Is Manila Safe?

[englishbird]

Hi Everyone.

I am new to this site, but I think its the best place to find a true answer to my question " Is Manila safe?".

Just some background for you. I am female, 36 years old. I met a guy from the Philippines nearly 2 years ago on a cruise ship. I was the passenger and he was working. We have kept in touch by email and phone and I have been back to the ship twice to see him. He has invited me to Manila to visit him when his current contract finishes in November.

I would just like some feedback on Manila and whether it is any more dangerous than any other major city. We would stay in a 4/5 hotel and I have been told that Makati is the best area to stay.

Any advice for me?

[Tawi2]

Its a lot more dangerous than some major cities,and less dangerous than others,I cant imagine spending a full holiday in Manila myself,fascinating place though it is,best recuperate from Jet-lag in a decent makati hotel then head south to a beach

[Mrs.JMajor]

No worries, I am still alive, I live in manila , yeah it is safe Makati is a nice place,

[Tawi2]

I thought you lived in the UK Mrs M

[Mrs.JMajor]

I thought you lived in the UK Mrs M

Yeah, before i came to UK, I lived in Manila,

[EdwardB]

Makati is safeish. The trouble is, that it looks and feels more Western than most Asian cities but it is really the least Western in terms of safety & stability. Greenbelt looks and feels very upscale. It is fun but don't scratch the surface.

If you are doing a 4/5* fine. But understand that the classifications are muddled & pricing like everything else in RP is what you negotiate.

I recommend the Ascott by miles. The Peninsular & Mandarin are OK but are both full of hookers & pricing and room quality very variable.

After that the rest of the 4/5's are really much of a muchness irrespective of official classification. If anything after that I'd recommend The Somerset Salcedo (Ascott chain) again) but don't get the wrong Somerset whatever you do (locals will get my point).

& wow a Brit Woman with a Filipino you have broken the mold on here! Just enjoy the place the people are wonderful. It is a fantastically pretty country other than stunningly ugly but fascinating Manilla - but the government & systems are shambolic.

[vbkelly]

Hi Everyone.

I am new to this site, but I think its the best place to find a true answer to my question " Is Manila safe?".

Just some background for you. I am female, 36 years old. I met a guy from the Philippines nearly 2 years ago on a cruise ship. I was the passenger and he was working. We have kept in touch by email and phone and I have been back to the ship twice to see him. He has invited me to Manila to visit him when his current contract finishes in November.

I would just like some feedback on Manila and whether it is any more dangerous than any other major city. We would stay in a 4/5 hotel and I have been told that Makati is the best area to stay.

Any advice for me?

i was stayed in manila 7years for my work but what i can say is stay away in the crowd though

[Sophie]

Hi Everyone.

I am new to this site, but I think its the best place to find a true answer to my question " Is Manila safe?".

Just some background for you. I am female, 36 years old. I met a guy from the Philippines nearly 2 years ago on a cruise ship. I was the passenger and he was working. We have kept in touch by email and phone and I have been back to the ship twice to see him. He has invited me to Manila to visit him when his current contract finishes in November.

I would just like some feedback on Manila and whether it is any more dangerous than any other major city. We would stay in a 4/5 hotel and I have been told that Makati is the best area to stay.

Any advice for me?

Yes, makati is safe You can also try the fort, it's safe there too Have fun in the philippines then

[Ana_may365]

Yes!MANILA is safe coz i was born there[tondo]

[bornatbirth]

as a man from the uk on my first visit to manila was a surprise,it does look so run down.my wife is telling me to be careful but i never felt unsafe,as long as you look after yourself and be street smart.
i take it you will meet him at the airport so you already have a local guide

any 4/5 star hotel will be ok,try the sofitel at 6/7000 peso per night but room service is alot

if you want a far cheaper but clean hotel try the comtempery hotel at 1500 per night.

[Tawi2]

The first hotel I ever stayed in was in Del Pilar street,the taxi-driver had a perverse sense of humour,he took me to a short-time taxi hotel after I asked him at the airport to take me somewhere nice

[bornatbirth]

well maybe thats where all is customers go?

[eagles]

Manila is ok.. Southern part of phils is the best- where you can get to see more than just nice scenery or nice girls.. You'll be awed with the filipino culture and hospitality down the south.

[Piamed]

I think a cities characterisation regrading safety is determined by the actions of the tourist. Manila is very safe if you don't walk around dnagerous areas with your wallet on display. I have never been even close to feeling unsafe there but then I do not venture into the red light areas, congested places and I do not walk around like many travellers with a demeanour that screams I'M A VULNERABLE TOURIST. I've seen many that do and some have been attacked in various locations abroad.

[nids123]

yes i agree with everybody here makatis is seafest place in philippines and im from makati city im now here in uk for 2 months. injoy ur stay there and try to go to beaches in phil lots of nice view and resorts there.

[KeithD]

Iran is safer than the UK

[vbkelly]

anywhere in manila is not safe.

[Ana_may365]

anywhere in manila is not safe.

im NOT AGREE with u

[vbkelly]

im NOT AGREE with u

hehe fine that's my opinion
cheers!

[Pepe n Pilar]

anywhere in manila is not safe.

i disagree...

[pennybarry]

OK here's the unsafe.

Only Christian country in Asia but beware of pick pockets and snatchers in Quiapo close to church and Divisoria

Unsafe ladies: Ermita at dark and Ermita red lights street
Luneta ladies roaming around.

[englishbird]

Thanks for all your replies. I have yet to make a final decision but your replies really help. I have travelled alot and I do try to blend in and not flash any personal belongings, jewellry, phones, cameras etc.

Unfortunately I only have time to stay there for a week, so I think we will just stay in Manila.

Im just concerned after looking at the UK foreign Office website which mentions kidnapping!!. They make it sound really unsafe. I don't want to be too scared to leave the hotel.

[bornatbirth]

Iran is safer than the UK

thats why you live here?

[vbkelly]

Thanks for all your replies. I have yet to make a final decision but your replies really help. I have travelled alot and I do try to blend in and not flash any personal belongings, jewellry, phones, cameras etc.

Unfortunately I only have time to stay there for a week, so I think we will just stay in Manila.

Im just concerned after looking at the UK foreign Office website which mentions kidnapping!!. They make it sound really unsafe. I don't want to be too scared to leave the hotel.

always have a warning about kidnapping in the PI just be careful and always have a group date if you going out lol

[KeithD]

I have travelled alot and I do try to blend in .....

You'll have to paint yourself brown then, otherwise you'll stand out like a pig in Israel

[englishbird]

You'll have to paint yourself brown then, otherwise you'll stand out like a pig in Israel

Why do you assume that Im white? Maybe Im brown!

[englishbird]

Yes, makati is safe You can also try the fort, it's safe there too Have fun in the philippines then

What is the fort?

[bornatbirth]

i dont think you ever will get kidnapped in manila??

thats far down south.

then stay at the sofitel for a week and get the cheapest room and eat out,plus its right next to everything.

[bornatbirth]

fort bonifacio..a very modern part of manila and very safe.

[Alan]

" Is Manila safe?".

Is anywhere safe?

Al.