By taxi
Taxi fares
Most of the taxi drivers nowadays charge people with fares not based on the meters, especially during peak hours. If you encounter this say "no" and say that drivers don't have a right to give you a fare that is double and not based on the meters, this is usually encountered by tourists as well as middle class-elite class Filipinos. If this happens get out of the taxi, threaten the driver you will call the police hotline;Philippine National Police (http://www.pnp.gov.ph) PNP tel:+632722-0650 start dialing your cellphone to make him believe you are calling the police or either call the MMDAMetro Manila Development Authority hotline; 136 if you're within Manila, you can also text the police at 2920 and your message must be as follows; PNPspacemessage, for your complaints. In 2009, some taxis have installed meters which give out receipts, ask for a receipt if they have one.
Taxis are generally available within the major cities but are usually not used for travel across the various provinces and regions. Some FX shared taxis, however, usually ply provincial routes. You can also call reputable Taxi companies that can arrange pickups and transfers as well as airport runs.
When hailing a taxi in the cities, ensure the meter is on and pay the metered fare. A tip of 10 pesos is acceptable. Also, make sure you have small denomination banknotes, as the drivers often claim not to have change in an effort to obtain a larger tip! Please do have coins ready with you. Moreover, don't be surprised if drivers want to bypass the meter during rush hour. Updated April 2011 Most taxis have the flag down rate of â±40 with each 300 meters cost â±3.50 while Yellow cab taxis are more expensive with a flag down rate of â±70 with each 300 meters cost â±4.00.
By Jeep And Rickshaws
Jeepneys are the most known transportation to all Filipinos. They are the most affordable transport in the Philippines. Costing about â±8 per 4 km and additional â±1 per km, they are by far the most affordable way to get around most major urban areas.. They stop if you wave at them. The jeepney is remnants of the Jeep used by the American troops during World War II, the innovative Filipinos modified the jeep by lengthening the body and adding horizontal seats to seat as many as 20 people 10 per side. Within Manila, you will find multiple Jeepneys per route, for added convenience. In the provinces, Jeepneys also connect towns and cities. For longer distances, however, buses are more comfortable.
Also worthy of mention are the traysikels and the pedicabs or in other words Rickshaw; however, this may not be to the liking of most foreigners, as these are cramped and quite open to traffic. These means of transport are usually used for very short distances. Traysikels are different from Pedicabs; they are motorized while pedicabs are manually used with the help of bicycles. Fares range from â±3 to â±7 or even higher, depending on the distance of your destination.
Cruises
7107 Islands Cruise (http://www.7107islandscru...) offers a cruises from Boracay to Puerto Galera to Boracay, prices range from â±2,000 - â±10,000, children below than 3 years old are free to travel who is accompanied by 2 adults, children from 5 to 12 years old are given a 50% discount, who are accompanied also by 2 adults while senior citizens can avail a 20% discount. The cruise will tour around the Philippines in islands such as Boracay and Coron Island.
Hans Christian Andersen Cruise (http://www.hcacruise.com) will take you on an unforgettable voyage through the Philippines. They have set their sights on memorable experiences, empty beaches, local fishing villages, fantastic diving and snorkeling - the perfect way to explore the picturesque archipelagos of the Philippines. They offer a relaxed unpretentious holiday atmosphere and you wonât have to worry about dress code.
Sun Cruises (http://www.corregidorphil...) has tour packages to Corregidor Island in Manila Bay. Prices range from â±2,000 for a day tour with a buffet lunch, to â±3,000 for an overnight stay at the island. The tour guides are very informative, and the island is steeped in history, particularly about the battles that raged there during World War 2. They also offer cruises around Manila Bay.
By bus
Apart from flying, buses are usually the way to go when it comes to traveling across the Philippines, at least from within the major islands. It is the cheapest mode of transport when getting around, fares are as low as â±300-â±500. Provincial bus companies have scheduled trips from Manila to provinces to the north and south. Major provincial bus companies such as ALPS The Bus, Inc. (http://www.alpsthebus.com), Victory Liner (http://www.victoryliner.com/), Philtranco (http://www.philtranco.com.ph/) operate in the country.