Manila Bay’s sunset is one of those things you need to see at least once. The sky turns into this crazy mix of orange, pink, and purple that photographs never quite capture right.
The best part is you don’t need to spend a lot of money to catch a good sunset here. Some of the best views are completely free. Others come with the comfort of air-conditioning and cocktails if that’s more your style.
Sunset in Manila typically happens between 5:14 PM and 6:29 PM depending on the season. In November 2025, sunset occurs around 5:26 PM. Golden hour starts about 28 minutes before that. This guide covers everything from the classic Baywalk to rooftop bars and hidden gems you might not know about.
Here’s what we cover:
- Manila Baywalk (Roxas Boulevard)
- Rajah Sulayman Park (Plaza Rajah Sulayman)
- Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex
- Sky Deck View Bar at The Bayleaf Hotel (Intramuros)
- Conrad Manila – C Lounge
- Harbour Square (CCP Complex)
- Rizal Park (Luneta Park)
- Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
- Binondo-Intramuros Bridge
- Manila Ocean Park
- Rooftop Bars in BGC and Makati
- Practical Tips for Sunset Viewing
- FAQ: Best Sunset Spots in Manila
Manila Baywalk (Roxas Boulevard)
Location: Roxas Boulevard, Manila
Cost: Free
Best for: First-timers, budget travelers, street food lovers
The Manila Baywalk is the OG sunset spot. It’s been drawing crowds for decades. This 2-kilometer stretch along Roxas Boulevard gives you a front-row seat to Manila Bay’s famous sunset without spending a single peso.
The beauty here is how accessible it is to everyone. The promenade has multiple viewing angles. The best spots sit near Rizal Park and extend south toward the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Street food vendors set up shop along the pathway, so you can grab kwek-kwek, grilled skewers, or other Filipino snacks while you wait for the sun to set.
The sea breeze keeps things comfortable even on warm evenings. Weekends get packed, though. If you want a more relaxed experience, come on a weekday afternoon. Try to arrive around 4:30-5:00 PM to get a good spot and watch the colors build up slowly.
For photographers, the silhouettes of ships on the horizon and the city skyline create solid compositions. Use the foreground elements to frame your shots. You’ll get something worth posting.
Rajah Sulayman Park (Plaza Rajah Sulayman)
Location: Malate, Manila (along Roxas Boulevard)
Cost: Free
Best for: Couples, history buffs, quieter sunset viewing
This public square in Malate faces Manila Bay and offers a more chill alternative to the busier parts of Baywalk. Named after the last native chieftain of Manila before Spanish colonization, the park has well-maintained gardens, a prominent statue, and direct bay views.
The romantic vibe sets this spot apart. Late afternoon brings cooler temperatures and golden light that hits everything just right. Local artists often display their paintings in the plaza, which adds to the cultural feel. Malate Church, a centuries-old Baroque structure, sits nearby if you want to explore after sunset.
The park has a dancing fountain that lights up as dusk settles, giving you something extra to photograph or just watch.
Benches provide comfortable seating for extended sunset watching. The area is easy to reach via public transportation along Roxas Boulevard. Street food vendors offer the usual suspects: fishballs, potato twisters, and palamig drinks at prices that won’t hurt your wallet.
A large pedestrian crossing connects the plaza directly to Baywalk if you want to explore more.
Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex
Location: SM Mall of Asia, Pasay
Cost: Free to view; varies for dining
Best for: Families, shoppers, convenience seekers
SM Mall of Asia gives you options: watch the sunset from the outdoor areas near the MOA Eye, grab a table at a restaurant with bay views, or walk along the seaside esplanade. The massive shopping and entertainment complex means you can combine sunset watching with other activities.
The infrastructure here makes everything easier, from restaurants with bay views to comfortable seating areas. The iconic MOA Eye ferris wheel that looks great when it lights up at dusk.
The esplanade offers clean, unobstructed views without anything blocking your shot.
For dining, upper-level restaurants give you elevated perspectives with air-conditioning and full menus. Army Navy and other casual spots have al fresco seating with direct bay views if you prefer being outside. The MOA Eye creates an excellent element for sunset photos, especially during blue hour when both the sunset glow and the wheel’s lights are visible.
Free parking is available. You’re steps away from shops and entertainment options. It’s probably the most convenient sunset spot if you’re coming with kids or planning to do other things before or after.
Sky Deck View Bar at The Bayleaf Hotel (Intramuros)
Location: The Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila
Cost: Varies (bar prices apply)
Best for: Rooftop bar experience, 360-degree views, special occasions
Sky Deck View Bar sits on top of The Bayleaf Hotel inside Intramuros’ historic walls. You get a 360-degree view of Manila including the Manila Bay sunset from way up high. This rooftop bar mixes historical context with modern comfort.
You see both Intramuros’ colonial architecture and the bay sunset in one sweep.
The unobstructed panoramic vista includes the city center golf course and surrounding heritage sites. Arrive early at 4:00 PM when they open to enjoy the sunset. Sky Deck operates with two seating schedules: 4:00-7:00 PM and 7:00-10:00 PM. Stay for dinner and drinks as the city lights come on. Weekends get busy, especially when live acoustic bands perform, so reservations help.
The bar serves classic cocktails, local and imported beers, an extensive wine list, and an à la carte menu with both local and international dishes. Happy hour runs daily from 5:30-9:00 PM, which overlaps nicely with sunset timing.
Conrad Manila – C Lounge
Location: Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay
Cost: Premium pricing (hotel rates apply)
Best for: Luxury experience, business entertainment, special occasions
Conrad Manila’s C Lounge offers the most upscale Manila Bay sunset experience on this list. The bay view suites and lounge have floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the sunset in air-conditioned comfort. The hotel’s positioning gives you some of the most unobstructed sunset views in Metro Manila, with the bay sitting directly in front.
You can book a bay view room if you’re staying overnight. Visit C Lounge for afternoon tea or evening cocktails. The lounge provides a refined atmosphere that works well for special occasions or entertaining clients. Everything here is polished and comfortable. You’re definitely paying for it.
Golden hour in November 2025 happens from roughly 4:58-5:26 PM. This gives you optimal photography conditions if you’re shooting from your room. The hotel-level service and amenities make this the premium option when you want the sunset experience without any compromises on comfort.
Harbour Square (CCP Complex)
Location: Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay
Cost: Free to view; varies for dining
Best for: Yacht views, elevated dining options, families
Harbour Square sits at the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex, offering sunset views alongside the Manila Yacht Club. The elevated dining options provide panoramic Manila Bay views. The ground-level esplanade lets you walk along the waterside.
Having yachts in your frame adds visual interest to photographs. It creates a more upscale feel compared to other public viewing areas. Starbucks and other cafes offer al fresco seating with direct bay views. Restaurants like Army Navy provide full meal options on upper floors.
The outdoor setting works great for sunset watching. Comfort might vary during the really hot months. Free parking is available and the location is easy to reach from major roads.
This spot hits a sweet spot between accessibility and atmosphere. You get the waterfront sunset view with better infrastructure than basic public areas, but without the premium pricing of rooftop bars or hotels.
Rizal Park (Luneta Park)
Location: Ermita, Manila
Cost: Free
Best for: History lovers, families, photography enthusiasts
Rizal Park gives you significant national heritage and excellent sunset viewing in one location. The park features dancing fountains, open grassy fields, and monuments with Manila Bay as your backdrop. Families, couples, and photography enthusiasts gather here.
The western edge of the park facing Manila Bay provides unobstructed sunset views. The open field lets you get creative with foreground compositions using monuments and landscape features. Calesas (horse-drawn carriages) are available for touring the park, adding a nostalgic element to your visit.
Street food vendors offer affordable local snacks. The whole area has this public park vibe where everyone’s just enjoying the space.
The combination of historical significance and natural beauty makes it more interesting than just a sunset viewing platform.
For photographers, the various monuments and structures give you plenty of elements to work with in your compositions. The space is big enough that you can find less crowded spots even during busy times.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila
Location: CCP Complex, Pasay
Cost: Premium pricing (hotel/bar rates apply)
Best for: Luxury travelers, rooftop bar scene, private viewing
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila offers multiple sunset viewing locations. You can choose the Cocos rooftop bar (formerly Sunset Bar) or bay-facing rooms with private balconies. The 27th-floor bay view suites provide private, luxurious sunset viewing with full hotel amenities.
Cocos rooftop bar, open daily from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, combines Miami party vibes with Manila’s tropical setting. The panoramic bay view comes with specialty cocktails and elevated tapas. The rooftop features lush greenery and an al fresco dining atmosphere.
The elevated perspective from upper floors creates stunning sunset compositions. You see the bay, city skyline, and pool area all at once. If you’re shooting from your room, you have complete control over your environment and can take your time setting up shots.
This is another premium option that trades accessibility for comfort and exclusivity. You’re paying for the Sofitel experience along with that view. If that’s what you’re after, they deliver.
Binondo-Intramuros Bridge
Location: Connecting Binondo and Intramuros, Manila
Cost: Free
Best for: Architecture photography, Instagram shots, urban exploration
This modern tied-arch bridge connecting historic Binondo and Intramuros has quickly become one of Manila’s most Instagram-worthy sunset locations. The bridge’s contemporary design creates striking compositions against the sunset, especially during golden hour.
The bridge truly shines after sunset. City lights illuminate the structure and create reflections on the Pasig River. The Pasig River Esplanade adjacent to the bridge offers more viewing angles and a food scene that’s worth checking out.
The pedestrian-friendly bridge makes it easy to combine sunset viewing with exploration of both Intramuros and Binondo’s cultural attractions. You’re getting sunset views with an urban architectural element that’s more contemporary than the typical Manila Bay waterfront shots.
For photographers, golden hour provides warm, dramatic lighting that highlights the bridge’s architectural details. Stick around past sunset to capture the bridge lit up against the blue hour sky.
Manila Ocean Park
Location: Ermita, Manila (on stilts in Manila Bay)
Cost: Varies (bar/dining prices apply)
Best for: Unique waterside location, drinks with a view
Manila Ocean Park sits on stilts directly in Manila Bay near Ermita. This gives it an unexpected sunset viewing advantage. The structure’s position on the water provides a unique vantage point over Manila North Harbor that you won’t get from land-based locations.
White Moon Bar within the complex offers sunset viewing combined with waterfront drinks and live music. The bar operates from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and 5:00 PM to 2:00 AM Friday and Saturday. The location allows for sunset photography with the harbor and bay as foreground elements. You’ll get different compositions than you’d get from Baywalk.
Manila Ocean Park operates from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. White Moon Bar access may have separate entry from the oceanarium. It’s not the most famous sunset spot, but the different perspective makes it worth considering if you want something less typical.
Rooftop Bars in BGC and Makati
Locations: Various in Bonifacio Global City and Makati
Cost: Premium bar/restaurant pricing
Best for: Urban skyline views, after-work crowds, cityscape photography
Bonifacio Global City and Makati offer numerous rooftop establishments with sunset viewing capabilities. The views differ from the iconic Manila Bay perspective. You’re getting urban skyline sunsets rather than waterfront ones.
Notable venues include Grand Hyatt Manila’s The Peak on the 43rd floor with sunset cityscape perspectives. Seda Vertis North’s Straight Up offers modern design in Quezon City. Admiral Hotel’s Coconut Grove on the 9th floor provides panoramic Manila Bay views.
These venues offer air-conditioned comfort, premium cocktails, and elevated perspectives of Metro Manila’s skyline during golden hour. While not traditional bay sunset spots, they provide alternative sunset experiences with urban sophistication.
The crowd here tends to be young professionals and expats. This creates a different vibe from the family-friendly waterfront locations. Prices reflect the upscale setting. You’re paying for the atmosphere and convenience as much as the view.
Practical Tips for Sunset Viewing
Best Time to Visit
December through May offers clearest skies and more dramatic sunsets during the dry season when weather is more predictable, making planning easier.
Monsoon season (June-October) creates dramatic clouds that can boost sunset colors, though weather is less predictable and rain may interrupt viewing opportunities. Post-storm sunsets can be absolutely stunning.
Safety Considerations
Stay alert in crowded areas and keep valuables secure, especially when using expensive camera equipment. Travel in groups when possible, particularly at less-populated locations.
Weekday afternoons generally have fewer crowds than weekends. This makes them safer and more comfortable.
Getting There
Most sunset viewing locations in Manila are accessible via taxi or ride-sharing for direct door-to-door service. Jeepneys offer budget-friendly options for routes along Roxas Boulevard. Parking is available at major venues like MOA, Harbour Square, and hotel establishments if you’re driving.
Most Manila Bay sunset locations sit 4-6 km from Ninoy Aquino International Airport. They make convenient stops for travelers with time between flights or on your last day before leaving.
FAQ: Best Sunset Spots in Manila
What time is golden hour in Manila?
Golden hour in Manila typically starts about 28 minutes before sunset and ends at sunset. In November 2025, this means roughly 4:58-5:26 PM. The exact timing shifts throughout the year. Sunset occurs as early as 5:14 PM in November and as late as 6:29 PM in June. Check current sunset times for the most accurate planning.
Which sunset spot in Manila is completely free?
Manila Baywalk, Rajah Sulayman Park, and Rizal Park offer completely free sunset viewing with no entrance fees. The Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is free to access too. These spots provide excellent views without requiring any spending. Street food vendors are available if you want snacks.
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Manila for couples?
Rajah Sulayman Park offers a romantic, quieter setting compared to busier Baywalk sections. For a more upscale date, try Sky Deck View Bar at The Bayleaf Hotel or Conrad Manila’s C Lounge. Both provide intimate settings with excellent views and dining options.
Can I take good sunset photos at Manila Bay without professional equipment?
Yes, smartphone cameras work well for Manila Bay sunsets. Newer models with good low-light capabilities do especially well. The dramatic colors and strong contrasts make it easier to get decent shots without professional gear. Arrive early to scout good angles. Use the golden hour lighting to your advantage.
Which sunset spots in Manila have restaurants nearby?
Mall of Asia Complex, Harbour Square, and the Cultural Center area all have multiple dining options with sunset views. Conrad Manila and Sofitel Philippine Plaza offer upscale dining. For casual options, street food vendors line Manila Baywalk and are available at Rizal Park.
Is Manila Baywalk safe for sunset viewing?
Manila Baywalk is generally safe. This is especially true during sunset hours when crowds are present. Stay alert and keep valuables secure as you would in any public space. Weekday afternoons tend to be less crowded and more comfortable than weekends.
What’s the best month to see sunsets in Manila?
December through May during the dry season provides the clearest skies and most consistent sunset viewing. Weather is more predictable during these months. Monsoon season (June-October) can create dramatic cloud formations that make sunsets even more spectacular when the weather cooperates.
Do I need to make reservations for rooftop bars?
For popular rooftop bars like Sky Deck View Bar, Conrad Manila’s C Lounge, and Cocos at Sofitel, reservations are recommended. This is especially true on weekends. Reservations guarantee seating during prime sunset viewing hours and avoid disappointment.
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