Arroceros Forest Park — Attraction in Manila

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...

Aroceros Park, often called the "Last Lung of Manila," is an urban oasis located in the bustling heart of the city. This hidden gem provides a peaceful escape from the concrete jungle, featuring a lush sanctuary of towering trees, diverse plant species, and vibrant birdlife.

The Aroceros Park, which spans about 2.2 hectares, holds a significant historical background intertwined with Manila’s growth. It was established in 1993 with the initial purpose of serving as a green space amidst the rapid urbanization. The site was previously a thriving riverside area, housing the Spanish-era cigarette factory, La Insular, which flourished during the 19th century. Later on, in the mid-20th century, it was converted into a bus terminal. Eventually, the land was restored to its natural state in an effort to preserve what little greenery remains in Manila.

Aroceros Park is a testament to resilience, as it has withstood threats of demolition and urban expansion over the years. Thanks to the advocacy of environmental groups and citizens, it remains a preserved ecological space where people can breathe in the fresh air, stroll through winding paths, and enjoy moments of quiet reflection amidst the rustling leaves and birdsong.

Beyond its beauty, Aroceros serves as an important reminder of the need to protect green spaces in a rapidly growing city. Its towering trees, some over a century old, provide not only shade but also a breath of fresh air for locals and visitors alike. The park’s significance extends beyond aesthetics; it plays a crucial role in maintaining Manila’s ecological balance.

A visit to Aroceros Park is more than just a walk in nature—it’s a journey through time, a celebration of Manila’s history, and a tribute to environmental stewardship. For nature lovers, history buffs, or anyone seeking respite from the urban grind, this park is an absolute must-visit, offering a serene escape that feels worlds away from the city, yet is right...

February 6, 2022, Sunday, we visited the newly opened 2.2 Ha. Arroceros Park, just behind the Metropolitan Theater. Please note that you should pass behind the Theater. They closed the road in front of the Theater.

For the first time, there was no step except for the elevated walkways. Not even a small step to the toilets. Although the Handicapped/LGBTQ Toilet needs some Grab Bars. Maybe they will soon add.

It is Super clean for now and I hope it stays that way. The tiled concrete pathways have LED lights on the side. I can imagine it to be more beautiful and romantic at night. It's free too.

Instead of walking in the malls, it was very relaxing 😎 walking in the forest. We didn't bring hats and worried about the hot sun. Surprisingly, it was cool and quite shady. But once we were out on the sidewalk, it was hot.

There's still a covered area towards the river. There's so much potential like why not Rent out areas to Garden Stores or Landscape Artist. The City earns and an area is Beautified and Maintained for free.

There's supposed to be a Coffee ☕ Shop but it seems to be still closed. A couple restaurants or Cafe will complement the Park if they allow it. A small market selling plants and other ecological items might be appropriate aside from Souvenirs would be nice.

There's a concern that kids might fall from the pathways or running kids might bump Seniors down. There's no real parking.provided. There are no signs to the Park yet and even a road closed sign that we needed to ignore to get to the park.

They should change it to a Dead End road but also To the Park sign. They should also have a wheelchair access on the sidewalk which was a bit high.

Overall a beautiful Park and will definitely go back, probably at night to see...