With the international highlight on Extra-Judicial Killings and news about terrorist kidnappings, many of my non-Filipino friends would prefer NOT to visit me. Our news is peppered with news of innocent bystanders or innocent family members of suspects being victimized and kidnappings by terrorists.
3 years ago, my Swedish female friend came Manila. She didn't tell her parents at first. When they found out, they were alarmed because of the kidnappings in the news. She calmed her parents down, telling them that I'm going to be with her all throughout her trip -- even picking her up from the airport and bringing her back. She did feel safe, but I think she felt stifled because I wouldn't let her go exploring by herself.
2 years ago, I had a Lithuanian acquaintance who came here on a business trip. On her first day, I fetched her from her hotel. I gave her a driving tour of Metro Manila. We were just in the car so it was more like a 3-hour overview of Metro Manila. Starting from Makati, I drove her to Intramuros to see the Spanish influence. Next was Chinatown to see the Chinese influence. Then to San Juan to pass by Greenhills. Finally, we went to Bonifacio Global City, where we had afternoon snacks in High Street. She was amazed at how different each of the areas were from small streets in Binondo to the high-rises in BGC. Since she was in the Philippines for about a month, she'd travel around by herself via taxi and go to concerts and museums. Overall she didn't run into any trouble going around. Her only complaint was the bad traffic!
Going back to the question -- Is it safe to travel to Manila, Philippines? I say Manila, Philippines, because I haven't been out of the city in a long while, so I can't personally vouch for the other places. However, it is generally safe especially the tourist-y places. Just don't go to in the terrorist-riddled places. (
See here for cities to avoid)
Short answer -- Yes, it's safe to travel to Manila. Long answer -- Yes, but take the necessary precautions and follow the instructions below.
In a way, what you'll read below can sound very elitist (and fine, I probably am one!). Personally, I'd rather spend more to ensure my personal safety and that things go smoothly. If things went badly, you'd probably go home telling your friends to stay away.
Transportation
Thankfully with ride-sharing apps, getting around Metro Manila is much more secure. We both have Uber and Grabcar, so be ready with your app before getting here. During the rush hours, expect the surge to be 3x more. From the airport, get an Uber/Grabcar if you can or get a car transfer from your hotel.
I'd strongly discourage you against using taxi cabs. There are plenty of taxi-related horror stories from both locals and foreigners. Most of the time, they won't give you your change. Sometimes, they don't turn on the meter and charge you exorbitant prices, especially if you're a foreigner. A lot of times, they flat-out refuse to take you if they don't like where you're going. There are also stories of taxi abduction where the kidnappers will force you to withdraw from your ATM -- rare but I'd rather not take the chance.
As for the MRT's and LRT's, they are pretty safe (guarded) and cheap but be wary of pick-pockets. I've already known 2 people that got pick-pocketed. Stay in the ladies-only section if you can (if you're female of course). However, avoid using the trains during rush hour because you'll be packed like sardines. I'd also avoid having to change-trains from MRT to LRT because you'd have to exit and walk ~10 minutes under the heat to get to the other line.
Jeepneys and tricycles may be the cheapest way to get around, but only use it when you've got an expert local with you. Don't flaunt your wallet, cellphone, and jewelry. Or better yet, don't bring valuables with you.
As for going outside of Metro Manila, it's tough. You'd have to take the bus or hire a private car for that. To be safe, ask your hotel for tour packages that include transfers to and from outside the city.
Accommodation
I would strongly recommend accommodations in a nice safe neighborhood with plenty of lights outside and a wide side-walk. You'd be surprised how non-existent sidewalks are in the other parts of Manila. It's also a big plus if you're near a mall so you can easily drop of your loot back in the hotel. Don't go walking by yourself in dark, sketchy places!
If you're going around as a tourist, I'd recommend staying in Makati Central Business District or Bonifacio Global City Taguig. If you can't afford the hotels in Makati CBD, you can opt for Airbnb in the same area. Makati CBD and BGC Taguig area is the safest area for foreigners to walk around in. Even if you don't look Filipino, people will pretty much leave you alone. A lot of the companies operate 24/7 so there's still life in the area even at 3am. Be sure to check the surrounding areas in Google Street view.
If you're going for business, I would recommend getting a hotel close to work because Manila traffic is insane during rush hour. Check with your local colleagues for recommendations but still check the surrounding areas in Google Street view. Ask them if it's safe to walk outside.
If you happen to stay in Chinatown, Manila, it's quite safe to walk around during the day along Ongpin Street but I wouldn't recommend going off late at night. It's very busy during the day with the stores open, but unlike Makati CBD and BGC, businesses are usually closed after 6pm.
Walking Around
Given the poverty in the Philippines, you may encounter beggars asking for money. There's also one time that I've been threatened by a street kid with an ice pick for not giving them money. When walking on the sidewalk, keep your bag on the shoulder opposite the road because of the bag-snatchers in motorcycles.
Avoid talking to strangers and following them to wherever. Filipinos are one of the friendliest people in the world and it's quite easy to make friends since most of us can communicate in English. Many foreigners have fallen in love with the locals. Be wary though... Like anywhere else in the world, there are some bad people who could take advantage of you.
With the heat of the city, stay hydrated. If you're not used to the tropical weather, be sure to bring cold water with you wherever you go. You don't want to suddenly faint from the heat while walking.
In relation to the extra-judicial killings on the news, it mostly happens in the poor areas in Metro Manila. Kidnappings by terrorist don't really happen in Manila, it's mostly in Mindanao (Southern Philippines). Kidnappings happen but kidnap-for-ransom usually happens to specific local targets, not random foreigners on the street.
Eating Around
Our restaurants are generally clean. However, if you'll be eating street food, your stomach might not have the enzymes to deal with certain bacteria. I've been eating street food since I was a kid and I've never experienced food poisoning but maybe because I'm used to it. While I think there's a low chance of food poisoning, be ready with charcoal pills or diarrhea medicine.
To conclude...
I don't mean to further discourage you from visiting by telling you what can go wrong. Living in Manila my whole life, I can tell you there are plenty of interesting things here. The Philippines has a rich history and our food is pretty awesome! I hope you follow these safety tips because I want YOU to have an enjoyable experience in Manila, Philippines.
Next entry will be the sample itinerary of Metro Manila.
