Manila

[Simo]

Any advice on Airport hotels?

Happy to pay up to around $200

I have an overnight in MNL later in the year.

Also how would one recommend getting a taxi?

With a $200 per night allowance for MNL you will get a penthouse no probs at all.

 

[jetlagger]

With a $200 per night allowance for MNL you will get a penthouse no probs at all.

Not sure about that ;-).. Try Sofitel, Intercontinental, Pan Pacific. Is around $200 per night for standard room. Double that for Shangri-La.

 

[richie9x]

Although Manila does suffer from crime and to a lessor extent terrorism, if you are careful and use common sense it can be safe. First time I went there I was a bit cautious But each subsequent time I have been more relaxed, but still using common sense and there are some areas I avoid.

As others have indicated Makati is pretty safe. It is the CBD and most of the top hotels are there. A lot of the expats live in Makati. The shopping malls are all safe. Intramuros is fine to visit during the day.

I have visited some of the slums, which was quite interesting. Although I had a fixer to help out and some security guys that were very nervous for me to go there. Maybe I was a bit naive to the reality of the situation, but I felt safe while I was there.

 

[Simo]

Not sure about that ;-).. Try Sofitel, Intercontinental, Pan Pacific. Is around $200 per night for standard room. Double that for Shangri-La.

My comment was said tongue in check but you will get a lot better value for your dollars than in Aust.

 

[jetlagger]

My comment was said tongue in check but you will get a lot better value for your dollars than in Aust.

Absolutely.. ;-)

 

[drron]

I've been to BKK several times and stayed in top level hotels (e.g. Conrad, Millennium, IC, Crowne Plaza etc) and have never seen bomb scans or metal detectors.

Certainly used to have the dectectors out when the Millenium first opened.2012 was the first time we have not experienced the detectors at the SGS.

 

[munitalP]

Certainly used to have the dectectors out when the Millenium first opened.2012 was the first time we have not experienced the detectors at the SGS.

2 times at millenium no metal detectors, Hilton Hua Hin and IC Hua Hin no metal detectors - MBK shopping centre, yes, detectors at the ingress points.

Jakarta - every hotel I have stayed at metal detectors and bomb checks

I have no want/need to go to Manila, in saying that, I know an extremely wealthy* Taiwanese man (wife from Manila) - he has been kidnapped once in the last 6 years. He has a kidnap "kit" - USD, lots of it at home awaiting any demands. His stories of owning 5 cars just to be unpredictable, a body guard for his 12 yo son, yep, makes me really want to go there.





*i.e. can afford a big mac meal every night!

 

[Keith009]

I've spent a night in Manila to commence a DONE4 and whilst I didn't feel unsafe, probably because I was accompanied by an AFFer who's based there, I got the impression that it's not the safest place to be in the world. All the hotels has bomb scanners and I was told not to walk alone at night. I've also heard of friends getting robbed in Manila and they appear to have an issue with guns. I wouldn't return to Manila if I can help it. Love the very hearty food though. And all the people I met spoke perfect English so pretty easy to get around I'd imagine.

The InterContinental was also a fairly decent choice FWIW.

 

[FuzzyAUS]

Some interesting comments here, I have subscribed to this thread as I would like to go there later this year to open/start an office over there for our company after opening a company in Hong Kong last year.

Will need to speak with a few people I know that go there a bit, but I have travelled a lot around the world in the past 30 years so generally dont get into trouble

 

[jetlagger]

Some interesting comments here, I have subscribed to this thread as I would like to go there later this year to open/start an office over there for our company after opening a company in Hong Kong last year.

Will need to speak with a few people I know that go there a bit, but I have travelled a lot around the world in the past 30 years so generally dont get into trouble

If you can align the time.. I can provide you with an extensive personalised tour of the best & worst of the 'jungle" of Manila, but am more attuned with the most positive attributes
Cheers,
jl

 

[Ric]

My tip.....Stay low profile and don't show your wealth!

 

[Ric]

If you can align the time.. I can provide you with an extensive personalised tour of the best & worst of the 'jungle" of Manila, but am more attuned with the most positive attributes
Cheers,
jl

And I will join you on this tour....if the time aligns, of course!!
In total, I live there almost 5 months out of 12.

 

[petermac123]

Sounds like we might have an AFF meet in Manila on the cards!? I'm there a week of each month.

 

[jetlagger]

And I will join you on this tour....if the time aligns, of course!!
In total, I live there almost 5 months out of 12.

Fantastic Ric.. Sounds great.. I'm also there so very often as well.. Look forward to it.
PM me any time.
jl

 

[jetlagger]

Sounds like we might have an AFF meet in Manila on the cards!? I'm there a week of each month.

& also.. that has been on the cards.. 'Rain Checked"

 

[Ric]

petermac123/jetlagger,

PM sent!

Dates to note......
Mar 23 to Apr 8 away in Tuscany
May 1 to 9 away in IST
May 28 to June 8 away in LAX

 

[jetlagger]

Sounds like we might have an AFF meet in Manila on the cards!? I'm there a week of each month.

petermac123/jetlagger,

PM sent!

Dates to note......
Mar 23 to Apr 8 away in Tuscany
May 1 to 9 away in IST
May 28 to June 8 away in LAX

Thanks.. Got it.. Appropriate reply..

 

[MissBurrill]

Six weeks has become three months. I've told Mr to tell work he needs a long weekend in the middle so he can meet me in Singapore. But depending on where he stays I could hang out in Manila for a week.

 

[horseman]

Been to the Philippines once, never again. Not my cup of tea at all

 

[jetlagger]

Been to the Philippines once, never again. Not my cup of tea at all

You just have to know/go to the right places with the right people..

But sure - I have the same feelings about India as you..