Traveling via RORO highway

[jon1]

I am currently driving from Zamboanga to Subic via the Eastern RORO highway (the long way).

I am taking comprehensive notes (mileage, ferry schedules/rates, port procedures, etc).

If anyone is interested in this info I will start a comprehensive thread upon my return Monday.

[Gene and Viol]

Originally Posted by jon1

I am currently driving from Zamboanga to Subic via the Eastern RORO highway (the long way).

I am taking comprehensive notes (mileage, ferry schedules/rates, port procedures, etc).

If anyone is interested in this info I will start a comprehensive thread upon my return Monday.

The Highway,

Hi Jon,

That's a great and will probably help many people down the line. Will look forward to the containing post when you get back.

Be darned careful out there--especially of the crazy drivers on Luzon Island!


Gene

[Glen48]

Saw some one driving an Owner was that you????

[jon1]

Originally Posted by Gene and Viol

The Highway,

Hi Jon,

That's a great and will probably help many people down the line. Will look forward to the containing post when you get back.

Be darned careful out there--especially of the crazy drivers on Luzon Island!

Gene

Ok I will work on this. I have been jotting down notes whenever I stop.

BTW, it doesn't matter which island it is. They all drive insane!

[jon1]

Originally Posted by Glen48

Saw some one driving an Owner was that you????

Not me. I am driving an L200 with a scooter in the back.

I can't believe how congested CDO was! Enough for me to want to avoid if possible.

[jon1]

Just got back. Give me a day or so to post consolidated notes from this and last trip (Jan 2012).. Am beat!

[jon1]

Western RORO Highway

Recently (Jan 2012), I took a road trip to Mindanao (Subic to Zamboanga City) via the Western Roll On Roll Off (RORO) highway route (Batangas-Calapan-Roxas-Caticlan-Dumangas-Bacolod-Dumeguete-Dapitan). I thought that I might post up my experiences to help any of you out in planning any future trips along this route.

First off, is documentation. You will need several copies of your vehicle’s OR/CR for your onloading of the ROROs (the Coast Guard will have to stamp your ticket prior to boarding (only exception was Batangas)). If you have a pet with you, you will need to bring the shot records (to get a quarantine stamp as noted further on). Your vehicle insurance paperwork and Philippine Driver’s License (with OR).

Depending on the port, the following is needed prior to boarding;
1. Coast Guard Clearance
2. Ticket (Driver is free with purchase of the vehicle ticket, passenger(s) cost separate/additional)
3. Port Fee
4. Arrestrar Fee
5. Quarantine stamp (for pets)

Note: The order that you will get these documents varies from Port to Port and I will break it out later in this post. Also, hold onto these on each leg as you will have to produce them to be allowed to embark/disembark.

Other items to bring;
1. GPS or Cell phone that has GPS capability
2. Any maps of the route that you can find (I used Google Earth)
3. Car charger for your Cell Phone/GPS
4. Snacks, Bottled water
5. Plenty of cash
6. Passport/ICard
7. Medications (Loperamide, Tylenol, etc.)
8. Rechargeable LED Flashlight

I highly recommend looking at the weather forecast prior to departure and try not to be too rigid in your schedule. The RORO schedules are not exact and sometimes leave earlier/later than expected. I would plan on a minimum of 3 days to get to Mindanao from Luzon (and even then those are some long days). If you have all the time in the world you can make a very enjoyable trip stopping at places you find along the way. We had a compressed schedule (things to take care of prior to another vacation) so we didn’t have a lot of leeway. I also do not recommend travelling at the beginning of the holidays (Holy week/Christmas week) and during the peak of the Typhoon season (Aug-Nov), as the ferries get overloaded (OFWs/Filipinos bringing gifts) and the cargo is not always secured correctly. Historically, ferries have capsized every year during these periods as the operators have no oversight and will pack people in like sardines if the opportunity arises and the loads are not properly secured (leading to a shifting of cargo/capsizing of vessel).

1st Driving Leg; Subic to Batangas
We left at 0635 and arrived in Batangas at 1020. (Took the SCTEX to NLEX to EDSA to C5 to SLEX/STAR). We lucked out as it was on Jan 2 and traffic was light in Manila. Also, you need to consider what day of the week that your vehicle is coded when passing thru Manila (no coding during holidays).

Batangas Port
Ferries leave every hour. Pay the port fee 168p as you come into the port. You will be directed to the next available ferry and directed to drive on. You pay for the Vehicle ticket/passenger fee (1680p for a Mitsubishi L200 with 1 passenger/driver) there on the RORO. No issue with Coast Guard clearance at this port (very efficient). Travel time to next stop (Calapan) is approximately 2.5 hours. I was able to get to Calapan by 1345. Made a stop in Calapan for some snacks and then off to the next leg.

2nd Driving Leg; Calapan to Roxas
Departed Calapan at 1500, arrived at 1800 in Roxas. The roads were not too bad (some construction delays on the way, could easily take 4-5 hours if traffic is heavy).

Roxas Port
Originally, I was planning on the Maharlika ferry at 1900. However, I was told once I got there, that they weren’t sure when/if they would be departing. My only sure thing was the Montenegro at 0300 (We just missed the 1800 ferry). So, we checked in to one of the hotels there in the port (900p) to stay there until next morning for a quick nap. I was told that I couldn’t purchase my ticket until 0200??

The entrance fee of 30p was paid as you come into the port. Purchase your ticket (mine cost 4021p for this leg). The ticket rates are based on the length of the trip. Next pay the Arrestrar fee (168p) and proceed to the Coast Guard for their stamp (50p donation). After our nap, I got up at 0130 to buy our ticket/documentation. The Arrestrar told me that the boat was already booked and it was too late. I argued with him that HE told me that I couldn’t start anything until 0200 for a 0300 ferry. Long story short, got on the boat but my truck was the last vehicle and barely fit. Also, it left at 0245 which got us to Caticlan by 0645.

3rd Driving Leg; Caticlan to Dumangas port
My original plan was to overnight in IloIlo. We arrived there around 1100 (4.25 hours) but while trying to find a hotel that would allow us to stay overnight with a puppy, I noticed on the Internet of a storm heading our way (due in the next day). So we decided to proceed on to the port (Dumangas just north of IloIlo) and press on to Dumaguete.



Dumangas port
Stop at the Coast Guard prior to entering the port here (located about 500m before the port entrance) and get your stamp (again donate 50p). Next pay your entrance fee (30p) as you come in, then Arrestrar fee (168p). Ticket cost us 720p for this trip (only 2 hours). We were able to catch a ferry at 1430 and arrived in Bacolod at 1630. Upon arrival to Bacolod, we had to pay the Port Entrance fee (376p) to depart from the port! This is the only port in the Philippines that I have experienced this.

4th Driving Leg – Bacolod to Dumaguete
We were able to get to Dumaguete by 2235 (left Bacolod around 1720, with a gas up and stop for food along the way). We were travelling at night (which goes against my rules) but I was familiar with the route (along with GPS verification) so we pressed on with the intent of laying up in Dumaguete for a day (ride out the storm). I had made a reservation at the Plaza Maria Suites (downtown) and they accepted the puppy. A little pricey (1200p/night) but it was clean, had aircon, internet and hot water. Slept in the next day and went down to the port to find out the process and book our ticket. Rained all day and sea was choppy (glad we decided to lay up and had paid attention to the weather via the internet). So we went exploring around Dumaguete sampling the local fare.

Dumaguete Port
Found out that the ferry leaves at 0600 for Dapitan the next morning (perfect for us as that would put us in Dapitan before 1000 (3.5 hour trip). Here you pay the Arrestrar (129p), Coast Guard Donation (50p), then purchase your ticket (mine cost 3620p). I don’t recall having to pay a Port Entrance Fee here. Left the next day at 0605 and arrived in Dapitan at 0940. This left us almost 8 hours of daylight to get to Zamboanga (I typically make it in 5.5 hours with a quick stop in Ipil for food). We arrived in Zamboanga at 1510 with time to spare.

As with any trip, always maintain your vehicle and have it thoroughly checked out prior to taking a trip like this (tire pressure (too include your spare), oil good, filters, belts, etc.). Also, bring along the minimum tools you will need to fix minor issues and change a flat if need be. If you are not sure about your route/vehicle mileage, stop in somewhere every time you get near a half tank. That way you are not sweating trying to find a gas station in unfamiliar territory while running on fumes. I usually gas up either prior to or after the ferry ride (depends on where I am).

The return trip was pretty much a mirror of the above with the exception of Dapitan port. That was the only port requiring a quarantine stamp (I think it cost around 100p) for the puppy. All in all, it cost me 25,000+ pesos for this road trip (fuel, toll fees, food, RORO fares, etc.). The cost may vary depending on your vehicle’s mileage/size. I know it’s cheaper to fly but I had the time to drive down and back and had cargo that I wanted to transfer up to Subic and didn’t want to deal with the extra charges/hassles with an airline. Your RORO fare is only by vehicle size/class (cargo is not a factor). So if you wanted to haul a motorcycle you wouldn’t be charged for that but I would bring along documentation for that vehicle as I am sure that the Coast Guard/Highway Patrol Group would scrutinize it for possibly being stolen.


Ferry Schedules
Roxas
2am-Starlite
10am- Montenegro
12 noon-Montenegro
2pm- Montenegro
4pm- Montenegro
6pm-Montenegro
7pm-Maharlika
12mn- Montenegro

Caticlan-Roxas
6am- Montenegro
10am-Montenegro
1pm-Maharlika
2pm-Starlite/Montenegro
3pm-Maharlika
4pm- Starlite
6pm-Montenegro

Bacolod-Dumangas
12am – Montenegro
4am – Montenegro
8am – Montenegro
12pm – Montenegro
4pm – Montenegro
8pm – Montenegro

Dumangas-Bacolod
12am – Montenegro
4am - Montenegro
8am – Montenegro
12pm – Montenegro
4pm – Montenegro
8pm – Montenegro










Driving Times

Subic – Manila 2 hours drive

Manila – Batangas 2 hours drive

Batangas – Calapan – 2 hours RORO
Departs every hour

Calapan – Roxas – 3 hours drive

Roxas – Caticlan 5.5 hours RORO

Caticlan – Dumangas 8 hours drive

Dumangas – Bacolod 2 hours RORO

Bacolod – Dumaguete 3 hours drive

Dumaguete – Dapitan 4 hours RORO

Dapitan – Zambo 5.5 hours drive





Total Travel Time – 3 days
Total Ferry Costs/fees – 11201p
Total Gas – 4840p
Total Lodging – 3100p
Total Tollway fees – 824p

Total Cost = 20,000p

[jon1]

Eastern RORO Highway

This August I decided to transfer some household goods, another vehicle and a scooter from my Zamboanga home to Subic. So we flew down one way and packed our stuff for the road trip. I had a friend prep the truck for the road trip (changed the battery, all grease points lubed, oil changed, tires/brakes checked, etc.) prior to our arrival. Originally we planned on taking the Western RORO Highway but the weather changed my mind.

1st Driving Leg – Zamboanga to Dapitan.

Made it in 6 hours. The ferry was due to leave at 1600. I didn’t like the looks of the seas (3-5ft) and steady breezes. Analyzed the weather on the internet and decided we would go the long way (via the Eastern RORO Highway) as it involved only 2 ferry rides. So we checked in at the Dapitan Resort. The cheapest room was 2160p. But it was clean and safe and we got a good night’s rest and a good dinner (795p for 2) before our next long day.

2nd Driving Leg – Dapitan to Ozamis.

After a quick breakfast, we gassed up in Dapitan (1590p) and left at 0800. Made it in 2.5 hours (130km). Road conditions were excellent (mostly blacktop).

Ozamis Port
Purchase the ticket outside the entrance and the usual things (no Coast Guard requirement here). Total ferry fare was 365p. Ferries leave every half hour up to 1830. Travel time to Mukas port was 30m.

3rd Driving Leg – Mukas to Surigao (via Iligan/Cagayan de Oro/Butuan)

Left Mukas at 1130 for Surigao. Made it to Iligan in 1 hour (55km), but took another 30 minutes to cross the town. Traffic was very congested. Road conditions were pretty good on the way there (mostly blacktop). From Iligan, it was 105km (2 hours) to Cagayan de Oro (CDO). CDO was even more congested than Iligan (almost like Manila). It took us an hour to go 10km across the city proper! Gassed up (1180p)/stretched our legs on the eastern edge of town. The road from CDO to Butuan was heavily under construction. Lots of one lane roads with crews halting traffic. This 210km leg took 4.5 hours to get to Butuan. By then it was already dark (2000) but I decided to press on, as this area was relatively safe. The roads between Butuan and Surigao were very good (smooth blacktop 90% of the time). There were only one or two construction points, but being late at night, there was minimal traffic and easily navigated. Driving time was 2.5 hours (123km). The port is before Surigao city proper. When asking for directions, ensure that you are asking for the correct port (Limpata), as there are 2 ports in Surigao. The port in city proper is for going to the outlying islands (Dinagat/Hinatuan) on edge of the Pacific (known for the surfing). Went straight to the port to find out the ferry schedule for the next day (I was too beat to entertain a ferry ride/drive starting before 0900). We then checked into the Almont Beach Resort (400m outside the port) and got a good night’s sleep. The room cost 3050p (included breakfast and Internet) and for me was worth it after driving almost 15 hours. The place is clean and secure.

Limpata Port
Purchased the ticket just inside the entrance (total cost 3031p) and did the usual run arounds (Coast Guard is located outside the port but was not a requirement here). Determined the next available ferry (Maharlika) wasn’t until 1400. There are 2 destinations in Leyte, Liloan and San Ricardo. San Ricardo is closer but involves more driving thru the mountains (last year I heard that the road was bad), so we waited for the 1400 ferry to Liloan. Travel time to Liloan was 4 hours. Upon departure from Liloan port you will have to pay a 50p exit fee (sounds like Bacolod is not the only port that has this scam running).

4th Driving Leg – Liloan – Allen (Samar) via Tacloban

This leg was driven during the night. There really was no choice as there was nowhere to stay in Liloan. The roads have been worked on since I last went this way (May 2011) and were overall much smoother. Key place to make your turn is at Mahaplag. If you go left vs right you will end up on the wrong side (west side) of Leyte Island in Babay. Total driving time to Tacloban was 3 hours (150km). I gassed up along the way (2100p) and we stopped at McDonalds in Tacloban for a quick bite (coffee not available as it was closing in 30 minutes (@2230)). From here, head for the San Juanico bridge. This is the longest bridge in the Philippines and connects Samar to Leyte. The highway to Allen has been redone quite well (90% blacktop) and was easily followed except for Catbalogan. It is a little confusing as they redirect you thru the main business district and the road is crap. You wouldn’t know it was the main national highway. Key thing to remember here is to keep the ocean on your left and you will know you are travelling in the right direction. After a long night we arrived at Allen at 0130. I elected to get some sleep in a bed. We checked in to a small resort (Wayang Wayang Resort) just 6km south of the port of Allen. The room was dirt cheap (750p) and breakfast for two was 215p. No cell phone coverage at this location. They have a gate that is closed at dark with a buzzer to notify security that you want in.

Allen Port
Purchased the ticket just inside the entrance. Ferries leave here every 2 hours for Matnog (Luzon). Ticket/fees came to 1180p. Travel time is 2 hours.

5th Driving Leg – Matnog to Subic (via Daraga/Calauag/Manila)
Departed Matnog at 1240 for Daraga and gassed up along the way (1450p). Arrived in Daraga at 1440 and grabbed some Jollibee and were on our way towards Naga City at 1500. Travel time to Naga City was 2 hours, continued on to Libmanan/Sipocot. Again experienced more construction/delays. Sipocot is where your next turn is. You will turn left onto the Rolando R Andaya/Quirino Highway. This road is good for the first half. The last half is heavily under construction and seemed to take forever. At the end of that road you will turn left towards Calauag. Total travel time was 5 hours (356km) to Calauag. If the road was clear you could probably pass by here in 4 hours. After gassing up (1430p) we headed for Quezon (Lopez, Gumaca, Atimonan, Lucena). We experienced lots of construction on the truck route thru the Quezon National Park (but I didn’t want to trust my luck to the twisties in the heavy rain). From Lucena you will pass thru Sariaya, Candeleria and at Tiaong turn right to San Pablo City. From San Pablo head for Santo Tomas and look for the entrance to the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Expressway. There was plenty of construction between Tiaong and Santo Tomas. First toll fee was 25p at the entrance to the SLEX. We then stopped at the first rest stop (Total Gas Station) and grabbed a quick cup of coffee. It was now raining heavy (I was only able to drive 60km/hr it was raining that hard) and I was sweating that it would be flooding in Manila (Monday Aug 6 0100). Got off the SLEX (214p) onto the C5 then crossed over to the EDSA near Camp Auginaldo. Since it was so late at night there was no traffic and zero hassles from any police. We got onto the NLEX at 0200 (imagine being able to pass thru Manila in less than 30 minutes?). From there it was smooth sailing and I was at my house in Subic Freeport at 0400. Quite the long day but well worth it as I was able to get home before the calamity started to really take hold on Tuesday (Aug 7) in Manila and Pampanga.


Ferry Schedules

Ozamis – every half hour up to 1830

Limpata – 0700/1400

Allen – every 2 hours
0900/1100


Driving Times

Zamboanga – Dapitan 6 hours
Dapitan – Ozamis – 1 hour
Ozamis – Mukas – 30 minutes RORO (departs every 30 minutes)
Mukas – Surigao (Limpata) - 11 hours
Surigao (Limpata) – Liloan – 4 hours RORO
Liloan – Tacloban – 3 hours
Tacloban – Allen – 3.5 hours
Allen – Matnog – 2 hours RORO (departs every 2 hours)
Matnog – Daraga – 2 hours
Daraga – Calauag – 5 hours
Calauag – SLEX – 5 hours
SLEX – NLEX – 1 hour (could be as high as 3 hours during Manila rush hour)
NLEX – Subic – 2 hours





Total Travel Time – 4+ days
Total Ferry Costs/fees – 4626p
Total Gas – 7750p
Total Lodging – 5960p
Total Tollway fees (STAR/SLEX/NLEX/SCTEX) – 654p


TOTAL COST = 19000p




As you can see, the costs will be about the same whichever route you take. The big difference is the amount of time to transverse these routes.

Some navigational tips;

Always know the name of the next major town on your route. That way when you ask for directions the locals they will be able to point the way.

You will see more trikes and jeepneys as you approach a town. Look at the names of the routes on the jeepneys to help validate you are on the right route.

Observe the buses approaching you. They should have the destination displayed for where you just came from.

If you feel that you have made a wrong turn (usually you have), stop and ask for directions.

Do not be 100% dependent upon your cell phone for navigation (you won’t always have cell network coverage).

NOTE: I WAS NEVER QUESTIONED ABOUT DOCUMENTATION FOR THE SCOOTER IN THE BACK OF THE TRUCK BY ANYONE. BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN TO NOT BE PREPARED FOR THAT

[Glen48]

Good stuff.. tell more about Nav. you have some sort of GPS on your Phone ( Brand ), did you use any maps if they exist here?
thanks

[jon1]

I have a Samsung Galaxy SII cell phone. I installed Google Maps on it and it comes with a GPS already installed in it. It also uses the Cell Phone network to help triangulate your position should you not have GPS signal. One good thing is that you can cache the Google Map files while you have an internet connection (3G or Wifi) and later get an idea of the next town if the GPS/location finder is not working. Another cool thing about this capability is that you can do it on the fly (track your position as your driving along). I have a car stereo that has USB so I can charge my phone easily with that. This phone will go thru it's battery in 8 hours when using GPS, Maps, etc. in active mode. So recharging capability on the fly is a must with it. If you don't have a car stereo with similar capability you will need some kind of power adapter (Cigarette lighter to AC typically) that will allow you to charge your phone.

I didn't use any hard copy maps. They are hard to find but check at any of the National Book Stores I believe you can get a high level map of the Philippines.