Compare Cheap Flights from Perth to Manila
Looking to explore somewhere that’s naturally beautiful, rich in culture, and full of history? Booking cheap flights from Perth to Manila could be perfect for you. The country’s capital of Manila offers a much different experience to other cities in Southeast Asia. Throughout history, the Philippines have been strongly influenced by Spanish culture, and you can still see examples of that today in the architecture and culture of Manila. Manila is an exciting contrast to the rest of the Philippines as well. While much of the country is known for its laid-back atmosphere, beaches, and scenery, Manila is a fast-paced cosmopolitan city. Booking return flights from Perth to Manila is the perfect way to start your adventure around the Philippines.
Book your cheap flights from Perth to Manila with Webjet, and use our guide to start planning the holiday of a lifetime in the Philippines.
The best time to visit Manila
Due to its tropical location, the Philippines experiences both a wet and a dry season. For the best weather, book return flights for travel from Perth to Manila during the dry season, between November and April. Festivals are held regularly throughout the dry season, making it a great time to learn more about the culture of the Philippines. However, this is also high season, and hotel and flight prices increase during this time. Plan your PER to MNL travel for the beginning or end of the dry season to experience great weather, but with smaller crowds and lower prices.
The wet season in the Philippines lasts from May until October and is a convenient time to find cheap flights from Perth to Manila. The early part of the wet season doesn’t see too much rain, and you will experience less rain the further south from Manila you travel. Typhoon season starts at the end of August and goes through September and October. Although prices are low during typhoon season, it’s not the best time to book cheap flights from Perth to Manila. Rain is heavy, typhoons and hurricanes are common, and many attractions will be closed during this season.
Departing From Perth
Perth Airport (PER) is conveniently located 12 kilometres (12.5 miles) east of the CBD. Perth Airport is separated into four different terminals. The T1/T2 precinct is where you will catch most international airlines and Virgin Australia flights, while Qantas flights to Manila Airport depart from the T3/T4 precinct.
Each week, there are about 450 return flights from Perth to Manila (MNL). A variety of airlines offer PER to MNL flights, including Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Virgin Australia and Cathay Pacific. There are currently no direct airfares from Perth to Manila Airport, but with one stopover, you can arrive to the Philippines in about 10 hours flight time.
Getting to Perth Airport
The most affordable way to get to Perth Airport is on the city bus. If your flight departs from the T1/T2 precinct, catch the 380 bus. The bus starts at the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station and also makes stops at Victoria Park Transfer Station, Burswood Train Station and Belmont Forum Shopping Centre. The 380 bus has plenty of space for luggage, runs every 30 minutes, and gets you to the airport in about a half hour. To get to the T3/T4 precinct, catch bus route 40 from the Elizabeth Quay Bus Station. This bus departs every 20 to 30 minutes and gets you to Perth Airport in slightly more than 30 minutes. Tickets for each bus route are $4.80 AUD from the CBD to the airport.
If you would like to take a taxi or an Uber to the airport, you will arrive in less than 20 minutes’ drive from the CBD. The taxi fare from central Perth to the airport costs between $30 to $45 AUD. If you are heading to the airport from Fremantle, a taxi will get you to the airport with a 30-minute journey and a fare of between $50 to $70 AUD.
Parking at Perth Airport
Perth Airport offers both Long Term and Short Term parking for all four airport terminals. Pre-booking your car park can save up to 30% off of the rate.
Where to Park at Perth Airport
• The Long Term car park is the most affordable option. A 24-hour shuttle bus operates every ten minutes to take you to the terminals. Parking starts at $27 per day and $95 per week.
• The Short Term car park is the most convenient option, taking only a few minutes to walk from your car into the airport. Rates start from $49 per day and $129 per week when you book in advance online.
Arriving in Manila
Manila is the largest city in the Philippines, and the Manila airport is the gateway to the country for international travellers. Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the city’s international airport and receives all flights departing from Perth. It’s located 7 kilometres (4.3 miles) south of the city centre, meaning international travellers can journey into central Manila in no time.
How to Get from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) to Your Manila Hotel or Accommodation
There are two bus routes you can catch from Manila Airport into the city. Bus route 2 makes several stops in the city centre and departs every 20 minutes. You can catch this bus outside of Terminal 3, and tickets cost 100 PHP ($2.60 AUD). For a direct ride to your hotel, the UBE Express Bus has 4 routes stopping at many of Manila’s popular hotels. The four routes you can catch are the Entertainment City Route, Robinsons Route, Makati Route and the Grand Prix Route. The UBE departs every 30 minutes from International Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and tickets cost 300 PHP ($7.80 AUD).
The most affordable mode of transportation in Manila is the Light Rail Transit System (LRT). Construction is currently in process to expand the LRT to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), but in the meantime, you can catch a train from Baclaran Station. While this station isn’t walkable from the airport, you can get there in a few minutes by taxi or the UBE Grand Prix Route. Fares on the LRT vary by station, but tickets into the city centre won’t cost more than 30 PHP (about 80 cents AUD).
Since Manila Airport is so close to the city centre, a taxi is a practical and affordable way to get to your hotel. There are two different types of taxis in Manila. The blue and white ones offer fixed rates from the airport into the city. Go to a taxi dispatcher outside any of the terminals, pay a fixed rate to your destination, and give your receipt to your taxi driver. The yellow taxis that operate from Manila Airport use meters. This can end up costing more due to Manila’s unpredictable traffic. On average, a taxi from Manila Airport to the city centre costs around 200 PHP ($5.20 AUD).
Things to do in Manila
National Museum of the Philippines
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and culture of the Philippines, be sure to check out this free museum. There are a variety of collections dedicated to several subjects, including Philippine art, archaeology, and natural history. A visit to the museum is the perfect way to start your holiday in the Philippines.
Intramuros
For a great insight into the history of Manila, pay a visit to Intramuros right in the city centre. It’s a walled city and the oldest district in Manila. It was first built during the Spanish colonial era, and it’s one of the only places where you can still see examples of Spanish architecture in the city. There are many interesting things to check out within Intramuros,, including Fort Santiago, a set of dungeons, Manila Cathedral and a pretty view of Manila’s skyline.
Manila Bay
Manila is a waterfront city, and Manila Bay is the capital’s harbour that doubles as a bustling port and a popular spot for visitors. During the day, Manila Bay is a great place for a walk. Then at night, the area comes alive with open-air cafes and restaurants lining the street. Make sure you catch at least one sunset from Manila Bay during your time in the Philippines.
Take a Day Trip to Tagaytay
About 65 kilometres (40 miles) south of Manila is a small city called Tagaytay. It boasts beautiful scenery and excellent views of Taal Lake. What makes this lake so special is the volcanic island that’s in the centre of it. The Taal Volcano is the second most active volcano in the Philippines with its last eruption occurring in 1977. Tagaytay is a great place to experience Filipino culture outside of the big city.
Island Hop Around the Philippines
After spending some time in Manila, head out of the city to explore another side of the Philippines. The country is made up of more than 7,000 islands, all flaunting scenic beaches and fascinating cultures. Manila is located on Luzon, the largest island of the Philippines, and other beautiful islands to visit are Boracay and Palawan. Both are made up of incredible white-sand beaches, reefs perfect for diving and snorkeling, and caves and caverns to discover. The islands of the Philippines are exactly how you would imagine paradise to be.