12-05-2008 05:11:59

Getting around

Getting there

By Air
The best way to travel to the Philippines is by airplane. There are daily flights that land at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila and Mactan International Airport in Cebu . There are direct flights between the Philippines and most Asian, North American, European , Australian and other countries.

By Sea

Very few people arrive in the Philippines by sea. There are, however, many trading lines going back and forth between Manila and various asian cities. Should you wish to go by ship, contact one of the many trading lines.

Getting Around

By Plane
Since the country is an archipelago, the best way to travel within the country is still by plane. There are several domestic flights available to travel from one key city to another via Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Seaair, and others.

By Water
There are also ferries available to bring you to key areas of the Philippines . The most popular is the Superferry. The larger, faster, Supercats and Superferries are very good to travel on. They will get you to your destination in a matter of hours (or longer, depending on how far you have to travel), and are quite confortable. Some have private quarters, sleeping accomodations, nice meals and all at reasonable prices.
Some of the smaller inter-island boats, on the other hand, look like they could sink any time. Try to avoid these, as too often, they will. If you, however, have to take one of the smaller boats, look it over very well, and trust your judgement. If you don't trust it, don't get on it.

By Land
One of the best ways to experience the Philippines is to travel by car. Be careful when driving in Manila, because people can act like they got their driver's license for free. Outside of Manila, driving is a lot less hectic, and more pleasurable. Being a "third world" country, the Philippine roads aren't as good as many other countries, but they are quite drivable. Don't drive too fast though, an average speed or 35-40 mph (60-70 kph) is about the maximum speed you can attain safely due to other traffic, livestock, potholes (personal favourites include those before bridges, where you can see under the bridge from within the car), broken cars/trucks, etc.

Some warnings for if you want to drive in big cities:

  • Being a foreigner, you're always responsible for the accident (you've got money, they don't). They'll play chicken till you pay. Unless you can find people to back you up.
  • There are many traffic rules. None of which enforced or adhered to.
  • Even with an insurance from a reputable insurance company, getting a claim settled will be a nightmare.
  • If you see a space in traffic (carlength+10millimeter), fill it.
  • Keep checking your mirrors (rear, side) for others thinking they see a space.
  • Look in front of you for sudden stops.
  • And most important: KEEP YOUR NERVES

If you don't want to drive the whole distance yourself, or the above warnings are too intimidating, the bus can bring you to most places. Often, there is air-conditioning, and people are friendly enough to chat with you while waiting to arrive at your destination. Jeepneys and tricycles are more adventurous, and usually for the shorter distances. They are truly experiences you will remember.
Taxis are often very good, air-conditioned, and usually friendly. They are allowed to ask, in advance, for higher payment for driving, but not after dropping you off at the destination. Usually in the evenings and mornings, during rush-hour, they will ask slightly more, but do not accept them doubling prices (or more). Often the taxis have numbers on the side, and sheets of paper at the back of the driver's seat stating the rules and regulations of the taxi company. You are allowed to complain to the taxi company about a driver, if you think they have treated you badly.

By Train

But one of the best ways of commuting now-a-days and very efficient too is the Metro Rails in Metro Manila. The MRT and LRT can easily take you from one area of Metro Manila to another. Outside Manila, however, there are very few destinations you can reach by train. Also, getting to the trainstation will be quite difficult, as taxi drivers will often have no idea what you're talking about when mentioning anything remotely resembling a trainstation (other than the MRT and LRT). For a more detailed experience about the train system in the Philippines (MRT and LRT excluded), click the following link: http://www.geocities.com/mr_shawn_naylor/asian_rails/philippines/rrintro.html