10 Reasons Why “Commuting” is More Fun in the Philippines

Getting around Manila is definitely one of the horrors most foreign tourists face when they get here. From the uncontrollable daily traffic situations, to taxi scams, and undisciplined motorists, we can go on and on the whole day enumerating these n reasons. Despite all these, there’s always something to look forward to on the streets of the Philippines. Here’s a list of why it’s worth enjoying:

1. You need not shed a lot of cash to explore some of the 7,107 islands of the archipelago. Everything comes cheap here in the Philippines, especially when you are good at haggling.

Forget about those hop on, hop off buses! Rent a “Bangka” (local outrigger boat). Find a secluded island. And spend the rest of your day in paradise.

2. Biking on Beaches. Worth doing on any Summer Day!

3. The “Top Load!”

Any visit to the Philippines isn’t complete without having a ride on board the colorful Jeepney. Originally made from US military jeeps of World War II, these icons are the most popular means of public transportation in the country.

In some provinces, however, it is quite common to see passengers sitting on a roof of an overloaded jeepney. We call it “Top Loading.”

Is it illegal? Yes.

Dangerous? Definitely!

And yes, foreign tourists are highly encouraged (or discouraged) to try. No waiver form required.

4. Travel back in time. Hop on the “Calesa,” a decorated horse-drawn carriage used widely by the rich and powerful during the Spanish Era. Know how it feels to ride an 18th century Bentley.

5. We have our own Tuk-tuk. Only a bit different.

Tricycles can be found in almost every local town in Luzon. They are mainly used to service short distance travels. As it is the preferred mode of transportation by most locals, you will have no trouble finding one on any street.

The tricycle is actually like a taxi minus the meter. And the suspensions.

6. And we got 2 of them!

In the southern part of the Philippines, “Motorelas” rule the road. It works like a tricycle- you hop on and tell where you wanna go.

The only difference is: the driver can also pick up other passengers as long as their destination is (a.) the same as yours or (b.) on the way to yours.

7. “Paraws.” Apart from the powdery, white sands, these colorful sail boats surrounding the island make Boracay worth flying to.

8. Not all rafts are created equal. The best ones are in the Philippines.

9. Skid Slopes in Style.

High above the clouds, atop the mountains of the north, Ifugao kids (and even adults) roll on these badass Scooters downhill.

“Look ‘ma, no brakes!”

10. This.

I just had to include this image of me and a friend. Can’t help but laugh to myself every time I see this.