In this video for VibePinas, I’m tackling a topic that I feel very strongly about: the reality of tourist transport in the Philippines. After living here for seven or eight years and traveling from the far north to the deep south, I’ve seen enough on the roads to tell you that tourist vans and buses are, in my opinion, incredibly dangerous. I avoid them at all costs and only use them when there is absolutely no other option.
The core of the problem is the driving culture. It’s no secret that getting a driver’s license here can often be a matter of paying 7,000 pesos rather than proving you actually know how to handle a vehicle. Jessa was offered that shortcut, and while she did it the right way, many professional drivers clearly haven't. They drive like maniacs, with zero understanding of vehicle physics. When you combine high speeds with fully loaded vehicles and wet, winding mountain roads, you’re just waiting for a disaster.
If you don't believe me, just do a Google search for "tourist van accidents Philippines" from the last 12 months. The results are shocking and sad, and the reality is likely even worse because so many accidents go underreported in the media. I’ve personally witnessed a tourist van sliding backward into a multicab on a wet corner and seen vehicles completely totaled because someone was driving way too fast on a side road in Moalboal at 1:00 AM.
I’m often scared shitless on the buses. I’ve been on full buses screaming downhill at 70kph on roads where I wouldn't take my pickup over 40kph. You can hear the brakes screaming—metal on metal—while the bus leans so far it feels like it’s going to flip. It’s a terrifying experience that I wouldn’t wish on anyone.
This is why I always emphasize the importance of having your own transport. I genuinely believe it is safer for me, Jessa, and our five-year-old son, Liam, to ride across the island on my 150cc Honda TMX Supremo than it is to step foot in a tourist van. When I’m on my bike or in my Ford Wildtrak, I am in control. We drive defensively, we stay aware, and we adjust to the conditions of the road.
For anyone visiting or planning to live here, my advice is simple: if you can drive, rent a motorbike or a car. It’s cheap, and it allows you to drive at your own pace. If you can’t drive, use Grab. The drivers are generally much better, the cars are well-maintained, and you can always ask them to slow down and offer a tip for a safe, steady ride. If your budget is tight and you must take a bus, choose the newest, most modern air-con bus you can find; they are usually in better mechanical shape.
The "truth" is that road safety is a major issue here. We minimize our risks by staying off the "killer vans" and being our own pilots. Stay safe out there, drive defensively, and I’ll see you in the next one!
