Around the Philippines – in a Tricycle
Today’s Guest Column is from Christian Skoda. Chris owns a website documenting his travels of Asia, a website which I follow regularly. Chris’ website is Nomad4Ever. Although I have yet to meet Chris, I hope the opportunity does arise during his stay in the Philippines. – Mindanao Bob
If somebody asked you: what is the most popular mode of transport in the Philippines? You would probably answer either ‘Jeepney’ or ‘Tricycle’.
Most Filipinos don’t even have to think about using Jeepneys – it’s part of their daily routine, a cheap way of getting from A to B. That accounts also for tricycles, although mainly when going shorter distances. For a foreigner coming to the Philippines, both concepts are probably fairly new. We know motorcycles or cars, but those ‘hybrids’ we don’t have back in our home countries.
But we learn pretty fast to use and love them and I’m sure, most foreigners living in the Philippines use either almost every day also.
So what can you do, if you have 2 people and approximately 50 kg of luggage to transport, but want to travel independently and want to see the most of the country?
Buy one and do it. Seriously? Yes!
You can buy both, jeepneys and tricycles for private use in the Philippines. A used Jeepney goes for something around 200K-300K Pesos and would perfectly take you around the country with all the luggage you may want to bring.
You would also have enough room to spend a night in it, if needed. On the other hand, a jeepney engine surely is a gas guzzler and somewhat overkill, when you just want to get around the country. Also RoRo ships (Roll-on and roll-off ferries) will charge you an arm and a leg for your truck-sized vehicle, if you feel like changing the island you are currently traveling on.
So what about a tricycle? Wouldn’t that be the perfect alternative?
You bet!
The initial costs to having a tricycle are much lower than buying a Jeepney. It mainly consists of a standard motorbike (minimum 125cc or better 155cc) and a sidecar. And it can be repaired (if necessary) in every village by almost any mechanic. Welding Shops are also located every few blocks in any given Barangay of Pinas, so your support network is already set.
When you decide to live in one area of the country, be it in Davao, Dumaguete or Batangas – you will probably have a nice base (your home) to explore the surrounding areas. But you will also have one downside – after a day trip or two, but mainly rather sooner than later you have to come back to your base.
With your tricycle you can always go forward, exploring a new area every day, without ever looking back. It can carry all your belongings, your partner and yourself.
But the best reason of having your own tricycle to tour the country is simple: it’s the freedom that comes with it.
And in contrast to a car, which isolates you practically from the environment, you are here right in the middle of it. Like with a motorbike, you are an easy rider, born to be wild – you will feel the wind in your hair, hear the sounds of bird, roosters or water buffaloes around you, will smell the coco copra that is stored along the way and the lechon bbq prepared on the sidewalk.
You can hear the laughter of children playing and the “Hey Joe!” calls of friendly Filipino bystanders.
But still you are covered from a rainstorm or the burning sun and have much more space to bring luggage and your loved one than with a bike only.
Christian and his Tricycle, what a view!
Total freedom!
Okay, you have the initial costs of buying a motorbike and attaching a sidecar – and surely there are some maintenance costs and repairs along the way. Prepare yourself to spend some Pesos on that while you roam the islands.
But the wind blowing in your face, being close to nature, its smells and sounds and “taking the world in a love embrace” – that’s simply fantastic and above all – priceless.
__________
Learn about how Christian’s Adventure got started here.
Starting in Dumaguete (on Negros) he drove so far via Panay and Mindoro to Luzon, currently in the Bicol region. Follow his progress via this map here on his Google Map.
Check out his Flickr pictures.
Hi Christian,
That’s so cool, I’m jealous of your fun! Seriously, I probably would have never thought of getting my own tricycle and hit the road. As I read your article, the idea of me riding around Davao in my own tricycle put a smile on my face. This may be something for me to consider on my next trip. LET’S RIDE!
Cheers!
Hi Christian – When I first read about this on your blog, Nomad4Ever, I thought your tricycle journey was one of the coolest things I had ever heard of! You really have a great spirit of adventure! Like Henry said, I am a big jealous to be honest!
Keep it up, I hope that this is a memory that will last a lifetime for you! I am sure that it will be.
Christian: What a neat trip! I wish I had the time to do that…
One thing about the tricy… Did you put a nice seat on there? I would think sore bum after all those KM!
Hello Christian,
I’m with Henry and Bob, on this one too. I am a bit jealous of your journey on tricycle too. Sounds so exciting and a great way to see the islands.
Bob, that business sounds great, have mine polished and gassed up for me please. As for theme music Henry, “Born To Be Wild” is already taken, by the bikers in the USA, what about “Bad to the Bone” instead…lol.
Guten tag,
Danny
Hello again Christian,
I see you are in Leyte now, would be great to hear about places like Ormoc, Bay Bay, Isabel, Maasin City, Sogod and so forth. I know it depends on your travels,but would be great to hear about those places in any upcoming articles of yours.
Take care (ingatz)
Danny
Nice article Christian!
Any “experiences” with the rabbit buses while traveling Luzon on a trike? Is that Pinatubo in one of your images?
Looking forward to reading more. Great stuff!!
Junior
Junior, no that is the Mayon Volcano near Legazpi, said to have one of the most-perfect cones of all volcanoes in Pinas. Unfortunately, we had to skip Northern Luzon, as most of repairs and troubles always occured in mountainous areas. Also there were 3 typhoons forecasted to hit Northern Luzon still in July.
So it was a difficult decision to leave Pinatubo, Vigan, Pagudpud, Banaue, Baguio and many other sights out – this time.
And what are rabbit buses, can you explain please???
HI Chris,
I’m wondering if you ever consider touring around Mindanao in your tricycle. I told Bob that if ever you will, I’d be glad to do a feature on that trip in the book I’m starting to write early next year about everything Bukidnon. I’d be glad to drive you around, in your tricycle of course, the beautiful province. It’s pretty much safe there, and Bob could attest to it.
So what kind of liscense do you carry? A normal Philippines one or does it have the motorcycle stamp? I also thought it was illegal to take a trike onto larger roads, or is that only in town?
Chris,
What an inspiration! You should be featured on travel channel. “Around Asia on a Tricycle”. I bet a lot of men envy your guts and spirit. Keep riding and exploring. It’s nice to able to see other parts of my country Philippines through your travel. People like you for me is way to cool. Anyway, how can you compare Philippines to other countries you already visited? Anything special so far???
Chris,
Nice to read about a fellow cruiser of sorts. I think it’s a fantastic idea, and a great way to see the countryside. I can only imagine the wonderful characters you have met along the way.
Much like sailing you are in the weather with some protections from it. We used a trike to get over the mountains in Banaue, and it was a great ride. BEST WISHES in your continuing explorations…..i2f….John
Hi Chris wow that’s so “on the money” I live in Tagum City where the tricycle is king in fact you would be hard pressed to even find a taxi here and there is not many jeepney’s either but oh so many tricycle’s we are just now thinking of buying one for personal use but they are so cheap to hire P7 only why buy the cow. But i am slowly convincing my wife that we can customize it (i use a wheelchair) and she’s giving it more credible thought now. thanks for this article
Tommy. Off subject sorry. You are in a chair. I can still walk some, not too far. Are you getting around the P.I alright. Guy
Hello Christian-Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I’m so excited for you. I wish to do the same.
Yes Chris they should feature your adventure in any PHILIPPINE magazines coz i think this is the first time that i heard someone specially a “FOREIGNER” travelling around the whole island of the PHILS. in a tricycle, not even filipino ever try this kind of adventure and it’s way too cool. how about in Batangas Province?, the route there is not bad at all provided that you avoid the treacherous path going to the mountain, there’s also alot of wonderful beaches in BATANGAS like ANILAO BEACH RESORT and MATABUNGKAY BEACH RESORT…… GOODLUCK to your amazing journey around the island. i enjoyed this thread……
Hi Chris,
I see on flickr you have a photo of sailboats anchored in Dumagate. Where would that be at in Dumagate. I have a world chart program on my PC, na dwould love to take a peek in way of charts…..i2f….John
Hi all
its a fascinating concept to travel around the philipines on a tricycle, I would imagine the views would be breathtaking.
“Bob” remeber I asked about video on the site ? I hope you dont mind me putting a link in here, it is to a pedicab ride around sancarlos city ( and a couple of other clips) have a look and see what you think, I have to admit though i would love to see a video of christian’s jaunts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9xGfu866nA
christian
i hope you catch up on your posts about your tricycle adventures in the philippines. safe journeys to you and stay well.
I’m thinking of putting an artist to work.
painting the cool sceens on the tricycle and bus.
mybe promote the first annual trike show.
winner thur 3rd paid.
grand prize=new fan boat
2nd prize=trip to bagio
3rd prize=all expence paid trip to carcar
Hi, Chris. That’s very well-written promotion about the use of tricycle. Seriously, not so many Filipinos could even think about moving around the country using tricycle, and what you’re doing right now is an eye-opener that such idea is very much possible.
I’ll be very much excited to read if there’s a news here about you meeting in person those online friends you have here like Mindanao Bob, and any other expats based here in the Philippines. That’s another spice of the adventure…
I was telling my wife Melanie about your trike explorations. Then we relived our trike trip over the mountains in Banaue. We are thinking a trike may be in our future? lolololol…..i2f…John
Hey Henry – Just yesterday you were trying to figure out how to get to Bislig! What a tricycle adventure that would be! Maybe I should buy a fleet of tricycles and rent them out to visiting LiP Readers! The LiP Fleet!
Hi Henry, great if the article inspired you to think about getting your own tricycle. Maybe we should form a club and have regular meetings some day?
Hi Bob,
Ok, the LiP fleet is underway! Oh, don’t forget, the fleet needs some theme music!
You could be on to something there Bob. that would be a blast. Please put me in for my reservation in 2011!!
Well, Danny, I have my own “Mindanao Bob” theme song. It is “Far Side of the World” from Jimmy Buffett. That is the only appropriate song to be playing on my tricycle!
Danny, yeah – ‘Born to be wild’ was many times on my mind; even though mainly only downhill.
The average travel speed is really only around 40 km/h, due to weight issues, under-motorized bike and all the potholes you come across (and try to avoid). So it’s really more a smooth cruising.
Also I always worry about something breaking or falling apart, as happened so far almost every day. In that regard “Don’t worry, be happy” by Bobby McFerrin would probably fit better…haha!
Henry’s idea of getting an official theme song really makes me thinking now…
Bob, I must admit that the idea came actually from my girlfriend, who is usually my pillion rider on our trips. Before in Goa or Bali we used to ride a lot (25.000km around Bali in 2 years); yet we always had a base, where we had to return to at the end of the end.
We missed out on a lot of interesting sights, due to the limited radius. That’s how the idea was born to expand our explorations a bit further.
Anyway – I have to thank you for featuring me here. I feel a bit overwhelmed, you even used all of the photos – I thought you may use one or two. Gosh! *blush*
John Miele, the seat is still the original one, it’s pretty wide and ’sore bum’ problems are so far limited. But mainly I drive only 3-5 hours a day, the maximum was once 8 hours, when traveling from Lucena towards Bicol on South Luzon. There was nothing where you could stop and have a rest.
Mainly I have aching shoulders, back neck and upper arms at the end of the day, due to the weight to lift around. It’s really a pretty neat work out. But nothing what a nice massage and some sleep can fix. On top of that – the additional muscles will truly make for a great picture; some day.
Thats great Bob, being from South Florida, I can handle some Jimmy Buffet!!!
Danny, yep – currently in Tacloban, resting a few days. Samar was pretty hard on me and the bike, especially the part between Allen and Calbayog. It’s only 80 kms or so, but the highway was simply in terrible condition, you could only go 5-15 km/h, so it took a numbing 6 hours with effects still felt today. Had to do some welding also, after some beams broke of again, constant potholing doesn’t go to well on the sidecar.
After Calbayog the highway is in much better shape, with new bitumen or concrete surface – smooth riding all the way down to Leyte.
I will check up on your tips and will put some of them are on our list; also Biliran, which looks very interesting on my EZ Map with volcanoes, hot springs and waterfalls.
Thanks for checking out the articles over at my site – I must admit, that I’m far from being so productive like our famous host Mindanao Bob here. Mainly I only publish 1 article a week, so I’m pretty much overdue again. Oh man!
Hi Chris – Well, it’s such an interesting trip, I wanted to include all the photos that I could! I usually don’t put so many!
I haven’t asked you yet, but have been wondering… will you be hitting Davao in the tricycle? If so, I not only want to ride, but I want to drive it around and show you the City!
Hey Chris,
No stops fr Lucena to Bicol? I imagine you chose Atimonan for its plain terrain & it’s right on the coastal sea! It’s dotted w/ resorts, & communities. Once, I had a road trip w/ my friends (using my cousin’s balikbayan delivery van, really comical adventure) fr Manila to the Bondoc Peninsula (almost Bicol prov) On our way, we had many stops, like meals in San Pablo, played billiards in Lucena etc. It took us almost a day.
Hi Evelyn – This tricycle rental could be big business! I don’t know, Chris might want a share, though!
Nahhhh, I’m too lazy to do that professionally. Go ahead, Bob!
Bob, yeah I was thinking about that already back and forth.
Wanted to catch up with you for a few drinks already quite a while. The only thing – I’m not sure, if I’m asking for trouble going through Mindanao with the tricycle. Everyone (mostly locals) so far are warning me left and right to do that, so hmmmm, I really don’t know. I’m usually not the one who gets overly agitated or afraid of things, but there is a certain feeling in my stomach, which makes me hesitate, especially after the news from the last 2 weeks.
Better I come and visit you by plane some time, or when you are back in the Visayas, because that’s where we’ll probably stay a bit longer.
And yup, the cold ones are on me and you surely can drive around in the tricycle!
roy, yup I remember Atimonan, but it was too early in the day to consider a stay there. And I had some major repairs just shortly before, so all I wanted was drive at that time. In hindsight, your idea to stay overnight in Atimonan would’ve probably been much better. Another interesting candidate was Calauag, but sometimes you just have to push it.
roy, oops, just to clarify that again. Of course there were many stops on that route. We had clams and muscles at one of the sea eateries there, just sometimes early in the day you don’t think of stopping overnight and don’t feel tired after 1-3 hours of driving. The pain only comes after a few hours and then it’s usually too late except finding a place to nap very soon.
Ah ok Chris, I was horrified to think that you drove non-stop to Bicol fr Lucena. That hurts.
You had short stops pala. I’ve been to Calauag round trip on a single day via BLTBCo, one Christmas day when I was young & foolishly in love.
Hi Tony, yup I was already thinking about that and I really don’t mind riding around Davao. Just the way of getting there, I’m not so sure. A few years back I visited Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin and felt pretty safe there; just nowadays in the middle of Mindanao, I’m not sure if I should push my luck. Nothing would most likely happen anyway, also I keep on moving, but you’ll never know.
Maybe it’s better, if we all catch up for a few cold ones in Davao directly (me flying in), or you guys visiting the Visayas during one of the next occasions?
Let me think about that further a few more days and checking the maps back and forth…
Wow, I can see it now… Mindanao Bob, the Trycycle Tycoon!
Hi Chris – Pretty much the route that you would need to take to come here is as safe as anyplace else that you’ve been. But, we’ll hook up one way or another!
BrSpiritus, regarding licenses, I carry my valid EU driving license (that unlimited plastic card) and have an old international driving license also. Honestly, I don’t think about that too much. In many other Asian countries there is a scam running regarding driving licenses. A while ago, I wrote a post about it here, you might want to check it out, if interested.
Besides the driving licenses, I have the paperwork for the bike, like OR, CR, Release Paper, Dropping Order and Deed of Sale, as mentioned here.
So far (after 2.500 km) nobody stopped me yet, not even at a check-point or for any other inspection.
Didn’t get the link right, here is the article regarding the Driving License scam.
It’s rather interesting idea. I’d like to get a trike for getting around town but I was always put off by my relatives telling me you can’t drive them on the city streets only side roads in the barangay.
Would it be fun if you pass yourself as a tricycle driver, as in you ferry passengers for a fee?
It shouldn’t be a problem, as long you don’t use it to make business. Maybe a sign “Privat use only” or similar will make it easier.
In case I would get stopped by a Police Officer or LTO guy, I would simply take my time, explain over and over again and try to talk my way out of it. Back in your own local Barangay that should be even easier, don’t you think?
Hi BrSpiritus – That rule about no tricycles on the main roads is a Davao thing. In most cities around the Philippines, tricycles are everywhere, on all streets.
Wow Vanessa, thanks for the encouragement and the friendly words! It wasn’t actually much of guts and spirit which led to the decision. More a necessity to transport 2 people plus luggage in a very economic way. Didn’t want to buy a car or be dependent on public transport.
Oh yeah, and the Philippines compare very favorable to other countries I visited so far. Though most countries have pros and cons, the Philippines win hands down with their friendly people, helpful and cheerful – no doubt about it. The nature here is also breath-taking among the cheap costs of living. Okay, that whole topic requires maybe a complete article of its own….maybe something for the near future.
Hi Chris,
You read my mind on forming a club. Sounds like fun!
If you come back to Ormac and then toward Isabel, where I am now, My brother is in Brilian and the road is very good. A few Places they are repairing one side but who needs both sides anyway. I did buy a new cycle and was thinking of the trike part to do shopping but I like your idea of travel too. I haven’t been here long enough to really explore Leyte yet. That is my first plan. To get to know this Island and all of its towns. I could hardly find anything on the net about it. In Isabel I have not even seen another kano yet, and friendliest people I have ever met. Seems like everytime I sneak into Isabel proper by myself, some asked me who my lady is and when I tell them they know the family or went to school with either her or one of her sisters. Hope you enjoy your tour of Leyte. You can contact me at merlin_balbero@yahoo.com I haven’t set up email for Philippines yet.
Andy, so far I wasn’t in Ormoc and Isabel yet. Just made it down to Maasin in one piece. A very relaxed small town with beautiful blue water around! If just the weather would be a little better!
Maybe we will bump into each other one of these days. If you say, there aren’t too many Kano’s anyway….
andy
did you buy your bike in cebu/manila?
maria
That is a terrific comparison, John/imagine. Yeah, you are right, it is almost like sailing! And many thanks for the best wishes.
Tommy, are you serious about that one? So you would have a customized Tricycle/Wheelchair combo? Maybe even electric? Interesting!
I remember back in East Germany, we had some special customized Trabant Cars (those funny cars in the U2 videos made from “Duraplast”) for disabled people, who used that also as wheelchair alternatives when shopping. Improvisation is maybe one thread, which East Germans and Filipinos enjoy together. But if it helps, why not?
Now just the roads here would need some more improvement to make it even easier to get around.
Leilani, I’m glad you liked the story. It was actually easier to realize than I first thought. Sometimes people wonder or worry too much when trying to fulfill a dream.
wildcat75, that’s what my filipino friend Dodong Flores also said. That it’s the first time somebody tried that. Makes me blush and still hard to believe though!
When we passed through Batangas, there was lots of traffic, traffic jams, trucks, pollution and hectic. They prepared for the mayor elections, if I’m not wrong. So we left the town pretty fast towards Tagaytay/Lake Taal. Missed the beaches, as obviously none of us knew where to look for them. Next time for sure!
If you see a new blue YBR Yamaha 125 It is probably me if kano and if red, it is my brother. From what I have been told, Merlin has the only lavendar Yamaha 115 scooter sent to Leyte. Bought the YBR because I am 5′11″ as my brother and tall enough to be comfortable. Again good luck on your exporation. Oh you are right that centrAL Mindano is not so safe sometimes but Bob can tell you safe way to travel and I think you would love. I have been there and loved, but town of 35,000, Isabel, is what I am used to and as you travel Leyte You will find that this Island is so tryke and motorcycle friendly.
Hi Guy – Tommy actually has a blog about Wheelchair Access in Mindanao (and other topics). Look on the Sidebar Blogroll for “Wheelchair access in the Philippines”. You should find some good info there.
Chris, so true about filipino hospitality, i think we should be on the top ten of the most friendly country. We never ran out of smiles, doesn’t matter what time of day it is. Very smart choice indeed to have a tricycle rather than an expensive car or public transportation. You can just go/stop whenever you like cheaply. Enjoy the rest of your travel..
Hi Dave,
I thought the vid of the dancing traffic cop in San Carlos was cool.
regards Chas.
Dave, there is one short video of my driving the Tricycle. It is only 46 seconds and was shot around Caticlan on North Panay. You can find it here on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjqHYbyoN8E or via my channel http://www.youtube.com/user/Nomad4everCom
Hi chas
that particular video did have the oops up side your head music on it but because of copyright they banned it. and the credits have to go to a philipino chap nickname akolm. but though i say it myself i enjoyed making it pity about the copyright though.
Hi chas
I said in my reply that I would publish the music version of the dancing cop you can see it here (I hope hehehe)
http://www.philippinesinmotion.com/
I dont know wether it is completely up and running yet as even the site name tab hasnt updated, but I did manage to get the site up on my computer. See what you think so far the site is by no means complete yet.
Dave
well bob i think the phils is big enough for a multinational pedicab buisness hehehehehe. seriously though in these eco times we live in I could see a lucrative buisness in producing them and exporting them too .
roy, I mean people tried to flank me down more than a dozen times already, but so far I mainly waved back and never stopped. Also, there isn’t much space anymore with all the luggage and 2 people, although not overloaded compared with other tricycles.
maria, yeah it’s quite tough lately. Driving around makes my head a bit blur and the slow internet speeds (GPRS speed or less, with the exception of Ormoc) here on Samar and Leyte make it difficult to post anything with photos and such. I know I have quite a bit of catch up to do, all the way from Puerto Galera to Biliran. Will do step by step and thanks for the encouragement!
imagine, I’m not sure which sailing boat you are talking about, but most pictures of ships were taken at the Dumaguete port/pier, when I was traveling to Siquijor. Hope you find what you’re looking for?!
speaking of disco dancing traffic cops I saw one in lapu lapu yesterday.
my margie and I will always remember him.
If I could hire on as a illegal alien for this job I want it.
thanks chris,
Have you ever thought of investing in a digi cam? I would imagine the views you see would be out of this world and would make a very good feature for a website ! “ok your prob on the back end of your tour, but it would be a good excuse to do it again hehehe.
Dave, the thing is I’m not so good with gadgets, they either break or get lost with me. And shooting and watching movies takes soooo much time. That’s why I usually only carry a point-and-shoot camera (in this case a Casio Exilim). Also SLR cameras are probably wasted on me, so no, no plans like this in the future…
Hi Dodong, nice to read you here also! Yeah, it would be nice to catch up with Expat and Local Readers. I’m just not sure yet, if I should make it through Mindanao and Manila I left out this time also. Hmmmmmm! ;-/
imagine, yeah – going to Banaue via Tricycle must be spectacular. Had to skip it this time due to performance problems in the mountains. But then, I probably also had enough of rice terraces from Bali.
hahahah no worries chris, who knows when I finally get out there I might do it myself lol, I know how you feel about not being a gadget man too but hey if I remember rightly the pedi-cab video I did was off a mobile phone so there is no shame in using what feels best for you. one more thing when you visited Negros you missed out on san carlos city and sipaway, a few other places too
if your ever back that way i would reccomend checking it out you can also catch the ro ro ferry to cebu too.
Happy travels and safe journeys chris.
Dave, we missed more than only a few spots on Negros! Mainly because we only sticked to the main roads (read: National Highways). It was just not possible to go on secondary or tertiary roads for any longer than just a few kilometers. Either the sidecar would fall off due to the potholes or the bike get into serious (expensive) troubles. So yeah, maybe have to built a tricycle with an offroad motorcycle;
Hi Chris. Rabbits are part of a bus line. The drivers are wicked brave and maniac drivers taking curves without reducing speed.
I had a Rabbit bus pass me on a curve when riding from AC to Subic. I also rode one to Manila and I wanted to fly back to AC, but the airport wasn’t there yet.
Happy travels!
Junior