November
14
Tags
Transportation in Asia
I’m overdue for a blog. I still waiting to get additional pictures for the work I am doing over here, so in the meantime I will chat about some different transportation options in Asia. Of course there are cars, buses, motorcycles and even Uber in the Philippines, Vietnam and other parts of Asia. There are also options that don’t exist in the US like tricycles, tuk tuks, bankas, and of course jeepneys.
Scooters are popular everywhere throughout Asia. On some islands they are the only form of transport. It’s common to see a family of four on a scooter. You also see all kinds of items on the back of the scooter like the picture below.
Scooter in Vietnam
Tricycles are a very common form of transport in the Philippines. It’s either a motorcycle or a pedal bike with a side mount. Below I’m about ready to get a ride to town.
Tricycle
In Thailand and Cambodia the common form is a Tuk Tuk. The difference is the passenger area gets towed directly behind. Below is a picture of myself and fellow Pulse volunteer Bob McGarry in a Cambodian Tuk Tuk.
Tuk Tuk
Water transport is also interesting. In the Philippines bankas provide a lot of the shorter ferry trips. Many of these have car engines inserted to work the propeller.
banka
banka
Finally the iconic way of travel around the roads in the Philippines is the Jeepney. Jeepneys started as left over jeeps from WWII. They now not only provide transportation but are also works of art. They have ornate decorations and painting. Each jeepney also has it’s own unique name. Below are a couple of pictures of me riding in a jeepney. At the end I also included all the jeepney names I have been collecting.
My first jeepney ride on a Save the Children field visit
Jeepney ride from the plane to the terminal in El Nido
People waiting in line for a jeepney outside a mall in Maila
| Jeepney names | ||
| Alfonso | Gods Grace | Paddy Boy |
| Anchor | Gods Will | Power of God |
| Apocalipsis | Gringo | Praise the Lord |
| Baby Face | Holy Cross | Queenie |
| Callboy | In God we Trust | Rocketeer |
| Chit | King Jerome | Simply the Best |
| College Girl | Lady Boss | Successful |
| Da Boy | Mackey Boy | Survivor |
| Existence | Magnificent | Sweet Juice |
| Ghost Rider | Marksman | Thom Cruz |
| Gift | No Love |
Its interesting!
Great job Dean! I was surprised to hear that Uber is an option for transportation:)
Thanks Billie Jo, it may be easier to get an uber here than in Tarboro!
What a fun post Dean! You look like you’re having fun.
Thanks I hope you are having a great experience in Africa!
Hi Dean, sounds like an interesting country. Are the local big waters clean? What did you see when you went diving? Hope you had a nice Birthday. Did you get our message that we left after trying to call you? Your time there is passing quickly.
Hope that you are making good progress in helping Save The Children. Love, Mom and John
Hi Dean,
I think I am ready to go back to that part of the world! Love your “news of the day” blogs. Just came back from visiting with Jen and the boys and of course my “Grand dog”. Have you found any pearls on your diving adventures? Take care
Maxine
Hi Maxine, I have seen some pearl farms while out diving. They have guards in speedboats with machine guns guarding them. Yes, lots of people do try to sell you pearls.
Love, love, love the cow/pig on the motorbike (you must have been thrilled to catch that photo!) and the jeepney names. Wonderful blog reading!
Thanks for the comments!
Very cool, Dean!!! Those Jeepney names are fun and give me an idea of the culture and what’s important in that part of the world. Love that they have Uber. I assume Uber is via scooter, Jeepney or tuk tuk instead of a car!! Thanks for sharing the culture with me!!
Hi Lo, Uber in Manila is actually a car. In other Asian countries it’s a scooter. Thanks for the interest!
Jeepneys are unique transportation venues. Thank you for sharing your experience about jeepneys.
https://jeneverrestravels.wordpress.com/2016/12/05/gaudy-jeepneys-remain-the-choice-of-transportation-for-the-filipinos/
Really fun post, Dean, most especially the jeepney names! So funny that you took notice! Hope you had a very meaningful (and fun) time in Manila. Be back! 🙂
What a fun post, Dean! Love the Jeepney pictures! Certainly brings back memories! 🙂