In the Philippines, the Filipino jeepney is considered the “King of the Road”. A national symbol, this iconic form of public transportation is proudly Pinoy, and the most popular way for locals to travel around. A jeepney is crowded, cheap, and no two jeepney’s are the same.
Many are decorated with bright colours and flashing lights, jeepney art will be appreciated by street art and mural lovers. The painted jeepneys are all unique way, and are anything but boring! Jeepneys are embedded in Philippine culture and art. London has a red double decker bus, New York has the yellow taxi cab, and the Philippines have jeepneys. All are iconic, all are insta-worthy. If anything is an expression of local culture in the Philippines, it’s a jeepney, and Moalboal Eco Lodge share a pictorial guide to jeepney street art in Moalboal, Cebu, Philippines. 
An old style "traditional" jeepney in Cebu City
What is a Philippine Jeepney?
The Filipino Jeepney is a cheap, popular form of local transportation, with some journeys costing as little as P20 (32p or 39c). Although they have designated routes, they will stop anywhere along the way to pick up new passengers, or to let people off. Passengers are crammed in like sardines with as many as 20-30 people. Locals sit near the open rear door to make it easier to get out, and when new passengers jump on, generally they have to walk towards the front of the jeepney with a lot of shuffling around. With its open rear door, often you will see passengers standing outside, hanging on to the back and the roof bar. Its open windows mean City journeys can be noisy, polluted and wet during rainy season. Just as every wall doesn't have street art painted on it, not every jeepney has jeepney art, so when you do find one, it's special. Painted jeepneys can be described as art on wheels with brightly spray painted religious images or cartoon characters. Superheroes tend to be a favourite and some have big lights on the front and rear. Every jeepney is different and I personally love to look at every design that passes me by. 
Jeepneys were born after WWII when the American troops left many jeeps like this behind
History of the Jeepney
Jeepneys were born after World War 2 when jeeps were left behind by American troops leaving the Philippines. During the war, the country’s main transport systems (cable cars and trains) were severely damaged which created a big problem for locals struggling to travel around. When the war was over, there was a surplus of jeeps which were sold or given to Filipinos. They were upcycled and used as buses to transport people. Locals made them longer to carry more passengers, seats were turned sideways to face one another with an aisle down the middle, and a metal roof was added to protect passengers from the blazing hot sun. The jeepney as we know it was born. The idea was revolutionary because jeepneys were able to carry passengers faster and cheaper than cable cars. Used mainly in Manilla, the jeepney was proving very popular and in 1953, Sarao Motors started producing new jeepneys. This was the beginning of jeepneys becoming part of the Filipino culture, and a symbol of the Philippines. 
Modern day jeepneys are brightly coloured and spray painted with a range of designs
Jeepneys around Moalboal
When visiting Moalboal, you can expect to see some (if not all) of the following painted jeepneys. Popular routes are Badian to Ronda, Badian to Dumunjug or Moalboal to Alegria (for Kawasan Falls). I highly recommend you factor in some time to take a ride in a jeepney. You don’t have to travel far but it’s a huge part of the Philippine culture and isn’t that what travelling is all about? There is no better way of immersing yourself into the Filipino way than jumping on a jeepney to the next town and maybe sampling some local Filipino food. If you are travelling on a budget or wish to save your pesos for a sunset beer, travelling like a local will help keep transport costs down. Using public transport means you are also being a responsible tourist, and at Moalboal Eco Lodge, we definitely encourage that. I have only included beautifully painted jeepney photos in this article, and you will see many regular jeepneys driving which are just like any other ordinary vehicle. 
A Badian-Ronda jeepney which you will see around Moalboal
Badian to Dumanjug jeepney, one of my favourites - I love the bright colours
Superhero Jeepneys
Hell Boy decoration
Another Hell Boy jeepney
Superman is a popular jeepney, and this one can be seen parked at the entrance to the market
Parked outside "new" Gaisano, this Superman jeepney travels all around Panagsama
This Superman jeepney is owned by our tour guide friend at Julez Excursions
Avengers jeepney - it took me a long time to actually be able to capture this on camera!
The Hulk driving around White Beach
The Green Lantern taken at night when it was pulling out of "old" Gaisano - apologies for the blur!
Miscellaneous Painted Jeepneys
I love this jeepney! Parked outside "old" Gaisano, I have also seen it in a driveway on the way to Badian
Nothing like a bit of Bob Marley painted onto your jeepney!
It may not be the best Bob Marley painting, but I still like it!
Jeepneys outside of Moalboal
Jeepney on Siquijor
I first saw this jeepney near Bato, south Cebu when it was being painted, then found it again on Siquijor
The "Chicks Carrier" jeepney is a popular painting in Cebu City
Where to stay in Moalboal
Moalboal Eco Lodge is the perfect place to stay if you love nature, wish to be close to amenities, but value a good night's sleep. Nestled in amongst palm trees, bamboo and coconut trees, Moalboal Eco Lodge have Bamboo Nipa Huts suitable for solo travellers, couples and friends. There are private rooms and a spacious 4-bed dormitory. Bicycles are for hire if you wish to slow travel in the most environmentally friendly way, or you can rent a scooter. To make enquiries and to book, email Moalboal Eco Lodge. For help regarding travel and Visa requirements, visit our Travel Information page
Heading to the Philippines? Check out these related posts!
Day Trips From Moalboal: Taginis Falls & Budlot Spring Bucket List Ideas and Experiences in the Philippines Swimming with Sardines in Moalboal Is Oslob Whale Shark Watching Ethical? 28 Things to Do in Moalboal, Cebu Things You Should Know Before Visiting the Philippines Fun Facts About the Philippines
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