Manila - Post Report Question and Answers
Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes on safety. See comment above about weather. There is a lack of green space and public parks in metro Manila, but if you do not mind being on sidewalks or streets, then it is doable. Road and/or mountain biking exists. Some people commute via bike to the Embassy, and there are options to get out of town to bike around the mountains on the weekends. I'll add info about other outdoor activities here: I think where there’s a will, there’s a way. The main challenge is that most is a minimum 3-4 hours’ drive away, if not way further. Also it is hot and humid, always, which makes outdoor activities a sweaty, sticky adventure. All hikes, and most outdoor activities really, require a local guide for a small fee. For water sports, anything beach related is available. The closest surfing is in La Union which is 5-7hrs drive away from Manila. Some of the eastern islands offer surfing in certain seasons. Scuba and snorkeling are the most popular water sports. I have seen windsurfing, and I suspect there is a decent amount of open water swimming for those who know where to look. - May 2025
Walking outside in Makati is safe. On Sunday mornings they close down some of the streets for runners and bikers. This is really the only good time to exercise outdoors (Ayala Triangle Gardens and Legazpi Park are too small and crowded to really run). Can't speak to BGC or Rockwell. Some people who live in villages are able to run there, but you can't get into the villages without living there or having a resident let you in. Hiking opportunities exist outside Manila if you can handle the heat. - Jan 2025
It is safe to walk around but crowds may be an issue for running. Bike riding is at your own risk. I see locals doing it as commuting but not as a leisure activity. Outdoor space for exercise is limited to few urban park areas. They are easy to get to but there aren’t a lot of them. - Jul 2024
It's safe to walk and run. On weekends there are a few streets that are shutdown for biking. Otherwise, you can bike if you are brave enough. The traffic here is wild though, not for the faint of heart. There is virtually no outdoor green space of any kind on this city. - Jul 2024
Yes, we feel safe to walk outside in Makati and BGC areas. There aren't really areas where bike riding is possible, the traffic is really bad. Also, running is really tough because of the heat and pollution. There are almost no public parks for exercising, playing soccer, frisbee, etc. - Jun 2024
Safe in BGC, absolutely (except that pedestrian rights are routinely ignored, so always be vigilant). You can even walk from BGC to Makati if it's not too hot and you have your wits about you. I don't bike as it seems like a good way to get pancaked. BGC has a kilometer-long greenway that you can run or walk on that is pretty nice. - Jun 2024
Yes, very safe. - Apr 2024
