Trifter

Most of the news about the Philippines it portrays The Philippines as a very dangerous place to visit for foreigners or it is a playground for those who like cheap brothels. Often this is a misconception of the country.

As there is some problems and in the southern islands they do have dangerous areas with terrorist organizations in Luzon the northern main island it is mostly safe. These areas with problems are highly cautioned to avoid. The list easily acquired at travel agencies, Department of Foreign Affairs, Embassies or Philippine Nation Police offices.

As for the brothels, prostitution is illegal not to say some places bend the rules. This happens in most places around the world. This is not typical as may be said by others. Most women are virtuous and appalled by this misconception.

If you travel the Philippines, you will find it naturally beautiful as a tropical country. There are many white sand beaches mountains and rain forests. The people are hospitable and most speak English their own way but understandable. The common language spoken is Tagalog but very many other dialects spoken depending upon the area. Most Filipino/Filipinas are happy to meet and very helpful in welcoming guests to their country. Cultural dancing is also an experience and different from area to area.

Being The Philippines is a poor country it is an advantage as many things are inexpensive. Food, travel, clothing and stay are affordable for most budgets.

Great Things to Do

While in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, do take advantage of the big but bustling city. There are many shopping malls to include the Mall of Asia, the biggest mall in Asia, a short ride from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Makati is close as well and a very modern and well kept part of Manila a must to see. Hotels there are grand and have great tours. Along Roxas Boulevard a drive along the coast of Manila bay are also many great hotels with tours as well. The US Embassy and other embassies are located along the drive for those who visit from the US if needed.

Shopping malls have fix prices. The markets though are always a great place to bargain. This is expected and it is fun as well.

Do visit Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan province. This was a well-kept secret but now is a growing tourism place. It is about 6-hour bus ride from Manila but well worth the time. There you will find 100 small islands close together, many with white sand beaches and plenty of small boats to take you there for a very reasonable price. There is resorts there too that offer comfort at a low price. There you can fish, snorkel and even scuba dive. This is a protected area as a national park.

Visit Baguio known to be summer capital and the cleanest city. This city is high in the central mountains of Luzon. It is cooler by far then most of the low lands so even the Philippines is a tropical country do bring a jacket as it does get cooler especially at dark. This is most likely the best place to buy handcraft as the native handcraft mostly made in this area. Baguio City is also about 6 hours from Manila by bus. If you like to play golf Camp John Hay has an excellent golf course and hotels that have golf packages available.

I recommend it highly as I currently reside in Baguio City. Take a short trip from Baguio to Asin a hot spring resort area. Relax in the very warm and natural sulfur spring baths. Family will enjoy the water parks at the resorts there as well.

Tagaytay about 3 hours bus ride from Manila is a wonder to see. The mountain city with a view of Taal Lake and Volcano is breathtaking. A short hour drive from there is the beaches of Bantangas with many beach resorts some equipped for a try at scuba diving, snorkeling or fishing.

Things to be aware of

As in all places over the world there is good and bad. The Philippines is no exception. Recommendations include valuables and money be secured. Suggestions being bring only what you will spend for the time you are shopping or touring. Always use caution to keep money in front pocket and hand on as some market places do have pickpocket or purse-snatchers. Be aware of your environment as most victims are careless. Stay with and adhere to tour guide instruction as they are familiar with problems and will keep you safe.

Be skeptical of those who befriend you or entice you to stray from tour rules there is also con artists that run in groups and look for people unaware of this situation. The best way to be safe is again in a group managed by guides.

An experience of a lifetime

If you choose to go, enjoy the Philippines, as it is an experience you will treasure the rest of your life. You may even conceder the country as a future retirement spot as I have.