Higer Tourist: China’s Finest Export to the Philippines in Recent Years

In 2020, Higer introduced an HD version of the KLQ6127BA model, which eventually made its way to the Philippine market. When it arrived in 2023, its sleek exterior and well-designed interior quickly caught the attention of local bus operators.

The Higer Tourist stood out even more at night, with its bold LED headlights and distinctive lighting design giving it a unique presence on the road. Before long, it became a common sight on Philippine highways as more operators added it to their fleets.

Recently, Higer’s local Philippine distributor reportedly decided to remove the Higer Tourist from its lineup. The Higer V series is expected to take its place as the brand’s main offering in the local market.

With its stylish design, modern features, and distinct look, it became one of the best-selling Chinese buses in recent years, despite its short time on the market. Let’s take a look back at some notable Higer Tourist acquisitions by bus companies across the Philippines.

The first provincial bus company to acquire the Higer Tourist in 2023. Five Star Bus Company Inc. (FSBCI) operates an extensive network of routes across Northern Luzon. As part of the Hernandez Group of Bus Companies, FSBCI already has a substantial fleet of Higer buses, making it the largest operator of the brand in the Philippines along with its subsidiaries. While the exact number of Higer Tourist units they acquired remains unclear, numerous Five Star Higer Tourist units are frequently seen along North Luzon Expressway.

The first South Luzon-based operator to acquire the Higer Tourist in 2023. Daet Auto Express Transit Inc. (DAET Express), a subsidiary of Superlines Trans. Co. Inc., was established in 2010 to focus on Camarines Norte Province routes. Known for introducing premium buses ahead of its parent company, DAET Express attracted attention in late 2023 with two Higer Tourist units featuring automatic transmission. These units sported a fresh livery that many consider the best iteration of the company’s branding.

After struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, RJ Express was acquired by the North Luzon giant, Five Star Bus Company. Under new management, RJ Express added around 15 Higer Tourist units to its fleet. These units now serve their routes, mainly San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, and San Fernando, Pampanga, to Metro Manila.

The Camarines Sur-based company initially acquired two units in March 2024, with its sister companies Twin Hearts and Mega Bus Lines also acquiring a few. Later, in October 2024, they added three more units to replace older buses. Elavil was the first company in the Philippines to deploy the Higer Tourist on long-haul and inter-island routes, serving destinations like Ormoc, Tacloban, Rawis in Eastern Visayas, and Sorsogon Province.

As one of the largest bus companies in Mindanao, Yellow Bus Line Inc. (YBL) serves a vast network of routes from its headquarters in General Santos City to various Southern Mindanao destinations. In February 2024, photos of YBL’s new Higer Tourist buses surfaced online, exciting passengers and bus enthusiasts alike. The company is known for having its Higer Tourist buses delivered via land and ferry along the Maharlika Highway, which took several days. Many bus enthusiasts captured photos of the delivery trip along the way.

Cagsawa (CTTI), based in Tabaco, Albay, is known for its exceptional service in the Bicol Region. The company replaced its Higer U-Tour buses with the new Higer Tourist model featuring a 2×1 seating configuration. While Cagsawa reportedly considered the Yutong C12 Pro and another “mystery bus” powered by a Weichai engine, they ultimately chose the Higer Tourist. The new units, delivered in late 2024, were the first in the country to feature a 2×1 seating configuration, with wide legroom, leg rests, and individual in-bus entertainment screens — ideal for the 11-12 hour trip to the Bicol Region. Cagsawa currently operates two units, with more on the way.

Owned by the Dimaya family of Ilocos Norte, Maria De Leon faced years of decline yet remained dedicated to maintaining quality service. Despite having a small fleet, the company consistently updates its lineup with modern bus models. Their Higer Tourist units debuted in October 2024, making Maria De Leon the first operator to introduce the model in Ilocos Norte province.

Based in Isabela Province, Dalin Bus Line has a track record of adopting top-of-the-line Chinese bus models. After acquiring a few Higer A90 units in 2019, they expanded with four Higer Tourist units in late 2024. Dalin’s Higer Tourist operates daily routes from Cubao, Quezon City, and Sampaloc, Manila to Tuguegarao City via Cauayan, Isabela.

Being a subsidiary of Five Star Bus Co. Inc., Bicol Isarog Transport System Inc. (BITSI) has consistently aimed to minimize its Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) by focusing on just one or two models per brand. With the production of the Higer U-Tour model ending, BITSI transitioned to acquiring four Higer Tourist buses equipped with 2×2 seating and automatic transmission. As of this writing, Bicol Isarog has yet to deploy these units, and their franchise routes are yet to be confirmed.

Silver Star Shuttle and Tours Inc. has been synonymous with Higer buses since their arrival in the Philippines in 2006. Renowned for their excellent maintenance practices, some of their Higer units from the 2000s are still operational as of 2025. Silver Star acquired three Higer Tourist units in October 2024. The following month, they organized an inaugural run, inviting content creators to join the event.

Perhaps the most surprising entry on this list, JAC Liner Group (JACG) has long been associated with Yutong buses, having been their official distributor since the 2000s. The distributorship ended in 2022 when JACG transitioned to distributing King Long buses. Despite this shift, JACG’s Pangasinan Solid North Transit Inc. received a dozen Higer Tourist units, sparking curiosity as to whether other JACG subsidiaries will follow suit.

Though local distributors has discontinued the Higer Tourist, it will surely remain a familiar sight on Philippine roads for years to come. Which company do you think has the best livery for the Higer Tourist?