Manila Travel Forum

I love walking and explore on my own. Anyone who was experience in doing this in Manila? My hotel will be in Makati, and I want a day walking to Tondo and to the old dumpsite Smokey Mountain.

if i understand you correctly, you want to walk from your hotel in makati to tondo? heads-up, that's quite far.. the typical transportation for that would be a series of rides which may include all or some of the ff: a bus, a jeep, the LRT, a tricycle (public transportation here might be a good cultural experience for a foreigner).
i guess it's ok to walk along those places you mentioned for a REAL cultural immersion.. but take necessary precautions. don't bring much money, guard your pockets, wear humble clothing, stay alert. There are neighborhoods in Tondo that are safe and peaceful, but of course, there are some that are not so (accdg to reputation).
so happy and safe travels to you! Ü

A bit funny - walking from Makati (business district) to Tondo?

You may have mean, staying in Makati, then go to Tondo (by public transport) and walk around the smokey mountain area or around Tondo.

A very odd idea, considering that the place you've picked to include in your itinerary is a bit on the not-so-safe side, particularly for a foreigner.

Most tourists walk around Intramuros (the old walled city) or the big parks. Yet am certain that you have a specific purpose. I didn't know that it's now a tourist attraction.

Just keep your wits with you at all times, people in there could be really friendly, not all.

Nevertheless, there are lots of places in Makati itself where you could really tire yourself with lots of walking.

Enjoy your trip, Manila is a beautiful city with beautiful people.

I live somewhere in Tondo but not near Smokey Mountain. If you really want to experience Tondo you should go there with someone (a local at best) or just be extra careful as there are really places that even I wouldn't want to go alone to.
Take a cab in going to Smokey Mountain. Why would you want to go there anyway? Are you on a mission? Parola or Baseco (both also in Tondo) are areas known for people who really need help. They would appreciate your visit..

Be safe and have fun!

the former dumpsite is now makro and other establishments. you may not see what you expect. although there is still a pile of dump at the right side. but i think you will smell it more than see it. i suggest you go to malate or take the manila bay sunset walk instead. but ask the cab driver to go around the smokey mountain area before bringing you to roxas blvd. manila bay.

i do not recommend walking in and aroung that area. YOU SHOULD NOTE THAT THE AREA IS NOT A TOURIST FRIENDLY AREA or A RECOMMENDED TOURIST SPOT. ordinary folks or locals get mugged what more a foreigner like you. i do not intend to offend or demean the area, like any other countries i have been to, there are areas which are just not meant for sightseeing. =)

if you want immersion, i suggest you coordinat with the department of social welfare of the city of manila and join them in their outreach programs. that would be a wiser and more prodcutive thing to do.

travel safe,

noyps.

I fully agree with NOYPS.

If there is one area in Manila, too dangerous to walk around, it would be Tondo.