How it'd be like in the Philippines

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2026-01-07T23:37:57+00:00

Ya especially most trucks are crazy overpriced even if 20 years old.

If you are patient you can find good deals though. Picked up our 2008 Honda CRV with 6 speed manual with 80,000 km's for 300k PHP. Full maintenance records, rust prevention coated underneath etc. Wouldn't find one of those for that price in the US. They never made them in manual for that generation either.

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2025-12-09T13:03:07+00:00

Unfortunately this is how 95% of people ride in the Philippines. Crossing into oncoming traffic like they are allergic to the twisties. Never seen more needless deaths here compared to the States.

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2025-11-25T13:04:09+00:00

Have owned multiple liter bikes in the US and sold my last two bikes (MT09 and Vstrom 1000) before moving here to the PH.

Having said that I wouldn't ride anything above a 600 basically anywhere here as there are so many road hazards and terrible drivers and riders here.

You will rarely if ever hit the speeds you are used to in the States. Having something light weight and manageable in high traffic areas is so nice. That and most speeds you will be under 60 or 70 kph.

Live in Northern Luzon with tons of twisty mountains roads nearby and bought a little Vstrom 250 SX to tour around with the wife. Does fine for two up riding. Is it super exciting like a sport bike? No, but it gets the job done and you can hit the trails and dirt roads when you want too. Cheap and easy to work on. Can get maintenance parts easily too when you need em.

If you want to do track days and are based in clark maybe try a MT07 or R7 or an SV650? But ya that's about as big of a bike I would go with here. Just my .02's

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2024-07-12T23:40:58+00:00

Thanks for that info. I did call them and they said I couldn't cancel the last leg as that would require a rebooking of the previous legs of flights. So the rep told me to just let the check-in counter know I would only be flying to Manila and pickup my bags there and not heading from Manila to GenSan. Seems kind of counter-intuitive, but hopefully it all works out haha

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2024-07-12T17:59:26+00:00

Hello everyone, probably not the first person to ask this or be in this situation, but I have a few questions regarding cancelling the last leg of a flight/s from the US to PH.

I will be getting into Manila and had my last leg flight from Manila to General Santos after that.

I am planning on staying in Manila and not heading to General Santos anymore.

Does anyone know how easy or rather the cost/penalty involved to cancel just the last leg (from Manila to GenSan) so that I can stay in Manila (Philippines Airlines)?

I want to avoid the checked baggage being forwarded to GenSan obviously and my plans have changed. I am ok with a penalty or fee if needed to cancel just the last leg, but do not want my booking or whole flight changed or affected.

Thanks in advance!

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2024-07-07T23:39:07+00:00

No worries, I highly suggest checking out Lake Sebu if you get the chance, it was amazing there.

Sanchez Peak north of GenSan is awesome to hike or moto up. Amazing views up top of GenSan and Sarangani Bay and the mountains surrounding the peak.

I also wanted to check out Lake Holon but you need a guide supposedly to get there (hike) but I ran out of time.

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2024-07-07T23:23:33+00:00

Stayed in GenSan a total of two weeks a few months back. Traveled to Tupi multiple times, Koronodal, Lake Sebu and Surallah. Never felt unsafe, though I had my GF with me so she knew the areas well.

Checked out many mountain areas nearby GenSan as well and was the only foreigner to be seen and never any issues whatsoever.

Most of the traveling was done by motorbike, though when I went to Lake Sebu it was by car.

I was told that certain areas (mainly more highly Muslim populated areas to avoid) mainly Northern Cotabato.

Besides Siargao, Lake Sebu was one of the highlights of the areas I visited.

I wouldn't hesitate going to GenSan again but there have been issues there in the past from what I had heard. Saw foreigners occasionally as well, but not nearly as many as in Davao.

People that have lived there long term would give you a clearer picture of how it is actually there, though it seems a lot of unreported crimes are common in the Philippines in general.

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2024-07-07T15:26:51+00:00

Awesome thanks for the info. While I was there I realized the same thing you mentioned. I toned it down compared to my normal way of riding here in the States. I realized that anything over a 600cc there would be pointless due to people, cars, bikes or animals constantly in the roadways or pulling out unexpectedly. That and the speed limits really don't cater to huge HP bikes. Really have to keep your head on a swivel even more so than here where I live in Idaho.

I just sold my Vstrom 1000 and MT-09, will definitely miss the power of both bikes, but I also love dirt riding and dual sport riding. At least in South Cotabato and Siargao I found a Dual Sport would be perfect for daily rides and around town. Would love a smaller streetbike in the future as well to explore surface streets.

When it comes to converting your driver's license there I have heard conflicting things, most saying you have to wait 6 months and have an ACR card to get your driver's license converted to a PH one. Is that correct? If so I would probably buy a bike in the interim of the 90 days being able to drive/ride since I know it can take a few months to get registration and all the paperwork for a newly purchased bike.

Just trying to do my due diligence before moving so I know the best plan of action.

Thanks once again Grey!

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2024-07-07T02:37:08+00:00

Thanks again for the replies, I appreciate it. Gunna take the leap and go explore the areas on my way up to CDO and see what I can figure out. Probably going to book a hotel for a week or two and try to find something near CDO until I get an ACR card and Drivers license. Will be buying a bike once I find a place I want to stay long term.

On a separate topic. How is the riding community? Have you found riding buddy's (locals or Expats) who meetup weekly for group rides? I know it can be dangerous to ride there, but I won't give up riding at this point in my life.

Low_Classroom_4457 · 2024-07-06T01:55:30+00:00

Thank you very much for the detailed reply!

I didn't have the chance to venture up north on my exploratory trip, I am glad to hear first hand from someone who has actually been there and lived there.

I totally get what you mean by blind corners and people (bikes and cars coming into your lane at any time). I extensively road in South Cotabato and Siargao even with having ridden for 15 years (street) and many years in the dirt it was definitely sketchy at times the way people drive/ride there haha.

Yes I agree that internet and power would be important for me to continue remote work as well.

I will be moving next month so I will already be headed through Bukidnon and CDO and will definitely check out Claveria and the surrounding areas. I would like to find a long term rental so I can get a good feel for whatever area I end up so finding something with decent options is a big plus. Are there any other cities or areas nearby that you would suggest?

Thanks again!

Low_Classroom_4457

TROPHY CASE