Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
Aside from running, I always try to have cheap massage in places where I travel. I’ve had a massage in Jakarta and Yogyakarta (Indonesia), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia), and countless other domestic and international destinations.I never go a month without having a massage at least once.
During my 70-day solo backpacking trip in Europe, however, I never had a massage. Not once! I couldn’t afford it! Here in the Philippines, I could have a good Swedish massage for PhP99 (1.75 euros or US$2.25 promo price) and Thai massage for PhP250 (US$5 or 4 euros). Everywhere in Europe, it cost a minimum of 50 euros!
That’s why when I got back to the Philippines in April, I had my fill of cheap massage sessions left and right. I have two favorite massage places in Quezon City: Nuat Thai and Heaven & Earth. (Note that these are CLEAN massage parlors. For those who are after another kind of massage, go elsewhere.)
Inside the Heaven & Earth Spa.
I started appreciating the value of a good massage in 2003, and I’ve always chosen a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu for their therapeutic effect on my highly-stressed out body.
I was very happy then when Heaven & Earth Spa (which offers these) opened in Cubao in 2005. Very centrally located in Araneta Center (facing Eurotel), I could always rely on dropping by there after a hard day out in the city and getting the usual P199 massage.
Unfortunately, they’re getting popular nowadays, so just dropping by is no longer an option. They only have a few beds; three in the first floor and around three in the second floor. It would be best if you call in advance to make a reservation: (63 2) 913-4679.
Heaven & Earth Spa in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.
Why I like Heaven & Earth Spa:
- They still offer the cheapest, but good, massage in the area. Regular full body Swedish massage costs P199.
- If you go during the dead hours (10am to 1pm), a one-hour massage costs only P170.
- If you’re the first customer (did this once!), it’s only P99, and service remains the same.
- All their therapists are experienced, and I never had a bad massage experience there.
- Location-wise, it’s perfect for me. I could go there and have a massage before I go home to Montalban.
What I don’t like about it:
- If you go there after work or in the evenings, getting a spot is a matter of luck.
- They don’t give out a loyalty card except to those who go there once a week. Unfortunately, I’m still not that rich to afford a massage that often, so I don’t get the card.
The Nuat Thai branch I frequent in Quezon City.
Nuat Thai is slightly more expensive than Heaven & Earth, but I always go there whenever I have the chance. They started in Cebu and has only been in Manila for a couple of years, but they’re already gaining some following. I love Thai massages; all those stretching moves are good for my body, especially my back. I had my first Thai massage in Cebu, and I loved it so much that whenever I’m traveling, I always ask around if there’s a Nuat Thai branch.
When I went to Thailand, I looked forward to having authentic Thai massages, thinking that if Nuat Thai was good, the real one must be excellent!
Unfortunately, the ones I had in Sangkhlaburi and Pattaya were way inferior to the massages I have had in Nuat Thai. The massage parlors in Thailand were also noisy! The therapists would always talk to each other (I would hear the words Philippines and Filipinos every now and then.), chatting the whole time you’re having the massage. It’s really far from the relaxation I always get in the Philippines.
The Nuat Thai branch I always go to is along Matalino St. in Quezon City, near the Heart Center of the Philippines. Its cheap massage costs only P250 for one hour. If you want oil on your back (an option I always get), just add P50.
Why I like Nuat Thai:
- They’re the best in their price range when it comes to Thai massages.
- Very relaxing atmosphere, with darkened cubicles and soft instrumental music.
- They give out a loyalty card and it doesn’t expire in one year!
What I don’t like about it:
- You can’t request your therapist. For all the years I’ve been going there, it was fine because I never had a bad massage. The last time I went this week, though, the woman who attended to me seemed new. Her strokes were uneven and she didn’t know how to pop my back (first time it happened to me). Next time I go, I will try to request for a good one.
- Location-wise, it’s no longer convenient for me since I don’t live in Quezon City anymore. However, it’s not much of an effort to go there from Cubao.
- It’s not allowed to take a picture inside. #fail
Other recommended Nuat Thai branches that I had tried:
- Nuat Thai Timog, Quezon City
- Nuat Thai Katipunan, Quezon City
- Nuat Thai Concepcion, Marikina City
- Nuat Thai Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City
- Nuat Thai near IT Park, Cebu City
- Nuat Thai Sta. Maria crossing, Zamboanga City
How about you? Have you tried having a massage? Where’s your favorite?
Aleah Taboclaon is a freelance writer and editor. She likes running (completed one marathon, training for the next!), diving (PADI open water diver), and traveling with her Kindle. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus. You can also email her; she would love to hear from you! Share and Enjoy
No joke yung katabi ng ukay jan sa harap ng Eurotel sa Cubao? Dinadaan daanan ko lng un dati..
I will try nga pag nagawi ako ulit dun hee hee.
Had Thai Massage in Rambuttri & Chatuchak in my recent trip to Bangkok, best massage was in Rambuttri… I liked the idea na kahit sa tabing kalye meron hahaha.. pero yes I agree about the noise. I wanna try Nuat Thai na tuloy!! weee.
apol recently posted..Photo Wednesday: From a Different Point of View
Favorite ko yung Nuat Thai sa Matalino. Lapit lang sa place namin
The couch/chairs are really comfy. Haven’t tried Heaven & Earth yet.
@ Apol: Yup, yup. The one nga near the ukayan. It looks weird outside, but it’s nice inside, albeit small. Never been to Rambuttri, unfortunately!
@ Kara: We have the same favorite! haha
Aleah recently posted..Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
I am a frequent client of Heaven & Earth also but not in Cubao, It’s along P.Tuazon, near 20th Avenue it is walking distance from our home. it’s true that they really offer a good massage and you have to pay only 199 for ordinary oil like non scented or efficascent oil.
Wow! mura cya…. i wanna try it kaso di ko area ang QC eh…
my favorite spa is Wensha is Pasay… oks na oks ang buffet meals nila… heheh!
mervz | pinoyadventurista.com recently posted..Aklan – Fun and Budget-friendly Activities in Boracay
@ Joanne: I’ve heard they have another branch, but I’ve never been there. I think it’s also bigger ano?
@ Mervz: I’ve also been to Wensha, and it’s nice. But the price doesn’t encourage a backpacker like me to go there often haha
Aleah recently posted..Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
yay! magkababayan pala tayo. hihihi! San Mateo lang ako. Malamang nagkasabay na tayo paguwi. Pareho na rin uminit ang ulo natin kay bigote.
anyway, na-realize ko napaka loser ko lang at hindi pa ko nakapag pa-spa sa buong buhay ko. hahaha! Actually, muntik na before. Mega bili pa ko ng pampalit kasi biglaan. Kaya lang, yung napuntahan ko, yun yung tipong pwedeng iraid anytime. Naka mini-skirt at kita cleavage ng mga masahista. Scary. hahaha! Di na lang ako tumuloy.
Thanks for featuring Heaven and Earth. Pupuntahan ko yan one of these days.
Hello! I love ur blog site! it served as my inspiration in creating my own travel blog. I hope you could visit my blogsite too or even add me on your bloglist. thank u so much and good luck on ur future trips!! – Jan Ashlee, breakawayph.blogspot.com
@ Kura: Hi Maricar! Nakakatawa naman comment mo hehe Nainis na nga ako kay bigote ilang beses kaya ngayon di na ko sumasakay dun. Sa across ng Tropical Hut na lang
There are many shady massage parlors. When you choose one, make sure it’s clean! Buti na lang di ka tumuloy dun!
I checked out your blog; nice pictures and narrative. Keep up the good work, and hopefully you’ll be back to my blog!
@ Jan Ashlee: Thanks for saying that
Aleah recently posted..Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
Gusto ko to itry talaga..lapit lang eh! Gaya ni maricar, hindi pako nakapag pa spa. Footspa lang. harharhar! kaya gusto ko to! now na!
Mitch recently posted..Vigan- Laoag-Pagudpod Roadtrip Series I Day 1 (Part II)
i want to go there..
Cisco recently posted..IP telephony introduction
@ Mitch: Try mo na! Cheap lang yan. Once you try a massage, lagi mo na gagawin because it really feels good
@ Cisco: Do
Aleah recently posted..Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
I loved getting massages on all my travels through Asia. Infact it was one of the main highlights for me!
Spencer recently posted..Ten Top Hotels in Chicago
Ang mura! Masubukan nga. Malapit lang ako sa Cubao.
Josiah | Lakas ng Trip recently posted..Rice Terraces in Hungduan, Ifugao
@ Spencer: Yeah, it’s really cheap to have a massage here. You can have one every week without breaking your budget!
@ Josiah: Go! I recommend you take the first customer promo, then extend it to 2 hours. So for 2 hours, you’ll only pay P270. Fun!
Aleah recently posted..Where to Have a Massage in Quezon City
Me too, my month is not complete without a massage. I think I have backproblems that’s why.
Heaven and Earth is really cheap. But sometimes, the service is being compromised. I don’t mind giving large tips (because it’s cheap, I give out what I save), but the attendants are not that courteous and obliging. Minsan nakakatulog pa habang nagmamassage.
@ BPS: Sorry you have had a bad experience with them. I would get pissed off too if my masseuse slept on the job, literally LOL If you have back problems, get a Thai massage instead. Or see an osteopath (kinda like a chiropractor). My lower back pain finally went away after I’d had 6 sessions.
Aleah recently posted..5 Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark
Would love to have or try a massage. Haha Takot pa din ako gumala gala sa manila for spa
@ Elal: That’s why I have recommendations
In Dumaguete, I always go to that Thai massage parlor in front of Silliman 
Aleah recently posted..5 Things to Do in Copenhagen, Denmark
hello, thank u very much for recommending heaven and earth spa… we are trying our best to maintain and improve more our services… Heaven and Earth Spa was intended for backpackers and for those who desire for a good relaxing massage but cant afford a high price…
@ Barbra: I can afford a more expensive massage, but I don’t want to, when there are places like Nuat Thai and Heaven & Earth which are as good but way cheaper
Please improve your loyalty system, and I’d go there more often!
Aleah recently posted..5 (Simple) Ways to Build Your Travel Fund
Try out Ton Ton Congressional Thai Massage.
I love Nuat Thai in Tomas Morato and My Cool Mint Spa in Katipunan
@ Jean Yuzon: I’ve heard a lot about Tonton too. Maybe will try that out one of these days.
@ Toni: I agree Nuat Thai Morato is also nice. Tried it there once and I love their big space and massage cubicles.
Aleah recently posted..7 Beautiful Fountains You Must See in Rome
I have been looking for edible massage oils for a long time now but can seem to be able to find any. Are there places that sell them?
singapore massage recently posted..Unwind Your Current Thoughts Along With Physique Using Singapore massage center
@ Singapore Massage: Sorry, I’m not into those kind of massages!
Aleah recently posted..Snapshot Sunday—Foot Reflexology at Kek Look Tong Cave
the nuat thai in matalino was really really terrible, the masseur was rude, so she just massage me very very painfully and hard…now i feel like i am limp, i went to the doctor and i was required to do a lot of medical test and prescribed medicines…
aside from that , there are many perverts there touching beautiful ladies on their chest…
i think the staff are being paid low plz dop not promote such malicious and terrible place
@ Kiko: I’m sorry you had a bad experience in Nuat Thai Matalino. I hope you reported the masseuses whom you saw as perverts? I would hate to see a good branch ruined because of a few malicious masseuses.
Aleah recently posted..India’s Tourist Visa on Arrival for Filipinos
Im a lover of good massage. Whenever i travel i always look for it. Tried the massage parlor in Kao San rd in bkk and i find it good and relaxing nmn. Hehe… Nuat Thai by the way id the best commrcialize massage parlor. Especially the one in Pear Drive in Fairview. =)
Leave your response!
Follow Me
Subscribe Here for FREE!
Connect with Me on Facebook!
Buying at Amazon? Click Here!
AS SEEN IN
Find Cheap Rooms When You Travel
Other Wanderers
Important Notice!
Affiliations
Helpful Resource
Figures
Who’s Been Here?
Archives
Please Visit!
Adventuring Foodie
Traveling Freelancer
Running and Happiness
Most Commented
Most Viewed