Heading to the Philippines - Jan-Feb 2011

[Warren_L]

Hey guys, just thought I'd ask if anyone has any advice on traveling to and diving in the Philippines.

I've booked a 10 day stay with Cocktail Divers at their resort, Garden of Eden. Based on their website, Tauchen Philippinen - Tauchen auf den Philippinen mit Cocktail Divers in Sabang, Puerto Galera (http://www.cocktaildivers.de/), things look pretty decent. And it did come recommended by someone I know. Has anyone stayed with them before?

I also had a look at the Canadian Government Foreign Affairs website and there is a travel advisory for the Philippines, and am wondering if I should concerned about traveling to Manila.

"The threat of terrorist activities exists, particularly in Mindanao. Bombs have exploded in shopping malls, on public transportation, at airports and port facilities, in places of worship, and in other public areas. Further explosions are possible anywhere in the country.

Canadians should be alert to the danger of kidnapping in the Philippines. Although government action has reduced the frequency of kidnappings, there remain reports of planned kidnap-for-ransom of business people. Kidnappings have occurred throughout the country, including in Manila and several resort areas, and deaths have resulted in some cases. Canadians should be cautious when travelling to, and around, coastal areas and island resorts.

Crime continues to be a serious concern, especially in Manila. Avoid displays of affluence such as jewellery. Do not carry large sums of money, and keep valuables in safekeeping facilities. Criminal gangs are active in Manila, including the Makati central business district, and have drugged and robbed unsuspecting tourists. Visitors should not accept offers of food, drink, or transportation from strangers, and should not leave food or drinks unattended, particularly in bars. Bystanders have been hit by stray gunfire in armed robberies and subsequent pursuit of the perpetrators. Avoid disturbances, rallies and demonstrations."

[matt_reed]

Hi Warren,

I lived in PG for 4 years and think you should be perfectly happy with Cocktail. They are an experienced op and are always busy, so must be doing something right!

Do not worry about travelling to Manila any more than you would worry about New York. That travel alert is a standard one that most countries have a similar version of. The Philippines gets a bad rep. but you'll see that it is primarily undeserved.

Obviously the sensible things mentioned like not flaunting jewelry and carry loads of money on you etc etc would be wise to follow. But you should find the main public areas of Manila like the malls and resto areas such as Greenbelt very safe and friendly.

In PG you will probably be harassed by vendors trying to sell you sunglasses, DVDs and pearl but they too are friendly like all the locals and you will have a great time.

Enjoy and I hope that helps!

Matt.

[annasea]

I reckon you have an equal, if not greater, chance of running into trouble in your hometown of Toronto than in the Philippines.

Granted, I was only in the PI for a total of 8 weeks, but never once did I feel in harm's way. I took public transit and strayed from resorts as much as possible, and even in GenSan (Mindanao) at night, I felt at ease.

Have a great time, Warren, and be sure to post a trip report complete with pics when you get back. ;)

[gee13]

Why isnt there a travel warning like this to parts of USA then? Particularly Detroit, Memphis and Miami? :dontknow:

[Warren_L]

Thanks for the advice guys, it sounds like it should be a good trip. I've got 10 days in the Philippines, then I fly directly to the Maldives for a 10 day liveaboard, then home. Should be a blast!

[Warren_L]

Why isnt there a travel warning like this to parts of USA then? Particularly Detroit, Memphis and Miami? :dontknow:

Because in Canada everyone already knows the dangers.

[Centrals]

The only problem of diving with Cocktail is.....gear up in the shop and the walk to the boat!! At other places your gear will be loaded to the boat and you only have to carry your fin, mask and weight(if required).


Philippines is pretty dangerous because the beer is extremely cheap and the Philipina might steal your heart. So be warned.

[altaskier]

I've got 10 days in the Philippines, then I fly directly to the Maldives for a 10 day liveaboard, then home. Should be a blast!
Ouch (airline seat)! Philippines to Maldives? Why not Palau?

[OuterReefAdventure]

Wow sounds like you have a great trip planned... Again as far as safety goes, I have traveled solo throughout the Philippines to meet up with groups and have yet to have any problems.... I would just take care to pack plenty of rechargable batteries as the batteries here are relatively expensive and sometimes quality is suspect...

If you carry an unusal/unique computer I would bring an extra battery for that... But if your experienced you already knew that :) ....

Finally you can pick up a copy of the latest lonely planet guide and you should be all set in case you want to take any side trips....

Cheers,
Roger

[Babydamulag]

Travel Warnings for the US ---- good one -----Might look something like this

- BEWARE OF GUN-TOTING MORONS THAT WILL SHOOT YOU ON A WHIM.
- BEWARE OF POLITICIANS THAT WILL SPEND YOUR TAX DOLLARS AS IF THERE IS AN UNLIMITED BUDGET

[Allison Finch]

Travel Warnings for the US ---- good one -----Might look something like this

- BEWARE OF GUN-TOTING MORONS THAT WILL SHOOT YOU ON A WHIM.
- BEWARE OF POLITICIANS THAT WILL SPEND YOUR TAX DOLLARS AS IF THERE IS AN UNLIMITED BUDGET

:bs::bs:

[OuterReefAdventure]

It is quite fashionable to knock the US, and it is quite easy to do since it is a fairly open society where 98% of the ills are reported in the press... It is especially depressing when I see Americans or residents pandering to others for acceptance :)

[gee13]

There are Americans that understand the situation (some even are doing something about it) and those that choose to ignore it. Then there are those in permanent denial.

Then again the irony of the right to bear arms foiled my misconstrued notions of freedom leave a lot to be desired in todays so-called modern society.

What is definitely true is that parts of USA remain more dangerous than the countries they issue travel warnings against. Id like to see which resident would like to challenge this or call it BS.

[OuterReefAdventure]

Then again the irony of the right to bear arms foiled my misconstrued notions of freedom leave a lot to be desired in todays so-called modern society.



profound ;)

[Allison Finch]

Interestingly, there are quite a few mass shootings in Europe....that few hear about. In fact, the two largest school shootings (K-12) are both from Germany. China has seen a number of school shootings this year too.

America's problem is that the media makes a sensation of our problems. It also tends to make celebrities out of the sick people who perpetrates these tragedies.

[jbb]

Wow sounds like you have a great trip planned... Again as far as safety goes, I have traveled solo throughout the Philippines to meet up with groups and have yet to have any problems.... I would just take care to pack plenty of rechargable batteries as the batteries here are relatively expensive and sometimes quality is suspect...

If you carry an unusal/unique computer I would bring an extra battery for that... But if your experienced you already knew that :) ....

Finally you can pick up a copy of the latest lonely planet guide and you should be all set in case you want to take any side trips....

Boy this one got hijacked quick.

I would recommend a cheap six plug strip but then I usually stay in very inexpensive lodgings where you only have two outlets - one for the fan and the other for everything else. You need to charge phone, ipod, strobe batts, camera batts and computer etc. Make sure your chargers can handle dual voltage - I had to get the international charger for my Ipod Touch - Frickin' Apple - every other charger I have handles 220 standard.

I would recommend Jens Peters' guide to the Philippines over Lonely Planet. He used to write for them in the past. I think it is more detailed and up to date.

[KellyR]

Wow Warren, that sounds like an awesome trip! :)

[adamtodd]

Right to bear arms > The right to use fire works on a 24 hour basis.