Yes, Valentine’s Day is a cliché. It’s commercialized and a bad day to go out on a date. However, if you do wish to take your loved one out on this special day, ditch the restaurants-and-movie thing and go on a most romantic date in the city: the Manila Bay Sunset Cruise aboard M/V Spirit of Manila.
The sunset in Manila Bay can be very romantic.
Offered by Sun Cruises Philippines, the same company that runs the Corregidor Tours, the sunset cruise is a definitely a treat. I was with a group of travel bloggers (invited by Bobby Aquino through Ivan Henares) and we couldn’t get over how romantic the whole thing was, from slowly cruising Manila Bay going towards SM Mall of Asia, to the darkening sky, and the soft crooning of the live band.
When you make your reservations, specify that you would like to stay on the upper deck. From there, you can feel the breeze and appreciate the sunset all the more. As the ferry goes toward SM, you’ll see the mall getting closer and closer. Aside from the great cityscape though, you’ll also see a lot of ships, some docked, others just leaving. Framed in the backdrop of the setting sun, it’s easy to imagine that you and your loved one are alone amidst such beauty.
The cruise passes by SM Mall of Asia.
The chicken dinner served during the Manila Bay Sunset Cruise.
Don’t expect too much of the dinner provided though. It’s a set meal and you don’t get to choose what dish you’ll have. At the time when we were there, we were served fried chicken, rice, and dessert. Good enough, I suppose, but for someone like me who doesn’t eat meat as much as possible, it can be a turn-off indeed.
The docking area of the Manila Bay Sunset Cruise is beside the Jumbo Palace floating restaurant in the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex. There are three trips daily: from 4:30pm to 5:45pm, 6:15pm to 7:30pm, and from 8:00pm to 9:15pm. The ticket costs P550 per person, and it covers the roundtrip fee, dinner, and live entertainment onboard. Make sure to be there 30 minutes before your schedule so that you can get the table you want.
Call (63 2) 834-6857 or 527-5555 to make your reservations, and do it weeks in advance especially since they’re expected to have a lot of customers on Valentine’s Day. You can also visit the website of Sun Cruises.
How about you? What are you going to do this Valentine’s Day?
30 Comments. Leave new
@ Sandro: Cost of the cruise + meal is P550 per person. Better make a reservation now as I’m sure it will be fully booked this Valentine’s!
Can u pls tell how much it costs all included?
@ The Henchman: It’s okay, I guess. But only when the weather cooperates 🙂 What you can do afterwards depends on your partner. You can watch a movie, or stay and have coffee in the baywalk. 🙂
Is it nice to go there for an anniversary? I’m not really good with those kind of celebrations.. Anything you suggest after going on the cruise?
@ BPS: Nope, no choice for what you’ll have for dinner, which sucks haha
@ Jef: Yup, you can go on a date anytime throughout the year!
What a Romantic place to stay even not valentines day…
Yay yung dinner wala bang fish? Choosy eh no. You in Europe already?
@ Christian: Yeah, bitin nga hehe
@ Makati Condo Rental: Definitely!
@ Anwar: Thanks. I have to study how to take better photos, but you’re kind to say so 🙂
Sounds like a fun trip, never been to manila but one day perhaps.
Even if you didn’t like the dinner it’s a great photo! I seem to rarely get good dinner photos since I tend to have my junky camera w/ me all too often. But seeing yours makes me want to take better food photos!
A perfect place for a romantic couple .
hmm medyo saglit lang pala yung trip no? sana medyo mas mahaba ng konti
@ Novie: It’s a nice thing to do with your fiance. Try it next time he’s here 🙂
@ Ding: Yup, always fully booked during special holidays!
I would love to try this one, but not this V-day. I am sure it is already fully booked by now. Thanks for sharing!
It is a very lovely, exciting, romantic Valentines treat I bet! Would love to try this of course with my fiancée but not this year as he’s not visiting the PI this Feb unlike last year. But I reckon this a “MUST TRY TO DO” activity. Tnx for the infos.
http://misexperienciaspersonales.wordpress.com/
@ Ryan Mach: Sure, anytime. 🙂
@ Theofratus: Now you have a chance to be in it rather than watch it!
@ Blair: Make sure to do it in advance so you don’t run out of seats 🙂
this is great, now i need to plan and call them for our reservations too 🙂 thanks much!
i always see that cruise passing by whenever I’m at the Bay of MOA,
i always wonder how will I be able to ride it, hehe
;))
Hi Aleah,
Thanks so much for your help re: date formatting. It worked! Really appreciate it. ;p
@ Olan: You were born auspiciously–the day of hearts pa!
@ Sumi: Being a foodie, I think you won’t like it haha. Yung romantic ambience na lang after V-Day.
My bf wants to try this for so long. I’ve already planned something for Vday though.. But hopefully we can have this romantic sunset cruise soon, kahit tapos na Valentine’s by then.. 🙂
I am actually a VALENTINE BIRTHDAY BOY. I wish to celebrate my birthday like this. 🙂 UBERLY ROMANTIC. 🙂
@ Doc Wends: Yes, the Manila Bay Sunset Cruise is still ongoing 🙂
@ Koen: Yes, it is amazing. Too bad you didn’t get to ride this cruise when you were here 🙂
Seems very appealing for a romantic interlude…i’ve heard that especially the sunset on manila bay must be amazing…and you’re right, valentine has been often commercialised…but still, it has a very special meaning for those who see through the whole marketing…and who just are eager to enjoy each other’s company…
I love the sunset Aleah and Roxas Blvd is one of the best scenery for this pero di ako nakakakuha pa so far, even nga sunrise eh. hanggang now, this cruise is still on-going?
@ Nelieta: Thanks! It’s perfect for lovers looking for somewhere to go this Valentine’s 🙂
@ Mervz: You can go with friends! As long as you don’t go on Valentine’s hehe
Manila Bay’s sunset is really awesome! i wanna try this, kaso wala akong ka-date… wahahaha!!! 🙂
This looks really romantic! Hmmm…I am starving (as we speak) and your photo of the food has my mouth watering!