The Philippines boasts a reputation for its exceptionally warm and welcoming people, eager to share their beautiful country with visitors. This inclusivity extends to travelers of all orientations, making the Philippines a notably gay-friendly destination within Asia.
While this perception is strong, it's important to remember the country's deeply rooted conservative and predominantly Catholic religious values. Therefore, public displays of affection are generally advised against, particularly outside of major urban centers. For a deeper understanding of the realities of gay life in the Philippines, an insightful interview with Rione, a local from Manila, offers valuable perspectives.
As a gay couple, our experiences booking accommodations in Manila were consistently positive.
We found it easy to secure rooms with double beds without any concern from hotel staff. In fact, many establishments feature gay staff members, contributing to a comfortable and understanding atmosphere. To assist fellow travelers, we've compiled a list of highly recommended gay-friendly hotels in Manila, catering to various budgets.
Luxury accommodations with city views
Just a stone's throw from our previous top pick, the Sheraton Manila Bay offers a similarly luxurious experience, located closer to the city's core.
This 5-star establishment resides within a stunning glass-fronted building, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the cityscape. The rooftop lounge and bar quickly became a favored spot for enjoying sunset cocktails before venturing out to explore Manila's dynamic gay nightlife.
The hotel also features a delightful outdoor swimming pool, complete with a charming fish fountain, offering a serene escape from the urban bustle.
For those seeking retail therapy, the Sheraton Manila Bay is ideally situated. It's a mere 5-minute walk to Robinson's Place Mall and a short drive to the Mall of Asia. Additionally, a four-story shopping arcade is conveniently located within the building itself.
With four distinct dining options and a compact, well-equipped gym, guests can maintain their fitness routines.
The hotel's small garden and gazebo provide another tranquil retreat, making it easy to forget the city's energetic pace. A significant highlight of the Sheraton Manila Bay is its staff, consistently praised for their helpfulness and friendly demeanor. They are notably unfazed by couples of the same sex sharing a room, contributing to a welcoming environment.
The guest rooms are generously proportioned and elegantly appointed, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase the spectacular city vistas.
This ensures a comfortable and accepting stay, a stark contrast to potential uncertainties with private rentals.
Budget-friendly stays and local immersion
For budget-conscious gay travelers, the charming Red Planet Manila Binondo presents an excellent option.
Red Planet operates a network of reliable budget hotels across Asia, and becoming a member can unlock further discounts. These hotels provide expected amenities without the premium price tag, making them ideal for those who prioritize saving money while still desiring comfort and privacy over hostel dormitories.
Red Planet hotels are designed for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring the city.
The rooms are consistently clean and cozy, featuring comfortable custom-made beds, workspaces, flat-screen televisions, and private bathrooms equipped with complimentary toiletries. These accommodations offer a restful and private space to return to after a day of sightseeing.
The Red Planet Manila Binondo is strategically located in the heart of Manila's historic Chinatown, offering easy access to a plethora of culinary delights.
It's also within walking distance of the Lucky Chinatown Mall and Cinema. Staying here places you in close proximity to some of Manila's most significant attractions, including Fort Santiago and the National Museum of the Philippines.
The hotel staff are exceptionally helpful and attentive, readily offering recommendations and assistance.
Our experience at Pacific Bay Grand Suites in Manila was equally positive, offering an affordable, comfortable, and highly convenient option for gay travelers. The rooms were clean and inviting, with exceptionally comfortable beds. The staff were genuinely welcoming to gay couples, always greeting guests with a smile, which fostered a genuine sense of being at home.
Its proximity to the bay and the vibrant Malate nightlife district was another significant advantage.
The gay scene in Manila presents a unique landscape. Historically centered in Malate, it has since dispersed throughout Metro Manila. However, the impact of the pandemic led to the closure of numerous venues, particularly gay bars. Currently, Manila has only one dedicated gay bar, a situation many hope will change soon.
Manila's evolving gay bar scene
Since its initial publication over a decade ago, this guide has tracked significant shifts in Manila's gay scene.
We remain committed to providing the most current information. Sadly, iconic gay establishments like Catch gay bar and Jefz Cafe closed permanently in previous years. We also acknowledge the closure of the historic Che'lu and Mixed Nuts gay bars due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which have not yet reopened.
One of the remaining notable spots is a small bar in Cubao Expo, characterized by its eclectic decor, featuring walls adorned with images of Che Guevara and international currency.
While not a venue for energetic dancing, it hosts enjoyable drag nights, offering a welcoming space for visitors to experience a slice of Manila's local gay culture. Its location is Cubao Expo, Gen. Romulo, Quezon City, Philippines.
Key gay clubs and entertainment venues
Manila boasts a significant gay clubbing scene, largely dominated by Club Adonis and O Bar, especially on weekend nights.
These venues are known for featuring exotic dancers and drag performers, contributing to the city's lively LGBTQ+ nightlife.
O Bar: Manila's premier dance club
O Bar stands as Manila's most renowned and popular gay dance club, maintaining its popularity for over a decade.
It attracts a diverse age range of patrons and features highly entertaining drag shows.
After the performances, the space transforms into a large dance floor, often filled later in the evening with topless men dancing.
Location: South Drive off Doña Julia Vargas Avenue in the Ortigas Center, Manila, Philippines.
Club Adonis: A male entertainment hub
Club Adonis is a well-established institution within the male entertainment industry.
It attracts a predominantly young, local crowd, including many students and their admirers. Club Adonis is a consistent fixture on the Manila gay scene, renowned for its captivating exotic dancers, live performances, and occasional drag competitions. The bar staff are as engaging as the performers, adding to the venue's vibrant atmosphere.
Location: 83 Timog Avenue, Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City, Quezon City, Philippines.
Gay saunas and bathhouses in Manila
The rise of dating apps like Grindr, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns on small queer businesses, has unfortunately led to the closure of most gay saunas and bathhouses in Manila.
This includes venues like Aftermale The WereHouse. More recently, in November , the popular F Club Fahrenheit Cafe and Fitness Center was compelled to cease operations following directives from the Quezon City Council due to an outbreak of Monkey Pox cases.
This leaves Club Bath Philippines as the sole remaining gay sauna in Manila.
Club Bath Philippines: A multi-level experience
Club Bath Philippines offers a comprehensive facility spread across three floors. It includes communal showers, a steam room, a gym, a labyrinth, a mini-bar, a movie room, private cabins, and a dark room.
Generally considered a more relaxed and laid-back venue compared to some other gay saunas, it still provides ample opportunities for discreet encounters.
Location: FB Harrison Boulevard in Pasay City. Operating Hours: Weekdays: 6 pm - 2 am; Fridays: until 3 am; Saturdays: 3 pm - 3 am.
Health and well-being services for the LGBTQ+ community
Ensuring your health and well-being is crucial for an enjoyable trip.
Pulse Manila, a reputable gay lifestyle clinic located in Makati, provides comprehensive services. These include various testing options, PrEP, PEP, and treatment for any health concerns. Pulse Manila also offers mental health consultations for anxiety and depression, alongside full screenings and mental well-being support tailored for transgender individuals.
Full Address: Unit Plaza Building, V.
A Rufino, Corner Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati, Metro Manila.
Manila's vibrant gay event calendar
Manila's gay scene is dynamic and exciting, offering numerous events throughout the year that rival those in cities like Bangkok and Taipei. The city hosts a variety of parties and Pride celebrations, contributing to its reputation as a hub for LGBTQ+ culture and activism.
Metro Manila Pride: A cornerstone event
Metro Manila Pride is the city's principal gay Pride event, typically held in March.
It attracts hundreds of thousands of participants, making it one of Asia's largest LGBTQ+ gatherings. Notably, it was the first Pride event to be held in Asia, commencing in June . In the Philippines, Pride events often serve as a powerful platform for protest, enabling participants to voice their demands for equal rights and freedom from discrimination.
Manila's White Party: A long-standing celebration
Celebrating 20 years of continuous operation, Manila's White Party is the largest event of its kind.
It takes place annually in June, coinciding with global Pride celebrations and commemorating the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The festivities unfold in the streets of Orosa and Nakpil in Malate, offering an incredible experience of dancing alongside a vibrant community, with acclaimed DJs providing a soundtrack of dance and EDM music.
Quezon City International Pink Film Festival
The QC International Pink Film Festival is recognized as Asia's largest LGBTQ+ film festival and the sole event of its kind in the Philippines.
It showcases a diverse selection of LGBTQ+ films from across the globe. Typically spanning a week in November or December, the festival includes film screenings, panel discussions, and talks on LGBTQ+ issues, culminating in another Pride march at the Quezon City Memorial.
This festival is highly recommended for film enthusiasts, advocates for gay rights, and anyone seeking a fun and culturally enriching experience.
Timing your visit to coincide with the festival is a great way to immerse yourself in the local LGBTQ+ scene.
Quezon City Pride March: A concluding celebration
The Quezon City Pride March typically marks the conclusion of the Quezon City International Pink Film Festival.
Both events are organized by the Quezon City Pride Council, the first organization established in the Philippines dedicated to advocating for LGBT rights and implementing gender-based policies and programs. The march is a lively and colorful affair, featuring a float competition, an evening party, various rainbow-themed booths, and a fashion show.
The existence of two distinct Pride parades at different times of the year underscores Manila's commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility and celebration.
Exploring Manila's cultural landmarks
While Manila might initially be viewed as a transit point for popular destinations like Palawan and Boracay, it offers a wealth of fascinating attractions for gay travelers.
We were pleasantly surprised by the depth of cultural and historical sites available.
National Museum Complex: A journey through art and history
The Philippines boasts four branches of the National Museum. Our personal favorite is the National Museum of Fine Arts, housed in a beautiful building within Rizal Park.
This museum provides an excellent opportunity to delve into Manila's rich history through an impressive collection of paintings and other artworks. For museum enthusiasts, the National Museum of Natural History and the National Planetarium are also conveniently located in Rizal Park, just a short walk away.
Fort Santiago: A historical citadel
Situated within Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila, Fort Santiago is a Spanish citadel dating back to .
It served as a prison for José Rizal, one of the Philippines' national heroes. Other notable attractions within Intramuros include Manila Cathedral, Casa Manila, and the opportunity for a charming horse-carriage ride around the ancient walls.
Culinary experiences: Learning local cuisine
For those who, like us, enjoy exploring local food culture and learning to cook regional dishes, the Philippines offers an array of delicious culinary experiences.
Hosts Greg and Oscar provide cooking classes in their homestay, beginning with a visit to a local market to select ingredients. Participants then learn to prepare a complete meal, including dessert, offering an authentic taste of Filipino cuisine.
San Agustin Church: A historical and architectural gem
San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines, was completed in and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Located within Intramuros, it has stood as a silent witness to centuries of Manila's history. The church is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture and features an attached museum housing religious artifacts, furniture, and vestments from the Spanish era. Exploring this site as part of a comprehensive museum tour is highly recommended, especially for those with a passion for art and history.
Masungi Georeserve: Nature's artistic masterpiece
The Masungi Georeserve, a conservation area nestled in the Sierra Madre mountain range east of Manila, is accessible as a day trip from the city.
This stunning natural reserve is characterized by its dramatic limestone karst peaks, lush montane rainforests, and caves adorned with remarkable rock formations. It offers a breathtaking natural escape and an opportunity to connect with the Philippines' diverse ecosystems.
Laoag's unique live music venue: Cockhouse
A search for gay bars in Laoag on Google Maps often directs to Cockhouse.
Visitors can request songs from the performing bands, with the expectation of tipping them for playing a chosen track. This venue offers a memorable experience, partly due to its distinctive branding.
Cockhouse Bar: A Laoag landmark
With 26 years of history, Cockhouse Bar is a significant landmark in Laoag and the wider Ilocos Norte region.
It's considered essential to visit Cockhouse when in Ilocos or Laoag to enjoy the performances of their two alternating bands, known for their entertaining singing and dancing.
This establishment is not a red-light bar. It's an old house converted into a bar, contributing to its rustic appeal.
The staff are consistently described as very friendly and accommodating, enhancing the overall experience. It is widely regarded as a must-see attraction in Ilocos.
Live music and entertainment
The bar frequently features all-girl bands, providing a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
Guests can request songs and are encouraged to tip the bands for their performances. The venue offers a cool ambiance, perfect for relaxing with friends over drinks and food.
Know before you go: Cockhouse Bar essentials
Visit Cockhouse Bar to unwind and socialize with friends while enjoying cold beers and great food.
Feel free to request songs from the performing bands, but remember to tip them for their musical selections.
There is no entrance fee required, allowing visitors to enjoy live music from amateur bands while ordering drinks or snacks.
Reviews and ratings for Cockhouse Bar
Cockhouse Bar in Laoag is recognized as a vibrant live music venue with unique branding and a welcoming service.
While its name might suggest otherwise, it is not exclusively a gay bar but offers entertaining bands covering a diverse range of musical genres. Guests have the opportunity to request songs and are encouraged to tip the bands for their performances.
The atmosphere is often described as cool and ideal for unwinding with friends, with occasional performances by all-girl bands.
With no entry fee, patrons can enjoy amateur bands on stage while purchasing drinks or food. The venue consistently receives positive reviews for its entertainment and friendly staff.
- Review score:
- From Google: (Various ratings)
- From Tripadvisor: (Various ratings)
Highlighted reviews:
- Nov 4, from Google: (Positive comment about atmosphere)
- Mar 22, from Google: (Comment about entertainment)
- Jul 24, from Google: (Review of service)
- Mar 6, from Google: (Comment on music quality)
- Mar 29, from Google: "Cool place to unwind, with lively band.
However, I think they need to renovate already."
- (Another review): "Cool spot bar service was fantastic!"
See more reviews for a comprehensive overview.
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