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SAFETY
TRAVEL TIPS
- Be wary about over-friendly strangers offering
drinks or confectionery as these may be laced with substances that cause drowsiness or unconsciousness. The victim is then
robbed.
- Visitors who take part in water sports and scuba diving in the Philippines should
be aware that rescue services are not always as comprehensive as they might be in other countries.
- Most large hotels have an in-room safe
or deposit boxes at the front desk. Use these to keep your valuables and important documents safe.
- When moving about, keep an eye on your
belongings.
- Don’t display your money or wear
too much jewellery. It attracts too much attention.
- Always lock your car if you have one.
If you get into problems while visiting,
the people to call are the emergency services. The following are emergency numbers:
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Police & Fire: 757 or 116
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24-Hour Tourist Emergence No.: 501- 650
or 501- 728
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Directory
Assistance: 114 National Operator: 109 International Operator: 108
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Direct Dialing
Assistance: 112
For other emergency numbers, please
refer to the directory in the area you will be visiting. It is advisable to always
have the telephone number and the address of your embassy or consulate with you.
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Filipinos are solicitous of women
travellers' well-being, especially if they are known to be travelling alone. This does not mean that your safety is guaranteed;
only that on the whole you should be safe. Do take precautions where necessary and as in many countries, don’t go anywhere,
alone at night, such as a dark alleyway or wander around aimlessly as you will be asking for trouble if it happens to be lurking
there.
GOLDEN RULE
The golden rule of traveling is to bring as little of your belongings as
possible. Most of the things you might require are easily available upon arrival in South Cotabato. Apart from the basic travelling
necessities and your own special personal needs, it is not necessary to bring anything else other than (perhaps) a travel
plug adaptor, a pcket calculator, a torchlight, an umbrella and photographic supplies.
Medications can be found at drug stores in major cities, in the event that
you are confronted with problems when finding the things that you need, the friendly staff of the Aliawan sari-Sari stores
will advise you where you can acquire them.
Like it's wonderfully varied culture, South Cotabato also has enough climatic
changes that would require a variety of clothing. It is advisable to bring light and loose clothing that are suitable for
tropical temperaturers when visiting the lowlands and cities of South Cotabato. If you are planning to make a trip to the
mountains, bring along warmer clothing such as jumpers, sweaters and a light jacket, even on the hottest months. Also bring
along your thongs or flip-flops as you might find useful in hotel bathrooms, showers or when visiting the beach. Don't forget
to pack some of your formal clothing, as you might need it when you attend formal gatherings, festivals or religious services.
Trappistine Monastery of Landan
Towering on top of a hill is a haven of silence, meditation and
peace for him who finds world of chaos is unbearable. An overnight stay promises
a renewed mental, physical and spiritual strenght.
Trappistine Cistercian Monastery Landan POLOMOLOK, 9504,
South Cotabato Philippines.
Tel: +63 (83) 225.6601 Fax: +63 (83) 225.6600
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CHILDWISE.
The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) has increasingly
become an issue of global magnitude attracting major global concern. Worldwide, an estimated one million children (mainly
girls) enter the multi-million dollar commercial sex trade every year.
Do not get involved in any kind of Child Abuse and please report
any incident of this kind to the local and/or national and international authorities.
Penalties in the Philippines are extremely severe !.
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Regardless of whether your upcoming trip is for pleasure, business
or both, travel insurance is a necessity. The amount it costs to protect yourself from such things as lost luggage, cancellations,
hotel problems, illnesses and others is minute compared to the amount you would need to pay if you are not adequately insured.
There
are many ways to get insured, many credit cards offer travel insurance if you pay for a trip on their card, most travel agencies
and airlines will also offer you different insurance options.
If you are travelling with cameras, video equipment, lap top etc
then check as well with your insurance company about the level of insurance and compensation for these items if lost or stolen.
Also check whether emergency cash advances and translators can be included in your policy.
If you are planning some "high risk" activities during your trip
such as bungee jumping, sky diving, white water rafting, or even some less "high risk" activities such as diving, water skiing,
jet ski's etc be sure to ask whether these are covered in your travel insurance.
If you are travelling for a special event and miss a flight connection
or something check with the insurance company to see whether reimbursement is covered.
The
medical part of the insurance is definitely the most important to watch out for, ensure that for each country you are travelling
to, you know exactly what you are covered for medically, and how to claim if something does happen and you need to be hospitalised.
Some insurance companies even offer emergency reunion policies that will send a number of your closest relatives to you wherever
you may be hospitalised.
SERVICES
Unlike most Asian countries, the culture of tipping in the Philippines
is becoming more prevalent with much influence from western countries. Nearly all major hotels and restaurants have a policy
of automatically adding a 10% service charge to your bills, a small token to show your gratitude is still expected in the
form of a tip, leaving the amount for the tip to the customer's own discretion. Apart from hotels and restaurants, other smaller
service establishments as well as taxi drivers expect a small gratuity in return for the service rendered.
In Koronadal City, most shops are open 7 days a week, from 9 or 10
am to 7 or 10 pm. As for shopping centers, supermarkets and departement stores, the operating hours are from 10am to
7pm daily. Shops located in the smaller villages or barangays don't usually follow a fixed schedule or business hours due
to shop owners attitude of "whatever happens", (Bahala na).
Government, private offices and public authorities operate from Monday
to Friday from 8am to 5pm with workers breaking for lunch from 12pm to 1pm. Some private offices are also open on Saturdays
from 8am to 12 noon. Business hours for banks are Monday-Friday from 9am to 3 or 3.30pm. Embassies or consulates are open
from 8am to 12 noon and from 1pm to 5pm on weekdays.
The standard voltage of electricity used by most business centers
and residents in the Philippines is 220 volts AC 60 cycles. However, a few major hotels in some areas also have the US-style
110 volts capability.
TIME
Philippine's time has a strange nature, which includes lack of punctutality.
Do not be suprised if you are either waited for or left waiting.
Never leave home without your rain gear and umbrella during the rainy
months from June to October as well as when setting out to the mountainous areas in South Cotabato. An umbrella is also used
to protect yourself from the sun.
When shopping in a public market, it is perfectly acceptable
to haggle for the cheapest price.
Comfortable yet sturdy footwear are best, as traveling in the cities
and countryside will often involve some walking.
When headed to the remote areas in South Cotabato, come prepared
with an insect repellant and your own water in handy containers, do not drink from public or private wells.
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DISABLED TRAVELERS
Most five-star hotels in Metro Manila and Cebu are equipped with rooms for wheelchair-bound guests. Main floors are provided with ramps and elevators to allow easy
access to various outlets. Advance notice, is required by the hotels to confirm the room requirement.
Provincial hotels and resorts have inadequate
facilities (in some areas, none at all), and some major destinations require long bus and boat transfers which may inconvenience
the traveller. In major shopping districts of Makati and Mandaluyong, elevators and ramps with safety handrails are found along main pathways.
Washrooms have large cubicles to accommodate wheelchairs.
Although airlines
do provide wheelchairs and walking canes at designated airports, other public conveyances such as buses, jeepneys, boats,
and even car rentals do not provide special accessories for wheelchairs.
Overall, the country
has yet to provide the handicapped with disabled-friendly facilities that will make travel less cumbersome.
Click the Cebu on Wheels logo for more information !
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Note: The same restrictions will apply to passengers after arriving at any
airport within the Philippines when connecting to other flights. (both
International and Domestic)
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Travel Advisory
Authorities in te Philippines have also introduced additional security measures for all domestic and international
flights departing from and to this country. Under the new measures, already in effect, no liquids or gels of
any kind - including beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel, aerosol spray and
other items of similar consistency - will be allowed in carry-on baggage. All such items can be transported in checked baggage.
Items exempt are baby formula and medicines, though these will be subject to inspection. Make your screening experience as
smooth as possible. Take a look at this TSA/USA video to help you understand the screening process.
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We would like to provide the following general advice to our visitors:
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Be alert to developments. Stay in touch with the news, check your airline's website and other official sources
for changes.
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Pack cabin baggage as
lightly as possible. Keep it simple.
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If you are transiting through or departing the Philippines make
sure that your cabin baggage meets the specifications laid down by local and international authorities. Pack lightly with
only the main essentials. For the
major airlines and all classes, each passenger (except an infant) can bring a free baggage allowance of one cabin bag not
exceeding 56x36x23cm (22x14x9 in) in size. These dimensions include wheels, handles and side pockets. Liquids and gels must be packed in the check-in
baggage.
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If traveling with medicines (especially in gel, cream or liquid form), make sure they are properly labeled, that you
are only carrying in your cabin baggage quantities essential for your trip, and you are carrying copies of your prescriptions
or certifications.
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Get to the airport early. Passengers are reminded to
proceed to the airport at least 4 hours prior to departure to ensure they don't miss their flights, if
you’re traveling to the Philippines.
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Wear light, comfortable shoes that can be easily removed for security checks. You can expect to be asked to remove
your shoes, belt and any jewelry while proceeding through the security screening point.
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Be patient and co-operate with instructions from security staff. Understand everyone is in the same position, and these
checks are being done for a real reason. It will make the travel experience a lot more comfortable if you relax and be patient
during the screening process.
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Do not joke with security staff about the contents of your baggage and do not take out your frustrations on check-in
or security staff or air crew.
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Be aware that purchases of duty free must comply with the cabin baggage restrictions. Check details with the duty free
retailer before making your purchase.
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Stringent security screening procedures are also ongoing at airports around the world. Please beware in advance if
flights are delayed because of the implementation of these various security requirements.
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HONEYMOON
There is more to the
Philippines than beaches, perfect sunsets or dive recreation, the country prides itself as one of Asia's best Honeymoon
destination. With the warm hospitality and personal care each hotel and resort provides, to pamper every couple, and make
each memory as romantic as possible.The Philippines can offer some of the best resorts for honeymooners to rekindle the passion and
romance.
Take a dip in the crystal clear blue waters playing in the environmentally protected marine life sanctuary. Take a
diving lesson together with your partner and explore the under water beauty of the islands. Have a picnic lunch on the pristine
white sand beach before heading for some snorkling and fish feeding .How about having a private dinner in a candle lighted
cave while being serenaded by your hosts. Or enjoying the company of the rest of resort guests watching cultural show over
coffee or champaigne.
TREKKING & HIKING
The highlands of the Philippines offer the avid
climber excellent trekking and hiking opportunities, besides the benefit of a cooler and more pleasant climate. Weekend treks
from Manila include Mt. Natib,
which has a spectacular view of Manila Bay, Mt Arayat, Mt. Pinatubo,
and Mt Sembrano. To the south are various peaks. Mt Pico de Loro is notable for its views of the surrounding areas. Mt. Taal, also south of Manila, is considered to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world.
More seasoned trekkers are drawn to the following peaks - Mt Kanalaon on Negros
Island, Mt. Mayon on Luzon Island,
and Mt. Apo, which is the Philippine Islands' highest peak. It is not advisable to climb
any of these without a reliable guide.
BUDGET BACKPACKER
Many of the world's most inspiring sights are located in the Philippines, explore unspoiled rainforests, raft raging
rivers, climb volcanoes, dive at breathtaking reefs , or trek in the mountain
ranges..
By going beyond the standard tourist magnets and taking your time to get around,
you’re more likely to interact with the people who actually live there instead of just other tourists. And by traveling
like a local you’ll also see a lot more..
If you visit Mindanao, you'll eat great meals, meet people you'll never forget,
and come back with photos that'll amaze your friends and family
How much time you spend traveling will have a major impact on costs, since traveling
in the Philippines is usually far cheaper than backpacking in Europe or the Americas. If you’re not trying to rush around you’ll learn where the bargains are. So the longer you are away,
the lower your average weekly tab.
Taking it slow also means spending enough time somewhere to actually get acquainted
with the people who live in Koronadal City. Observing roadside farmers in action is
one thing; hearing from one of them about how they make a living gives you a whole different perspective. Adapting yourself
to the locals’ schedule opens up a lot of doors. The best bargaining techniques in the world won’t beat a few
shared cups of coffee on a lazy afternoon.
Independent travellers who like to wander off the beaten track, and do not mind
doing without the conveniences of running water and the like, will find plenty to fascinate them in the countryside and coastal
parts of the Philippines; albeit without the assistance of guide books. The Philippines is one of the few places left in the
world where adventurers can wander through tribal lands, unfettered by modern interferences.
One can also enjoy the enthusiastic festivals of the country,
such as, the Higantes in Rizal, Pahiyas in Quezon Province, Paradang Rechon in Batangas, Moriones fetival in Marinduque,
Sinulog festival in Cebu, Dinagyang festival in Iloilo, Ati-Atihan festival in Kalibo, Maskarra festival in Bacolod city, Negros Occidental, and
the Lanzones festival in Camiguin.
BUDGET
With the fluctuation of the Philippines
economy, any budget could dramatically change, by changing values, so take all averages here with due consideration. Generally,
you could get by on cheap meals with other bottom-feeders at about US$2-3, and entry-level lodging at its cheapest, will hit
you for about US$10-30. If all this sounds just too appalling for your sensitive soul, then consider US$3-5 for decent meals,
and US$30-100 for accommodation that offers some comfort and style.
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