Nasugbu Transportation

When you're not on a tour, you have to figure out many things by yourself. Fortunately, my friends and I had a local host who helped us throughout our stay in Nasugbu. Without him, we would have been swindled by the tricycle operators.

Firstly, in my context, tricycles are what little children will play with. So the first culture shock was when my host told me that their motorcycle, coupled with a carriage, is called a tricycle.

Secondly, there are areas where tricycles can or can't go. It's a No-No busy city streets or highway. Usually, they operate in rural areas. Even so, there are districts where selected tricycles are allowed to go. In this sense, I believe the areas are controlled by different syndicates.

Finally, the way to hail a tricycle is not by waving, but by putting your two hands together and clapping in a way that the tricycle drivers are able to pick up even though they are a distance away.

Really enjoyed the tricycle rides!

From Manila, take the South Expressway and exit at Sta. Rosa. Drive up the hills towards Tagaytay and upon reaching the ridge road after passing through the public market, turn right. When you reach the Tagaytay rotunda with Ninoy Aquino's statue in it, go straight and don't turn right (otherwise you'll be going back to Manila in another route). You will pass by Taal Vista Lodge, Royale Tagaytay, Alfonso. The Nasugbu welcome arch is a bit misleading, because you are still 30 km away from the town proper. Just continue driving and enjoy the view. After passing the Seaoil gas station, turn right and you will pass a bridge; go straight and when you reach the Shell gas station, turn right. The town proper is only 2 km away.

There are currently (2005) two bus lines plying the Nasugbu-Manila route. The Crow Bus Line station in Manila is at the corner of EDSA and Taft Ave. in Pasay. The Erjohn & Almark (Kirby) Bus terminal is between the Metropolitan Theater and Manila City Hall (an area also referred to as Lawton). Fare from Manila to Nasugbu is approximately P 125 one way for an aircon bus. Distance is 102 km. Bus passes through Tagaytay City with excellent views of Taal Volcano so try to get a seat on the left side of the bus.