Quick Guide to Philippine Planespotting in Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL/RPLL)

The planespotting group in the Philippines is known as the Philippine Planespotters Group (PPSG). It's composed of planespotters mostly from the Philippines and sometimes from other countries. Local planespotters are based in different airports in the Philippines, usually in Manila (MNL/RPLL), Cebu (CEB/RPVM) and Davao (DVO/RPMD). The group can be contacted through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/philippineplanespotters/

Planespotting in Manila (MNL/RPLL)

There are many planespotting locations in MNL, usually close to Runway 06. Spotting in 24 is quite rare; there are only a few good spots in 24. Here's a few of the possible spotting locations in Manila:

 Satellite image courtesy of Google Maps. Legends by fellow planespotter Johannes Paul Victorina Lastimoza

A. PPSG HQ (http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=14.498150&lon=120.997823&z=18&m=b)

It is located near the threshold of Runway 06. Here you can get close up shots of departing aircraft should 06 be the active. However, you can only get belly shots if the other one is. You can also take pictures of landing aircraft but there's a better spotting location if landing A/C is your preference. Spotting in this location is best during afternoon onwards; sunlight shines on the airplanes' fuselage. Food and drinks are available at very affordable prices. There is a covered area in this location as well, should you wish to take a rest. The only disadvantage when taking close up pics of departing aircraft would be the airport fence. If you can insert the lens then there's no problem. If not, however, you might end up having a vignette effect on your pictures. Another would be the airport guards. Although this problem was already resolved, there are still some who would say that it's prohibited to take pictures of airplanes even if the airport General Manager (through an official letter) said that there's no rule existing on the ban on planespotting and that it's perfectly fine to planespot.

PPSG HQ

Lunch in the PPSG HQ

B. Tulay (http://wikimapia.org/#lang=en&lat=14.495817&lon=120.999594&z=18&m=b)

This is only walking distance from PPSG HQ. Here you get a good view of landing aircraft. You can see departing aircraft but your view is limited. Just be ready to bear the foul smell coming from the river.

Viewpoint in the Tulay spotting location

Spotters in action waiting for the arriving A/C to come closer

C. Along Kaingin Road
For side shots of arriving and departing aircraft, plus a good view of Terminal 1. You will need to climb up the concrete culverts/trees lined along the road to get a view of the runway/terminal.


D. Terminal 1 Departure Deck

Quite far from the PPSG HQ. I haven't tried spotting here, but this area is a good alternative when 24 is the active. You can get close up shots of parked aircraft in T1 and in the Remote Parking Bays. The Antonov 124 usually parks in the remote bays should it land in MNL. The location isn't spotter-friendly, however. Airport guards may be the issue but an inviting smile and good reasoning can pull you off. Good for rare airplane spotting as they usually park at the Remote Parking Bays.

E. Departure Area Off Ramp
Same restrictions as to location D. Provides you a good viewpoint of domestic aircraft arriving from Runway 24 OR rotating from Runway 06. The location allows you to include the Control Tower in your composition.

F. Along West and East Service Roads
Relatively safe for planespotters. Provides you a "province" look of Runway 24 arrivals. You also have the option to include trees and tall grasses or the Makati/Bonifacio Global City skylines for a more modern look. Offers a good vantage point to LTP and Villamor provided your lens has enough focal reach...Dramatic runway 24 late afternoon/sunset departures are also in the menu.

With special thanks to Johannes Paul Victorina Lastimoza, fellow PPSG member, for his added contribution in this guide.