Hi I am travelling to Dumaguete next week from the uk to visit my dad up in Valencia an and have heard Dumaguete is one of the safest places in The Philippines but I still wory. I am a male 19 years old and my girlfriend is 18 years old, I am just a bit worried about her safety can anyone advise me on how safe it is for us and how to act to stay safe? Many Thanks, Jack
Hi Jack. I am sure you will be fine. Just remember you will be visiting a country where poor and rich have a much greater distance between than you will be used to. Smile be honest, be vigilant I am sure your pop will show you the way. You Lady will get some visual attention as will you, as you are youngsters and most long noses are older.. I was 19 when I first visited the Philippines I was treated with respect and fell in love with that country and the people. Try to have all the info you need to arrive safely and get to where you are going. Prepare for your eyes, ears and noses to be surprised ( Good and not so Good ). Have a great time..
Thanks for the help I having just been looking for an honest opinion and answer, because I just seem to of been given biased answers so far. I just want piece of mind, I'm not too bothered about myself I just worry about my.girlfriend as I feel she is my responsibility
Hi Jack. The last few years have seen MANY younger people coming into the area for backpacking, snorkeling, and diving. You and GF will fit right in, and be more of a curiosity item than anything else. Crime in Valencia is almost non existent with the exception of a few breakins from the victims neighbors. Larry
The Philippines is given a some what negative press, Usually by people who have not even been here. In 25 Years I have not had any real problems & that includes living in Manila & the Provinces. Just be a little street wise & you will get a long fine , Fully agree with Larry as above....
Jbl, when I first visited the Philippines, the advice was go with the flow (Dont draw attention, act casual, and dress down) My wife always removes any jewellery and I dont carry expensive camera equipment round my neck. That said, I have never felt unsafe and I'm sure you both will have a great time......enjoy JB
it's quite safe; Dumaguete is a college town with lots of people your age walking about. The same rules apply here as they do anywhere else, be mindful of your surroundings (meaning: don't loiter around dimly lit areas, lol). Do a lot of daylight activities if going out by yourselves and stay close to family/friends when out at night. You both will get a lot of attention and people mean no harm by it; they're just openly curious. Don't get into fights cause things will escalate quickly. Go visit Hayahay on a Weds night for reggae night and try to enjoy yourself on your stay
My suggestions are: 1.. Don't take her to Why Not late at night. 2... Don't let her out your sight 3.. Tell her not to dress provocatively. Although Dumaguete is mostly safe, many of the crimes (not all - see daylight robbery of foreigner articles on the forum) occur late at night- early in the morning. Ignore stares and comments from the local dudes. Use common sense, which I sense you have by making this post. Have a great trip.
POS Marketing 2009....my wife and I was standing by the karaoke display and suddenly my wife said hi to a Filipina that she worked with in Davao many years ago. We started a conversation and as a bull this guy comes up to ME and ask me "why in the f*ck are you talking to my GF.... his eyes was close to leaving his face..... out of anger. My response was that we are friends of her. He went up in my face and I kicked his balls harder than I ever have hit anybody, and at the same time his GF slapped his face 2 times very hard. The guard watch the incident and grabbed the guy and upon order from GF took him out off the store. We never so that guy again and the GF according to my wife broke all contacts with the jerk. sh*t happens all the times where ever we go. One time a jerk always a Jerk.
