5 Splashing Places in Metro Manila

The heat is on and what better way to cool off than to hit the many beaches and mountain resorts of the Philippines. I, myself, have been dreaming of inhaling the misty sea breeze and dipping in a basin filled by cascading water.

While it would be fun to splash around a natural body of water, not everybody in Metro Manila has the luxury of time (and budget) to arrange a trip out of town. But before you set up your inflatable pool, consider these refreshing city retreats:
1. Ace Water Spa

An indoor water park and spa facility in one, Ace Water Spa is a fitting substitute for a family outing. Guests come here for their hydrotherapy massage pools. Bubbles, water jets, streams, showers - a total of 25 water massage systems, herbal pools, steam, sauna, a lapping pool and other attractions are open for use within the 4-hour period covered by the basic entrance fee. Little ones can enjoy the shallow pools in the kids' area.

A locker will be provided and all shower rooms come with basic toiletries. One pretty much just has to bring a swimming attire (spandex swim attire required) and a towel. But in case you still forgot those, no worries! Just visit the swim shop and you're all set. They also have their own coffee shop in case you get hungry.

Operating hours:
Sundays to Thursdays - 6AM to 10PM
Fridays to Saturdays - 6AM to 11PM

Entrance Fees (Valid for 4 hours):
Adults - P550
Kids (4ft. and below) - P250
*strictly swimming attire

Location (2 branches):
-399 Del Monte Avenue (near cor. Banaue St.) SFDM, Quezon City
-United St., cor. Brixton St. (near Pioneer), Pasig City

*photos taken from their website www.acewaterspa.com.ph

2. Hotel swimming pools

The perfect staycation for those who are stuck in the city is an overnight stay at a hotel. Use of the hotel's pool facilities are usually included in the room rate, not to mention a breakfast for two. Hotel swimming pools are often less crowded than other public swimming pools, so it's definitely a good option for those who are willing to spend a little extra. But hey, you'd probably be spending as much on an out of town trip anyway!

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If room rates are a little too much for your budget, there's also the option of getting a day pass or pool pass. Pool passes are offered by some hotels for guests who only wish to use the hotel's amenities like the pool, gym or spa. Not all hotels may offer this type of service so it's best to call ahead of time, instead of just showing up at the reception counter.

Swimming pool walk-in/day use prices can range from P200 up to P800 per person.
Here are some sample rates I've gathered:
Century Park Hotel - P450 (*rate updated April 2013)
Richmonde Hotel - P400
The Peninsula Manila - P500
Hyatt Manila - P800
Ascott Makati Suites - P750
Linden Suites Ortigas - P500

3. Philippine Air Force Swimming Pool

There are a number of public swimming pools in Metro Manila that mainly serve the athletic public. Some of those are the Makati Aquatic Sports Arena (MASA), YWCA and Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. In the Fort Bonifacio vicinity, there's the Army pool, Marines pool and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) pool.

Needless to say, the PAF pool is one of those public pools that may tend to get overcrowded. I included it in this list however, because of its recent renovation which now sets it apart from the other sport pools. The PAF outdoor pool now has a resort-type feel to it, complete with cottages and a shallow kids' pool.

Operating hours: Tuesdays - Sundays - 8AM to 9PM

Entrance fee: P150
*strictly swimming attire

Location: Gate 10, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City (Nichols)

*photos borrowed from swimbuddy.blogspot.com

4. Manila Ocean Park pool

Just one of the many attractions of Manila's premiere marine-themed park is the Swimming and Fun pools. It has adult and child pools (indoor and outdoor) and a jacuzzi. The main one is located just behind the musical fountain show stage. Not to worry, your fun day won't get interrupted because the musical fountain show is scheduled at 7PM, 2 hours after the pool's closing time.

Lockers are included and a snack bar is available to serve hungry guests. Swim tickets are only sold until 4PM since the facility is closed by 5PM. Promos and packages are constantly rolled out, so do check out their website or Facebook page to get discounts.

Operating hours: Mondays - Sundays - 8AM to 5PM

Entrance fee: P200
*strictly swimming attire

Location: Roxas Boulevard (behind Quirino Grandstand), Manila Bay

*photos taken from their website manilaoceanpark.com

5. Splash Island

An oasis just about an hour's drive from Manila or Makati proper, Splash Island in Southwoods, Laguna is quite possibly the most accessible water theme park that features giant slides and wave pools in an all-around tropical setting (complete with white sand)!

Splash Island can keep the whole family busy on the poolside with other fun activities like paintball, wall climbing, zip line, segway, trampoline, dance performances and others. The only drawback in Splash Island is that food and drinks from outside are not allowed in. Their website advises all guests to order their food from the canteen ahead of time (probably to accommodate all the guests).

Operating hours:
Mondays - Fridays - 8AM to 6PM
Saturdays - Sundays - extended hours

Entrance fee:
Adult - P500
Child - P400

Location: Southwoods Ecocentrum, (Southwoods Exit) South Expressway, Binan, Laguna.

*photos taken from www.facebook.com/splashisland

Summer won't last long, so it's best to enjoy it now. Water is fun even without the sand, or the promise of a sexy tan line. Have you found a similar urban retreat? Do share it - just leave a comment.

Related post: The New YMCA Manila Swimming Pool (2014 blog entry)