Manila Explorer

Getting around the Philippines is not a problem. Often, it is an advantage in itself. Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier, has regular scheduled routes to about 45 points from Batanes in the north to Tawi-Tawi in the south. There are also several air charter companies operating in the country and these companies fly to select tourist destinations anywhere in the Philippines.

Aerolift Philippines, flies regularly to Caticlan, Aklan, the main drop-off point for Boracay Island, and to Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte. Aerolift has introduced a new service to Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya, which is an hour and a half by land to Banawe. Pacific Airways, Inc., another local airline, flies to Cuyo and Coron in Palawan and to three other destinations in the country.

There are about 47 airports being used by PAL and Pacific Airways and other air charter companies, although there are as many as 300 airports, all over the country.

The Philippines has three international airports - the Ninoy Aquino International Airport(NAIA), the Mactan International Airport and the Davao International Airport - with the NAIA as the main gateway. Manila is also served by the Manila Domestic Airport. Cebu and Davao are the hubs on the domestic network and travelers can jump off to other points in the Visayas and Mindanao from these airports. Airport shuttle service for these airports is provided by Nissan Car Lease Philippines.

Land transportation provides a leisurely, albeit longer, alternative to travel the various destinations especially in the main island of Luzon. There are 45 bus companies and 50 tour operators based in Metro Manila alone, and they offer scheduled runs using air-conditioned coaches and vans. Nissan Car Lease Philippines provides another alternative by offering reasonable car rental services.

There are several bus companies that operate a Manila-Davao run. The trip normally takes 36 hours with specified stops along the way.

For Visayas region, which is basically all islands, there are inter island shipping companies which maintain scheduled trips to regular points. From Manila, there are at least 10 shipping lines that offer comfortable amenities. Voyages from Manila to the Visayas often take about 18 to 20 hours, depending on the destinations. Ferry services are available to get from island to island.

For easier arrangements for transportation, it is best to consult tour operators. In Metro Manila, there are tour associations such as the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) and the Philippine Association of Tourist Transport Operators, who offer transportation. assistance. The two tour associations in Cebu are the Cebu tours and Travel Association (CTTA) and the Cebu Association of Tour operators (CATO).

Tour operators boast of complete transport facilities for whatever needs the travelers may have. More importantly, these operators maintain a high standard of quality service and experience to handle the task at hand.