The right side wins both takeoff and landing — Manila Bay and Bataan's mountains on departure, then Taiwan's central mountain range and coastal plain on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless ocean with weaker bookends.
Flight Path
Bashi Channel and Luzon Strait, open water between the Philippines and Taiwan, occasionally with Batanes Islands visible on clear days if the flight path passes near them
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
RIGHTDeparting MNL northbound, the right side gives views over Manila Bay and the Bataan Peninsula's volcanic ridgeline as the aircraft climbs out. The left side mostly shows Manila's dense urban sprawl flattening into Laguna de Bay's plains.
Landing at TPE
RIGHTOn approach to TPE from the south, the right side offers views of Taiwan's rugged central mountain range and the western coastal plain as the plane descends toward Taoyuan. The left side mostly faces the Taiwan Strait with little coastal detail.
Landmarks on this routeAll landmarks →
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Taipei. The right side wins both takeoff and landing — Manila Bay and Bataan's mountains on departure, then Taiwan's central mountain range and coastal plain on arrival. The left side spends most of the flight over featureless ocean with weaker bookends.
What can I see during takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
During takeoff from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Right side for the best views. Departing MNL northbound, the right side gives views over Manila Bay and the Bataan Peninsula's volcanic ridgeline as the aircraft climbs out. The left side mostly shows Manila's dense urban sprawl flattening into Laguna de Bay's plains. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Bataan Peninsula mountains, Corregidor Island, Manila skyline (left side reference).
What can I see when landing at Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
When landing at Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Right side for the best views. On approach to TPE from the south, the right side offers views of Taiwan's rugged central mountain range and the western coastal plain as the plane descends toward Taoyuan. The left side mostly faces the Taiwan Strait with little coastal detail. Notable sights include: Central Mountain Range foothills, Taiwan's western coastal plain, Taoyuan's patchwork farmland, Guanyin Mountain near the airport.
How long is the flight from Manila to Taipei?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) takes 2h 15m.
What does the Manila to Taipei flight path pass over?
Bashi Channel and Luzon Strait, open water between the Philippines and Taiwan, occasionally with Batanes Islands visible on clear days if the flight path passes near them