The Philippines is firmly on the world’s business map as many outsourced/ remote workers are now based there. Manila is also an increasingly popular MICE destination (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) because of its excellent facilities which are keenly priced. Manila, as the capital town is a real ‘cultural melting pot’ and has so many great experiences to enjoy during a layover at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. If you have spare time when you have landed, pop your luggage into storage, hail a cab, grab the shuttle bus or hop on the UBE Express and head for Manila – you won’t be disappointed!
If you have just a short layover at this four-terminal airport, there are plenty of good facilities you can use. There are a variety of lounges and casual eating options – especially in Terminal 3. Most of the menus are Filipino, but there are Chinese, and Japanese restaurants as well as western chains including Starbucks. If you would like to freshen up between flights, there are also showers available in Terminal 3 in the Wings Transit Lounge. If you are in serious need of some sleep, be careful where you choose to stretch out as sleeping is forbidden in many areas – it is better to head to Terminal 1 or 3 to rent a sleep pod (payment in cash only).
In this article, we'll take a look at:
“Bakebe” is a warm and friendly space for baking enthusiasts. You will learn how to make an array of desserts or tea-time treats that you will be able to recreate in your home kitchen. All participants are given an iPad with the Bakebe app so they can choose which items they would like to make. The course includes all the ingredients, utensils and gorgeous boxes so that you will be able to transport your baked goodies home as the ultimate souvenir for family and friends. This activity is suitable even if you are a newbie to cooking!
This and many other activities in Manila can be booked on the Klook app- which many find great to use –
“I’ve enjoyed using Klook as it has some usual and unusual tour sites and interesting experiences to consider. Also if you have to change, cancel or make a mistake, it’s really easy to cancel.”
Essential details:
Where : 26th Street, Corner McKinley Pkway, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila (about 30 minutes from the airport)
When: Monday-Sunday: 10:00-22:00, Last admission: 18:00
Duration: N/A
Cost PHP 1,199- Philippine peso
If you enjoy history, why not slip on some comfortable walking shoes and modest clothes to join the Intramuros walking tour that explores the famous fort built by the Spanish?The tour is really interesting as it focuses on the details of the Battle of Manila which was a dark time in the long history of Intramuros and also helps participants understand how Manila has evolved. Next on the agenda is a visit to the 16th-century church of San Agustin – the only one of seven churches left of Intramuros. The third place that the tour visits is Casa Manila – a remarkable replica of a Spanish colonial mansion. The tour ended on a lovely friendly note as everyone relaxes with a drink around Casa Manila and there is the chance to taste the delicious dessert Filipino HaloThe tour is hosted by Mari in English The feedback on this tour is impressive. Christie in February 2023 wrote-
Mari is a delightful, enthusiastic companion. Her knowledge of and passion for the history and culture of Manila made the tour a rich experience. Thank you, Mari!
Where: Everyone meets at Manila Cathedral Church ( the journey time from the airport
to downtown Manila is about 25 minutes.
A taxi costs PHP300 (about €5.50)
When: Daily tours either at 08.30 or 13.00
Duration: Three hours
Cost From €65
You will probably have already discovered the delicious taste of Filipino spring rolls, so imagine being able to rustle some up for family and friends when you get home! The Filipino spring roll – or lumpia – is a thin pastry case that is filled with a savoury mixture of meat or fresh vegetables – or a combination of both. Lumpia is a versatile Filipino dish that can be enjoyed as an appetiser, snack, or even a main course.
This cookery workshop is for groups of up to six participants and tuition is in English – from a professional Filipino chef. Everyone can join in the fun of trying to make spring rolls because they can be made vegan and vegetarian-friendly. The best part of all comes at the end of the session when you get to eat the spring rolls you have made!
Where: Makati, Manila ( Makati is a suburb of Manila 11.4 km to the south-east, 25 minutes by taxi – it is the same distance from the airport too)
When: Every Friday 13.30-15.30
Duration Two hours:
Cost: € 28
If you like getting out exploring you will need good sturdy shoes and your camera for exploring the Sierra Madre. Stretching 540 kilometres, this dramatic mountain range stretches from Cagayan province down to Quezon. The hike takes place in the Tanay Rizal area near to Manila – and your ticket includes your transfer from central Manila. The hike is led by local photographer Ai, and along the way, you will see mountains, waterfalls, historic churches and a cave and have the chance to take a dip in a freshwater lake. The hike is for up to ten participants and is usually in English – but can be in Tagalu- so best to check. Georgina joined the hike in July 2022 and commented –
‘A great day trip. Really brilliant way to see the variety of the landscape close to Manila and immerse yourself in the culture, with local people too. Would recommend!‘
The route for the hike sometimes has to be adjusted depending on the weather but is suitable for inexperienced hikers. Be warned, this tour has a really early start but having breakfast as a group is fun!
Essential details
Where: The hike begins at MayFlower Parking in front of the Police Station in
Mandaluyong which is 8km south-east of Manila
When: Saturdays and Sundays 02.30 – 17.30
Duration: 15 hours
Cost: From €62
If you have been busy on the work front, why not allow yourself to be truly pampered by relaxing in a kawa hot bath?
The kawa hot baths in Tagaytay are located in La VeryOl’s Mountain View Gardens and definitely offer the most amazing serene mountain views from your bathtub! There are ten kawas standing in a line under a canopy and each has a really impressive view. The ‘kawa’ is actually a huge metal cauldron that was used to process molasses for sugar-making. In time, modern technology made the kawa redundant, but enterprising local people soon found that they were perfect for enjoying a long hot bath!
You will also see kawa used for cooking huge amounts of food for bisperas (festivals) It has to be said, that the water temperature in the kawa is really hot but there are no worries as it is not scalding! When the bath is being prepared, fragrant leaves, herbs and flowers are added to the water. There are several other optional extras that you can enjoy including a milk bath, bath bombs or the addition of Himalayan salt (all at a nominal extra cost) and the dress code for this wonderful calming experience is swimwear! You can also enjoy other relaxing and restoring treatments such as hot stones or a full body massage – you will certainly leave feeling deeply relaxed.
Where: La VeryOl’s Mountain View Garden, St Francis Drive, Barangay Francisco,
Tagaytay City, Philippines -you will need plenty of time as this is 60.7 km from
the airport and takes about 70 minutes by car.
When: The kawas are open 08.30 -18.00 daily.
Duration: The kawa bath takes 45 minutes, full body massage takes one hour and the
hot stone treatment, 90 minutes
Cost: Kawa hot bath PHP 499.00
Kawa hot bath plus hot stones PHP 1,599.00
Kawa hot bath plus full body massage PHP 1,099.00
* There are overnight rates in rooms with private balconies with two kawa
* It is essential to book in advanced
Either to meet colleagues there or as a great meeting venue for staff members from all over the region. Let us help you plan all aspects of the trip. We can find you food flights, and a great hotel and we can help plan team-building activities and downtime excursions – all you have to do is to give us a call and the rest is taken care of. Book a demo or sign up for our free trial!
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