manila gay travel

Gay Philippines: Essential Travel Guide 2024

The Philippines has been ranked as one of the most gay friendly places in Asia and has so much to offer LGBTQ+ travellers.

With stunning beaches, perfect turquoise waters for scuba diving, many unique islands to explore, and a great mix of adventure and relaxation on offer, the Philippines is one of our favorite gay travel destinations in Asia.

In our ‘ Gay Philippines Travel Guide ‘ we will share our personal experience of this incredible country, which islands we travelled to, the activities we took part in as well as details of any gay bars in the Philippines and the gay friendly hotels we stayed at.

Read on to learn everything you need to know. Fair warning – by the end you will want to book a flight right away!

Gay Philippines Travel Guide

Lgbtq+ rights in the philippines.

Whether you are travelling to the Philippines for your gay honeymoon or just for a vacation, knowing the LGBTQ+ rights beforehand is important.

Thankfully, when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, the Philippines is ahead compared to most of Asia.

We are not saying it is perfect; there is still work to be done as with most places in the world, but you can feel confident visiting the Philippines as a gay couple.

The history of LGBTQ+ rights here is very interesting. Prior to any outside influences, the indigenous people celebrated homosexuality and gave homosexuals special roles within the community as spiritual leaders.

However, with the influx of Islamic movements and the Spanish occupation of the Philippines (named after King Phillip II) the attitude towards LGBTQ+ people changed for the worse. Since then it has improved and here is what you need to know today:

• Same-ടex ടexual activity: Legal
• A survey completed in 2013 by the Pew Research Centre reported 73% of adults agreed homosexuality should be accepted in society.
• Same-ടex marriage: not recognised but also not prohibited
• Discrimination protections: None at the national level but many anti-discrimination ordinances exist at the local government level
• Government officials: there are a number of openly LGBTQ+ individuals within the government

While the laws are not perfect, the attitudes of the majority of people are positive. For us this was especially true being tourists in hotels and doing tourist activities. We had no problems whatsoever.

About the Philippines

The Philippines are a collection of islands in South East Asia in the Philippine Sea, and the number keeps growing!

The current count by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority is 7,641 islands in total!

Whilst there may be a lot of islands, the most popular islands for gay travellers are Cebu, Palawan, Boracay and Bohol.

Many people fly in to Manila (the capital) and spend a few days there but we opted not to as we wanted to focus on the beach destinations (however this is where you will find some gay bars in the Philippines – see below).

The Philippines is known for its warm culture and stunning scenery. A natural comparison would be Thailand, however the Philippines is currently less touristy and so retains more of its natural unspoilt beauty.

Some places in the Philippines such as El Nido have been voted as the most beautiful places on the planet. That is no small feat!

If you love crystal clear waters, powdery beaches, stunning landscapes and a welcoming culture, this is the place for you!

Gay Travel Destinations in the Philippines

We spent three weeks in the Philippines – one week on the island of Cebu (Mactan Island), one week in Palawan (El Nido) and one week in Boracay. In this ‘Gay Philippines Travel Guide ‘ we will focus on these three islands in the order we travelled:

Our first stop was the province of Cebu. We decided to stay on Mactan Island which is just 1 mile off the coast of Cebu Island, as this is where most of the 5 star hotels can be found.

Our Cebu itinerary was very straightforward – relax for the majority of the time, and see the island whilst doing a few activities.

Cebu is also one of the islands with an international airport so this made things easier from a logistics perspective too!

El Nido has been voted one of the most beautiful places in the world and we can see why.

El Nido is a small town o n the island of Palawan . It is famous for island-hopping boat tours and scuba diving.

The waters here are some of the most beautiful and crystal clear we have ever seen. When the sun is directly above, you can see all the way down to the ocean bed.

The easiest way to get to El Nido is to fly to El Nido Airport. Once you land (it is the smallest airport ever) it is a short and cheap taxi or tricycle ride to the main town.

El Nido airport is only served by certain airlines flying from certain locations so do bear that in mind.

For us, we could fly direct from Cebu, but for example, there were no flights between El Nido and Boracay (our final stop). Since we have been this may have changed.

The other option is to fly into Puerto Princesa.

From here you have a 6-8 hour journey to get to El Nido. You can either pay for a private car (up to $60) or find yourself a group minibus where you are more likely to pay around the $15-20 mark.

Finally, after being a little bit away from the tourist track we wanted to go somewhere with a bit more life.

Like everywhere we went, Boracay is a very beautiful island and one of the more well known and established destinations in the Philippines.

Boracay is a relatively small island split into three ‘zones’ with each zone centred around a bus station, 1, 2 or 3.

The main and most popular zone to be in is zone 2. From here you can walk to all the main restaurants, bars, shops and straight onto the main beach; White Beach.

To get here, we had to travel from El Nido to the larger town of Puerto Princesa by a private transfer to get to Puerto Princesa airport.

This was because there were no flights from El Nido to Caticlan airport (the nearest to Boracay).

There are other airports nearby including Kalibo airport. This is a little further away but is served by larger planes so you may find it easier to fly into this one instead if you are arriving from larger islands.

Things to do for gay travellers in the Philippines

We spent a lot of time relaxing by the pool and on the beach, however we also needed some activities to keep us going. We love our luxury hotels but we also love our adventure activities.

Of course these activities are for straight and gay travellers alike, but we can vouch that we experienced these with no issue as a gay couple.

Canyoneering in Badian (Cebu)

We had seen a video on YouTube of people canyoneering in Badian and knew we had to do it!

If you have never heard of canyoneering before its very straightforward. You get your swimwear on, a life jacket, helmet and jump straight into the rivers and pools.

There are natural rock water slides, small caves to swim through, and lots of man-made and natural platforms to jump from if you are feeling brave. This was quite the adrenaline rush as the final platforms to jump from were up to 10 metres high! Sion does not like heights but nevertheless went for it!

This is a lot of fun in itself, but is also worth doing for the stunning location you are in. The water in parts can only be described as the colour of blue Gatorade and the jungle itself is beautiful.

To get to Badian, transport from Mactan Island took a few hours and was arranged by the tour company. The company we used at the time was called Planet Action Adventure Tour Services.

If you go to Cebu make sure you make time to go canyoneering in Badian, you will not regret it! Check out our full ‘ Guide to Canyoneering in Cebu ‘.

Boat tours in El Nido – Tours A, B, C and D

You absolutely must do a boat tour in El Nido – it’s one of the activities we enjoyed the most. These are full day tours on a boat with up to 20 other people exploring nearby islands, lagoons and snorkelling spots.

The tours are named Tour A, B, C or D.

The most popular ones are A and C as these are considered the most beautiful. These are the ones we did and we were blown away by the beauty of the places we were taken to.

All tours are similar prices, around $20 per person with lunch and snorkelling gear included. All should be bookable through your accommodation.

Take a look at our videos here , you won’t need any more convincing!

Ziplining in El Nido

El Nido is simply stunning from every angle, whether you are sailing on the ocean, 20 metres below the surface scuba diving or just taking a stroll along the beach.

However, ziplining in El Nido gives you a whole different perspective.

The zipline can be found at Las Cabanas Beach.

You will have to walk up a pretty steep hill but it is well signposted and easy to find. You can either opt to go in a seated position or the Superman position (lying on your front).

Both cost around $15-$20 and you will fly across to Depeldet Island. From here you can walk back across the water to Las Cabanas – given it is low tide!

Most people will get a tricycle from the main town to this beach however we suggest something much better! Instead, get a taxi to Corong Corong beach. From here you can walk South all the way along the coast until after about 40 minutes you arrive at Las Cabanas beach.

The walk is very romantic, you won’t see many people and it gives you a chance to see more of the island. Some parts may involve scrambling over rocks, so take care – water shoes are recommended over flip-flops!

Scuba Diving in El Nido

You must go scuba diving in El Nido.

We have mentioned how perfect the waters are here and we are not exaggerating. Snorkelling is amazing, but for us, scuba diving is magical and this is one the best places we have done it.

We chose to go on a three tank dive taking us to three different sites and paid around $120 each to do so.

For those that scuba dive, visibility is key and the visibility here was perfect. We saw an abundance of sealife and spent most of the dives in awe.

There were plenty of dive schools to choose from. We chose Turtle Divers, based on cost, availability and their Tripadvisor reputation.

Visit Nacpan Beach – El Nido

El Nido is known for its beaches.

We loved the place we stayed at but that beach was not one of the best.

Equally if you were to stay in the busy backpacker area there aren’t any good beaches there either. However, take a 45 minute ride on a tricycle and you will arrive at the beautiful Nacpan beach.

We really wanted to do this because we wanted a mix of fun activities but also some down time. At this point it won’t surprise you if we tell you the waters are crystal clear and the sand white and powdery soft.

There are a few small places along the beach where you can grab food and drink.

To get here, you can either rent a motorcycle, take the once a day jeepney from El Nido town or hire a tricycle.

We recommend getting a tricycle. You can haggle with the drivers between $15-$20 for a return trip, they will take you and then either wait around by the beach until you are ready or ask for a time when you want to be picked up.

The road to Nacpan is fairly undeveloped so be prepared for a bumpy ride!

Explore the Beaches in Boracay

We made sure to get a lot of beach time here. Boracay has long stretches of beaches all around the island.

We spent a lot of time on White Beach.

Walking along this beach there are many small bars with bean bag chairs and hammocks on the beach. We made sure to stop at a few of these for some romantic sunset cocktails.

Other popular beaches around the island include Bulabog, Puka and Diniwid.

What is important to know here, is that bright green algae is an important part of the ecosystem. It’s well respected by the people here and it is nothing to be alarmed by if you arrive at certain times of the year.

The beaches are still beautiful and the sea warm and clear.

Scuba Diving in Boracay

Like everywhere we went in the Philippines, the scuba diving is excellent. Here we did a two tank dive and headed out by speed boat directly from the beach.

Just like El Nido, there was an abundance of sealife and we enjoyed every second.

Whale Sharks in Oslob (Cebu) – do not do!

We have included a mention of this as it is super popular but comes with a warning.

This is something we seriously considered doing as we would love to see a whale shark. To get to Oslob from Mactan Island is about a 6 hour journey there and back with only about 20 minutes in the water with the whale sharks.

We decided not to do this activity after some further research. It has become so touristy and popular that the whale sharks are now being affected in a negative way. Take a look here to understand the reasons why.

One day we hope to see them in the wild during a scuba dive.  A much more natural and special way to have this experience!

If you want a more detail, take a look at this itinerary for Cebu from a fellow travel blogger.

Gay Friendly Hotels in the Philippines

The hotels mentioned below are the hotels we stayed in during our gay honeymoon in the Philippines so you can rest assured you will be welcome as gay travellers. However, you won’t find any exclusively gay hotels in the Philippines yet!

Mahogany Resort & Spa – El Nido

We stayed at the beautiful Mahogany Resort & Spa .

This resort is on the Corong Corong beachfront and offers individual and locally designed cottages all with large terraces. One cottage even has its own plunge pool!

For us, given that this was our honeymoon and we wanted to spend time in romantic places in the Philippines, this was the perfect place.

The main town of El Nido on the harbour has a great atmosphere with lots going on, but it is very much a backpacker place and that is not what we were looking for.

El Nido Mahogany was just a 5 minute tricycle journey ($2) from the main town meaning it was much quieter and secluded – perfect for a romantic honeymoon.

We loved that the breakfast was served on your own private terrace at the time you request it.

Knowing it was our honeymoon they even had some extra special touches such as covering the bed in flower petals on arrival (which we messed up by walking in and putting the fan on!)

There are no other meals served here but there are many options nearby including a restaurant at the nearby El Nido Coco Hotel which we used for a romantic dinner.

The owner here was from France and she was a very lovely host, we highly recommend!

Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island – Cebu

This was our honeymoon so we wanted the best in 5 star hotels. We stayed at the beautiful Movenpick Hotel Mactan Island . This hotel has its own private beach and a classy ‘Ibiza style’ beach club.

We loved the beach club for its over water hanging hammocks, delicious cocktails, (they had a happy hour too!) and on an evening the food and entertainment.

We were very excited to see ostrich steak on the menu here – one of our favourite dishes from South Africa. If you have never tried it, think of fillet steak but better!

The staff at the hotel were all very friendly, the service was impeccable and it is a ‘Travel Proud’ property on booking.com

Henann Lagoon Resort- Boracay

We spent a long time deciding on the perfect hotel in Boracay for our gay honeymoon. This was the final stop so we needed somewhere beautiful!

After a lot of deliberation, we chose to go with Henann Lagoon .

The Henann group have three different hotels on the island. Regardless of which one you stay at you can use the facilities of all and even charge to your room from the other Henann hotels on the island.

This was good because we loved the pool at the Lagoon but enjoyed having lunch at the other hotel on the beachfront.

At the Henann Lagoon we loved the swim up bar, the quality of the cocktails and the staff were top class. They also served an excellent breakfast buffet.

Gay Bars in the Philippines

When it comes to gay bars in the Philippines, don’t expect too much.

There were no official gay bars in Boracay, El Nido or Cebu, however there is a small gay scene in the capital city of Manila.

Gay Bars in Manila

If you travel to Manila, check out these gay bars:

O Bar Manila – this is the most popular weekend gay club in Manila. It has been around for many years, is open every night and has live entertainment and a large dancefloor. Shows usually start at 1:30 m and the entrance fee is around Php 500 ($10 USA) which comes with 3 drinks.

F Club – this is a little bit of everything, it is a gay bar and also a bathhouse. Take a look at their Instagram to see what specific events are coming up.

The One 690 Entertainment Bar Manila – this is a gay club and high production go-go show with ‘friendly’ staff if you get our gist. It is open 21:30 – 05:00 daily. The bar is located in front of Amoranto Stadium.

Jefz Cafe Manila – don’t let the word cafe confuse, this gay bar in the Philippines is open fro 18:00 – 04:00 each day. They do sing along karaoke as well as the hot male body show on Fridays.

Gay Bars in Boracay

It is also worth noting that while Boracay does not have any gay bars or clubs, we found with it being so touristy it was very open for gay couples.

We felt comfortable having a night out, dancing together and being affectionate with no trouble at all. There were even a few local gay couples out dancing together too!

Epic Boracay – for some music and dancing. This is where we went and saw a few other gays couples so felt super comfortable here. Other websites also make this suggestion so it is a good bet for the closest thing to a gay bar in Boracay.

Gay Bars in Palawan

Again, like Boracay there are no official gay bars in Palawan (Palawan being the island where El Nido and Puerto Princesa are). However, the bar below is said to be popular with the local gay guys:

Tiki Bar, Palawan – Tiki Bar offer food, music, drinks and live entertainment and can be found in Puerto Princesa.

Gay Bars in Cebu

Navigator Gay Bar – this gay bar is listed as temporaily closed but you can keep an eye on its Facebook page .

Gay Saunas in the Philippines

There are two gay saunas in the Philippines, both are in Manila. The third mentioned below that appears in some gay travel guides is now listed as permanently closed.

F Club – this is a club and also a gay sauna in Manila with group shower rooms, lounges, cubicles, dark rooms and spa treatment areas.

Club Bath Philippines – claiming to be the oldest gay bathhouse in Asia, Club Bath Philippines has been runnning for over 40 years and has a fitness room, labyrinth with cabins and mini bar/movie area. For this gay sauna its best to reserve online in advance to make sure you get in. Check the FAQs.

Altermale (the We’rehouse) Manila – this gay sauna is now permanently closed.

Note that usually you need to pay a membership fee and entrance and will likely need ID.

Gay Beaches in the Philippines

If you are looking for a gay beach in the Philippines then your best bet is White Beach Puerto Galera.

We have not been to Puerto Galera, however it’s known to be a free and open place popular with gay travellers and therefore the main beach, White Beach has been coined the ‘unofficial gay beach’ at certain times of the year for the amount of gay men strutting in their speedos.

In all honesty, don’t plan your trip around this, if you happen to visit Puerto Galera check it out but don’t make it your sole reason for going, there is so much more to the Philippines.

Philippines: LGBTQ Pride and Events

Like a lot of countries in Asia, it is usually the larger cities that will be host to pride organisations and LGBTQ events.

Metro Manila Pride – is a volunteer-managed, non-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating, equipping and empowering the Filipino LGBTQIA+ community to work towards a future that recognizes and respects the rights of persons to a dignified life without discrimination and prejudice. Metro Manila Pride marches have been running since 2016 – see more on Metro Manila Pride .

Jungle Queer Party – this is the Philippines largest beach gay circuit party event. Take a look at upcoming events on Facebook .

How to get to the Philippines

There are over 50 airports throughout the Philippines ranging from those taking only propeller planes to the large international airports.

You are most likely to fly in to the main airport in the capital Manila, or Cebu, which has a smaller international airport. From here you can then take your connecting flight to whichever island you wish.

However, this is not as straightforward as you might think so you need to plan ahead else you will end up back tracking and getting unnecessary flights.

We suggest taking a look at AirSWIFT. They fly to destinations you are most likely to travel to including Palawan (El Nido and Puerto Princesa), Cebu, Manila and Caticlan (for Boracay).

Flights are not as cheap as in other parts of Asia, however this is the easiest way to get around.

Is the Philippines Expensive?

Looking at the hotels we stayed at a lot of people asked whether the Philippines is expensive. The answer is quite straightforward: no.

The Philippines caters to everyone budget, from backpackers to luxury travellers. Even for us, on a honeymoon wanting the best 5 star hotels we only paid on average $150 a night for accommodation. In other places in the world you would have to pay $400+ per night for the same standard of accommodation. Eating at these hotels is quite pricey in comparison to eating out, however we decided to do a bit of both.

Taxis and tricycles to get around when you are on each island is cheap. Flights can be quite expensive if you do not plan in advance. Overall, a very affordable destination!

We absolutely loved our honeymoon in the Philippines, it was the perfect destination for us and we highly recommend it to all couples including other gay couples.

We hope to do an extended trip back to the Philippines in the future to learn more about this amazing country.

Check out these posts for more about this beautiful country and the rest of South East Asia:

• A Complete Guide to Kawasan Falls: Canyoneering in Cebu
• Gay Philippines: Local Gay Stories
• South East Asia: Gay Travel Asia, a Complete Guide

P.s don’t forget to follow our  Facebook  page,  YouTube  page and  Instagram  to see more and keep up to date!

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Some of the links in this post are connected to affiliate programs we have joined. If you make a purchase using one of the links, we get a small commission, at no extra charge to you. All opinions are of course our own!

Gay Manila, The Philippines – The Nomadic Boys

In this guide to gay Manila , we’ve set out practical safety tips and summarised the best of the city’s gay scene, top places to stay, go out and eat for you to check out.

“Be super careful in Manila boys…” was the blunt warning from our Filipino friends in London before we headed over, “…it’s crowded, polluted, too much traffic and lots of thieves everywhere!”

But in all honesty, Manila is no different to any other big city we’ve been in.

Our first steps on the streets of Malate were tentative – taking our friends’ words to heart, we ensured to leave all valuables in our hotel, avoided unlit streets, and stuck to taxis to get us around. But the paranoia that we’d built up was quickly broken down. Sticking to basic common sense, it’s absolutely fine in Manila.

We ended up really enjoying the Filipino capital. It has a pretty exciting gay scene with a super friendly LGBTQ community that loves connecting with foreigners. Filipinos generally are the most affable and hospitable people we’ve ever met, which makes it so easy to quickly make local friends here. This was our favorite thing about Manila!

As the hub into the Philippines, the city makes for a pretty sweet base to start exploring the rest of this phenomenal country.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

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Metro Manila, the Philippine National Capital Region, has a population of about 12 million people in sixteen cities on the eastern shore of Manila Bay --among the world's most densely populated areas. Inhabited since around 3000 BC, the area was thriving by the 10th century as the Kingdom of Maynila, trading with Ming Dynasty China and the Hindu-Buddhist Medang Kingdom of Java. The Majapahit Empire governed from Java in the 13th century, until the invasion by Brunei in 1485 --after which an Islamic dynasty was imposed.

Spain arrived, bringing Christianity in 1571, and established their Spanish East Indies capital here in 1603. Maynila was simplified to Manila, and the city became the Far East center of activity for Spain, linking Manila and Acapulco with galleons; a major hub of world trade between Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Except for a brief two year British occupation, Spain's rule continued for the next three centuries; first from New Spain/Mexico, then directly from Madrid.

Americans, who took control after the 1898 Spanish-American War, were resisted in a three-year guerrilla war, but US administration city planners transformed Manila, adapting the old city to modern needs. In 1945, the World War II battle to retake the city from the Japanese was the bloodiest event of the war in the Pacific, and much of the city was devastated, especially within the historic Spanish colonial district. Only Warsaw suffered more destruction than Manila during the war. Reconstruction of the old walls began in 1951, and the Intramuros district was declared a National Historical Monument. Ties between Americans and Filipinos endured after independence, and US military bases such as Subic Bay and Clark Field didn't close until 1991. Over 3.4 million Filipino-Americans now live in the USA.

The capital of the independent Republic of the Philippines was moved in 1948 to Quezon City, to the northeast. Rebuilt and revitalized, the city was prosperous, and again called  the "Pearl of the Orient," as it had been in pre-war years. But, with billions of dollars in public funds stolen during the twenty years under President Ferdinand Marcos, and other corruption scandals, the city's reputation has been tarnished, and there are fears of impending insolvency. With heavy reliance on automobiles, Manila suffers heavy air pollution, and several rivers are deemed biologically dead.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, already controversal for encouraging extrajudicial police killings of drug suspects, signed an Anti-Terrorism Act into law on July 3, 2020. Amnesty International comments: now "even the mildest government critics can be labelled terrorists... (in) the latest example of the country’s ever-worsening human rights record."

Despite these problems, over a million tourists come to visit each year, and those holding passports from most countries can stay up to three weeks without a visa. Lonely Planet ranked the country 6th among their "most popular destinations to meet locals," and 8th in their best "value-for-money" category. In this archipelago of 7,107 islands, there are plenty of opportunites, away from urban centers, to enjoy the country's unspoiled natural wonders, with some of the world's richest biodiversity. The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park in Palawan ranks among the best dive sites anywhere, to see coral reef habitats with marine animals of all sizes (boats leave from Puerto Princesa, a short flight from Manila).

Destinations in Manila include the Intramuros walled city, the National Museum of the Philippines , the Manila Zoo , the City Chinatown , and shopping and nightlife disticts in Ermita and Malate, along with Santa Cruz. Events include the Feast of Black Nazarene , free performances in Rizal Park , and concerts and ballet at the Cultural Center of the Philippines . The  Divisoria area and the 168 Shopping Mall  are popular with those looking for shopping bargains. Much of Manila's gay nightlife is centered around the intersection of Julio Nakpil and Maria Orosa Streets in Malate, but there are also gay spots in Quezon City, and beyond.

Filipino/Tagalog is the common tongue of the Philippines, but English is widely used both in education and business throughout the country, and in everyday usage by many in Manila. Knowing Spanish is also helpful, as many words were adopted into Tagalog during the colonial era. Most city residents are Christians, with four major Roman Catholic basilicas, but there are Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu and Sikh temples here too. The Masjid al-Dahab, or Golden Mosque, is in the predominantly Muslim section of the Quiapo district. 

Conservative in many ways, Filipinos are gracious hosts, and respectful of personal idiosyncrasies and preferences. As LGBT people feel freer to be open about their sexuality, the subject has been more visibile in the media and in public discourse during the past decade. Check out "Bubble" by Sebastian Castro, a Japanese-Peruvian-American who moved here and made a splash with his coming-out music video.

Asia's first gay pride march took place in Manila in June 1994. Festivities have continued at he Quezon City Pride March , now in mid December, celebrating the support shown for the local LGBT community by local government. Jungle is a series of circuit party events.

See our bar and sauna listings for some tips on where to go, but note that Macho Dancer bars open, close and/or move quicker than any guide can keep up. Ask around for the latest hot spots, and the more hard to find anything-goes places, once you arrive.

Getting Here

The Ninoy Aquino/ Manila International Airport located between Pasay and Parañaque, the main international gateway for travelers to the Philippines and the hub for all domestic airlines, is one of the busiest airports in Asia. A shuttle bus system connects all four terminals.

Nine bus routes can get you from the airport to various points in Metro Manila. Eight of these take Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), and one travels by way of Circumferential Road 5 (C-5). The Baclaran station on the Manila Light Rail Transit System and the Nichols station of Philippine National Railways also serve the airport. See the Seat 61 website for an overview in English. An airport authority-operated shuttle bus connects Terminal 3 to the Taft Avenue MRT Station.

Clark International Airport , in the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, is the low-cost carrier alternative landing point. Shuttles and buses can get you into downtown.

Getting Around

The Manila Light Rail Transit System, ( LRT ), metropolitan rapid transit/ Metro system serves the Metro Manila area with 31 stations along 31 km (19 mi) of mostly elevated track on two lines: the north-south route LRT Line 1, (Yellow Line), and the east-west MRT Line 2, (Purple Line). Reusable plastic magnetic ticketing and Flash Pass cards are used, and bus connections can get you to points in between stations.

A famous local modes of transportation, the jeepney, patterned after US army jeeps, has been in use since the post-World War II years. Buses, jeepneys and the more modern Tamaraws follow fixed routes for set prices. Other vehicles include: taxicabs, "tricycles" (motorcycles with sidecars), and "trisikads" or "sikads" (bicycles with sidecars).

The Philippines National Railways operates rail services across Luzon Island from San Fernando and San Jose in the north, to Batangas and Legazpi in the south, by way of Manila and Clamba among other cities at the center. Commuter Express trains connect Caloocan to Calamba, with Manila stations, and connections at Blumentritt LRT-1, Sandta Mesa MRT-2, and EDSA MRT-3.

The Peso (PhP) is the currency of the Philippines, with one hundred Centavos to the Peso. Exchange shops, banks and hotels can change foreign currencies. Credit cards and debit cards are widely accepted, but ATM transaction fees can be higher than elsewhere in the world. The mid-2016 through 2017 exchange rates have hovered around 50-51.5 PhP per US$1.

Media and Resources

Outrage is the LGBT zine of the Philippines, with feature articles, lifestyle info and events listings.

Equality Philippines is an LGBT advocacy group, with a community website. UP Babaylan is the LGBT student group at the University of the Philippines, with a community-wide Pride March each June.

The Quezon City Parade takes place at the Quezon City Memorial Circle in December.

Travel Gay Asia 's Manila pages have up-to-date listings of gay bars, clubs, bathhouses and gay-friendly hotels. They also cover other regional cities. Utopia also has gay listings for Manila and elsewhere in the Philippines, among the 20 Asia-Pacific countries they list.

Lexuality , "loud and queer" is a blog with an every-day view of life here, from various writers, going back five years.

GagaOOLala , the first Asian LGBTI streaming platform, offers over 400 film/video titles from around the world, with service to Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Machos&Hostos blogspot is another local's "Lessons from Gay Bars in Manila; his "experiences, learnings, anecdotes, some secrets and personal insights on going to Manila's gay bars." The Gonograd Resident documents one blogger's experiences in local macho dancer bars and strip clubs. DiscreetManila is another gay blog of interest.

Zest is a queer-friendly "guide to good life" for the region, and ManilaGayGuy is the blog of MGG, the Manila Gay Guy, with his own and guest postings, along with news items.

The Manila Times, the daily English language newspaper with headlines, business, lifestyle, sports, provincial and world news, also has an online edition. A good local news source for those wondering what's going on in the current political situation.

The Tourist Bureau sponsors the It's More Fun in the Philippines website, listing destinations and plenty for visitors to do.

See our gay Manila listings page for map locations of the gay bars, clubs and bathhouses listed below - with contact information and website links - plus some hotel and restaurant suggestions, theaters and museums/galleries.

Adonis Club (55 Timog Ave, Quezon City), macho dancer bar, constant rotation of dancing hunks, VIP room private dances, drag shows.

Che'lu (1802 Maria Orosa St, Malate), popular gay bar and grill, late-night dance club, theme parties.

F Club (1204 Eulogio Rodriguez Sr Ave, Quezon City), dressy, upscale gay lounge/bar, DJs drag shows, events.

JEFZ Café (1811 Leon Guinto St, Malate), mixed crowd, sing-along music bar, Friday sexy male body shows; restaurant.

Humane Element / HE (610 Julio Nakpil St, Malate), gay show bar, live stage entertainment, drag shows, male dancers.

Jungle , periodic gay circuit dance parties with star local and international DJs; at various venues such as House / Remington Hotel and Nectar Nightclub , Taguig.

King Machette KTV Entertainment Bar (3993 Crosswinds/ Airport Rd, Parañaque), gay bar, macho go-go dancers, karaoke, shows, comedy events, free WiFi.

Music Box (1 Timog Ave, Quezon City), gay karaoke party bar.

Nectar Nightclub (5th Ave at 26th St, Taguig), high-energy, DJ-driven LGBTQ dance club and drag showbar, theme parties, international performers; Wednesdays Poison cabaret, Thursday Girl Nation , Splash Fridays , go-go boys, Spectrum Saturdays drag and go-go boys, and Sunday Home Bass trap and bass. Scheduled to open new location in September 2019.

O Bar (Ortigas, Julia Vargas Ave, Pasig City), gay pub/showbar, go-go dancers, restaurant serving lunch through dinner.

The One 690 Entertainment Bar (39 Don A Roces Ave, Quezon City), gay club near Amoranto Stadium; “Real Men..Real Entertainment!” go-go dancers, drag and comedy shows, contests.

Piloto Men's Entertainment Bar (615 Julio Nakpil, Malate), gay nightclub, drag shows, go-gos/performers, live music/cabaret.

Time (7840 Makati Ave, Makati), monthly gay techno/ house/ electronica music parties at Royal Club .

Emperius Club , open between March and August 2017, is now closed as they look for new space - see the link to their facebook page for updates.

Club Bath (2456 FB Harrison Blvd, Pasay City), gay bath house/steam, gym, lounge, rooms, snack bar.

Fahrenheit Cafe & Fitness Club (1204 Eulogio Rodriguez Sr Ave, New Manila/ Quezon City), videoke bar/club, videos, shop, gym, steam/Jacuzzi, cabins.

The We’reHouse - AfterMale (2421B Morse St, San Isidro, Makati City), men's sauna/bar, videos, karaoke, pool games, massage, huge maze .

For man-to-man massage services see some listings at our map & listings page.

CLOSED: Bed (The Portal, Greenfield); BuddhaKan (79 Sierra Madre, Mandaluyong); FAB RestoBar (1739-B Maria Orosa, Malate); Formula 690 (27 Mother Ignacia, Quezon City); Heaven (1802 Maria Orosa, Malate), four-club gay complex, including Red Banana and Zinc Music Bar ; Rabbit Hole , Saturdays at Bugsy's (Paseo Parkview Towers, at Valero/ Sedeño, Makati); and XRoads (Ortigas Center, Pasig City); Library (1739 Maria Orosa, Malate).

Gay Philippines: Queer Culture, Local Life, And What You Should Know! 🇵🇭

Posted on Last updated: November 28, 2023

Categories Philippines , Asia , Hot Off The Press

Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.

The Gay Philippines has always been dubbed as one of the most friendly countries towards the LGBTQ+ community. The attitude of the Filipinos towards the community is getting better, especially when compared to the country’s history.

LGBTQ+ celebrities and personalities have large followings. Most trends are influenced mainly by queer culture. However, there’s more to the gay Philippines in store than these things.

Tourists who would wish to travel to the Philippines could use this information to get to know the gay lifestyle in the Philippines, and where to socialize with them. In this article, we are going to elaborate on the queer culture, the local life, and what you should know about the Gay Philippines.

In this article we will cover...

Queer History In The Gay Philippines

Contemporary queer culture in the philippines, so, is it safe to be gay in the philippines, hotspots in the gay philippines, annual events in gay philippines.

• Other Things to Consider Before Heading to Gay Philippines 

The country has had a long history as far as the LGBT community is concerned. As a matter of fact, practices with gender crossing already started long before the Spaniards colonized the Philippines. Babaylans , for instance, are the priestesses in native communities. While the role is usually given to women, even men who cross genders could be assigned with such a role. These men, who were called asog , were able to engage in homosexual relationships without society judging them freely.

During the Spanish colonization of the Philippines, patriarchy was introduced. The concept of machismo made gender crossing a taboo concept. During the American colonization period, gender and gender roles were institutionalized. The Americans used education and mass media to regulate one sexuality, distinguishing the gay Philippines from the heterosexuals.

The gay Philippines saw a sliver of light from oppression after World War II. In 1975, gay rights activist Justo Justo founded the Home of the Golden Gays to serve elderly gay men whose families cast them out.

During the 1980s, the women’s movement highlighted the struggles that the lesbian community faced. Wanting to have their voices heard after being silenced for decades, they have decided to fight against a dictatorship. Hence, they established MAKIBAKA, an underground women’s organization that focused on sexual orientation issues.

In the 1990s, the Lesbian Collective – or LESBOND – was formed. This was a result of the women’s movement on issues such as gender and sexuality.

It was also during the 1990s – 1994, to be exact – when the first LGBT Pride March was done. This cemented the significance of the gay Philippines to society. While there were only 60 participants in the said pride march, the effects were far-reaching. It was the first time in the history of the Philippines that the LGBT community had the opportunity to speak out for equality. After this event, there have been various pride march events that takes place across the country.

Recently, the voice of the LGBT community has already reached the Congress. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender woman to be elected to Congress, has filed the SOGIE Equality Bill. This bill is intended to prevent any acts of discrimination against the LGBT community.

At present, as its members become more accepted, the community continues to strive to become recognized and protected by society.

In the Philippines, the LGBT community has a unique culture that transcends society. For instance, gay lingo is a concept that its members use. This argot uses elements of languages such as Filipino, English, and Japanese to give new meanings to various contexts. Some of these words also use trademarked brands and names of celebrities to connote a concept.

Before, its members were the only ones who were able to understand this lingo. It made it easier for them to recognize and communicate with each other. It also helped the members resist the marginalization from culture. However, it was not later that even heterosexuals began using the terms.

Huge LGBT personalities and celebrities have also contributed to the queer culture, making them household names in the gay Philippines community. Prominent celebrities such as Vice Ganda and Boy Abunda have become the representation of the LGBT community in media.

Several portrayals of gays and lesbians also made their way to film and television. For instance, the film entitled, “Die Beautiful,” depicted the life of a transgender beauty queen. On the other hand, “The Rich Man’s Daughter,” is a hit television show which showed the forbidden love of two lesbians.

Indeed, the contemporary culture of the gay Philippines makes it seem as if the community is wholeheartedly accepted. However, it is not entirely true.

There have been a lot of bills passed in Congress which supports the same-sex marriage. However, none has seen the light of day. Recently, the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill has already been approved.

Based on a 2013 survey, the Philippines is ranked as one of the most gay-friendly nations in the world. The country, as a matter of fact, is the most gay-friendly in Asia. In addition to this, 73 percent of adult Filipinos agreed to the fact that homosexuality should be accepted by society.

Considering the results of the survey and the influence of queer culture to the Filipinos, is it safe to assume that it is safe to be gay in the Philippines?

The answer is: no.

Albeit the friendly treatment of the LGBT community, many of its members are still frowned upon in the society. Generally, Filipinos do only tolerate the members of the community, but they do not necessarily accept them. One of the reasons why is their strong religious beliefs which immediately cancel out the sexual orientation of the homosexuals.

Due to their lack of knowledge, many Filipinos would still have a lot of misconceptions about the community. That gay men spread HIV. That gays and transgenders are the same. That lesbians in media are an abnormality of human nature. This outlandish discrimination against the LGBT community is something worth noting.

There needs to be a lot of growing for the heterosexual community in the Philippines. While they show tolerance, they also show homophobia. Even members of the LGBT community themselves are homophobic at times. This holds true especially since many of them cancel out transgenders and bisexuals . While it is generally safe to be gay in the Philippines due to tolerance, there needs to be changed in the viewpoint of people to make the country truly gay-friendly.

For those who are seeking for a refuge from the discriminatory heterosexual community, the country hosts several hotspots where you could acquaint yourselves with some of the LGBT members. These hotspots are LGBT-friendly, so you are ensured that you are safe and sound: an honorary member of the gay Philippines.

• Fred’s Revolucion – Our first hotspot is a drinking bar which promotes a safe environment for the members of the LGBT community. This is due to the fact that it has signed up for the Safe Space Campaign which was launched at Cubao Expo in 2013. You could find Fred’s Revolucion in two areas: one in Cubao X, Quezon City, while the other one is at Sta. Cruz Manila.
• Today x Future – Located in Cubao, Quezon City, this hotspot is filled with a lively crowd predominated by an LGBT crowd. Today x Future celebrates diversity in the gay Philippines. It is a place where everyone is welcome.
• Nectar Night Club – This club is dubbed as the first luxury night club in the Philippines. Located in Bonifacio Global City, Metro Gay Manila , this high-end club boasts of its hip and cool ambiance which served as a backdrop for regular drag shows and even dating games. You do not only get to experience inclusion, but you would also get to have a fun night with your friends.
• O Bar – A bar located in Pasig City, our last hotspot is also a favorite among the LGBT community in the Philippines, particularly in Metro Manila. It is an exciting place which also hosts several drag shows. As the night deepens, you could dance your life out on this place.

Because of the seeming tolerance of the general public towards the LGBT community, its members have organized several events to empower and celebrate the community. Moreover, these events would hopefully stamp the gay Philippines on the map.

One of the annual events in the Philippines is the Metro Manila Pride March. This yearly affair is usually held on the month of June. Every year, the theme changes to cover several concepts that would uphold the dignity of the LGBT in the country. The most recent Metro Manila Pride March had a theme of #RiseUpTogether. This event had a total of up to 20,000 attendees.

Other Things to Consider Before Heading to Gay Philippines  

Before heading to the gay Philippines, you should try to consider some things. This way, you would be guided on how to act or what to do. Here are just a few of them.

• Being a predominantly Christian country, the Philippines has grown to tolerate homosexuality but condone homosexual activities like copulation. This is something which the LGBT community in the Philippines keeps on fighting for. Hopefully, they can become as progressive as Copenhagen or Auckland in the future …
• A lot of people still confuse transgenders with cross-dressing gays/lesbians or drag queens/kings. Hence, when celebrity Jake Zyrus (formerly Charice Pempengco) came out as a trans man, he was subjected to extreme ridicule by Filipinos.
• Pride Marches are exciting and fun. While we only featured the Metro Manila Pride March, there are also a lot of pride marches which also happen around the country. So whenever you try visiting the different islands on this archipelago, you could try to ask for the schedule so you could join. It would be fun. We promise.

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Gay Philippines Travel Guide

With the central hub of Manila and dozens of beautiful island beaches, the Philippines has plenty to offer gay travelers in search or rest and relaxation and adventure.

Gay Philippines

Attitudes towards the LGBT community are getting better and visitors can expected to be treated with respect in the more metropolitan areas of the country such as Manila.  Metro Manila is the headquarters of the gay nightlife in The Philippines. LGBT visitors can find the majority of gay bars and clubs, & saunas in Manila city. Gay visitors should be advised to stay within the city of Manila where acceptance is high or visit the sandy beaches of Boracay or Palawan, both of which are popular destinations for gay travelers.  

Coron Island, Philippines

Boracay Beach, Philippines

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• The Best Lgbtq Bars And...

The Best LGBTQ Bars and Clubs in Manila, Philippines

The Philippines may be a predominately Catholic country, but it is also one of the most tolerant in Asia when it comes to LGBTQ rights. The government is working to pass the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression Bill, which aims to protect members of the LGBTQ community from discrimination. Manila, in particular, is home to a melting pot of bars and clubs, open to people of all creeds and colours. Here we list the best LGBTQ bars and clubs in the Philippine capital.

Gay Bar, Contemporary

Expect to brush shoulders with Manila’s A-list LGBTQ crowd at this luxury nightclub in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), dancing it up to top hits from international DJs. Make sure to check out their schedule online, as Nectar offers a different theme every night from 10am till sunrise! Their weekly Poison Wednesday is a particular hit, as the door fee is waived. At the end of every month, the resident ‘Drag Cartel’ hosts a drag queen lip-sync battle, where the best entertainers fight for the crown. It also hosts popular queens from abroad, including those of Rupaul’s Drag Race fame. The drinks are a bit pricey, so if travelling with a group of friends, it may be wise to order a whole bottle and split the bill.

Originally located in Malate in old Manila, O Bar has since moved to a brighter venue in the bustling Ortigas Center – just look for the pink signage. O Bar is hands down one of the most popular gay clubs in Manila and has been for over a decade. It features live entertainment with a large dance floor, attractive male go-go dancers and drag queens in elaborate production numbers. It is reasonably priced with an entry fee of PHP500 ($10), with your choice of three beers or one cocktail included. Weekends are busy with extended time to party on Thursdays to Sundays from 11.30pm until 6am.

Located in Manila’s original gay district in Malate, along Orosa street, Chelu is one of the longest-running gay bars in the city. It is surrounded by some of the best Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants in Manila. Make sure to grab dinner in the area before heading to Chelu. The newly renovated space on the second floor is open daily and offers karaoke and stand-up comedy sets. On Thursdays through Saturdays, watch talented drag queen shows, most notably the ‘Amazonias’, a group of beefy drag queens who dance remarkably well. The lower level has an open dance floor with DJs spinning popular hits. Chelu is reasonably priced as PHP350 ($7) pesos could get you in with three free beers or your choice of cocktail. It also has a quiet section outside if you’d like to talk and catch up with friends over drinks.

4. Catch 272

Bar, Gay Bar, LGBTQ Bar, Contemporary

Formerly known as Boho Sarapsody, this LBGTQ-managed space is popular for its cheap drinks deals and friendly atmosphere. Welcome to all, it hosts open mic poetry readings, social debates, fundraising activities and great live music during Friday and Saturday nights. It has a quiet, homey feel that is popular among Bohemian artists. Try their signature drink, the ‘baywalker’, which comes in a tall, salt-rimmed glass filled with their version of a Long Island Iced Tea.

5. Today X Future

LGBTQ Bar, Contemporary

Tucked in between two pawnshops, this hole-in-the-wall venue along Malvar Avenue in Cubao, Quezon City caters to a predominantly hip LGBTQ crowd. Designed as a secret bar from the future, this quaint joint is adorned with memorabilia like old TV sets, books and vinyl records. The vintage 1970s mirror ball in the centre of the room adds the finishing touch. The place is packed over weekends with people dancing to live bands and DJ sets. Things slow down for Tuesday Jazz night in case you’d like to unwind with friends over relatively cheap cocktails and bar chow. Look around to see a melting pot of local musicians, artists, and writers.

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6. Fred's Revolucion

Bar, LGBTQ Bar, Contemporary

Run by retired and accomplished Filipino photojournalist Jose Enrique Soriano, this laid-back bar is situated in Cubao Expo, a haven for trendy restaurants, bars and vintage shops. Fred’s has long been vocal about accepting guests from all walks of life and shall treat everyone equally regardless of sexual orientation and gender identification. A Safe Space Campaign was launched in Cubao Expo in 2013 for the protection of the LGBTQ community, with Fred’s as one of the first establishments in the area to sign up. Choose from well-curated craft beer and inventive Filipino bar snacks. Their second branch recently opened in historic Escolta, old Manila, inside the regal 1930s First United Building. Fred’s has been at the forefront of working together with the community to revive old Manila to its previous pre-war glory.

Gay Bar, LGBTQ Bar, Contemporary

One 690 first opened its doors in 2012, resting across from Amoranto Sport’s Complex in Quezon City. Furnished with state-of-the-art light and sound systems, the bar features attractive male models, dancers, singers and talented impersonators to keep you entertained for the entire evening.

8. Uno Morato

This cosy bookstore, coffee shop and artist space supports events by Galang Philippines, a non-government organisation that assists the urban poor LGBTQ community in Manila. It is also used as a meeting space for the Task Force Pride Philippines, a local group that discusses LGBTQ issues in the city. It has recently moved to top food destination Maginhawa Street in Quezon City.

9. Club Adonis

This pioneer club north of Manila, in Quezon city, is open daily to gay men and straight women alike to view sexy male dancers. Everyone gets along! Their performers are friendly and may join you for a drink if you ask the manager nicely. This is a favourite spot for group bachelorette parties.

10. Jefz Cafe

Jefz Cafe is located inside the New Solanie Hotel in Manila. This casual haunt in old Manila offers reasonably priced drinks, a karaoke system and live music and shows – open to everyone. Friday is gay night and features live male dancers. Make sure to call in advance for their discounted drink deals and events.

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Philippines itinerary 2 weeks - the ultimate gay Philippines travel experience

A sun-blanched string of over 7,000 islands clustered near the equator on the Pacific Ocean, the Philippines is an island destination served with a smile. As well as year-round sunshine, famed Filipino warmth exudes from every angle; from toothy vendors touting their coconuts to lithe, leather-skinned seamen cheekily bartering their day tours, you can’t help but grin back. Lose yourself in the feverish chaos of the city and its nightlife before moving to remote islands for more relaxing endeavours. Here are our suggestions of how to spend two weeks in the Philippines, including a tranquil resort stay in Palawan and a wild surf sesh in Siargao.

Tailor-Made Philippines

Discover the Philippines as you island hop your way from Manila to Bohol. First, you’ll visit the historic walled city of Manila, built by the Spanish empire. In Bohol, you’ll see the iconic Chocolate Hills and the smallest primate on earth, the Tarsier. Next, you’ll snorkel the reefs around Apo island and, if you’re feeling adventurous, track down the mysterious mountain-dwelling healers of Siquijor island.

from 7,695 /8 days

Palawan | Photo: Cris Tagupa

LGBT situation in the Philippines

Gay Philippines boasts an established LGBTQ+ community with recognition and acceptance of bakla (gay men) and binalaki (lesbians) widening across Filipino culture. While same-sex partnerships are still not recognised by law, one LGBT political party has been steadily pushing for progress in LGBT rights, having successfully lifted the ban on gay people serving in the military.

The Philippines LGBT community is centred in the Malate district of Manila . While traditionally, the intersection of J Nakpil and M Orosa Street held most of the city’s gay life, today the best clubs and bars have moved to the Fort district (BGC). Manila’s first pride parade in 1994 was the first gay pride held anywhere in Asia, running annually since then towards the end of June. Outside of the capital, you can also find a well-established gay scene in Cebu City, with smaller parties in various island towns.

El Nido | Photo: Daniel Lazarov

Alona Beach, Panglao | Photo: Vasile Stancu

When to Visit the Philippines

A sub-tropical nation with high year-round humidity and monsoon tendencies, the Philippines is more temperate outside of summer when the rains come and typhoons hit the islands at force (from May to October). For adventures in Manila, try booking between late December and April, while Boracay is best seen from October onwards. During this time the temperature hovers between 24-31°C and stays pretty dry during daylight hours. The mercury will rise consistently from March to April, with highs of around 34°C which last through the summer season when crowds lessen and the scenery is at its greenest.

How to spend 2 weeks in The Philippines

Though there are thousands of islands in the Philippines to set your sights on, realistically, with just two weeks to explore, you’ll want to limit your itinerary to just two ‘big’ islands. This way you can get a taste of how island lifestyles differ without having to constantly move around. Many international flights will land in Manila allowing for one or two nights of city living ahead of six days in Cebu (incorporating a day trip to Bohol if you get an inkling) and a second week in Palawan. With added time, tacking on a third destination such as Siargao also becomes a possibility. Otherwise, whittle down your itinerary options with our recommendations of things to do in the Philippines , being careful to limit yourself to two or three regions.

Photo: Lorenz Narbs

Manila will win you over with its wild diversity of food, culture and language with a distinct Manileño culture found nowhere else in the country

Travellers with an aversion to crowds and chaos may want to rethink Manila. Both the summer heat and the air pollution feel most overpowering within the capital, making for sweaty and less than calming exploits. If you overlook the downsides, however, Manila will win you over with its wild diversity of food, culture and language with a distinct Manileño culture found nowhere else in the country. As a bonus, Manila is also the city with the strongest gay credentials. Besides the countless gay bars Manila has to offer, the city even has its own slang language known as ‘Swardspeak’, used by the region’s queer subculture since the 1970s (including Mr Gay World 2017, John Raspado).

Manila | Photo: Ramon Kagie

Cebu 5-7 Days

Centre of the Visayas and the nation’s most densely populated island, Cebu is a top first choice for vacations in the Philippines. Not only does Cebu have enough natural attractions to keep you busy for weeks, but it also serves as the jumping-off point for further adventures to Bohol, Malapascua, and beyond. Though gay Cebu City can give the capital a run for its money thanks to its wide selection of Cebu gay bars, numerous malls and an emerging food scene, most of Cebu Island remains undeveloped, based primarily along the beaches along the northern and southwest coastline.

The northern edge can put you within reach of outlying honeymoon islands, but we recommend travelling south towards Moalboal to get the most of Cebu’s natural wonders, including over 100 waterfalls (namely Inambakan, Dao, Kabutongan and Aguinid Falls, fronted by the ever-popular Kawasan Falls). Hike up to the falls on a solo day trip or gear up for a canyoneering adventure, jumping into pools and sliding down rock at pace with the fast-flowing water. Nearby, Osmeña Peak can offer a spectacular sunrise or sunset, while Moalboal White Beach is perfect for a carefree beach day and freediving opportunities.

Renting a motorcycle or hiring a driver are great ways to explore Cebu’s coastal road in its entirety, passing through Oslob for snorkelling and scuba-diving among whale sharks, often found feeding just offshore. After exhausting the main island’s activities, venture out to smaller islands such as Malapascua, where the beaches are known for their powdery perfection and opportunities for diving with thresher sharks. Alternatively, Kalanggaman Island is another getaway to consider, known for its odd shape and overnight camping options on its main beach from where you can walk the longest sandbar in the Philippines at certain times of day.

Photo: Nuwan

Photo: Daniel Lazarov

Bohol 3-6 Days

Charter a private boat from Cebu Island to our next stop of Bohol, home of unique landscapes, little primates and much untold natural beauty. The Panglao area holds the island’s best beaches and its tourist centre, though a more authentic look at Boholano life and unique cultural heritage lies largely on the mainland. While staying on Panglao for a few beach days underscored with water sports and diving is not a bad idea at all, make sure to sign yourself up for a tour of the island’s top attractions. Not far from Panglao, Loboc river cruise runs the easiest route through Bohol’s dense rainforest, an activity often made all the better by traditional Filipino lunches and dance performances on board. Kayaking and paddle-boarding are also common activities along Bohol’s other rivers, with businesses along the Abatan River also offering firefly tours and kayaking rentals.

From there, move to Carmen to view the 1,776 limestone hills, all magically in proportion and spanning an area of 50 kilometres. Though more green in the rainy season, these hills turn the colour of chocolate in the dryer months, hence the name Chocolate Hills. A common addition to Chocolate Hills tours include a visit to one of two tarsier sanctuaries (the Philippine Tarsier Sanctuary and the Tarsier Conservation Area), to view one of the world’s smallest primates. Notoriously shy and averse to noise, these little guys are strictly protected with strict rules for visitors in order to keep the tarsiers safe. On the way back to your accommodation, make a stop within the Bilal man-made forest, an inspiring photo-spot of mahogany trees which stretches 2 kilometres either side of the main road.

Bohol | Photo: Hitoshi Namura

The Ha Long Bay of the Philippines, Palawan is hard to beat for its incredible karst landscape lapped by clear turquoise waters in one of the country’s least populated regions

Palawan 6-9 Days

The Ha Long Bay of the Philippines, Palawan is hard to beat for its incredible karst landscape lapped by clear turquoise waters in one of the country’s least populated regions. Palawan’s main strip of land stretches 650 kilometres towards Borneo, largely dominated by rainforest and edged by incredible white-sand bays. Base yourself in the north at popular towns of El Nido or Coron, each a perfect base for those planning to take on the Bacuit Archipelago and Calamian Islands further out. El Nido may get busy in high season but it remains a firm favourite thanks to its convenient tour operations taking visitors to the best of Palawan’s beaches. Alternatively, charter your own private boat and control your own itinerary, opting to camp overnight on a remote island for ultimate solitude and stargazing to remember. In Coron meanwhile, find more of the same beatific surroundings, accented by the pristine Kayangan Lake, which hosts some of the region’s best diving thanks to its WWII shipwrecks and countless reefs.

If travelling in high season, consider leaving these busier basecamps in favour of lesser-known gems such as Port Barton and Balabac. While Port Barton can bring you ever closer to the island’s marine life – through kayaking, snorkelling and island-hopping tours – Balabac allows for exclusive travel to the province’s private islands and islets, by either negotiating with the owners and local guides on arrival or via a travel agency prior to travelling.

El Nido | Photo: Rona Lao

Palawan | Photo: Alana Harris

Siargao 5-7 Days

With a third week of island bliss to create, Siargao is a winning choice for surfers and non-surfers alike. Though it’s appeal has a lot to do with its fine sand beaches and choppy surf, Siargao also offers a fair few alternative adventures, by way of hidden coves, mangrove swamps and winding rivers all boasting rugged views and intriguing compositions. Most of the island’s best resorts are based on the beachfront road between General Luna and Cloud Nine beach, in the township of Dapa. Get around by scooter or hire a driver for a small extra cost, travelling 45 minutes from General Luna to the Magpupungko rock pools at low tide, staying the afternoon for sunbathing, cave viewing and cliff jumping among the weird rock formations.

Depending on your predilection for doing nothing, spend a day or two on any of the laid-back beaches dangling from a hammock with a cocktail in hand before whipping up some action on the Maasin River, just 30 minutes from General Luna, where you’ll find a great swimming spot centred by a coconut tree swing. Closer to del Carmen meanwhile, Sugba Lagoon allows for canoeing, rafting, paddleboarding and snorkelling in crystal waters. While there’s no end to Siargao’s forest and waterfall attractions, you can also opt to leave the main island for an island-hopping tour, covering as many as three islands at once, such as Guyam, Daku and Naked Island, each with its own distinctive edge. Alternatively, charter a boat to Sohoton Cove on the Bucas Grande island chain. Though somewhat difficult to get to, hardy visitors to Sohoton will be rewarded with their pick of remote lagoons, caves and karst cliffs to explore, plus the chance to swim with stingless jellyfish.

Photo: Jah Cordova

While there’s no end to Siargao’s forest and waterfall attractions, you can also opt to leave the main island for an island-hopping tour, covering as many as three islands at once, such as Guyam, Daku and Naked Island, each with its own distinctive edge

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The best gay bars in Dallas

Home to former republican president George W Bush, who was a less than ardent supporter of LGBT+ rights, and located on the edge of America’s Bible Belt, the Texas city of Dallas might not be the first place you think of when it comes to gay bars.

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Your guide to the best Manila gay bars, LGBT venues and events

Manila’s lgbtq+ landscape is vibrant and growing offering some of the best gay bars in the city, and this capital city’s dance and club scenes deserve special attention, whether you’re looking to let loose or chill out..

Community nightlife centers in the Malate area just south of downtown Manila. Malate’s waterfront bars might be Manila’s best people-watching, hottie-spotting places. Malate, like many community neighborhoods, has been gentrified recently so it is now lacking in the LGBTQ+ department, but the Ortigas area, east of downtown, features new shopping malls, and some of the best gay clubs in Manila that draw an open, youthful crowd with energy (and money!) to spare.

Manila’s nighttime novelties are many, and the capital city’s historical sites are just as compelling. Fort Santiago , built at the end of the 16th century and restored after World War II, is infamous for being the site of the revolutionary José Rizal’s 1896 execution. Filipinos regard Rizal as a national hero for his writing and advocacy, which helped inspire the Philippine Revolution.

Today, you’ll find a museum dedicated to him on Fort Santiago’s grounds, themselves on the banks of the Pasig River downtown. Just a little further east along the Pasig, you’ll find the Quiapo district and the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene —so-named for its life-sized and dark-skinned statue of Jesus Christ. Manila’s largest Muslim community is in Quiapo, where the Golden Mosque (Masjid Al-Dahab) is undergoing restoration. And try some mouthwatering aromas wafting from street food stalls in Binondo, where you will find the world's oldest Chinatown !

Just a short walk nearby, the outdoor Quiapo Market offers inexpensive amulets, carved statues, and love potions—not that you’ll need the latter to get down and dirty in Manila, darling!

But what truly makes Manila shine is its people. Known for their warmth and hospitality, Filipinos welcome everyone with open arms and bright smiles. With a thriving scene, inclusive events, and a strong sense of community, Manila gay bars are a place where you can be yourself.

Whether you're basking in the golden glow of Manila Bay's sunset, dancing the night away in a club or one of the best gay bars in Manila, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in one of its hidden gardens, Manila promises a magical experience in the Philippines.

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Gay and Gay-friendly Hotels in Manila

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With misterb&b, experience a more welcoming world. From private rooms and apartments to LGBTQ-friendly hotels, you have the option to stay in the heart of gay districts as well as other neighborhoods in the places you visit. A loft in Soho , a shared room in Barcelona or in the Castro , a gay-friendly hotel in Le Marais or in Chelsea , experience misterb&b in all gay travel destinations ! Activate the connection option on your profile and connect with other misterb&b travelers at your destination city or hotel! Problems with misterb&b ? Please refer to our Help Center. misterb&b is not affiliated, endorsed, or otherwise associated with Airbnb .

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Drag Goes Mainstream in the Philippines, a Bastion of Christianity

For many performers, drag is not only a cultural phenomenon, but also a political statement promoting social justice and gay rights.

By Camille Elemia

Photographs by Jes Aznar

Reporting from San Juan, Quezon City and Manila in the Philippines

Before he put on the glittery neon yellow tasseled jumpsuit, donned the yellow wig, and lip synced and danced onstage under colorful spotlights, Paul Hidacan went through his preshow routine in a busy dressing room. He pulled out a small white Bible from his bag, sat down and read a verse.

“I grew up in my church,” said Mr. Hidacan, 21, who has attended service in cropped tops, skirts and boots, and started performing in drag last year. “I know there are some who raise their brows when they see me, but the pastors accept me.”

In many places in the Philippines, drag is becoming more mainstream, and more popular. It is no longer confined to comedy bars, gay pageants and L.G.B.T.Q. spaces. New clubs devoted to drag are opening. Drag queens are on fashion magazine covers, and are pitching name-brand products like MAC Cosmetics, Shell gasoline, Durex condoms and Samsung phones. Students of at least one public university recently held a drag competition.

The new visibility of the art form has come largely because of changing mores around religion and gender, as well as the runaway success of the global TV franchise “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

But for many performers, drag is not only a cultural phenomenon, but also a political statement promoting social justice and gay rights that they hope will transform Philippines society even more.

The Philippines is one of the biggest majority-Christian nations in the world . Roughly 80 percent of its population is Roman Catholic, and abortion is a crime. It is one of only two countries in the world where divorce remains illegal. Homosexuality is not illegal here, as it is in many other nations in the region, but there are few legal protections for gay Filipinos. Same-sex unions are not allowed.

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Yet, expressions of gay identity are more welcome in the Philippines than in many other Asian nations. And surveys show that support for the gay minority is rising.

“What we are seeing is a transformation of what it means to be Catholic or Christian for the youth, who are looking for authenticity,” said Jayeel Cornelio, a sociologist of religion at the Ateneo de Manila University. “Sometimes they find this outside the institution or traditional practices.”

Still, the church remains influential. More than two decades after a bill that would bar discrimination against L.G.B.T.Q. people was introduced, it remains stuck in the Philippines’ Congress. There are laws protecting the rights of other groups, like women, children and Indigenous people.

Mr. Hidacan grew up in a religious family and was told to “control his gayness.” But he defied these calls and pushed ahead into drag with a persona he calls Zymba Ding. The moniker is a play on Simba, the “Lion King” character, and the Filipino word bading, which means gay.

“Zymba is not my alter ego,” Mr. Hidacan said. “She is an extension, a revelation of what Paul can do without religious restrictions,” he added, referring to himself.

Mr. Hidacan is part of a new generation of drag artists. Like him, many of them are gay men in their teens or early 20s and are known as baby queens.

Timmy Flores, 19, started performing as Abigaile four years ago when he was a student at a Catholic high school. Like many artists working during the pandemic, he livestreamed his performances on Facebook, and the audience offered tips. Mr. Flores, who is gay, kept performing despite the opposition of his family members who wanted him to undergo conversion therapy.

“Drag is not just entertainment,” he said, while fixing another artist’s long blonde wig before a show at the Rampa Drag Club in Quezon City. “The mere fact that a man dresses as a woman in public is already a form of defiance.”

A few performers, like Samantha Palambiano, are straight women. “Drag is an art form and a means of self-expression,” said Ms. Palambiano, who performs as Kieffy Nicole. “Drag is genderless.”

It is also a thriving business.

“There’s a really big market for drag now,” said Loui Gene Cabel, an owner of the Rampa Drag Club, which opened in January. “Straight females are now the main audience.”

He added: “Before, drag performances were just intermission numbers. Now people go to clubs for them.”

The rising popularity of drag has already helped changed some opinions. The siblings of the gay male artist who has performed as Arizona Brandy for a decade did not approve of drag. Her sister, at one point, gathered pastors to pray over her and convert her. But after Ms. Brandy reached the final round of the second season of “Drag Race Philippines” last year, her brother started supporting her.

“The Philippines is slowly moving forward,” said Ms. Brandy, whose legal name is Genesis Vijandre. “Drag isn’t limited by gender identity — both for performers and the audiences.”

Many in the Philippines were enthralled by the run of Marina Summers, a prominent Filipino drag queen, in the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs The World.” Throngs of people queued outside the theater where she held a viewing party and show in March.

“Drag queens are excellent performers,” said Imelda Del Carmen, 56, a fan of Ms. Summers. “They make people happy.”

Drag performers do face some risks.

Amadeus Fernando Pagento, whose drag name is Pura Luka Vega, has been arrested twice and faces criminal charges of indecency and immorality for portraying Jesus Christ and performing a version of the Lord’s Prayer in drag.

The case exposes the tension between the evolving views and entrenched legacies, said Athena Charanne Presto, who teaches sociology at the University of the Philippines.

“While more globally oriented younger generations may drive liberalization, the church’s influence remains,” Ms. Presto said.

But, she said, “many Filipinos find a way to reconcile faith and support for diverse identities.”

In Tago, a rural town in the southern province of Surigao del Sur, Leord Abaro, 16, recently discovered drag through YouTube. Soon after, he started buying makeup and learning how to tuck his genitals.

His first performance in drag, as Macchaia Ra, came in February, in the middle of his small school that lies in the middle of a valley. He donned a waist-length wig and lip synced to the Taylor Swift song “Blank Space.” In an interview a few weeks later, he said, “It’s just the start for me.”

Disney Cruise Line to homeport in Asia for the first time in 2025

S ailing from Singapore in 2025, the one-of-a-kind Disney Adventure will offer families throughout the region the ultimate holiday at sea. The first Disney Cruise Line ship to homeport in Asia will be a destination itself, sailing on three- and four-night voyages designed with magical days at sea and filled with immersive storytelling and captivating entertainment like only Disney can do.

"We're bringing the magic of Disney Cruise Line to Asia for the first time ever, and we want to give our guests the cruise relaxation and Disney fun they can only experience aboard one of our ships," said Sharon Siskie, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Cruise Line. "When they set sail on the Disney Adventure, guests will find incredible, immersive areas that bring the worlds of Disney, Pixar and Marvel to life in ways like never before — and these uniquely Disney experiences will inspire families to reconnect, recharge and make unforgettable memories that they'll cherish forever."

New areas to discover aboard

The Disney Adventure will be both a journey and a destination, a voyage of limitless possibilities that brings to vibrant life the core pillars of Disney storytelling.

Through the magic of imagination, discovery, fantasy and, of course, adventure, guests will embark on voyages to seven uniquely-themed areas, each teeming with dozens of incredible characters and unforgettable experiences, without ever leaving the ship.

Disney Imagination Garden will be the emotional heart of the Disney Adventure, an enchanted valley, charming garden and open-air performance venue all in one.

Inspired by 100 years of heroic and heartwarming Disney adventures — from Moana on the high seas to Mowgli in the jungle — this imaginative gathering space will be guests' gateway to an unforgettable journey all their own.

At Disney Discovery Reef, families will shop and dine in an ethereal and ever-changing retreat evoking favorite aquatic characters and nautical stories from Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios, including "The Little Mermaid," "Lilo & Stitch," "Finding Nemo" and "Luca."

Inspired by the eclectic world of Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Big Hero 6," San Fransokyo Street will be a family entertainment area pulsing with the energy and atmosphere of a vibrant street market and boasting an assortment of interactive games and activities, shops, cinemas and more.

At Wayfinder Bay, guests will be called by "the line where the sky meets the sea" to an open-air oasis under the sun, where relaxation and exclusive entertainment await. The sophisticated yet casual poolside retreat will reflect the Pacific Islands-inspired artistry of Disney Animation's "Moana," offering some of the most stunning views of the sea and sky aboard the Disney Adventure.

Meanwhile, Town Square will be a celebration of Disney royals — a magical land dedicated to those who wish upon a star hoping their dreams will come true. This fantastical forest filled with shops, lounges, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues will exude the enchanting feeling of summer in full bloom with nods to "Tangled," "Cinderella," "Frozen," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "The Princess and the Frog," and more.

At Marvel Landing, heroes will unite in a destination for fans of all ages. As a celebration of Marvel's larger-than-life personalities, this area will offer Avengers-level adventure, with all-new attractions and experiences that showcase imaginative representations of guests' favorite Super Heroes.

Finally, Toy Story Place will inspire guests to explore, create, connect and have fun in a whimsical, interactive play land with themed food venues and water play areas, where the world of Pixar's "Toy Story" movies and shorts springs to life in surprising and inventive ways.

Where magic meets the sea 


The Disney Adventure will offer guests a Disney Cruise Line holiday on a grand scale, including the hallmarks of every Disney cruise — fun and relaxation for everyone onboard, incredible dining, world-class entertainment and exceptional guest service.

Every sailing will include an endless array of indoor and outdoor fun, with exciting attractions, interactive play areas, fun in the sun and special entertainment, plus so much more for families to enjoy together. Young cruisers will have the time of their lives with dedicated spaces and clubs for kids, tweens and teens, while adults relax and unwind with premium dining, lounge and spa experiences.

A highlight of every Disney cruise holiday is the world-class entertainment that brings the ship to life. Throughout the Disney Adventure, guests will enjoy unforgettable character encounters, dazzling stage shows brimming with Disney songs and characters, signature events, first-run films, karaoke and game shows.

Guests aboard the Disney Adventure will also enjoy the exceptional dining and impeccable service that Disney Cruise Line is known for. Guests will indulge in a collection of imaginative restaurants where dinner is more than a meal — it's a chance to feast on favorite Disney stories through immersive theming and distinctly Disney entertainment. Guests will be accompanied by the same dedicated service team throughout the voyage, adding a level of familiarity and attention to their dining experience.

When it's time to rest, guests will retreat to well-appointed staterooms complete with special Disney touches and family-friendly conveniences, such as Disney Cruise Line's signature split-bath concept, which allows two people to get ready at once.

Disney Cruise Line estimates the passenger capacity of the 208,000-gross-ton Disney Adventure to be approximately 6,700 with around 2,500 crew members.

For more information about the Disney Adventure, guests can visit https://disneycruise.ph/adventure .