Getting Around City of Manila

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Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the country's flag carrier and flies from major cities around the globe and into key cities in the Philippines (Baguio, Puerto Princesa, Cebu, Bacolod, Kalibo, Iloilo, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Gen. Santos). Only PAL planes use the modern and new Centennial airports. Other airlines use the old NAIA airport.

Cebu Pacific offers lower fares than PAL and flies into almost the same destinations as PAL. One unique feature of this airline is that it usually facilitates an in-flight game like "Bring me" to the delight of its passengers. Cebu Pacific flies to key Asian cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore etc.

Asian Spirit uses smaller planes and flies into more exotic destinations like Baguio, Busuanga (for diving), Mindoro and Caticlan (for Boracay).

Southeast Asian Airlines%c flies to exotic locations like Busuanga/Coron, El Nido and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Caticlan in Boracay, Batanes etc.

If you're in Manila on a tight budget, here are some low-cost ways of getting out of the airport. Taxis in Manila's airport are as a whole rip-offs especially the ones waiting in line at the arrival area.

Mind though that airport in Manila (strictly speaking it's not on Manila but on nearby 2 cities) has 4 functioning terminals. (1) Old Domestic - used by a few domestic carriers; (2) Centennial Terminal - used exclusively by Philippine Airlines for domestic and international flights (3) Ninoy Aquino (Terminal 1) - used for international flights (4) Terminal 3 - used mainly by Cebu Pacific Airlines and other minor carriers.

Centennial - go out of the terminal and walk to the left towards Terminal 1. Should be less than 100 meters. Near the on-ramp towards Centennial is a bus stop for buses going to EDSA (the metro's main artery) from where you can ride the light trains. Alternatively, you can take the taxis in the departure floor (the 2nd floor); just go upstairs.

Terminal 1 - the bus from Centennial goes to Terminal 1 on its way to EDSA. From the terminal exit, it should be on the right (~50 meters).

Terminal 3 - there is a shuttle that takes passengers towards EDSA near MRT-2's Taft Avenue Station. From there, you can take the bus, light rail (MRT-2 and LRT-1) or jeep. If you wish to take the taxi, board them from the departure area (upstairs).

Old Domestic - walk towards the busy street to the right of the exit and board a jeepney to Baclaran Church where you can board buses; you may also hail a taxi (less likely to take advantage than the ones in line @ the terminal.

The best way to go around Metro Manila is via the 3 light rail lines - (1) the Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1; yellow line), north/south, (2) Metro Rail Transit (MRT-2; blue line), travels along EDSA, around Metro Manila somewhat circumferentially, and (3) Light Rail Transit 2 (LRT-2; purple line), east to west. They are interconnected at some stations but you do have to punch in anew when transferring from one line to another. LRT-1 and LRT-2 stored value cards are interchangeable.

They can get crowded especially the MRT-2 @ around rush hour (early morning, late afternoon).

Why take the trains?
1. airconditioned
2. stop at the same places
3. you get a nice view of the city from above
4. they're cheap (P11 - 15)
5. most tourist attractions are a few blocks from a station
6. you avoid the notorious Manila traffic and noise

if you want to take the cab, it's best to hire the taxis of the big companies like Basic, R&E, Dollar, Davis, etc. You can actually call them to fetch you. I often use basic but only for going around here. I'm pretty sure some of them can accommodate your trip whether to go to angeles or just to the bus terminal.

Getting around manila is easy most of the people speaks english so asking someone a question is not a bad thing just a tip if you are lost ask someone especially if your preference mode of transportation is the iconic must ride jeepney. because jeepneys dont use numbers for the destination insead they have a destination infront, and streets are somewhat confusing on where side of the street will you ride but drivers do take the extra care on where you would wanna go just tell them that you wanna go to this certain place and they will drop you off infront of the place you wish to be. And if your destination will be in the route of the train be sure to use trains because its easy and convenient but not on rush hour because it gets too busy and crowded. taxis are cheap though you have to say to the drivers to use meter because they wont unless you say it and they will charge you much more.

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The ordinary jeepney has been the mode of transportation in Manila and most places in our country. I discovered by chance (after lunch w/ hubby at Harbour Square) that there is now an alternative to the ordinary jeepney or the taxi when going around Manila- the Wow Jeepneys, and I must say they are really a WOW, with their colorful body painting, 20-seater capacity and impressive amenities: air-conditioner, cooler and a tour facilitator, and even videoke system onboard to keep passengers entertained during the entire duration of their trip.

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Intramuros is such a small place. It is fun strolling leisurely around the area. However, you can opt to ride the tram or kalesa (horse-drawn carriage) to tour Fort Santiago, and the kalesa or pedicab to tour Intamuros, especially on a hot or rainy day.

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For those arriving via Clark airbase and Do not want to waste time trying the budget way by hoping to the nearest town & thereafter Manila, Just get the Philtranco bus from the airport at 350bath/pax direct to SM Megamall Manduluyong City