Take a Break at These City Parks in Metro Manila
Stop and smell the roses, breathe in some fresh air, and commune with nature while in the city? Yes you can! For you who want some relaxation or some active outdoor time in the midst of nature, we listed some sanctuaries in Metro Manila where you can be among the greens, a breather from the day-to-day grind of the urban bustle.
1. La Mesa Eco Park, Quezon City, Philippines
(Photo credit: La Mesa Eco Park Facebook)
La Mesa Eco Park, found in Quezon City, is an ideal place for recreational and environmental awareness activities. It is an expansive 33-hectare park with lush greens and tall trees, as well as amenities like swimming pool and pavilions accessible to the public. There are a number of outdoor activities to do here such as fishing, horseback riding, bungee jumping, biking, zipline, and paint ball. Visitors can also enjoy an overnight camping experience with a minimum of 15 campers for P200 individually per night. The park’s admission rates cost P 50 for visitors above 3ft height while a special discount is offered to Quezon City residents and students with a lower fee of P 40 and P 20, respectively.
2. Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, Quezon City, Philippines
(Photo credit: bmb.gov.ph)
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center is a 22.7-hectare park that is also located at Quezon City. It is named in honor of former Philippine President Noynoy Aquino’s father, Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino, Jr. This park has facilities like lagoon, playground, botanical garden, aquarium, and Wildlife Rescue Center that visitors can enjoy. There are also animals that the center takes care of and visitors can roam around the park to see them up close. Families and friends can enjoy a nice and simple picnic here or some physical activities. It’s also ideal for team building and the like. Its Fishing Village can also serve as a party venue with a rental fee of P 1,700. This place is totally affordable with only P8 and P5 admission fee for adults and children, respectively.
3. Taguig Lakefront Community Park, Taguig City, Philippines
(Photo credit: Gabriel Symphony Twitter)
Taguig Lakefront Community Park is the first-ever park in the city of Taguig. It is a 1-hectare landscaped park with a relaxing koi pond, a basketball court, and an activity area. Visitors here can bike along the cycling path, shop in the bazaar, and let their children enjoy the kiddie train ride. The park is located by shores of the Laguna Lake and with free entrance for all. The park opens from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m.
4. Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City, Philippines
(Photo credit: Ayala Triangle)
Ayala Triangle Gardens is a 2-hectare park right at the heart of the business district of Makati. Created by Ayala Land in 2009, it was inspired by London’s Hyde Park. The park is surrounded by over a hundred diverse mix of trees including rain trees, golden palms, fire trees, kamuning and podo cerpus. Because of its prime location and beautiful landscaping, the park is also used as a venue for social events every now and then. It is open from 6 a.m.-10 p.m and is at the intersection of Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue, providing a serene and refreshing haven in the busy area. It is best for jogging, brisk walking, yoga, or some relaxation time. It also features a strip of cafes and restaurants and some Wi-fi hotspots to stay connected to your social sites.
5. Rizal Park, Manila, Philippines
(Photo credit: Rizal Park)
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park is hailed as the first urban park in Asia. Located in the capital city of Manila, it is named in honor of Jose Rizal, the Philippine national hero. It is an iconic and historical park that symbolizes courage and freedom. Visiting foreign dignitaries lay wreath to the Rizal monument as a gesture of respect for the country’s history and heritage. It is a favorite tourist spot of both locals and foreigners to stroll around and get a glimpse of the nation’s past. Here, visitors can see the Rizal Shrine, the Independence flagpole, the National Museum, and several other gardens, monuments, and museums. It is open for public and has affordable fees for admission to some establishments. There are also photographers around so you can have your souvenir photos taken anytime.
