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Going Around Philippines

Getting around

Local transportation (that is, the obscure towns near the good sites and not the big cosmopolitan cities like Manila and Cebu) is amazingly cheap. For prices that range from 5 to 20 pesos, you can travel by tricycle (motorcycles with modified side cars), jeepney (colorful highly decorated buses), or any local transport modes.

Buses and taxis have relatively higher prices depending on their routes. Travelling from any of the major islands would mean taking the local sea ferries (which could last for a few hours or even days, depending on where you're going) which can cost a bit for foreign tourists, but it can be an enjoyable experience.

One trusted name for sea ferries is the SuperFerry line, try it! Domestic flights are faster but it might take the most of your expenses. Whichever way you want to get around, it's your trip.

Domestic Flights Under U$50

Most domestic flights in the Philippines cost between U$35 to U$50 one way and can be purchased from any one of the several airlines, all with offices walking distance from the Manila domestic airport.

They include: Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Cebu Pacific, Pacific Air (small planes), Philippine Airlines (now with their own terminal for both domestic and international flights ), SeAir, Soriano Air (only one beyond walking distance at a private terminal) and Star Asia.

Sometimes, Philippine Airlines offer specials which include several flights.

Jeepneys are unique to the Philippines so you shouldn't leave the Philippines without using them usually for short distance around a city. Often Jeepneys are used in place of buses in the provinces.

In Metro-Manila the fare starts at P4 to P6 but usually follow the most congested routes with traffic moving at a snail's pace. Bus travel in the Philippines is very cheap and usually quite comfortable with fares of 60 to 70 U$ cents per hour. A 5 hour trip would cost U$3.

Driving in an undeveloped country is a real challenge for most people from Europe, the States, or any developed country so I would not recommend it unless you have experience.

Renting late model Japanese cars are best done by the week since often there's a one day discount so cost U$250 / week.

Island Hopping By Ship

Passenger shipping in the Philippines has improved drastically in the past three years and I'd recommend it to people with plenty of time or with low travel budgets.

All of the ships arrive and depart from Manila's North Harbor from Pier 2 to Pier 14. WG&A Passenger Lines formerly three family owned lines, William, Gothong and Aboitiz has combined to provide best and the largest fleet, known as the SuperFerry and maintains a website with schedules and prices.

Another is Ramblon Lines at Pier 8 going to Boracay Island with departs Monday and Friday at 5PM.In the Manila Bulletin newspaper is a list of ships' departure. Most destinations by ship take from 14 to 24 hours after departing Manila.

The price range starts with economy at an average of U$10 to U$15, to tourist class at U$12 to U$18 and cabin class (4 to 6 beds) at U$18 to U$30 to most island towns.

At some places in the islands are Banca, large, local outriggers which ferry passengers short distances like between Roxas on Mindoro Island to Boracay Island ( 6 hours)and from Coron in northern Palawan to El Nido (8 to 10 hours).