Living in the National Capital Region may involve a busy lifestyle. Thus, constantly working or studying in such a high-traffic area may affect one’s well-being. In that regard, many people want to reconnect with nature for a reset. However, not everyone has the time or luxury to leave the city. To relieve that, here are four parks in Metro Manila for you to unwind.
List of Parks in Metro Manila
Metro Manila comprises sixteen cities and one municipality, making it a very busy region in the Philippines. It is also densely populated, with numerous Filipinos flocking here to live better lives. Due to its busy nature, taking a break and winding down is important. Here are our four picks of parks in the area.
La Mesa Ecopark
One of the parks in Metro Manila is La Mesa Ecopark, which was recently reopened to the public. In February 2024, the park was turned over to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewage System (MWSS) from the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Over the years, it has faced several issues like deforestation and threats to the wildlife that resided in the thirty-three-hectare property.
The park was closed due to its rehabilitation efforts, which are done in phases. However, a few park areas were just reopened in April 2024. There are numerous activities for visitors at the park, including:
- Swimming
- Dog Walking
- Biking
- Picnics (alcoholic beverages and karaoke machines are not allowed)
The La Mesa Ecopark is open from six in the morning onwards. However, guests not residents of Quezon City must pay an entrance fee. Since its closure, other accessible amenities include the Eco Academy Pavilion, museum, team-building activity centers, picnic sites, souvenir shops, viewing deck, and swimming pool.
See Also: Best Monuments In The Philippines
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife
Another park in Quezon City is the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife. It is a protected area that aims to connect people to urban biodiversity. The park spans 23.85 hectares and boasts many natural resources. Visitors can have picnics by the lake and enjoy its animal and bird displays. Moreover, the park opens at seven in the morning and closes at five in the afternoon.
The Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife formerly served as a rehabilitation center for wild animals confiscated, retrieved, donated, or rescued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Some of the animals guests could find in the park are:
- Crab-eating macaques
- Water monitors
- Philippine deer
- Binturongs
- Palawan bearded pigs
Other amenities in the park include a children’s playground, lagoon, botanical garden, Wildlife Rescue Center, Tamaraw Exhibit, and more. Due to the vast number of bird species it houses, many nature enthusiasts also visit here for bird watching.
Arroceros Forest Park
Another one of the best parks in Metro Manila is considered its “last lung.” This 2.2-hectare park was busy with a market, garrison, and different government buildings. However, it is now a park that plays a significant role in Manila’s natural system. In 1993, developments began to make the space a nature park in the city.
The Arroceros Forest Park has seen its fair share of tragedies, dating back to Spain’s rule over the Philippines. It survived World War II and is home to over three thousand trees. However, its struggles didn’t end after the war. In 2003, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza wanted to construct buildings in the park. The good news is that in 2020, Francisco Domagoso, the city’s mayor, signed a law that made it a permanent forest park and will remain untouched.
When visiting the park, guests do not have to pay an entrance fee, but there is a fifty-peso parking fee. Here, parkgoers can see different kinds of trees that serve as homes for different birds in the country. Additionally, the trees in the park are vital to migrating birds that stop by.
See Also: What To See in Ayala Museum
Ayala Triangle Gardens
For those looking for parks in Metro Manila with little time to spare, check out Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati. This two-hectare park is located in the city’s central business district, and its name comes from its triangle shape. The park was opened in 2009 and currently serves as a getaway for Makati residents. Moreover, it boasts different kinds of trees and other greenery. Guests can also see different artworks by numerous artists, and this is where the Festival of Lights is conducted yearly.
Furthermore, there are many establishments and food service shops surrounding the area. This is perfect for those who want to grab a cup of coffee and enjoy nature in the middle of a busy city. Tourists or first-time parkgoers could easily search the internet for surrounding establishments and their locations.
Final Thoughts
Singling out the best park in Metro Manila is hard, and while many are worthy of exploring, some have yet to stand the test of time. Truth be told, the region is very busy, from its population to all the factories in the city. Due to this, parks in Metro Manila are very important, serving as an escape from the packed lifestyle and benefiting nature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you want to visit a few parks in Metro Manila, here are a few commonly asked questions to help you narrow your list.
What is the biggest park in Manila?
Rizal Park holds the title of the largest park in the Metro. It was originally named Luneta Park but was changed in 1913.
Does Manila have parks?
Yes, the region boasts several parks for people to visit. Aside from the parks mentioned above, there are more establishments people could visit, both privately– and publicly-owned.
How to get to Arroceros Forest Park?
Getting to the park depends on your location of origin. There are different modes of public transportation to get there, including buses, jeeps, and UV Express. For trains, guests can board LRT 1 or LRT 2.