Driving in Philippines. Have you done it with car rental ?

[lbounds 16]

Just wondering if any foreigners here have rented cars to drive themselves around in the Philippines. I guess there's a big difference between city and province driving but even on country roads it can get crazy with speeding buses and trucks.

It almost seems like a free for all driving style in the cities.

I just saw this 45 min discovery channel episode which is on youtube on "Don't Drive in Manila"

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/456017-dont-drive-in-manila-discovery-channel-episode/

I spend most of my time in the province about 4 hours from Davao when I'm visiting. I'd just like to be able to jump in a car and go instead of waiting for a driver but I'm about 75% on it not being a great idea. Besides the driving style what happens if I get in an accident etc. I'm sure I would be expected to pay big.

Any driving experiences anyone has to share with car rentals ?

Thanks

[B_J 2,752]

I have decided I'm never, ever driving there.

Plus, when I'm there, I'm happy and relaxed; so I have no problem waiting patiently for the driver.

[Hank_ 9,173]

I mentioned it to my wife a couple years back about renting a car... and her reaction was.. I will arrange a car and driver... you are not renting a car and driving.

[Tintin and Mike 127]

We always rent out a car with a driver from a private owner and never through a rental company

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Last year, while in Cebu, we wanted to travel a little around the area. We got a driver and agreed on a price and it was the best thing. He knew the area and suggested many places to visit. We invited him to join us for lunch and he was just a wonderful person. I'd recommend this to anyone who is thinking of driving.

Also, we were in Bohol for 2 days and we rented a scooter and that was fun. It was great when we were out in the island but in town it was kind of harry. lol

[Hank_ 9,173]

My wife and I have a laugh when someone asks if I would ever bring my motorcycle to the Philippines... can you see a 900 lb. touring bike trying to maneuver around Manila...

[Hank_ 9,173]

My wife and I have a laugh when someone asks if I would ever bring my motorcycle to the Philippines... can you see a 900 lb. touring bike trying to maneuver around Manila...

[lbounds 16]

I'd hate to see what "ambulance" service might be like if it's needed. In that video they said that about 10 people die per day in Manila traffic. Scary.

I guess I'll just figure where I want to go and hire a driver. Whenever I go back with my wife she wants to stick close to family so there's a lot I haven't explored yet that I wish I could. I'll get to it I'm sure.

Sadly there were two bombings recently in movie theaters in Davao malls where I have been before. There's a lot of bad fighting with the military and muslim extremists now on the west side of Mindanao. Davao has always been a peaceful place for me whenever I visited before. I hope the Philippine military and government can fix this situation. I've always wanted to visit the underground river at Puerto Princesa but I may hold off on that for a year or two since that's in the Muslim area.

Edited September 23, 2013 by lbounds

[pete_falcone 7]

Unless you'll be driving around US-influenced cities like Clark Freeport Zone or Olongapo/Subic, I would much rather rent a driver. We once were approaching a chaotic-looking traffic circle in Dau. I asked my cousin who was driving, "in this situation, who has the right of way?" He answered, "the best driver has the right of way."

[mae232 0]

My husband drove once in the Philippines..and he swore he will never do it again lol...there are no traffic rules in the Philippines..they are just merely "suggestions" ...drivers are crazy there..best to get a driver..then just sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery...

[Cyberfx1024 7,978]

Just wondering if any foreigners here have rented cars to drive themselves around in the Philippines. I guess there's a big difference between city and province driving but even on country roads it can get crazy with speeding buses and trucks.

It almost seems like a free for all driving style in the cities.

I spend most of my time in the province about 4 hours from Davao when I'm visiting. I'd just like to be able to jump in a car and go instead of waiting for a driver but I'm about 75% on it not being a great idea. Besides the driving style what happens if I get in an accident etc. I'm sure I would be expected to pay big.

Any driving experiences anyone has to share with car rentals ?

Thanks

I have not rented a car while in Davao. Usually me and my wife usually just take a bus or a taxi to where she lives in Compostela Valley. Her family has a motorbike which we use while we are in her town and the local area. But if we want to go back down to Davao City we take a Aircon Metro Shuttle.

Where are from in Mindanao?

[Cyberfx1024 7,978]

I guess I'll just figure where I want to go and hire a driver. Whenever I go back with my wife she wants to stick close to family so there's a lot I haven't explored yet that I wish I could. I'll get to it I'm sure.

Sadly there were two bombings recently in movie theaters in Davao malls where I have been before. There's a lot of bad fighting with the military and muslim extremists now on the west side of Mindanao. Davao has always been a peaceful place for me whenever I visited before. I hope the Philippine military and government can fix this situation. I've always wanted to visit the underground river at Puerto Princesa but I may hold off on that for a year or two since that's in the Muslim area.

That's what usually happens anyway. Don't worry about Davao City at all. I have been there countless times and I have NEVER had a problem. I actually feel safer walking around there than I do in Manila. The mayor keeps a pretty tight ship down there and most criminals know that crimes does not pay, and if it does it is with their lives.

I was like you at first as well, but you need to stop thinking of Mindano as one province. There are very different regions in Mindanao that are not filled with extremists. I have traveled up in the Northern and Eastern Mindanao and I have been fine. Just make sure to keep your wallet in your front pocket and don't wear flashy jewelry. I say that because it's easier to do that than to get it stolen.

Where in California are you living right now?

[Crashed~N2~Me 970]

We rented and had a car almost every day I was there (about 8 months broke over 6 trips). I did all the driving but for a few times I let a bayaw take the wheel.

I approached it like a video game = Get there 1st, stay alert, don't be shy, drive with confidence, use your horn, be nimble, quick & drive like you own the road. Once I got into the game groove = No problem.

All went fine - Except - 1500php coding violation (Roxas Blvd. near DFA) & 1000php for using a bus lane to merge into traffic (EDSA).

It was humorous watching the Police play tug of war with the money.

ETA: Driving around Leyte was much easier than Manila/Makati.

Edited September 23, 2013 by Crashed~N2~Me

[lbounds 16]

That's what usually happens anyway. Don't worry about Davao City at all. I have been there countless times and I have NEVER had a problem. I actually feel safer walking around there than I do in Manila. The mayor keeps a pretty tight ship down there and most criminals know that crimes does not pay, and if it does it is with their lives.

I was like you at first as well, but you need to stop thinking of Mindano as one province. There are very different regions in Mindanao that are not filled with extremists. I have traveled up in the Northern and Eastern Mindanao and I have been fine. Just make sure to keep your wallet in your front pocket and don't wear flashy jewelry. I say that because it's easier to do that than to get it stolen.

Where in California are you living right now?

Yeah, I feel the same about Davao. I've been there 4 times now. My wife is from Mati. We live in Arizona now since we moved from California a few months ago. I should update my info.

Thanks for everyone's comments and suggestions. I probably would feel more comfortable just sticking to the motorcycle taxis or just getting a driver for the day. We did that when we went to Eden park in Davao and the same when we were visiting in Cebu. I know it would be an adventure to drive over there especially in the city. Hardly relaxing lol. The first time I went there I couldn't believe how many people could fit onto one motorcycle.. It's more fun in the Philippines right.

[collnin4412 0]

When my fiance was here we rented a car self drive, he was able to drive to tagaytay and pampanga.