Manila Bay Tours

Manila Bay showing rocky coastline
Manila Bay showing a statue or sculpture
Manila Bay featuring a statue or sculpture and signage
Manila Bay which includes a marina
Manila Bay featuring a statue or sculpture


Drift around the tranquil waters of a sheltered bay and watch a colorful sunset from the shores of Manila city.

Manila Bay is often described as one of the best natural bays in the world. Explore it on foot or by boat to see the bright lights of Manila. Come here for a quiet escape away from the bustle of the city center.

The bay is sheltered from the elements, which means that all 770 square miles (2,000 square kilometers) stay fairly shallow and resist large tidal changes. Enjoy the calmness of the water here by taking a sailing trip around the vast, beautiful bay.

Manila Bay’s proximity to the Southeast Asian mainland made it an important port throughout history. As you pull into Manila Harbor, picture the Spanish ships landing here in 1571 and imagine war ships fighting the Battle of Manila Bay in 1898.

Set sail at sunset for a twilight cruise around the bay. Dinner cruises leave from Manila Harbor. Dine on delectable Filipino cuisine and admire views of the city’s gleaming skyscrapers. Listen to local bands serenade you as you watch the landscape drift past. Choose a night cruise to see the city sparkle with thousands of lights.

Appreciate Manila Bay’s famous sunsets from the land. Head to Manila Baywalk, a pedestrianized stretch of the bay in Malate and Ermita. Stroll along the path, stopping by open-air cafés and listening for the sounds of the musicians who may be playing in bandstands on Friday and Saturday nights.

Harbor Square, where many of the boat trips depart, features some of Manila City’s best bay-facing attractions. Feel the rush of adrenaline in the funfair rides of Star City, among them roller coasters, log flumes and swinging ships. Watch dance, orchestral and jazz performances in the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a striking modernist complex that looks out over the bay.

The best way to access to Manila Bay is via the metropolitan area of Manila City. Hop on a bus to the districts of Malate or Ermita to reach some of the best views of the bay.

Plan a trip to see Manila Bay

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
The Reef Island Resort Mactan, Cebu
Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan
JPark Island Resort & Waterpark

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Reviews of Manila Bay

3.9
Guest rating
5 - Excellent
250
5 - Excellent 31%
4 - Good
348
4 - Good 43%
3 - Okay
154
3 - Okay 19%
2 - Disappointing
43
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
18
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Cleaner now and well maintained than before. Good for a stroll or morning run.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

My tip is I have stayed at much better hotels for this price so skip this hotel in my opinion.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great for sunset

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

Polluted

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Quite near the US embassy and Manila Bay promenade. A pleasant and safe walk along the Manila Bay.

2/5 - Disappointing

JD

Polluted folks, no swimming/fishing here.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Manila Bay

Grand Westside Manila Bay

Grand Westside Manila Bay

4 out of 5
Bagong Nayong Pilipino, Westside City, Tambo, Parañaque, National Capital Region
Grand Westside Manila Bay
Kingsford Hotel Manila Bay

Kingsford Hotel Manila Bay

3.5 out of 5
Bagong Nayong Pilipino, Parañaque, NCR
Kingsford Hotel Manila Bay
The Heritage Hotel Manila

The Heritage Hotel Manila

4 out of 5
Roxas Boulevard, Corner Of Edsa, Pasay, Manila
The Heritage Hotel Manila
Conrad Manila

Conrad Manila

5 out of 5
Seaside Boulevard, Corner of Coral Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, Manila
Conrad Manila
Hotel 101 - Manila

Hotel 101 - Manila

3 out of 5
EDSA Extension, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, Manila
Hotel 101 - Manila
Solaire Resort Entertainment City

Solaire Resort Entertainment City

5 out of 5
1 Asean Avenue, Parañaque, Manila
Solaire Resort Entertainment City
TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila

TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila

3.5 out of 5
Seaside Blvd, Corner J.W. Diokno Blvd, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay, Metro Manila
TRYP by Wyndham Mall of Asia Manila
Diamond Hotel Philippines

Diamond Hotel Philippines

5 out of 5
Roxas Blvd Cor Dr J Quintos, Manila, Manila
Diamond Hotel Philippines
Hotel H2O

Hotel H2O

4 out of 5
Luneta, (Behind the Quirino Grandstand), Manila
Hotel H2O
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Manila Bay

Manila Bay offers a variety of exciting activities for tourists, including shopping, dancing, and entertainment. Visitors can explore the vibrant surroundings, ensuring a memorable stay with a well-planned itinerary. A trip to Manila Bay is incomplete without experiencing the stunning views and lively atmosphere that the area has to offer, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the Philippines.

Shopping

In Manila Bay, visit SM Mall of Asia, a vibrant shopping center with entertainment options, located 15 miles away. If you're up for a drive, Baclaran Market, 16 miles away, offers a bustling atmosphere for local goods, while the historic Makati Central Post Office is 17 miles away for unique finds.

Recreation

Ninoy Aquino Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts, while the Manila Yacht Club provides a luxurious retreat with stunning views of the bay. For golf lovers, Intramuros Golf Course delivers a refreshing outdoor experience amidst beautiful landscapes, ideal for relaxation and leisure.

Adventure

Club Manila East, a vibrant waterpark located 25 miles from Manila Bay, offers thrilling slides and family-friendly attractions for a day of fun. Splash Island, 30 miles away, provides exciting water rides and relaxation areas. For a breathtaking experience, try the 360° View adventure, 26 miles from the bay, featuring stunning panoramas.

Nightlife

In Manila Bay, the Manila Metropolitan Theatre offers a blend of culture and romance, creating an enchanting atmosphere for families and couples alike, located 15 miles away. Meanwhile, Dulaang Rajah Sulayman Theatre, just 14 miles away, presents captivating performances that celebrate local artistry and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Manila Bay

Manila Bay offers a vibrant mix of cultural and family-friendly experiences, featuring popular attractions such as historic forts, urban parks, and beautiful churches. Visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the bay and explore nearby Ayala Malls for shopping and dining. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or immersing yourself in the rich history, Manila Bay is a perfect destination for an unforgettable vacation.

  • Rizal Park: A sprawling urban park, Rizal Park is a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With lush greenery, monuments, and family-friendly areas, it offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for picnics or leisurely strolls, all while soaking in the local culture.
  • Manila Cathedral: This stunning cathedral stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural beauty of Manila. With its intricate details and serene ambiance, visitors can appreciate the spiritual and cultural significance of this iconic landmark.
  • Fort Santiago: A historic fort that played a crucial role in Philippine history, Fort Santiago offers a glimpse into the past. Explore its well-preserved structures and learn about the country's struggle for independence while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding area.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Manila Bay

To save money on your trip to Manila Bay, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May and August to September, with Sundays being the least expensive days for accommodations. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels by arranging search results from lowest to highest price and utilizing package deals that combine flights and activities. Additionally, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and the chance to earn OneKeyCash for future bookings. Explore free activities around the bay and take advantage of affordable public transport options to further stretch your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Manila Bay are May and August to September, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Manila Bay is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Manila Bay is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and more. You can arrange your search results from lowest to highest price, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Manila Bay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.