Jom naik!!!!

Once upon a time, we used to have beca (trishaws) as cheap mode of public transport in major towns in Malaysia. Beca's are essentially full sized bicycles with an added trolley on the side which can fit 2 person comfortably. They were cheap and did it's job if one's distance isn't too far away. As times go by and public transport became faster and more comfortable (notice I didn't put in efficient??? Ehehehehe), the demand for these trishaws became less. Now, beca's exist solely as a tourist attraction and can only be found in cities like Malacca and Georgetown, Penang. Also, they are no longer cheap.

The beauty about traveling is, we get to compare notes on how people from different parts of the world work, travel and play. Since travel is the operative word here, lets see what the Philippines have to offer.

The jeepney or jeep for short, is by far the most interesting mode of transport I've seen, so far. Much more interesting that the "Tuk tuk" in Thailand. Not only because of it's extrovert decor and the family name emblazoned on every side, but also the history on how the jeepney came into the picture as a means of transport and eventually became a Philippines icon.



The jeep was created right after WWII, when the Japs were successfully rid off and the American troops came into the picture. There were a lot of abandoned military equipment and trucks left behind to rot. As the city was in the process of rebuilding, transport became an issue. So, a bunch of people actually began to cannibalize these trucks and the engines, and began joining scraps of metal together. The result was, the first original jeepney!!! I think this is the only transport that originated from recycling materials. Of course, the modern jeepneys are no longer build with scrap metals. They are now properly manufactured and sold in showrooms, like any other cars.

The passengers will sit at the back and the fares are passed along to the driver with the help of the other passengers. Very gotong-royong, kan?


They have specific routes, just like a bus but they travel within a shorter radius. The average fair is only 8.50 Pesos per person, which is 64 sen.


What is this???? This is actually called a tricycle. Almost like the beca, but much more smaller since they use BMX bikes. * Matilaa so the 80's occay! This one is more sophisticated since he can afford to use a motorbike instead of a bicycle.




Haaaa.... this is not for show okay??!!! And neither is this for tourist attraction alone. This is actually one of the regular transport available in Manila!!! A horse cart... obviously a relic from the Spanish occupation, is a very common means of transport in this city. The cart sits 2, excluding the driver/ horseman, whatever you call him lah! Like the jeepneys, they also run specific routes. Interesting, kan???