Cheapest way to get to anilao PHOTO hotel from Manila

A taxi or private pick-up would cost you approximately PHP4,000 (USD100) one way so I've decided to personally explore the public transport option and give you the actual description of a USD5 travel.

4 Step travel to get to Anilao from Manila by public transport:


Step 1

From anywhere in MANILA take a taxi to JAC LINER BUS TERMINAL (at the corner of Buendia / Taft Avenue)

Note: If you're taking a taxi from the airport...

* Terminal 3 - take the lift to level 3 and exit the airport. There is a normal taxi stand where you can take a NORMAL metered taxi. If you take a taxi at the arrival level, it will be very expensive.

** Terminal 4 - Walk out to the main road and flag down a NORMAL metered taxi. If you take a taxi at the arrival exit, it will be very expensive.
 

Getting to JAC LINER BUS TERMINAL from Manila Airport took me only 10 minutes by car at 6am (Traffic was flowing).

Step 2

At the JAC LINER BUS TERMINAL take CERES (blue bus) or DLTB (red & white bus) to BATANGAS BUS TERMINAL via Calabarzon (There are 2 bus routes. One uses the highway and another uses the small roads, passing and stopping by small towns along the way. The one via Calabarzon uses the highway).

I took the CERES bus and paid PHP147 (less than USD$3.50) for the aircon bus direct to the BATANGAS BUS TERMINAL. The ride took me approximately 2 hours and was pleasingly comfortable.

NOTE: This bus has the "Calabarzon" on the sign - this bus uses the highway and does not pass thru the small towns along the way.

Step 3

Get down at BATANGAS BUS TERMINAL and take a jeepney to ANILAO PIER or to MABINI CROSSING.

 As soon as you alight from the bus you will see many jeepneys inside the bus station compound.

Most jeepney drivers can communicate in basic English. Ask any of the guys standing around to show you which jeepney is heading to Anilao, Mabini.

The fare is PHP35 (less than USD$1) per person but you will need to wait till the driver gathers enough people to start the ride.

ALTERNATIVELY: If you are a group of 4-6 people, you can tell the driver you want to take the WHOLE jeepney.

This cost me PHP1,000 (approximately USD$23) for the charter and the driver will deliver you directly to PHOTO hotel. You can skip "Step 4".

This ride will take you approximately 30 - 45 minutes depending on traffic.

Step 4

At the ANILAO PIER OR MABINI CROSSING it takes 2-5 minutes by Tricycle to ANILAO PHOTO HOTEL and should cost you between PHP20 - 40 per person.


SUMMARY

THE CHEAPEST WAY OF TRAVEL FROM MANILA TO PHOTO hotel:

• Bus from Manila to Batangas Bus Terminal PHP147 / 2 hours
• Jeepney from Batangas to Anilao, Mabini PHP35 / 45 minutes
• Tricycle from Anilao, Mabini to PHOTO hotel PHP40 / 5 minutes

COST: PHP222 (USD$5)
TRAVEL TIME: +/- 3 HOURS

(Updated January 2015 - Tim)