While the right side wins at takeoff from Seletar, the left side provides the more dramatic and sustained views during the flight — the South China Sea crossing, the approach over Manila Bay, and the iconic Manila skyline on final. The left seat also catches glimpses of the Philippine coastline and Luzon's western shore during descent.
Flown XSP to MNL? Did we get it right?
Flight Path
Singapore to Manila is 1,480 miles (2,381 km), a flight of about 3 hours 15 minutes.
The route crosses the South China Sea, passing over or near the Palawan island chain of the Philippines. Palawan's long narrow spine of mountains is visible on clear days as a green ridge rising from the sea. The Sulu Sea may be visible to the left depending on exact routing. As the aircraft approaches Luzon, the Bondoc Peninsula and the coastline of southern Luzon come into view, followed by the volcanic terrain of the Sierra Madre range on the right and the broad Cagayan Valley further north.
Great circle distance and headings ›Phase by phase
Takeoff from XSP
RIGHTSeletar's main runway 03/21 means northbound departures head roughly north, putting the right side facing east toward the Straits of Johor and the Malay Peninsula coastline. You get a clear view of the Johor waterway and the eastern Singapore shoreline as you climb out.
Landing at MNL
LEFTNAIA's primary arrival runway 06/24 means aircraft typically approach from the southwest over Manila Bay, putting the left side facing south with a sweeping view of Manila Bay, the Manila city skyline, and Laguna de Bay in the distance. The right side faces inland toward Cavite and suburban sprawl.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Seletar (XSP) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL)?
Sit on the Left side of the plane for the best views on flights from Singapore to Manila. While the right side wins at takeoff from Seletar, the left side provides the more dramatic and sustained views during the flight — the South China Sea crossing, the approach over Manila Bay, and the iconic Manila skyline on final. The left seat also catches glimpses of the Philippine coastline and Luzon's western shore during descent.
What can I see during takeoff from Seletar in Singapore?
During takeoff from Seletar (XSP), sit on the Right side for the best views. Seletar's main runway 03/21 means northbound departures head roughly north, putting the right side facing east toward the Straits of Johor and the Malay Peninsula coastline. You get a clear view of the Johor waterway and the eastern Singapore shoreline as you climb out. Notable sights include: Straits of Johor, Pulau Ubin island, eastern Singapore reservoir system, Johor Bahru waterfront.
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 runway 06/24 means aircraft typically approach from the southwest over Manila Bay, putting the left side facing south with a sweeping view of Manila Bay, the Manila city skyline, and Laguna de Bay in the distance. The right side faces inland toward Cavite and suburban sprawl. Notable sights include: Manila Bay, Manila city skyline and Intramuros area, Laguna de Bay, Corregidor Island.
How long is the flight from Singapore to Manila?
The flight from Seletar (XSP) to Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) takes about 3 hours 15 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 1,480 miles (2,381 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Singapore to Manila flight path pass over?
The route crosses the South China Sea, passing over or near the Palawan island chain of the Philippines. Palawan's long narrow spine of mountains is visible on clear days as a green ridge rising from the sea. The Sulu Sea may be visible to the left depending on exact routing. As the aircraft approaches Luzon, the Bondoc Peninsula and the coastline of southern Luzon come into view, followed by the volcanic terrain of the Sierra Madre range on the right and the broad Cagayan Valley further north.