Melburnian1
Enthusiast
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2013
- Posts
- 24,673
PR is quite a reasonable full service airline, especially with its modern Boeing 777-300Ers ex SYD, while the MNL - MEL - MNL route has unfortunately recently regressed to the much older A343s which while comfortable enough in seating lack any at seat entertainment. One gets quire reasonable meals on board: an early lunch at 1045 ex MEL or 1130 ex SYD if the plane departs on time is usual, plus a mid-afternoon snack of a pastie-like concotion. San Miguel beer is available as that conglomerate now controls (but does not own totally) PR.
PR has great deals available to the USA and Canada from A$893 return ex MEL and A$898 return ex SYD. A$922 return from SYD to LAX is a pretty good price:
Philippine Airlines Deals Australia | PAL Flights
MNL has many hotels in Makati at all price levels that are suitable for a day's stopover if you do not want to visit Resorts World Manila opposite NAIA T3 but instead need some sleep. Ensure that you allow for traffic on the way back from the hotel for your flight. I find that Asia Travel Hotels Resorts Air Ticketing Tours Packages Reservation has some pretty good 'Crazy Rates' hotel prices for Manila and Makati. See its alphabetical listing of Filipino hotels and look for 'Crazy' under 'C'.
No departure tax of P550 is payable if you stay 24 hours or less, while P550 is otherwise charged.
MNL and Philippines generally are now growing faster than mainland China. There are cranes everywhere building more apartments and offices. Fort Bonifacio ('The Fort') in Taguig City near the airport is another modern booming area with new hotels such as Seda.
Philippines has heaps of lovely sandy islands in central Visayan group and southern Mindanoan group. Vis and most of Min are safe to visit. They're less prone to typhoons than MNL. Look up www.virtualtourist.com or similar sites for tips on where to do a side trip.
PR has great deals available to the USA and Canada from A$893 return ex MEL and A$898 return ex SYD. A$922 return from SYD to LAX is a pretty good price:
Philippine Airlines Deals Australia | PAL Flights
MNL has many hotels in Makati at all price levels that are suitable for a day's stopover if you do not want to visit Resorts World Manila opposite NAIA T3 but instead need some sleep. Ensure that you allow for traffic on the way back from the hotel for your flight. I find that Asia Travel Hotels Resorts Air Ticketing Tours Packages Reservation has some pretty good 'Crazy Rates' hotel prices for Manila and Makati. See its alphabetical listing of Filipino hotels and look for 'Crazy' under 'C'.
No departure tax of P550 is payable if you stay 24 hours or less, while P550 is otherwise charged.
MNL and Philippines generally are now growing faster than mainland China. There are cranes everywhere building more apartments and offices. Fort Bonifacio ('The Fort') in Taguig City near the airport is another modern booming area with new hotels such as Seda.
Philippines has heaps of lovely sandy islands in central Visayan group and southern Mindanoan group. Vis and most of Min are safe to visit. They're less prone to typhoons than MNL. Look up www.virtualtourist.com or similar sites for tips on where to do a side trip.
