Road Transport
Bus
Bus lines operate throughout the Philippines, modern air conditioned carriages
on long distance travel, medium to shorter distances are served by local
operators with busses not always too new, and short distances are covered
by Jeepneys.
Nationwide
Many bus operators serve any point within the Philippines. Traveling from
Cebu to Manila by road or Cebu to Davao may take up to 24 hours, the bus
stops at various rest areas that allow for food breaks and lets stretch
ones legs, there are no pneumatic ramps or any other fancy gadget to accommodate
a person in a wheelchair, so here you'll ned to ask for assistance. Often
the conductor and bus driver, or other passengers, may help you, at many
bus stops there are porters available. It takes a bit patients to explain
how you want to be carried into the coach and how to fold or handle your
chair, but you'll get there. Just make sure you get the first seat in the
front row nearest the door, dragging you halfway through the aisle is not
recommendable. The chair usually will be stowed in the baggage compartment.
Medium Distances
Buses serving medium distances are a bit difficult to ride, they are narrow,
crowded, the stops are very short and often not air conditioned. If you
get on one of these, you will be squeezed on a wooden bench, the wheelchair
is stowed on the roof or in the aisle, the windows are open if there any
so during a rain you may get some involuntary refreshment, but at least
you are able to purchase snacks through the window that are offered by vendors.
Short Distances
Short distances within cities or town to town are often covered by Jeepneys.
These vehicle are fun to ride but depending on its size, they may be as
big as bus or as small as a small pick-up. You can try climbing the passenger
seat which you'll probably have to share with someone, or try riding in
the back. To do that you lift your legs onto the platform, grab the roof
railing and pull yourself in. Then hold your chair, fold it and pull it
up to set it between the rows of benches that line the Jeepney. Sounds exhausting?
It is.
Taxi
The probably most convenient mode of transport are taxis. They are numerous
and cheap, but not always in top condition, and as long as you're in a
city easy available. Regular limos or vans are available, usually metered
but for longer trips a fare has to be negotiated. There are some individual
taxi drivers who try to get away without using the meter, insist that
they switch it on, if they won't just swap the cab, and don't forget to
leave the rear passenger door wide open as punishment!
You can hire taxis for a whole day or half day or a few hours, it's all
up to you, usually you'll just flag them down, some areas have taxi lines,
often a waiter or clerk shall get a cab for you. You may also call one
over the telephone, but that is not very reliable.
In recent years many taxis have been converted to run on LPG or NPG, the
side effect of this effort to safe on fuel and reduce pollution is the
tank located in the trunk of the car. It uses up much space and makes
it therefore difficult to fit your wheelchair or voluminous baggage (if
your're married to a Filipina you will have lots of luggage) in the storage
compartment.
V-hire
Mini busses or Vans plying routes all over Cebu, usually about 12 passenger,
costs a few pesos more than Jeeneys but are air conditioned and bring you
strait to your destination.
Car Rental
Rent a car is easy, there are international and domestic rentals, with or
without driver. To have a car for a few days is a very convenient way getting
around. Unfortunately there are no cars to rent that are equipped with hand
controls. But I can take care of that, just contact me for details about
renting the necessary equipment. Check our links
for car rentals.
Own a Car
Should you spend some month here in Cebu buying your own vehicle is an
option. Driving here is quiet an experience, so watch out. After a few
hours you'll get used to the city roads, the traffic rules are somewhat
intuitive rather than formal, and the pecking order is learned quickly.
Bear in mind that David not always wins over Goliath, so please drive
carefully and defensively.
Hand controls can be fitted easily, I have two models for sale or rent
that fit in almost any kind of car. Read
more...
Motorbike
The greatest way to travel is probably by motorbike. For your long time
stay you may want to buy one, if only for a day or weekly there are rentals
available at many resorts.
Tricycle
The probably most common transport are tricycles, those motorbikes with
sidecar allow a ride to the most remote corners of town imaginable. Transfer
from your wheelchair into the cabin structure, fold your chair and pull
it up in front of your feet. No problem.
Bicycle
Increasingly popular, many Filipinos go to work by bicycle or use it
purely for sports, I think a bicycle will definitely widen your circle
of friends among Filipinos, they just love foreigners riding around their
towns, you'll have a ball trying it. And don't worry about punctures,
you don't need to get your hands dirty to fix a tube, just stop at one
of the many little repair shops along the road. Their signs read "Vulcanizer".
Pedicab
No pollution, very slow, you may lean back and let the poor bastard in
the saddle do the pedaling. There is enough space for the wheelchair.
Horse Carriage
Tourists like horse drawn carriages, called Calesa. You will find it impossible
to climb in, it's just too high above the ground. But don't worry, a crane
would do.
|
Navigation
Links
|
