Arroceros Forest Park Manila

"I visited this spot because it’s one of the must-see places when you’re in Manila. Upon entering, you’ll find a mini map that guides you to various features, including a koi pond, meditation area, and different walking paths. What’s interesting is that many of the trees are labeled with their names, making the visit both relaxing and educational. My personal favorite is the koi pond, where large, graceful koi swim peacefully—just remember to follow the posted signs and not feed them.

Known as the “last lung of Manila,” Arroceros Forest Park spans about 2.2 hectares and is home to over 60 tree species and 8,000 plants. Historically, the site once housed the Spanish-era Garrison of the Guardia Civil and later the Manila Division of City Schools before being converted into a public park in 1993. Today, it serves as a green refuge amid the city’s hustle, a rare example of urban biodiversity conservation.

Fun fact: Aside from the koi pond and meditation spots, the park is also a favorite place for birdwatchers—over a dozen bird species have been spotted here, making it a quiet escape for both nature lovers and photographers.

Parking can be tricky since there’s no designated area inside the park. You’ll need to find a nearby parking attendant who can guide you to available spaces for either cars or motorcycles, usually for ₱50. Entrance is free, but you do need to log your name in the guest book upon arrival."

Lakbay Lihim

"This park is located on the southern bank of the Pasig River Established in 1993
It is located in the historic district of Manila and is the only natural park in Manila.
The park is free to enter, but bringing in bottled water and food is prohibited. However,
there are benches inside the park for you to enjoy the forest bathing. On the east side, there is a terrace where you can see the Pasig River flowing. On the southeast side of the park, there is a tank with koi fish.

During the Spanish rule, the area where Arroceros Forest Park was located was a commercial center called Parián de Arroceros.
The name Parián and today's Arroceros comes from the Spanish word for "rice farmer", indicating that this was the place where rice was transported along the river and eventually sold to consumers and retailers.
It was later home to a Spanish tobacco company factory in the 19th century. During the Philippine Revolution and the First Philippine Republic, the revolutionary army besieged Intramuros and took control of the area for a while.
During the American colonial period, it was used as a military base.
After World War II and Philippine independence, it was converted into the headquarters of the Department of Education.
In 1993, when the Department of Education was relocated to another city, it was developed into the current park.

The green color of the forest relieves eye fatigue and brings peace of mind. It naturally focuses human attention and has the effect of relieving fatigue.
Phytoncide is a substance that trees produce to protect themselves from pests and injuries. Phytoncide is a compound word of ‘Phyton’, meaning plant, and ‘Cide’, meaning to kill. It relieves inflammation, and volatile phytoncides present in the air in the forest stimulate the human sense of smell, bringing peace of mind and a sense of comfort.
Negative ions, which neutralize the human body, which is prone to acidification in daily life, exist in large quantities in pleasant natural environments such as the respiratory function of forests, the neutralization of soil in forests, and valleys or around waterfalls.

The sound generated in the forest has the characteristics of a relatively wide range of white sound that makes people comfortable and improves concentration.
The forest contains 1-2% more oxygen than the city, and it helps our body's metabolism and brain activation.
In this way, the efficacy of the forest is also very beneficial for growing children.
It is recommended to get away from daily life and become one with nature to enjoy peace of mind.

In April 2024, during the El Nino phenomenon, this park received media attention when it recorded a high of 36 degrees Celsius, which was 5 degrees lower than the 41 degrees Celsius in other parts of Manila. Such low temperatures highlight the role of this park in coping with the urban heat island phenomenon. That is why Aeroceros Forest Park is the only natural park in Manila called "Manila's last lung.""

Danny Hyun

"Hoping for more free green public spaces in Metro Manila such as this one to take a break from the city pollutions. Super fresh ng air and you really get to chill. Medyo kulang lang sa benches kapag peak hours ka pumunta. Their comfort rooms are decent and clean. The place is well-maintained.

There's also a coffee shop just beside the park's exit."

Tracey Mendoza