Travel Safety Tips for Your Trip to Manila

Nothing compares to Manila, the Capital of the Philippines. It is one of the most densely populated cities in the world and is considered the fastest-growing city in Southeast Asia.

It’s easy to see why it is such a popular tourist destination, with everything from big-city luxury. It’s a place that blends tradition — being the city where most of the landmarks of Philippine history have taken place — with a glamorous dining and nightlife scene set in a lush natural setting.

Travel and Safety Tips

Getting around the city

Manila has an extensive public transportation system. It has a rail system, but all of the other public rides traverse the metro’s main roads, which means you’ll have to schedule your trips carefully to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

The majority of these rides are also indirect, meaning they have fixed routes, so planning your public transportation cost will also be necessary.

• Taxi Cabs

Cabs are the most convenient mode of transportation in the city, but they are also among the most costly. To ensure that these cabs do not overcharge passengers, the local government controls their pricing.

You will be paying for each additional kilometer and the time spent inside the car, so being stuck in traffic will cost you.

When taking a taxi, it’s important to make sure your driver follows the meter. Many people will try to haggle over prices, particularly for longer distances. They are not permitted to do so; they are only permitted to charge you the sum shown in the meter and nothing more.

• Jeepney

Jeepneys are the most ubiquitous mode of public transportation in the Philippines. They have a fixed route, so if there are no jeepneys that go directly to your destination, you will have to take connecting rides.

This is the most used mode of transportation among locals because it is relatively inexpensive and prices are not affected by traffic jams. They can be very uncomfortable, especially during the midday heat.

These rides are generally safe, but since people sit side by side in such close quarters, passengers are often easy targets for pickpockets.

To avoid being a victim, keep only the necessities with you when you go out and about in town. The fewer things you carry with you, the easier it will be to keep track of everything.

If anyone begs you for money, it is also illegal to give it to them. If caught, you could face a hefty fine.

• Busses

Busses are your best friend when traveling long-distance, particularly if you plan to visit Manila’s outlying areas and neighboring provinces.

They have a set rate for specific distances, so budgeting will be simple. There are air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned busses available; however, take the one with AC if you have a low tolerance for heat.

If motion sickness is a factor for you, there is no need to take busses without them (some locals prefer non-AC busses, but both options are priced the same).

Busses are a secure mode of transportation since their doors are locked as soon as they start moving. Sleeping isn’t an issue because busses are outfitted with surveillance cameras and GPS monitoring to ensure they stay within the speed limits.

There is also a conductor on board to keep things running smoothly and to guide you to your next destination.

• Metro Rail System

Of all the cities in the Philippines, Manila is one of the few cities having a Metro Rail System, also known as the LRT (Light Rail Transit).

Although the LRT is a good and affordable option for going around town, it is usually crowded, especially during rush hours where lines could go all the way out of the station.

Important Safety Tips

Manila is a developing metro and is one of the most progressive in the Philippines. Often ranked high in terms of safety indices, the city, however, is not exempt when it comes to trouble.

• The City is Not Perfect

Manila may arguably be the most progressive in the country — often ranking high in economic stability, quality of life, and safety index. This, however, does not mean that the city is free from its share of misfits.

Like any other situation, common sense is your friend. Pickpockets do roam the streets, so it is best to be mindful of your belongings. Bringing with you the bare essentials minimizes the risk of any foul incidents.

It is also important to be aware of all the emergency numbers in case you get in some bad situations.

• Trusted Personnel

Fortunately, you have friends you can depend on as you explore the city. Police officers, traffic enforcers, and other government personnel will be delighted to assist you with any complaints.

Tourist desks are located in each police station, ready to respond to the needs and concerns of tourists.

Others you can rely on include hotel workers, security guards, and the vast majority of professionals in the region. A good tip? If an individual appears to be shady, he or she most likely is.

The majority of the population will be more than happy to assist you, but you must be cautious about who you approach.

• Go Cashless When Possible

Despite the city’s rapid growth, the majority of businesses are still cash-only. This means you’ll have to carry cash with you at all times. And, whenever you’re taking more valuables with you, the chance of theft increases.

Larger outlets, such as malls and most restaurants, will accept cashless payment methods. Take advantage of every opportunity to go cashless, as this will allow you to carry fewer valuables and better track your spending.

• Travel Insurance

I cannot emphasize this enough. Spending a little extra to get a travel insurance package will be worth it no matter what city in the world you’ll be in.

Any reputable insurance company will offer traveler’s insurance packages. This will give you peace of mind if the worst happens.

As the saying goes, “It is better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.”

• Secure Your Important Documents

The most important thing you will carry with you will not be your phone or camera. It will be your documents. Passport, travel plans and itinerary, credit cards, and so on.

Losing these would be a huge hassle, and keep in mind that, while government employees enjoy assisting citizens, the procedures are quite kafkaesque.

Wearing a money belt is the most convenient way to carry your important papers with you when exploring the area. I know it seems tacky, but I’d rather be tacky with peace of mind than juggle all the stress any day.

• Be Mindful of Travel Advisories

The Philippine government issues travel advisories daily. These may be basic weather-related precautions or amendments to various regulations to preserve peace and order.

These announcements may also contain information for any travel restrictions which can adversely affect your travel plans and tours around the city.

It’s best if you keep your eyes peeled for these. The city has a website with a tourism section, and updates are frequently broadcast there. In certain government-owned tourist attractions, you can also take advantage of exclusive promotions.

It Pays to Be Prepared

In a country with over 7000 islands, the city of Manila holds the thickest chapter in the story of the Philippines. And with a population of 1.78 million inhabitants, you’re bound to run into a few minor inconveniences. To avoid all that, or at the very least minimize travel setbacks, take note of all the above tips. A trip to the Philippines is not worth missing out on!