Gay Manila Manila City Guide City Guides > Philippines > Gay Manila Manila Suzi SiegelLet’s just get this out the way. Manila is crowded. And hot. And polluted. And there are malls. A lot of them. But the way we see it, that’s a small price to pay for the enormous payout. The “Pearl of the Orient Seas” sobriquet is fitting, since the shelled mollusc doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside an iridescent gem awaits to be discovered—if you’re willing to exert some effort to pry it open to get at it. This Asian megapolis is not for the faint of heart, so if exploring the world’s most densely populated city scares you, it’s probably not your place. From war to natural disaster, Manila’s been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times in its history, some say more than even Troy. These misfortunes have only served to strengthen the joie de vivre and spirituality of its people. Manila exudes immense energy and creativity. Manileño culture, food and language is a tasty hodgepodge of Chinese, Malay, Arabic, Spanish and American influences. Considered one of the most gay-friendly countries in Asia, the Filipino people are overwhelmingly pro-gay in their attitudes. Manila has irrefutable gay creds. True fact: the queer subculture has its own secret slang language called ‘Swardspeak’ that’s been around since the 1970s and one of its gorgeous citizens, John Raspado, nabbed the Mr Gay World title in 2017. Feel like getting away? Take a trip planned just for you, and let us do all the work. Discover Trip Design Hotels Things to do Things to see Food & Drink Shopping Nightlife Trip Design Where to stay in ManilaFor discerning gay travellers seeking the pinnacle of luxury in Manila, the Raffles Makati stands as a beacon of sophistication. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Makati district, this opulent haven boasts on-call butlers, a palm-fringed pool, and gleaming wooden floors that exude timeless elegance. Art aficionados will be delighted by the hotel’s curated collection of over 1,000 commissioned pieces, predominantly crafted by local artists, creating a captivating fusion of Filipino culture and contemporary design.For those who fancy a touch of excitement, the Grand Hyatt Manila presents an enticing blend of luxury and entertainment. Towering over the skyline in Bonifacio Global City, this architectural marvel offers breathtaking views of the metropolis from its rooftop bar, The Peak. Gourmands will relish the diverse culinary offerings, from the authentic Cantonese cuisine at No. 8 China House to the innovative cocktails at The Cellar.Meanwhile, The Peninsula Manila, an iconic institution since 1976, continues to set the standard for refined hospitality. Situated at the heart of Makati’s illustrious shopping and business district, this grand dame seamlessly blends old-world charm with contemporary luxuries. The hotel’s legendary afternoon tea in The Lobby is a must-experience ritual, offering a delightful respite from the urban hustle. For those seeking ultimate relaxation, the Peninsula Spa provides an oasis of tranquillity, featuring treatments inspired by Filipino healing traditions. Raffles MakatiThank you for reading Mr Hudson.Subscribe to City Guides or log in to continue reading. Subscribe now Log inSpecial SelectionExclusive Mr Hudson offersOut now from gestaltenMr Hudson Explores Browse the BookExplore more Abu Dhabi City GuideAbu Dhabi is nothing less than exhilarating. A city that weaves together centuries-old traditions with forward-thinking cultural projects. To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription. Explore > London City GuideLondon: capital city; birthplace of Keats, Bowie, McQueen and Beckham. From the Gothic Revival to 1930s modernism, and all in between. What is there still to say about the world’s greatest city? To access this content, you must purchase City Guides subscription. Explore > Gay Laos itinerary: the best places to visit in Laos for the most adventurousOft overlooked in favour of the flanking nations of Vietnam and Thailand, Laos benefits from relatively few tourists to maintain a certain rustic magic. Our itinerary starts in the wealthy northern capital of Luang Prabang, pausing at hidden waterfalls, caves and river settlements en route to a series of thousands of tiny islands right on the Mekong. Read story > Subscribe to our newsletterYou can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Discover the world's most exquisite escapes JOIN THE CLUBJoin Mr Hudson's inner circle for curated luxury travel experiences, exclusive perks, and insider access