Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Cebu. The right side wins overall because the Manila Bay departure view is the most dramatic single moment of this short flight. Mid-flight both sides see open Sibuyan Sea and Visayan Sea water, but the right side also picks up glimpses of the Bondoc Peninsula and Samar coastline during cruise. The landing advantage on the left is real but narrower.

During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. NAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends you northeast, then the aircraft turns south toward Cebu. The right side picks up Manila Bay's broad expanse, the Cavite peninsula, and the receding Metro Manila skyline as you bank. Left side gets the industrial port area and less interesting eastern suburbs. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Cavite peninsula, Laguna de Bay (visible to the east on climb-out), Metro Manila CBD skyline.

When landing at Cotabato (CEB), sit on the Left side for the best views. Mactan-Cebu International typically uses runway 04/22. On approach from the north, the left side faces west over the Cebu Strait and gives you the Cebu City waterfront, the narrow island of Cebu itself, and the surrounding Visayan Sea. Right side looks east toward Bohol Strait and is less visually interesting on final. Notable sights include: Cebu City waterfront and port, Mactan Island, Cebu Strait, Bohol island on the distant horizon.

The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Cotabato (CEB) takes Approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.

The flight tracks southeast over the Sibuyan Sea, passing between the Bondoc Peninsula of Quezon province to the east and the northern tip of Panay island to the west. The Visayan Sea opens up in the latter half of the flight. The islands of Masbate and Ticao are visible below during mid-cruise, and the Samar coast appears on the right horizon as you descend toward Cebu.