Getting Around ANGELES CITY
Angeles City is becoming a busier and busier place with many foriegn tourists attracted to the massive bar and club scene .Even during the day, although not on a par with Manila , you can still get caught up in traffic jams along the major routes.
In the evenings the main area for bars, which is Fields Avenue, is closed to most traffic therefore enabling bar and club goers to walk in relative saftey from bar to bar, although there are many side streets and the main Perimeter Road which also have many bars , clubs and restaurants and are still open to traffic,so care has to be taken.
Motor Tricycle ( Trike)
This is one of the main modes of getting around Angeles.If you are a big guy and especially if thereis more than one in the party, they can be dificult to get in and out of, quite cramped and somewhat uncomfortable. There is room for 2 small to medium sized people inside , and room for one more behind the driver as a pillion .
With no glass in the side and rear windows , usually no door, so open on both sides and very little headroom , they can be a challenge in bad weather although it beats walking. Some trikes have a plactic cover to shelter you from the rain but they are not always successful.
Getting a trike is very easy in Angeles as they are everywhere. If you are coming out of a bar or club , usually you will see many waiting for customers. Further away from Fields Avenue you will find them in small groups by the road waiting for customers.
Our advice if you are coming out of a bar or club, especially if you have had a 'few drinks', is NOT TO TAKE THE FIRST TRIKE THAT APPROACHES YOU.
Better to walk on a little way and pick your own trike. This way you are sure that you are not being targetted as a possible mugging victim , especially if you are on your own.
Before you get in, tell the driver where you want to go , and ask him the price. If you agree, get in, if not, barter with him. Make him believe you are NO stranger to trikes and Angeles , even if you are. If he says "Its upto you Sir" offer him what you feel is fair. If you dont know, you can always ask at your hotel. Most hotels have security guards stationed outside.
No tip is required unless he has helped with shopping , bags etc then its at your discretion.
The fare for Trikes start at 20 pesos for a short journey upto a maximum of 125 if anywhere around the Angeles Area. Most fares will be between 50 and 100 pesos.
If you need a trike you can also wave one down as they pass down the streets, or failing that if you stand at the adge of the road, clap your hands a few times very loudly and shout "TRIKE", usually you will have one there as if by magic in seconds.
Jeepney~
Jeepneys are noisy, usually stacked high with passengers, but very cheap to use. The usual fare is only 7 pesos anywhere within Angeles, but depending on where you need to go , you might have to use 2 or even 3 jeepneys as each jeepney has a certain route that they follow. Ask the driver , at your hotel, or any decent looking locals which one to get.
You can find them at the small terminals, but beware , they will wait until its completley bursting at the seems , then add a few more bodies, before they will leave. You can also flag a jeepney down on the road.
You will sit along either side of the vehicle facing inwards. Pass your money ( make sure you have small bills or the right money) down the vehicle to the driver and any change will return the same way. When you want to get off , tap on the metal bar above your head and shout "PARA" which simply means stop in Tagalog. If you cant remember that ,a simple "Stop Please" will do.
Care must be taken on Jeepneys as they are favourite places for pickpockets and muggings, so always try to travel with someone used to using them, and ALWAYS keep your cell phone and money in safe place WITH YOUR HAND ON THEM AT ALL TIMES.
Jeepneys run until late into the night and start early in the morning.
Taxis
There used to be taxis in Angeles but these days theey are restricted to the ones that belong to hotels. You can however hire a car with driver for a set minimum of hours.
Car Hire and Motorcycle Hire
There are a number of companies offering cars and motorcycles for hire by the day , week or month. Some of these can be found on the main Perimeter Road and in Fields Avenue.
Buses
There is no bus service to speak of which is used for local drop offs and pick ups. The only ones that operate are to areas outside of Angeles. These can be found at the Bus Terminal .
Walking
During the day it is generally quite safe to walk around on foot as long as you keep to the main roads.
Nightime however is a different matter. Its not adviseable to walk at night for any distance especially in unlit areas or in the side streets. Even the main highways can be a little dangerous late at night. ALWAY GET A TRIKE IF ALONE.
During the day, especially in the 'summer months' , you will find it extremely unpleasant to walk any distance if you are not used to such heat.
When walking , always be aware of beggars asking for money. They will actually grab your hand and walk with you some distance or stand in your path. Many very young children are used to beg for money. Some of these are organised gangs and they have to give the money to adults that run the gangs.
Your Philippines advises all tourist NEVER give money to beggars. It only encourages the practic more and its already a massive problem in major tourist areas.
Also there is a good chance you will have your pockets picked without you even knowing it, even by small children.
If you feel you need to give something, carry some candy, or when your eating , and you have some left , ask for 'Take out' and they will wrap it for you and you can then give to a deserving person outside.If you are feeling kind you could always order an extra portion and give that to some street children or Mother with child.
While walking also be aware of men approaching and pretending they know you. They maybe aiming to take you to a side street to rob you. Never go with anyone from the street. Unless you know them, even if its a foriegner, just say no thanks and walk on. NEVER STOP AND TALK.
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