Manila

It's nice to walk around Makati area with your family. It's clean and you can do a lot of shopping!

Hot and dirty. if your rich you drive in your air- conditioned car, from your air- conditioned house to the air-conditioned supermarket, shopping centre, amusement park. Whilst people try and sell yesterdays newspaper to you throguh your car window when you're stuck in traffic. Keep your windows up to avoid smoke and hands entering. Shopping rocks, people are lovely, yay if you have a pool, sucky if you don't.

Dont drive in Philipines!! lol the Gypneys are crazy and no one follows the rules, unless you are a seasoned offensive driver :)

Try not to travel here alone. Ever. Ha ha... I grew up here- it's got some beautiful beaches not too far away. But seriously- not on your own.

The markets in Manila are awesome! Remember that bargining is normal-never settle for asking price!

You really need to travel with someone who knows how to get around Manila because catching Jeepneys, tricycles or buses is not easy if you don't know how!! Because of the traffic, make sure you allot plenty of time to get to your destination, especially the airport! Don't give money to beggars or more will swoop down like pigeons or seagulls (take your pick). Best way to experience Manila is to stay with a family or a friend who lives there. The only good reason to visit Manila (apart from seeing family and friends) is for the shopping. The malls are huge and pretty cheap too.

The city is huge, as far as the eye can see in about every direction. As a result, Manila has the worst traffic of any place I have been. In front of LA, New York, and Atlanta. There are no rules on the road. A standard 2 lane road anywhere else, hosts 3-4 lanes of cars, people will even drive on the wrong side of the rule. The only rule there seems to be "out run the cops". I would suggest having someone you know drive you around or take a cab every where you need to go.

Take a drive around the streets of Manila - its a crazy city. Dont try to avoid the slums as the people are just incredibly friendly. Although if you need to be somewhere at a specific time -- leave plenty of time because to say the traffic is heavy if an understatment

Be careful, during the summer, when stepping out of the air-conditioned airport. It goes from really cold, to hot and humid. Other than that, it's an amazing city. People are friendly, but be weary of anyone selling anything.

Manila is a very crowded place, make sure you go with a person who knows the area well and that you trust the person. Philippines is very cheap, so you don't need to bring a lot of money. courteous people will help you with everything! from throwing away your trash to shopping helpers! This city is also known for the biggest mall in asia, also known as MOA (mall of asia)