Inclined Tricycles of Pagadian
San Jose, Pagadian City
About This Destination
Pagadian City earned its famous nickname "Little Hong Kong of the South" because of its dramatically steep streets plunging toward Illana Bay, reminiscent of Hong Kong's hillside terrain. The city's specially designed inclined tricycles are tilted at 20 to 40 degrees with modified sidecars to safely navigate these extreme slopes, creating one of the most unique public transportation systems in the Philippines. Riding an inclined tricycle down F.S. Pajares Avenue — with Illana Bay gleaming at the bottom — is a quintessential Pagadian experience that no visitor should miss. This engineering marvel of everyday Filipino ingenuity has been featured in national and international media.
Activities
Best Time to Visit
Year-round. Morning for less traffic. Late afternoon for golden light on the slopes.
How to Get There
Available at any tricycle terminal in the city. For the best experience, ride from the upper areas of the city (near San Jose) down to the waterfront. Pajares Avenue is the most iconic route.
Safety Tips
Hold on firmly during steep descents. Choose an experienced driver. Avoid riding during heavy rain when roads are slippery.
Photography Tips
Video the descent for dramatic footage. Capture the tilted tricycle angle from the side. Wide-angle shots of Pajares Avenue plunging toward the bay.
