Transport in the Philippines is an ever-evolving topic that is constantly changing with the times. From the jeepneys of Manila to the ferries of Cebu, the transport system in the Philippines has a lot to offer. For those traveling to the Philippines, it is important to know the different options available to you when it comes to transportation. The main modes of transportation are buses, jeepneys, tricycles and ferries. However, there are also taxis, vans, trains, and even planes. Here are all the transport modes we used on our trip.
Buses
Buses are the most common form of public transportation in the Philippines. They are generally cheaper than other forms of transport and run on both intercity and intra-city routes. Buses are more like coaches, they are the most convenient way to get around the Philippines. We travelled for many hours on buses through Cebu and it was a pleasant journey. This was a cheap way of getting from one town to the next.
Tricycles
Tricycles are a common form of transportation in the Philippines, especially in rural areas. Tricycle scams in the Philippines are an unfortunate reality for tourists and locals alike. These scams involve tricycle drivers taking unsuspecting travellers on a ride that ends up costing them more than they expected. The most common type of tricycle scam is the overcharging scam. This involves the driver charging a higher fare than what is typically expected for the ride. Unfortunately we were a victim of this, but we quickly realised what was going on and made the driver pull over so we could get out. Not all Tricycles drivers are like this as we did encounter some of the most loveliest drivers.
Jeepneys
The jeepney is an iconic symbol of the Philippines, and its history is intertwined with the country’s own. Once used as a military vehicles during World War II by the American’s, the jeepney was adopted by the Filipino people after the war and has since become an integral part of the country’s culture. In the years following the war, jeepneys were modified and decorated with bright colours and intricate designs. Today, jeepneys are still the most popular form of public transportation in the Philippines. They are ubiquitous throughout the cities and rural areas, and are often decorated with religious symbols, colourful images and slogans. Jeepneys are also a cheap way of traveling the more rural parts of the Philippines.
Grab Taxi
Grab Taxis are becoming increasingly popular in the Philippines as a convenient and cost-effective way of getting around. Grab is a mobile app that allows users to order a taxi or private car in real time and track their vehicle as it approaches, similar to Uber. Grab Taxi is available in all major cities in the Philippines and is one of the most affordable and convenient ways of getting around. It is also a great choice for tourists who may not be familiar with the local transportation system or who are looking for an alternative to public transportation. The Grab Taxi app allows users to enter their destination and the app will provide the estimated fare and estimated time of arrival. Once the user confirms the booking, the Grab driver will be on their way to pick them up. Grab also offers additional services such as Grab Share, which allows multiple passengers to share the same ride, and Grab Pay, which allows users to pay for their ride using their mobile phones. Grab also offers discounts and loyalty rewards for frequent users.
Overall, Grab is an excellent alternative to public transportation in the Philippines. It is both safe, reliable and affordable. We used Grab where possible as some of the islands did not have it.
Plane
Planes are a fast and convenient mode of transportation in the Philippines. The country has several airports located throughout its major cities, including Manila, Cebu, and Davao. Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the national carrier, offering flights to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. Other airlines operating in the Philippines include AirAsia, Cebu Pacific and Air Juan. Domestic flights are generally more affordable than international flights, and there are several budget airlines that offer discounted fares. For travellers looking to travel to smaller towns and cities, there are also several smaller airlines that offer flights to destinations not served by the larger carriers. These airlines offer flights to more remote areas, but the airfares are usually higher than those of the larger airlines. This was our favourite mode of transport.
Ferry Taxi
Ferries are a popular way to travel around the Philippines. The country has an extensive network of ferries operating throughout its islands, connecting major cities and towns. The most popular inter-island ferry routes are between Manila , Palawan, Boracay, Cebu and Bohol. Ferries in the Philippines vary in size, from large car ferries that accommodate hundreds of passengers at a time, to smaller boats for individual travellers. Ferries are generally safe and reliable, and there are a variety of services and amenities available on board such as food, drinks, and entertainment. Traveling by ferry is often the most cost-effective way to get around the islands, but it can also be a fun and exciting way to experience the beauty of the country’s islands and coastline. We travelled from El Nido to Coron and although the views were incredible, we both suffered from pretty bad seasickness so it wasn’t the greatest experience.
Metro Trains
The Metro Manila Subway System is the first underground transit system in the Philippines.
The Metro Manila Subway is a modern and sleek system, with its stations featuring modern design elements, such as stainless steel, glass and marble. The trains themselves are air-conditioned and are wheelchair accessible. We used the Metro whilst in Manila to get to Divasoria market and it was a smooth ride.
Motorbike
When renting a motorbike in the Philippines, it is important to make sure that you have the correct safety gear, such as a helmet. You should also check the bike for any damage before taking it out on the road and ensure that the rental company provides you with a valid license plate and registration. Some companies may also require a valid international driver’s license. The cost of renting a motorbike in the Philippines can vary depending on the type of bike, the rental company, the location and the duration of the rental. Generally, motorbikes can be rented for as little as a few hundred pesos a day, although some rental companies may offer discounts for extended rentals. It is also important to factor in any additional fees such as fuel, parking, and insurance. We rented a bike in every island we visited, however we did not do this in the cities as it was too congested.
