The slow road to Caraga. If you want that, ride on a provincial jeepney. What usually takes 3 hours by van or four by bus can be an exasperating 6 hours by jeep. If you are short on patience, then forget about it. There are just too many stops, too many waits, too many bad roads coupled with a heavy downpour.

After leaving the jeep terminal, you would think that you are already on your way. But it detours to the market where it will stay for an hour to wait and haul the produce that a passenger will be buying. Then a trip to the gasoline station where several containers numbering around 10 will be filled with fuel for a good 30 minutes. Then off you go to another waiting area, another 1 hour before finally, you are on the highway up north.

However, after a few kilometers, a passenger alights. Then another few kilometers and a passenger rides. Produce has to be delivered and loaded. The vehicle breaks down and then repaired. Then at a terminal in one of the municipalities, the jeep stops for merienda until there just comes a point wherein you’re silently cursing on why, in the first place you rode this jeepney. But all you can do is sit it out, bear it and make the most of it.

Now, will you still opt to go slow to Caraga? Think again!

At the terminal in Mati. These heavy duty jeepney with windshields opened are built bigger than the usual found in the city. In some instances, it becomes a mini six-wheeler in order to traverse rough terrain that becomes muddy during the rainy season.

These goats are loaded in a tricyle at the terminal. Thank God, these were not part of the cargo for the jeepney I rode.

For long trips like this, always opt to have a front seat. Or if you want a little comfort, pay for the two seats beside the driver so you can have it solo and have a bigger elbow room to spare. I’m not really sure why the windshield is done like this, which can also be seen in other areas, but when it rain, these are closed shut.

A jeepney loaded to the roof with produce, things and passengers. A common sight in Davao Oriental and in most far flung places in the country. As public transport are few passengers don’t have much choice but to cram things in and squeeze. But sometimes, for a traveler/adventurer, getting a seat up the roof is one of the best way to experience local life as well as to enjoy the scenery.

Just hold on tight.

Estan Cabigas is a multiawarded blogger, freelance photographer and writer based in Makati City, the Philippines. A true blue Cebuano, he makes stunning images and meaningful photo stories. He has contributed to local and international publications including CNN Go, National Geographic Magazine, Geo (Germany), Sunday Times Magazine (London) and other publications.

To know more about him and his photography, visit estancabigas.com.