Getting to The Philippines and Getting Around The Philippines

Getting to the Philippines

The most common way to get to the Philippines is by air, with multiple airlines offering flights from various parts of the world. The country has several international airports, but the main gateways are Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, the capital, and Mactan-Cebu International Airport in Cebu. Other notable international airports include Clark International Airport in Pampanga, Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao, and Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo.

Depending on your location and the airline you choose, your flight may have layovers. For instance, if you're traveling from Europe or the Americas, you might have a layover in the Middle East or East Asia. Direct flights are available from several cities across Asia, Australia, and the Pacific.

Getting Around the Philippines

Once you've arrived in the Philippines, there are various ways to get around:

1. Domestic Flights: Given that the Philippines is an archipelago with over 7,000 islands, domestic flights are the fastest and most convenient way to travel long distances or to reach more remote islands. Airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia offer domestic services.

2. Ferries and Boats: Ferries connect many of the islands and are an economical way to travel. It's also the best option if you want to bring a vehicle from one island to another. Keep in mind that ferries can be slow, and schedules may be affected by weather conditions.

3. Buses and Vans: For travel on larger islands like Luzon, Mindanao, or parts of the Visayas, buses and vans are available for intercity travel. Buses range from basic non-airconditioned ones to luxurious air-conditioned coaches.

4. Jeepneys and Tricycles: In cities and towns, the most common forms of transportation are jeepneys (converted jeeps used as minibuses) and tricycles (motorcycles with sidecars). These are cheap and ubiquitous but can be crowded.

5. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Taxis are common in larger cities. Always insist that drivers use the meter to avoid overcharging. Grab, a ride-hailing app, is also widely used in cities like Manila, Cebu, and Davao.

6. Car Rental: Cars can be rented in major cities and airports, though you should be comfortable with driving in heavy traffic and on potentially poorly maintained roads.