Flights from Melbourne to Manila

The best time to visit Manila

Manila has a wet season, between May through October; and a dry season, between November through April. Humidity is high during the wet season and daily temperatures can reach up to 34°C (93°F). Manila’s monsoon season falls between August and October so if you’re travelling from MEL to MNL during these months, keep a sharp eye on the weather before departing. Late May and November are shoulder months between the seasons and typically see drier, cooler days averaging 31°C (88°F). With better weather and fewer crowds, look for cheap airfares from Melbourne to Manila for travel during these times. Dry season from November through April experience moderate temperatures averaging 30°-34°C (86°-93°F).

Departing From Melbourne

Philippine Airlines offers direct 8-hour flights from Melbourne Airport (MEL) to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Qantas and Jetstar also have cheap airfares to Manila, with flights from MEL to MNL including a stopover in Sydney and a travel time of less than 12 hours.

Getting to Melbourne Airport

With good traffic conditions, the trip from Melbourne’s CBD to the airport in Tullamarine should take 30 minutes. Taxis and rideshare services will give you a comfortable ride with one-way fares ranging from $65 to $115 AUD. The easiest and most affordable transfer option is via the SkyBus out of Southern Cross Station. The short 20-minute ride will drop you off at the airport for a flat fee of $19 AUD.

Parking at Melbourne Airport

Planning on leaving your car at Melbourne Airport while in Manila? Choose from the airport’s range of parking options.

Where to Park at Melbourne Airport

There are three car parks at MEL that can be utilised by international travellers making for the Philippines the return direct flights to Manila.

• Valet Parking: The closest parking to the terminals is Valet Parking. It is quick and easy with attendants on site 24 hours a day. If you’re strapped for time or you want to easiest airport experience, simply pull up to the Valet Service on level 2 on the Terminal 1 end. A weeklong stay in the Valet Parking can cost $198 (AUD).
• At Terminal Car Park: Great covered parking for international travellers. Expect a short 5-minute walk to the International Terminal. Pre-booking your slot will save you time and you may find extra savings coupons when you book up to six months in advance. A pre-booked week’s stay at the At Terminal Car Park can cost $141 AUD.
• LongTerm Car Park: To save the most money while storing your car for your trip to Manila, pre-book a slot in the LongTerm Car Park. A weeklong stay can cost $77 AUD for uncovered spaces and includes 24 hour monitoring and free shuttle service to the terminals.

Arriving in Manila

International flights touching down in Manila arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Please note that the Filipino government requires all incoming passengers to pass a health screening prior upon arrival.

How to Get from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Your Manila Hotel or Accommodation

Many travellers arriving from MEL to MNL take advantage of Manila’s Ultimate Bus Experience (UBE) for airport transfer. The UBE provides transfer from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport to popular points and hotels throughout downtown Manila. Buses run every 30 minutes and can take up to an hour to reach a destination depending on the number of stops. The cost for the UBE is 300 PHP ($7.89 AUD). If you prefer a taxi, you’ll have the option of a couponed rate or metered taxi. Couponed rate taxis are white with blue squares and will have a fixed price based on your destination. You can make arrangements at the dispatch station at the taxi rank outside the arrivals area. Metered taxis are yellow and will charge by the mileage rate.

Things to do in Manila

Manila is home to many shopping malls and street markets. There’s no fresher meal than one you can make at the Salcedo Market where you can pick your own raw seafood and take it to a dampa restaurant to be cooked while you wait. Make a day of shopping at the largest shopping mall in Asia, the SM Mall of Asia. Here, you can find hundreds of brands and local vendors that make picking up great souvenirs and keepsakes a breeze. For a bit of history, head to Fort Santiago and learn about the role this structure played in World War II. Learn of its past inside the renovated museum that also highlights the life of Jose Rizal. Fill your phone with photos of the Baroque stylings and trompe-l’oeil painted ceilings at San Agustin Church.

Intramuros

The capitol of the Philippines has different sides and moods to it, like a good book. If you want to take a peek at the Spanish chapter of Manila’s story then you can visit the walled-off core of the city – Intramuros. It is the oldest part of the city where you can experience the Spanish-era influence on the city’s architecture with many popular tourist attractions.

SM Megamall

In the modern metropolitan area of Manila, there are plenty of shopping options for travellers. One of which is the 4th largest mall in the world, namely SM Megamall. Mega is right, because this complex house around 800 stores, many of which are aimed at fashion shoppers looking for a good bargain on well-known international brands and local brands as well. The complex also offers a cinema, bowling alley, a huge hall for hosting international events and much, much more.

San Agustin Church

Dating back to the 16th century, San Agustin Church is the oldest church constructed from stone in the Philippines. The church is an official UNESCO site and is visited often by tourists. The church has beautiful decorations and various intricate mouldings inside, all wrapped up in the recognizable Baroque style. It also houses a crucifix from the 15th century. Definitely worth a trip from Melbourne (MEL) to Manila(MNL).