Clark Airport - the "better" alternative (Part 2)

Before reading this post, read the first part: Clark Airport - the better alternative Part I


I was really amazed by the beautiful landscape from Manila to Clark, while cruising along the North Luzon Expressway. It has definitely improved since the last time I flew from Clark Airport two years and a half ago. The roads are first-rate and the green countryside is absolutely refreshing to the eyes. I didn’t even realize that almost two hours had passed until I saw us approach the main gate of Clark Air Base.

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Transportation is a major consideration when flying from Clark Airport. For people from Metro Manila, you have three options:

1.Have someone drive you to the Clark Airport. This is the best option if you have your own car and if someone can drive you there. From the North Luzon Expressway, exit through Dau Exit (83A), turn left at McArthur Highway, turn right at the Manuel A. Roxas Ave. passing the Bayanihan Park, and go straight ahead passing the Clark Main Gate. It should only take one hour and a half to two hours and a half (max) to get there (Of course, depending on traffic conditions).

2.Take the PHILTRANCO shuttle services from SM Megamall. There are scheduled trips to Clark Airport everyday, though they are not very reliable. The terminal is at the back of Building A, across Watsons and BPI bank. There is a booth there (at the waiting shed), where you can pay the P300 fee per person (one-way).

You can check out the Philtranco website at www.philtranco.com.ph. Here are the scheduled trips, based on their website:

AIRPORT SCHEDULE
Diosdado Macapagal International Airport
Manila - Pampanga
TO: Clark , Pampanga FROM: MegaMall

Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun

0700 AM
1100 AM
1200 NN
0800 PM*

Tue/Thu/Sat

0700 AM
1100 AM
1200 NN

WARNING: Philtranco is not very reliable. They change the bus schedules everyday. When you try to call the numbers posted on their website, they just keep ringing! I hope the management of Philtranco will address this problem soon.

On our way to Macau last September, we went to Megamall at around 10AM, hoping to catch the bus at 11AM. We were astounded to know that the bus already left at 9AM and that the next bus won’t leave until 1230PM! Our flight was at 330PM, so we have to be at the airport at least 2 hours before that. We ended up renting a cab for 2,500 pesos. We were lucky to meet a few more people who shared the cab ride with us that day, so we ended up paying 450 pesos each only.

3.Commute to Dau, Angeles. If you are really on a tight budget and you don’t mind taking the bus – this is the best option for you. From any northbound bus lines (like Victory Liner and Dangwa), get off the Dau-Mabalacat Bus Terminal, proceed to the MacArthur Highway, and take a Checkpoint –Dau PUJ (jeepney), straight for the Clark Main Gate. I heard that there are cabs in the terminal too, so after getting off the bus, you can simply get a cab straight to the Clark airport. We are actually planning to try this out next time. ;)

Going back to Manila from Clark airport is not a problem since Philtranco shuttles are usually on stand-by at the airport. There are resorts and hotels within Clark as well, in case you decide to stay for the night. I saw some car rental agencies in the airport too.

TERMINAL FEE and TRAVEL TAX

Another major consideration when deciding to fly from Clark is the TAX. You need to prepare 550 pesos for the terminal fee ($11 US dollars) and another 1,600 pesos (approximately) for travel tax (Filipino nationals only). You can only pay in cash so make sure that you still have Philippine pesos when you get there.

Clark is currently being developed and there are no money changers and/or ATMs in the area yet. I heard that this will change very soon though. There are, however, a couple of stalls like Smokey’s, Pizza Hut, Jolibee, Mrs. Fields, etc. where you can buy food. There is a café inside the airport too. A small duty-free shop is also available.

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For me, the best thing about my most recent trip to Clark was my trip back to Manila (from Macau). Shortly before the plane touched down at the Clark Airport, I looked out the window and was stunned by the beautiful view of the countryside. It was nowhere near what you would see when landing from NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila). There were no crowded areas or houses and buildings stacked together. No smog. It was just all green with clusters of roofs dotting the scenery. The horizon was clear and the clouds were soft, white, and fluffy.

A guy, clearly a balikbayan from Macau or HK, muttered something like: “See, the Philippines is really wonderful. I think Filipinos should go to other countries more - for them to appreciate the beauty of this country.”

At 5PM, Nunu and I were ready to go home. We took the Philtranco shuttle ride back to Manila. It was getting dark already and I can see the sunset from my bus window. The red orange sun was inching its way below the horizon, and the dark clouds hovered around it. The silhouette of the countryside was simply breathtaking! At that moment, I wanted to open the windows and breathe the fresh, clean, evening air. I wanted to take pictures but I didn't have enough memory in my camera anymore. I felt like I was still in a foreign land and this is the first time I have been to this place.

Essentially, I felt like a tourist in my own country. There were two Swiss guys beside us and I heard one of them say: “Beautiful! I thought Manila is polluted and dirty.”

I have never been so proud of the Philippines until that time. To the people in-charge of the developments in the Clark area, keep up the good work! =)


NEXT: Our trip to MACAU!