How is MNL?
 

Hi,
I'm trying to book a points flight to the Philippines for Xmas/NY 2025. It seems easier to get to MNL than to CEB. I want to go to CEB because we're planning on scuba diving, and it's more convenient from there. However, if we need to transit in MNL, I'd just like to know how easy or difficult that is. I've seen some comments that MNL is a bad airport. But I am open to other opinions. If we had to do a layover in MNL, not the end of the world. I can try sisig.

thanks in advance and Happy New Year to everyone.

Enjoy your trip. I lived in Cebu before, and I’m a PADI instructor, so please feel free to message me. You’re right, it’s usually cheaper to land in Manila first. And yes, Manila isn’t a good airport.

Transferring between terminals isn’t easy and can involve needing to take a taxi or a Grab. Terminal 3 is the newest and nicest, but is often over crowded. Cebu Pacific uses Terminal 3, which makes transfers easier from an international flight. I have taken a free shuttle from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 (Philippine Airlines and Air Asia). The shuttle is a little hard to find. I’m not sure if the shuttle is still running. Terminal 1, which houses many foreign airlines, isn’t easy to transfer to. I usually take a Grab.

If you want to spend the night in Manila, Makati isn’t that far if the traffic isn’t bad, depending on when you arrive. You could also walk from Terminal 3 to several hotels in Resorts World using the sky bridge. I’ve done it often. By the way, where in Cebu do you plan to dive?

Cebu is great, and you can get there without passing through Manila. I.e. transit in HKG, ICN, NRT, HND, SIN, etc. If you can pull any of those off for <= $200 of a MNL connection, that's money well spent IMO.

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If money isn’t important, then yes a nonstop into Cebu is the way to go. As you’re using points, it might not make a difference on price. That said, MNL to CEB can often be had for $30 to $40 R/T. If you haven’t been to Manila, it might be worth the stopover.

That said, you will lose some dives. If convenience is the most important thing to you, you could fly into Manila and take a bus/ferry to Puerto Galera. Where in Cebu do you plan to dive?

For what?

Fully agree. If your international flight arrives in T3, Cebu Pacific is a no brainer. I would however advise to stopover for the night of arrival in one of the airBnBs across the Runway walking bridge. Would cost you around 50USD and will save you the risk of missed same day connection in case of a delay. The Resorts World hotels are rather overpriced though...

Correct. Fort Santiago is nice to visit, but not really worth the heavy traffic from the airport :D

Have you been to Manila before?

Yes, in fact I had a really nice place there when my company (at the time) was bullish on SE Asia. While I won't deny that there are some upsides, it's not the type of city I would include in any sort of holiday. Other parts of the Philippines (including Cebu) by contrast, have my seal of approval.

I have been to MNL probably 6 times. It is a big airport in a big city. I would say avoid it if possible but it is very doable allow some extra time and you should be fine. Everyone there speaks English so that is not an issue. The Skybride to Resorts World to the hotels there is a good option to look it if spending the night. They are a good deal on points.

Thanks everyone. I'm still trying to figure out the combo of cash flight + point flight to get me there. I'm 6'6" and pushing 50. Flying Y for 16hrs+ isn't in my vocabulary anymore. And given it's over the holidays...proving quite difficult.

Hi,

Not sure yet. Was focused on getting the flight, then figuring out spot after that. I guess Puerto Galera is a possibility and based on the map, looks like MNL is the more convenient jumping off point. From CEB, not sure. Maybe Dumaguete. Or do a liveboard from there.

I also want some good sisig and lechon + some San Miguel...but I figure I can get that anywhere!

Ooops didn't quick reply instead of quote. My response above.