Something for Everyone in the Philippines
May 17 '02
The Bottom Line The Philippines is one of the best tourist destinations in the world for it's wide variety of attractions and great prices for goods and services.
The Philippines is a tourist paradise as long as you are prepared for the unexpected and read up on what parts are safe to be in and what parts are not.
GENERAL SAFETY
Areas to Avoid
Stay out of any mountainous areas that are not heavily populated. These areas tend to be controlled by the numerous bandits and communist rebels.
Exceptions are mountain cities like Baguio.
Other areas I would avoid are the islands of the southern part of the Philippines such as Mindanao, Basilan and Jolo. Even though some within the DOT may say that it is safe now, I would highly recommend against doing so at this time as that region is still volatile. I would not go further south than say Cebu or Negros Island.
Land Travel Precautions
When traveling from different parts of the Philippines by land you risk the chance of encountering makeshift checkpoints and highway robbery. These are usually both attempts to deprive you and the other passengers of their valuables.
As long as you do not wear much jewelry and keep your money someplace other than your wallet or purse you should so OK. I would recommend leaving a token amount lest they suspect you have a larger stash somewhere else.
This type of crime has been on the decline in recent years between the major cities but still occurs in the far flung provinces.
By Sea
Many people like to island hop using Banca boats for short hauls and ferrys for the longer distances. There are dangers associated with both.
Bancas are cheap fun ways to get from one small island or beach to another or even do little fishing but I highly recommend you ensure everyone in your party has a life vest available and that those who are poor or non swimmers wear one before leaving the shore.
Bancas are not the sturdiest crafts and will not be able to handle rough weather. I have read of a story posted by an acquaintance who took one of these for a romantic boat ride by moonlight with a girlfriend and they ended up swimming several miles back to shore when it was done.
Ferrys are another popular and inexpensive mode of travel from the larger further spaced islands. The Ferrys are notorious for being overcrowded and lacking in safety equipment. It seems like every few months where I hear of another ferry capsizing and catching fire and hundreds die because of a lack of equipment.
The newer ferries that have higher fares are usually the way to go. remember you get what you pay for.
Miscellaneous
There are many scams to be aware of while visiting the PI. While I won't list them all I will list a couple more common ones.
Taxi's, Trykes, and Private Hire Jeeps - Many people love the taxis but before you board one you must ensure that the meter is working and that he activates it. If not do not ride in the end he will name his own price and you will not like it. The same rule generally applies to Trykes and Jeepneys. They don't have meters but before you go for the ride you need to agree on the price before you depart.
Card Scams - The minute any stranger or new found friend offers to play cards RUN!!! Don't think, hesitate or ask questions. Just go someplace else. There are people that are very good at getting you in a card game where you can literally lose your shirt no matter how good you think you are.
Cross Dressers and Pick Pockets - Cross Dressing is a somewhat tolerated part of Philippine culture and don't be surprised at the large number of he's pretending to be she's. Occasionally some of them will be very convincing and will try to get close to you for a light of a cigarette or have you meet them someplace "safe" where your pockets will be picked or you will get robbed. When in public and on public transportation have a hand on your wallet and do not wear any type of jewelry you value.
Where to go
Manila
Manila is a huge metropolitan City that is composed of many smaller cities with many inhabitants of all socioeconomic classes. It is a mix of glass and steel skyscrapers and cardboard boxes.
Manila offers many of the things you can expect to find in any large major city around the world. First class dining, entertainment and accomodations. It has dozens of malls, amusement parks, a zoo and cultural landmarks. You could easily spend a couple of weeks in Manila and find new and exciting things to do.
Olongapo/Subic bay
Once a home to one of the largest naval installations for the US navy Subic Bay now hosts many foreign business. The area in general has a few new shopping areas and resorts for the tourist with a little cash to spend. Nearby are some nice beaches and Grande Island. Last I heard one could still rent a cabin on the island and enjoy a pleasant tropical evening with a loved one.
The nightlife is slowly making a comeback and it should not be too difficult to find a club or two to hang out in. many expats hang out in what is called Barrio Barreta.
Angeles City
Often referred to as a kind of Wild West or Playboys Country Club, Angeles is a quickly growing city encompassing some smaller townships that has many modern amenties that one can find in Manila.
The Balibago area is well known for it's wild nightlife that caters to just about whatever desires a male and some females migt have. Drinks are cheap and many of the old bars from the 80's and early 90's have been remodeled into some very classy clubs with enough glitz and glamour that it vaguely reminds me of Reno or Vegas.
Clark AB closed in the early 90's with the departure of the US Air Force and has been turned into the Clark Special Economic Zone. The old military airport has been renamed the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport and is slowly transforming itself into a truly usable international port. Many duty free stores are located here offering wonderful deals on a wide range of items.
Baguio
A city located high in the mountains in the Northern part of the Philippines, Baguio is a nice place to go to escape the unrelenting heat of the lower altitudes. Temperatures range from the 50's to the 70's.
Baguio host a wide variety of cultural areas to visit such as Mines View, Lourdes Grotto, Chinese gardens and many more. You will need two to three full days to really enjoy the many things to see here.
Baguio does offer a nightlife to cater to the many college students who attend school here. Most places are Karaoke lounges and small pubs. A few larger discos are scattered around.
Alaminos
A small city on the west side of Luzon Island, Alaminos is the launching point to the 100 Islands area. Jokingly referred to as 99 islands because one slipped back into the ocean, The area offers a nice selection of beaches to choose from as you ply the waters in a colorful Banca Boat.(remember the life preservers)
Cebu City
The closest thing in size to Manila is Cebu City. Cebu City is a great jumping point to visit many of the other central islands of the Visayas region such as Negros, Leyte, and Samar.
Cebu City hosts Colon Street, the oldest known road in the Philippines. Many historical landmarks can be visited and the shopping is one of a kind. There are at least two decent size malls for more traditional shopping and entertainment.
Japanese, Koreans and Taiwanese make up a majority of the tourists who visit here and you are sure to find plenty of bars, discos and karaoke lounges to relax in. The Waterfront hotel in nearby Mactan City is a fairly decent hotel that I can recommend to any traveler.
Other areas
There is a never ending list of places to visit in the Philippines. Some of the more common and well known are:
Puerto Galera
Boracay
Marinduke
Pagsanjan Falls
Callao Caves
Benguet Burial Caves
Ifugao Rice Terraces
Chocolate Hills of Bohol
Crater Lake Mt. Pinatubo
Surfing in Aurora
Palawan
Considering the Philippines is composed of 7,107 islands, there is something for everyone.
Some useful websites to visit are:
http://www.wowphilippines.com
http://www.tourism.gov.ph
or email:
UTP@mozcom.com
to ask for information regarding outstanding maps to aid in travel in the Philippines
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