Transportation

Cebu, Philippines Travel Guide

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Transportation in Cebu

Overview: The easiest way to get around Cebu City and Mactan Island is either by cab or walking/wheeling. Cebu’s taxis may not be the cleanest or prettiest, but they are the best way to get around Cebu because they are so inexpensive. Cabs make Cebu incredibly wheelchair accessible.

LAND TRANSPORTATION IN CEBU
Cabs, Taxis
Overview: Cabs fares are really affordable and cab drivers in Cebu are more than willing to pick up passengers in wheelchairs. The fact that Cebu drivers want to pick you up is a very pleasant and welcome surprise. This feeling comes after a couple of trips to China where cab drivers in Beijing and Shanghai are often reluctant to pick you up. Also, the Philippines’ culture is more service oriented than Bejing and Shanghai’s.

A quick ride to Ayala Mall in Cebu’s commercial district from Fuente Osmena cost only about P50, which is a little over a US dollar. Cebu City itself is relatively small so a ride anywhere is inexpensive.

Types of Cabs
There are a couple of different sedan cabs: older Toyota Corollas and newer Toyota Corollas. Of course the new Corollas are cleaner and nicer inside. Most cabs aren’t in mint condition.
Suvs and Vans: Vans and SUVs are not equipped with lifts and not converted inside to meet large, motorized wheelchair specifications. Even the vans and SUVs at the resort hotels such as the Waterfront Hotel and Casino are not converted with lifts. If you have a manual chair – fold-up or rigid – the vans and SUVs are great. You can arrange for a van or SUV through your hotel or at the airport.

Hire a Cab
My suggestion for touring the city would be to hire a cab for 4 hours or 8 hours, depending on where you want to go. Keep in mind too that as the day wears on, the more traffic there is. You can negotiate P1000 for half a day (4 hours) or P2000 for an entire day and the cost includes going to YOUR choices of destinations, whether it be Tops in Busay or Mactan Shrine on Mactan Island.

Cost: Cab rates start at P30 (first 500 meters) and increase every 300 meters. Typical cost to get around Cebu City is P60.
Airport to City Center: Should be around P150. See Airport section for more details.

Car Rentals
It might behoove you to rent a car and hire a driver for the day. Normally, the driver will also be a tour guide.
Budget
Ph: 63-32-233-9409

Fast Transit
Location: Airport Road, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, Philippines
Site: www.fastgroup.biz, email: fastransitcebu@fastgroup.biz
Ph: 63-32 340 2983

Cost: P2500 for 10 hours

Jeepneys
Overview: Jeepneys in Cebu are motley and outlandish designed semi-vans or trucks with a large, converted and covered bed. The backs are open and have benches on either side. Street routes are painted along the sides of the Jeepney vehicles. The routes include two end points and the main street between the end points. For instance, “Mabolo” to “Carbon” via Manalili. There is no formal or official route map on the streets or on the internet. You have to wait on the street and read the routes on the Jeepneys.

If you are able to get on, Jeepneys are your cheapest way to get around Cebu. Each Jeepney also has a dispatcher, someone who hangs on the back of the Jeepney and waves people on and collects fees. Jeepneys are inexpensive but crowded.

Cost: P6

Buses
Overview: Buses are hardly seen in Cebu. I was informed that they are not allowed in the city center, or rather, there are no “local” buses per se in Cebu City.

WATER TRANSPORTATION IN CEBU
Overview: To outlying islands such as Bohol, take the ferry ships from Cebu City’s piers. A ferry ride to one of the outlying islands is a real treat. Cebu City’s pier is located at the eastern end coast of Cebu City. It’s just minutes away from sites such as Magellan’s Cross. There are 4 piers. The ferry boats will take you to Tagbilaran Harbor in Bohol. You must plan out your day or stay on Bohol. Give yourself at least a day to see some of the major sites. Make sure you are back at Tagbilaran Harbor at least 45 minutes before departure – your return trip to Cebu.

Ocean Jet
This ship is more expensive than Weesam Express but it is more comfortable. Bring small change or “small money” if you plan on buying any drinks or food on the ship. Water is P20 and snacks are P60.

Location: www.oceanjet.net
Email: marketing@oceanjet.net
Ph: 255-7560

Cost: 800 round trip and 520 one way

Weesam Express
Less expensive and accessible (at least on the deck). There are a couple of levels on this ship. The top level is easy to move around on but it is your cheapo seats and gets very crowded.

Location: Pier 4, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
Site: http://www.zimnet.com/weesam/php/rates.php
Ph: 63 032 412-9562

Cost: 800 round trip and 500 one way

Super Ferry
Site: www.wgasuperferry.com
Cost: P1300

Accessibility: None of the ships that transport you from Cebu City to Bohol are very wheelchair accessible though you can do it – it’s not difficult actually because the staff helps you and the steps are not very high. The boats have ramps, which have a step to climb up and down. Weesam Express bridge has smaller steps than Ocean Jet.

Getting There: About P60 – P70 to the Cebu City pier