The Philippines is a country located in Southeast Asia. Even though it is rarely discussed as a tourist destination, this country has natural wealth and an exciting history to visit. Davao City is one of them.
This city never fails to captivate tourists with its exotic nature and local culture. Tourists come from all over the world to explore the charm of every corner of the city every year. Fortunately, this city's transportation mode is very pocket-friendly and provides new experiences for travelers.
Do you want to Travel Around Davao and its surroundings? This activity can be done by taking a shuttle bus called the Davao Metro Shuttle. There are several types of buses based on air conditioning facilities and the number of seats. Air-conditioned buses seat 45 - 58 passengers, while non-air-conditioned buses can accommodate 43 - 61 passengers. Shuttle buses there can be rented for personal use.
Local shuttle buses have relatively affordable fares at around PHP 100 or around AU$ 2.66 one way. Some buses can also carry passengers to the next city from the terminal in Davao. You can get bus tickets at terminals around Davao or order online. You can contact the Davao Metro Shuttle directly for those who want to rent a bus.
Davao Metro Shuttle serves passengers traveling around Davao every day around 06:00 - 21:00 local time. Buses arrive at the terminal about once every 20 minutes. Bus stops include New Bataan, Monkayo, Laak, Tagum City, Davao Ecoland Terminal, Abreeza, Kidapawan, and Malita.
A taxi can be an option if you prefer to travel in a comfortable vehicle. You can find Taxis easily in Davao. Currently, 2 taxi services are operating: online taxis with a walking meter and app-based taxis.
Usually, taxi passengers in Davao pay around PHP 100 or AU$ 2.66. Conventional taxi drivers will charge an initial price of PHP 40 or AU$ 1.07 and will be charged PHP 3.50 or AU$ 0.093 for each subsequent kilometer. Make sure the meter works appropriately during your trip to avoid fare fraud. The taxi driver will give you a receipt. Just pass it on to the driver if you need it.
Besides being comfortable and easy to find, taxis operate 24 hours daily. To avoid getting lost, it's a good idea to keep preparing travel routes and destinations on your smartphone.
Tricycles are one of the transportation options in Davao. The shape resembles a motorized rickshaw in Indonesia or a Thai tuk-tuk. The difference lies in the passenger seat. The passenger seat is next to the driver's motorcycle. This tricycle can accommodate 3 people at a time.
These conventional vehicles are affordable. No wonder it is a favorite of residents and tourists alike. Prices start from PHP 15 or AU$ 8.39 one way up, you can reach your destination. Regarding the price agreement, you can join other passengers and pay the standard price or negotiate with the driver if you want to rent this vehicle for yourself. These conventional vehicles still accept cash only. Therefore, prepare small denominations of cash so you can pay easily.
Just like Taxi, Tricycle Driver will take you to destinations around Davao. So, set your route. Generally, tricycle passengers use this vehicle during the day. However, tricycles are also available on the side of the road in the afternoon or evening.
One of the most popular vehicles in the Philippines, the Jeepney is a truck whose front is shaped like a Jeep or a truck with an elongated body similar to a van, full of color, and a unique design. Inside there are long seats facing each other and windows without shutters.
In ancient times, this vehicle was an American military vehicle during World War II and was abandoned after the war. Then local people also used it as public transportation until now.
Riding a jeepney makes the atmosphere of traveling in the Philippines so different. Passengers need to spend around PHP 8 or AU$ 0.21 for one trip. Prepare small denominations of cash if you want to use this vehicle. Say “para” or “para po” to inform the driver when you are about to stop at a rest stop.
How to pay when riding a jeepney by giving your money directly to the driver when you want to get off. Another way is to hand over money to passengers sitting near the driver. This is like the "unspoken rule" when riding a jeepney, namely helping other passengers who want to pay, especially those whose position is far from the driver.
Jeepney has no fixed route, but this vehicle will still take you to your destination. But before boarding, you can ask the driver whether his Jeepney can pass through the destination. The operating time of this vehicle is also uncertain because at night you can still find this vehicle easily.
Davao is a city located on the coast. Sasa Port and Santa Ana Harbor are even known to be very busy. Passengers who want to go to other islands, such as Samal Island and Talikud, usually take the Ferry.
The cheapest fare is From Davao to Samal Island, which is only PHP 10 or AU$ 0.27 from Sasa Port. Special fees are charged for passengers who bring private vehicles when boarding the ferry, such as cars or motorcycles. Cars or other light vehicles are subject to PHP 250 or AU$ 6.66, including one driver and three passengers. A 2-passenger motorcycle costs PHP 60 or AU$ 1.60. Boat fares from Santa Ana to Talikud start from PHP 130 - 200 or AU$ 3.46 - 5.33 per person.
Read more: Let’s Go! Travel Tips to Davao, Philippines
Ferries usually serve passengers who want to go to Samal Island or Talikud Island from Davao to the destination pier without transit. First, you can head to Sasa Port (DavSam Ferry Terminal), Mae Wess, or Santa Ana from Davao if you want to dock on Samal Island. Meanwhile, if your destination is Talikud Island, take the ferry from Santa Ana Port.
Activities at Davao's wharves continue throughout the day without stopping. The Sasa Port - Talikud Harbor route departs from 06:00 - 16:00 local time. Sasa Harbor - Babak Harbor, Samal serves passengers from 05:00 - 21:00. Passenger ships will only sail if the number of passengers is sufficient, so there is no definite departure schedule for ships of this type. Some routes serve cruises for up to 24 hours, for example, on Mae Wess and DavSam Ferry.
Those are five transportation options in Davao City. Very interesting, isn't it? If you want to try, immediately book your flight tickets or hotel at Traveloka now!