Manila-Leyte via port of Matnog RORO to Allen, Samar

[kompressor]

I'm contemplating on cooking up a solo ride to Leyte via the Matnog Roro route. Plan is to either take the Laguna backdoor route via Famy-Pagsanjan going Lucban-Tayabas onwards or SLEX-Turbina-Sto Tomas-San Pablo onwards. I'm not sure if it can be done on a single day although I managed to reach Antique from Manila via the Batangas-Calapan and Roxas-Caticlan roro routes in less than 14 hours, even less if ferry delays aren't included. Anyways here are my queries especially to those who already reached Matnog:

- I managed to cover 400kms from Manila to Pili, Camarines Sur in 6 hours (via SLEX-Sto Tomas-San Pablo onwards), with only fuel top-ups as stopovers. How long in distance and hours (let's say average speed is 100km/h on straights and 60-80kph on twisties) is Matnog from Naga City?

- Does anyone have updated roro schedules and fares on the port of Matnog? I checked the net and the info seems to be already outdated as the sites were updated like half a decade ago.


I'll post follow-up queries soon, awaiting thoughts from those who already conquered Matnog. Thanks in advance and more power!

[HoLYoS]

as your reference sir, our ride to Samar - Leyte - Biliran Provinces last Holy Week 2009
http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com...d.php?t=167921

[kompressor]

as your reference sir, our ride to Samar - Leyte - Biliran Provinces last Holy Week 2009
http://www.motorcyclephilippines.com...d.php?t=167921

Thanks a lot! By the way, do you have links (if any) of your group's ride report? I wish to know the details sana especially on routes taken, gas stops, detours, etc....

[ssj_raynold]

Sir kaya ba ng Fury ko byahe San Pedro Laguna to Naval Leyte?

[HoLYoS]

Sir kaya ba ng Fury ko byahe San Pedro Laguna to Naval Leyte?

Naval is in Biliran Province sir

kayang kaya ng fury, may kasama kami na naka fury during our ride from makati to matnog - samar - leyte - biliran

[kompressor]

I'm finally back from the Tacloban city ride. I'll post a detailed ride report to give the others ideas if they wish to go to Samar or Leyte along with their beloved motorcycles.

[kompressor]

Disclaimer:

This ride report is for informative purposes only. Decisions made on this trip are solely my own and are not intended to influence others into doing the same thing as there are a lot of risks undertaken during this trip.

Thank you.

[kompressor]

I needed almost 2 weeks to catch up with work from the week I was gone for the ride. Anyways, lemme start my story:


We all know that one has to prepare if he'll go on a long ride and with all the preparation I did, it still had some kinks which will show up at the later part. I scheduled the ride to be on Saturday evening of June 26 coz I need to be in Tacloban before Monday as I'll be attending a wedding. The first kink to this preparation is my lack of sleep. I spent the whole day saturday in a seminar and after the sun went down, had to attend a company event. Needless to say, I left Shangri-La Makati at almost 10pm and headed home to Bicutan to start packing up.

Things that I brought with me:
- metal water bottle with a screwable cap for my hydration needs (hung on my front helmet/grocery bag hook)
- Leather travel/golf bag containing clothes and kikay stuff which also served as my back support since it was perched on the pillion area.
- Full faced and half faced helmet (full face for night driving, half face with internal visor for daytime driving), 2nd helmet stored in the underseat compartment when not in use
- Frogg toggs rain gear (stored in the underseat compartment)
- Camera backpack (stored in the rear givi box)
- Mesh armored jacket which I wore all the way

Things that I prepared for the ride but failed/forgot to bring at the last minute and too late when realized that they were left home
- TOOL SET (should have been stored together with my rain gear)
- Tubeless tire repair kit (pasak kit)

I left home at around 12:30am and headed to my favorite gas station (PTT Osmena highway, since their premium gas is still ethanol free and relatively cheaper than other gas stations) to fill up.

[kompressor]

Disclaimer: This is not meant to influence other people into doing the same thing and I will not entertain queries about this section. Anyway, most questions should already be answered by this post.


Long before the trip started, I was already dead set on plying the SLEX back and forth for these reasons:
- this is a very long trip and using the SLEX will save me more than an hour in travel time compared to using the service roads and national road from muntinlupa to calamba-turbina..
- my OPINION is that the SLEX is a lot safer (no counter flows/uni-directional traffic, no jeepneys suddenly stopping in the middle of the road, no drunk people loitering the highways, no animals/people suddenly crossing the street, no intersections especially red light breakers coz of the time of the day.
- I value my TIME and OWN safety so I don't care if I get apprehended and get issued a ticket. In my OPINION, hindi hamak na mas mahal ang oras at buhay ko kumpara sa violation ticket kung mabibigyan man ako. Kung maticketan man ako, mas mabilis pa rin biyahe ko compared sa mag service roads/national highway ako.



I left PTT Osmena highway at around 1am and ran at a pace of 100-115km/h. Already prepared the exact fare to avoid staying too long at the toll booths and paid the toll at the exit. I reached Turbina at 1:30am (yes, 30 minutes only) and filled up.

- km reading from trip start (PTT Osmena) is 45.
- Gas cost me P80 (around 1.8 liters), filled up with REGULAR gas @ Flying V. =)
- time check at Flying V turbina: 1:30am

[kompressor]

I left after filling up and ran at a pace of 80-110km/h on open highways, slowing down when approaching town propers and populated areas. So far, I had no problems passing Sto Tomas (Batangas), Alaminos (Laguna), San Pablo (Laguna), Tiaong (Quezon), Candelaria (Quezon), and Sariaya (Quezon). The roads where well paved and there were only a few vehicles so even if there were times where half of the lanes were closed due to construction works, there was no traffic buildup and the ride was somewhat effortless. I stopped to gas up at Petron just before Sariaya town proper (near the carinderias where buses stop) since I told myself that I need to gas up often as I'm not sure where my next gas stop will be. At full, the fuel needle is situated way beyond the "F" mark of my fuel gauge. I decided that I will start looking for the next gas station before the needle reaches midway from F to the middle needle position (3/4 position although I'm sure that the 3/4 reading does not translate to 3/4's full in reality) so that I have enough fuel in case there are no gas stations at the next town/city.

- km reading at 110, 65kms from last stop.
- Filled up with regular gasonline (81 octane), consumed 2.16liters @ P100
- time check at Petron Sariaya: 2:30am

[kompressor]

Took off after filling up, passed by Sariaya town proper then sped up towards Lucena. Took the diversion road and was out of Lucena in no time. Maintained the same pacing of 80-110kph on open highways, slowing down from 40-60 on town propers (as low as 20-30 in some towns coz the streets are too narrow). Passed by Pagbilao and after a short while, stopped just before the junction where I have to choose between the diversion road and the "old zigzag road" (as shown on the road sign). Asked a local and was told that the zigzag road will only take 15 minutes or so to conquer.

I then took his word for it and went for the old zigzag road. Man, it was soooo dark but to my surprise, at the given time of the day (around 3am), there were people armed with flags and LED flashlights signalling incoming vehicles if the hairpin corners were clear. Looks like they are getting paid by the government to do so and I acknowledged them as I passed by. Pacing was a lot slower maxxing out at only 60 and slowing down to as low as 20-30 on those really tight and steeply inclined hairpin corners. It was my first time there (I used the diversion road before when I went to Bicol by car) and I consider it a pleasant experience. In around 15 minutes or so, I was out of the mountain, back into the open highway.

I went back to my highway pacing but was cut short after I reached Atimonan town proper. From there, the roads started getting a lil twisty as the highway became a coastal route. I felt the warm sea breeze through my mesh jacket and in no time, ang lagkit na agad ng feeling. Pacing changed from 60-90kph as the twisties were quite friendly. Passed by Plaridel town and enjoyed the slightly twisty highways.

Approaching Gumaca, I stopped at the first Petron Station and saw a fellow rider in a Yamaha Mio with a noticeably long/extended swing arm, gassing up as well. Had a very short chat with the fellow and found out that he's going to Bicol and also lives in Paranaque City. Bade him goodbye after gassing up.

I found out after returning to Manila thru MCP that his forum handle is "skullcandy" and made a ride report thread as well.

- km reading at 188, 78kms from last stop
- Filled up with regular gasoline (81 octane), 3.115 liters,, P140
- time check @ Petron Gumaca: 3:55am

[dani boi]

waiting for pics boss

[kompressor]

Left Petron Gumaca and sped towards Bicol passing by Lopez and Calauag towns, slowing drastiacally as I approached those darned raised railroad tracks. Twisties were left and right after Calauag, pacing around 60-80.

Arrived atthe "gateway to Bicolandia". Time check is 4:48am, 240kms travelled, 52kms from last stop.

Picture muna. (public link)



The area was pitch black and I wonder why my photo had orbs in it. Sped away after taking the pic and arrived shortly at the Quirino highway junction. Turned right and passed by a bridge that may cause a serious spill if you don't slow down. Reached Petron Tagkawayan and filled up.

- km reading at 271, 83 kms from last gas stop
- filled up with regular gas, consumed 3.4 liters, P155
- time check @ Petron Tagkawayan: 5:20am

[kompressor]

Left Petron Tagkawayan, running through fog. Noticed that the cool winds are starting to take its toll on me so I stopped and wore my upper rain gear for thermal insulation. It pretty much did the job and I sped on, running at around 60-80 as twisties were left and right, not to mention potholes every now and then. The road condition in Quirino highway improved a lot compared years ago when I traversed the same route using a car. Yes, there are still potholes but are avoidable if you are very comfortable with countersteering. The twisties here are friendly and in no time, I managed to reach Sipocot and filled up at the Caltex station just after the Quirino-Maharlika highway junction/crossing.

- km reading at 338, 67kms from last gas stop
- filled up with regular gas, consumed 2.79 liters
- time check @ Caltex Sipocot: 6:26am

[Basusoy]

nice one to follow.. for future reference

any update sir?

[mrshogunr]

any update sir? basa mode sana ulit.. haha

[brand0]

Thanks for sharing

Buti naman walang hassle nung nag-SLEX ka

[kompressor]

To continue (after another very busy routine):

It was already warm when I left Sipocot so I removed my upper rain gear, switched to my jet helmet (with internal sunvisor) and rode on. The roads descending to San Fernando were full of potholes and it ain't easy keeping a highway pace as it was in the middle of those zigzag roads. After San Fernando, the roads were back to straights but the pavement ain't that friendly. I was able to maintain a speed of 60-80km/h, compared to an average of 40 earlier.

As I reached the Naga city junction, the sun started to take its toll on me. I suddenly felt tired and was moving around the city on a slower pace. The lack of sleep also had to do with that condition so again, I reminded myself to add sleep to my preparations. Around Pili, I chanced upon an inn and inquired if they had 3 hour stays. Unfortunately, they only offer 12-hour stays so I decided to look around. However, that short period of dismounting off my bike apparently woke me up. Or maybe it was the receptionist?

Since I was again fully awake, I decided to push through and rode hard going towards Legaspi City. Bypassed Iriga going through the Nabua junction. This time around, I was clocking an average of 80-110km/h. The roads were well paved and at around 8:00am, I reached the town of Bato where I filled up.


- km reading at 413, 75kms from last gas stop
- filled up with, again regular gas, consumed 3.25 liters @ P141
- time check at Bicol Petrol in Bato, Camsur: 7:59am

[kompressor]

Continued riding and after some minutes, I can already see the tip of the Mayon Volcano peeking behind another mountain. It somehow made me ride harder, pacing not going below 80km/h. Passed by Oas and Ligao and as I approached Guinobatan, the view was already spectacular that my pacing slowed down as I was mesmerized by how tall the Mayon Volcano is. The pictures shown in the internet are somewhat an injustice on implying how tall it is. I also wanted to drop by Tope's place to send my hellos but I didn't know who to ask around for directions. Anyways, I continued on until I reached the town of Daraga. This time I was again feeling drowsy so I slowed down a bit. However, I suddenly saw the directions to the Cagsawa ruins to I made a left turn and, tadaa! Picture time! The entrance to the place costs only P10.

My workhorse


Yours truly



Spent just a few minutes there and I again sped off going towards Sorsogon. Passed by the Daraga-Legaspi junction and turned right, going up the hilly highway. The roads were not really potholed but were already too coarse due to wear and weathering, that gravel is already surfacing (may have contributed to my tire wear story later on). The roads started to get twisty again and I kept a pace of around 60km/h.

I reached a Petron Station in a town I couldn't remember but it was near Sorsogon City. Decided to fill up.

- km reading at 501, 88kms from last gas stop
- filled up with P100 worth of regular gas (2.4 liters)
- time check at Petrol, wherever it is: 9:49am

[morganrichie1]

Continued riding and after some minutes, I can already see the tip of the Mayon Volcano peeking behind another mountain. It somehow made me ride harder, pacing not going below 80km/h. Passed by Oas and Ligao and as I approached Guinobatan, the view was already spectacular that my pacing slowed down as I was mesmerized by how tall the Mayon Volcano is. The pictures shown in the internet are somewhat an injustice on implying how tall it is. I also wanted to drop by Tope's place to send my hellos but I didn't know who to ask around for directions. Anyways, I continued on until I reached the town of Daraga. This time I was again feeling drowsy so I slowed down a bit. However, I suddenly saw the directions to the Cagsawa ruins to I made a left turn and, tadaa! Picture time! The entrance to the place costs only P10.

My workhorse


Yours truly



Spent just a few minutes there and I again sped off going towards Sorsogon. Passed by the Daraga-Legaspi junction and turned right, going up the hilly highway. The roads were not really potholed but were already too coarse due to wear and weathering, that gravel is already surfacing (may have contributed to my tire wear story later on). The roads started to get twisty again and I kept a pace of around 60km/h.

I reached a Petron Station in a town I couldn't remember but it was near Sorsogon City. Decided to fill up.

- km reading at 501, 88kms from last gas stop
- filled up with P100 worth of regular gas (2.4 liters)
- time check at Petrol, wherever it is: 9:49am

I love this post, I can actually understand it.

Thanks great post very informative keep them comming.

[kompressor]

Continued towards Sorsogon City, overtaking the slow buses. Pacing was still on the comfy highway zone, not running below 70km/h. Used the diversion road, bypassing the Sorsogon City proper. The roads were well paved again and rode towards the direction pointing to Matnog/Bulusan. Approaching Casiguran, the weather suddenly soured up and forced me to stop under a tree to wear my rain gear and wrap my travel bag using a plastic garbage bag (which did the job). It rained so hard that I was the only one left moving on the road but it didn't keep me from losing my highway pace (I guess I trusted my maxxis tires too much), running at 100 on open roads and slowing down to 50-60 on twisties. Before reaching Irosin, the rain already stopped and the guys from the gas station couldn't believe that it rained on my way coz the weather was so hot down Irosin. I decided to keep my rain gear on to dry it up. Filled up at Petron Irosin

- km reading at 574, 73 kms from last gas stop
- filled up with regular gas, consumed 3.4 liters @P150
- time check at Petron Irosin: 11:01am, 10.01 hours from my departure in PTT Osmena Highway near Magallanes

[kompressor]

Sped on towards Matnog, keeping my highway pace until the roads started to get twisty approaching Bulan. After the Bulan junction, the corners started getting quite sharp and my pacing slowed down to 40km/h. He he he! This time, I started feeling uncomfortable as I was still wearing my rain gear and the skies were very clear. Before the twisties ended, I chanced upon an Ultrabus liner bus that fell into a ravine. The sight was grim although it looks like it was already taken cared of (no bodies in sight). Was hoping that everyone survived it but was informed later (on my way back) that there was 1 casualty.

I reached the port of Matnog at 11:20am and went down to business. Pictures muna:

About to leave the island of luzon


The other side of the welcome arc



Yours truly:




Saw a lone Montenegro ferry and was informed that it was to leave for Samar at 12:00 noon. I should have handled matters myself as I made the mistake of letting a porter take care of my ticket so I got overcharged by almost P100. At least I got him to take my picture infront of the welcome arc but it was a very expensive shot. He he he!

Breakdown of charges:
- Montenegro ticket inclusive of motorcycle waybill and passenger fee: P448
- Passenger terminal fee: P16.00
- Arrastre fee: P65.00
- Total is P529 but he asked me P620 (I found out the breakdown only after the ticket was handed over). Oh well. I hope I helped his family out.

At least I had time to buy myself lunch, which was my first meal of the day. Settled for rice and fish okoy (probably made out of anchovies) which I ordered to-go. Loaded up the bike and spotted a seat near the airconditioner where I ate my lunch and positioned myself to get some sleep. By the time I woke up, we were already approaching the port of San Isidro. At first, I thought it was the port of Allen but it was on my way back that I found out otherwise. Either it was a very slow ferry or we probably left Matnog behind schedule. It was already past 2pm when I disembarked and saddled up.

That 2 hour sleep was well worth it coz I felt recharged after waking up.

[kompressor]

Ang hirap talaga kalaban ng trabaho pagdating sa oras.... anyways to continue, pics muna:


Disembarking from the Montenegro ferry:



Davao bound Philtranco bus in the background:



Left San Isidro port around 2:15pm and turned right going towards the Calbayog coz it's a lot shorter compared to the Catarman route. I heard stories about the roads being unforgiving and yes, the conditions are very bad that one has to slow down as a lot of potholes can really ruin your suspension. And then I heard thunder and the weather started souring up. I stopped to wear my rain gear and in a few minutes, it was already raining but not that hard but enough to keep the road wet. Pacing was a slow 30-50kms/hr as a lot of potholes will really slow you down even before one can start picking up speed. It rained all the way until I reached Calbayog. Found a Petron station and filled up.


- km reading at 652, 78 kms of land travel from last gas stop
- filled up with regular gas, consumed 3.1 liters, P150
- time check at Petron Calbayog: 3:36pm

[kompressor]

I immediately took off after refueling and was met by slightly stronger rain but this time, the road conditions are back to highway speeds for me. Pacing now in the 60-100 range as the twisties were unfamiliar and the roads may be slippery. The Calbayog-Catbalogan route had long coastal stretches and I enjoyed the scenery albeit the rain. The shores looked like they were weathered solid rocks. I reached Catbalogan still wet but not tired at all, compared to the excruciating San Isidro-Calbayog experience. Found a Shell station and filled up.

- km reading at 724, 72 kms from last gas stop
- filled up with regular gas worth P100 (2.2 liters)
- time check at Shell Catbalogan: 4:50pm

[kompressor]

Finally after a few minutes, the rain finally stopped and was met with dry, twisty highways so I again rode hard towards Tacloban. Pacing is now 70-110kmh as I was hoping to see the sunset ontop of the San Juanico Bridge. However, it was almost 5pm when I left Catbalogan and Tacloban is more than 93 kms away. I reached the San Juanico Bridge at around 6:30pm and it was already too dark. Took pictures anyway.

Entering from the Samar side:



Upon descending into the Leyte side:



Fans of a crazy scooter riding guy with a seemingly big camera on hand:




Tacloban was just a few kilometers away from the San Juanico bridge. Reached my destination just before 7pm.

- forgot to log my last gas refill
- time check: barely 7pm.
- total travel time from PTT Osmena hwy near Magallanes to Tacloban City: approx 18 hours inclusive of ferry trip and ferry delays, Cagsawa ruins stopover and brief stops to change into rain gear.