Manila

Manila is a city of contrasts. A place where new technology interweaves centuries-old tradition. Where the jagged high-rise skyline overlooks bustling streets that overflow with a friendly sense of community. Navigate a city of colour and culture, with the help of our travel guide.

Reasons to fly Qantas

Food and drinks

Enjoy a meal or snack every time you fly with us, as well as a range of refreshments including beer and wine.^∆

Inflight dining

Baggage included

Pack more into your trip with checked and carry-on baggage included in every fare.

Baggage

Inflight entertainment

Enjoy a range of entertainment on every flight, including TV and films.

Entertainment

Frequent Flyer program

Qantas Frequent Flyers can earn and use Qantas Points^# in Australia and around the world and can earn Status Credits⁺⁺ on eligible flights.

Join Frequent Flyer

Places to stay

Manila’s densely populated CBD has an abundance of accommodation to suit every taste and budget. There’s the historic Manila Hotel, the stay of choice for icons like the Beatles and John F. Kennedy. Or, if you’re in the mood to indulge, the luxe Makati Shangri-La is a chandelier trimmed, 699-roomed hotel that dreams are made of.

For those travelling with a backpack, there are budget hotels scattered throughout the city with basic rooms and free Wi-Fi.

Things to do

Manila is a city of colour, luxury, flavour and art. Join a tour of the Carlos Celdran through Intramuros and discover the heart of the city, or take a reflective stroll through the American Cemetery on McKinley Road, the largest cemetery for US personnel killed in WWII. Sample some of the best street food in Asia at the Roxas Boulevard, then dance the night away in Fort Bonifacio.

The 4 Best Hotels in Manila for Business Travellers

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A Local's Guide to Getting the Most Out of Manila

If you’re heading to the Philippine capital, take note of these hotspots from Timothy Ahyong of The Peninsula Manila.

4 Things to Do Between Meetings in Manila

Make the most of your time between meetings with some of these great experiences. Here's how to fit them into your busy schedule.

Where to go

2 ladies walking down the street in open air market

Shopping

Manila has no shortage of shopping options. For up-market shopping and luxury brands visit Glorietta, SM EDSA and Shangri-La Plaza. For a local mall complete with multiple skating rinks, head to The Mall of Asia. Or, if you’re more of a haggler and want an authentic market experience, get down to the Baclaran Street Market in Paranaque.

Discover more places to go in Manila

Food and drink

Hankering for a snack? If you’re here on a weekend, take yourself to the Legazpi Sunday Market where you can sample anything from cuttlefish lollipops to handmade ice cream. Or, for a world-class gourmet experience, you’re going to love The Goose Station – and if you’re ordering the set menu, be sure to arrive with an empty stomach.

What to eat and drink in Manila

Getting around

From the airport: Transport options between Manila International Airport and downtown include regular buses and the convenient Light Rail Transit System (LRT). Taxis are available outside the terminals, or if you’re patient enough to brave the traffic, you can hire a car.

In and around the city: Our best advice is to avoid taxis in peak times. Manila is a city of traffic, so it’s best to explore the city on foot. Alternatively, take a ride on the light rail, or if you’re patient and interested in a more authentic experience, catch a ride on one of the loudly painted Jeepneys.

Getting around Manila

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Important information

Disclaimer: ^ Qantas Frequent Flyer members will earn 3 Qantas Points per A$1 value unless otherwise specified, for hotel stays booked through qantas.com/hotels, except Classic Hotel Rewards and Airbnb bookings. Points Club members will earn 25% more Qantas Points, and Points Club Plus members will earn 50% more Qantas Points. Qantas Points will be credited to your account at least 8 weeks after check-out. Qantas Points may be earned by the member in whose name the booking is made. Members will not be able to earn points on additional charges paid to the accommodation provider for extras (including cots, breakfasts and other incidentals) on check-in or check-out (as applicable).

Disclaimer: ~ Qantas activities are provided by Viator. Conditions apply.

Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.

Disclaimer: ^∆ Meals, beverages, entertainment offerings vary between flight times.

Disclaimer: ^± Inflight entertainment varies by route and aircraft.

Disclaimer: #You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.