Manila overnight transits

[Skyring]

In July I'm flying CBR - SYD - MNL - MCT - LHR and return a few days later LHR - MCT - MNL - BNE - CBR

All J except the CBR-SYD shuttle. It looks pretty straightforward apart from an overnight transit in Manila on the way out and a longer transit in Manila on the way back. Manila and Muscat are new experiences for me.

Outward: Qantas arrives T3 at 1850 and my Oman Air flight leaves T1 at 0745 the next morning.
Homeward: Oman Air arrives T1 at 2150 and Qantas leaves T3 at 2145 the next day, so that's pretty much a full day.

Looking through the forum, I'm seeing the Belmont as being a good option.

On the way out, I can just walk over the Runway to the Belmont, go through security at the door – !? – and check in. Next morning I need to get to T1 probably around five - ish (oh joy!) where presumably there will be a lounge I can use for breakfast and coffee before boarding.

What's a good option to get from the Belmont to T1? I gather that using the airport shuttles is a dire experience. Five in the morning might limit my options.

On the way back, I get in at 2150 at T1. Presumably I can do whatever I did to get there from the Belmont a few days earlier in reverse. And catching Qantas back home should be just a matter of walking over the Runway in the evening.

Ideally, I'd like to check in to the Belmont in the evening and check out again twenty hours later so I can check in for Qantas and sit in the lounge before my overnight flight home - ish. I have little interest in bumming around Manila for six or seven hours with my luggage and it would be most convenient to just have the hotel room for the whole day. This probably involves booking and paying for two days, unless they have some sort of special transit hotel deal.

Advice, please!

 

[aikman]

I need to get to T1 probably around five - ish (oh joy!) where presumably there will be a lounge I can use for breakfast and coffee before boarding.

I don't think it will be a nice lounge so set low expectations.

What's a good option to get from the Belmont to T1?

Grab.

Presumably I can do whatever I did to get there from the Belmont a few days earlier in reverse.

Yes although with extra steps such as finding the Grab pickup area.

This probably involves booking and paying for two days

Probably.

 

[Scarlett]

Grab is the definite answer. Download the app and have it set up with your fee free overseas card before arrival. Also a good idea to have an eSIM setup AND ACTIVATED before arrival so you can just book the car once you have luggage.

Arriving at T1 the Grab pick up points are noted in the app when you select the airport and T1. I would guess similar for T3.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The good thing is that at 5am traffic should be ‘ok’? I did the overnight - off airport - before covid and my trip from the Heritage Hotel back to the airport (about 6km) only took ten mins.

I wouldn’t recommend that hotel given the closer options now available.

The Belmont is nice enough, but basic… maybe 3 star? (Ibis Styles). There are other hotels right beside the Belmont which might be more luxe for the longer stay on the return.

 

[jase05]

For the longer stay I’d definitely head into town. Plenty of nice places and it’s a good place to explore if you have time

 

[clifford]

If it were me (and it has been and will be several times), I'd stay at the Savoy, a few minutes more walking down Newport Blvd after you exit the Runway (of course, if you're walking averse, then the Belmont's fine). I just prefer the Savoy.

Getting to/from T1/T3, don't faff around, just get a cab. It'll cost arounf $10 and take maybe 20 minutes. Expect to be ripped off, so negotiate everything in advance with the driver.

 

[clifford]

I've just noticed that the title of this thread refers to "Manilla".

I always thought that was a town in NSW, but maybe I was wrong.

 

[Ansett Nostalgic]

In July I'm flying CBR - SYD - MNL - MCT - LHR and return a few days later LHR - MCT - MNL - BNE - CBR

All J except the CBR-SYD shuttle. It looks pretty straightforward apart from an overnight transit in Manila on the way out and a longer transit in Manila on the way back. Manila and Muscat are new experiences for me.

Outward: Qantas arrives T3 at 1850 and my Oman Air flight leaves T1 at 0745 the next morning.
Homeward: Oman Air arrives T1 at 2150 and Qantas leaves T3 at 2145 the next day, so that's pretty much a full day.

Looking through the forum, I'm seeing the Belmont as being a good option.

On the way out, I can just walk over the Runway to the Belmont, go through security at the door – !? – and check in. Next morning I need to get to T1 probably around five - ish (oh joy!) where presumably there will be a lounge I can use for breakfast and coffee before boarding.

What's a good option to get from the Belmont to T1? I gather that using the airport shuttles is a dire experience. Five in the morning might limit my options.

On the way back, I get in at 2150 at T1. Presumably I can do whatever I did to get there from the Belmont a few days earlier in reverse. And catching Qantas back home should be just a matter of walking over the Runway in the evening.

Ideally, I'd like to check in to the Belmont in the evening and check out again twenty hours later so I can check in for Qantas and sit in the lounge before my overnight flight home - ish. I have little interest in bumming around Manila for six or seven hours with my luggage and it would be most convenient to just have the hotel room for the whole day. This probably involves booking and paying for two days, unless they have some sort of special transit hotel deal.

Advice, please!

Also consider the JW Marriott and the Okura, which have Virtuoso type VIP perks available if you stay there including late check out at very reasonable prices. DM me for details.

 

[Skyring]

I've just noticed that the title of this thread refers to "Manilla".

I always thought that was a town in NSW, but maybe I was wrong.

Yeah. It looks like I picked the wrong speling. Sorry.

 

[LionKing]

In July I'm flying CBR - SYD - MNL - MCT - LHR and return a few days later LHR - MCT - MNL - BNE - CBR

All J except the CBR-SYD shuttle. It looks pretty straightforward apart from an overnight transit in Manila on the way out and a longer transit in Manila on the way back. Manila and Muscat are new experiences for me.

Outward: Qantas arrives T3 at 1850 and my Oman Air flight leaves T1 at 0745 the next morning.
Homeward: Oman Air arrives T1 at 2150 and Qantas leaves T3 at 2145 the next day, so that's pretty much a full day.

Looking through the forum, I'm seeing the Belmont as being a good option.

On the way out, I can just walk over the Runway to the Belmont, go through security at the door – !? – and check in. Next morning I need to get to T1 probably around five - ish (oh joy!) where presumably there will be a lounge I can use for breakfast and coffee before boarding.

What's a good option to get from the Belmont to T1? I gather that using the airport shuttles is a dire experience. Five in the morning might limit my options.

On the way back, I get in at 2150 at T1. Presumably I can do whatever I did to get there from the Belmont a few days earlier in reverse. And catching Qantas back home should be just a matter of walking over the Runway in the evening.

Ideally, I'd like to check in to the Belmont in the evening and check out again twenty hours later so I can check in for Qantas and sit in the lounge before my overnight flight home - ish. I have little interest in bumming around Manila for six or seven hours with my luggage and it would be most convenient to just have the hotel room for the whole day. This probably involves booking and paying for two days, unless they have some sort of special transit hotel deal.

Advice, please!

One thing worth to take note of, is July there is typhoon, so just bear in mind that when typhoon hits on the day of your transit, it could throw you into chaos.

 

[leadman]

It's just a Marriott, not a JW.

 

[Skyring]

Ok. I really need to catch up on my trip reports. And sleep. And finances.

I’m currently at the Belmont on my way home.

The first transit was okay-ish. I got in at T3 and raced through until the immigration guy asked if I had a declaration. Um, no.

Took me about an hour to work out what was needed, go through the steps, grapple with the unhelpful interface on my phone, and then go through again. My luggage wasn’t there – fog in Sydney had delayed my flight, I made it, just, bag didn’t – and had to fill in a form along with other lost souls that basically assumed that I wanted my bag in Manila the next day by which time I’d be on the way to London.

Found the way to the Belmont – goodness, what a shamble amble across the Runway bridge – where all was sunshine and welcome smiles.

My 0530 shuttle to T1 was ready to go after a few hours of comfy sleep. Quick ride, coffee in Starbucks, a snack in the uninspiring PAGS lounge, board Oman Air.

My bag eventually caught up. I submitted another luggage irregularity report on line and stressed that I was going to the UK, here’s the exact delivery address and contact person.

Lovely weekend in St Albans, a truly delightful town – city by virtue of it having a glorious cathedral, but not a grand metropolis – a hot and busy day in London with a mate, topped off by standing with my bags all the way from Farringdon to Heathrow; I got a chance at a seat between T2/3 and T4, I have glimpsed paradise.

Oman Air into MNL and we flew circles for a bit before landing, as we had done on my outward leg. Delays on the tarmac, Belmont hotel shuttle lady sending rapid WhatsApp messages while we waited for a gate and I tried to assure her that honest I was on my way as fast as possible.

Message board with a few names on at the end of the jetway. Qantas reminding us that although our bags were checked through to Brisbane, we had to do the T1-T3 bit ourselves.

I’d worked that out in Heathrow. I figured a 24 hour terminal change in Manila was probably beyond the realm of the possible, and besides, I’d prefer to have all my stuff with me rather than live out of my carryon for longer than I had to.

Immigration was quick and painless, luggage collection not so much. Another gent – a marathoner – was headed to the Belmont and wondering about the chance of a bus so I suggested we try to sneak him aboard my shuttle.

Which we did. A lady who came up to about my navel was there from the Belmont and handled the scrum in an efficient manner. My new mate sat down beside me, no questions asked and we saved him the hassle of public transport.

A late bedtime but I cannot praise the Belmont too highly.

I’ve booked an extra day so I don’t have to bum around town until check-in. I’ll spend a lot of that catching up on sleep, maybe a bit of work before exploring the joys of the T3 lounge choices.

 

[I love to travel]

Anyone stayed at the Conrad or Hilton Manila? Arrive at 1pm and leave at 9.10am the next morning so will be looking to stay at one of those.

 

[jase05]

Conrad is one of our go to hotels in Manila
Fantastic hotel and we love it as there are decent views and it’s in a decent part of town. Right next door to MOA which suits Mrs Jase