Driving in Manila

Hi Don,

I dont think travelling from Makati to Ortigas would be a problem but u have to be careful though in driving especially if your going to take EDSA, its the usual road going to ortigas. Traffic is usual scene here but you're right it's not 24/7 and if you don't wanna get stuck in heavy traffic you have to leave you're place early like before 7am. Goodluck to your job and enjoy your stay.

Thanks for the quick response. So if I leave home by 7am, it should not take more than 30-45 minutes?  I know the traffic sucks, but will have to deal with it. I will probably have to take EDSA as it seems to be the most direct route.

On another commuting topic, how much should a normal taxi charge?  It seems when I was staying in Ortigas and took a few trips to Greenbelt, the fare would range from 200 to 500 php. Some would quote me up front, then add a few hundred and says its too much traffic. Or should I insist on meter? Is this normal ripping off the foreigner?

This is my fifth country in 8 years, doesnt seem to get any easier moving from country to country. 

Thanks again.

Don

i am coming to philippines from bangkok for a 2 week vacation.  is it smart to rent a car and brave the traffic?  never been to the philippines.  crawdad

Hi All,


First of all I would like to answer Don's question.  The main thouroughfare from Ortigas to Makati is Edsa.  The heavy traffic along Ortigas to Makati (south bound) starts from 7:30 am to 10-10:30am.  That is because most communters from the north are going to Makati and Ortigas.  While those going north bound from Makati to Ortigas rarely experience any traffic.  But when it comes to 4:00pm to 9pm it becomes the opposite as everyone from Makati are going home north bound which will pass by Ortigas.  Very few people live in Ortigas and Makati as these district are mostly commercial.  Alabang is the opposite.  Traffic is north bound in the morning and southbound in the afternoon. Hope that helps.

This is to answer crawdad's question.  I think it would be better to take a taxi instead of renting a car here in the Philippines.  The traffic here is almost the same as those in Bangkok.

Taxi are usually found in hotels and commercial ares just like in Bankok.  And you should always insist on using the meter.  Taxi drivers might try to take advantage of foreigners.  To be safe you can always ask the concierge in your hotel on the approximate charge going on a certain location.  One thing I know is it really a lot lot cheaper compared to the USA and Europe.

Driving your own car could be convenient if you do not mind the traffic, the sudden swerve of public transportation in front of you and looking for parking when you reach your destination.

Hope that helps.

hi Don,

I am from Manila and the perception of heavy traffic in manila seems to be normal for me, too bad. Unlike here in Munich, people are very used to ride with their bicycle going to work. BMWs and Audis are everywhere but it seems everyone owns a bicycle too. Now going back to Manila, I agree with Vin if you are traveling 7am - 9am, going to ortigas through EDSA, then expect heavy traffic, you will not be so lucky also with the taxis. Usually I take pioneer the route from Makati to Pioneer in Mandaluyong then you would end up in Meralco ave in Ortigas, im sure you'll figure it out with a map. the fastest way is the MRT but as for me, i don't really recommend it during rush hours just in very urgent occasions that i need to fly to ortigas.

Good luck. All the best!
Donn
=

To those who intend to drive in Manila (particularly Edsa and Commonwealth Avenue)..just be very alert for public buses. They are real road hazards. Just assume that their drivers never use the rear-view nor the side mirror when changing lanes (i think most really don't). Be alert as well for motorcyclists who from time to time will cut you off.

With lots of patience and alertness..you'll get to where you wanna be. = )

Thanks all for the advice.  I guess I will try to leave early and stay late.... And watch out for the buses.  Currently I am in Singapore and am spoiled for choices on public transport but dont think I will have that option in Manila.

Aloha,
Don

Makati to Ortigas is not too far. In normal traffic, maybe 30 minutes. No traffic, can half your travel time. You'll get used to it. But coming from Singapore, it may take some time.

) one more remark..
not only the buses make it a real disaster - but the jeepneys, who really have no rules an no perceptions of any elementary road culure

just buy a huge car, get it blacked out, then no one bullies you (I have found)

hello Mr! travel from Makati to Ortigas is not a problem but you still encounter traffic especially rush hour. Where in Makati you exactly stay? or where in Ortigas? Me I always take the train from Makati to Ortigas and it takes me 10min to get there and walk for another few minutes but of course you don't wanna see yourself soakin wet when you get to the office. You may also get a driver or learn how to drive like Filipinos

Have a great day!

dhnindc wrote:

Thanks for the quick response. So if I leave home by 7am, it should not take more than 30-45 minutes?  I know the traffic sucks, but will have to deal with it. I will probably have to take EDSA as it seems to be the most direct route.

On another commuting topic, how much should a normal taxi charge?  It seems when I was staying in Ortigas and took a few trips to Greenbelt, the fare would range from 200 to 500 php. Some would quote me up front, then add a few hundred and says its too much traffic. Or should I insist on meter? Is this normal ripping off the foreigner?

This is my fifth country in 8 years, doesnt seem to get any easier moving from country to country. 

Thanks again.

Don

from Greenbelt to  Greenhills near ortigas cost me 150 pesos ( that's metered)  I guess giving them the same fare is fine. If you leave 7 am  you still encounter traffic but  not that severe because you're on the north bound not much traffic unlike south bound because all the  offices are in  Makati part.  You'll get used to it anyways and might learn hopw to take the train MRT train is my life saver because I don't want to get late.