When people talk about the Philippines, they instantly picture a tropical paradise of over 7,000 islands with incredibly diverse landscapes, from crystal-clear lagoons and pristine marine ecosystems to majestic mountain ranges home to some of the highest densities of volcanoes in the world.
Yet, upon arriving, what struck me most was the sheer variety of vehicles commuting on the streets. Whether rustic or custom-built, every vehicle boasts a distinct design, radiating a personal flair through bold and vibrant colors.
Jeepneys
You might think I’m referring to the rugged, cool American-style Jeep pictured below – the one I rode during my road trip up Mount Pinatubo. That is a Jeep, but it’s not the iconic Jeepney I want to talk about.
After World War II, as the US military withdrew from the Philippines, they left behind hundreds of surplus military jeeps. The locals cleverly repurposed them, transforming military vehicles into vibrant, highly customized public transit.
Jeepneys feature expressively painted exteriors decorated with eye-catching accessories, echoing the unique personality of each driver. The back chassis is extended with two facing benches, accommodating up to 20 passengers at a time.
Jeepneys operate much like buses in Vietnam, following designated routes and schedules. However, drivers frequently stop in the middle of traffic to pick up or drop off passengers, making them a primary contributor to Manila’s notorious traffic congestion.
Despite the chaos, locals rely heavily on them due to their affordability: fares start at roughly 8 pesos for the first 4 kilometers and around 50 cents for each additional kilometer.
Tricycles
A tricycle is a motorcycle or bicycle equipped with a sidecar for passengers. Just like Jeepney owners, Tricycle drivers love painting their rides in eye-catching, vibrant patterns.
In major hubs like Manila, Tricycles and Jeepneys are banned from central business districts to manage traffic flow. However, in residential neighborhoods or areas like Chinatown, they remain the undisputed kings of the road.
Three-wheeled auto-rickshaws
This vehicle shares a front build similar to the traditional auto-rickshaws (xe lam) of Saigon, but the rear compartment typically fits only two passengers (though an extra passenger can easily squeeze in front next to the driver).
Serving a similar purpose to tricycles, these three-wheelers look a bit more refined and feature side curtains to shield passengers from dust, sun, and rain. Because of this added comfort, they quickly became my preferred way to get around.
Kalesa (Horse-drawn carriage)
You won’t spot any horse-drawn carriages operating on Manila’s busy main thoroughfares, as they are no longer used as functional public transport.
If you want to experience a ride on a Kalesa, head over to the historic walled city of Intramuros, where they operate exclusively as a charming heritage ride for tourists.
A uniquely cool fire truck (bonus!)
Naturally, this is not a vehicle available for tourists and hopefully, you’ll never need a ride in one!
While walking through Chinatown, this vintage-looking fire truck caught my eye simply because of how exceptionally cool it looked. While its design appeared somewhat rustic, it certainly added character to the neighborhood streets!
“Spider boats” (Outrigger boats)
“Spider boat” is just my nickname for them. Boats in the Philippines feature a unique design compared to those in neighboring countries: wooden outrigger bamboo frames extend from both sides, resembling spider legs. This design offers incredible stability on open waters, providing a smooth and safe ride.
The only drawback is their bulkiness, which can make docking quite tricky. When waterways get crowded, boat captains routinely balance along these narrow wooden frames to untangle trapped boats from one another.
The colorful, custom-built transport options across this island nation are bound to leave a lasting impression. Whether planned or unexpected, you’ll likely find yourself riding at least one, especially the ubiquitous tricycle, found everywhere from bustling Manila to remote havens like El Nido. Give it a try; it’s quite an adventure!