Cheap Flights to Manila, Philippines

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the heart of Metro Manila, a huge urban region of cities that wraps around Manila Bay on the island of Luzon. It is a place of contrasts, where Spanish-era churches stand a short ride from glass towers, and where the best meals are often found at a busy street stall. Travellers from Malaysia fly there for business, to visit family and friends, and as the starting point for trips to Palawan, Cebu, Boracay and the northern mountains. Searching for cheap flights to Manila on Traveloka lets you compare routes from Kuala Lumpur and other cities in one place.

About Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), usually called NAIA, is the main gateway to the Philippines. It handles a large share of the country's international arrivals as well as a dense web of domestic flights, so many travellers pass through here even when Manila is not their final stop.

Location

NAIA sits in the south of Metro Manila, on land shared by Pasay and Parañaque. It lies close to the Bay Area and the Manila Bay waterfront, and within reach of Makati, although the city's traffic means the drive can feel long at busy times.

Terminals

The airport has several passenger terminals, and they are not connected inside the secure area. Before you fly, check your e-ticket or the airline's notice for your terminal, as assignments can change. Shuttle buses run between the terminals for passengers who need to transfer, so allow plenty of time for a self-connection.

Getting to and from the airport

Metered airport taxis and coupon taxis wait at each terminal, and ride-hailing apps are widely used across Metro Manila. Point-to-point airport buses connect NAIA with major districts, and some travellers use them to reach Makati or the Bay Area. Whatever you choose, plan around rush hour, when road journeys across the capital slow down considerably.

Direct and connecting flights to Manila

Non-stop flights connect Kuala Lumpur with Manila, and this is the most popular choice for travellers from Malaysia. From other Malaysian cities such as Penang, Kota Kinabalu or Johor Bahru, search your own airport first: some dates may show a direct option, while others connect through Kuala Lumpur or another regional hub. On Traveloka, turn on the Direct filter to see only non-stop flights, then sort by departure time or fare.

If your trip is mainly to central Luzon or the north, Clark International Airport in Pampanga is another gateway worth comparing, as it avoids the drive through the capital. For Manila itself and onward domestic connections, NAIA is usually the most convenient airport.

When to fly to Manila

Manila's dry season generally runs from about December to May. The early months are the most comfortable, while March to May turns hot and sticky. The wet season, roughly June to October, brings heavy downpours and the risk of typhoons, which can disrupt flights and ferries, so keep your plans a little flexible then.

Filipino holiday seasons are among the busiest in Asia, with the long Christmas season and Holy Week both filling flights. Demand from Malaysia also rises around the school holidays, Hari Raya and Chinese New Year. Use the fare-by-month chart on this page and set a Price Alert to catch dips in fares outside those peaks.

Popular places in Manila

Intramuros

The old walled city built during Spanish rule is Manila's historic core. Walk or cycle along the stone ramparts, visit Fort Santiago by the river and wander cobbled lanes lined with restored colonial houses.

San Agustin Church

Inside Intramuros, this baroque church is one of the oldest stone churches in the country and part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Its painted ceiling and quiet cloisters are a calm contrast to the city outside.

Rizal Park

Also known as Luneta, this large park honours the national hero José Rizal. Families gather here on weekends, and it links easily with the museums and the bayfront nearby.

Binondo

Often described as one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, Binondo is a maze of busy streets, temples and family-run eateries. Come hungry and graze on dumplings, noodles and sweet treats.

Manila Bay sunset

The sunsets over Manila Bay are famous across the country. Head to the bayfront promenade in the late afternoon to watch the sky turn orange behind the ships at anchor.

Where to stay in Manila

Makati is the city's main business district, with walkable streets, malls, restaurants and nightlife, which makes it a favourite for first-time visitors and business travellers. Bonifacio Global City in Taguig offers a newer, tidy grid of parks, shops and dining.

If you want to be near the historic sights, look at Ermita and Malate, close to Intramuros and Rizal Park. The Bay Area in Pasay is handy for early flights from NAIA and for the large malls and entertainment complexes along the bay, while Ortigas suits travellers with meetings in the east of the metro.

Food to try in Manila

Adobo

Often called the unofficial national dish, adobo is meat or chicken braised in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and bay leaf. Every family has its own version, from dry and garlicky to rich and saucy.

Sinigang

This sour tamarind soup packed with vegetables and prawns, fish or meat is comfort food across the Philippines. Its bright, tangy flavour pairs perfectly with a plate of rice.

Kare-kare

A thick peanut stew with oxtail and vegetables, kare-kare is served with a side of salty shrimp paste that brings the dish together.

Halo-halo

The name means mix-mix, and that is exactly what you do with this layered dessert of shaved ice, milk, sweet beans, jellies, fruit and ube ice cream.

Ready for Manila? Compare cheap flights to Manila on Traveloka, choose between direct and connecting options, pay with a familiar local payment method and keep your e-ticket in the app. With Easy Reschedule and 24/7 customer service, changing your plans is straightforward too.