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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PAL passengers turn layovers into Manila adventures through DOT tours

PAL passengers turn layovers into Manila adventures through DOT tours

Published Jan 19, 2026 11:37 am  |  Updated Jan 19, 2026 02:40 pm

At A Glance

  • PAL passengers can turn long layovers in Manila into city adventures through DOT Transit Tours.
  • Accessible via PAL's official website and the LovePH mobile app.
  • Open to travelers from visa-free countries with layovers of at least eight hours.
  • Morning tours: Intramuros and National Museum; Afternoon tours: Solaire and Okada.
  • USD 50 per person covers entrance fees, insurance, bottled water, poncho, and air-conditioned bus transport with DOT-accredited guide.
Foreign travelers with long layovers in Manila can now transform wait time at the airport into curated city experiences aboard the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) Transit Tours in partnership with Philippine Airlines (PAL).
DOT Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the program lets tourists enjoy Manila while creating opportunities for local communities.
Frasco said the tours are accessible via PAL’s official website and the LovePH mobile app.
They cater to passengers from visa-free countries with layovers of at least eight hours.
A two-hour allowance before and after the tour is provided for airport procedures.
Starting Jan. 30, travelers can choose four-hour morning tours of Intramuros and the National Museum.
Afternoon tours include visits to entertainment hubs such as Solaire and Okada, with time for guided and free exploration.
Priced at USD 50 per person, the tours cover entrance fees, insurance, bottled water, and a rain poncho.
Transportation is provided in a 49-seater, air-conditioned bus led by a DOT-accredited guide.
The initiative aims to turn ordinary airport layovers into cultural experiences while boosting Manila’s tourism potential.

Related Tags

DOT PAL Manila tourism airport layovers foreign travelers
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