Manila Baywalk

The Baywalk runs along Roxas Boulevard on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, and its purpose is entirely the sunset: the bay faces west, the sun goes down over the water behind the ships at anchor, and the whole city knows it. The promenade was developed in the early 2000s, declined, was cleared, and has been rebuilt and extended in recent years with wider walkways, lighting and a small artificial beach of crushed dolomite - the last of which has been controversial, with marine scientists and environmental groups questioning both the cost and the effect on the bay. Manila Bay's water quality remains a serious problem despite a long-running rehabilitation programme, so this is a place to walk rather than swim. In the late afternoon the promenade fills with families, joggers, vendors and couples, and the coconut palms and the sunset do the rest.

History

The Baywalk runs for two kilometres along Roxas Boulevard, from near the US Embassy by Rizal Park to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with statues of national figures along the way. After years of decline and storm damage it was rehabilitated, and in 2020 an artificial beach, the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach, was built along its shore (Wikipedia, Baywalk).

What you'll find

• The sunset - the sun down over the bay and its shipping.
• The promenade - the rebuilt walkway along the boulevard.
• The dolomite beach - the artificial white strip and its controversy.
• The evening crowd - Manila out walking at dusk.

When to go

December to May for clear evenings; late afternoon, arriving an hour before sunset. Weekends are busiest.

Good to know

Manila Bay's water is polluted - the beach is for looking at, not swimming. Traffic and noise on Roxas Boulevard are constant. Watch belongings in the evening crowds, and expect vendors.

Nearby

Rizal Park and Intramuros are north; the Cultural Center complex is south along the boulevard.

Key facts