Anyway, last year I was able to go to Iloilo Philippines to verify a host for WithLocals. Now, my friends who knew about my trip wants to ask how to get to Iloilo via boat and what shipping line (see, ship!) they should go for.
Well, for the foreigners, TransAsia has been around for years, even way back when I was young. We do use TransAsia for trips from Cagayan de Oro to Cebu when we wanted to have a vacation – since there’s no seat sale before in Airlines, or it’s a lot cheaper to just go for the ship. But, Cokaliong is not that new also they’ve been around for years too but I believe (if I am right) they showed up when I was in college, so that’s around 2008. But that’s the only time I’ve noticed this shipping line (though it seems they’ve been around for decades already), because before we usually go for TransAsia and Super Ferry (talagang trip kita!).
So you might ask, between TransAsia and Cokaliong, which one you should go for? Which one you should hop in to go to Iloilo City Philippines, the heart of the Philippines!
Before going further, please bear with me with the photos, I was just using my old Samsung phone for this since it's the only camera back then I can easily grab to take pictures - I didn't have my GoPro yet at this time, and it was too hassle to get my DSLR from my bag while walking away.
Well, again, since I made my trip to Iloilo last year using both shipping line, let’s compare both shipping lines. Please note that this is their ships going to Iloilo and back to Cebu.
Cebu to Iloilo Shipping Schedules
First thing you should consider of course is their shipping schedules, not both lines have the same day. But here are the Cebu to Iloilo shipping schedules for both shipping lines.
Shipping Line
|
Vessel
|
Departure
|
Arrival
| |
Cokaliong
|
M/V FILIPINAS CEBU
|
Tues/Thurs/Sat
|
7:00 pm
|
Wed/Fri/Sun
|
TransAsia
|
Trans-Asia 2
|
Mon/Wed/Fri
|
6:00 pm
|
Tues/Thurs/Sat
|
They do seem to have a talk to take turns (LOL). But that’s actually a plus, you can try both lines for yourself or just keep on reading and trust me on this.
Iloilo to Cebu Shipping Schedules
On our way back we actually wanted to go back in Cebu on a different day, we decided to add one (1) more day on our getaway so we could just try a different shipping line.
Shipping Line
|
Vessel
|
Departure
|
Arrival
| |
Cokaliong
|
M/V FILIPINAS CEBU
|
Wed/Fri/Sun
|
7:00 pm
|
Thur/Sat/Mon
|
TransAsia
|
Trans-Asia 2
|
Tues/Thurs/Sat
|
6:00 pm
|
Wed/Fri/Sun
|
The Ship
Now, let’s talk about the ship. I believe the Cokaliong vessel is a lot way bigger than the TransAsia vessel, or am I a size blind too?
TransAsia Ship in Ilo-ilo City
Sadly, I wasn't able to take a picture of the Cokaliong ship because we arrived last minute and we're running fast to the ship to get on it.
The Tourist Class
We have their tourist class for both ships. We did want the cabin but because it was limited, we were not able to have it. But if you want an air-conditioned room, at least a bit safer compared to the economy class, then go for the tourist class.
Cokaliong Tourist Class
Comparing both shipping lines tourist class, Cokaliong wins. Why? Well, because while I was putting the sheets on my bed, I saw this.
Cockroach at my bed in TransAsia
The Rates
I wasn't able to take note of the rates for both lines, but you can check out their websites with their rates so you'll get the idea or estimate. But I think TransAsia is a bit cheaper, but with Cokaliong you have another option which is a lot cheaper.
Instead of laying in bed, you can go for the sitting one. It's cheaper, it's still air-conditioned, but if you want something cheap then go for it. It's still public though.
The Winner!
Now, of course this Exotic Philippines blog will give the round of applause to Cokaliong! The cleanliness of their rooms, the service of their staff, the cleanliness of the ship, it's no wonder they got some awards.Do you appreciate what this blog do? Want to send help for this blog? Your every cents goes a long way
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