Room Sharing in Manila
Navigate Manila on a budget with room sharing tips. Find affordable stays in Makati, BGC, and Poblacion plus cheap eats, transport hacks, and island-hopping advice.
Why Manila?
Manila is not a city that makes most travelers' highlight reels, but it is the unavoidable gateway to one of the world's best island archipelagos. Nearly every flight into the Philippines lands at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and smart travelers use Manila as a launchpad while soaking in the city's underrated food scene, colonial history, and legendary nightlife. The trick is knowing where to stay. Manila sprawls endlessly, and picking the wrong neighborhood means hours lost to traffic. Makati and BGC offer modern, walkable streets with excellent hotels, while Poblacion has emerged as the backpacker and nightlife hub with rooftop bars and boutique stays. Room sharing in Manila is particularly practical because hotel rooms here are spacious and affordable by Western standards. A $30-40 twin room split two ways gives you air conditioning, fast WiFi, and a clean base in a city where those things matter enormously for your comfort and safety.
The Accommodation Scene
Manila's accommodation ranges from ultra-cheap guesthouses in Ermita and Malate to luxury towers in BGC and Makati. Hostel dorms in Poblacion run $8-12 per night and tend to be sociable but noisy. Budget hotels throughout Makati offer surprisingly good value, with twin rooms available for $25-40 that include air conditioning, WiFi, and often breakfast. BGC hotels are newer and slightly pricier, starting around $40-50 for a basic twin. The key difference between Manila and other Southeast Asian capitals is that hotel rooms are genuinely spacious, a legacy of the city's American-influenced building standards. This makes room sharing comfortable rather than cramped. Airbnbs are plentiful in condo towers across Makati and BGC, but hotel rooms tend to offer better value when split between two travelers. Avoid the tourist belt around Ermita unless you specifically want that gritty, old-school backpacker scene.
Best Neighborhoods
Makati
BGC (Bonifacio Global City)
Poblacion
Intramuros
Pasay
Budget Snapshot: Manila
Getting Around
Manila traffic is legendary and brutal. The MRT and LRT lines cover main corridors but are overcrowded during rush hours. Grab is the go-to ride-hailing app, costing $2-5 for most rides within Makati and BGC. Jeepneys are the cheapest option at $0.20 per ride, running fixed routes throughout the city. The BGC Bus is free and connects key spots within Bonifacio Global City. For airport transfers, book a Grab in advance or use the fixed-price yellow metered taxis from the arrivals area. Never take unmetered taxis. Budget $3-8 per day for transport if you mix Grab with MRT rides. Walking is feasible within Makati and BGC but impractical for cross-city trips.
Best Time to Visit
The Philippines has a distinct dry season from December through May, which is the best window for visiting Manila and onward island travel. January through March offers the most pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures around 28-32 degrees Celsius. The wet season from June through November brings heavy rains and occasional typhoons, though Manila functions normally with brief daily downpours. Hotel prices spike during Christmas and Holy Week (March-April) when domestic travelers fill city hotels. For the best combination of weather and prices, visit in January-February or October-November, when flights and hotels are cheapest but weather is still manageable.
Safety Tips
Room Sharing Tips for Manila
Local Insider Tips
Share a Room in Manila Before You Hit the Islands
Manila is your launchpad to the Philippines' incredible islands. Do not waste your budget on overpriced solo hotel rooms. On RoomMooch, travelers share clean, air-conditioned rooms in Makati and BGC, saving enough for an extra island hop. List your spare bed or find a room share and start your Philippines adventure smart.
Find Rooms on RoomMoochFrequently Asked Questions
Is Manila safe for budget travelers sharing rooms?
Manila is safe for travelers who stick to established neighborhoods like Makati, BGC, and Poblacion. These areas have security guards, CCTV, and a visible police presence. Room sharing in hotels with 24-hour front desks adds another layer of safety. Use common sense, avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas at night, and you will be fine.
How do I get from Manila airport to Makati?
The easiest option is Grab, which costs $3-5 and takes 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. Yellow metered taxis from the arrivals area cost similar amounts. The airport bus service runs to select hotels. Avoid unmetered white taxis and anyone approaching you inside the terminal offering rides.
What is the best neighborhood to stay in Manila on a budget?
Poblacion offers the cheapest accommodation with hostels from $8 and hotel rooms from $20. Makati proper is slightly more expensive but safer and more convenient. BGC is the newest and cleanest area but costs 20-30% more. For the best balance of price and experience, choose Poblacion or southern Makati.
How much should I budget per day in Manila?
A comfortable backpacker budget is $25-35 per day including a shared hotel room, three meals at local restaurants, MRT and Grab transport, and a couple of beers. Eating at street stalls and jeepney transport can push this under $20. Add $10-15 for nightlife or attractions.
Can I book cheap flights to Philippine islands from Manila?
Yes, Manila is the hub for Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines with flights to Palawan, Cebu, Siargao, and Boracay from $20-40 one-way when booked in advance. Clark Airport north of Manila also offers budget flights. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for the best fares and travel with carry-on only to avoid baggage fees.