Cebu Transportations: Habal-habal

One of the most extraordinary rides that you may encounter in Cebu is the habal-habal (or can also be spelled habal2x or habalhabal). This may not be a typical ride for you since there are certain aspects that you have to consider whether or not you “will” have the guts to try one out or not.

Firstly, habal-habal is referred to the motorcycles or motorbikes for hire, which are mostly, found plying the routes in the innermost areas and mountainous barangays of Cebu. These motorbikes are considered the most appropriate ride that is available right within and into the tightest areas that tricycles and jeepneys cannot reach.

The ride of your life

The Habal-habal’s history is still unclear up to now, however, the concept of fast and speed-reliability transportation mainly envelopes the idea of sedate speed and safety-ride throughout the journey. Cebuanos who live in the highlands and inner areas ride habal-habal almost everyday just to get to the city. The rugged and wet terrain and tight road are just some of the reasons why habal-habal exists. And with such idealistic approach, helmets are non-existing, that’s why these motorbikes are not allowed in the public streets of Cebu. But certainly, they act as the root from the rural areas toward the public transportation network. Of course, this is also cheaper than the usual jeepney or tricycle rent since habal-habal is completely unregulated, so it is easier for somebody to just start the service for 15pesos (30 cents) every ride.

However, as I’ve said before, habal-habal is not your typical ride and if you think it’s not radical enough for you, then check out the following:

• A motorbike can carry 2 people, actually 3 at the most, but habal-habal can carry 5-6 and they can even carry 7 if needed. Now, can you imagine that?

• Chickens, a sack of rice, basketful of eggs, a bucket of fresh fish and even grocery goods are some of the things that most passengers carry when they ride habal-habal. Plus, they manage to maintain the balance and goes with the adage, “Look ma, no hands”.

• Habal-habal travels day and night, sunny or rainy, stormy or calm, and asphalted roads or potholed terrain. That sure is a bumpy ride with a not so “safe” caption written all over it. It could also be fun.

• Lastly, habal-habal drivers travel more than just the regular speed limit. It’s like they’re in a hurry or something or maybe the passenger just want to get to their destination ASAP. Could also be ego-tripping or betting with the other driver for a race.

So, imagine, you’re with this 3 passengers in front of you holding a basketful of egg while the other one is holding five live chickens traveling 90-110kph in a stormy night over the mud-covered road while the teen-old driver (he could years younger than you), who just borrowed the motorbike from his friend, races another motorbike, you’ll certainly know how extreme habal-habal is.

Popularity: 2% [?]