Getting Around Manila

Jeepney

Most commuters in Manila travel by Jeepney which is a kind of modified Jeep that can carry 16 to 18 passengers.  Passengers sit on two benches which face each other and at least one more passenger can sit in front. What’s most fascinating about the Jeepney is the amount of decorations on the vehicle. The Jeepney is not the most comfortable ride although newer models seem to be getting better. Another mode of transport very common outside of Manila is the Tricycle. This one is a motor bike with a side car. Its a very cheap and quick way to travel short distances. Tricycles are not allowed in the busy parts of the city although bicycle driven side cars are still in use in some parts of the Manila. If you venture into the outer Barangays tricycles can come in really handy. A Barangays is the smallest local government unit. In the Philippines Municipalities and cities are composed of Barangays.

Traveling by Train

The Manila Light Rail Transit System commonly known as the LRT runs north-south (Yellow Line) from Baclaran Station in Pasay City near Ninoy Aquino International Airport to  Monumento station in the south of Caloocan City. The LRT Purple line services the east-west direction from Recto station in Santa Cruz suburb of Manila on the banks of Pasig river and ends at Santolan station in Marikina City. The LRT network has consists of 29 stations with almost 29 Km of railway. It provides access between the cities of Caloocan, Manila, Marikina, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, Quezon City, and San Juan.

Philippine National Railways also operates railway lines within Metro Manila, the trans-Metro Manila part known as Southrail, is still operational and commences at Tutuban station in the densely populated district of Tondo in Manila City and enters  province of Laguna to the south, passing through the cities of Makati, Taguig, Parañaque Las Piñas and Muntinlupa City. The Northrail which used to connect Manila to Caloocan is no longer operational.

Taxis highly Recommended

Taxis are available almost everywhere and are recommended especially if you are in Manila for the first time. Most taxis are painted white and will sometimes have some marking or fitting with words "Taxi" on them but they always have registration numbers in black unlike private vehicles which have green registration plates. Most taxi drivers speak English although on very rare occasions you will meet one who doesn't. Each registered Taxi is fitted with a meter. Ask for the meter to be turned on especially if your are not sure of where you are going. Most taxi rides within the city will not cost more than 100 Pesos (just over $2). If the driver refuses to use the meter take another taxi. Taxis from the Airport costs twice as much if taken from the terminal building. It may cost as much as P600 to the centre of Manila. If taken from the car park outside you can go the same distance for less than P200. If its your first time and you have a lot of luggage its sometime better and safer to just pay for the more expensive taxi.

Driving in Manila

Driving yourself around Manila is not recommended but if you plan to venture out of the city a lot, driving your own vehicle can be very handy. As a visitor the best thing to do is to take a taxi around or if you hire a vehicle get one with a driver. Many car rental companies operate in Manila. Online car rental are also available at Travelsmart The hassle of city traffic is too much and Taxi fares are pretty low so being driven around by a local is probably the best thing to do.  Always take care of your possessions because they can be snatched from the car. It has happened before and items such as cell phones have been snatched from unsuspecting visitors. Always keep your closed when you are in the middle of a traffic jam. Pursuing the thief is often fruitless so the best you can do is avoid that kind of situation. Keep your car windows shut and lock doors all the time. Most Taxi drivers will also ask you to lock your doors and windows as a precaution anyway.  Generally most parts of the city of Manila are safe but if one is careless someone just might take advantage.

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