Carpooling as a Solo Female Traveler in the Philippines: My Safety Guide and Experience
My one-way ticket to Manila was officially a week old, and while I loved the slow mornings in the condo, I knew it was time to head toward the ocean for my freediving intro lesson, but the thought of navigating crowded terminals with all my gear felt like too much of a hassle. I wanted convenience without the massive price tag of a private car, and that’s carpooling as a solo female traveler in the Philippines for the first time.
It felt a bit daunting at first to think about sharing a ride with strangers, but I’ve realized it is one of the most efficient ways to move between the city and the provinces in this new normal.
How I Discovered Carpooling as a Solo Female Traveler in the Philippines
At first, I didn’t even know carpooling was a thing. I checked Grab, but their routes don’t go that far out of the city. I inquired about private transfers, but the quotes were way over my budget. I found myself thinking, “What if there’s someone already driving that way and I can just hitch a ride for a fee?”
I literally googled that exact thought and discovered the world of carpooling!
How I Found a Legit Ride
Being a solo female traveler, I didn’t just jump into any random car. I went to Facebook Groups and searched for “Carpool Manila to Batangas.” Once I found a few companies, I did my homework, and here’s how I researched.
First, I looked for companies with consistent posting schedules and, most importantly, real reviews from other passengers.
Then, I called the coordinator and was impressed by the detail. She provided me with the driver’s name, his background, the car details, and even inquired about my luggage.
Pro-tip: Declare your bags early because you usually have to pay a small extra fee for them!
My First Carpool Ride Experience
My journey started early. I checked out of my Airbnb at 5:30 AM to meet my ride. Since the driver lived near my area, I was the first person to be picked up at exactly 6:00 AM.
There are five of us in this SUV. Even though we are all strangers, the atmosphere is incredibly respectful. We haven’t talked at all—much like a high-end Grab ride, the driver is silent and professional, allowing us the space to sleep or work. The ride is smooth, and because I booked through a legit service, all toll fees were already included in the price.
Essential Safety Tips for Your First Ride
If you are nervous about your first time carpooling, here is my personal checklist:
- Share Your Status. Always send the car’s plate number and your live location to a friend or family member the moment you get in.
- The Front Seat Advantage. I didn’t request it, but an advantage if you’re the first person to be picked up. It’s more comfortable for long drives and makes me feel less trapped in the back.
- Stick to Verified Groups. Never take a ride from someone who’s just offering in a comment section. Only book through moderated groups or established carpool companies.
I actually ended up loving the service so much that I booked the same company for my ride back to Manila after my week-long stay at the coast. Luckily, I got the same car and the same driver! Sitting in the front again, I realized that carpooling is such a game-changer for solo nomads who want to skip the terminal stress.
As the road opens up, I can almost smell the salt air. I’m nervous about my intro lesson, but I’m mostly just grateful to be on the move again.
