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Things to do in Manila

Golfing

It’s surprising to believe an 18-hole golf course exists in the heart of historic Manila. But adjacent to the ancient Fort Santiago’s walls by the River Pasig’s south bank is a par-66, 4,326-yard course. Club Intramuros Golf Course is also floodlit so golfers can shoot birdies and bogeys long into the night.

Club Intramuros Golf Course
Tel: (02) 527 6613.

Mountain biking

It is better to save two-wheel thrills for outside of Metro Manila and head to the countryside. Just outside the city’s vast urban sprawl, La Mesa Nature Reserve’s off-road cycle tracks provide a breath of fresh air. Demanding cycle tracks through forests and around invigorating Lakeland scenery is guaranteed to induce lactic acid in even hardened mountain bikers. Bike hire and organised days out around La Mesa are available from Philippine Adventures.

Philippine Adventures
Tel: (02) 887 0047.
Website: www.philippineadventures.com

Hiking

With so many volcanoes across Luzon Island, lung-bursting hiking is never far from Manila. Lake Taal is an easy half-day excursion, but for experienced hikers Mt Makiling is an exceptional challenge. This is a serious undertaking. The trail commences at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), then passes through tropical forests and boiling mud pools towards Makiling’s summit. Provisions and a tent are needed for this two-day excursion.

Website: www.pinoymountaineer.com

White-water rafting

Shoot the rapids at Pagsanjan Falls in Laguna approximately 90km (56 miles) south of Manila. This beautiful natural area possesses one of the most famous waterfalls in the Philippines. The river featured during the 1979 filming of Apocalypse Now. Fun bamboo rafts take visitors into the falls area, but for an injection of adrenaline take a white-water-rafting trip.

Website: www.pagsanjan.org

Ice skating

Where does one find the largest international Olympic-sized ice-skating rink in South East Asia? In a Manila shopping mall of course. The ice rink is located in the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City, and open skating day passes are extremely good value. Lessons available for novices.

Website: www.smiceskating.com

Surfing

The Philippines is ripped with fantastic surf spots across its archipelago, and wannabe surfers really don’t have to travel far to ride waves. Zambales on Luzon’s west coast lies just several hours north of Manila and offers consistent surf May to October with some big breaks for more experienced surfers. Novices can also learn how to climb onto a board for basic surfing lessons at Club Manila East (tel: (02) 660 2801) where a wave pool helps beginners practise.

Philippine Surfing Academy
Website: www.philippinesurfingacademy.com

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