TRANSPORT OPTIONS IN METRO MANILA

If you don’t find the train ride ideal, try a motorcycle ride instead. There are two motorcycle-sharing apps in the country that you can take advantage of. Get a fast and reliable transport service from Angkas and Joyride. Download the app on your mobile phone and book for a ride. This makes a perfect option for those who are in a hurry to get to their destination.

1. Angkas is a Singaporean-owned motorcycle booking app that has been operating in the Philippines since 2017. Aside from being a quick way to get to your destination, this is a practical public transport option for solo travelers or commuters.
   
   Now ask yourself. Do you mind riding on a motorcycle under the sun's prickling heat? If not, grab your face mask and get ready for a motorcycle ride. Remember, wearing a mask protects you from pollution and virus.
   
   Unlike Grab services, getting a motorcycle ride is relatively cheap. Angkas only accepts cash. Thus, the fixed fare is calculated upon booking confirmation. So, you won’t worry about getting in trouble with overcharging drivers.
   
   Angkas takes pride in its good services and approximately 27,000 riders operating in Metro Manila and Cebu. In fact, this booking company looks forward to expanding further in the years to come.
   
   2. Joyride works similar to Angkas. Founded in 2019, this motorcycle booking company provides lower fare rates to passengers and higher pay to motorcycle drivers. This is the company’s way of competing with Angkas.

At this point, you might be planning to get a more flexible and self-guided trip to the Philippines. Tour around the country by renting a car. You can self-drive as a tourist or rent a car that comes with a skilled driver.

As a Left-Hand-Drive (LHD) country, cars in the Philippines have a steering wheel located on the left side of the vehicle. If you are not familiar with how the driving system works in the country, have someone drive the rental car for you. This is to ensure safe and comfortable travel.

What are the Requirements to Drive a Car in the Philippines as a Tourist?

If you decide to rent a car and self-drive, the next important thing that you should do is know the essential documents to be allowed to drive a car in the Philippines.

As a tourist, you can drive as long as you have an International Driving Permit and a foreign driver’s license (acquired in your country of origin). On top of that, car rental companies in the Philippines have enforced conditions and limitations that you ought to follow.

• Your foreign driving permit must be written in English. If not, you can contact your embassy to obtain an official English translation.
• You can drive with a foreign license for a maximum of 90 days, and must obtain a driving permit from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to continue driving in the Philippines beyond the 90th day.
• An International Driving Permit is valid only if it goes along with a regular driver’s license (domestic license issued by the country where you came from).
• A credit card with the main driver's name acts as a bond, and should be presented upon car rental transactions.

Note: If you do not have past experience in driving around Manila, self-driving is not recommended. Few careless drivers and narrow roads in the Philippines could be challenging.

Want to know other options to take for short distance trips? A tricycle is ideal for set routes and for-hire short trips in Metro Manila. But, it is not allowed to pass through major roads in Manila. A tricycle is a customized, Filipino style motorcycle with a sidecar.

Before you ride, always ask for the fare rate. Many tricycle drivers tend to overcharge passengers who do not know how much to pay.

Riding the tricycle in Manila is as exciting as riding it in the province. You’ll be amazed at how tricycle drivers squeeze into the traffic, and pass narrow and bumpy roads just to get you to your destination faster.

No wonder why foreign tourists love getting tricycle rides when touring around the country. You can find more about tricycles here.

Traveling around Manila by jeepney is challenging but fun. Jeepney is the most popular transportation for locals. It carries passengers sitting together side by side, and operates in designated routes around Metro Manila, National Capital Region.

Since there are around hundreds of jeepney routes traveling around Manila, the only way to reach your desired destination without getting lost, is ask before you get on it.

Although jeepney fares are fixed, there are times that drivers decide how much to charge depending on your destination. The minimum fare only covers the first 4 kilometers traveled, and may increase upon the approval of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

What is the Historical and Cultural Importance of Jeepneys in the Philippines?

Decades ago, jeepneys operating in the Philippines were US’ leftover military jeeps after World War II. Today, jeepneys are produced with Japanese high-powered diesel engines and parts. No wonder why these vehicles are perfect for adventure-filled long distance travel across hilly or mountainous roads like Sagada and Buscalan.

The most common thing about jeepneys are its colorful texts and designs – showcasing Philippines’ humor and tradition. This is the reason why jeepneys have become a symbol of Philippine art and culture. And the best part? There are jeepneys that drive people to Sagada from Manila via private hire.

If you are a first-time traveler to the country, you must not miss a jeepney ride. Find out how payment works on jeepneys through our Philippines Transport Travel Guide post.

Commuting in Metro Manila can be overwhelming for guests. Also, a hassle-free ride is not a guarantee. Many bus drivers do not follow the designated bus stop. Some city and provincial buses in Manila are air-conditioned, while some are not. But, city buses are highly popular among locals because these buses have routes within Metro Manila.

Planning to travel outbound Manila? Take a provincial bus. You will be interested to know that going outbound from Manila to the neighboring provinces does not have to be expensive and inconvenient. Most of the top tourist destinations reachable by bus are budget-friendly.

Provincial buses in Manila have designated areas or terminals for loading and unloading passengers. They also have enough luggage space and bigger legroom for your convenience. Once seated, the bus conductor will normally ask you where you are heading to. Tell him/her your destination, get your bus ticket, and pay the fare.

Note: Some drivers allow vendors to sell snacks inside the bus. Don't get shocked when one of the passengers stands to preach, then asks for donations in the form of money.