Every traveler considers safety as a major priority and Philippines is not an exception. With the beauty of it splendid beaches and islands coupled with its vivid cities, rich culture and history, The Philippines is truly one of the best in southeast Asia. However, assured safety concerns might block some of the traveler from experiencing the beauty of these islands. Hence, through this article, we aim to answer one question: how safe is it to travel to The Philippines? So let’s get the misconceptions aside and talk about reality.
Myths vs Reality: Philippines Safety Overview
- Myth: The Philippines is one of the countries which is extremely dangerous and often faces crime problems.
- Reality: The Philippines like any famous tourist attraction has some places infested with crime. However, it remains a relatively safe country for all international visitors. During their time in the Philippines, almost all tourist facing no safety issues at all. This is particularly true for those who take basic safety measures like avoiding secluded places after dark, taking care of their belongings, and paying attention to what is going on around them.
- Myth: The issue of terrorism is highly prevalent in the Philippines.
- Truth: Although there has been some terrorism related violence in some locations in the south of the Philippines, most tourist attractions remain safe. The security forces of the Philippines are continuously improving the situation relative to the security perceived by the citizens and the tourists.
- Myth: Travel to Philippines poses a great risk due to the possibility of encountering natural calamities.
- Truth: The Philippines is vulnerable to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, as well as volcanic eruptions because of its position on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Any traveler can greatly reduce their chances of running into trouble if they plan ahead and monitor weather and geological activity. The government and regional authorities in the Philippines have modern disaster risk reduction and management systems for both the residents and tourists.
Suggested Precautions for Travel in the Philippines
Know your location: Research the safety conditions of the specific places within the Philippines that you plan to visit. Follow the guidelines provided by your government and the recognized tourist agencies for any announcements related to travel restrictions or warnings.
Maintain vigilance: At any given time, remain attentive. Do not flaunt expensive items of value that you may carry with you, and use caution when using ATMs with large amounts of cash and in crowded areas.
Observe local customs and traditions: Observe customs and practices in the Philippines. Cover up appropriately in places of worship, don’t show affection in public scenarios, and avoid behavior that could trigger cultural taboos.
Use trusted means of transport: Use trusted means of transport like registered taxi cabs and ridesharing apps. Steer clear of accepting lifts from strangers or hitchhiking.
Stay Online: Inform your relatives of your movements and keep them updated. Keep vital documents like passport and travel insurance in safe storage, and inform family of your movements.
In summary, the Philippines is accessible and safe for tourists all around the world. While some may have a concern regarding safety, risk may be mitigated by understanding realities regarding travel within the Philippines along with putting in place some precautions. By dispelling myths, embracing truths, and following basic logical safe tips, the beauty and warm culture of the Philippines can be embraced without fear. So is it safe to travel to the Philippines? Yes, it is, but like everything else, a bit of awareness and planning goes a long way.
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