Section outline

  • Pre-travel vaccine

    Please seek advice from a travel health clinic prior to going to the Philippines. During a pre-travel visit, routine vaccination status is updated. This includes tetanus, diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and hepatitis B. Other vaccines that are considered are hepatitis A, meningococcus, rabies and typhoid fever. It will also depend on your other travel plans in the Philippines.

    Outpatient visits to Nagasaki University Hospital can also be vaccinated on Tuesday afternoons. Appointment slots are limited, so please call the Infectious Diseases Physician Office (TEL: 095-819-7383, telephone reception is Monday, Wednesday and Friday morning) to make a reservation.

     Typhoid fever vaccine cannot be administered at Nagasaki University. In Nagasaki Prefecture, vaccination is available at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Hospital and Takashima Department of Neurology. It can also be inoculated at travel outpatient clinics in Fukuoka and Tokyo.

     

    Sun and heat protection

    Philippines has a tropical weather, with dry season from December to May and rainy season from June to November. The coolest months are during January with a mean temperature of 25.5 C while the warmest months occurring during May at 28.3 C. In June, mean temperature is 26.4 C.

     Humidity is also a major factor, especially between March to May. Rain can vary according to regions. The rainiest month is July. Philippines also experiences 15 to 20 typhoons a year, usually between July to October.

     Consider the following measures to protection you from the heat, sun and other weather-related hazards:

    • Wear sunscreen everyday
    • Consider wearing hats and sunglasses
    • Wear cool and light clothes
    • Ensure adequate hydration
    • Bring an umbrella
    • Consider proper footwear due to frequent road flooding

     

    Insect protection

    Mosquitoes can be a nuisance and are also vectors for dengue, which occurs in Metro Manila.

    • Wear long-sleeved clothes
    • Consider insect repellant
    • Close the windows of our accommodation especially at night to avoid entrance of insects

     

    Food safety

    Food options are diverse in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila. Food can be bought from a range of source, from street vendors to high-end restaurants. Cuisines range from traditional Filipino cuisines to Western food. There are significant number of Japanese and Korean restaurants. Food can also be ordered using the Grab app. Being a vegetarian in the Philippines might be challenging. However, you will have access to fresh produce at reasonable prices.

    Consider the following advice when eating in the Philippines

    • Use caution when eating uncooked food
    • Avoid drinking from tap water and also having ice on your drinks
    • Boil tap water
    • Stay hydrated

     

    Motor vehicle accidents

    Motor vehicle accidents as a motorist or as a pedestrian is the most significant cause of travel-related injuries. Travel in the Philippines can be challenging and we need to emphasize road safety.

    • Be a defensive pedestrian. Many motorists which include cars and motorbikes often do not follow traffic rules and pedestrians do not get the same priority.
    • Be careful when crossing the street looking at both sides even if a street is one-way
    • Use a pedestrian overpass or crosswalk if possible
    • Use Grab, taxi, private vehicle or LRT/ MRT if possible
    • Avoid using private motorcycle for transport (wear helmets if you do)
    • Be careful when walking on sidewalks as some are uneven, or have loose manhole covers

     

    Crimes

    Like in most major urban centres, there will always be crimes in some places. Metro Manila can be crowded making it more challenging to be vigilant. Most crimes are petty crimes, including pickpocketing and ‘bag-slashing’. There might be some aggressive begging and sales tactics. Despite that, Philippines can still be enjoyed with some safety tips.

    • Place your wallet in your front pocket
    • Consider wearing your backpack on the front
    • Avoid displaying expensive items
    • Be aware of your surroundings
    • Avoid taking out your wallet in public places
    • Be careful when taking money from ATM
    • Don’t hesitate to walk away from strangers making random conversations
    • Avoid dark and isolated alleys
    • Avoid staying out late as some modes of transportation are not available during late hours