Manila Travel Forum

Hi
I am going to Manila for the third time next week for 5 days. Would like to do something more towards nature, no trekking though. maybe river cruise? can i take the pasig ferry ride from makati? no Tagatay as i have been there. :)

I am staying at the new The Avenue Hotel.Which mall is it near to?
Any good spas, foot massage or pedicure/manicure place around? in Mall of Asia also ok.

Thanks very much

i'm not sure you really want to take on that river cruise. although there have been efforts to restore pasig river, it's still not a beautiful sight. and the river is surrounded with city elements (i.e. buildings,pollution). you'll get a good view of malacanang, though.

if you're looking for a nature trip within the city, there's la mesa ecopark in quezon city. check out this site:
http://www.lamesaecopark.com/

Haven't heard of The Avenue Hotel. If you can specify the address, i might be able to recommend places accessible from the hotel.

Hi, why don't you try riding the ferries near picc, it will be accessible if you're hotel is along Roxas Boulevard.

Here's the website that has info on doing a day trip to Corregidor Island (www.waypoints.ph/detail_gen.html?wpt=correg)

Try simply1's suggestion. The ferry terminal is across the street from the Cultural Center (which is near the PICC - Philippine International Convention Center that simply1 mentioned). There is a ferry service to Orion, Bataan and possibly to Subic (where there is a jungle survival tour)

the nearest nature trip from Manila is Pagsanjan Falls. 3 hours from manila (traffic included). Breathtaking!

The Pasig river ferry ride is really not a bad idea. We (local VTs) tried it last year from Escolta (first station) to Pasig (2nd to the last station) and we were surprised to find that the ferry is air conditioned and clean, an improvement from its precedessor. Even Pasig river has improved, no foul smell (or if there was, not strong enough to be noticed). Not much sights to be seen though except for the balcony of Malacanang Palace which is not allowed to be photographed. I would suggest taking it at dusk or early evening when the multi-color lights from buildings/lampposts are reflected on the water.

You may also consider going to the beach (Batangas), Pagsanjan Falls, Hidden Valley or Villa Escudero.