I have an 8 hour layover in Manila on Thursday and I'm wondering if there are any worthwhile activities to take part in that are close enough to the airport.

Traffic there is ridiculous it will take hours to get anywhere and that all depends on what time you are there. Still anytime of day it's so busy.

Good to know. So anything within like walking distance? Lol

i think there is a few different terminals there. We were rushing to make planes, stuck in crazy traffic but I do think there is shopping around it. We were not into shopping to much. Going out to watch the chaos, the people and I'm sure you could catch cock fighting on the street.

Mary haha sounds like a good time. How did u find out which terminal you needed to be at?

should be on your ticket but double check your gate they move around.

So i guess you didn't know till you got the the airport?

just check when you land it should be on your ticket.

Envelope shopping?

Lol what?

Manila envelopes...... Hits the high-hat and walk off the stage.

Ugh......

Jesse Reclaimer Recalma

I stand by it

Hahahaha

Check that your connecting flight is from the same terminal that you arrive at. My international flight came into one terminal, and my departing domestic flight was at another terminal.
They are NOT in the same location. Had to take a taxi across town to the different terminal. Traffic is a nightmare, and what should take 30 minutes, can easily take over an hour.
Plus, there are always flight delays, as the small terminals can only handle four aircraft at a time. It's crazy and so inadequate!
Infrastructure in the Philippines is almost non-existent!

We r flying two international flights so hopefully it's the same terminal. Very good to know though!

Taryn. There are four terminals in different parts of the city. Check google maps!

But how did you find out which terminal your connecting flight was leaving from? Did you know before you got there?

Taryn check your flight confirmation. Should be there, or can you see your boarding pass online.

Ok thanks. Fingers crossed its in the same place lol

Taryn ... specific airlines use specific terminals. Here are links to the different terminals. Each page lists the airlines that use that terminal.
http://www.manila-airport.net/naia-terminal-1.php
http://www.manila-airport.net/naia-terminal-2.php
http://www.manila-airport.net/naia-terminal-3.php
http://www.manila-airport.net/naia-terminal-4.php

Thanks Todd! I found that same link not too long after this convo. We should be staying in one terminal

No worries Taryn. Google is my best friend when I have any kind of question about travelling. In fact, I bet plenty of people have asked the same question about an 8 hour layover at MNL as well and the answers are out there on the web.
Do a quick google search for "8 hour layover manila what to do" and I'm sure you'll get plenty of info.
Also, don't let people's talk about traffic or corruption or anything like that keep you confined to the airport for 8 hours - that's WAY too long to be cooped up in there!

Haha I agree. Thanks Todd

sadly, I'd suggest you just stay at the airport. Traffic is insane in my country.

But is there anything within walking distance?

which airport are you at? 1 or 2 or 3?

Renzo all the info I have so far is that it's mnl

hmmmn, well we have our SM Mall of Asia nearby. Closest mall to the airport and one of the biggest malls in Asia.

Good to know!

but observe the traffic. what time is your take off from Manila? I would suggest leave 3 hours before your departure or 4 hours. It could be traffic or not but the line up as well for people flying out of the country. Take a special care with your belongings.

Renzo it's sounding more and more like we won't be leaving the airport lol

I wonder if you're gonna drag along your belongings with you in the mall or just leave it in the airport, like some sort of locker thing?

We have one backpack that would probably come along unless there are safe lockers

Yes, traffic is horrendous but an 8 hour layover is more than enough time to get out of the airport and make it back in time for checkin

Keep in mind that going through immigration to get your visa to be able to leave the airport will also take about an hour or more.

And don't expect a decent restaurant at the airport either. A few kiosks selling food, hard plastic chairs, and constant announcements telling passengers their flight has been delayed and to wait to see for how long.

I would say store your bags at the airport and head into town.
As someone already said, you can visit SM Mall of Asia. Along with all the regular stores there, there is a whole wing dedicated to different restaurants. There's also a small amusement park in there, an ice rink and a movie theatre.
If you find yourself with enough time, you could go on a free walking tour instead.
Carlos Celdran is famous for his walking tours of Manila.
https://carlosceldranwalks.wordpress.com/

Go to mall of asia it's 30 mins away and there's a bus that takes u there for 2 pesos

I would stay in the airport. Manila traffic is second to none.

I also have a 7 hour layover in Manila, but from 2:30-9:30AM. Really wonder if it's worth leaving the airport, or if there is somewhere to sleep lol

According to google there's some hotels close by... lol

If you wiki Manila airport it should tell you which airlines fly out of/into which terminals to know whether you are 1/2/3, etc. When we were there in 2015 there were shuttles between the terminals we needed.

IMO worst airport ever (and city). Sort out your terminal issue download some movies and stay at the airport..have your own food too. Locals were still warning me about corrupt security dropping bullets in bags and asking for money to clear you through security.

the bullet scam has ended already or how it seems but security scam and some taxis outside are still ongoing. better to use uber than those yellow cabs outside. i hate to be against my own people but even I, I'm skeptic with them. I don't fully trust food in the airport myself. Either go outside if you have long delay or just go to american fast foods if there are around. better than the locals

Absolutely love the people...Manila is just too much for me

Very good to know

I agree with Todd's suggestions. The malls in the Philippines are amazing with lots of famous European high end shops and American stores. There's a variety of cuisines and restaurants to choose from. There's spas, salons etc. SM Mall of Asia or Resort World are 2 that are close to the airport.

There is a shuttle that would take you to Resorts World Manila. Great to have lunch and do a little bit of shopping or play at the casino.

How far away is it?

Taryn About 15 minutes. The shuttle is free as well.

the Mall of Asia is very nice, but I found it expensive. I would stay at the airport as it is said any times above me...traffic is a nightmare. Ordered a transfer in a van from airport to hotel and it was a experience second to none....lol