While it’s usually easy to find flights to get around the Philippines, many believe the best way to explore the country is by ferry. Unlike other Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines consists entirely of islands, and there are as many as 7,641 islands to discover. It is clear that it is impossible to visit all these islands. It would be quite a challenge to propose it. But if you travel back in time, you might be able to visit the island in every region. From north to south, the regions of the Philippines are Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Cities like Manila should not be missing from your list, but the Philippines is a country of great diversity. It is worth enjoying nature in its volcanoes, tropical jungles, beaches and mountains, and contemplating the thousands of species of animals, birds and plants that occur in the country. As you can see, there is plenty to do on these islands. In this guide, we provide the necessary information so that you know how to travel by ferry in the Philippines.
Is it safe to travel by ferry in the Philippines?
Generally speaking, yes, it is safe to travel by ferry in the Philippines. But it’s important to highlight the differences between the different types of ferries you can travel on in this country. In recent years, some smaller ferries have capsized in bad weather. It should be noted that smaller ferries and boats are more prone to accidents than larger ones, which are better at handling rough seas. But since there are so many islands that are so far apart, it’s usually that distance that determines the type of ferry that serves each route. As in any other country, there will always be boats that are better maintained than others and companies that are more or less conservative when deciding to sail in difficult conditions. As a tourist you should keep this in mind.
Try not to travel by ferry in the Philippines during the typhoon (or monsoon) season, which usually runs from July to October. During this time, the weather can change rapidly, going from clear skies to gray clouds, torrential rain, and lightning in a matter of minutes. Since the weather is so unpredictable, it is better not to travel to the Philippines during these months of the year.
Being careful can make a difference. If you feel that the ferry is not safe or that there are too many people on board, you are most likely right. You may have to wait for another ship to depart, but if it’s for your safety, don’t hesitate to wait or try to travel with another company.
The good thing about traveling by ferry in the Philippines is that it is cheaper than flying. The plane is the only viable alternative as there are so many thousands of islands. However, flying has its limitations as there are only 70 airports in the country, so many places cannot be reached by plane alone. However, the ferry network is much larger and a cheaper option than flying. Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, traveling by ferry in the Philippines is undoubtedly the best way to get around the country.
Types of ferries in the Philippines
As we said before, there are many different types of ferries in the Philippines. Which you use when traveling will depend on where you are and where you are going. You will find everything from small bangs, typical local boats, to huge ferries that can carry thousands of passengers.
bangs
Bangka awaits boarding passengers on the Caticlan to Boracay route © photopixel / Shutterstock.com
Bangkas are probably the boats you will travel on when you want to move between nearby islands or when you are going on a day trip to visit other islands or go diving. These boats are usually made of wood and quite small, with two bamboo or wooden stabilizers. They are not designed to carry too many people, although they come in different sizes. Due to the type of engine used, these are usually quite noisy boats.
At a safe speed, uncrowded and in calm waters, bangkas are a safe and inexpensive way to move between islands, and sometimes may be the only option. There are usually many that serve the most popular routes, although you can also hire one if you want to go to a certain place with a group of friends. The most common thing is to buy tickets on the same day of the tour, but if you prefer to have it arranged in advance, you can ask your hotel to help you book it.
If you buy tickets for a specific departure time, don’t be surprised if the boat leaves quite late. Schedules tend to be indicative rather than something fixed that operators have to stick to. So make sure you travel with plenty of time in case you need to arrive at a certain time.
RORO
RORO ferry off the south coast of Cebu Island © Manolito Tiuseco / Shutterstock.com
RORO stands for Roll On, Roll Off ferries, which refers to the fact that they are car ferries. They are part of the Philippine Highway of the Sea system. This means that if a car or truck is traveling along the road and reaches the coast, it can board one of these ferries to reach the next island, where it will disembark to continue the asphalt route.
They are very popular for freight transport, so you will see a lot of trucks and commercial vehicles on these ferries, although cars and buses are also used frequently. If you are not traveling by car, you can board one of these ferries as a foot passenger. If you want to save money, you can buy a combined bus and ferry ticket. Some routes, such as the one from Manila to Davao, are usually served by bus due to the low price. The bus ticket should cover any section of the ferry. When the bus gets on the boat, you can get off and move around the boat. You just have to make sure you get on the bus in time before disembarking.
The best thing about riding a RORO is that you can usually go out on deck to enjoy the scenery. Ferries have different areas to navigate during the crossing, although it will all depend on the weather. If the sun is shining, traveling on one of these ferries can be fun. When the weather conditions become difficult, the cruise can be a little long, but ROROs are quite large boats and even in rough waters they can navigate without much difficulty.
If you are traveling by bus, you can book tickets online through travel sites such as 12Go.asia or at the agency. It can also be purchased directly from the bus company, via their website, or at the station. If you want to get on the RORO ferry yourself, you will need to check online timetables and see if online booking is possible.
Fastcraft or fast ferry
OceanJet Ferry at Cebu Passenger Terminal © Valentin Ayupov / Shutterstock.com
High-speed ferries in the Philippines offer a more convenient and as the name suggests faster service than RORO, but the ticket costs about twice as much. These fast ferries are not designed to carry vehicles, only passengers. They are smaller and more agile and are typically used for short to medium distances, making trips in half the time of ROROs.
The biggest ferry company in the Philippines is 2GO, so if you decide to go for a fast ferry crossing, you’ll probably be traveling on one of their ships. 2GO has acquired SuperFerry, SuperCat and Cebu Ferries, so many routes can now be booked directly with 2GO. If you prefer, you can also book through websites such as 12Go, where you can quickly compare different services and prices.
passenger ferries
In the case of longer ferry routes, it is advisable to purchase a passenger ferry ticket. They are large ships designed to cover long distances that have many services on board. Although they are called passenger ferries, they can also carry cars, but their main service is to carry passengers. Some can accommodate 4,000 people.
As we mentioned earlier, 2GO has acquired other major ferry companies in the Philippines, so this is currently the best option for most routes. It is a reputable and fairly reliable company, although bad weather can affect departures.
Super economy class on the 2GO Travel ferry © Happy Auer / Shutterstock.com
These huge ships offer a variety of ticket options. You can choose the option that best suits your pocket, from a very cheap ticket to a more expensive ticket that offers more comfort and privacy. The cheapest tickets give you access to a berth in a large common room (super value) with hundreds of passengers, where there is no privacy. One step up is economy class. This ticket also gives you access to a slightly more comfortable berth in a less crowded space. Depending on the ship you are traveling on, there are usually options to share cabins with several people or just four passengers. The most expensive options are Staterooms and Suite Rooms, similar to individual hotel rooms with bathrooms.
If you decide to travel a considerable distance by ferry in the Philippines, it is advisable to book tickets in advance as they usually sell out in no time. Reservations can be made through 12Go or directly with the ferry company 2 GO.
Ferry travel in the Philippines is a must if you want to discover something beyond the main cities of this country of thousands of islands. Please note that comfort and safety may vary from ferry to ferry, so be careful especially when traveling on a smaller vessel.