Comparison · Jakarta vs Manila · Indonesia / Philippines
Jakarta vs Manila
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
Choose Jakarta for National Monument (Monas) and Kota Tua; choose Manila for Intramuros, San Agustin Church and free sights. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 2,790 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,790 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Jakarta
- May–September
- Best time for Manila
- December–March
Side by side
| Jakarta | Manila | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Indonesia | Philippines |
| Known for | National Monument (Monas), Kota Tua and Istiqlal Mosque | Intramuros, San Agustin Church and Manila Bay sunsets |
| Best time to visit | May–September | December–March |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $80–$160 | $80–$160 |
| Cost level | Affordable | Affordable |
| Warmest month | August, 33°C (91°F) | April, 34°C (93°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | January, 30°C (86°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 11 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 6 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | CGK, HLP | MNL, CRK |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Jakarta for…
National Monument (Monas) and Kota Tua. Indonesia's capital is a sprawling metropolis of more than ten million people on the north coast of Java. Most visitors focus on three zones: Kota Tua, the old Dutch Batavia with its cobbled square and museums; Merdeka Square around the National Monument…
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Choose Manila for…
Intramuros, San Agustin Church and free sights. Manila is the historic core of Metro Manila, a capital region of more than 13 million people on Manila Bay. Its walled Spanish city, Intramuros, holds Fort Santiago and the UNESCO-listed San Agustin Church, while the National Museum complex beside Rizal Park…
Top sights compared
| # | Jakarta | Manila |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | National Monument (Monas) | Intramuros |
| 2 | Istiqlal Mosque | Fort Santiago |
| 3 | Jakarta Cathedral | San Agustin Church |
| 4 | Fatahillah Square and Jakarta History Museum | Manila Cathedral |
| 5 | Wayang Museum | Casa Manila |
Food compared
| Jakarta | Manila |
|---|---|
| Soto Betawi | Adobo |
| Kerak telor | Sinigang |
| Nasi uduk | Lechon |
| Gado-gado | Sisig |
Which is cheaper?
Jakarta and Manila cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $80–$160 in Jakarta and $80–$160 in Manila (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Jakarta on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,790 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 7 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Jakarta or Manila cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $80–$160 in Jakarta and $80–$160 in Manila (estimates).
+Is Jakarta or Manila better for a first trip?
Pick Jakarta for National Monument (Monas) and Kota Tua, or Manila for Intramuros, San Agustin Church and free sights.
+How far is Jakarta from Manila?
About 2,790 km in a straight line.