Recently I did some travel in the southern Philippines. Before I went I got the recommended vaccinations by the CDC and took malaria meds with me. Also, I packed a comprehensive medical kit, a water purifier and purifcation tablets, a Swiss army knife, a Jansport day pack, and picked up additional survival items in Davao City when I got there. Besides health issues, my concerns included crime in the city, the Abu Sayef (Muslim extremists in the south) and the New Peoples Army (PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. insurgents in the mountains). Also, I did some travel in the jungle and need to watch out for dangerous animals such as cobras and reticulated pythons. I did my homework ahead of time on staying safe and healthy, and closely followed my Philipino friends advice and guidance there. I had no problems and had a good trip.