Finally i could say...MABUHAY !

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Checked in for my Clark flight, washed my face, brushed my teeth at the airport’s comfort room, and I was ready to go. My flight was once again on time at 7:40 AM( Bravo airasia ! ) . My destination is Clark ( or it is also known as Diasdado Macapagal International Airport). The flight was around 3 hours and 30 minutes.

The DMIA airport is NOT in Manila. Travel time from DMIA to Manila could reached up to 2-3 hours ( depends on traffic). What i like about DMIA is that it is surrounded by beautiful hills and surroundings. I even catched a glimpse of a mountain ( I am not sure if it’s Pinatubo) that looks really close to DMIA.

Upon arrival, being a curious person as I am, I opted to drop by to Dau terminal instead of taking a bus directly to Manila ( there is a Philtranco bus which costs 350 pesos from DMIA). I took a jeep, which at first was EMPTY. The driver asked me if i want to wait for the others or not. If not, I can pay him 350 bucks and he will drop me off in Dau, but if I still want to wait, i will just pay the original fee for around 40 pesos. Off course I said i was willing to wait !! Ha-ha-ha 😊 . And the waiting paid off. After around 30 minutes, a group of people hopped in and off we went to Dau ( or also known as Macabalat terminal)

At Dau, you could find bus destinations to many many many places within the Luzon area. I even asked for a Tuguegarao route ( in case my plan going to Palaui pushed thru), and yes..! They have it ! They also have routes for Baugio, Vigan, Manila, and many many more. Good thing i was able to drop by, my next trip will be much easier then ! 😊

Then i rode a bus going to Pasay ( i chose the non aircon, on purpose ! hahahaha). It costs me only 75 pesos. But, if you dont like the heat and the hassle, i suggest you to get the aircon bus.

Travel time to Manila was about 2 hours and 45 minutes. Blame it on the traffic at the EDSA area, and to think it was not RUSH hour yet. When i got down at the Pasay terminal, i decided to get a Philippine GSM number (SmartBuddy) and got it for 80 bucks in the nearest sari sari store. Then, i rode a cab going to Sucat where i will be staying at a friend’s house. Cab fare was around 180 pesos.

My friend was not home yet, so i was greeted by her dog, Dutchess ! ( off course Ducthess should be mentioned by all means ! ). Then i went to sleep until my friend came back from the office. We talked, chatted and made plans. Damn, i was tired.. !!

Notes and Suggestions :

1. Flying with Airasia means that they will not provide you with food or snacks , and you will not be allowed to bring and eat your food during flights. But if you are really, reallly hungry, they are selling food on air—i tried their Milo and it costs me RM 5

2. When you are in the Philippines, it is advised that you ask your way around as much as possible. Filipinos are friendly and they are very much willing to show you the way ( sometimes they are too willing, though! )

3. There are many bus companies going to the same area within one bus terminal (and sometimes with the same schedules too ! ). Ask, ask and ASK !

4.There are many modes of transportation in the Philippines - tricycle, jeepneys, FX, MRT/LRT, bus, shuttle service, etc. Costs will be heavily depending on distance.

5.Currency converter : during my trip, 1 peso is equals to Rp. 200,-

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Photos

The view !
Approaching Clark Airport

DMIA
Diasdado Macapagal International Airport

Dutchess
My friend's dog :)

Comments

[Bobby]

Mabuhay!
Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to the Philippines! Keep coming back. We generally love to meet foreigners and you have proved that, right?

[y4ny4n]

You bet i am coming back.. :)
Thanks, Bobby ! I love the Philippines.. :), and guess what? I'm bringing 3 friends to backpack across the Philippines this September. I'm sure they are gonna love it as well ! :)