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MNL → BWN
Which side of the plane to sit from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila) to Brunei International Airport (Bandar Seri Begawan)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side provides a continuous panorama of the Philippine archipelago's western edge, including the stunning islands of Mindoro and Palawan, followed by the lush, green coastline of Borneo as you descend into Brunei.
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Mount Halcon
The massive, mist-shrouded peak of Mindoro Island visible shortly after leaving Luzon.
Calamian Islands
Aerial views of Coron's turquoise lagoons and jagged limestone cliffs from high altitude.
Palawan Archipelago
The long, narrow spine of Palawan island featuring dense tropical rainforests and white sand fringes.
Balabac Strait
The scenic transition point where the Sulu Sea meets the South China Sea at the tip of the Philippines.
Kampong Ayer
The sprawling, historic water village on the Brunei River visible during the final approach to BWN.
Sit on the left (Port) side for the best land views. On morning flights, the sun will be behind you or overhead, providing excellent lighting for photos of the Philippine islands. Request a seat forward of the wing to ensure your view of the Palawan coastline is unobstructed. Keep an eye out for the distinct transition from deep blue ocean to the emerald green rainforests of Borneo.
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Corregidor Island
The historic tadpole-shaped fortress island at the entrance of Manila Bay visible right after takeoff.
South China Sea Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the horizon, spectacular for golden hour colors on late afternoon flights.
Offshore Oil Rigs
Occasional sightings of industrial platforms dotting the waters as you approach the Bruneian coast.
The right side is best for passengers who prefer to avoid direct sunlight during the middle of the day. While it offers mostly open sea views, the departure from Manila Bay is quite scenic. If flying during sunset, this side provides a front-row seat to the sun dipping below the horizon over the South China Sea. Check for cloud cover, as this route often experiences tropical convection which can obscure lower-level ocean features.
Book Hotels in Bandar Seri BegawanDistance: 1,255 km (780 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 40 min
Departure: MNL (14.5086, 121.019997)
Arrival: BWN (4.944200038909912, 114.9280014038086)
Route Type: International
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