Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Hong Kong to Manila. The left side wins overall because the Manila Bay approach on the left delivers one of the most visually rich urban arrival sequences in Southeast Asia. While the right side has a strong takeoff moment over Lantau, the left side also catches the South China Sea coastline during cruise and the full Manila panorama on descent.

During takeoff from Hong Kong International (HKG), sit on the Right side for the best views. HKG typically departs westward over the Pearl River estuary on runway 07L/07R or eastward on 25L/25R. On the dominant westward departure, the right side captures Lantau Island's mountainous spine including Lantau Peak (934m) and the dense urban sprawl of Tung Chung below. On eastward departures, the right side picks up the Kowloon Peninsula and Victoria Harbour with Hong Kong Island's skyline. Notable sights include: Lantau Peak and Sunset Peak ridgeline, Tung Chung new town, Pearl River estuary mudflats, Tsing Ma Bridge.

When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA approaches from the north or south over Manila Bay on runway 06/24 or 13/31. On the common northward approach over Manila Bay, the left side faces east and captures the Manila city skyline, the historic Intramuros district, and the broad sweep of Manila Bay itself. The right side faces west over open water with little of interest. Notable sights include: Manila Bay waterfront, Intramuros walled city district, Makati CBD skyline, Laguna de Bay in the far distance.

The flight from Hong Kong International (HKG) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.

The flight tracks southeast across the South China Sea, passing over or near the Luzon Strait between Taiwan and the Philippines. The South China Sea is largely open water at cruise altitude. As the flight approaches the Philippines, the northern Luzon coastline and the Sierra Madre mountain range along Luzon's eastern spine become visible. The Central Luzon plain opens up on descent, a broad flat agricultural lowland stretching south toward Manila.