Activities in Manila
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Carlos Celdran
Something of a Manila celebrity, Carlos is a hilariously eccentric one-man show of Filipino history and trivia. Highly recommended for those with a sense of humour and an open mind. His new Intramuros headquarters, an eclectic store known as La Monja Loca (The Crazy Nun), is sure to become a magnet for Manila’s creative set.
reviewed
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The Spa
This is a legitimate spa chain that won’t break the bank. It has about a half-dozen locations, including Greenbelt 1 in Makati and Bonifacio High Street in the Fort.
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Pagsanjan
About 70km (44mi) southwest of Manila in the Laguna Province is a popular spot for tourists to shoot the rapids in canoes. For a fee, you are paddled upriver to a waterfall (a good place for a swim), and then go rushing down the rapids, getting a good old soaking on the way.
Many rich tourists have thrown the pesos around, so you can expect to be hassled for extra money. Some travellers have reported having an unpleasant time after refusing to pay extra to the boatmen. This part of the river was where the final scenes of Apocalypse Now were filmed, but you're more likely to have a pleasant cruise than an existential encounter with pure evil.
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Ivan Mandy Tours
There are two locals offering walking tours of Manila. Both are captivating and entertaining, offering a variety of walks around the city. They may be the best thing to happen to Manila tourism in decades. Ivan Mandy has a deep knowledge of Manila and its history and culture. He's an expert at ferreting out the often overlooked gems of the city.
reviewed
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Climbing
Although your greatest climb in Manila might just be the endless stairs to an LRT or MRT station, there are many good places to climb in the region, such as Mt Banahaw and Mt San Cristobal in South Luzon and Mt Pinatubo north of Manila.
Power Up is a group of Manila climbers that can organise big and small climbs.
reviewed
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Sanctuario
Sanctuario is an upscale spa set in an elegant old house, with lap- and whirl-pools out back in the garden. Treatments span the gamut from simple massages (for 90 minutes) to much more esoteric treatments like a honey-and-tangerine facelift. A cafe serves organic refreshments.
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Star City
Star City is a decent amusement park right in the heart of the CCP Complex, although it also tends to get crowded. It has a good number of kiddie rides, a playground and other diversions like ice sculptures.
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Club Intramuros Golf Course
You can golf by day or by night under the lights at the quirky 18-hole, par-66 Club Intramuros Golf Course. You can obtain the shady services of an ‘umbrella girl’ for P200 as well as rent clubs.
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D
Diver’s Network
Diver’s Network offers a range of day trips and long excursions. It’s an excellent and knowledgeable centre; equipment rentals and lessons are available (PADI open-water certification P12,500).
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Ninoy Aquino Memorial Stadium Pool
Many of the bigger hotels have their own pools, but if you are billeted at budget accommodation without one, you can (for a fee) use the facilities at Ninoy Aquino Memorial Stadium.
reviewed
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Century Park Hotel Pool
Many of the bigger hotels have their own pools, but if you are billeted at budget accommodation without one, you can (for a fee) use the facilities at Century Park Hotel.
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Mandarin Oriental Manila
The newly renovated spa at the Mandarin Oriental Manila is where you’ll find a stunning array of treatments, plus regular yoga classes on offer.
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Mandarin Oriental Manila Spa
Many top-end hotels have spas that welcome daytime patrons. One of the best is at the Mandarin Oriental Manila Spa , where the treatments are lavish and diverse.
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Seafood Wharf Pool
You can pretend you're swimming with the fishies in this large and clean pool, then have one for lunch in the adjoining seaside restaurant.
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Triple A Car Rental
Hires out vehicles for short-term/long-term rentals for P1800/1500 per day. Good, honest service.
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I
Seafood Wharf
At Seafood Wharf you can pretend you’re swimming with the fishies in their Olympic-sized pool, then have one for lunch in the seaside restaurant.
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