TripZillaTravelling has never been easier or more enjoyable, and it’s all thanks to technology. Now you can do away with all those heavy guidebooks and annoying maps simply by downloading a few apps onto your phone.
Wherever you go in the world, travel apps are there to help you enjoy a hassle-free holiday. Save time and energy planning how to get around or arrange for an airport pick-up. You can even find the best places to eat in town. And it’s all as simple and fun as playing slingo games via any device at hand, which is exactly what you can do once you’ve organised your day with just a few taps on your screen.
So if you’re planning a trip to the Philippines, here are the apps the locals trust and recommend.
Apps for getting around
Image credit: Rolands Varsbergs
One thing the Philippines is famous for, and not in a good way, is having a reputation for having frequent heavy traffic. The locals have embraced technology to help, and local apps are a must-have if you’re planning on getting around by taxi or public transport.
There are several local ride-hailing apps, and the ones you need to download depending on where you’re planning to travel on the islands.
Grab
Grab allows you to book local taxis, private air-conditioned cars with room for your luggage, or access services such as food delivery and couriers. The app’s services cover Manila, Cebu, Davao, Baguio, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Pampanga, Bataan, and Naga.
MiCab
Similar to Grab, MiCab also allows you to book taxi services in Cebu, Baguio, Iloilo, Davao, and Metro Manila.
Hirna
Hima is the ride-hailing app you will need if you are in the Mindanao provinces, including Davao, Cagayan De Oro, and Iligan; you can install this app to book taxis.
Angkas
Of course, even taxis get stuck in traffic, so if you want to be sure of beating the jams and you’re feeling adventurous, you can use the Angkas app to get a ride on a motorbike. Only one passenger per vehicle, of course, and no luggage larger than a backpack.
Sakay.ph
If you want to experience the joys of public transport in the Philippines, download the Sakay.ph commuting app. This gives you step-by-step directions with fares for transportation options like jeepney, bus, train, metro and more for any destination within Manila.
ikotMNL
The Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) will take you to the tourist hotspots around Metro Manila. And downloading the ikotMNL app will let you track the arrivals and departures of trains and give you helpful information on things like fares and even crowds.
Navigation Apps
Image credit: Mikel |
If you want to be a bit more independent in your travels, you’ll need to know how to get around. The old standby, Google Maps, works just as well in the Philippines as it does elsewhere, but for actual local knowledge, download Waze. This recommends the fastest routes between locations, taking into consideration the traffic and other factors, such as construction work in the area, based on feedback from existing Waze users local to that area.
Food and Drinks Apps
Image credit: Eibner Saliba
There’s no shortage of good food and drink, or places serving them wherever you go in the Philippines. But to help you find the best local restaurants and bars, check out these apps:
Booky
The Booky app provides endless recommendations based on your preferences and allows you to book in advance when you’ve decided where you want to eat. You can even get a discount at certain restaurants by booking through Booky.
Zomato
The Zomato app provides user reviews and ratings to help you decide where best to spend your time and money.
In conclusion, what you essentially need is to know where to eat and how to get around, whether it’s going clubbing in Manilla, or finding the easiest way to get to the nearest beach. The rest is up to you and your adventurous spirit, just make sure you have your phone charger with you at all times.
