g) ---- Keep safe and well in MANILA
STAYING WELL
Manila being the Capital city is well served by Medical establishments such as hospitals , dentists etc . Theres a large number of Doctors , Surgeons etc that are trained in the United States and Europe to a very high standard to such an extent that Medical Tourism to the Philippines for Dentistry and other treatments is growing in popularity. Manila is at the forefront of the provision of Medical treatments including cosmetic.
If you are staying in Manila there is no need to have anti malaria medication as the risks of contacting it are very low. However if you think you maybe visiting other areas of the Philippines , especially the provinces then Medication is advisable , ( ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU TRAVEL).
The tap water in Manila is NOT drinkable , always use Bottled water even to brush your teeth. Dont have ice with you drinks.
Be aware that pavement food sellers do not have the same standards of hygiene as in the west. Buying food from these sellers could result in stomach problems.
If you take medication at home , bring enough for your stay plus some extra in case of emergencies ( you might be delayed on your return.) Also bring with you a copy of your prescription in order that a Chemist can get you the right medicine which might be known under a different name in the Philippines. Also if you are travelling via certain countries such as Saudi Arabia then to have your prescription with you for any drugs you will be carrying will avert any problems at immigration should they question you .They are very strict of even prescribed drugs for simple illnesses or ailments.
Dont forget your suncream , the ultra violet rays are very strong , even in cloudy conditions.
Always use mosquito repellent on uncovered areas at night. Use a mosquito repellent in your room and ask for a net for the bed if in the provinces. They MAY be available if you ask, but some resorts provide these already as standard.
Try to stay away from stagnant water , Dengue Fever is spread by mosquitoes that thrive around this type of water and is MORE dangerous than Malaria.
Take a look at our Links page for details of Hospitals etc and check out our advertisers section for businesses and services available in Manilla.
STAYING SAFE
Like any major city throughout the world there are a very small number of bad people in Manilla , and always remember that Asia and the Philippines in particular is a poor part of the world. Therefore care must be taken not to become a victim of crime.
IN ALL MY VISITS TO MANILA I FELT SAFER THERE THAN IN MY HOME TOWN.
Dont wear flashy jewellery to walk the streets especially at night. No point in showing off your wealth to people that might exist on a few pence a day. Temptation would be great to some of those people.
Always lock the doors of taxis etc.
When walking around Manila try to keep to main roads , walk straight and assured . If stopped by sellers , touts etc , politley say HINDIT SALAMAT PO. ( No Thank You ) and walk on. DONT STOP. 99% of Filippinos understand English , especially NO , and YES so dont worry that they cant understand you. If you use a few words of Tagalog ( the main dialect in the Philippines ) they will get the impression that you are not a stranger and be more ready to leave you alone.
Dont expect traffic to give way to you on the roads. even if you have right of way, the highway code doesnt exist in the Philippines.
Be aware that not all the scam merchants and conmen are from the Philippines. I have had 3 cons tried on me 2 of which were Westerners. Usually stating they have had some bad luck , lost wallets , been robbed etc. If you want to help someone, try to check out the story first. They are very good at what they do .
Try to stay away from bars and clubs that are predominantly Filippino customers , drunk Filippino and foriegners sometimes dont mix too good.
Try to get a hotel that has a safe in your room AND USE IT. Take a photo copy of tickets , passport , id's in case you lose your original. They will be a lot easier to replace .
Dont stare at Filippinos , its regarded at a threat to some men. If you have a problem with an individual its always better to use a third party to solve the problem as its regarded as an insult to a local if they lose face. The problem can usually be sorted out a lot easier if by a third party.
Never reveal your Hotel or Room number to strangers.
Like anywhere in the world just using common sense will mean that you will enjoy your experiance that much more and have less risk of illness , injury , or loss.
Manila is as safe as any Major City. Just be aware that to many in the Philippines ------- IF YOU ARE A FOREIGNER------ YOU ARE RICH --- so take the appropiate measures to ensure you are not a victim , and ENJOY YOUR STAY IN MANILA..
