With the exception of parts of western Mindanao in the south of the country, Philippines is generally a safe travel destination, provided one is careful.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE...
When you arrive by air, there will (at least at Manila NAIA) be a bank between immigration and customs or after both. Obtain a small supply of low value P20 and P50 notes, as these are invaluable for tips and taxis.
Hire a yellow taxi (P70 flagfall) to get to Manila (Ermita or Malate), Makati, Quezon City, Ortigas Center or any other metropolitan destination. Most drivers are pretty good: if yours is not, keep the slip you got when you stood in the taxi line and report the driver.
TAXIS AT MANILA NAIA AIRPORT -
There are 3 ways of taking a taxi from Manila airport
1) Most expensive - Take the white pre paid cab. First line on the right of exit. A trip to Makati or Ermita will cost you 500-600 pesos
2) Medium expensive - Take the yellow Air port taxi - Second line on far right side of exit. A trip to Makati will cost you 150-200 pesos.
3) Take the escalator to the upper Departure level of the airport (4th floor) and exit. Join the line for the normal white coloured regular taxis. This is the cheapest and will cost you 100 pesos to Makati.
Always keep all taxi doors locked. If drivers refuse to switch on the meter, bail out and catch another taxi. This is a common ploy taxi drivers in Manila indulge in with foreigners.
MONEY CHANGERS
Changing USD, AUD, EU money and currency notes of other countries is very easy all over Philippines. The best rates are available at smaller private money changers in shopping malls like Robinsons, Greenbelt, etc. The worst rates are given at hotels, airports and banks.
Some money changers suggested by TA members are - Edzen (0800 - 0200 daily), in A. Mabini Street , about 10 minutes' walk from Robinsons Place Mall in Ermita. Sheena moneychanger is associated with Edzen.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
(See the Internal transport page for better details and travel maps)
Manila's three line LRT/ MRT elevated railways are a travel bargain at P12 to P15 a trip. While they don't go everywhere, an indirect trip via Taft and EDSA stations (connecion is via an overhead footbridge then through Metropoint Mall) is a good way to avoid a taxi clogged in slow traffic.
Philippine National Railways has one surface rail line between Tutuban Center and Alabang. Trains run half hourly during peak periods, but otherwise hourly. As of 2013, the train to Naga / Legaspi is under repairs and it appears doubtful that it will commence running.
BUSES are the de facto means of internal transport in Philippines. Ferries are second common.
There are about 30 private bus companies that run these buses. For short distances upto 12 hours, buses are recommended, for anything longer, flights and ferries are recommended.
Websites of Domestic flights -
Book domestic air and 2go ferry travel online at respective websites such as www.philippineairlines.com, www.cebupacificair.com, www.airphilexpress.com, , http://travel.2go.com.ph/ , www.tigerairways.com.au and www.airasia.com
For enquiring on ferry scheduels, see this website - http://schedule.ph/
In busy cities, always ask for a higher floor room to minimise traffic noise transmission. At smaller hotels, make sure you are not next to a neighbour's rooster!
TA has extensive restaurant listings. Use them. The range of food has improved enormously in the last 20 years.
Try to interact with the friendly Filipino people. However, do not accept any offers to go to someone's house to play in a 'card game.' You will inevitably lose. The friendliness may disappear.
If visiting nightclubs, do not 'walk home.' Take a taxi: they are cheap and plentiful and will deliver you safely.
Shopping in Manila, Cebu City and Davao is often great. Take a spare suitcase up with you. Don't miss SM or Robinsons department stores, Greenhills in San Juan (Metro Manila) for some bargains and the larger shopping centres like Robinsons Place Ermita, SM Mall of Asia on Manila Bay, Megamall in Mandaluyong City or Ayala Center in Cebu City.
Look out for discounts on so-called 'coupon' websites, but also consider locally advertised special offers. For instance, some non-hotel buffets can be good value for money.Websites like agoda.com and booking.com give some good deals which are lower than hotel rack rates.
Travel on a jeepney and if you must on a calesa (availabel only in Intramuros Manila and Heritage Vigan) briefly to experience these modes. Have small money (preferably coins) for the jeepney. Mind your head and don't lose sight of your belongings.
Above all else, take a friendly attitide as you see the attractive scenery outside the big cities, see the white sand beaches or the banaue rice terraces or relax at a larger resort or small city hotel. The land of 7107 islands will reward you with numerous smiles from its inhabitants, as corny as that may sound.
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