Buses & Ferry's

Along with the Jeepneys for main transportation, are the buses and ferry's. There are all different types and levels of buses. They range from small, dirty, overused buses that are used mainly by the city's poorer to get around. Then there are the nicer buses (but no A/C) that are used, again, to save money but are better to ride in. Then to the top  of the line big buses (big time A/C), usually stationed at set terminal locations, with set routes. These buses go all over the island, and are much nicer, and more expensive, of course. They are much more comfortable to ride on, and are the ones usually taken by foreigners. The fare could run from 75 pesos ($1.75) to over 400 pesos ($8) per person, depending on the distance travelled. As you can see, they are quite affordable, and an easy way to get around. 

As an example for you; if my wife and I travel from our home to Manila (a six hour trip), we first have to take a jeepney to the pier in Calapan City (a little over an hour from my home). We then have to buy tickets for the ferry, which will take us across the gap between Oriental Mindoro and Batangas City (you cannot drive across; there is no bridge or road). The fery trip is about one and a half hours. When we reach Batangas, we buy tickets for the bus (the big A/C one, of course), which then takes us to a terminal in Manila (we must get out at the terminal that is close to the location we are going to). The bus makes 4 or 5 quick stops along the way. Then we will take a taxi to our destination. Then reverse it all to go home. It's a lot of travelling, and I don't like to go to Manila much anyway, unless I have to.

I mentioned the ferry's.  There are a few different companies to choose from. Some are better than others. Then there are different type ferry's.  Some take only passengers, and are smaller, faster, and fairly reliable. The trip for us usually takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.The bigger ferry's take cars and trucks, as well as passengers. The trip for them takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes. If you own a vehicle, and want to take it with you, then you have to drive it on to the ferry to take across. Once parked and locked, you can walk around the top deck, eat, or sit around and wait. The fare for this is around 1200 pesos ($24), one way. When you arrive, it gives you the ability to drive around in your own car, and do your own thing.

When you want to sightsee, I suggest taking a rental car, van, or jeepney. You get the driver for the day, the vehicle stays with you full time and goes where you want to go. The cost is around 1500 pesos ($30) a day. If you are going around to different places, and driving mostly on open roads, a rental car or van is perfect. It's fast, easy, and comfortable. If you are going to be in Manila; that's a totally different story. I would suggest that you never, ever attempt to drive there, no matter how much experience you have. Again, get a rental car or van, and leave the worries to the driver. Manila is one of the worst places in the entire world to drive. They barely respect lanes, cut in and out constantly, cut each other off as much as possible, and the bigger car has the right of way. Unless you want to get hit, you better let them go first.  It doesn't matter what is legal or not. About 5% use their signal lights. And they are bumper to bumper; sometimes even touching. Not to mention what I said before about motorcycles coming to the front at every red light. To go to a specific destination, you usually have no choice but to get a taxi. Well, if you think New York taxi drivers are bad, get ready for a new experience. You will most likely have to change your pants when you're done. They obey almost zero rules of the road. Where are the police or traffic enforcers?  Right there watching.  But, no harm,, no foul!