ULTIMATE GUIDE to Manila's Airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Gateway to the Philippines)

Nate Hovee
12 Feb 202421:14

Summary

TLDRThis video offers an in-depth guide to navigating Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), addressing its outdated infrastructure and congestion. It covers the history of Manila's airports, details of NAIA's terminals, and tips for transferring between them. The video also provides advice on local transportation, currency exchange, and where to find affordable services and accommodations near the airport, aiming to make travelers' experiences more enjoyable.

Takeaways

  • 😕 Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is outdated, congested, and confusing, with long lines and aging infrastructure.
  • 🌐 NAIA has a history of several airports, with Terminal 1 being the first constructed in 1948, and Terminal 3 being the newest and largest.
  • 📈 The airport is located just 7 kilometers south of Manila and is surrounded by a bustling metro area with limited space for expansion.
  • 🚌 There are no direct trains or walkways connecting the terminals; free shuttle buses operate hourly for transfer between terminals.
  • 🛍 Terminal 3 is the largest and busiest, offering a wide range of shops, restaurants, and services.
  • 🏨 Terminal 1 has an airside lodging facility with affordable rates for passengers with long layovers.
  • 📶 All terminals offer two hours of free WIFI per day, and there are various internet providers with additional options.
  • 💵 It's recommended for foreign visitors to get some local currency upon arrival, as many small businesses do not accept credit or debit cards.
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walking between terminals is not recommended due to congestion and construction, except for a safe walk between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
  • 🚍 There are various transportation options available from the airport, including buses, taxis, and ride-sharing services like GRAB.
  • 🏢 Terminal 3 connects to Newport City via a covered overpass, offering entertainment, shopping, lodging, and dining options.

Q & A

  • What are some of the issues faced by passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport?

    -Some of the issues faced by passengers include long lines, aging infrastructure, and sudden power outages, as well as congestion due to the airport exceeding its designed capacity.

  • How many terminals does NAIA have?

    -NAIA has four terminals.

  • What is the significance of Terminal 3 at NAIA?

    -Terminal 3 is the newest, largest, and busiest terminal at NAIA. It serves all the airlines listed in the script and offers an expansive selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, and more.

  • What services are available for passengers with long layovers at NAIA?

    -Passengers with long layovers can use the 'Day Rooms' at the airside lodging facility on the 4th floor of Terminal 1, or the Wings Transit Lounge on Level 4 of Terminal 3 which offers capsules and private rooms for short stays.

  • How can passengers transfer between terminals at NAIA?

    -Passengers can transfer between terminals using free shuttle buses that connect all terminals, or by using the pay-to-ride UBE Express premium bus service. Walking between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is also an option, but walking between other terminals is not recommended.

  • What is the Philippines Bureau of Immigration One-Stop-Shop and where is it located?

    -The Philippines Bureau of Immigration One-Stop-Shop is an office located on Level 3 near the check-in area on the south side of Terminal 3, offering common immigration services including visa extensions.

  • What is Runway Manila and how does it benefit passengers at NAIA?

    -Runway Manila is a covered overpass that connects Terminal 3 to Newport City, providing passengers with quick access to entertainment, shopping, lodging, and dining options without having to navigate through busy roads.

  • What is the advice for foreign visitors regarding currency exchange at NAIA?

    -Foreign visitors are advised to get some cash upon arrival as many local businesses do not accept credit or debit card payments. They should avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion and complete transactions in local currency, Philippine pesos.

  • What are some of the amenities available at NAIA's Terminal 3?

    -Terminal 3 offers a variety of amenities including duty-free shops, restaurants, a 7/11 convenience store, and the Wings Transit Lounge for rest and relaxation.

  • How far is the new international airport being constructed in Bulacan from NAIA?

    -The script does not specify the exact distance, but it mentions that the new international airport is being constructed to the north in Bulacan.

  • What is the recommendation for transportation from NAIA to other parts of Manila?

    -The script recommends using the affordable buses that connect the airport to various destinations, taxis, or ride-sharing options like GRAB, but advises to be prepared for traffic delays.

Outlines

00:00

✈️ Overview of Manila's NAIA Airport

This paragraph introduces Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), highlighting its issues such as congestion, outdated infrastructure, and frequent power outages. Despite these challenges, NAIA serves as a major hub for travelers entering the Philippines. The narrator, Nate, offers to guide viewers through NAIA, providing tips and information to make the airport experience smoother. The paragraph briefly touches on the history of Manila’s primary airports over the past century, leading to the current four terminals at NAIA, each with its own timeline of construction. The government is also working on initiatives to expand airport capacity by privatizing NAIA and constructing new airports in Bulacan and Cavite.

05:01

🛫 NAIA Terminals Overview

This paragraph provides a detailed overview of NAIA’s four terminals, highlighting their unique features and services. Terminal 1 has shopping and dining options and a dedicated Day Rooms facility for long layovers. Terminal 2 has an easy-to-understand layout with shops and restaurants, including a cafeteria serving Filipino dishes. Terminal 4 is the smallest, with a compact layout that can get crowded. Terminal 3 is the largest and busiest, offering a wide selection of shops, restaurants, lounges, and more. It also mentions the free WiFi, available charging stations, ATMs, currency exchange offices, and advice for foreign visitors to withdraw cash upon arrival to avoid high transaction fees.

10:05

🚍 Transferring Between NAIA Terminals

This paragraph discusses the options for transferring between NAIA terminals. The airport offers free shuttle buses that operate 24/7, connecting all four terminals, but the service can be crowded and subject to delays due to traffic. Passengers can also use the UBE Express premium bus service, though its reliability varies. Other options include taxis and ride-sharing services like GRAB, but these can be expensive and affected by traffic. Walking between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is possible, but not recommended between other terminals due to safety concerns. The paragraph also touches on general transportation options at NAIA, such as buses that connect Terminal 3 to various parts of Manila and beyond.

15:08

🛍️ Amenities at NAIA Terminal 3 and Nearby Areas

This paragraph focuses on Terminal 3, NAIA’s largest terminal, and highlights its amenities, such as restaurants, shops, a 7/11 convenience store, and the Philippines Bureau of Immigration One-Stop-Shop for visa extensions. The Wings Transit Lounge offers affordable lodging options for short stays, providing facilities like showers, massages, and a business center. Runway Manila, an overpass connecting Terminal 3 to Newport City, is also described as a convenient way to access entertainment, shopping, lodging, and dining options. Newport City and nearby areas offer affordable accommodations, services, and dining, making them ideal for travelers with long layovers or short stays.

20:09

🌏 Conclusion and Final Tips

The final paragraph concludes by acknowledging NAIA’s challenges but emphasizes ways to navigate the airport effectively. The narrator praises the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos, both at the airport and throughout the country. The video ends with an invitation to viewers to share their tips and experiences in the comments, along with wishes for happy future travels.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

NAIA is the primary gateway to the Philippines, located in Manila. The term refers to the airport's significance as a transportation hub and its challenges, such as congestion and outdated facilities. The video script discusses NAIA's history, terminals, and services, emphasizing the need for travelers to navigate it effectively.

💡Capacity

Capacity, in the context of the video, refers to the maximum number of passengers an airport can handle. NAIA has exceeded its designed capacity, leading to congestion and the need for expansion or rehabilitation. This keyword is central to understanding the airport's operational challenges.

💡Terminals

Terminals are the different sections of the airport designated for specific airlines or services. The script provides an overview of NAIA's four terminals, detailing their unique features, facilities, and the airlines they serve. Understanding the terminals is crucial for navigating NAIA.

💡Congestion

Congestion at NAIA refers to the overcrowding of passengers and limited space, leading to long lines and a challenging travel experience. The video discusses the physical constraints of the airport and how they contribute to congestion.

💡Infrastructure

Infrastructure in this context refers to the physical structures and facilities of the airport, such as buildings, runways, and utilities. The script mentions aging infrastructure as one of the issues at NAIA, affecting the overall travel experience.

💡Transfers

Transfers at an airport involve moving between terminals, especially for passengers with connecting flights. The video script explains the options for transferring between NAIA's terminals, including shuttle buses and walking, which is crucial for passengers planning their layovers.

💡AMEX (Affordable Mass Evacuation Express)

AMEX, or the Affordable Mass Evacuation Express, is a free shuttle bus service provided by NAIA for transferring between terminals. The script discusses the limitations and usage guidelines of this service, which is essential for understanding the airport's transportation options.

💡Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC)

DCC is a service offered at ATMs that allows transactions in a foreign currency rather than the local currency. The video advises against using DCC due to high mark-ups, recommending transactions in local currency for foreign visitors. This term is important for understanding currency exchange practices at NAIA.

💡Wings Transit Lounge

The Wings Transit Lounge at NAIA's Terminal 3 offers rest and relaxation facilities for travelers. The script highlights this as a positive feature of the airport, providing a comfortable space for passengers during layovers.

💡Newport City

Newport City is a privately-owned township connected to NAIA's Terminal 3 via a covered overpass. The script describes it as a hub for hotels, shopping, and entertainment, offering an escape from the airport's congestion and a range of services for travelers.

💡Salem Complex

Salem Complex, located near Terminal 4, is mentioned in the script as a budget-friendly option for accommodation and services. It exemplifies the video's theme of maximizing the positive aspects of NAIA's location for travelers on a budget.

Highlights

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport is outdated, congested, and confusing.

NAIA exceeded its designed capacity years ago.

NAIA is located in one of Asia’s most populated cities.

The airport has a history of several primary airports over the last 100 years.

Terminal 1 is the furthest south and has a relatively easy navigation.

Terminal 2 has a beautiful, easy-to-understand layout.

Terminal 4 is the smallest and easiest to navigate.

Terminal 3 is the largest, newest, and busiest terminal.

All terminals offer two hours of free WIFI per day.

Electrical outlets and charging stations are sporadically placed.

NAIA does not have trains or underground walkways linking terminals; free shuttle buses are available.

Arriving passengers with connecting flights are the only ones permitted to use the free transfer buses.

Walking between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 is possible and safe.

UBE Express premium bus service offers a pay-to-ride transfer option.

Taxis and ride-sharing options are available but can be subject to traffic and scams.

Terminal 3 serves as a hub for buses connecting the airport to various destinations.

Terminal 3 features a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes.

The Philippines Bureau of Immigration One-Stop-Shop offers visa extensions at Terminal 3.

Wings Transit Lounge on Level 4 offers affordable rest and relaxation options.

Runway Manila connects Terminal 3 to Newport City, offering entertainment and lodging options.

Manlunas Street offers affordable shopping, dining, and services near the airport.

Salem Complex near Terminal 4 provides budget accommodation options.

Despite its drawbacks, NAIA has positive qualities and is located in a warm and welcoming country.

Transcripts

play00:01

Ok, it’s no secret that Manila’s Ninoy  Aquino International Airport,  

play00:05

the longtime primary gateway to the Philippines, is a bit of an outdated,  

play00:09

congested, and confusing aviation  hub, to put it mildly. Long lines, 

play00:14

aging infrastructure, and sudden power outages  have been some of the most widely publicized 

play00:20

issues, among others. NAIA, as the airport is referred to locally,  

play00:24

exceeded its designed capacity years ago in one of Asia’s most populated cities. Nowadays,  

play00:31

getting through and around NAIA's numerous terminals and facilities can be very overwhelming,  

play00:37

unless you know how to  navigate the airport like a pro 

play00:39

and take full advantage of  its location and offerings. 

play00:44

Today, I will be your guide and show you how  to make your experience at Manila’s 

play00:49

massive airport as enjoyable,  worthwhile, and seamless as possible.  

play00:54

It’s taken me years to figure out this sprawling aviation complex,  

play00:58

but I’ve learned a lot that has  helped me both better prepare for the 

play01:01

challenges and appreciate the useful and positive aspects of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. My 

play01:09

name is Nate, and stay tuned  for plenty of tips and key  

play01:12

information that will make your future travels to or through this Philippine gateway that much  

play01:17

easier. Alright, let’s get started!

play02:01

First, let’s very briefly look  at the history and get a general  

play02:04

overview of Manila’s airport, just so we have some better context. Manila has actually had  

play02:09

several primary airports in the last 100 years: Grace Park Airfield (the capital’s first  

play02:15

commercial airport that opened  in 1935), Nielson Airport (which 

play02:19

operated from 1937 to 1948 in present-day Makati),  and Nichols Field (originally a United States 

play02:27

military airfield that was  converted to accommodate  

play02:30

commercial flights and referred to as Manila International Airport from 1948 to 1987,  

play02:37

after which it became Ninoy  Aquino International Airport in 

play02:40

honor of a prominent Filipino politician who  was assassinated at the airport in 1983). 

play02:47

Manila’s airport has grown dramatically ever since  the end of World War II, and so too, the city 

play02:53

has rapidly grown around it. The  various styles and architectural  

play02:57

features of passenger facilities on several sides of the airfield reflect  

play03:02

this expansion over time. Present-day  Terminal 4, the smallest out 

play03:06

of NAIA’s four terminals, was  the first to be constructed  

play03:10

in 1948. Terminal 1, also known as Ninoy Aquino Terminal, opened in 1981 with twice the  

play03:18

capacity of Terminal 4. The distinctive V-shaped Terminal 2, or the Centennial Terminal,  

play03:24

was completed in 1998 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Philippine Declaration  

play03:29

of Independence from Spain.  Finally, the newest and largest 

play03:33

addition, Terminal 3, faced years of delays  before becoming fully operational in 2014. 

play03:41

Today, NAIA’s four terminals and two runways  sit nestled in the bustling metro area just 7 

play03:46

kilometers south of Manila proper. There’s clearly  limited space for any new terminals or expansion 

play03:52

projects, which largely explains the  increasing levels of congestion in and  

play03:57

directly around the airport; nonetheless, the government  

play04:01

is looking to privatize NAIA so that  the airport can be rehabilitated and 

play04:05

expanded within the existing airport property.  Furthermore, a new international airport is being 

play04:11

constructed to the north in Bulacan, and there  are plans for another international airport to be 

play04:16

constructed in Cavite. These  initiatives would certainly provide  

play04:20

much needed relief for NAIA, as well as additional capacity for air travel to  

play04:24

and from the capital; however,  both projects are years 

play04:28

away from completion.

play04:47

Now, let’s take a look at NAIA’s terminals  and the options available for transferring between 

play04:51

them. Terminal 1 is the furthest  south and currently serves the  

play04:56

following airlines. It’s relatively easy to navigate, and there are a handful of shopping  

play05:01

and dining options scattered around the building. There’s also a dedicated airside lodging facility  

play05:07

on the 4th floor with affordable rates for “Day Rooms,” which can be booked by ticketed passengers  

play05:13

with long layovers. Arriving passengers walk down ramps to this meet-and-greet pick-up  

play05:18

zone adjacent to the parking  lot in front of the terminal. 

play05:22

Not far to the northeast is Terminal  2, and here is a list of the airlines  

play05:26

it currently serves. Note that terminal assignments are subject  

play05:30

to change, and up-to-date airline  information and locations can be 

play05:34

found on the official website for NAIA, which I’ll  include in the description below. Terminal 2 has a 

play05:41

beautiful, easy-to-understand  layout with restaurants,  

play05:44

shops, and exchange offices located both outside and within the building. There’s  

play05:50

even a large cafeteria serving  classic Filipino dishes on the 

play05:53

ground floor, and it’s open to the public. Terminal 4 sits near the northernmost  

play05:59

section of the airport, and it  serves these airlines. Due to its 

play06:03

small size, it’s one of the  easiest and quickest to navigate,  

play06:07

though it can get busy at times with long lines zigzagging around the petite check-in  

play06:12

area. Nearby, there are a few  vendors selling food, drinks, 

play06:17

and gifts. The drop-off and pick-up zone  is conveniently located directly outside  

play06:22

the single-story building. 

play06:24

Terminal 3 is the airport’s  largest, newest, and busiest,  

play06:28

and it serves all the airlines listed here. It has an expansive selection of shops, restaurants,  

play06:34

cafes, lounges, and more, so I’ll come back and discuss Terminal 3 in much more detail shortly. 

play06:40

It’s important to mention that all terminals at  NAIA offer two hours of free WIFI per day, and 

play06:47

there are other internet providers  with free and pay-to-use internet  

play06:51

options. Electrical outlets and charging stations are available, but from  

play06:56

my observations, they are sporadically placed and sometimes challenging to find. Additionally, all terminals  

play07:03

have prayer rooms, medical facilities, ATMs, and currency exchange  

play07:07

offices. If you’re a foreigner  visiting the Philippines, I do 

play07:11

recommend getting some cash once you arrive.  Many transportation services and businesses here, 

play07:17

especially small businesses, do not  accept credit or debit card payments. 

play07:22

As a side note, don’t accept the offer to  complete ATM transactions in your home currency; 

play07:28

this service is called Dynamic  Currency Conversion, and with its  

play07:32

wildly high mark-ups, it’s a massive waste of money. Complete credit  

play07:36

and debit card transactions and  withdrawals in the local currency, 

play07:40

Philippine pesos. Your credit  card payment processor,  

play07:44

like Visa or Mastercard, will do the currency conversion for you automatically at a much better  

play07:49

rate. Also, be prepared to pay the standard 250- peso ATM withdrawal fee per transaction  

play07:57

at almost all ATMs here in the  Philippines. On top of this, I 

play08:02

strongly encourage all foreign visitors to consult  your bank’s list of fees for any and all foreign 

play08:07

transactions. If you’re not aware,  these fees can add up really fast! 

play08:22

Now, let’s address  

play08:23

terminal transfers, as this can  be very tricky and time consuming without prior guidance. 

play08:29

Ninoy Aquino International Airport does not have  trains, trams, or underground walkways linking all 

play08:34

the terminals; instead, the  airport offers free shuttle  

play08:38

buses that connect Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 4, and this service is offered 24 hours a day on  

play08:46

an hourly basis. Only arriving passengers with connecting flights are permitted to use NAIA's  

play08:52

free transfer buses. Fair warning: these buses can become cramped with bags piled high, and a good  

play08:59

chunk of the route is on public roads; this means that traffic can cause significant delays,  

play09:05

especially if you’re transferring  between Terminals 1 and 3. 

play09:10

The official pick-up locations  for the free transfer bus are  

play09:13

listed here for each terminal. When in doubt, look for posted signs or ask  

play09:19

airport employees in the Arrivals  Hall for assistance. If you’re 

play09:23

feeling adventurous, you can walk between  Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 as they are only about a 

play09:29

kilometer apart. A wide sidewalk does connect the  two terminals, and it’s a relatively safe route 

play09:35

traversed by many airport employees. I would not  recommend walking between any other terminals.

play09:43

On this route between Terminals 3 and 4, it's congested, noisy,

play09:48

dusty, and honestly, somewhat trecherous. Access to sidewalks is sporadic,

play09:54

and multiple construction zones make getting around... like this right here

play09:59

... make getting around as a pedestrian very challenging.

play10:04

I can only imagine having to take several pieces of luggage with me, and this is bad enough...

play10:10

frustrating and unsafe.

play10:12

So again, do not attempt to walk between Terminals 2, 3, and 4.

play10:19

Another transfer option is the pay-to-ride  UBE Express premium bus service. These buses 

play10:25

travel between Terminal 3  and NAIA’s other terminals,  

play10:29

and vice versa, roughly every hour between 5:00AM and 8:00PM. According to UBE, bus pickup  

play10:36

points at each terminal are located here, and the current cost to ride is 50 PHP. In my experience,  

play10:43

UBE’s terminal transfer service has been inconsistent and unreliable,  

play10:48

especially at Terminals 1, 2, and 4.  If you’ve got a connecting flight, I’d 

play10:54

highly recommend taking the official  free shuttle bus. Aside from buses,  

play10:59

taxis and ride-sharing options like GRAB are also available,  

play11:04

though traffic delays and much higher  prices should be expected. Also, 

play11:09

be cautious when taking taxis in Manila as scams  and fare-hiking practices are not too uncommon. 

play11:16

Whatever option you choose to get to  another terminal, plan ahead and expect  

play11:20

transfers to take one to two hours. 

play11:22

TRANSPORTATION While we’re on the  

play11:23

topic of transportation, I should mention  that Terminal 3 serves as a hub for affordable and convenient 

play11:29

buses that connect  the airport to destinations  

play11:32

throughout the National Capital Region and beyond. I won’t list all the companies and routes here,  

play11:37

but I’ll include links to detailed information down in the description below. Notably, 

play11:43

UBE Express provides service to and from major  shopping malls and transportation centers 

play11:49

throughout the city. Other companies, such as HM  Transport, offer regular service to the nearby 

play11:55

EDSA LRT train station and MRT metro station.  For passengers heading north to Angeles City and 

play12:03

Clark in the province of  Pampanga, Genesis Transport  

play12:06

offers numerous point-to-point bus trips every day from Terminal 3. Again, whenever you’re on  

play12:12

the roads here in Metro Manila, be ready to face major traffic jams.

play12:17

As frustrating as it may be, it’s a  normal part of daily life in this 

play12:21

megacity! Alright, let’s now step back inside  NAIA’s largest terminal for a closer look. 

play12:43

Terminal 3 can often be a busy,  

play12:45

bustling place that can appear  overcrowded and daunting when you first 

play12:49

enter the building on Level 1 or Level 3. However, it does have some great qualities 

play12:55

and features that I want to point out. Many spaces  are open to the public, which means that even if 

play13:01

you don’t have a ticket, you can still enter the  terminal and visit many of the banks, currency 

play13:05

exchange offices, shops, cafes, and restaurants  below, above, and around the main check-in area 

play13:13

and security screening zone on  Level 3. There are loads of local  

play13:18

and international restaurants (mostly on Levels 1 and 4) offering fair prices  

play13:23

that are not much higher than  what you would find outside of 

play13:25

the airport. Take a look at some of the  dining venues and their menus!

play13:49

Level 4 features its own mall of sorts with plenty  

play13:51

of duty-free shops and retailers selling  everything from name brand clothing and travel 

play13:55

accessories to chocolates, gadgets, and  collections of Filipino gifts and  

play14:00

souvenirs. There is also a 7/11 convenience  

play14:04

store with snacks, drinks, and more.

play14:27

Now here’s a very important area that I need to highlight  

play14:30

for foreign visitors. Located on Level 3 near the check-in area on the south side of the building,  

play14:36

the Philippines Bureau of  Immigration One-Stop-Shop 

play14:39

is open 24 hours a day and offers a number  of common immigration services including visa 

play14:45

extensions. That’s right, for many  foreign tourists wishing to stay in  

play14:49

the Philippines for a longer period of time, you can conveniently visit  

play14:53

this official office immediately after  arriving in the country, fill out a 

play14:58

simple form, pay several thousand pesos, and  walk away in a matter of minutes with a one-month 

play15:04

visa extension. Be sure to check  all specific information on the  

play15:08

Bureau of Immigration’s website, which I’ll include in the description below. 

play15:12

If you’re looking for a spot to properly rest and  relax, the Wings Transit Lounge on Level 4 offers 

play15:18

affordable capsules and private rooms  for short stays. It’s a modern, clean,  

play15:23

and comfortable space with all the essentials,  

play15:26

and it’s perfect for getting some shuteye  before or in-between flights. For me, 

play15:32

the beds, amenities, and lounge facilities are all  very good and reasonably priced. Visitors can grab 

play15:39

snacks and drinks, freshen up with a shower,  unwind with a massage, work on computers in the 

play15:45

Business Cener, and securely store their luggage.  Apart from the Wings Lounge, luggage storage is 

play15:51

available for all passengers on  Level 1, and the rates are not bad. 

play16:05

Ok, without dismissing NAIA’s numerous  

play16:08

shortcomings in terms of overall convenience and accessibility, this one feature is a gamechanger  

play16:14

that dramatically raises the  bar for this terminal and 

play16:17

the airport as a whole. Located on Level 4, Runway  Manila is a covered overpass, free of charge, that 

play16:24

connects Terminal 3 to Newport City, a 25-hectare  privately-owned township featuring upscale hotels, 

play16:32

restaurants, residential  complexes, convenience stores,  

play16:35

shopping malls, a casino, movie theater, and a performing arts venue. In minutes, travelers  

play16:42

can pass over busy roads and a huge expressway, soak up great views of the airport and surrounding  

play16:47

area, and access tons of entertainment, shopping, lodging, and dining options within  

play16:53

Newport’s integrated resort. Hotels, guesthouses, AirBnbs, and private  

play16:59

apartments are available on a wide spectrum of price points, and there are certainly  

play17:04

affordable options not far from  the entrance to Newport’s Runway Manila.

play17:08

If you’ve got a long layover  in Manila, or if you just want to stay  

play17:12

an extra day before or after a flight, this is an ideal,  

play17:16

modern, organized, and stress-free area  to find fairly priced accommodation, 

play17:22

drop off laundry for cleaning, chill in  a spacious coffee shop, get a massage,  

play17:27

catch one or several of the latest movies,  

play17:29

browse a wide selection of shops, and  sample local and international cuisines. 

play17:35

Newport has become a go-to city within  the city for me, and I’ll repeat that it’s  

play17:40

directly across from Terminal 3. 

play17:44

Ok, here's a quick insider tip: If you're looking for more affordable options

play17:48

for shopping, dining, and other services, you can come here to Manlunas Street

play17:54

at the northwestern edge of Newport City, still minutes away from Terminal 3,

play17:59

and find a room for 1,500 PHP, grab a bite to eat for 200 to 300 PHP, get a massage for 500 PHP,

play18:08

get a haircut for 150 PHP, and even do your laundry for 135 PHP.

play18:16

Finally, I’ll mention Salem  Complex next to Terminal 4 as  

play18:20

another terrific option for affordable accommodation options, restaurants,  

play18:24

and coffee and tea shops. This budget  hotel is where I normally stay for 

play18:28

about 1,000 PHP per night. It’s basic, clean, and  highly rated. The cheapest offerings include a 

play18:36

private room and shared bathrooms and showers. The  best part is that Terminal 4 is about a 5-minute 

play18:42

walk away, and I can easily catch a GRAB to any of the other terminals. 

play18:48

As a bonus tip, Urban Connect Hotel in front of  Terminal 1 provides decent rates for rooms, and 

play18:54

within the hotel complex, you’ll find restaurants,  car rental offices, and a spa. The entrance to 

play19:01

Terminal 1 is an easy five-minute walk away. 

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In conclusion, Ninoy Aquino International Airport  has no shortage of drawbacks that are widely 

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reported online and in the media,  but as I’ve discussed today,  

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there are ways to navigate this airport like a pro and maximize the positive  

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qualities, offerings, and location  of this historic gateway to the 

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Philippines. I'd also like to add here that, time and again, I find that Filipinos,  

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by a large majority, are incredibly kind, hospitable, and welcoming, and here at the airport  

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and across the entire country, that speaks volumes about the warm heart of this nation.

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I hope you enjoyed this video and  found it to be very helpful. Please be sure to  

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share your comments, questions, or any additional tips and recommendations that you have

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from passing through NAIA down in the comments section below! I'd love to hear from you.

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Wherever your future global adventures lead, I wish you and  

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your loved ones many happy trails ahead. Thank you so much for watching, and I’ll see you again soon!

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