A kalesa or horse-drawn carriage used to be a common mode of transportation in the Philippines. Due to its popularity, it won’t be difficult to get a kalesa ride in Intramuros or other major cities in the country. As the archipelago progressed, the charming vehicle was replaced with cars and jeepneys to accommodate the quick pace of modern civilization.
To preserve their significance in Philippine history, you can still spot a few destinations in the country that offer a short ride. If you want to know what it’s like to ride a kalesa, you can expect the following things during the journey.
What to Expect on a Kalesa Experience
Whether you’re taking a kalesa ride in Intramuros or Cebu, here’s what you can expect for an unforgettable experience:
Historical Background
Before we delve into the details of a kalesa experience, let’s first discuss a brief history of the ride so you can have a deeper appreciation of it. Spaniards first introduced the kalesa to the country in the 1700s, during their reign in the Philippines.
At the height of the Spanish colonial period, the kalesa became the primary mode of transportation for the upper class, who could afford luxury. Because of their popularity, you can find an abundance of kalesas in major cities in the country.
But their numbers eventually dwindled when jeepneys and cars became more widespread. Nowadays, you can only find a handful of kalesa in a few select areas in the country, so if you happen to visit them, make sure to take a ride so you don’t miss out on the experience.
See also: Celebrating the 125 Years of Philippine Independence
Structure and Design
You can find a couple of design variations of kalesas in the Philippines. But you can always expect that they’re painted in a vibrant color, so they’re pretty hard to miss! A traditional kalesa can only carry the driver and one passenger, while a larger carriage can accommodate six people or more with its side-facing seats.
No matter the carriage size, the kalesa will often have two connected wheels and one horse to draw the vehicle. They’re also either made from wood or metal, where you can find intricate carvings or designs on the body of some carriages. An overhead canopy will also protect passengers against the sun and rain so you can have a comfortable ride.
Places to Find Kalesas in the Philippines
The iconic horse-drawn carriage used to be abundant across the Philippines, but you can now only get a kalesa ride in Manila, Intramuros, and Cebu.
If you want to get a ride in Manila, you can usually find them near tourist spots like Rizal Park, The National Museum, and Roxas Boulevard. If you hire one from these destinations, you’ll get a quick tour to see the neighborhood from a fresh perspective.
If you want to get a closer look at Old Manila, you can also hire a kalesa in Intramuros. It’s one of the oldest districts in the country, so you can view preserved historic houses and landmarks during your ride. If you’re not in Manila, you can also find kalesas in Cebu City. You can find a few vehicles roaming around the streets of Leon Kilat, Borromeo, and some parts of Colon.
See also: A Look At Every Tourist Spot In Intramuros
Preparing for Your Kalesa Trip
You don’t need to do a lot of preparation for a kalesa trip. You only need to wear comfortable clothes that suit the weather so you’ll feel comfortable during the ride. If it’s sunny out, remember to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
Although the kalesa has an overhead canopy, it’s best to go on a trip early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the temperature isn’t too hot. The carriage is open-air, so the interior can get stuffy, especially if you’re riding with multiple passengers.
The Kalesa Experience
You won’t need to book a reservation to hire a kalesa. You can simply walk to a kalesa driver and ask if they’re available for a tour. Don’t forget to ask for the price and duration of the trip.
Once you’ve secured a kalesa, you won’t have to worry about anything else except sit down and enjoy the ride. The driver will take care of navigating the vehicle carefully through the streets. Since the kalesa isn’t powered by an engine, expect that it’ll run at a leisurely pace.
This is a good thing because you can take in all the city sights. Thus, don’t forget to bring a camera so you can take numerous pictures throughout the ride. Once you get to the destination, don’t forget to tip the driver for their service!
Final Thoughts
Kalesas used to dominate the streets of the Philipines. But, due to jeepneys and cars, these charming vehicles declined in numbers. Fortunately, you can still get a kalesa ride in Intramuros, Manila, or Cebu. If you can’t wait to experience a slice of Philippine history, you’ll hopefully now know what to expect on your ride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you haven’t tried taking a kalesa ride before, below are answers to frequently asked questions to help you prepare for an enjoyable experience:
What is the kalesa in Philippine culture?
The kalesa is a cultural heritage in the Philippines because it was a primary mode of transportation during the country’s Spanish colonial period. To preserve its significance, a few places in the country still offer rides.
Who introduced kalesa in the Philippines?
The Spaniards introduced the kalesa in the Philippines during the 17th century. At the time, the upper class and nobles were the only ones who could afford the ride.
How much is a kalesa ride in Intramuros?
Kalesa rides in Intramuros may cost around PHP 350-500. Prices may change without further notice, so it’s best to ask the kalesa driver how much they charge for a 30-minute trip.
Related: Great Historic Wall City: Intramuros