Manila's Ins and Outs: Safe Travel and Budget Guide

Simply no place like Manila . . . Often misunderstood, tagged as one of the densely populated metropolitans in the world. The apparent large gap between the rich and the poor, with the high rises taking over the city along the highways and streets named after our colonizers, and on the other hand, the unresolved poverty conditions exist in smaller streets and alleys. Nevertheless, this busy metropolis still has so much to offer - a jumping point to anywhere, old colonial towns, shopping malls in almost every city, the happy-go-lucky people and the night life.

Though sometimes it might get a little tricky and pricey for the newcomers to travel in Manila, it pays to have a guide coming from an expert local who knows the ins and outs. And by the way, this guide is not meant to scare travelers off, these tips are pretty much common sense but often neglected. It pays to be reminded again and go back to basics.

So here are some tips on how to stay safe and on a budget while traveling in Manila.

1. So you already have an itinerary and you’re ready to buy a plane ticket. The cheapest way to go is to take advantage of cebupacific / zestair / airphilexpress promotional offers. You’ll save a lot if you book really early, but this is not for the fickle-minded, you will definitely pay more should you decide to change your flight. That includes the rebooking fee for each flight schedule, so you'll end up paying more than the cost of the promo ticket you originally booked.

2. Upon arriving at the NAIA airport in Manila with all your heavy backpacks, the first thing you’re going to look for is a taxi, which will take you to your hotel or guesthouse. There is no shortage of this as there are many of them offering rides around the area. Yellow taxis are the expensive ones, the flag down rate is P70, or worst some drivers might ask you to pay a hefty fixed price. To save, look for the white taxis as their flag down rate is P40 or the fare should not cost more than P250 up to Malate, which is the Khao San Road-like backpackers’ hub of Manila. However some might still insist for a fixed price for some reason, if you don’t want to pay more, just politely ask to be charged by meter.  If they don’t agree then the best way is to get out and find another cab.

  

3. The cheapest mode of transportation to get around Manila or in other cities in Philippines is by jeepney, which will cost you at least P8 to get to the nearest destination. From the airport you can also take the jeepney, which is only if you don’t mind the hassle and inconvenience of putting your backpacks among with the other passengers crammed inside. If you plan to stay in Malate then you can save for sure if you choose to take the jeepney. From NAIA airport just walk outside to the main highway, ignoring the cab drivers yelling and offering you a ride. There are several jeepneys from there going to Baclaran or LRT (Metro). When you get off either way, be sure to take the next ride with route going to Quiapo, you will not miss it because there are destination signs clearly posted in front of the jeepneys. Just ask the driver to drop you off in Adriatico St. in Malate or near Malate Church.

If you plan to take the jeepney to get around Manila, be sure to research on your destinations scrupulously as getting from point A to B might be a little confusing at first. Ask the jeepney drivers to drop you off specifically to the location you’re headed to. Inquire about the fares from the passengers before paying, they know for sure how much the real cost is to get to your destination. If you’re in a hurry then it’s best to just take the metros or taxis, as the jeepneys can be a little bit annoying when they stop in almost every block to catch passengers.

  

4. LRT 1 and 2 and the MRT are the fastest way to get around the city if you want to avoid the annoying traffic. It will only cost you at least P15 to get to the stations. Traveling by metro is easy, the trick is to be familiar with the north and south bound, be sure to check where your destination goes to. LRT 1 and the MRT might be a hassle if you join the rush hour madness which usually starts at 5pm during weekdays. Be prepared to be crammed and sometimes be shoved inside by the other passengers waiting in each station.

5. Safe traveling is not an assurance, which is the same case everywhere you go. It will be a smart choice to leave your expensive jewelries, watches and accessories at home before landing to Philippines. Traveling in Manila particularly in crowded markets wearing these is definitely an eye catcher for snatchers and robbers. A foreigner traveling alone already catches an attention so try to keep a low profile by wearing casual or travel clothes with fewer valuable accessories, or better yet with no expensive jewelries at all. Pick pockets are common in crowded places like Quiapo, Divisoria, Baclaran and Pasay where even the locals are also getting robbed. So make sure you don’t bring all your money with you and avoid putting your wallet or gadgets at the back pocket of your backpack, as this becomes an easy target. 

If you have a body bag or a shoulder bag, make sure you don’t put your valuable stuff in there, it’s better to put your money and cell phone inside your pockets. It pays to be a little bit paranoid in this case so be aware of the strangers you’re walking with at all times, or be mindful of those who are following you. Change your walking route from time to time if you feel someone is constantly behind you, and keep away from dark alleys with fewer people. Be aware of those who are suspiciously eyeing your belongings when you’re inside the public transportation especially in jeepneys, if you already feel uncomfortable then get off.

6. If you’re traveling very late at night or going back from a late night party, it would be best to take taxis. If you’re drunk from clubbing or partying, it would be better to get accompanied by someone you know to get back to your guesthouse. Go with the flow and avoid walking in dark areas with no street lights, ask the traffic enforcer or the police if you’re looking for some directions.

7. In some areas in the cities, particularly in touristy places you will most likely encounter street children or young beggars harassing you for some money. Don’t patronize as they should be in school and not out in the streets begging for money, but it’s still your prerogative to give or not.

8. When you’re busy shopping in the extreme bargain marketplace such as Quiapo, Divisoria and Baclaran, just carry enough cash for shopping, credit cards are not usually accepted in shopping places like these. Keep your money and gadgets in your pockets instead of inside your bags. 

Haggling is common in the marketplace, which is the best way to get extremely cheap deals. However if you bargain too much you might get a dirty look from sellers. Be fair and make sure to bargain just like the other locals, no more no less. Ask the other buyers for the price of the goods they purchased before buying. This way you’ll know if you’re being overcharged or not.

9. Tricycles are found mostly around small towns and residential areas. Tricycle is a little roofed sidecar bolted in a motorcycle. This a cheap ride for sure which will take you to the nearest town, around residential blocks and to jeepney terminals. You’ll save money if you manage to find the passenger's terminal, and wait until the tricycle is ready to go - fully-packed with passengers, two people inside and two at the back. You’ll pay at least P8 to get to the common destination or to any place along the way. This is faster compared to sidecars or pedicabs. These are bicycles with attached sidecars that cater two passengers. This is only common in certain residential areas and street blocks. 

Some might offer you special trips specially if you’re alone, this is the best way to get in to your destination faster, however you’ll pay a little bit more. You’ll pay at least P8 for shorter trips around towns, and P250 or more for longer trips. Avoid getting special trips when you’re traveling alone at night, it would be better to get accompanied by a local friend or a fellow traveler. Plan ahead and ask some locals about the landmarks of the place you’re headed to, in this way you’ll know when you’re already at your destination.

10. AC and Non AC buses coming from different directions along Edsa highway are widely present. The crazy honking horns make this public transportation definitely unmissable. These buses are slower and often stop to get more passengers. Non Aircon buses are of course way cheaper, you’ll pay at least P12 to go to the nearest destination, but the drivers annoyingly fight their away through the traffic with intense maneuvering. A little bit of a hassle for the first time travelers in Manila, while locals had already gotten used to the noise and quick-tempered bus drivers.

Provincial buses can be found in several areas in Manila. Most buses going to the south provinces are located in Pasay Rotonda and Buendia while those headed to the north are in Cubao along Edsa Highway. Longer trips ranging from 6-12 hours usually cost around P500. Non-Aircon provincial buses are less expensive.

Keep an eye on your belongings when traveling by bus. When traveling in the city at night it would be safe to keep from sitting too far at the back. Avoid the temptation of checking your cell phone for any text messages or answering calls especially when you’re inside the bus or any public transportation. Be aware of your seatmates, if you feel that they are suspicious-looking individuals then by all means transfer to another seat or better yet get off and take another bus.

Everyone is not safe, even the locals are not immune to the dangers and annoyances. If you can decide quickly with just little information present or by just looking at someone or at some place, then dangers can be avoided. Traveling in Manila requires you to be smart. Trust your instincts. One can travel and enjoy while staying safe at the same time.

For more information on how to travel on a budget please consult the available guidebooks about Philippines. Do research on the web or better yet ask a local friend. 

Posted by MissForlorn, Photos by Peregrine