A guide to backpacking Manila, the Philippines
Manila is the capital of the Philippines, and it’s where I first flew into from the UK. You will most likely land, and start your adventure in Manila too. I only stayed in Manila for one night when I first arrived. And then again for around 2 nights at the end of my month in the Philippines. I suggest you don’t spend too much time in Manila, as there’s not much to see apart from a very big and busy city. I was quite shocked when I first landed, Manila was so beautiful and not so beautiful all at once, wealthy and poverty live side by side. Get yourself out to the islands and explore some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever laid my eyes on!
Top things to do in Manila, the Philippines
Shopping
Believe it or not, but the Philippines have some of the biggest and most beautiful shopping malls in the whole of Asia. The SM shopping mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. I went crazy in there, spent half me budget in the first three days. But also, it’s nice to just wander around the mall and get a blast of the Aircon and take a break from the heat.
If you fancy a laugh and a massage, go to the bit where they sell Electric massage chairs, and whoever works there will put a whole massage mode on for you.
Divisoria Market:
Manila is home to the worlds largest outdoor market called divisoria. You can buy anything from a puppy to a passport. The chap was offering me a golden retriever for a quid (£1). For the record, I am not suggesting you buy a puppy or a passport. The market is honestly crazy, and if you can, try going with another backpacker to share the experience with. Take small cash, and hide the rest separately so you don’t have all your money coming out at once when trying to buy something – trust me it’s crazy busy and better to go prepared.
Riding a Jeepney
Keep hold of your filipino change, and If you have some spare time, you must experience riding a jeepney. Which is basically the local bus. They cram as many people inside, some people just stand on the back and hold on. I think I paid around £0.14p for the bus journey. You can of course use this as actual transportation but it is very hard to navigate which one goes where! So we just hopped on for the experience, took some pictures and videos and had a blast then hopped off!
Eating at Jolliebee
You HAVE to try a Jollibee, it’s basically the filipino version of KFC, but of course they serve everything with rice! They have a gigantic bee mascot that you will see on the street outside the restaurant, You can’t miss it. Even if you don’t try the food, going into the restaurant and taking a selfie with the bee is an experience in itself. Talk about the small pleasures of life.
Where to stay in Manila, Philippines
There is a lot of good hostels to choose from in Manila, but if you’re looking for a general area to stay in I would go for Makati. It’s a very safe neighbourhood, lots to do, lots to see, plenty of places to eat and you will come across plenty of other backpackers too. Here are some top hostels I recommend for your stay whilst in Manila.
Pink Manila hostel
I stayed in a hostel called Pink Manila hostel on my second visit to Manila, and yes everything is pink haha! It’s located very central, the vibe is so chill so it makes it easy to meet other backpackers. If you love to socialise, pink Manila hostel is known for its party atmosphere, It’s got a rooftop terrace, bar, Music and the best vibes.
Ola! Hostel Manila
Ola! Manila offer both private rooms and dorms for travelers. All rooms have A/C and private ensures. They also provide lockers. They also have a 24 hour restaurant and bar so you can enjoy food and drinks at any hour. As well as free karaoke, which is the norm in the Philippines! Great budget hostel!
Lub D Makati Hostel
Very modern and spacious and popular for good reason. You have plenty of room to chill out, Relax, Work and socialise with fellow backpackers. You also have a choice of dormitories and private rooms. Or grab a beer in their very own grab and go bar, I mean the hostel with its own bar? What else do you even want? A very good stay if you’re in Manila and rated very highly
Dormitos Hostel
Dormitos hostel has the cool, funky, Space ship looking dorm beds. I would quite literally stay here just for the Star Wars vibes and a quick pic. The good thing about these type of beds is the individual space you get. It’s almost like a room with in a room, and privacy can be hard to come by when staying in dormitories. Just to be sure you’re happy with the location, as this hostel is not directly Central.
Manila Z Hostel
Popular among backpackers, Manila Z is well located and a funky place to stay. The rooms are light and bright, and somewhere you would be comfortable. Manila Z is very social and well equipped, it has its own café and rooftop. They have amazing music on the decks on the roof top as well as its own bar, and they do happy hours – which is music to any backpackers ears!
And there we go, a guide to backpacking in Manila! I know for a fact you’re going to have the time of your life, and I would love to see your adventures! Tag me in your social media!
Don't miss this blog post!
Depending on your route, a really good experience is the over night ferry between Manila – Coron. I done this at the end of my trip heading back to Manila, and I really recommend it! You can read my full blog post on the Manila – Coron over night ferry here.
Getting the night ferry back to Manila from Coron was an experience in itself and one I really recommend if you have