the Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao. I believe it has been officially accepted as the eighth wonder of the world. The view there is majestic. You get to see the rice terraces in the side of the mountains that seem to reach for the sky. Now if you are more into beaches, the pretty ones are located in the south part of the Philippines. There's Boracay, Palawan and Davao in Mindanao. Don't worry, its perfectly safe in here. Sometimes the media exagerates.
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@noyida (795)
• Singapore
27 Jun 07
I should think so that the media exagerates, that is why I post this topic. I'm happy with the sincerity of the answer that came from Philippinos. You all are one bunch of great people. Will definitely visit your beautiful country.
• Australia
20 Jun 07
Hi there. I'm a filipino myself. I think you will enjoy your stay in the Philippines. Filipino are very warm people. They smile and eat a lot lol! My advice to you is always bring a bottle water with you wherever you go. Bring mosqueto repellient as well. Also when you go out, try to always stay with the crowd. I would advice you not to go to the south part. That's not a safe place for you.
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@noyida (795)
• Singapore
27 Jun 07
I knew Philippines are very warm people. That is why they make a good nurse or care giver. Thank you for your reminding me about those insect repellent. But to always stay with the crowd is a risky thing to do. Anyway thanks.
@puchapox (579)
• Philippines
20 Jun 07
Hi there! about your question on HALAL foods, i'm sure tourist spots offer restaurants that cater to different palates and culture. In the southern region there definitely would be plenty, since most of the people there are muslims. I really hope you will come visit the Philippines. I guarantee you will have a fun and safe trip here!
@noyida (795)
• Singapore
27 Jun 07
Hope the Halal food can be easily accesible as I understand there are some muslim philippine. Hmm, I hope to have a safe trip there as a lot of my friends sound sceptical when I told them that I wanted to go for a vacation in Philippines. Hopefully they are wrong.
20 Jun 07
there are no problem if they are not a creminal
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@noyida (795)
• Singapore
27 Jun 07
I hope so, thanks for your response.
• United States
20 Jun 07
i have lots of friends that have been to philippines and none of them wanted to leave. me being filipino-american myself have never been to philippines yet. mostly due to the fact that im in the military and travel to other countries besides my own. one day i'll come and visit though.
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@noyida (795)
• Singapore
27 Jun 07
Ya, that what I heard from some friend in the US. They visit Philippines, find a wife there and build their home there too and enjoy their retirement. May you got the chance to visit Philippines.
@kyutstudph (1263)
• Philippines
20 Jun 07
I think Philippines is safe to visit. I am a filipino living in Manila, Its capital. You're right there are lots of exotic places here in the Philippines. Based on your profile you are from singapore right? I have an uncle working in singapore and his boss keep on visiting the Philippines every now and then, Now that my Aunt is planning to get married next month one of their sponsor would be the singaporean boss of my uncle and we are expecting him to come again by first week of july. In any way I also want to visit Singapore sooner. If you want to visit the Philippines I can help you out just inform me if you are still interested. Dont worry I will not ask for any money in exchange. Thanks for asking anyways
@noyida (795)
• Singapore
20 Jun 07
Thank you vey much!.. I knew Philippinos are very kind and helpful. I will contact you if our plan is finalise.
• Philippines
20 Jun 07
No problem, Sure thing you will enjoy your visit here in the Philippines. My dad and step mom is planning to go there in Singapore by last quarter of this year to find a job. I hope that they find a good one so that I can have a chance to visit there also. Thanks for your time to response. God bless! d=)
• Philippines
20 Jun 07
yes, definitely!Visit the island of Boracay and you'll nevber regret...
@butterfly39 (3904)
• Philippines
20 Jun 07
We can't avoid killings, bombings and everything, it's just a normal happening today in this world. I'm just too proud that i lived in a safe City here in the Philippines. Cebu City, is a nice city, we have nice beaches here, delicious foods and five star hotels. So need not to worry but always bear in mind to be careful and not to trust anybody, coz you'll consider us here strangers. I promised you will enjoy your stay here.
1 person likes this
@noyida (795)
• Singapore
20 Jun 07
Partly agree on what you said. We cant really stop the killings, bombing and rioting. But we still can avoid them in such a way not purposely be there when there is commotion. Of course all this is beyond our control. Thanks for reminding me not to trust anybody, what more when it is a foreign country. But I would like to think that Phippinos are such a lovely person. Perhaps I must just be wary of anyone who offer me something without me asking then. Thanks for sharing with me about the beautiful Cebu. Now, I'm excited and confused..LOL.
@orbeltadz (506)
• Baguio, Philippines
20 Jun 07
It depends where you go in the Philippines. Lots rebels resides in the southern region in Mindanao but still I saw lots of westerns are living in the mountain region of Bukidnon. Just inquire the Department of Tourism about how Philippines is safe and a better place to lived.
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@noyida (795)
• Singapore
27 Jun 07
Thank you for you suggestion on contacting the Philippines Department of Tourism. Perhaps I could post some question and enquire from them.
@shen23 (126)
• Philippines
20 Jun 07
i am from Philippines, and yea, it's safe to be here. there are lots of foreigners in here for vacation. there are humors about terrorists, but that would be located just in mountain area.. don't worry planning to visit my country, it's a wow country here.. for sure you will enjoy...
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@noyida (795)
• Singapore
27 Jun 07
You are one person who are very proud of your country. I believe that it sound WOW on Philippines. Perhaps the authority and the media would play a part in promoting Philippine as a tourist destination. Thanks :)
@polano (3)
• United States
20 Jun 07
It's nice to hear that you have expressed interest to see the Philippines. But your problem is that you're mixed up on where to go exactly. As you will know there's a lot of beautiful places to visit in the Philippines. Perhaps, the best thing for you to do is visit the website of the Philippines Department of Tourism. However, if you feel indisposed, I might as well give you some tips on what places to see. Of course, Metro Manila is a big urban center that comprises many cities and towns. In Manila, you can pay a visit to the historical Intramuros, the Ermita District, and Quiapo. You can try the Asian Mall, considered to be one of the biggest shopping malls in the world, along Roxas Boulevard; the Gateway Center in Cubao, Quezon City; the Makati City Commercial District, Makati City, Marikina City, the shoe capital of the Philippines, and dubbed as one of the cleanest cities in the Philippines; and so forth and so on. In the provinces, you can fly through Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Air to Cebu City, Palawan province, Boracay and Panglao, Bohol. Boracay is a favorite destination for foreign and local tourists alike who have the luxury for enjoyment and fun. It has a Caribbean-like atmosphere, even more than that. By the way, most hotels in the Philippines provide assistance to tourists. Hoping this pieces of information will serve your interests.
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@noyida (795)
• Singapore
20 Jun 07
Thank you for your descriptive response. You give me ideas to set my itineraries and to look in depth on the places mentioned and how to get there. I didn't know that Manila have a biggest shopping malls in the world. Perhaps you can hilite to me on the HALAL food availabe there and where to get them. Thank you very much. Your information is very helpful.
• United States
28 Jun 07
I am a German-American..third generation..but I married a Filipina in Tokyo, Japan in 1985 and she has many relatives still in the Philippines. There is a lot of resorts and tours in the philippines. Some people like to scuba dive..this is good..especially in Cebu..and the airport is better then Manila. Manila trafic is terrible..takes a long time to get around by taxi or jeepney..Makti is the wall street of the Philippines and it reminds me of New York..but in Manila there is a lot of very good hotels..but I prefer the provinces..like Cebu or Negros as the pace is slower and the people are more friendly and it is cheaper when you get away from the big city of Manila..(polution is very bad too) Check out resorts that cater to foreinger that provide guides and security. Yes, there is a large population of Muslim and I would be wary. 85% of the population of the Philippines is Catholic so that is the place for me. I am lucky as my wife's family watch for my safety at all times but all you have to do is take a tour and stay with the group..until you know your way around..it is sort of like a border town in Mexico..Juarez across from El Paso..just watch yourself..ok? My wife and I have never had any problems but she is a native and we have her family to watch over us..but I still like to stay in A/C as it gets very hot..even in December May through Nov. is rainy season..and it is very humid and it rains a lot.. So get a good travel book on the Philippines and find a good quality hotel that has guided tours and security and you should be ok...Good luck...
• United States
28 Jun 07
Word to the wise..I would be wary who I trusted...the Philippines is very friendly but there are a lot of scams wherever you go...some of my wife's family are not to be trusted and my wife does not have anything to do with them after they cheated her own mother out of money that she sent her when she was working abroad...i would be wary of strangers and anyone who offers you some free help..expecially over the internet...you will find out for yourself...i hope you don't take this the wrong way.