A photo-guide for arrival in Manila - NAIA terminal 1

[A_flyer]

All the photos there are more than 2 years old, so some things may differ. It was still up to date last year when I used Terminal 1.

Clear to land! you're still over Manila bay, but in a few second, you will be in the Philippines...


When arriving at the gate, here is your view of the center part of the terminal, from the plane:


Just after exiting the jetway, in the main corridor headed toward the center part of the terminal:


Still in the corridor, a warm Filipino welcome with some Filipino music:


Just arrived in the center part prior to the immigration area, you have a small duty free on your left.
Cool! in case you forgot to buy alcohol or cigarettes during the flight:


Then here is the immigration hall:


And the immigration lanes (choose the good ones, read the signs hanging from the ceiling):


Which documents to show at immigration? don't forget to fill-in the desembarkation card you got at the end of the flight!
It's at the arrival immigration desk that you have to request the Balikbayan privilege (you must have a NSO Sepca copy of your marriage certificate or a Philippines Embassy certified one).


After clearing immigration, the baggage claim area with the tourist
information desk at the entrance:


The belts, the area behind customs, and a bank desk for money changing (yes my photos are not very clear...):


Where is my luggage?

You will find karts at the entrance of the baggage claim area (on the left and right side). You can even find help from an official porter (you have to pay) till the taxi, but personnaly I never use them.

Got them! next, here is the Customs area:


Needs to change some money (P1000 will be useful for taxi and first things)? there are banks on your right just after customs, before leaving the baggage claim area. The exchange rate is not the best, but for a start on your first travel it's useful. There are also ATMs but they are not that easy to find as you have to use stairs, so better to forgot unless banks are closed (ask the luggage staff for finding way to them):


The terminal exit hall after baggage claim hall and clearing customs:


When you go out, turn right for hotel transportation or left to get a taxi at the Airport Taxi Coupon desks (the best way to get a taxi there):
Here are the 2 airport taxi coupon desks; prices are fixed by the desk so there's no surprise; was P120 for Domestic Terminal trip and P450 to Makati when I did the photos, surely more now). They choose for you the accredited taxi and give a receipt with the price and the licence plate number (no money to give to the driver):

There is another one on the other side of the street:



If you want a standard metered taxi you have to cross the 2nd street and head to the passenger waiting area (where your relatives can pick you):


To find each other there, you have to stand under the letter sign you decided with the person coming to pick you. This person have to do the same (there are letters on both side of the street). When you see each other, you have to tell the guard at gate and he will let you go thru.

Manuhay!
Welcome to the Philippines. Enjoy your stay in these wonderful islands!

[walesrob]

Thanks Yves, I've made this a sticky.

[Mrs.JMajor]

Wow ,what a very useful post nice one i appreciate the effort u made taking pictures at all ----

[A_flyer]

Thanks Yves, I've made this a sticky.

I did the departure one too.

I have the same (departure and arrival) for the old domestic terminal, but I will not post them as it's useless now with the extension they are doing there. It will be too modified.

Rob, I let you do the Terminal 3 ones...

[walesrob]

Rob, I let you do the Terminal 3 ones...

Ok...

Heres Terminal 3:
(This really is T3 during a recent openday for some bikers)




So what is this extension they are building for Domestic airport?

[A_flyer]

Where are you on the photo? I don't see you...

For the (old) domestic terminal, they are modifying it from mid feb to mid april:

The seating capacity at the pre-departure area of the NAIA domestic terminal will increase by 66 percent with the addition of more than 500 seats.
A new arrival area will be opened that will have five baggage conveyors instead of the present three conveyors. The flight check-in lobby and security check areas will also be expanded. More boarding gates, holding areas and restrooms will be constructed to double the capacity.

That's why the 2 photo guides I did years ago for it are not good anymore...

[walesrob]

Where are you on the photo? I don't see you...
...

I was um, speaking to Mr Cusi

[A_flyer]

For those wanting to see the Terminal 2 (or Centennial Terminal) for PAL (Philippine Airlines) or Air Philippine flights, here are some photos I found on internet. It a domestic flight from Manila (Terminal 2, South Wing) to Bacolod
http://www.pbase.com/verto/mnl_airport_and_pal

[tomm]

Very useful post...

[LadyJ]

Ofcourse, our own travel experts

Thank you Yves and Rob for the great info

[LEAHnew]

Great post..Thanks

[a1stan]

hi i am new to this i am hoping to come to manila for first time in oct i have being to bankok many times i would like to stay in manilla for 3 days then go somewere for 4 days before i fly to thailand eny tips for a first timer many thanks my name is steve

[rowena23]

philippines is great... yey!!!

[chino]

philippines is great... yey!!!

[johncar54]

Hi, having just read, in another section, about how the UK police are prosecuting just about everyone who dares to take a photo of anything anywhere in UK (potential terrorist excuse) its a good thing it does not apply to the Philippines.

PS Please forgive this maybe weak comment but as a newbie I am anxious to get enough postings in so that I can cease being new !

[cruisingkerry]

Thanks for the photos and info, it made my arrival in Manila less stressful,

Keep up the good work

K xx

[raza]

thanks very much for sharing your memories

[filipinogirl]

Wow thanks for this, realla really useful!

[grahamw48]

....and leaving:

PAL...'plane always late'

[callippo]

I've got a late night post midnight arrival at NAIA in a couple of weeks. I want to pick up a 500 peso SMART load card and a Globe SIM straight away.

in Terminal 3 I know this would be no problem but don't remember any sort of convenience store in NAIA. I'd prefer not to stop the cab driver at a convenience store on the way to where I'm staying.

anyone seen anything in the Terminal itself that sells this?

[Steve.r]

Only seen in the departure lounge, not on the arrivals side to my knowledge.

[lastlid]

Yes. I bought on the arrivals side, after clearing customs. Both visits. Both Globe and Smart.

[Toneec]

The ATM's are in terminal exit hall after baggage claim hall and clearing customs, on the far left as you head to exit.