Described in a recent book as the “Gates to hell”, Manila is one large place. While this author disagrees with the statement that Manila is hell, the phrase could sure be used to describe driving round the metro manila area.
Here is what we’ve picked up from years navigating around the metro.
1) Buy a GPS
I would be divorced by now (and my wife would agree!) if it wasn’t for my trusty Garmin. Armed with this, and a wonderful map from the guys down at Roadguide.ph it makes finding where you want to go a little easier. There are now versions you can buy with decent maps on the cheap, such as this one sold by CDRking (the map is a version of the Roadguide.ph map)
For those who don’t know, Manila is a collection of ‘cities’ making up a metro area known as Metro Manila. The major ‘cities’ are Quezon City and Makati. The main artery is the EDSA road, which effectively runs North to South running through the major ‘cities’ on the way. Running more or less parallel to this is the C5 road which is marginally less stressful. Pretty much any sizeable journey across Manila will take you along EDSA (at least until the SLEX (The Southern Highway to Calamba/Batangas) to NLEX (The Northern Highway heading to Subic/Baguio) link is made)
2) Beware of changes
Unfortunately, even with a GPS you will be at the mercy of the MMDA cops and the ever changing rules. Especially watch out for ‘No right turn’ signs which don’t actually exist and moronic one way systems designed soley to catch you out. I find it best to stick close to the car behind and in the middle lane – they tend to leave you alone if you tick the box of ‘too hard to catch’.
If you do get stopped, follow the advice here – MMDA FAQ (scroll down to ’10 things drivers should know’)
A good thing to remember is this – if the enforcer thinks you know what your talking about you’ll have a much better chance
In case you are involved in an argument with a Traffic Enforcer, call the MMDA Hotline 136, or the Metrobase at 0917-527-7304. Ask the Metrobase to send inspectors to go to the place where the argument is taking place for proper investigation.
If your an Android user, there is a great App you can install on your phone, which when mounted on the dashboard will record any incident. Get it at Dailyroads.com
3) Be prepared for traffic
No matter when you drive through Manila, you WILL hit traffic. Lots of it.
The MMDA (Thats the Metro Manila Development Authority, who are in charge of the roads by the way…) have a wonderful live traffic database that lists all the major roads along with the traffic level at each junction. There is a website, as well as Android and Apple Store apps.
I never enter Manila without this app running. Never.
They also have a good twitter feed @MMDA, and their latest project is live video from across Manila here
4) Patience
Your going to need it…
The Metro Manila Road map from the MMDA traffic website
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