Getting Around The Philippine Islands
Check out our Destination Pages for more detailed info
The Philippines is made up of over 7000 islands ,so it comes as no surprise that the main modes of transport between the various islands is either by domestic flights or ferry. Once you are on the island of your choice then there are many varied, interesting and sometimes exciting ways to get around so we will try to deal with all the various ways of getting around the
Domestic Flights in the Philippines
The airlines that serve the domestic airports are as follows :-
Cebu Pacific. 
Modern medium/large sized aircraft for international and domestic flights
Philippine Airlines ( PAL)
Modern medium / large aircraft for international and domestic flights
Seair
Smaller aircraft to facilitate landing at smaller airports
Asian Spirit / Zest Air
Smaller aircraft ( some 12 seats) for landing at smaller airports
BY SEA
There are a number of ferry companies which operate throughout the Philippines with vessels ranging from the modern supercat which are fast and reliable and, the purpose built roll on roll off type of ship, then there are the many cargo type vessels that double up as passenger ferries with cabins and bunk bed type sleeping arrangements either below decks or undercover on the main decks.
Always check the weather yourself if at all possible before you sail. Some companies in the past have tended to put revenue before saftey and there has been incidents in bad weather regarding the ferries.
During the Typhoon season we dont reccomend using the ferries if at all possible. Its always a better experiance if you pay the extra charge to book a cabin if possible,
SUPERCAT -
Comfortable , modern vessels generally with seats laid out like an aircraft. Some seats on deck undercover most are below decks.
Light refreshments served on board.
ROLL ON ROLL OFF FERRY/ SUPERFERRY
Some of these have facilities for motor vehicles, and have cabins below decks in addition to bunks and seats on deck undercover. Some bunks are in compartments of 8 bunks separated by curtains so if privacy is a requirement this is not for you.
Refreshments are available from onboard shop.
Some are modern design others are older type.
CARGO TYPE FERRY –
These are working cargo ships which have been modified to accommodate passengers. Most have a few cabins and some bunks on deck undercover.
These can be less comfortable then the other choices but this is usually reflected in the price.
BANCA 
These are motorised vessels usually covered and vary in size with bamboo outriggers for added stability they are a favourite with fishermen, diving operators and used as an interisland and pleasure craft by locals and tourists alike. They can be hired for the day for island hopping, fishing and diving or used as a water taxi to get from one island to another. Can be a cheap, fast, comfortable way of getting around.
TRAVELLING AROUND THE PHILIPPINES BY LAND
Jeepney –
The Jeepney are adapted from American wartime jeeps that were left over after the "nd World War as cars and spare sparts were hard to come by. Very colourful with each owner decorating his jeepney with paintings, chrome lights etc. They are usually busting at the seems and can be uncomfortable to get in and out if your on the big side. Also they are open to fumes from traffic and the weather. You can flag down a jeepney anywhere , once on board you pass your money down the bus from passenger to passenger then to the driver. Your change if any, making the same return journey. You just shout out for the driver to stop or knock on the metal rail above your head with a coin.There are always many jeepneys to choose from, if your not sure if its going to the place you want , just ask.
Take extra care with your valuables whilst travelling on jeepneys ( see Staying safe and Well Page) There are many incidents of theft and even muggings on Jeepneys. They might even use a sharp blade to cut your pocket and collect your cellphone or wallet , and believe me , they are very skilled at this and you wont notice until you are off the Jeepney. Always keep you valubles at hand.. The normal charge for riding a Jeepney is around 7 pesos only.
Motor Tricycle –
These are motorcycle and sidecar which are covered , ( although no windows) usually seat 3 inside with extra one behind the rider, although I have seen as many as 6 people on these .They also carry everything on these including the kitchen sink if required. Usually for shortish distances and have set fare of 12 pesos although in Areas such Angeles City the trike driver will ask a lot more. ALways ask at your hotel for the approximate price to where you want to go and ask the driver BEFORE you get in. Agree a price , then theres no argument when you get to destination. Be especially carefull if you have had a good night in the bars and clubs. The Driver might try to charge you double or treble what it should cost.. The avererage cost around Angeles City is around the 50 pesos mark. but you may have to pay 100 for slighty longer journeys.Again just tell the driver where you want taking to , then just give him a shout when you want to get off.
Usually fast and plentiful around the cities and resorts. Can be noisy and again you are open to the traffic fumes and weather. If you are a big man or you have a couple of companions 1 may have to sit behind the driver., and it will be a tight squeeze inside for the other two even if you are smaller than average.
Tricycle (pedal)
These can be covered or uncovered pedal bike with small sidecar type of seating. Very slow but very cheap to use. YOu dont see many foriegners using these.
Taxis
In most areas of the
Most hotels have their ‘own’ taxis usually parked outside the main entrance to the hotel. These can be safer and usually cleaner, more modern vehicles, but are more expensive than the ones you flag down in the street. If you ask the security guard at the hotel he will usually flag down a taxi for you , even if you don’t want to use the hotels taxi. The same applies at some of the restaurants, bars, malls etc.
Always ask if the driver has a meter if not, get another taxi… if yes, make sure he turns it on. Many drivers will try to charge you a set price ‘because big traffic sir!!!!!’ this will usually be many times more than you should pay for that journey. If he refuses to turn meter on, get out and get another taxi.
See Keep Safe and Well Page for more advice
Car /Motorcycle Hire –
If you are confident driver/rider this a great way to get around, especially in the provinces where taxis, jeepneys etc might be less common.
The cities can be a dangerous place with volume of traffic and the driving habits of the locals totally different to what you are used to in the west, but if you want to visit out of way places it’s a great way to get there.
Again check our safety page for tips on driving in the
Bus / Van 
Travelling by bus is a cheap but sometimes uncomfortable way to travel from one area to another .the type of vehicle can range from the air-conditioned coach type to the mini bus type , some have open spaces where the windows should be , although these are usually used for around the town trips ( these are also called vans or multicabs by the locals).
The ‘van ‘ type are similar in the way they operate to the jeepney service.
The coach or minibus type are usually booked in advance from the ticket office at the terminal or through some travel agents.. Some can travel vast distances which include a trip on the ferry when travelling between islands.
On longer distances they usually stop for a break at a café for a few minutes for passengers to freshen up and buy refreshments.
Some also have on board video.
Train
Manilla has its own city train system (LTR) that runs the length of the city which can be quick alternative to the crowded roads. There is NO rail system throughout the Philippines as you are used to in UK,USA etc
