Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Sydney to Manila. The right side delivers the spectacular Sydney Harbour departure view, which is one of the most iconic urban aerial views in the world. Over the open Coral Sea and Philippines Sea the views are comparable on both sides, but the Sydney departure on the right is the clear highlight of the flight. At landing, the left side wins Manila Bay, but the Sydney departure view on the right is the more memorable experience overall.

During takeoff from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD), sit on the Right side for the best views. Sydney Airport typically departs northbound on runway 16R/34L or uses the east-west runways. On a northbound departure toward Manila, the right side gives you Sydney Harbour, the Opera House, and the Harbour Bridge as the aircraft banks left over Botany Bay and climbs north. The CBD skyline sits clearly to the right during the initial climb. Notable sights include: Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, CBD skyline, Botany Bay.

When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA approaches from the south over Manila Bay on runway 06/24 or from the north. On the common approach over Manila Bay from the south or west, the left side gives you the full panorama of Manila Bay, the Pasig River delta, and the Manila city waterfront including Roxas Boulevard and Intramuros. The right side faces inland toward Laguna de Bay and the suburbs. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Roxas Boulevard waterfront, Laguna de Bay, Pasig River.

The flight from Kingsford Smith International Airport (SYD) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes Approximately 8 to 9 hours.

After departing Sydney, the route crosses the Coral Sea northeast of Queensland, passing east of the Great Barrier Reef (partially visible as shallow turquoise water patterns at altitude in clear conditions). The flight then crosses the Coral Sea and enters the Philippine Sea, passing over or near the island of Luzon's eastern coastline. The Sierra Madre range of eastern Luzon may be visible on descent. The Torres Strait between Australia and Papua New Guinea is crossed in the early portion of the flight, and the island of Mindanao in the southern Philippines may be visible to the west on the approach to Manila.