Manila Travel Forum

I'll be heading out to Manila, March 13th-17th. Small vacation away from work here in Korea. I'm 22 years old, been to other major cities (Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, Taipei etc), I'm guessing the closest city to compare it to would be Bangkok? Correct me if I'm wrong.

I've read a lot about stick-ups, pickpockets, kidnapping, horror stories that are making me watch my back already and I haven't even left! I understand every major city has it's problems. But will I have to be overly cautious or just use common sense.

I enjoy traveling alone, forces me to enteract with the locals, mingle more etc. but would it be wise to do so in Manila? Any tips or advise will be greatly appreciated!

Ah one more thing, I was trying to find some up-scale nightclubs (that plays hip-hop! Trance/house music makes me bust out in epileptic fits), no hole in the wall type places, I see enough of those here in Korea.

Thanks again!

Yeah it's hard not to compare BKK with Manila but it only stands to reason. Depending on where you are going to be common sense should prevail and I think you have enough travel sense to know where you should be and not. Most places such as Makati is much like the states, big malls, people shopping and very cosmopolitan, even though I am not inot the mall scene. I like to get out to the local markets and interact with the locals as well. It gives you a better flavor for the country. Some good hotels in that area as well and some night clubs although I am not up on the night club scene, sorry. If you don't travel too far while there you shouldn't have a problem with transpo. I say this because in my opinion, the Philippine infastructure just doesn't measure up to Thailand or other major cities, countries infastructure and ease for travel, unless you are going to stay in one area. Considering your time there I assume that you will. Where are you staying? You should not have any problems traveling alone. Let me know if you have any more questions. Have fun

It is always better to be cautious, rather than ending your vacation with bad memories. I was in Manila during February for 4 days. I stayed in Makati and I visited tourist attractions in and around Manila. I have also received advice from friends to stay away from silent streets and unsafe places. There is too much poverty in Manila and you can expect something to happen during the night. With this consideration on my mind, I was discovering the city during the day and staying safe in the evenings in places like Greenbelt Zone with many shopping malls. Safety is an issue and it is best for you to pay attention on this especially during the night. For nightclubs and so on the best area to check out would be Malate, but I am not a hiphop fan so wait for some more replies about that. Enjoy your stay in Manila.

Actually I just booked my hotel at the Executive Plaza in Malate. Had decent reviews on Asiarooms.com only 50$ a night as well.

I agree with both of them. You better be careful and alert where ever you go but at the same time have fun.

*Don't bring to much money with you when you travel around.
*Ask your hotel desk manager for safer gig/places for you then choose.
*At night, go to places that near your hotel since Malate has plenty of gig for you to visit.
*Travel at day time for tourist places.
* Have fun! You're on vacation.

Happy Travel! Welcome to Philippines!

If you are looking for some up scale clubs you should check out Alchemy in Ortigas. the place is coll and trendy. it is the "in" thing theses days. I just don't know if their music is what your looking for though.

You have to be street smart in Manila. Like any major city in the world, Manila has good and bad neighborhoods. Just stay within tourist areas and you would be fine. No need to be paranoid. Also some Filipinos especially those living abroad tends to "exaggerate" stories or give "too much information" about the Philippines. Kidnappings rarely happen to foreign tourists in Manila. Most of those being kidnapped are wealthy Filipino-Chinese. Buy travel books about Manila to know which places to go and avoid.

Just wanted to thank everyone for the tips that you've supplied me with! I'll be sure to let you all know how things went. :-)

Head down to The Fort in Taguig, prolly abt 30 minute cab ride from Malate. Check out the Embassy club, and a few clubs around the area, they play more street and hiphop there. PLUS-- pretty safe area. Malate is good but would usually get crowded it's no fun, although way cheaper than Embassy.

Happy traveling!

If you are looking for up scale clubs, Check out Embassy in Fort Bonifacio Taguig its just beside Makati city, by taking a taxi/cab from your place of stay in Malate might cost you 150-200 pesos roughly 5 dollars, means of transport here are cheap just make sure you ride reputable cab companies, just ask your hotel info desk. Another club who caters to Hip Hop/ House / Trance Music is Alchemy in Ortigas. Tell the driver to take you in Silver City Ortigas its much farther from your place of stay in Malate your cab ride might cost a bit higher. If you happen to be in Makati Check out Clubs in Green Belt 3. Nightlife in Makati is very much alive usually on Friday and Saturday.

Enjoy your stay hope to hear good feedbacks from you.