Have a layover in Manila and not quite sure what to do? Whether you’re in the city for a few hours or a full day, you can always find something to do to pass the time. Fortunately, NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) is filled with shops, cafes and stalls, and is not far from many destinations you can explore. Check out these things you can do and things to take note of when you have a layover in the Philippines’ capital!
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Visa requirements
If you’re only staying in the airport for a few hours, visa restrictions shouldn’t be a problem for you. But if you have a layover of more than twelve hours (or you just don’t want to stay in the airport for a long time), the Philippines allows travelers from select countries to tour the Philippines visa-free for 30 days – so long as they hold valid tickets for their next destination or their return journey to where they came from. You can find a handy guide for visa requirements, depending on your country of origin,
Visa Information
Website: Balinkbayan.Gov
Transportation
Transportation from NAIA used to be only available via taxi, but now transportation options have expanded. If you want to take a taxi, you can take the regular yellow airport taxis with a flag down rate of PHP 70 (1.39 USD), or the white metered taxi with a flag down rate of PHP 30 (0.60 USD). GrabCar, a ride-hailing app, set up a kiosk as well in the airport so you don’t need to download the app to get a private car through their service.
NAIA also has a new premium bus route equipped with CCTV, GPS and WiFi. This bus passes through Roxas Boulevard (Midas Hotel, Hotel Jen, Manila Hotel, Mall of Asia) and Makati City (Glorietta 4 and 5, and Ascott Hotel). Flat rate here is at PHP 300 (6.00 USD).
Lastly, you can also ride the Victory airport shuttle bus that takes passengers from NAIA, where it is boarded at the arrival area of NAIA terminal 3, to Victory Liner Bus terminal in Pasay City.
Taxi2Airport
Taxi2Airport is the easiest and most reliable way to get to and from the airport. Through secure online payments, you can book your airport transfers in advance, saving up to 35% on your journey.
Luggage storage
Located at NAIA Terminal 3, Luggage&More is a facility covered by a 24-hour operating CCTV system to watch over and hold on to your luggage. This is perfect for those who are traveling with heavy bags and a lot of luggage, and who just need a place to store their belongings while they explore Manila during their layover. They are open from 4:00am to 11:00pm, and storage rates start at PHP 150 (3.00 USD) per 3 hours for a small luggage item (backpack or briefcase). You can read more about their rates
Luggage
Website: ProtectABag
Layover of less than 12 hours
Manila Tour Guide
Alvin Paulino Bolo
Hello. I am Alvin Bolo, a tour guide with a license from the Philippines' Department of Tourism. I organise tours for various sets of places in the country, namely one for Manila, another one for Northern (and Central) Luzon (the largest of the islands) and another one for Palawan and the nearby Calamian Islands. You can also have other details (lodging, transportation, dining, etc.) associated... Read more
Tours by Alvin paulino
1. In the airport
If you prefer to stay in the airport premises, you can eat (many food stalls run abound), surf the internet using free airport WiFi, shop at Duty Free, or get a massage at SM Kenko Spa.
2. Resorts World
Maybe you have more time on your hands and want to go out for a bit. Resorts World is a mall and casino located near NAIA, and you can even take a shuttle from NAIA Terminal 3 to Resorts World for only PHP 20 (0.40 USD). Here, you can play at the casino, watch a movie, shop or eat as well.
Resorts World
Address: Newport Boulevard, Newport City. Pasay 1309, Metro Manila
Access: Take a shuttle from NAIA terminal 3 (PHP 20 or 0.40 USD)
Website: Resorts World
3. Intramuros
A trip to Intramuros shouldn’t take long, but if you really want to maximize the time, you can visit Intramuros for about 5-6 hours including transportation time. Located in Manila City, Intramuros is only accessible via taxi from the airport. Here, you can walk around the famed walled city, visit the San Agustin Cathedral and San Agustin Museum, and the historical attraction of Fort Santiago.
Intramuros
Address: Intramuros, Manila City
Price: Fort Santiago - PHP 75 (1.50 USD); Bahay Tsinoy - PHP 100 (2.00 USD); San Agustin Museum - PHP 200 (4.00 USD)
Access: Take a taxi to Intramuros, Manila
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Every time I visit Intramuros, it feels like a journey back in time. The ambiance within this "walled city" is unlike any other part of Manila. There's a certain tranquility that washes over me as I wander through the narrow streets, adorned with colorful bougainvillea and lined with well-preserved buildings. Without a doubt, Intramuros holds a special place in my heart as my absolute favorite spot in Manila.
4. Chinatown
Located in Binondo, Manila City, Chinatown is a haven for those with a huge appetite for Chinese cuisine. You can spend about 6-7 hours here, including transportation time, and explore the area for cheap but tasty Chinese food and shopping goods.
Chinatown
Address: Ongpin St., Binondo, Manila City
Access: Take a taxi to Binondo, Manila
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Chinatown lies in the heart of Binondo, and you can find all sorts of things here that will immerse you in authentic Chinese culture. You can relish delicious hand-pulled noodles in many eateries in the area, such as Lan Zhou La Mien — and you can experience it at a cheap price! You can also indulge in retail therapy or roam around Lucky Chinatown Mall. As for cheaper finds, Chinatown is also very close to Divisoria. Here, you can buy toys for your kids, trendy clothes, and even K-pop posters! I recommend heading to 168 Shopping Mall as it also provides a food court for when you want to take a break from shopping.
Layover for more than 12 hours
1. Mall of Asia
Get lost in one of the biggest malls in Asia! If you have a lot of time to kill but not enough for an overnight stay, you can head on to Mall of Asia in Pasay City via premium bus for a day full of activities. Here, you can shop, dine, watch a movie, go ice skating, enjoy resto-bars by the bay, and even go on rides!
Mall of Asia
Address: SM Mall of Asia,Seaside Blvd.,Pasay City, Philippines
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm.
Access: Take a premium bus from NAIA 3 or a taxi
Website: SM Mall of Asia
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If your layover is too long, you can always visit SM Mall of Asia. This expansive mall has everything you need to keep relaxed until your next flight. There are hundreds of dining options here, with one of my favorites being Shrimp Shack. As for dessert, head to Llaollao to get some delicious frozen yogurt treats. My favorite place here is perhaps Fully Booked as they always have great finds, especially the incredible Fleabag: The Scriptures. Near Fully Booked is a lovely kiosk that sells miniature houses that you can build — one of which is the famous apartment in Friends!
At SM by the BAY, you can also enjoy a variety of rides, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Traveler's tips
Craving for some cold treats? There are other must-visit dessert spots here in the Mall of Asia, some of which pack up remarkably long queues! A few of you may recognize the brand Llaollao and its reputation for drawing in huge crowds. If you haven't, it's a Spanish-born dessert brand that specializes in natural frozen yogurt. Its signature mix is best paired with a vast range of toppings, from fresh fruits to cereals and sweet spreads.
I had the privilege of trying out Llaollao's best-selling fro-yo tub during my solo visit to MOA. The medium-sized mix with cornflakes and biscuit spread drizzle was what I ordered, as recommended by my TikTok feed.
2. National Museum
Located in P. Burgos Drive, Manila City, the National Museum is home to the world-famous Spolarium by Juan Luna. But more than that, the National Museum is also home to many great feats accomplished by many great Filipino artists. You can also explore Philippine pre-colonial history here as the Museum features many artifacts from that period. From NAIA, you can take a taxi to National Museum, then enjoy the free entrance fee!
National Museum
Address: P. Burgos Drive, Rizal, Manila City
Price: Entrance fee is free
Opening Hours: Tuesdays - Sundays, 10am-5pm
Access: Take a taxi to National Museum, Manila City
Website: National Museum
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Art lovers, unite! The National Museum of the Philippines is the place to be for those who want to learn about the country's heritage and rich history. You can view all sorts of things here. A visit here won't be complete without checking out Juan Luna's most famous artwork — Spoliarium. It can be seen in the National Museum of Fine Arts building. You can go here and listen to a tour guide so that you can have a more in-depth knowledge of each of the artworks here.
One of my favorite pieces of work here is called Color Spectrum: Natural Dyes in the Philippines as it showcases the rich culture of the country when it comes to textiles.
3. Greenbelt or Glorietta malls
Explore the business district of Metro Manila! Here at Greenbelt, you can shop for high-end, luxury items from the likes of Givenchy and Luis Vuitton. You can also catch a movie, dine, and shop for other souvenir items you might want to take with you. Greenbelt and Glorietta malls have a lot of concept restaurants opening up, and are definitely worth a try! What’s more, they’re right beside each other so it’s not too hard to navigate. To get here, you only need to take the Makati premium bus from NAIA.
Greenbelt or Glorietta Malls
Address: East Drive Ayala Center, Makati, Philippines
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm.
Access: Ride the premium bus from NAIA Terminal 3 or take a taxi to Greenbelt
Website: Glorietta
4. Luneta Park
If you want to experience a bit of Filipino culture while being outdoors, you can go to Luneta Park. Because this monument is located in Manila, it’s only accessible via taxi from the airport. Here, you can take a walk, see the different monuments of Philippine heroes like Lapu-Lapu, Jose Rizal, and various works of art from local artists. Entrance is free here too!
Luneta Park
Address: Roxas Blvd Ermita, Barangay 666 Zone 72, Manila,
Price: Free
Access: Take a taxi from NAIA
Make the most out of your Manila layover
With the many destinations near NAIA and facilities inside the airport itself, you’re bound to have a mini-adventure even when you’re on a layover in Manila. While many dread the hours-long stopover in an airport during a trip, you can maximize your time here by visiting a few key cultural and historical sites, going to a mall for a fun-filled day, or even just relaxing for a bit with a massage.
History
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