Swap laneways for lagoons in a single flight with Philippine Airlines’ non-stop service from Melbourne to Manila. Five weekly departures and 32 onward domestic connections transport you to gorgeous powdery beaches, spectacular landmarks, and rejuvenating jungle waterfalls.
Thanks to Philippine Airlines, you get direct access to Manila’s history and vibrancy, before hopping over to postcard-perfect islands, crystal-clear lakes, and temperatures so blissful, you’ll forget winter ever happened.
MEL-MNL made easy
How does a Friday departure and Saturday tropical swim sound in the most vivid blue water you’ve ever seen? Rejuvenating, huh? It’s in your future, thanks to the flagship carrier’s direct service out of Melbourne Airport.
Seamless island-hopping is Philippine Airlines’ superpower, connecting you to over 30 domestic destinations. It’s effortless to create your dream itinerary on a single ticket.
Enjoy a non-stop link to Manila, connecting to an easy 1–2 hours of domestic flights to reach tropical getaways, like Boracay’s stunning beaches or the surfing mecca of Siargao.
Or perhaps you’re up for adventure, exploring the Pearl of the Orient’s natural wonders. Bohol’s otherworldly Chocolate Hills, Puerto Princesa’s impressive underground river, and the dramatic Kawasan Falls in Cebu are not to be missed.
With a two-hour time difference and departures currently leaving Melbourne Tullamarine between 5:55 am and 10:20 am, you’ll arrive in Manila mid-afternoon at the latest. Choose to explore the capital first or make an evening connection (dependent on your destination).
Why fly Philippine Airlines?
Gate to gate, reach Manila in under nine hours. That’s the perfect amount of time to enjoy the famous Filipino warm, genuine service.
A point of difference with Philippine Airlines is their three distinct cabins: choose from Economy Class, Premium Economy, and Business fares. Full service comfort throughout includes hot meals, refreshments, complimentary in-flight entertainment, and checked baggage from Australia.
There’s also advanced seat selection, including comfort upgrades like extra legroom and forward seats. We love the Seat Select Neighbour-Free option, where you can pay extra to block the seat next to you and avoid having an armrest-hogging traveller ruin your “I’m on holiday” vibes.
Find your perfect MEL-to-islands rhythm
The direct flight to Manila and easy island connections offer you a two-for-one holiday.
Make Manila your appetiser with museums by morning, adobo for lunch, before exploring Intramuros by late afternoon. The following day, take a short hop to some of the world’s most pristine islands.
Whether it’s culture, serenity, surf, or thrills you’re after, Philippine Airlines delivers maximum rewards for minimal transits.
Here’s some Filipino inspiration to help you plan:
- Manila: The nation’s capital is a high-energy gateway blending its old soul with new buzz. Jeepneys thread through the city’s chaotic charm, street food sizzles on many corners, and Manila Bay glows at sunset. Stroll the historic walled quarter of Intramuros, enjoy the peace of the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, and stop by the fascinating National Museum. Mix Manila’s heritage with its trendy boutiques, modern cuisine, and hip rooftop bars for a sky-high city contrast.
- Boracay: Powder sands and sunset sails await on this breathtaking island, only an hour’s flight from Manila. Four kilometres of famed White Beach show you how quickly you can hop from your current go-go-go pace to laidback, island time. Spend your days relaxing, sipping tropical cocktails, or enjoying watersports activities.
- Bohol: The Chocolate Hills are one of the Philippines’ most mesmerising natural wonders. Be sure to visit one of two tarsier sanctuaries to meet these adorable native mammals. The powder-white Panglao beach is a great base for your Bohol adventures.
- Siargao: Swap spreadsheets for surf culture in Siargao. Cloud 9 is the country’s most famous break, drawing pros and curious first-timers alike. Not a surfer? You’ll love sunrise on the boardwalk, island-hopping by boat, and swimming in the azure waters of Sugba Lagoon.
- Coron: Water lovers’ rate Coron for its epic WWII-wreck dives, glass-clear emerald lakes like Kayangan and Barracuda, and Maquinit Hot Springs. Reach it with Philippine Airlines in a little over an hour from Manila.
- Puerto Princesa: Glide through the UNESCO-listed Underground River where limestone chambers create cathedral-like echoes. From the butterfly farm to Honda Bay Islands and the twinkling fireflies at dusk (June to November), Puerto Princesa has a knack of reminding you about the magic of nature.
- Cebu: Adventure awaits in Cebu, from canyoning through jungle-hung cliffs to watersports on Mactan Island and whale shark watching in Oslob. Cebu is an ideal destination to switch between adrenalin-fuelled activities and lazy island feels.
Discover more
Ready to swap beanies for beach days? Lock in your Philippines adventure from Melbourne now at philippineairlines.com.
This article is brought to you by Melbourne Airport and Philippine Airlines.
