Gay Manila: The absolute gay travel guide

“Be super careful in Manila boys…” was the blunt warning from our Filipino friends in London before we headed over, “…it's crowded, polluted, too much traffic and lots of thieves everywhere!”

But in all honesty, Manila is no different from any other big city we've been in.

Our first steps on the streets of Malate were tentative – taking our friends' words to heart, we ensured to leave all valuables in our hotel, avoided unlit streets, and stuck to taxis to get us around. But the paranoia that we'd built up was quickly broken down. Sticking to basic common sense, it's fine in Manila.

We ended up enjoying the Filipino capital. It has a pretty exciting gay scene with a super friendly LGBTQ community that loves connecting with foreigners. Filipinos are generally the most hospitable people we've ever met, which makes it so easy to make local friends here quickly. This was our favorite thing about Manila!

As the hub of the Philippines, Manila makes for a pretty sweet base to start exploring the rest of this phenomenal country.

Is Manila safe for gay travelers?

Manila is just as safe for gay travelers as it is for straight. Filipinos are friendly and charming people who love showing off their country to foreigners. Whether you're straight or gay will not make much difference as a foreigner, which is why we rate the Philippines as one of the most gay friendly nations in Asia.

However, this is our perception through our rose-tinted spectacles as foreigners visiting the country. We get a “pass” as gay foreigners but the situation for LGBTQ locals is different. Whilst the Philippines is ahead of the game in relation to LGBTQ rights when compared to most other places in Asia, it is nonetheless a very conservative and religious Catholic country. Therefore we advise against PDAs, particularly in rural areas.

To find out more, we recommend reading our interview with local boy Rione from Manila about what gay life in the Philippines is really like.

Gay friendly hotels in Manila

We never had any problems booking a place to stay in Manila as a gay couple. We were always able to book a double bed with no one batting an eyelid. In fact, in most places, half of the staff were gay guys anyway! We've set out below the best of the gay friendly hotels in Manila for all budgets.

01

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila

In a nutshell

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• Luxury 5-star resort on the edge of Manila Bay
• Incredible restaurant with 21 ateliers
• Huge outdoor pool surrounded by palms
• Fantastic spa, sauna, and fitness center

If you want to feel like you're experiencing a tropical island resort in the middle of a big city – head to the Sofitel Philippine Plaza!

This incredible gay friendly five-star hotel is located on the edge of Manila Bay where you can enjoy views of water and the city at the same time. We spent every morning on the waterside jogging trail before heading to the fitness center or tennis courts.

Afterward, it was time to relax amongst the tropical gardens surrounding the huge pool or head to Le Spa for a massage and sauna session.

Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila boasts an amazing restaurant called Spiral, where 21 different ateliers showcase divine cuisines from around the world. From rotisserie chicken to sushi, Peking duck, and pizza, we were spoiled for choice. That's not even mentioning the five other restaurants and bars where you can have snacks or cocktails.

Did we mention that Sofitel has a French influence? My Seby was in heaven with the service rituals and art de vivre on display here, as well as the lovely Lanvin toiletries in all the rooms. Speaking of, you can choose from luxury rooms, suites or apartments, all equipped with MyBeds that make you feel like you're sleeping in a cloud.

The only (possible) downside to staying at the gay friendly Sofitel is that you might never want to leave and explore what Manila has to offer!

Prices at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila start from $120 per night:

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02

Sheraton Manila Bay

In a nutshell

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• 5-star hotel in heart of city
• Close to famous shopping malls and one on-site
• Lovely outdoor swimming pool
• Gorgeous rooftop bar for sunset cocktails

Slightly closer to the city center than our previous choice and just as luxurious is the Sheraton Manila Bay. This 5-star gay friendly hotel is located in a gorgeous glass-fronted building that features amazing views over the city.

The rooftop lounge and bar (pictured) was our favorite spot for a sunset cocktail before heading out to enjoy Manila's gay scene. There's also an outdoor swimming pool with a cute fish fountain that's a real little oasis in the middle of the bustling city.

This is the place to stay if you're looking for some serious retail therapy. The Sheraton Manila Bay is a 5-minute walk from The Robinson's Place Mall, a 15-minute drive from The Mall of Asia and there's even a four-storey shopping arcade right in the building!

With personal butlers available 24/7, you'll feel pampered as well, since they can organize anything for you, from a city tour to a bubble bath. There are four different dining spaces and a small VIP gym so you can keep fit. We loved the little garden and gazebo which is another spot that makes you forget you're in the middle of a very busy city.

The staff at the Sheraton Manila Bay are one of the highlights, they are always so helpful, friendly, and not at all bothered by two men sharing a bed. The rooms are spacious and lovely, with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the city views.

Prices at the Sheraton Manila Bay start from $160 per night:

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03

Red Planet Manila Binondo

In a nutshell

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• Excellent budget option
• Clean, comfy private rooms and bathrooms
• In the heart of Manila's Chinatown
• Gay friendly and helpful staff

For gay travelers on a budget, you can't go past the charming Red Planet Manila Binondo. Red Planet runs excellent budget hotels throughout Asia (sign up for membership for even more discounts) where you'll still have all the amenities you expect from a hotel, without the hefty price tag.

Sometimes you want to save money but just don't fancy staying in a bunk bed in a hostel. We feel you! Luckily, the Red Planet hotels have everything you need when you won't be spending much time in the hotel (so more time for exploring) but still want a comfortable and private place to sleep.

The rooms are clean and cozy, with custom-made beds, a desk, and a flat-screen TV, as well as a private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. The Red Planet Manila Binondo is located in the heart of the world's oldest Chinatown, so you can bet it's filled with delicious places to eat! It's also within walking distance from the Lucky Chinatown Mall and Cinema.

Staying here also means you're close to some of Manila's best sights, like Fort Santiago and the National Museum of the Philippines. The staff are super-helpful and attentive, only too happy to give recommendations or answer any questions you might have. We felt comfortable and accepted while staying here.

Prices at Red Planet Manila Binondo start from $46 per night:

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Gay travel agents

Out Adventures is our favorite travel agent when it comes to gay travel. They organize gay group trips all over the world as well as bespoke itineraries. They can customize and tailor an itinerary according to what you want to see and do in The Philippines. If you're tight on time and want someone to organize everything for your gay trip to Manila from start to finish, we recommend having a conversation with them!

Gay bars in Manila

The gay scene in Manila is pretty big, with loads of gay bars spread out across the city. Historically, the bulk of the gay scene was based in Malate but has since moved out to other parts of Metro Manila. We've set out below some of the best gay bars in the Filipino capital to check out.

Note that the iconic Che'lu and Mixed Nuts gay bars of Manila shut down due to Covid and have not reopened. More recently, the iconic Catch 272 gay bar in Manila sadly closed its doors for good in early 2024.

Fred's Revolución

Located in what's called “the hipster capital of the Philippines”, Fred's Revolución in the Cubao Expo is a rustically cool spot for drinks and just drinks. It's a tiny little bar with mismatched furniture, walls covered in pictures of Che Guevera, and currency from around the world. While it's not a place for tearing it up on the dance floor, they do have fun drag nights, so it's a gay friendly place for getting a feel for local Manila.

Open: Fred's Revolución is open daily from 5 pm until midnight.

Location: It's located at Cubao Expo, Gen. Romulo, Quezon City, Philippines, 1112.

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Jefz Cafe

If you like a sing-along then you'll love Jefz Cafe because it's a fabulous gay karaoke bar. Even if you don't want to get up and sing yourself, they have entertaining live music shows as well as the ‘Hot Male Body’ show every Friday night. Jefz Cafe attracts a large gay crowd of patrons who feel more like a family – seriously, you may just want to stay in Manila forever so that this can become your ‘local'!

Open: Jefz Cafe is open every day from 6 pm until 4 am.

Location: It's located at 1811 Leon Guinto St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila, Philippines.

Gay clubs in Manila

Manila has a pretty large gay clubbing scene, mainly dominated by Club Adonis and O Bar on weekends. We've set out the main ones below; expect to find plenty of exotic dancers and drag queens on the Manila gay clubbing scene!

O Bar

O Bar is Manila's most famous and popular gay dance club that's been going strong for more than ten years. It's more of a mixed crowd in terms of ages, with some hilarious drag shows, which you sit and watch. Later in the evening, it becomes one large dancing area… then even later in the evening, the dancing area becomes full of handsome topless guys dancing!

Open: O Bar is open Thursday to Sunday from 11.30 pm until 6 am.

Location: It's located on South Drive off Doña Julia Vargas Avenue in the Ortigas Center, Manila, Philippines, 1604.

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Club Adonis

Club Adonis is an institution in the male entertainment industry. It's a very young local crowd here, think lots of students and their fans! Adonis is a staple on the Manila gay scene with lots of hot exotic dancers, live shows, and the occasional drag competition. The bar staff are just as friendly and engaging as the performers, so try not to get too distracted…

Open: Club Adonis is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 pm until 5 am.

Location: It's located at 83 Timog Avenue, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, Quezon City, Philippines, 1103.

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Nectar

Nectar is another fab gay club that we love partying at. It's focused on electronic dance music, with gay DJs and drag shows between DJ sets. As well as being a really fun, cool, hip place with really funny drag shows, they also host dating games for single gay guys. Nectar is also welcoming to all members of the LGBTQ community, with gender-neutral bathrooms.

Open: Nectar is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10 pm until 4 am (until 5 am on Saturday).

Location: It's located on The Fort Strip, on the corner of 5th Avenue and 26th Sttreet in Bonifacio Global City, Philippines 1634.

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Gay saunas in Manila

There are several gay saunas in Manila to check out. They are particularly popular with local guys who are firmly in the closet and want some quick action. We've set out the main ones below:

Club Bath

Describing itself as the “first and oldest gay bathhouse in Asia” means you have to visit Club Bath while you're in Manila! Spread out over three floors are communal showers, a steam room, a gym, a labyrinth, a mini-bar, a movie room, private cabins, and a dark room. Overall, Club Bath is a more relaxed and chilled spot than some other gay saunas, but there are still plenty of opportunities for some cheeky fun.

Club Bath is located at 2456 FB Harrison Boulevard in Pasay City. It's open on weekdays from 6 pm until 2 am, on Friday until 3 am, and on Saturday from 3 pm until 3 am.

Altermale Exclusive (The We'reHouse)

Altermale (previously The We'reHouse) is one of the most popular gay male saunas in Manila. It features a dry sauna, maze, play-rooms, an entertainment theater, bar, lockers, and massage service. This is one sauna that's more about having fun than soaking in a hot tub! Altermale has regular events, as well as a different theme or party each day. You need to be a member to enter but can purchase this at the door and it's only about $4 USD for a year.

Located at 2421B Morse St. Brgy. San Isidro, Pasay City, Altermale is open from 7 pm until 2 am (on Saturdays until 3 am and on Sundays until 1 am).

F Club (Fahrenheit Cafe and Fitness Center)

F Club is an incredible gay hub combining a bathhouse/sauna with a dance club and a restaurant. If you're looking to relax and have some fun, you can purchase a membership to enjoy the sauna facilities 24/7. These include 30 private rooms, a jacuzzi, a sauna/steam room, cruise areas, massage services, and a large cinema room. Along with all this, a huge entertainment lounge regularly hosts gay parties and events, like Mr Gay World Philippines. This is one spot in Manila you do not want to miss out on checking out!

F Club is open 24/7 and is located at 1234 PGHI Bldg. Alabama St. cor E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue New Manila Quezon City 1112.

Where to get an STI and HIV test + treatment in Manila?

Nothing's going to ruin your trip in the Philippines more than an unusual discharge… Thankfully, Pulse Manila has got your back. This terrific gay lifestyle clinic in Makati offers everything from full testing, PrEP, PEP, and full treatment if you do have something(!).

Pulse Manila also offers mental health consultation if you're suffering from anxiety or depression along with a full screening and mental well-being for the transpeople.

Pulse Manila's full address is: Unit 202 Plaza 100 Building V.A Rufino, Corner Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, 1223 Metro Manila.

Manila Gay Pride and other gay events in Manila

The Manila gay scene is pretty exciting. In terms of gay events in Manila, the city rivals Gay Bangkok and Taipei, with many parties and Pride events happening throughout the year. We've set out below the main ones to check out:

Metro Manila Pride (March)

Metro Manila Pride is the main gay Pride event. It takes place each March, attracting almost 100,000 people, making it one of the largest gay events in Asia. It's also famous for being the first gay Pride event to take place in Asia when it started back in June 1994. Unfortunately, in places like the Philippines Pride is still a protest, where participants make their voices heard demanding equal rights and freedom from discrimination.

White Party Manila (June)

Going strong for 20 years, Manila's White Party is the largest party of its kind, taking place in the streets of Orosa and Nakpil in Malate. It takes place in June to coincide with Pride around the world and the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Dancing with hundreds of other members of our fabulous gay family in the streets is an incredible experience, with fabulous DJs pumping out dance and EDM music.

Quezon City International Pink Film Festival (November/December)

The QC International Pink Film Festival is the largest of its kind in Asia and the only one in the Philippines, showcasing LGBTQ films from around the world. It's usually held over a week during November or December, with film screenings, forums, and speakers on gay issues, then culminating in another Pride march at the Quezon City memorial. If you like film, honoring gay rights, and fun times, then it's worth timing your visit to experience the festival!

Quezon City Pride March (December)

The Quezon City Pride March is the one that takes place at the end of the Quezon City International Pink Film Festival. Both events are organized by the Quezon City Pride Council, the first in the Philippines created to enforce LGBT rights, gender-based policies, and programs. The march is really fun and colorful, with a float competition, a night party, rainbow booths, and a fashion show. When a city has two different Pride parades at two different times of the year, you know it's a city you gotta visit, right?

Things to do in Manila

We'll be honest when it comes to sightseeing, we didn't expect much from Manila. We saw it more as a transport hub to get to Palawan and Boracay. We were, however, pleasantly surprised to discover that there's a whole bunch of fascinating things to see and do in Manila for gay travelers. We've set out below some of the main ones to check out:

National Museum

There are four different branches of the National Museum of the Philippines, but our personal favorite is the National Museum of Fine Arts.

This beautiful building in Rizal Park is a fantastic spot to learn about Manila's history through stunning paintings and other artworks.

If you love museums then the National Museum of Natural History and the National Planetarium are also located in Rizal Park, so just a quick walk away.

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Fort Santiago

Located within the historic walled part of Manila known as Intramuros is the Spanish citadel of Fort Santiago.

It was built in 1593 during the Spanish colonization of Manila and was famously the prison of José Rizal, one of the national heroes of the Philippines.

Other highlights include Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, and how about a horse-carriage ride around the walled city 🙂

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Learn to cook Filipino food

If you've been here for more than a minute, then you know we love food and learning to cook the local delicacies wherever we travel.

The Philippines has an array of delicious foods to try. Hosts Greg and Oscar offer these classes in their homestay, first taking you to a local market for ingredients then showing you how to make a delicious meal, including dessert.

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San Agustin Church

San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the Philippines, completed in 1607, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It's located in the walled city of Intramuros and has stood as a witness to Manila's history for hundreds of years. The church is a gorgeous example of Baroque architecture, with a museum attached that's filled with Spanish-era church vestments, furniture and religious artwork.

We recommend exploring it as part of a full-day museum tour, especially if you're as passionate about art and history as we are.

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Masungi Georeserve

The Masungi Georeserve is a conservation area in the Sierra Madre range east of Manila, which you can visit on a day trip from the big city.

It's filled with limestone karst peaks and montane rainforests, along with caves filled with rock formations.

There's also a cool attraction called the Sapot (which means cobweb) that features suspended netting and platforms you can climb on above the forest, along with hanging bridges, rope courses, and eco-trails.

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Where to eat in Manila

The food of the Philippines has many influences from all around Asia, the Spanish, and even the Americas. It's pretty varied with so much to try out. As the capital city with the largest population in the country, Manila is home to some of the country's best restaurants. We've picked out our favorite for you below:

Purple Yam

Purple Yam is an incredible local restaurant that we loved to hit whenever we were craving some Filipino cuisine. It's situated in a lovely home, so it feels like you're just hanging out at a friend's house, but those friends are also amazing cooks! Most of the ingredients are local and the dishes melt in your mouth. Plus the waiters give you completely personalized attention. Pro tip, order their famous buko pie for dessert, and you'll thank us later!

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Cafe Ilang-Ilang

Cafe Ilang-Ilang is located in The Manila Hotel and is a wonderful spot to taste foods from all around the world in just one place. The restaurant has a huge selection of buffets along with live cooking stations, hand-rolled sushi, and the most amazing artisanal ice cream station we've ever seen! The entire dessert section is pretty much paradise so make sure you have saved room before heading to Ilang-Ilang.

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Market Cafe

Market Cafe is another excellent restaurant located in a hotel, this time in the New Coast Hotel Manila. It's also a buffet restaurant, although they focus on Asian cuisines from China, Japan, Koream, and the Philippines. The interactive kitchens are the best part, where the chefs put on exciting live cooking shows for you to watch them whip up their delicious dishes.

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Plan your trip

Manila Gay Map

We've made a map showing the location of all the places we've talked about in this article to make it easy for you to plan your fabulous trip to Manila:

Read more travel adventures like this in our book!

We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.

We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!

Click on the book to order:

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For more inspiration:

• Read these interesting facts about the Philippines that you might not have already known
• As well as why the Philippines is so gay friendly
• Check out the time we became mermaids for a day on the island of Boracay in the Philippines
• Along with our gay travel guide to Boracay
• Discover how perfect the crystal-clear waters of Palawan are for kayaking and snorkeling
• And read our gay travel guide to Palawan and El Nido