Top of the City

I’ve been to three (3) different places in the city recently, all of which invariably provide vantage points that allowed us to view it with a different eye.  I cannot exactly conclude that the views are spectacular or amazing as it depends much on what one sees and wants to see. Generally, all of them are nice places for late afternoon to early evening chillax.

Here they go:

Sky Deck View Bar

Location. 10F, The Bayleaf, Intramuros, Manila

View Highlights.  The golf course, historic walls of Intramuros and the American colonial structures specifically the National Museum, Department of Finance Building and the Manila City Hall. It also has a partial view of Manila Bay from Manila Hotel to the Port Area. Sunset view is residual as some buildings can block it. All areas of the bar are al fresco. Not sure if it has wi-fi though.

Food. The chef describes it as heritage fusion – classic dishes given new twist (callos manilena, hainanese chicken, etc). Did not try it because firstly, I was not there for the food but for the view and secondly, I had salad and soup at the 9 Spoons restaurant one deck below the bar.

  

Straight Up

Location. 16F, Seda Boutique Hotel, Bonifacio Global City (behind Serendra – the side not facing Market! Market!). Since this area is far from the bay, sunset view is practically nil. The entire area is split into two parts – one part al fresco and another part enclosed (with aircon). Has wi-fi.

View Highlights. All things surrounding BGC, specifically Serendra and the Bonifacio High Street area. One can also see Laguna de Bay with Antipolo and part of Sierra Madre far behind.

Food. Bar food (salpicao, gambas, calamares, etc)

Roofdeck Lounge of Microtel Hotel

Location. Roofdeck (13F) of the Microtel Hotel, beside SMX and the Mall of Asia. The entire area is al fresco, with a small rectangular pool at the central elevated portion. Has wi-fi.

View Highlights. If one is after the sunset, this is the place to be, provided, there is no private function there. This affords a 360-degree unobstructed view of the metropolis from the Port Area to the entire Manila Bay to Sangley Point, to Makati, Manila, etc. Sunset view is 100%, no obstruction unless the day is cloudy. Added highlights of the view are the four (4) or five (5) planes lining up airborne at various times of the day in preparation for their final approach to the airport runway. Boats cruising the bay also occasionally pass by. And when the night falls, the SM side of the place takes on a different character with lights and all.

Food. The deck does not have a restaurant nor a bar but there is a waiter on standby for orders to be placed and processed at the restaurant within the hotel.