Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get Taipei city and the mountain spine; on approach you get the spectacular Manila Bay panorama. The right side offers the South China Sea for most of the cruise, which is featureless open water.
Flown TPE to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Taipei to Manila is 730 miles (1,175 km), a flight of about 1 hour 55 minutes.
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest over the Luzon Strait between Taiwan and the Philippines, crossing open South China Sea. The Babuyan Islands (northern Philippines volcanic island chain) are visible from either side at roughly the midpoint — small dark volcanic islands scattered across blue water. Batan Island and the Batanes group may be visible early in descent. The flight largely avoids significant landmasses until the northern Luzon coastline appears on approach.
Great circle distance and headings ›
Phase by phase
Takeoff from TPE
LEFTTaoyuan Airport's runways 05/23 and 06/24 mean southbound departures typically head south or southeast. A left (east-facing) seat gives you views over Taipei city and the northern Taiwan mountain spine as you climb out. You'll see the Taipei Basin clearly with the urban grid and surrounding peaks.
Landing at MNL
LEFTNAIA's primary arrival runways (06/24 and 13/31) for southbound traffic from Taiwan typically bring aircraft in from the north or northeast. A left (west-facing) seat gives you Manila Bay on approach — a huge, visually dramatic body of water with the city skyline along its eastern shore. Right side gets suburban sprawl.
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 Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Taipei to Manila. Left side wins both ends of the flight. At takeoff you get Taipei city and the mountain spine; on approach you get the spectacular Manila Bay panorama. The right side offers the South China Sea for most of the cruise, which is featureless open water.
What can I see during takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International in Taipei?
During takeoff from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE), sit on the Left side for the best views. Taoyuan Airport's runways 05/23 and 06/24 mean southbound departures typically head south or southeast. A left (east-facing) seat gives you views over Taipei city and the northern Taiwan mountain spine as you climb out. You'll see the Taipei Basin clearly with the urban grid and surrounding peaks. Notable sights include: Taipei Basin urban grid, Yangmingshan volcanic massif to the north, Central Mountain Range spine running south, Taipei 101 tower visible in the city.
What can I see when landing at Ninoy Aquino International in Manila?
When landing at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), sit on the Left side for the best views. NAIA's primary arrival runways (06/24 and 13/31) for southbound traffic from Taiwan typically bring aircraft in from the north or northeast. A left (west-facing) seat gives you Manila Bay on approach — a huge, visually dramatic body of water with the city skyline along its eastern shore. Right side gets suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Laguna de Bay to the southeast, Manila city skyline and Makati CBD, Corregidor Island in the bay mouth.
How long is the flight from Taipei to Manila?
The flight from Chiang Kai Shek International (TPE) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) 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 Taipei to Manila flight path pass over?
The flight tracks roughly south-southwest over the Luzon Strait between Taiwan and the Philippines, crossing open South China Sea. The Babuyan Islands (northern Philippines volcanic island chain) are visible from either side at roughly the midpoint — small dark volcanic islands scattered across blue water. Batan Island and the Batanes group may be visible early in descent. The flight largely avoids significant landmasses until the northern Luzon coastline appears on approach.