The numerous Philippines airports come in a range of shapes and sizes, and while some are better used for international flights, others cater more to interisland travel. The Ninoy Aquino Manila International Airport is where most travelers first arrive in the country, and it is also where many of these travelers catch another flight to one of the smaller airports in the Philippines. Visiting more than one island is recommended, as there are many great attractions spread throughout this island nation.

Once travelers arrive at the Manila International Airport, they can stick around for a while or rely on any number of transportation options to get to their next destination. For those who are staying in the Metro Manila area for a stint, it's a short trip into town. Makati City, which is the commercial and financial hub of the Philippines, is also easy to reach from the Manila International Airport. Taxis can be hailed just outside the airport, as can jeepneys and buses. A light rail transit system can also be used to get into the city. As for getting between the airport's three main terminals, there is a free shuttle service. In addition to flying into Manila, international travelers who are heading to the main island of Luzon can also arrive in Angeles City. The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, which can be found at the Clark Freeport Zone, has started to accept some international flights. In the future, this should be one of the busier airports in the Philippines.

When leaving the main island of Luzon, Philippines travelers can get to their next island of choice by way of ferry or plane. For those who want to maximize their time, using the smaller Philippines airports on islands like Mactan, Palawan, and Mindanao is best. Mactan Island, which is essentially part of Cebu Island, is home to one of the busiest international airports in the Philippines, and arriving there can be an excellent alternative to arriving in Manila. The Mactan-Cebu International Airport is actually the second busiest airport in the country, and it caters to those who wish to explore the exciting Visayas region. The main terminal at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport can handle both international and national flights, and future plans aim to expand the airport's already impressive capabilities.

Philippines Map

Once travelers arrive at one of the international airports in the Philippines, they can then catch a flight to the tantalizing islands of Palawan, Mindanao, and others. Since these islands lie on the fringes of the Philippines, flying to them can save a lot of time. Once on the island of Palawan, visitors can take a boat down the Puerto Princesa Underground River, head to one of the island's beaches, or arrange a trip to go scuba diving at the renowned Tubbataha Reef. Over on the island of Mindanao, visitors can explore Davao City before taking a boat to Samal Island for some fun in the sun. A trip into the nearby mountains is also great to add to your itinerary.

In addition to the main airport in Puerto Princesa, those who are arriving by plane can also sometimes choose to fly to the small El Nido Airport or the slightly larger Cesar Lim Rodriquez Airport. These two Philippines airports can come in handy for trips into the amazing Bacuit Archipelago. As for the island of Mindanao, it is home to an array of airports that can be used for interisland travel. One of the most popular is the Francisco Bangoy International Airport. While technically one of the international airports in the Philippines, the airport in Davao City only services a very limited amount of international flights. That should change as Philippines travel continues to increase in popularity. Daily flights to Mindanao Island from Manila and from the island of Panay are available. There are eight small airports on the island of Mindanao, which is a good thing thanks to the island's large size.