Dearest Fellow Wanderer,
As you read this, please take a seat and drink something cold and fruity from the tropics while I share my tale with you.
I am currently sitting on a small balcony looking out at the Sulu Sea and it is beginning to get dark. I see the moonlight making a bright reflection on the surface of the water. The reason most people come to the Philippines is for the heat of the sun, tropical waters, and powdery white sand. They are not wrong when they say those are the best things! However, I’ve found out that there is a big difference between visiting during the day and waking up at night. When you arrive you will quickly discover the best nightlife in Philippines and how this beautiful country changes when it gets dark. The difference isn’t just about going out but having a rhythm, some warmth, and some soul that you can’t find in Asia.
When the heat of the day breaks and the first stars blink into existence, the archipelago transforms into a giant Party. So if you’re ready to come and experience the Philippines at night, bring your sense of wonder and forget about everything else you have to worry about at your hotel! Just follow me through the beautiful, soft, dark nights to discover the best place in philippines for nightlife.
The Heartbeat of Manila – Neon lights all over the town as well as its history
The first thing I do each night here is head to Manila to find the best nightlife in Philippines. Yes, I know what people say about how horrible Manila traffic is, and that it never seems to go to sleep. However, even in all the chaos of traffic, I find there is a very beautiful, electric feeling that makes me feel alive! For those researching philippines nightlife, the capital is the ultimate starting point.
If you’re somebody who wants all of the glamour, then I’ll take you to a neighbourhood that goes by Bonifacio Global City (BGC). BGC feels like you’ve been transported into the future. Everything seems to shine and sparkle at night due to all of the skyscrapers around the area having to be adorned with LED lighting. Rooftop bars in Philippines are where the fun is! One night I remember standing on the rooftop of a bar known as The Peak, looking down at all of the incredible city lights covering the city like diamonds on a carpet. Here at The Peak, the cocktails are prepared and served as art, and people in attendance are some of the most stylish people I have met worldwide. This is certainly a top pick for nightlife philippines.
If you really want to know how the city feels, come to Poblacion in Makati. Poblacion is my favourite place in all of Metro Manila and a true contender for the best nightlife in Philippines. Poblacion was once a red-light area but now it’s like a bohemian paradise. The streets are very narrow and filled with many “hidden” speakeasy type places, trendy clubs in Manila, and quirky bar concepts. Many travellers who book philippines holiday packages often find that a guided crawl through these backstreets is the best way to uncover the city’s hidden gems. For example, you could go to one bar and drink craft beer out of someone’s garage and then the next hour, you could be in a beautiful bar that was behind a 7-Eleven that you accessed through a secret door. There is a discovery element that makes every evening an exploration and adds to the list of things to do in philippines.
Boracay: A Place of Amazing Nightlife
I can’t tell you what the nightlife in Boracay was like without talking about Boracay itself. There was so much confusion and wildness at the previous parties in Boracay, but now I feel like the “New Boracay” has a more classy and beautiful environment, offering the best nightlife in Philippines for beach lovers. For many, it remains the best place in philippines for nightlife because of its iconic shoreline and the legendary party in Boracay spirit.
Picture yourself at Boracay as night begins. It’s first just been sunset, and the sky is a mix of pinks, purples, and yellows. You are on White Beach and the sand is so fine and soft that it almost feels like you are walking through flour with your bare feet. Once the sun goes down, the fire dancers will come out to perform for you. While swinging their flaming sticks, they move with such skill that it appears as though they are creating designs in the air using stars as paint (or stardust). This magical atmosphere is why people rave about philippines nightlife.
When you go out in Boracay you won’t find yourself sitting on bar stools but instead lounging back on beanbags or on matting made from reeds placed underneath large coconut trees; this gives bar like Epic and Station 1, a more polished feel while still retaining a open-air relaxed environment. While sipping on Mango Daiquiris with the salt spray blowing through your hair, you’ll hear house music playing at the same beat as the waves crashing against the shore; and many people will spend many hours without a your own awareness, dancing with a complete stranger until at some point during the evening that same stranger becomes your best friend by midnight! It is truly the best nightlife in Philippines for those who love the ocean and is widely considered the best island in philippines for nightlife.
World Pinoy Flights can help you find the most convenient ways to reach these island destinations, ensuring your journey is as smooth as the white sands of Boracay.
Cebu: A Smartest Soul of the South
Manila may be the city’s electric heart beat while Cebu City is a cooler city cousin to Manila. When I am in Cebu seeking the best nightlife in Philippines, I always go to the hills. Exploring the Cebu nightlife scene here offers a different pace.
According to the Official Philippines Tourism Website, the region offers a diverse mix of natural wonders and urban excitement. On the top of the hill there is a place called Busay which has a beautiful view of the city below. You will want to drink a glass of French wine while you watch the sun set over this beautiful city. This is one of the most romantic things to do in philippines.
Cebu is not all about beauty; it is a lively place too! In the area’s called Mango Square you can feel the energy of the people. They love music and that leads me to another well-known secret in the Philippines: Karaoke. If you want to dance, you can find a local Disco where the hits never stop playing.
If you have never experienced a night in the Philippines without singing a song in a KTV room, then you have not truly experienced the best nightlife in Philippines. You do not have to have a powerful voice to enjoy the experience. Singing in the Philippines is a shared expression of joy; it is the sound of the islands!
Siargao: The Island of Something Beautiful
Let me tell you about Siargao, a teardrop shaped island well-known for the surfing it is famous for but it was the awesome nightlife that made me fall in love with it. Many travellers agree that for a laid-back vibe, this is the best nightlife in Philippines. It is easily the best island in philippines for nightlife for the adventurous soul.
There is a thing called the Siargao Shuffle. That means that everybody on the island has agreed to go to the same party every night, so on Monday it could be at one beach bar, and on Tuesday it could be at another beach bar. Like that everyone feels like they belong to a large community. This unique rotation and the famous beach parties in Philippines is what makes philippines nightlife so special here.
No one is a VIP in Siargao. You will find World Champion surfers, many travellers, and local fishermen sharing drinks under the thatched roof of a bar. Bars such as RumBar and Loose Keys are made from bamboo and driftwood but they have a type of elegance about them that no one can explain, it is bare footed old world elegance. We dance to live music in Philippines venues, enjoying reggae and acoustic music on the beach under fairy lights and the light of the moon. It is raw, honest, and beautifully haunting, making it the best place in philippines for nightlife for those who prefer nature over neon.
A Few Words of Advice from My Heart to Yours
When you go out in the beautiful Philippine nights to find the best nightlife in Philippines, keep these few reminders that I have learned during my time living here. These are essential things to do in philippines to make the most of your trip.
These are a few tips I learned from travelling around the bars in Philippines that will help you enjoy your time in the Islands after dark.
1. People in the Philippines are very friendly and welcoming! Their culture has a lot of positive energy, and when you come to the Philippines, everyone will greet you with a smile. If you get lost or need help finding somewhere to eat or something, just ask someone!
2. Drink Local Beer: When in the Philippines, drink local beer! San Miguel is a good beer and Tanduay is a great rum. Both are local favourites in nightlife philippines and you can enjoy them while getting to know the culture of the Islands.
3. Pulutan Culture (Food To Eat While Drinking): Filipinos eat as much as they drink! You should try eating sisig (a delicious dish of pork that is served hot) or gambas (spicy shrimp). Both are considered “comfort food” in the Philippines.
4. Be a Good Guest: While the Philippines is a great and welcoming country, it should not be disrespected just like anywhere else. Always keep our beaches clean and be kind to restaurant, bar and hotel staff. Also, drink lots of water!
Why This Matters
Moving beyond the loud music, bright lights, and other parts of nightlife, the experience in the Philippines is best described through the word, “Pakikisama”, which is defined as living together as one community.
In El Nido Beach you have the opportunity to experience the beautiful sights of the Milky Way while you laugh with friends at a local bar in Manila; however, you are not just a visitor but also part of the island’s experience. We use the word, “night” because it serves to connect people rather than divide them. If you are looking for the best island in philippines for nightlife, you will find that each one has its own spirit.
In the Philippines, there is a lot of way to enjoy the night. You can dance on the top of a very tall building, or you can talk with someone at the end of a pier. You can eat street food that is being cooked right on the street in front of you, or you can sit in a very expensive place and smell nice perfume.
Above all, the Philippines has a kind and friendly culture and its beauty is unmatched. I want to see you there, enjoying the best nightlife in Philippines, if not under the glowing lights of Makati, then under the beautiful palm trees of Siargao. In the meantime, envision a wonderful place called the Philippines and know that this is only the beginning of your Philippines holiday experience.
With love and wanderlust,
Your Fellow Traveller
Frequently Asked Questions.
1. Is it OK to have fun in Manilla?
It’s OK to have a good time in Manilla, just make sure you’re in well-known party places like BGC or Makati and getting to and from those places using a well-known taxi service like Grab.
2. When is it best to party?
Most of the bars will get busy by 9pm, and in the case of nightclubs, you’ll see the biggest crowds come in between 12am and 2am.
3. Is there a specific way I should dress to be accepted?
When you go to the clubs in BGC, you’ll want to dress “smart casual” (no flip flops), but if you’re going out to one of the island bars in Siargao or Boracay, they will accept beach attire.
4. How much is a beer?
You can expect to pay low prices for local beers, like San Miguel, which range from £1.50 to £3.00 depending on the location.
5. Should I tip?
Tipping isn’t required, but most bars and restaurants would appreciate it if you round off your bill or give a little change.
