Manila For Digital Nomads – My Experience Staying In Manila For One Month

When I made the decision to spend a month in Manila as a digital nomad, I knew I was in for an unconventional adventure. Manila is not a typical digital nomad hotspot like Bali, Chiang Mai, or Siargao, but that’s what made it more intriguing for me. I had to change my flight anyways in Manila and decided to do a stopover, it ended up being for a month! I was excited to explore everything the city had to offer, including its chaotic streets, nightlife, food, and if possible, any suitable places to work.

Where To Stay As A Digital Nomad In Manila

Landing in Manila, the first task was finding somewhere to call home. Unlike the more popular nomad destinations where options are plentiful, Manila required a bit more digging. First of all, the traffic is heavy, and if you don’t choose your place carefully you will end up being in traffic for hours every day.

First I rented an apartment in Quezon City for two weeks. There are plenty of things to do in Quezon, but there’s not any digital nomad community. I found the apartment on Airbnb. Compared to other places in Manila, Quezon is more affordable. The Wifi was okay for browsing, but not good enough for video calls. Getting to downtown Manila from Quezon takes from 1-2 hours, so I decided it was time to explore more of Manila!

I settled into a cozy apartment in Makati after scouring online listings and local advice. It wasn’t the cheapest option, but the convenience and facilities made it worth the extra pesos. For fellow nomads considering Manila, don’t underestimate the power of a comfortable, well-located base. There are some facebook groups for renting apartments in Manila. Many of the apartments have gyms and pools.

The Workspace Hunt

Coworking spaces are my go-to for productivity and networking, at least for some days every week. Manila had several to offer, but it was a mixed bag – some days, I’d find the perfect quiet spot; other days, it would be too crowded.

Most of the coworking spaces are not like the ones you find in other digital nomad hotspots, in Manila you will find more students trying to find a spot to work from. Even at Starbucks, I couldn’t work for more than 30 minutes, it was so crowded and they barely had internet.

If your working full time and have to use the internet for video meetings you might have some problems. I would make sure where your staying also have good wifi, so you can use that as a backup solution. I did use a lot of mobile data, but the internet even on 5G is not superfast.

The Daily Grind and Getting Around

Ah, Manila traffic – it’s as bad as they say. What should be a 15-minute ride turns into an hour-long ordeal during rush hour. I quickly learned that scheduling meetings or explorations around traffic patterns was essential. Surprisingly, this constraint had its perks, pushing me to explore local neighborhoods on foot and discover hidden gems I would’ve missed otherwise.

Living the Manila Life

Living costs in Manila can swing wildly depending on your choices. Eating like a local at street food stalls and exploring public markets made my budget stretch further, all while treating my taste buds to an adventure.

Yet, the occasional splurge at upscale districts like BGC was a nice contrast, showcasing the city’s modern side. Manila has all the same fast-food chains you find in the rest of the world. You can also order all kinds of food through Grab. But it does add up, and its often not very healthy food.

So, Is Manila Good For Digital Nomads?

Manila isn’t for every digital nomad. The constant hustle, the noise, and the crowds can be overwhelming if you’re looking for a tranquil escape.

But if you’re after an authentic, vibrant experience, Manila has a lot to offer. It’s a city of contrasts, where skyscrapers stand next to historic sites and luxury malls that coexist with bustling street markets. However, I would not recommend staying in Manila as a Digital Nomad. The main reason is that there isn’t a big Digital Nomad Community. If you like big cities however, then it might be for you!

Wrapping Up My Manila Month

My month-long experience in Manila was like a rollercoaster ride. There were exhilarating highs, frustrating lows, and countless surprises. If you’re just passing through or don’t enjoy the chaos of a bustling city, a week might be enough. However, if you’re willing to embrace the challenges, Manila can be an enriching and unforgettable stop in your nomadic journey.

Final Thoughts and Tips For those curious about diving into Manila’s digital nomad scene, my advice is to come with an open mind and plenty of patience. Use the city’s chaos as a backdrop for creativity, and don’t let the traffic dampen your spirit. And most importantly, immerse yourself in the local culture – it’s the best way to truly experience Manila.