Getting around

When travelling across island groups and provinces, you can either take a plane, boat or bus.

Flying is the most straightforward method – both in booking tickets and the actual travel. Local airlines’ budget rates can also get incredibly cheap if you book early enough or catch a promo.

  • Philippine Airlines – The country’s flagship airline.
  • PAL Express – The low-cost carrier counterpart of Philippine Airlines.
  • Cebu Pacific Air – Budget airline that services local and international flights. A bit notorious for flight delays and overbooking. But still the most popular airline for great deals throughout the year.
  • Air Asia Zest – Local partner Malaysia's low-cost carrier, Air Asia.
  • SeaAir - Local partner of Singapore's low-cost carrier, Tiger Airways

With today's budget fares, boat tickets are only a little less expensive than airfares. However, taking a boat is still recommended if you have time to spare. Braving the ports, watching the sea and the sky, and chatting with unique characters is an experience encountered by a few.

  • Superferry – Online booking available.
  • Negros Navigation
The last option is through the Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH). This works by land vehicles that “roll-on and roll-off” (RORO) a barge to cross bodies of water. You can do this through the comfort of your own car, or take a bus that travels through the SNRH.

However, there is no agency that issues RORO bus tickets across all destinations. You will need to contact the exact bus company that caters to your desired travel points. If you are able to do so, a unique journey is in store for you.

For short to medium distances, public transportation include buses, mini-buses (or “FX” to locals), or your standard taxi cabs. But a visit to the Philippines won't be complete without riding our decorated jeepneys, motorized tricycles (pronounced "tri-see-kels"), and the local pedicabs known as trisikads (pronounced "tri-see-cads"). The best experience of all, especially when traversing mountain ranges, is the habal-habal; but we have to say, ride at your own risk!

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