Tips for Fun, Cheap and Safe Travel to Philippines

Philippines have become popular with its beautiful gift of nature. Wonderful beaches from different places attract tourist from all over the world to explore. Furthermore, a traveler has to be responsible with himself, in dealing with strangers, handling their stuff and managing themselves in a foreign land. If you worry about expenses, I have tips and guidelines of safe and cheap travel to Philippines. It’s important to bring back unforgettable memories back home.

Do researches about your chosen destination. See if the place you’ve chosen is convenient, safe and best for you. You don’t want to end up with disappointments about the chosen place. You can look for feedback over the internet and hear from other peoples actual personal experiences.
Bring a map if you can. Don’t be confused with places you’re going to. Travel map guide is useful! So you don’t need to ask strangers around and get more confused
Don’t forget your medicine. Bring it especially when you’ve encountered problems with its availability. You can’t be sure if you’ll find it here. I’ve read a story before about a person who had a heart attack inside the plane. He forgot to bring his medicine but still fortunate because his wife brought it for him.
Bring enough clothes. Laundry shops are found everywhere especially in the City. If you worry about bringing more clothes for how many days and you intend to stay at your friends place, you should know that laundry shops are found everywhere .Its usually 25php per kilo regardless of your color :D.
Bring enough cash. Upon getting to the airport, look for a money changer. Just bring cash enough for food and fare and let your credit card take care of the rest, its widely accepted nowadays in Philippines which is getting dynamic with these matters. Don’t give desperate snatchers an opportunity with your bulky pocket.
Choose the right person to ask. If you’re not sure about certain information, ask the most appropriate person with regards to your question (Ex. airport staff, hotel staff, restaurant manager,) don’t pick anybody. Avoid scam.
Dine outside rather in Hotel. Discover affordable Fine-Dining restaurants. You can also find buffet restaurants with a wide range of Asia’s different cuisines. Enjoy your meal!
Be careful when walking along the street. Try to figure it if it’s safe to walk around or not especially in the city. I had my friend’s sister before who was dragged on the street by a guy from a motorcycle who grabbed her purse. She was hospitalized and had internal hemorrhage. It’s awful but such incidents have similar cases in Philippines.
Negotiate first. When looking for a taxi ride, negotiate first about the fare. They might give you an over price and you’ll be shocked with your bill later on. Some drivers get pissed off if you resist paying the said amount especially if you’re white. If you forgot to do so be polite with them as much as possible. I heard from news before about a white guy who was robbed and killed by a taxi driver in an abandoned area( The driver must have a serious motive to murder the guy or it could lead from hot debate, I don’t know).Some bad drivers easily go crazy and lost their temper over arguments and passengers’ complain.. Negotiate before doing transaction and things will fall into right places. This is not to scare you off but you can’t predict what’s in peoples mind.
Riding in a bus than hiring a private car .It’s much more fun and cheaper. You don’t necessarily pay much when you want to look what is behind on that mountain. There are lots of places to go around Philippines. You don’t need to stick in one place. You can catch a bus somewhere and head off to other interesting places nearby for a wonderful joyride. You will see the charming beauty of mountains, ranches, fields, overviews and learn the culture and daily life of Filipinos. It’s never boring when you like discovering new things. Just bring camera in your pocket and small amount of money
Bring a waterproof camera. If it will be your first to scuba dive, get a waterproof camera. I had regret of not buying one during my first time to dive in Palawan since I didn’t get good pictures of beautiful aquatic life. Seeing the amazing view underwater is one blast rare experience.
Stay in a Guesthouse/Transient Accommodations. If you’re a backpacker and has a tight budget, find a Guesthouse to stay, so you won’t be bothered paying expensive hotels for how many days, you won’t be sacrificing doing limited things out of your budget. It’s a good strategy to save more. I met friends from Western countries during my stay in Backpackers Haven Guesthouse in Cebu. Two of the girls came from South Africa and Brisbane, they planned to stay for a month and pretty much enjoyed the place with its friendly staffs. For a reasonable price of 3000 pesos a week, it would save you a lot.