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10 Outdoor Activities to Get Fit & Have Fun
There are plenty of worthwhile things to do in Manila beyond going to the mall, café-hopping, and late-night dancing in bars. Why not change it up by engaging in exciting outdoor activities? Spending time outdoors can help you de-stress and feel rejuvenated. When paired with exercise, you get a boost in energy, strength, immunity, and more. Regardless of your fitness or skill level, there are a variety of activities to choose from. Here are just a few ideas to get you started. For added convenience, their venues are all within Metro Manila and nearby cities.
Hiking in Masungi Georeserve
Hiking helps improve your endurance, balance, and agility because it requires you to traverse varied landscapes. Masungi Georeserve, a lush conservation area and rock garden in Rizal, is a popular spot for this reason. The terrain is generally easy for pro hikers, but beginners may find it more challenging.
One round on the "Discovery Trail" lasts about four hours and feels like a full-body workout. Try to schedule your trip on a slightly cloudy day so it isn't too hot, but you still get gorgeous views.
Visit Masungi Georeserve at Kilometer 47 Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal, Philippines, 1970, Marcos Highway, Baras, Rizal 1970. Contact (+63) 908 888 7002 for more information.
Camping in Tanay
Are you looking for a weekend activity that lets you take your time in nature? Give camping a shot. While it looks “chill,” it can be physically demanding. Setting up camp, pitching tents, and trekking to nearby lakes and rivers engage your muscles while activating your survival skills.
Try the 3 Springs Mountain Park, Lambingan Hills, and WK Forest Reserve, all campgrounds in Tanay, Rizal. Some places may offer additional activities, like planting trees and guided tours, to maximize your trip.
Visit 3 Springs Mountain Park at KM 56 Marcos Highway, Sitio Mayagay 2 Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal 1980. Contact (+63) 917 132 5720 for more information. Lambingan Hills is located at Narra Street Brgy. Cuyambay, Tanay, Rizal. Contact (+63) 921 571 2014 for more information. Lastly, WK Forest Reserve is located at P82J+XQV, Sta. Ines Road, Antipolo, Rizal. Contact (+63) 917 656 0170 for more information.
Biking in Quezon Memorial Circle (QC Circle)
Cycling is good for your heart, blood vessels, and lungs, so it’s no mystery that many health-conscious Pinoys love it. As a result, more bike-friendly areas are popping up all over the metro, allowing cyclists to explore new routes daily.
QC Circle, a national park, is one such hotspot. You'll find vast open spaces and well-maintained bike lanes shrouded in verdant greenery wherever you look. After biking, you can settle in for a picnic, play basketball, skate, and more, all in the great outdoors.
Visit Quezon Memorial Circle at Elliptical Road Underpass, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Contact (02) 8924 3395 for more information.
Jogging in UP Diliman
Like cycling, jogging helps improve your heart health while strengthening your lower body. You can jog anywhere, but the tree-lined Academic Oval in UP Diliman is particularly scenic. Fortunately, it isn't just for students and faculty. It's open to the public.
The elliptical road spans 2.2 kilometers in circumference, so you can quickly get to 10,000 steps after five rounds of jogging. While you're there, stop by the new Gyud Food Hub for some tasty, budget-friendly fuel. They also have outdoor seating.
Visit the Academic Oval at UP Diliman, M34C+26J, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Contact (02) 8981 8500 for more information.
Yoga in Track 30th, BGC
Yoga boosts flexibility, relieves body pain, and helps with relaxation. Bonifacio Global City (BGC) has a handful of private yoga studios, but it also has free public areas for the practice, such as Track 30th.
The fitness park features a jogging path, a yoga and exercise lawn, and a meditation garden. You can lay your mat on the grass and stretch while looking up at the soothing skyline.
Visit Track 30th at H322+R9J, 30th St, Taguig, Metro Manila.
Dog Training in Central Bark 1, BGC
Dog parents will tell you one of the best things to do in Manila is to have a doggy day out. It’s a chance to get your cardio in alongside your pets, and it doesn’t even feel like exercise.
At the two Central Bark locations in BGC, pups can roam leash-free and socialize safely. The area is perfect for training, too. After a few minutes of running around and playing with your dog, you're sure to work up a sweat.
Visit Central Bark 1 at Sundial Park, 24th St., BGC, Taguig. Contact (+63) 956 966 1436 for more information.
Nature Walks in Makati Central Business District
As a form of low-intensity cardio, walking is an easy, equipment-free way to get your health back on track. Motivate yourself to walk more by surrounding yourself in greenery.
Head to Makati's Central Business District (CBD), home to some of the most well-maintained public parks in Metro Manila. If slowing down is your goal, take a stroll around Ayala Triangle Gardens, Washington SyCip Park, and Legazpi Active Park.
Visit Ayala Triangle Gardens at Paseo De Roxas St Cor Makati Ave, Cor Ayala Ave, Makati, Washington SyCip Park at Legazpi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati, and Legazpi Active Park at Rada, Legazpi Village, Makati.
Golfing in Club Intramuros
Avid golfers swear the sport improves their concentration and muscle awareness. It even forces them to walk everywhere since many courses discourage the use of carts on the grass.
If you’re eager to try golfing without committing to a costly private membership, visit the “walled city” of Intramuros. The top Manila attraction also has a public golf course called Club Intramuros. It features short courses with 18 holes, which players can usually complete in two hours.
Visit Club Intramuros at HXV9+5W9, Bonifacio Dr, Intramuros, Manila. Contact (+63) 967 690 4829 for more information.
Swimming in Makati Aqua Sports Arena
Metro Manila is a hot and humid concrete jungle, which makes exercising outside less than ideal. Thankfully, swimming lets you cool off while building strength and raising your heart rate. Try going for a few laps at the Makati Aqua Sports Arena (MASA). The venue has an Olympic-sized pool that caters to athletes, so expect to swim alongside professionals in training. How's that for motivation?
Visit Makati Aqua Sports Arena at H375+HCR, Dr Jose P. Rizal Ext, Taguig. Contact (+63) 2 881 5941 for more information.
Tennis in the CCP Tennis Courts
Playing tennis requires full-body engagement, as you’ll be running, stretching, and pivoting during every match. It’s grueling work, so it helps to play with friends who inspire you to continue improving.
Adding a social element to your workouts can make them more enjoyable, so consider joining a sports group like the CCP Power Strings Tennis Club. They're regulars at the CCP Tennis Courts in Pasay, which features four outdoor courts for newbies and pros alike.
Visit CCP Tennis Courts at PICC Complex, Pasay, Metro Manila. Contact (02) 8789 4789 for more information.
These outdoor activities prove you can have fun while being healthy. If indoor workouts aren't cutting it for you, try going outside for your next sweat session.
You deserve a reward for working so hard! Score exclusive dining and leisure vouchers when you register for Globe's GO+ promos on the GlobeOne app. With these vouchers, you can get discounts on food services like Pick.a.roo and travel platforms like Klook and KKDay. Here’s to more adventures!