While the Manila departure favors the left side with Taal Volcano, the Singapore arrival's skyline and strait views on the right are more consistently striking, and the long open-water cruise over the South China Sea is scenically neutral for both sides, tipping the overall balance to the right.
Flight Path
Open South China Sea crossing, with the small Natuna Islands of Indonesia occasionally visible near the flight path before the descent into Singapore
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
LEFTDeparting NAIA on the southwest-bound track toward Singapore takes the aircraft almost directly over Taal Volcano and its crater lake in Batangas, with the Tagaytay ridge and Laguna de Bay also falling into view on the left. The right side only offers Manila Bay and the flat Bataan coastline, which is far less dramatic.
Landing at SIN
RIGHTOn the final approach into Changi from the north, the aircraft descends over the Johor Strait and passes just east of the city, putting Singapore's Marina Bay skyline, the Sentosa Island coastline, and ships queued in the Singapore Strait on the right side. The left side mainly shows open water and the low-lying Riau Islands of Indonesia in the far distance.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
Will your flight be in sunlight?
See exactly which side of the plane gets sun and shade at your departure time.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Singapore Changi (SIN)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Singapore. While the Manila departure favors the left side with Taal Volcano, the Singapore arrival's skyline and strait views on the right are more consistently striking, and the long open-water cruise over the South China Sea is scenically neutral for both sides, tipping the overall balance to the right.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. Departing NAIA on the southwest-bound track toward Singapore takes the aircraft almost directly over Taal Volcano and its crater lake in Batangas, with the Tagaytay ridge and Laguna de Bay also falling into view on the left. The right side only offers Manila Bay and the flat Bataan coastline, which is far less dramatic. Notable sights include: Taal Volcano and Taal Lake, Tagaytay Ridge, Laguna de Bay, southern Metro Manila suburbs.
What can I see when landing at Singapore Changi in Singapore?
When landing at Singapore Changi (SIN), sit on the Right side for the best views. On the final approach into Changi from the north, the aircraft descends over the Johor Strait and passes just east of the city, putting Singapore's Marina Bay skyline, the Sentosa Island coastline, and ships queued in the Singapore Strait on the right side. The left side mainly shows open water and the low-lying Riau Islands of Indonesia in the far distance. Notable sights include: Marina Bay Sands and Downtown Core skyline, Sentosa Island, Singapore Strait shipping lanes, Johor Strait coastline.
How long is the flight from Manila to Singapore?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Singapore Changi (SIN) takes 3h 35m.
What does the Manila to Singapore flight path pass over?
Open South China Sea crossing, with the small Natuna Islands of Indonesia occasionally visible near the flight path before the descent into Singapore