A Q for Filipino head-fiers~

I personally haven't been there in a while (5 years now, i think). But from what relatives and people who did travel there say, I would suggest to not bring any expensive headphones or items at all. A small cheap mp3 player could be the best bet if you want to listen to music down there. Also, don't look like an easy target from them. Those are probably an advice for traveling to any place but it's true. Good luck and I'm sure people who are there or have been there recently can have a better advice than I have.

Well yes, be very careful. I did manage to keep triports with me, but they were always on my head, or my neck. It is very crowded in Manila, and I fear wearing too much or showing off a bit will entice some of the locals to go after you, begging for money.

As for the cell phone, everyone, and I mean everyone texts in the Philippines. I don't know if it's a stereotype or the nickname "The Texting Capital of the World," but there's a lot of people with phones. I'm sure you should be fine as long as you keep tabs on it.

I felt safe with my iPod in my pocket, but rig wise, it should be best to travel light. It is very humid in Manila, and the malls especially. Unless the mall happens to be indoors also.

Just my opinion after going there for summer break.

Keep your player in your pocket basically. Make sure it isn't very easy for someone to just take it from you.

as anywhere just be discrete and practice some safety precautions

always leave important travel documents (passports, etc) locked inside safe vault of hotel.. my family & i do this whenever we travel outside Philippines too

bring an open line (unlocked) tri/quad band GSM phone.. you can use your GSM phone here through local sim cards which offer lower rates for local calls

myself and buddies carried expensive photo gears and headphones/amps around Manila/Makati and during vacation to some our our very beautiful tour spots like beach fronts... no bad experience so far

you may want to avoid the crowded area like Quiapo, Avenida, the mass transit system (LRT/MRT)

you will enjoy our huge modern Malls.. air conditioned indoor if you want... outdoor part very beautiful too.. GreenHills, Trinoma Mall, Bonifacio Heights, SM Malls to name a few.. lots of delectable food and drinks here... take your pick

btw, iPod, iTouch, iPhone, Grados/Alessandros, AKG, AT, expensive iems and other stuff very common nowadays in Manila/Makati

may i humbly share ... "Boracay by night"


enjoy your trip

Hi there. I've been living in Manila for my entire life; and although I'm not familiar with all the areas, I guess I'm in a good position to answer your question.

It really depends where you plan on going. Some places (and public transportation) have a higher concentration of "criminal elements" than others, though I don't think The Philippines is any more notorious for this than its neighboring countries. You can bring expensive items; but to be safe, make sure they're hidden in your pockets especially when in crowded places or in public transport.

Malls (e.g. - SM Megamall, Mall of Asia, Trinoma, Market! Market!) are generally safe. Other examples of safe areas are Makati (Central Business District), Rockwell, Eastwood and The Fort. The MRT and LRT (trains) are quite safe as well although be alert when riding in jeepneys and buses. Taxis are hit-and-miss, but it's best to be alert, lock all doors and make sure the driver isn't fooling you by taking a longer (read: more expensive) route when riding these as well.

In all my years here, I've used my cellphone in public, taken some street photography using my DSLR and I use my iPod Classic (from my pocket) when commuting, but nothing's ever been stolen from me. A friend of mine even uses his Archos to watch movies on his bus commute home. I have witnessed a cellphone snatching once on a jeepney though and some friends have had their cellphones snatched... bags knifed open... or pickpocketed - although rarely and usually in those "notorious" places like Quiapo, Recto & Divisoria.

Don't draw attention to yourself so that you're not a potential "target." I think in my case, I've already gotten used to the areas where I go to, so I guess that's already second nature to me and I'd recognize something/someone suspicious when I see it.

My advice: Don't be afraid to bring your items along if you want to, but always remember to keep them protected and be alert. There's nothing especially dangerous about Manila and Filipinos are known to be very warm and hospitable people.

If you need anything else, just post here or shoot me a PM. Enjoy!

Podium Mall ... very safe


i think this is MarketMarket or Trinoma.. or i may be wrong.. oh my, we have numerous beautiful malls around MetroManila

Just hide anything that looks expensive.Be carefull on public transportation,and in crowds of people.Especially be carefull around mall ladies they will set you up to be robbed.

mall ladies?

We were there for 3 weeks in May. Tagaytay, Manila, Boracay and Laoag. Great trip but man it was hot and humid. That humidity is the killer.

I brought my iPhone 3G, Dell Mini 9 netbook, DS, Superfi 5EB's, Leckerton UHA3, Kindle, and a few other older iPods for the kids. I had no qualms bringing stuff around but I would agree w/ most, don't advertise. The big malls and shopping areas are fine. Just like any big city in the world, just don't look like a target. I thought bringing out my iPhone would be a big deal but tons of people have 'em. I even saw a few Macbook Airs, which is pricey even for Silicon Valley. Apple earbuds are common so you won't attract a huge amount of attention.

I wouldn't advertise your stuff in places like a local bus or Jeepney but planes and taxis are fine. We stayed at Fraser Place in Makati and I had no problems leaving all my electronics to charge on the desk during the day.

My cousin warned me to be careful of pickpockets at the Makati Sat Farmer's market. But I'm cautious in those types of crowded situations even here in the US.

And hopefully you won't spend your time in the malls. There's a lot more places to see than the inside of the mall. Boracay is still one of our favorite beaches in the world, better than 4 of the Hawaiian Islands I've visited, California, Mexico, Jamaica, Florida, etc. Yeah, it's too popular but it's cheap for the balibayan American. Next time we'll go to El Nido and Palawan. We did Pagsahan (sp?) Falls years ago and that was cool.

sorry for some crappy shots but these are beautiful spots in P.I.

Taal view from Tagaytay Highlands


part of Tagaytay Highlands


how clear is the water? one of Palawan's 1700 islands

Ahhh Tagaytay. Love that place. The malls are fun. Even the outdoor ones are great.

Out of curiosity, why are you planning a trip to the Philippines? Always wanted to go?
bass nut, I'm pretty sure that mall is Market Market. The bottom one.

thanks sir Magedark for the info

btw, Palawan and other islands also offer beautiful underwater experience as bio diversity is quite awesome as per our diver friends' (visitors and locals) actual exposure