Step 3 – Traveling from Manila (NAIA) to Clark

If your flight arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, you have three primary ways to reach the Clark Freeport Zone.

Option 1 – Genesis P2P Bus (Most Recommended)

The Point-to-Point (P2P) bus is the most reliable and cost-effective option for delegates. These are premium, air-conditioned coaches with luggage compartments.

• Departure Point: NAIA Terminal 3, Arrival Curbside (Bay 14).

   

  • Note: If you arrive at Terminals 1 or 2, take the free airport shuttle or a short Grab ride to Terminal 3 to board.

• Schedule: Runs hourly from 12:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

   

• 📍 The Venue Stop: Ask the conductor to drop you off at the Royce Hotel & Casino. Most buses make a stop here or at the nearby SM Clark Hub before proceeding to the Clark Airport.

   

• Estimated Fare: PHP 450 – PHP 480 (Payable in cash).

   

• Travel Time: 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on Manila traffic.

Option 2 – Ride-Hailing (Grab or InDrive)

For those traveling in groups or with heavy luggage, ride-hailing provides door-to-door convenience directly to the hotel lobby.

• Grab: The most widely used app in the Philippines. It offers fixed “base fares” but is usually the most expensive option.

• InDrive: A popular alternative where you can “bid” or negotiate your fare with the driver.

  • Suggested Bid: PHP 3,000 – PHP 3,800.

• Important Note on Tolls: Fares in these apps do not include toll fees. You must provide cash to the driver or have them add it to your final bill.

  • Total Estimated Tolls: PHP 750 – PHP 850 (Includes NAIAX, Skyway Stage 3, and NLEX).

• Travel Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

Option 3 – Private Car / Hotel Transfer

If you prefer a pre-arranged pick-up, you can coordinate a private car service.

• Arrangement: Can be booked through the Royce Hotel front desk or a private transport agency.

• Cost: PHP 4,500 – PHP 5,500 (Usually inclusive of tolls and fuel).

• Pros: The driver will wait for you at the arrival gate with a name sign, regardless of flight delays.

💡 Quick Summary for Delegates

Travel Tips

1. Avoid Rush Hour: If possible, avoid leaving Manila between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM to dodge the heaviest traffic.

2. Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available in NAIA Terminal 3, but purchasing a local SIM card at the airport is recommended for using Grab or InDrive.

3. Currency: Ensure you have Philippine Pesos (PHP) ready, as buses and tolls do not accept credit cards.

Note: To ensure a smooth arrival/departure for international ICWES 20 participants,  the electronic registration is now a Mandatory e-Travel Registration replacement for the old paper arrival cards.

Visa and Entry Requirements

All international delegates are responsible for ensuring they meet the entry requirements of the Republic of the Philippines. We recommend beginning this process at least 6 to 8 weeks prior to the conference.

🛂 Essential Travel Documents

To be cleared by Immigration, every traveler must possess:

• Passport Validity: A passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay.

• Return/Onward Flight: Proof of a confirmed return ticket to the country of origin or an onward ticket to a subsequent destination.

• Proof of Registration: A digital or printed eTravel QR Code (see below).

📲 Mandatory eTravel Registration

The Philippine government requires all arriving and departing passengers to register via the official digital portal. This replaces the traditional paper arrival/departure cards.

• Official Website: https://etravel.gov.ph/

• When to Register: You must complete your registration within 72 hours (3 days) prior to your arrival in the Philippines.

• Cost: Registration is FREE. Be wary of unofficial websites that ask for payment.

• The QR Code: Upon successful registration, a green or red QR code will be generated. Please save a screenshot or print this code, as you will be required to present it to airline staff and immigration officers.

🛂 Visa Guidelines

The Philippines maintains different entry policies based on nationality:

• Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of many countries (including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe and ASEAN) may enter the Philippines without a visa for stays not exceeding 30 days, provided they hold a valid return ticket.

• Temporary Visitor Visa (9a): If your country is not included in the visa-exempt list, or if you plan to stay longer than 30 days, you must apply for a visa at the nearest Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your area.

• e-Visa: Depending on your location, you may be eligible to apply for an electronic visa.

Action Required: Please visit our [Visa Guidelines Page] for a complete list of visa-exempt countries and detailed application instructions for those requiring a Temporary Visitor Visa.

Essential Travel Information for International Delegates

💰 Currency & Financials

• Local Currency: The Philippine Peso (PHP). Banknotes come in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000 pesos.

• Payments: Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX) are accepted in hotels, shopping malls, and most restaurants in the Clark Freeport Zone.

• Cash Needs: It is advisable to carry small amounts of cash for local transport (jeepneys/trikes) or smaller vendors outside the main business hubs.

• ATMs: Numerous ATMs are available throughout Clark and at the airport. Be aware that foreign cards may incur a standard withdrawal fee (usually around 250 PHP).

• 💳 Digital Payments: The GCash 

  While credit cards work in major hubs, the most popular way to pay across the Philippines—from high-end boutiques to small local vendors—is via GCash.

  • What it is: A mobile wallet app that allows you to pay by scanning a QR code (look for the “Scan to Pay” signs at counters).

  • How to use it as a Foreigner: * Download the GCash app from the App Store or Google Play.

    • You can register using your international mobile number or your newly purchased local SIM card.

    • Cashing In: You can “Top up” your GCash wallet at most 7-Eleven stores, department stores, or by linking certain international accounts (like AliPay or via Remitly/Wise).

  • Why use it? It is often more widely accepted than international credit cards in smaller cafes, Grab Food/Car local transport, and weekend markets in the Pampanga area.

📱 Connectivity & SIM Cards

Staying connected is seamless upon arrival.

• Airport Kiosks: You will find booths for the two major providers, Globe and Smart, immediately after clearing customs at the arrival hall.

• eSIMs: If your phone supports it, you can purchase and activate a 5G local eSIM via their respective apps before you even land.

• WiFi: Most hotels and the conference venue will provide high-speed internet, but having a local data plan is recommended for navigation (Grab/Google Maps).

🗣 Language & Communication

• English Proficiency: The Philippines is one of the largest English-speaking nations in the world. It is the primary language for business, government, and education.

• Local Dialect: In Pampanga, the local language is Kapampangan, though everyone also speaks Tagalog (Filipino). A simple “Salamat” (Thank you) is always appreciated!

⚡ Power & Electricity

• Voltage: 220V, 60Hz.

• Plug Types: The Philippines primarily uses Type A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat pins with a grounding pin), identical to North American standards.

• Converters: If you are traveling from Europe, Australia, or the UK, you will need a universal plug adapter. Most modern electronics (laptops/phones) are dual-voltage, but check your device labels for “100-240V.”

🌤 Weather & Packing (August)

• Climate: August is part of the tropical “Green Season.” Expect a mix of sunshine and passing rain showers.

• Temperature: Highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 25°C (77°F). Humidity levels can be high.

• What to Pack: * Clothing: Breathable, light fabrics (linen/cotton).

  • Conference Attire: Bring a light blazer or shawl for indoor sessions, as air conditioning in Filipino venues is famously cold!

  • Outdoor Gear: A compact umbrella or light raincoat is essential for August travel.

🚗 Getting Around Clark

• Grab: Download the Grab App (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber). It is the safest and most reliable way to book cars with fixed pricing.

• Blue Taxis: Dedicated airport taxis are available 24/7.

• Jeepneys: For a cultural experience, the colorful jeepneys operate on set routes within the Freeport zone for a very small fee.

The Clark Loop is a modern, high-tech bus transportation system designed to provide safe and reliable connectivity within the Clark Freeport Zone. It is particularly useful for delegates staying in the Clark area, as it connects major landmarks, business hubs, and transport terminals.

🚌 Key Features of the Clark Loop

• Fully Cashless: It is the first fully cashless bus system in Central Luzon. You cannot pay with cash on board.

• Amenities: Buses are equipped with onboard Wi-Fi, GPS tracking, and air conditioning.

• Punctuality: The system is designed to run on a strict schedule to encourage a disciplined transport culture within the zone.

💳 How to Pay

Since the system is cashless, you must use one of the following:

1. Beep Card: A stored-value smart card used widely in Philippine railways (LRT/MRT). You simply “tap in” when entering and “tap out” when alighting.

2. Beep QR Ticket: You can purchase these in advance via the beep™ app. Note that these are usually valid for 24 hours from the time of purchase.

3. Fares: The base fare starts at ₱15. A full trip from SM City Clark to the Clark International Airport (covering 25 stops) costs approximately ₱49.50.

📍 Routes and Stops

The Clark Loop operates with a fleet of modern buses (capable of carrying 42 passengers each) and serves approximately 25 designated stops, including:

• SM City Clark: The main transport hub and shopping mall.

• Clark International Airport (CRK): Terminal 2 arrival area.

• Clark Global City: A major business district.

• Main Gate / Friendship Gate: Key entry and exit points of the Freeport.

• Parade Ground: The historic heart of Clark, near many hotels and parks.

💡 Delegate Tip

If you are attending ICWES 20, the Clark Loop is an excellent way to move between your hotel and the conference venue without needing a private car. Most hotels within the Freeport are located near a Clark Loop stop.

Registration Reminder: If you plan to use the Clark Loop, consider buying a Beep card at the airport or SM Clark transport hub as soon as you arrive!