Though Philippines is a country composed of more than 7,000 islands, it is not difficult to travel from one place to another. There are a lot of modes of transportation in the Philippines, from motorcycles and jeepneys to airplanes and inter-island ships. With its archipelagic structure, the Philippines have found many ways to transport people and goods across the islands

Airplanes and ferries are the major means of transport to and from the main Islands of the country. There are 255 airports and 2 heliports (2004) including 2 international airports - the Ninoy Aquino Manila and Mactan International Airport, Cebu Island. Philippines Airlines is the premier airline in the Philippines connecting all key cities. There are about 6 more domestic airlines in the country. International airlines such as Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Gulf Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Northwest Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Silk Air and Singapore Airlines also service tourists. Water transportation aboard inter-island ships, ferries and boats are the most popular way of getting to and from the island in the Philippines. The country has excellent waterways and each major island has its own ports.

There is also rail transportation in the Philippines but only in Luzon. It is the best way to get around Manila because it is cheaper and faster.

Most roads in the country are paved, so traveling is easier. The primary means of transportation in cities are jeepneys and taxicabs. Jeepneys are colorful shared taxis using jeep-derived vehicles, they are not only used in the city but are also means of transporting goods from the towns to the cities. Since I live in a town about an hour drive to the city, I take the bus or van. Most of these vehicles are air-conditioned and makes traveling smooth and relaxing. In my town, our means of transportation are motorcycles and tricycles, which are cheaper.

*photo from flick by Max Akkerman