15th August 2025. Manila, Philippines.
Manila wakes up early. And it wakes up running 🏃♂️🌅.
At 6:20 a.m., we laced up for a 6-kilometer route along the iconic Manila Bay and into the heart of the city’s historic streets. Between the golden glow of the sunrise, the smell of sizzling street food, and the unexpected mix of sea views, colonial landmarks, and bustling local life, this wasn’t just a workout.
It was a moving tour through the soul of the Philippine capital.
TLDR; “too long, didn’t read”
- I just want to run! Take me to RUN.
- I have 1 minute. Take me to USEFUL INFORMATION.
- Running is my excuse for travelling. Take me to TRIP.
- Running is my excuse for eating. Take me to CARBOLOADING.
- I want to know what to read in the plane. Take me to ONE BOOK.
- It’s a long haul flight!! Take me to TO KNOW MORE.
Why Traveling to the Philippines and Especially Manila is a Must for Runners 🏃♂️ and Explorers 🌍
If you’re a globetrotter with a love for lacing up your running shoes, the Philippines, especially its energetic capital, Manila, belongs at the top of your travel list.
This island nation of over 7,000 tropical gems 🏝️ offers much more than beach escapes and scuba diving.
Manila, often just a gateway city for many, is actually bursting with character, history, and surprise spots that make it a dream destination for both travelers and runners.
Running in Manila 🏃♀️: An urban adventure awaits
Searching for “Running in Manila” or “Where to run in Manila”? You’re in for a treat.
Manila may seem chaotic at first glance, but it hides pockets of runner-friendly paradise. From peaceful sunrise jogs along Manila Bay to energizing night runs under the lights of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), the city caters to all kinds of runners. 🛣️
Top running spots include:
- BGC – Modern, clean, and packed with green spaces like Track 30th and Terra 28th. 🏙️🌳
- Ayala Triangle Gardens – A palm-lined green haven perfect for mid-city runs in Makati. 🌴💼
- Rizal Park & CCP Complex – Long, scenic, and flat paths with a cultural vibe near the bay. 🎭🌊. This is the area we picked!
You’ll also find running tracks, fitness zones, and group runs almost every weekend. Just bring your shoes and let the city move with you.
Why Runners ❤️ Manila
If you’re looking for a real Guide to Running in Manila, know this: the local running community is passionate, inclusive, and always in motion. We saw it first hand!
From casual joggers to serious marathoners, there’s a tribe for every pace. Join local races or scenic fun runs along Manila Bay to meet fellow runners and experience the city’s electric vibe firsthand. 💥
Whether you’re in for a few days or planning a longer stay, Manila has something special for every traveler who loves to run. It’s raw, real, and surprisingly rewarding. So pack your shoes, charge your watch, and discover a city that never stops moving.
🌍 The Trip 📷: What to see in Manila in a day
But, first, a little bit of travel logistics ✈️🧳
No Visa but an eTravel Form
We arrived at 18:30 and we passed immigration relatively fast. There were no large queues, but we had to fill in an “eTravel” questionnaire which was free, scanning a QR code.
I didn’t know about it, I had only researched that there was no visa necessary for Spaniards. Anyway, it was easy enough and we entered the country without much hassle 😌.
It had been raining 🌧️ and it was hot and humid 🌡️: 19h and loads of traffic 🚗. The city was illuminated chaotically but there were some areas where public lights were not working.
But from the beginning, what I liked were the metal mini buses, so tiny and colourful and filled with people: The Jeepneys!
I saw one that was decorated with the Ferrari colours 🙂
The Jeepneys 🚍✨
These are the kings of Manila’s streets. Bright, loud, and made of metal.
They are cheap and culturally iconic 📸! They started as surplus U.S. military jeeps left after World War II. Locals extended the bodies, added benches, and turned them into cheap public transport. I loved their decorations, with chrome, painted murals, slogans, religious icons, and names.
Every jeepney is unique! A mix of art and vehicle.
Hotel Rizal and the Spanish-American War 🏨
We stayed in the elegant and glamorous Hotel Rizal, which I had chosen because of its location: there were good running routes around, and it was also close to Intramuros, which we planned to visit the day after.
I loved it from the very first moment we entered ❤️. I was captivated by its elegant façade, lobby, and interiors ✨.
Later I learnt that the hotel is located in the former Manila Army and Navy Club ⚓, originally founded in 1898 to serve U.S. military personnel stationed in the Philippines. The current building, designed by architect William E. Parsons, was completed in 1911.
Oh, wow – so it turned out I was in a building with some story related to the Spanish-American War, which I had researched thoroughly before travelling. Being a Spaniard, you know… 😂
Regarding this, I recommend this youtube documentary: “How the US stole the Philipines” – it is very good.
More Than Miles: Exploring Intramuros
If you only have 24 hours in Manila, the best way to dive into the city’s history and culture is by visiting Intramuros – the famous “Walled City.” 🏰 This historic district is packed with centuries-old churches, Spanish-era fortifications, and gardens that blend the past with the present.
Here’s the route we followed, and it turned out to be the perfect way to spend the day!
Tricycle Tour Around Intramuros
We kicked off the morning with a tricycle tour – a fun, convenient, and very local way to see the highlights. 🚲💨 The driver would take us from site to site, explain a bit of history, let us explore and snap photos, and then continue to the next stop. Simple, stress-free, and entertaining (especially weaving through Manila traffic in such a quirky vehicle!).
Puerta Real
Our first stop was Puerta Real, or “Royal Gate.” Originally built in the 1600s for ceremonial processions, it was reconstructed after WWII. Today, it opens into charming gardens often used for weddings and events.
Baluarte de San Diego
One of Intramuros’ oldest stone defenses, Baluarte de San Diego started as a circular watchtower in the late 1500s. Surrounded by lush gardens, it feels part historical landmark, part urban escape.
Walls & Ramparts of Intramuros
Walking along the massive stone walls built by the Spaniards in the 1500s was a highlight. We even climbed up using a cannon as makeshift steps and enjoyed sweeping views of the park, which centuries ago was a moat.
Skydeck Viewpoint
For a modern contrast, we headed to a nearby hotel’s skydeck. From there, we had stunning panoramic views: the timeless walls of Intramuros on one side, and Manila’s glassy skyscrapers on the other. Surprisingly, hardly any tourists were around!
Memorial to the Japanese Massacre of 1945
A sobering but important stop, this memorial honors the thousands of civilians who perished during the Battle of Manila in WWII. Standing here amid ruins was a moving reminder of the city’s resilience.
San Agustin Church & Museum
A must-see in Intramuros. Completed in 1607, San Agustin is the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its baroque design, breathtaking painted ceilings, and centuries-old religious treasures, it’s living history. We loved it so much that we came back in the afternoon for a deeper visit.
Manila Cathedral
The grand Manila Cathedral is another icon of Intramuros. Rebuilt multiple times since the 16th century, its neo-Romanesque facade and colorful stained-glass windows left us speechless.
Rizal Park & Gardens
After lunch, we strolled to Rizal Park. 🌳 Despite the midday heat (and a sudden rain shower later on), it was worth it to see the Chinese and Japanese gardens.
The Chinese garden had a peaceful design, though the “zen” vibe was broken by nearby festival music blasting at full volume – something locals didn’t seem to mind!
Back to Intramuros
Later, we wandered Intramuros on foot again, soaking up its lively yet chaotic atmosphere. Despite the busy traffic, it felt safe and welcoming. One curious cultural note: we noticed many women sporting very pale makeup – a popular beauty trend in Manila.
We also returned to San Agustin Church, this time exploring its peaceful convent museum. Empty hallways, beautiful paintings, gardens, and the sound of classical music created a magical moment.
Fort Santiago
We ended the day at Fort Santiago, one of the most important landmarks in Philippine history. Built in the 16th century as a citadel, it later became infamous as a prison. National hero José Rizal spent his final days here before his execution. Today, the Rizal Shrine Museum inside tells his powerful story through personal items and artifacts.
✅ Travel Tip: Intramuros can be hot and humid, and rain showers pop up often. Bring water, sunscreen, and either a raincoat or umbrella – locals actually use umbrellas more for sun than for rain!
Spending a day in Intramuros is like stepping back in time while still being in the heart of modern Manila. If you only have one day in the city, this is the experience you shouldn’t miss.
🏃♀️ The Run 🏃♂️
We set off for our morning run at 6:20 a.m., thinking we were getting an early start.
As soon as we stepped out of the hotel and turned onto the wide, palm-lined Roxas Boulevard 🌴, it became clear that Manila was already wide awake. The traffic was heavy 🚗, the sun was already shining 🌞, and the air was filled with the smell of sizzling street food 🍢 from the stalls along the road.
Women employed by the city council were gathering near the gardens 🌺, chatting and having breakfast before starting their day. By the time we returned later, they were already hard at work cutting the grass.
Roxas Boulevard
As we headed toward the bay 🌊, we passed the Museo Pambata, Manila’s children’s museum, its pavements and trees painted in cheerful rainbow colors 🌈.
Just beyond it, in stark contrast, stood a serious-looking police station 🚓, where uniformed officers were forming up in the courtyard.
Transparent riot shields, each marked with “Pulis”, the Filipino word for “Police”, leaned against the wall. We didn’t stop for photos, recalling a similar situation in Djibouti when cameras weren’t welcome.
Despite the city setting, the boulevard was lined with lush vegetation 🌳, and massive old trees had forced the pavement into uneven ridges. At times, it felt more like running a trail than a city street. A few dogs 🐕 dozed lazily by the roadside, entirely uninterested in the passing runners.
The US Embassy
Soon, we reached the U.S. Embassy 🇺🇸, where long queues had already formed outside. People sat patiently on plastic chairs while vendors sold snacks, plush toys 🧸, and all sorts of miscellaneous items. Just beyond the embassy, a massive twin-gun coastal defense cannon sat as a relic of Manila’s wartime history ⚓.
When we reached the harbor, a petite but determined policeman barred our entry — so we detoured and found ourselves running along the rompeolas, the sea wall, which offered sweeping views over Manila Bay 🌅. We weren’t alone; plenty of other runners were making the most of the morning light. We passed people taking photos 📷 with the newly restored stretch of Manila Bay Beach, its sand bright against the water.
After about 4.5 kilometers, we looped back at the busy crossroads of Roxas Boulevard and South Road, surrounded by tall hotels 🏨 and offices. We crossed the broad, bustling avenue to reach our final destination: Rizal Park.
Rizal Park
The entrance greeted us with a towering Philippine flag 🇵🇭 and the monument to José Rizal, the national hero whose writings and execution helped ignite the movement for independence.
As we ran into the park, we spotted a man wearing a shirt from the Manila Rio Marathon — the race we had originally planned to run, but missed due to a last-minute change in our travel schedule.
Rizal Park was alive with activity. Runners of all ages passed us in both directions, their gear as professional-looking as any race day. Two ginger cats 🐈 lounged lazily near a path, unfazed by the stream of joggers. In one corner, a group of women exercised to the beat of dance music 🎶, led by an energetic instructor.
Manila was well and truly awake, and it was buzzing with energy ⚡.
By the time we finished our last 1.5 kilometers through the park to complete our 6k, the sun was already hot and high in the sky 🌤️. We returned to the hotel drenched in sweat 💦, tired but happy. Manila had shown us that it doesn’t just wake up early. It wakes up running!
Fun Facts About the Sights on Our Route
- Manila Bay – Known for its spectacular sunsets, Manila Bay is a natural harbor that has played a key role in Philippine history, from Spanish colonial trade to the battles of World War II. The recent restoration of its beach area has been a controversial yet striking project to beautify the waterfront.
- U.S. Embassy in Manila – Built in 1940, the embassy sits on prime bayfront property and has been a central diplomatic hub for decades. It is one of the largest U.S. embassies in the world.
- Rizal Park – Also called Luneta, this 58-hectare park is one of the largest urban parks in Asia. It was here that José Rizal was executed in 1896, sparking the Philippine Revolution against Spanish rule. Today, the park is a favorite spot for jogging, picnics, and public events.
- Museo Pambata – Housed in a historic building from 1914, this children’s museum encourages learning through play. Its rainbow-painted surroundings make it one of the most colorful spots on Roxas Boulevard.
🏃♂️🍛 What to Eat in Manila if You’re a Runner 🍚💪
Manila isn’t just a vibrant city for culture and chaos—it’s a full-blown culinary adventure waiting to fuel your next run.
Whether you’re prepping for a 10K around Bonifacio Global City or sweating it out at Rizal Park, here’s how to eat like a Manileño runner—with flavour, flair, and a sense of humour:
🍝 Before the Run: Carboloading, Pinoy Style
Need that energy boost before pounding the pavement? Forget bland pasta—try these local carbs that’ll make your legs (and heart) happy:
- Pandesal – The humble Filipino bread roll. Soft, slightly sweet, and perfect with peanut butter or kesong puti (local white cheese). Bonus: easy to stuff in your running belt (we won’t judge).
- Garlic Fried Rice (Sinangag) – Yes, it’s breakfast, but it’s also fuel. Add a fried egg if you’re living dangerously. Runners say it’s “low and slow” energy—until you sprint for the toilet if you overdo it 😅.
- Champorado – Chocolate rice porridge! It’s basically dessert for breakfast, and yes, it counts. Just maybe skip the dried fish topping (tuyo) if you’re about to run next to people.
🥩 After the Run: Protein Recovery, the Filipino Way
You survived the heat, the jeepneys, and possibly stray dogs. Time to recover like a true warrior—with delicious, protein-packed Pinoy dishes.
- Tapsilog – Thin-sliced beef tapa, egg (itlog), and garlic rice. If you ran 5K, you deserve it. If you didn’t… eat it anyway. Gains are gains.
- Inihaw na Liempo – Grilled pork belly that’ll make you question if you really need abs. Hint: You don’t. But this hits the post-run protein spot like nothing else.
- Tokwa’t Baboy – A lighter (sort of) combo of tofu and pork in vinegar-soy sauce. It’s like a spa day for your tastebuds after a tough tempo run.
🥤Bonus Tip: Restaurant Recommendation
If you’re looking for a memorable place to eat in Intramuros, I highly recommend Barbara’s Heritage Restaurant, located right in front of San Agustín Church. The moment you step inside, you feel transported back in time—the dining hall is full of old-world charm, with vintage décor that gives off an elegant yet slightly faded colonial vibe. It’s the kind of place where the atmosphere is just as important as the food. ✨
The menu offers both classic Filipino dishes and Spanish favorites. Roger couldn’t resist ordering an “Arroz a la Cubana” 😂 while I went for a hearty “Bistek Tagalog.” Both were delicious and comforting, perfectly suited to the setting. Dining here felt like enjoying a meal in a historic home, surrounded by culture, history, and a touch of romance—an experience you shouldn’t miss while exploring Intramuros. 🍴🇵🇭
Useful information
🏆 6k along Manila Bay and Rizal Park in Manila, Philippines.
👟 Urban: bring shoes for asphalt.
✅ Scenic variety — from Manila Bay’s sea views 🌊 to lush tree-lined stretches 🌳 and historic landmarks like the U.S. Embassy and Rizal Park.
✅ Vibrant atmosphere — early-morning street life, fellow runners, food stalls, and cultural sights made it feel like a moving city tour.
⚠️ Uneven pavements and traffic 🚗 — tree roots, cracked sidewalks, and busy road crossings required extra attention while running.
⚠️ Heat and humidity 🌡️ — even at 6:20 a.m., it was sunny and sweaty, making the last kilometers feel much harder.
Map
One book
“Noli Me Tangere”, by José Rizal
Reading Noli Me Tangere gives you rich historical and cultural context that transforms your visit to Manila into a deeper experience. The novel reveals the roots of the Philippines’ struggles for identity and justice, and many of the sites you’ll see—like Intramuros, Rizal Park, or church ruins—carry echoes of the colonial era Rizal wrote about. Understanding this background helps you see Manila not just as a bustling city, but as a place where the past and present are deeply intertwined.
Plot Summary: Noli Me Tangere by Dr. José Rizal is a powerful novel that follows Crisóstomo Ibarra, a young Filipino who returns to the Philippines after studying in Europe. Hoping to uplift his homeland, he discovers deep social injustice, corruption, and abuse of power by the Spanish friars and colonial government. Through a cast of vivid characters—like the tragic Sisa and the manipulative Padre Damaso—the novel exposes the suffering of Filipinos under colonial rule, sparking the beginning of the Filipino national awakening.
To know more…
📖 Other books to read
Another interesting read is “Manila”, by Alex Garland (author of “The beach“, a favourite of mine).
This high-energy thriller plunges you into one intense night in the city. A British seaman picks up a mysterious job in a seedy Manila hotel, triggering a cascade of violence, tension, and atmospheric detail. Garland’s sharp prose and insider-outsider perspective capture Manila’s frenetic pulse—perfect for those who want their travel prep brimming with local ambiance.
Beyond edge-of-your-seat thrills, Manila is a cultural lens. Garland peppers his narrative with Filipino language, brand names, and mood—like that moment “the elastic that kept [the sun] suspended started to stretch”—giving an authentic sense of time, place, and the city’s unique rhythm.
You’ll hit the streets with fresh ears for Taglish, keen eyes for local adverts, and a heart throbbing with urban energy.
- Dream Jungle by Jessica Hagedorn – Fiction set in 1970s Philippines amid film shoots and tribal myths.
- Cebu by Peter Bacho – Explores Filipino-American identity and Manila’s political protests.
🎥 Movies to Watch Before You Go
- Metro Manila – A gritty, Academy-submitted British crime drama about a family’s tough life in the city’s underbelly.
- Manila by Night (aka City After Dark) – A multi-narrative Filipino classic exposing the city’s shadows under Marcos-era rule.
- The Red Shoes – A historical drama weaving Manila’s Film Center tragedy into a Personal Revolution context.
