The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff sequence with Laguna de Bay and the Sierra Madre, and during the cruise over the Luzon Strait you get views of the Batanes Islands chain and the Philippine Sea. The left side wins at landing but the takeoff and en-route scenery on the right is the stronger overall package.
Flown MNL to TSA? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Manila to Taipei is 730 miles (1,175 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight tracks north-northeast from Manila across central Luzon, passing over the Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Central range, then crosses the Luzon Strait with the Babuyan Islands and Batanes Islands visible as scattered volcanic peaks in the Philippine Sea. The strait crossing offers open ocean views before the aircraft descends toward northern Taiwan's coastline near Tamsui and the Danshui River estuary.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from MNL
RIGHTNAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left, but the right side captures the dense urban sprawl of Metro Manila, Laguna de Bay (one of Southeast Asia's largest lakes), and the Sierra Madre mountain range rising to the east. These are far more visually distinctive than open water.
Landing at TSA
LEFTSongshan Airport's runway 10 approach brings aircraft in from the west over Taipei Basin, and the left side faces south toward the city center, Taipei 101, and the surrounding mountain ridges of Yangmingshan to the north and the Central Mountain Range foothills to the south. The right side faces mostly toward the Keelung River floodplain and industrial suburbs.
Will your flight be in sunlight?
Pick a date and time in the Sun Map to watch the sun move across your whole flight.
About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Sungshan (TSA)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Manila to Taipei. The right side delivers the more dramatic takeoff sequence with Laguna de Bay and the Sierra Madre, and during the cruise over the Luzon Strait you get views of the Batanes Islands chain and the Philippine Sea. The left side wins at landing but the takeoff and en-route scenery on the right is the stronger overall package.
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. NAIA's primary departure runway 06 sends aircraft northeast over Manila Bay on the left, but the right side captures the dense urban sprawl of Metro Manila, Laguna de Bay (one of Southeast Asia's largest lakes), and the Sierra Madre mountain range rising to the east. These are far more visually distinctive than open water. Notable sights include: Laguna de Bay, Sierra Madre mountain range, Metro Manila urban grid, Pasig River corridor.
What can I see when landing at Sungshan in Taipei?
When landing at Sungshan (TSA), sit on the Left side for the best views. Songshan Airport's runway 10 approach brings aircraft in from the west over Taipei Basin, and the left side faces south toward the city center, Taipei 101, and the surrounding mountain ridges of Yangmingshan to the north and the Central Mountain Range foothills to the south. The right side faces mostly toward the Keelung River floodplain and industrial suburbs. Notable sights include: Taipei 101 skyscraper, Taipei Basin urban core, Keelung River, Yangmingshan volcanic hills.
How long is the flight from Manila to Taipei?
The flight from Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) to Sungshan (TSA) takes about 1 hour 55 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 730 miles (1,175 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Manila to Taipei flight path pass over?
The flight tracks north-northeast from Manila across central Luzon, passing over the Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Central range, then crosses the Luzon Strait with the Babuyan Islands and Batanes Islands visible as scattered volcanic peaks in the Philippine Sea. The strait crossing offers open ocean views before the aircraft descends toward northern Taiwan's coastline near Tamsui and the Danshui River estuary.