MNL Arriving T2, Colleague T3

[albatross710]

When I next arrive at MNL I have a colleague arriving at the same time of the afternoon 5pm. I arrive Terminal 2 international arrival and they arrive from a domestic flight Terminal 3.

What's the best strategy as we both need to then get to Clark. I have a car that will take us from the airport to Clark. My question is around the best way to co-ordinate the rendezvous.

I'll probably take longer as I need to clear immigration, that's even assuming that both flights arrive within 30 minutes of their schedules.

I'm thinking have the driver meet me at T2, then drive by T3 find my colleague and then head north. They can wait at the T2 until I text them to come to the T2 arrivals pickup area where I could meet them. .

My concern with this one is how long this will all take. For the sake of about $25 of taxi fare it might be easier to just let them get their own transport and avoid the co-ordination hassles.

Any one got experiences with doing this?

Alby

 

[docjames]

/disclaimer/ No experience in Manila. //


Given the "extra" cost is ~$25, and you're arriving in different terminals, and the risk of delays etc, personally i'd say "see you in the lounge - in Clark AP".

Not worth the hassle.

 

[Hvr]

I'd be wary of even hiring a taxi at MNL AP. Have heard some stories from friends who live there that they are very dodgy. When I was there my friends hired a car from town to get to the airport and then it waited for me to arrive and take me to my hotel. They said it was safer than taking a taxi from the airport even with them there.

 

[Fantic125]

I've only been to Manila twice but IIRC traffic is horrendous around the airport at that time (at any time!).

I would be tempted to go seperately and meet up at Clark.

 

[jetlagger]

/disclaimer/ No experience in Manila. //


Given the "extra" cost is ~$25, and you're arriving in different terminals, and the risk of delays etc, personally i'd say "see you in the lounge - in Clark AP".

Not worth the hassle.

I'm certainly thinking along the same lines..
If they are travelling on Cebu Pacific, I believe the 'on time" performance last month was around 65%, so I guess there is the chance of your or your colleagues flight delay.
I usually take a private hire car MNL/Clark at around sub PHP3k. A comfortable option.
Cheers
jl

 

[Inver]

Best day of the week to travel in Manila by far is Sunday.

Have you considered meeting your friend at T3 and then flying to Clark?

There are several bus depots you can meet at for an inexpensive trip by coach but I wouldn't want to wait at them for several hours for your friend to arrive.

Some of the cheaper hotels offer a private shuttle bus service at much cheaper prices than a taxi.

White taxis and yellow taxis are fine I've never had a problem with them at the airport. You just have to make sure the white taxi's use the meter.
Private car hire at terminal 2 & 3 are where you can easily be ripped off.

With your friend arriving first I would get him to meet you at Resort World which is very close to T3. New modern facilities with some high end hotels and a casino. Lots of shopping and some great food options. Plenty to keep either of you entertained for a few hours.

 

[albatross710]

/disclaimer/ No experience in Manila. //


Given the "extra" cost is ~$25, and you're arriving in different terminals, and the risk of delays etc, personally i'd say "see you in the lounge - in Clark AP".

Not worth the hassle.

That's what I'm thinking now.

I'd be wary of even hiring a taxi at MNL AP.

Agree that there are amazing stories. Pre-arranged drivers are the way to go. 'Waiting' time is not chargeable extra or already factored it.

I've only been to Manila twice but IIRC traffic is horrendous around the airport at that time (at any time!).

Yes, that was my experience last month getting from T3 to T1.

I usually take a private hire car MNL/Clark at around sub PHP3k. A comfortable option.

Yes, I used these guys last time for P2,500 for a reasonable ride. Airport Transfer Service for Manila/Angeles City/Subic Bay

Best day of the week to travel in Manila by far is Sunday.

Have you considered meeting your friend at T3 and then flying to Clark?

There are several bus depots you can meet at for an inexpensive trip by coach but I wouldn't want to wait at them for several hours for your friend to arrive.

Some of the cheaper hotels offer a private shuttle bus service at much cheaper prices than a taxi.

White taxis and yellow taxis are fine I've never had a problem with them at the airport. You just have to make sure the white taxi's use the meter.
Private car hire at terminal 2 & 3 are where you can easily be ripped off.

With your friend arriving first I would get him to meet you at Resort World which is very close to T3. New modern facilities with some high end hotels and a casino. Lots of shopping and some great food options. Plenty to keep either of you entertained for a few hours.

I didn't think flights are an option MNL-CRK. The Resorts World idea is good. Probably we could meet in the Marriott foyer, buy a coffee at the lounge there and cover the parking for the driver. Driver picks me up and we go to Resorts World as default. If colleague has arrived then we swing by T3, if not I wait at RW. If my flight is late, driver still waits for me, colleague waits at RW until I swing by.

Thanks for the tips everyone.

Alby

 

[jetlagger]

I'd be wary of even hiring a taxi at MNL AP. Have heard some stories from friends who live there that they are very dodgy. When I was there my friends hired a car from town to get to the airport and then it waited for me to arrive and take me to my hotel. They said it was safer than taking a taxi from the airport even with them there.

Yep.. Certainly know about all their tricks. The mobile number of the strike force police comes in handy at times. :mrgreen:
Airport yellow cabs are clean & trustworthy though.

 

[c814875]

Correct, definately take the yellow cabs. And traffic is horrendous around the airport regardless of time. How they dont have more accidents over there is beyond me.

 

[albatross710]

Correct, definately take the yellow cabs. And traffic is horrendous around the airport regardless of time. How they dont have more accidents over there is beyond me.

When I was stuck in the traffic last time I was mentally planning out the internal ring round. A one lane, one way road that goes airside around all of the terminals. Buses continually plying the route. ahh...the fun of the emerging markets.

 

[jayday13]

When I was stuck in the traffic last time I was mentally planning out the internal ring round. A one lane, one way road that goes airside around all of the terminals. Buses continually plying the route. ahh...the fun of the emerging markets.

Great idea abbatross710! I have lost count of the hours wasted in Manila traffic especially around the airport. Unfortunately your idea sounds much too clear-cut and not complicated enough to work in the Philippines. Doing business there is always a challenge!