DMIA, or Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (now known as Clark International Airport), is one of the international airports in the Philippines, located in Central Luzon. Since I live in the southern area and NAIA in Pasay is much more accessible, I never really thought I’d be flying from Clark.
That changed when I booked a super promo ticket from AirAsia last year. I didn’t hesitate—even knowing I had to travel all the way to Clark—because, honestly, you can never say no to that price. Even after adding gas, toll, and parking fees, it was still worth it.
Getting to DMIA: First Experience (By Car)
We drove to Clark and parked at the airport.
Parking fee: ₱30
Security fee: ₱90 per day
Another option is taking a bus. Philtranco has trips from Pasay and SM Megamall.
Fare: around ₱300–₱350 one way
Typhoon Scare Before the Flight
After months of waiting, I honestly thought our trip would be canceled because of Typhoon Falcon. I had sleepless nights checking weather updates and even followed Kuya Kim Atienza on Twitter just to stay updated. Since AirAsia didn’t send any cancellation notice, we still pushed through and went to DMIA despite the bad weather.
I kept praying the whole time, and thankfully, the rain stopped by the time we arrived at the airport.
Airport Experience
DMIA isn’t as big as NAIA, but the runway is long and wide, and it’s considered one of the largest aviation complexes in Asia. The airport staff were friendly, approachable, and very helpful.
Inside the terminal, you’ll find:
Money changers
Food shops
Duty-free stores
Fees at that time:
Travel Tax:
Adult – ₱1,620
Child – ₱810 + ₱200 processing fee
Terminal Fee: ₱600
Update: 2012 – Second DMIA Experience (By Commute)
Earlier this year, I booked another flight: Clark–Hong Kong and Macau–Clark. This time, we decided to commute.
Since our flight was at 7:00 AM, I searched for the cheapest nearby accommodation and found Tune Hotel, just 10–15 minutes away from DMIA. I immediately booked a room so we could rest before our early flight.
How We Got There
Five Star Bus (Pasay to Dau): ₱150 per person
Dau Terminal to Tune Hotel: ₱150
(We weren’t sure about the rate—₱100 should be enough, so don’t be afraid to haggle.)
Travel time: around 10–15 minutes
From Tune Hotel to DMIA. You have three options:
Europcar transport service – ₱350 one way (this is what we chose)
Taxi
Jeepneys
Tune Hotel → Friendship Terminal
Cross the street to Main Gate Terminal
Jeepney to DMIA
(Two jeepney rides total)
How to Get to DMIA (Summary)
1. Bring your own car
Parking fee: ₱30
Security fee: ₱90 per day
2. Philtranco Bus
SM Megamall: ₱400
Pasay: ₱450
Bus + Jeepney Route
Pasay to Dau (Five Star): ₱150
Jeepney to Clark Terminal: ₱8.50
Tricycle from Dau to SM Clark: ₱70 (special)
Jeep from Clark to DMIA: ₱250 (special)
Updated Fees and Other Information
Travel Tax:
Adult – ₱1,620
Child – ₱810 + ₱200 processing fee = ₱1,010
Terminal Fee: ₱450
Foreign Exchange & ATM Tips
A week before our trip, I asked my husband to reserve Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) at BPI. Reservations are possible but subject to availability. I also found out too late that Czarina Foreign Exchange has a branch in Alabang Town Center.
My backup plan was to exchange money at DMIA or withdraw at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Good thing the foreign exchange at DMIA is open early—I was able to buy HKD as early as 4:30 AM. The rate was ₱5.70 = 1 HKD, which is much better than HKIA’s ₱6.10 = 1 HKD.
ATM Withdrawal Abroad
Before leaving, I asked a friend about ATM withdrawals abroad:
BPI ATM cards need to be activated for international use
International withdrawal fee: around $2.50
I was worried because the money I brought wasn’t enough for our six-day trip, and this was my first time withdrawing abroad. Luckily, I used my BDO ATM cards at an HSBC ATM in Hong Kong:
Exchange rate: ₱5.34 = 1 HKD
International charge: ₱140+
No activation needed for BDO ATM cards
Honestly, withdrawing money abroad turned out to be cheaper than buying HKD in advance.
Final Thoughts
Although DMIA is smaller than NAIA, I still love this airport. Everything was fast and smooth—from money exchange, check-in, travel tax and terminal fee payment, immigration lines, and most importantly, no flight delays.
Flying from Clark may take more effort at first, but with good planning (and promo fares!). It’s absolutely worth it.
8 comments:
Mas okay namn 2 kysa sa sa lumang terminal sa pasay pero ang skt sa ulo ng terminal fee pa rin 600:(
@sunny - mura na yan, P750 sa Pasay airport. =)
un parking ba nila is parang park & fly? does it mean that if I leave my car for 4 days it will cost me 480? (parking=120 + security=360)
^ one time fee lang yung parking fee so P30 + (P90 x no. of days).
nung nag 3days 2nights (fri-sun) na alis kasi kami, P210 lang bayad namin.
Planning to get park and fly services in dmia nextweek. Any bad experience?
hi! we didn't have any bad experience. =D
Two years ago, I went to SG and KL and left my car for five nights in DMIA. Pagdating ko, okay pa naman si car. Hehehe. Maalikabok lang nga.
Yes, that is really the problem pag open parking noh. :)
Post a Comment