For most travelers, a long airport layover means waiting in lounges, browsing duty-free shops, or scrolling endlessly on their phones. But soon, passengers passing through Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) can do something far more exciting — step out and explore Manila.
Starting 2025, the Department of Tourism (DOT) will launch the Layover Tour Philippines, a program that transforms long transits into short cultural experiences. It’s part of the government’s push to rebrand the Philippines as not just a stopover point, but a destination worth remembering — even in just a few hours.
What Is the Layover Tour?
The Layover Tour is a new tourism program that lets international passengers with 5 to 12 hours of layover explore nearby attractions instead of staying inside the airport.
Inspired by successful models in Singapore’s Changi Airport and South Korea’s Incheon International Airport, the initiative was first announced in 2024 and begins its pilot run at NAIA in 2025.
With the help of Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours, travelers can choose between short guided itineraries that highlight Manila’s history, shopping, and food — all within easy reach of the airport.
Objectives of the Program
The Layover Tour aims to:
- Boost the Philippines’ image as a tourism hotspot in Asia.
- Convert idle layovers into meaningful travel experiences.
- Encourage repeat visits by giving travelers a glimpse of what the country has to offer.
For DOT, it’s a creative solution to one of tourism’s missed opportunities — the millions of passengers who pass through NAIA every year without ever seeing the country outside its terminals.
How the Layover Tour Works
The program will operate through Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tours directly connected to NAIA terminals. Travelers will have options for 2-hour, 4-hour, or 6-hour curated routes, depending on their available layover time.
Each route will include stops for sightseeing, dining, or shopping, and will be fully coordinated with government agencies like the Bureau of Immigration, Customs, PNP, and local governments in Pasay and Parañaque to ensure smooth entry and exit.
Passengers can expect:
- Dedicated counters at NAIA for tour registration and scheduling.
- Guided tours led by accredited DOT tour guides.
- Secure transfers back to the airport in time for the next flight.
Travelers will also have access to travel insurance and real-time flight monitoring through the tour system.
Possible Tour Highlights
While the DOT is finalizing official routes, early plans suggest these top destinations near the airport will be featured:
- Intramuros and Rizal Park – Step into Manila’s rich history through cobblestone streets, old churches, and heritage walls.
- SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex – Shop, dine, and enjoy Manila Bay’s sunset view, just 15 minutes from the airport.
- Entertainment City – Explore the integrated resorts and casinos like Solaire, City of Dreams, and Okada Manila, each with dining and cultural showcases.
- Cultural Food Tours – Taste Filipino favorites like adobo, halo-halo, and lechon through curated food stops.
Each itinerary blends history, shopping, and entertainment — a quick but memorable introduction to Filipino culture and hospitality.
Who Can Join the Layover Tour?
The program is open to international passengers transiting through NAIA who:
- Have at least 5 hours of layover before their next flight.
- Hold a valid visa or are eligible for visa-free entry, depending on nationality.
- Receive clearance from Immigration and Customs before joining the tour.
Participation will depend on flight schedules and tour availability. Passengers are advised to check with the DOT help desk at NAIA or through their airlines for eligibility and schedules.
Why the Layover Tour Matters
The Philippines is one of Asia’s busiest transit hubs, yet many passengers never leave the airport. With the Layover Tour, the DOT hopes to capture this untapped market by giving visitors a “taste of the Philippines” — from heritage walks to bay sunsets — within a few hours.
By 2026, the program is expected to expand to Cebu, Clark, and Davao airports, allowing travelers across the country to enjoy similar experiences.
This initiative also helps nearby communities, as local guides, transport operators, and small businesses benefit directly from new tourism activity around NAIA.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will the Layover Tour start?
The pilot phase at NAIA begins in 2025, with expansion planned for Cebu, Clark, and Davao. - How long are the tours?
Between 2 to 6 hours, depending on your layover time. - Do I need a visa?
Yes, unless you qualify for visa-free entry. Immigration will assess eligibility on-site. - How do I join?
Register at the DOT Layover Tour counter at NAIA or book through the DOT website (coming soon). - Is it safe to leave the airport?
Yes. The program is coordinated with Immigration, Customs, PNP, and local LGUs to ensure safety and timely transfers.
Watch: Manila Hop On Hop Off Bus | Manila City Sightseeing | Philippines Tour
Tourists and locals now explore Manila with ease, thanks to the Hop-On Hop-Off bus service.
The ride takes passengers through heritage sites, clean streets, and upgraded landmarks—without the stress of traffic or transfers.
Inspired by European-style sightseeing, the service offers a smooth way to visit old Manila, perfect for balikbayans, seniors, and families.
Passengers can hop off at any stop, enjoy the sights, then hop back on when ready—no need to rush, no need to worry.
With cleaner roads and better access, Manila welcomes every traveler with comfort, pride, and a fresh view of the city.
Final Thoughts: A Gateway to Future Visits
The DOT’s Layover Tour Philippines is more than a travel perk — it’s a statement. It says that the Philippines isn’t just a point on your flight path; it’s a destination full of color, flavor, and life.
For travelers, it’s the perfect way to turn hours of waiting into moments worth remembering.
For the country, it’s a chance to transform quick stopovers into lasting connections.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one afternoon in Manila to make you want to come back for more.