Difference between revisions of "Philippines"

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Filipino's are well known for being very hospitable and friendly, and are a very social people. Hitching a ride is often very easy because if this trait, and in the provinces and rural areas out of the cities it especially is easy to get a lift, whilse in the city you may not be as lucky because of the chaotic schedules of the drivers, especially around the bustling traffic, however Filipino's are known to go out of their way to help people and you will be surprised how many people will try and help you. Often drivers will stop to see if you need a lift in the provinces, especially if your look like a foreigner. Many people hitch-hike all over the Philippines, and drivers rarely if ever ask for money.
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Filipino's are well known for being very hospitable and friendly, and are a very social people. Hitching a ride is often very easy because of this trait, and in the provinces and rural areas out of the cities it especially is easy to get a lift, whilse in the city you may not be as lucky because of the chaotic schedules of the drivers, especially around the bustling traffic, however Filipino's are known to go out of their way to help people and you will be surprised how many people will try and help you. Often drivers will stop to see if you need a lift in the provinces, especially if your look like a foreigner. Many people hitch-hike all over the Philippines, and drivers rarely if ever ask for money.
  
 
If you travel within the island provinces out of urban centers it is a great experience for hitch hiking as many locals will often always stop to see if you need a lift (especially if you give the thumbs up or wave your hand in a downwards manner, commonly used to hail a [[Jeepney]], a type of local Filipino bus), this is much more easier done if you look like a foreigner, as many locals consider you exotic and are interested in you, you often find yourself making new friends through this.
 
If you travel within the island provinces out of urban centers it is a great experience for hitch hiking as many locals will often always stop to see if you need a lift (especially if you give the thumbs up or wave your hand in a downwards manner, commonly used to hail a [[Jeepney]], a type of local Filipino bus), this is much more easier done if you look like a foreigner, as many locals consider you exotic and are interested in you, you often find yourself making new friends through this.
  
 
It often can be harder to hitch a ride if you are travelling in some of the isolated islands, which often do not have very good road infrastructures in the first place. You will find out about this especially if you are wishing to hitch a ride in a mountainous area, where their is often a lack of flowing traffic, and often fewer vehicles because fewer people actually have them in more rural areas. Again, public transportation is common even in these areas and you can often get yourself onboard a local jeep run or on a tricycle bike.
 
It often can be harder to hitch a ride if you are travelling in some of the isolated islands, which often do not have very good road infrastructures in the first place. You will find out about this especially if you are wishing to hitch a ride in a mountainous area, where their is often a lack of flowing traffic, and often fewer vehicles because fewer people actually have them in more rural areas. Again, public transportation is common even in these areas and you can often get yourself onboard a local jeep run or on a tricycle bike.
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In crowded town areas near Manila, hitchhiking is also difficult. You will find yourself sticking your thumb out and down trying to avoid flagging down tricycles or jeepneys. In these areas with dense traffic, it is frustrating trying to get noticed by a private car that is surrounded by an army of tricycles.
  
 
The usual method of hitch-hiking amongst Filipinos is to flag down a truck. If it stops then it is prepared to give you a lift, and it is OK to get on the back. Drivers usually prefer like this than a lot of negotiating beforehand "can we get a ride, where are you going etc." Details can be sorted out through the window afterwards. Riding on the back of trucks is the most normal, and you should only climb into the cab if the driver invites you. If you are a foreigner it is quite likely you will be invited, though.
 
The usual method of hitch-hiking amongst Filipinos is to flag down a truck. If it stops then it is prepared to give you a lift, and it is OK to get on the back. Drivers usually prefer like this than a lot of negotiating beforehand "can we get a ride, where are you going etc." Details can be sorted out through the window afterwards. Riding on the back of trucks is the most normal, and you should only climb into the cab if the driver invites you. If you are a foreigner it is quite likely you will be invited, though.
  
The word for hitch-hiking in Tagalog is "makasakay" which also works in the Visayan language spoken in the south, although on Mindanao "hitch na lang (just hitching)" is widely used. In the places in the North where Ilocano is spoken (including the Cordilliera mountains), you could try using the Ilocano word "makilugan".
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The word for hitch-hiking in Tagalog is "makasakay" which also works in the Visayan language spoken in the south, although on Mindanao "hitch na lang (just hitching)" is widely used. In the places in the North where Ilocano is spoken (including the Cordilliera mountains), you could try using the Ilocano word "makilugan". The verb "angkas" is also easy to remember and is widely understood by the locals.
  
 
There is a widespread practice of hitch-hiking amongst the punk community of the Philippines. For some, hitch-hiking everyday and asking for left-over food is a positive way of dealing with poverty, running away from unpleasant family situations and finding adventure. They also hitch-hike buses, climbing on the buses and then negotiating with the drivers to go a few kilometres for free, which often helps getting past the tricky bits to a place where the traffic is heavier, or getting out of cities. If you are a foreigner you will find bus conductors very reluctant to help you out this way, because they are also taking a risk themselves (there are also controllers emplyed by the bus company to check their work), and people expect that foreigners have some money. However, foreigners often get taken by private cars, which almost never happens for Filipino hitch-hikers.  
 
There is a widespread practice of hitch-hiking amongst the punk community of the Philippines. For some, hitch-hiking everyday and asking for left-over food is a positive way of dealing with poverty, running away from unpleasant family situations and finding adventure. They also hitch-hike buses, climbing on the buses and then negotiating with the drivers to go a few kilometres for free, which often helps getting past the tricky bits to a place where the traffic is heavier, or getting out of cities. If you are a foreigner you will find bus conductors very reluctant to help you out this way, because they are also taking a risk themselves (there are also controllers emplyed by the bus company to check their work), and people expect that foreigners have some money. However, foreigners often get taken by private cars, which almost never happens for Filipino hitch-hikers.  
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== Personal Experiences ==
 
== Personal Experiences ==
:I have hitchiked around many of the rural island provinces of the Philippines, especially southern Luzon/Tagalog region and the Visayas and found it incredibly easy and enjoyable, Filipino's are a very hospitable and fun people who genuinely wish to help out. A couple of times i have prefered to actually walk the distance of a island by foot, rather than hitch hike so i could see the various villages and sights, however in my 2-3 hour walk two vehicles actually stopped to ask if i wanted a lift, without me even asking or showing any intentions. I found the peoples genuine happiness to help very good in hitching a ride, however public transportation is so cheap in the Philippines that often you really don't need to hitch a ride unless you really need to, or if that route has no public transporation servicing it. Many of the people who picked me up in the provinces where relatively poor, so i sometimes i paid for my lift, but other times when offered they refused my money. I found many did not want my money, and often many locals jump on for a free ride going through each village, i assume they knew the driver however and it's not uncommon to see a private persons vehicle all of the sudden seem like a taxi or bus. Safety is not a big concern in the Philippines, mayby in the bigger cities, but in the provinces generally the road rules are very laidback, and it is not uncommon to be seated in unsafe places (by western standards) such as the back of a ute, or on the roof of a jeep. Keep in mind this is normal, and often they drive fairly slow (or their vehicle actually cannot go any faster), remember to hold on. Normal procedues in hitch hiking and safety, of course apply all around the world. Take care
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''I have hitchiked around many of the rural island provinces of the Philippines, especially southern Luzon/Tagalog region and the Visayas and found it incredibly easy and enjoyable, Filipino's are a very hospitable and fun people who genuinely wish to help out. A couple of times i have prefered to actually walk the distance of a island by foot, rather than hitch hike so i could see the various villages and sights, however in my 2-3 hour walk two vehicles actually stopped to ask if i wanted a lift, without me even asking or showing any intentions. I found the peoples genuine happiness to help very good in hitching a ride, however public transportation is so cheap in the Philippines that often you really don't need to hitch a ride unless you really need to, or if that route has no public transporation servicing it. Many of the people who picked me up in the provinces where relatively poor, so i sometimes i paid for my lift, but other times when offered they refused my money. I found many did not want my money, and often many locals jump on for a free ride going through each village, i assume they knew the driver however and it's not uncommon to see a private persons vehicle all of the sudden seem like a taxi or bus. Safety is not a big concern in the Philippines, mayby in the bigger cities, but in the provinces generally the road rules are very laidback, and it is not uncommon to be seated in unsafe places (by western standards) such as the back of a ute, or on the roof of a jeep. Keep in mind this is normal, and often they drive fairly slow (or their vehicle actually cannot go any faster), remember to hold on. Normal procedues in hitch hiking and safety, of course apply all around the world. Take care''
  
=== Cities ===
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== Cities ==
 
* [[Manila]]
 
* [[Manila]]
 
* [[Quezón City]]
 
* [[Quezón City]]
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If you like boats you can try your luck [http://www.sailphi.org.ph/clubs.htm here].
 
If you like boats you can try your luck [http://www.sailphi.org.ph/clubs.htm here].
  
=== Islands ===
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== Islands ==
 
* [[Luzon]]
 
* [[Luzon]]
 
* [[Mindanao]]
 
* [[Mindanao]]
 
* [[Visayas]]
 
* [[Visayas]]
{{IsIn|South-Eastern Asia}}
 
  
 
== Other Useful Info ==
 
== Other Useful Info ==
* [http://marcandoelpolo.com/2013/04/05/viajar-a-dedo-autostop-filipina/ Information, tips and personal experiences of hitch-hiking in The Philippines. A 3244 km journey on 72 vehicles (only in spanish)], by Marcando el Polo
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* [http://marcandoelpolo.com/viajar-a-dedo-autostop-filipina/ Information, tips and personal experiences of hitch-hiking in The Philippines. A 3244 km journey on 72 vehicles (only in spanish)], by Marcando el Polo
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/489961387753875/ Facebook group "Hitchhikers Pilipinas"]
 
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/489961387753875/ Facebook group "Hitchhikers Pilipinas"]
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== Nomadwiki & Trashwiki ==
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{{nomadwiki}}
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{{IsIn|South-Eastern Asia}}
  
 
[[Category:Philippines|*]]
 
[[Category:Philippines|*]]

Revision as of 15:48, 7 February 2021

Flag of Philippines Philippines
Information
Language: Filipino, English, Many other dialects
Capital: Manila
Population: 90,500,000
Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
Hitchability: <rating country='ph' />
Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots
<map lat='13' lng='122' zoom='5' view='0' width='250' height='400' country='Philippines'/>


The Republic of the Philippines is an island nation located in South-Eastern Asia.

Hitching in the Philippines is possibly the easiest of all Southeast Asian countries to hitch-hike in. You can make 200-300 km a day, maybe a bit more, depending on the route. Near tollgates and on the NLEX/SLEX (North/South Luzon Expressway) you will probably get in trouble with the police. Nevertheless they are friendly at many checkpoints. Ferries are frustrating though.


Filipino's are well known for being very hospitable and friendly, and are a very social people. Hitching a ride is often very easy because of this trait, and in the provinces and rural areas out of the cities it especially is easy to get a lift, whilse in the city you may not be as lucky because of the chaotic schedules of the drivers, especially around the bustling traffic, however Filipino's are known to go out of their way to help people and you will be surprised how many people will try and help you. Often drivers will stop to see if you need a lift in the provinces, especially if your look like a foreigner. Many people hitch-hike all over the Philippines, and drivers rarely if ever ask for money.

If you travel within the island provinces out of urban centers it is a great experience for hitch hiking as many locals will often always stop to see if you need a lift (especially if you give the thumbs up or wave your hand in a downwards manner, commonly used to hail a Jeepney, a type of local Filipino bus), this is much more easier done if you look like a foreigner, as many locals consider you exotic and are interested in you, you often find yourself making new friends through this.

It often can be harder to hitch a ride if you are travelling in some of the isolated islands, which often do not have very good road infrastructures in the first place. You will find out about this especially if you are wishing to hitch a ride in a mountainous area, where their is often a lack of flowing traffic, and often fewer vehicles because fewer people actually have them in more rural areas. Again, public transportation is common even in these areas and you can often get yourself onboard a local jeep run or on a tricycle bike.

In crowded town areas near Manila, hitchhiking is also difficult. You will find yourself sticking your thumb out and down trying to avoid flagging down tricycles or jeepneys. In these areas with dense traffic, it is frustrating trying to get noticed by a private car that is surrounded by an army of tricycles.

The usual method of hitch-hiking amongst Filipinos is to flag down a truck. If it stops then it is prepared to give you a lift, and it is OK to get on the back. Drivers usually prefer like this than a lot of negotiating beforehand "can we get a ride, where are you going etc." Details can be sorted out through the window afterwards. Riding on the back of trucks is the most normal, and you should only climb into the cab if the driver invites you. If you are a foreigner it is quite likely you will be invited, though.

The word for hitch-hiking in Tagalog is "makasakay" which also works in the Visayan language spoken in the south, although on Mindanao "hitch na lang (just hitching)" is widely used. In the places in the North where Ilocano is spoken (including the Cordilliera mountains), you could try using the Ilocano word "makilugan". The verb "angkas" is also easy to remember and is widely understood by the locals.

There is a widespread practice of hitch-hiking amongst the punk community of the Philippines. For some, hitch-hiking everyday and asking for left-over food is a positive way of dealing with poverty, running away from unpleasant family situations and finding adventure. They also hitch-hike buses, climbing on the buses and then negotiating with the drivers to go a few kilometres for free, which often helps getting past the tricky bits to a place where the traffic is heavier, or getting out of cities. If you are a foreigner you will find bus conductors very reluctant to help you out this way, because they are also taking a risk themselves (there are also controllers emplyed by the bus company to check their work), and people expect that foreigners have some money. However, foreigners often get taken by private cars, which almost never happens for Filipino hitch-hikers.

Number plates are colour-coded - white for private cars, red for government, yellow for public transport, which can be very useful if you are trying to spot whether an approaching vehicle is a minibus or a van, and therefore if you are going to be asked for money or not. Of course, there are plenty of buses that didn't pay for the public transport license and so have white plates, but you'll still get some idea.

Island Hopping

The Philippines is the worlds second largest island nation, with over 7,000 different islands. Because of this unique geography it may be harder to get very far without boarding a ferry (we assume your not flying if your hitching a ride), often you could get dropped off at a port area and find yourself on the ferry, but once you are at your destination you may run out of luck if you wish to hitch a ride, especially since many of the ferries arrive early hours or in the evening. However public transportation at the ports is plentiful every hour day, and if all else fails it really isn't much money to pay for a local jeepney or bus.

On the main north-south route (Maharlika Highway), there are plenty of boats between Bicol and Samar, and a Bridge between samar and Leyte. But if crossing between Leyte and Mindanao there are only 1-2 ferries each day. From Leyte to Mindanao a boat travels at 5.30pm each day and possibly early morning, I'm afraid I didn't check the other direction. Trucks can take 3 people on the ticket, so you might get a lift for free.

Safety

Hitch-hiking in the Philippines generally feels safe, although truck drivers often tell horror stories of carjacking and so on. But remember the Philippines is home to several ongoing armed conflicts and a reasonably high level of violent crime. It's not a reason not to hitch there, but it's good to be knowledgeable about the situation in each place and choose how cautious you want to be.

Across the whole archipelago there is a conflict between the armed forces of the Philippines and the communist New People's Army. Neither side has a particular interest in causing problems for foreigners, but there is a chance you might wander in to a zone of active conflict. For this reason you can also expect some suspicion. There are few foreign travellers away from the main tourist attractions, and local people often guess that foreigners are missionaries, and if not, spies for the CIA. This suspicion is understandable in the context of decades of conflict, where many people are percieved to have hidden agendas. Local people will tend to warn you if there is conflict on the road ahead.

Filipino, or other Asian hitch-hikers should be more cautious before heading into troublespots. A few years ago, a group of 11 people, mostly teenagers, were hitch-hiking together to Sagada, a popular relaxed town in the mountains, after a punk show in Baguio. They happened to pass through a spot, where a few days before, 3 soldiers had been killed in a clashes with the NPA. The military thought their behaviour unusual, and arrested them on suspicion of having carried out the attacks. Despite no evidence whatsoever linking them to the attacks, the 11 people were tortured and held in prison for 9 months.

In Mindanao, there is also ongoing conflict with a range of Muslim separatist groups, and because of this long history some of those groups have turned to kidnap-for-ransom, not always clearly linked to their political objectives. This is a problem in Western Mindanao, and also the fighting tends to be much heavier here than in the conflict with the NPA. There are also conflicts with paramilitaries, usually in areas where plantation or mining companies are trying to expand. Most local people who have a knowledge of the conflict advise that foreigners avoid certain areas, particularly the Zamboanga Peninsula, Sulu archipelago and most of North Cotobato / Magindanao. The east of Mindanao is really fine, the road from Surigao to General Santos, or from Davao to Cagayan de Oro is as safe as anywhere in the Philippines. The north coast as far as Iligan is also usually fine. Further west there is some risk, but foreigners do go there.

For people who want to travel overland to the Philippines, Zamboanga is the only place you can catch a boat to. Zamboanga city is percieved as safer than the areas around it, but many people still advise being a little cautious in this city, and leaving by boat to Cebu or Davao.

Personal Experiences

I have hitchiked around many of the rural island provinces of the Philippines, especially southern Luzon/Tagalog region and the Visayas and found it incredibly easy and enjoyable, Filipino's are a very hospitable and fun people who genuinely wish to help out. A couple of times i have prefered to actually walk the distance of a island by foot, rather than hitch hike so i could see the various villages and sights, however in my 2-3 hour walk two vehicles actually stopped to ask if i wanted a lift, without me even asking or showing any intentions. I found the peoples genuine happiness to help very good in hitching a ride, however public transportation is so cheap in the Philippines that often you really don't need to hitch a ride unless you really need to, or if that route has no public transporation servicing it. Many of the people who picked me up in the provinces where relatively poor, so i sometimes i paid for my lift, but other times when offered they refused my money. I found many did not want my money, and often many locals jump on for a free ride going through each village, i assume they knew the driver however and it's not uncommon to see a private persons vehicle all of the sudden seem like a taxi or bus. Safety is not a big concern in the Philippines, mayby in the bigger cities, but in the provinces generally the road rules are very laidback, and it is not uncommon to be seated in unsafe places (by western standards) such as the back of a ute, or on the roof of a jeep. Keep in mind this is normal, and often they drive fairly slow (or their vehicle actually cannot go any faster), remember to hold on. Normal procedues in hitch hiking and safety, of course apply all around the world. Take care

Cities

Transport is found everywhere in the Philippines, their often is a ferry or boat leaving port every hour depending on the port, and often not following the schedule to exact times, so it is a gamble sometimes. Flights are cheap to the Philippines thanks to a number of low cost airlines flying in the nation, the premier Filipino Low Cost airline is Cebu Pacific, which also serves international flights around the region.

Be careful on Mindanao island, especially in the city Zamboanga. Getting a free boat (there is only one regular one: Zamboanga to Sabah state in Malaysia) From Indonesia to Malaysia it's very very hard, Malaysia immigration is pretty tough though.

Air Asia has discount flights to Malaysia.

If you like boats you can try your luck here.

Islands

Other Useful Info

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