Lugar Lang!
Posted on September 23, 2009 by Ching under Travel.
I’d like to thank mom for reminding me about Manong and Manang, etc. I have to make sure that Brian knows how to use these properly and also Inday and Dodong and all of that stuff. However, I just realized that I forgot one of the most important and most useful phrases of all: Lugar Lang!
In doing some research I found out that tourists should avoid “private taxis” at all costs because these taxi cabs take advantage of tourists by charging 5-10 times the regular cab fare. Cabs that do not use their meters are to be avoided as well. Most of the cabs are metered so it shouldn’t be a problem to find one.
Cab fare is pretty reasonable: P30.00 to get in the cab, P2.50 for every half kilometer, and P2.50 for every 5 minutes they wait. However, the cheapest way to commute from one place to another is via jeepney. Jeepneys are everywhere and usually have specific routes. These routes are usually marked on the sides of the jeepney. Jeepneys are usually safe, but will tend to get cramped and overcrowded (with some people even hanging outside) during certain times of the day.
To hail a jeepney, one simply needs to wave their arm as the jeepney approaches. Drivers will generally stop unless they are completely full. To get off, just shout “Lugar lang!” If you don’t say it loud enough, the jeepney driver might not hear you and continue to drive off without stopping.
There are also several bus operators. Ceres and Sunrays are two such bus operators that travel to and from Cebu City. Traveling by bus is a cheaper alternative to taking a taxi cab.
I think mom and dad want to rent a car. I doubt Brian and I will do any driving on our own. We might just ride around with mom and dad or any of the other relatives. If we want to do some exploring on our own then we might just do it on foot or via jeepney or something. Unless, of course, we find a place to rent a little moped!
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