Makati Pub Crawl with Optional City Tour

Party nights need a little structure. The Makati Pub Crawl gives you four bars, a free shot at each, and a ready-made group for an evening in Poblacion. I like the useful mix of organized stops and free time, plus the Mad Monkey singlet and Thriller in Manila shot make the night feel like an event rather than a string of random bar visits. The biggest drawback is the slow start: karaoke from 9 to 11 PM may not suit anyone eager to get moving.

I also like the 800 PHP price, which covers the singlet, five shots in total, and free entry at Sanctuary. You should still budget for extra drinks, food, and gratuity, and keep your expectations clear: this is a social party night, not a quiet introduction to Manila.

Key points at a glance

• Four Poblacion bars: Visit Almacen, Kampai, Annex House, and Sanctuary, with a free shot at each stop.
• The night begins at Mad Sky Bar: Arrive between 6 and 9 PM to meet the group, collect your singlet, and settle in.
• Five drinks are included: You receive the Thriller in Manila location shot plus one shot at every bar.
• Sanctuary saves you 500 PHP: Pub crawl participants receive free entry at the final stop.
• Optional walking tour: A separate free tour runs daily from 4 to 6 PM, followed by a free drink at Mad Sky Bar.
• Best for adults who want company: You must be at least 18, and comfortable shoes are a smart choice.

What the 800 PHP package really gives you

At about $18 per person, this pub crawl offers solid value if you plan to visit several bars anyway. The price includes a Mad Monkey Manila singlet, the Thriller in Manila shot, and one shot at each of the four scheduled bars. That is five included drinks, though you will pay separately for beer, cocktails, food, and anything else you order.

The free entry at Sanctuary adds a useful saving. The stated admission value is 500 PHP, so the package can make financial sense before you even count the singlet and included drinks. Of course, the value depends on your drinking habits. If you prefer one quiet drink and an early night, this is not the right purchase.

I would bring cash for extra orders and tips. The package covers the planned shots, not a full evening of food and drinks, and you should not count on the included alcohol to replace dinner. Eat beforehand or plan to buy food along the way.

Start at Mad Sky Bar between 6 and 9 PM

The meeting point is the Sky Bar at Mad Monkey Manila. You can arrive anytime between 6 and 9 PM to meet the group, sign up, and receive your singlet. The official pub crawl begins at 9 PM, but arriving earlier gives you time to get comfortable before the late-night schedule starts.

The 6 to 9 PM period is called Monkey Time. It is useful if you are arriving alone and want to meet people before the main group activity. It also gives you a chance to order a drink, check in at the front desk, and avoid the rush at the 9 PM start.

At 9 PM, the group settles into beer pong or karaoke. This part is meant to build the mood before leaving for the bars. It can work well if you enjoy easy group games and meeting people quickly. It can feel long if you are ready for the walking portion right away.

One recent booking found that slow karaoke during this opening period dragged down the energy. That is the clearest caution in the available feedback. If the early entertainment is not your style, arriving closer to 9 PM may suit you better. If you want the full social experience, come earlier and use the time to meet the crew.

The Thriller in Manila shot at 11 PM

At about 11 PM, you receive the Thriller in Manila location shot. This is the signature drink associated with the Mad Monkey Manila experience and gives the group a shared starting point before heading into Poblacion.

The timing matters. You are not rushing from the meeting point straight into a bar. Instead, the evening has a long social lead-in, followed by the first special shot and the move to the first venue. If you like a gradual start, this format is friendly. If you want a packed schedule from the first minute, the opening two hours may test your patience.

Drink at your own pace. The package provides shots, but it does not require you to finish them quickly. You can also choose not to drink a particular shot. Comfortable clothing, proper shoes, and cash are more important than dressing up for a formal night out.

Almacen at about 11 PM

The first bar is Almacen, a Mexican-themed venue. You receive your first free bar shot on arrival, making it the first of the four included venue drinks.

The Mexican theme gives the opening stop a clear identity, which is useful on a crawl. You are not simply being taken to four unnamed rooms. Each stop has its own style, and the group can get a taste of different nightlife settings in one evening.

The schedule allows roughly 45 minutes here, from about 11 PM to 11:45 PM. That is enough time to order another drink if you wish, talk with the group, and get a feel for the place without settling in for the whole night. The trade-off is that you will not have much control over how long you stay. A pub crawl works by keeping the group together, so you leave even if you are just getting comfortable.

Kampai brings a Japanese theme at 11:45 PM

The second stop is Kampai, a Japanese-themed bar. Its included shot is sake-based, adding some variety to the drinks rather than repeating the same kind of pour at every venue.

The planned visit runs from about 11:45 PM to 12:30 AM. That quick stop suits the crawl format. You get a new setting, a new drink, and another chance to talk with people you met at Mad Monkey. The short schedule also means you should keep track of personal items and avoid ordering something that takes a long time to arrive.

I see this stop as part of the value of the experience. A solo night out can involve spending time and money figuring out where to go next. Here, the route is already arranged, and you can simply follow the group. That convenience is especially helpful if you are unfamiliar with Poblacion nightlife.

Annex House keeps the route moving

Around 12:30 AM, the group continues to Annex House, described as a distinctive bar in Poblacion. This is the third scheduled venue and includes another free shot.

The visit appears shorter than the earlier stops, with the group moving on at about 1:15 AM. That keeps the evening active, but it also means you should not expect a long stay at any one bar. The point is variety and company, not settling into a favorite venue for hours.

I would treat Annex House as a chance to see another side of the district without having to plan it yourself. You may find that one venue suits your taste more than another. The crawl gives you a quick sample, then leaves you free to return to a favorite place after the official portion ends.

Sanctuary closes the organized route

The final stop is Sanctuary, one of the better-known bars in Poblacion. You receive the fourth bar shot here, and pub crawl participants get free entry. The listed saving is 500 PHP, which makes this stop particularly useful for anyone who would otherwise pay at the door.

The group arrives at about 1:15 AM. By this point, you have been out for several hours, so comfortable shoes matter. You should also pace yourself earlier in the evening if you want to enjoy the final venue rather than simply reach it.

The official activity finishes after the Sanctuary visit. The schedule states that the night continues beyond the organized portion, giving you the option to remain in Poblacion and explore further on your own. The published timing says 2pm, but the surrounding schedule is clearly overnight, from 9 PM into the early morning. I would treat the intended finish as approximately 2 AM and confirm the exact end time when you check in.

The optional walking tour from 4 to 6 PM

The free walking tour is separate from the main pub crawl and runs every day from 4 to 6 PM. You can sign up at reception and meet at the Mad Monkey Manila Café at 4 PM.

This is a good add-on if you want more from the evening than bars. The tour is presented as a way to see Poblacion’s lesser-known corners, and the included free drink at Mad Sky Bar after the walk gives you an easy transition into Monkey Time.

The walking tour is optional, so you do not need to arrive at 4 PM to join the pub crawl. You can choose the walking tour, arrive at 6 PM for drinks and introductions, or come near the 9 PM start. That flexibility is one of the better parts of the setup.

If you plan to do both, expect a long day and night. Wear shoes that can handle several hours on your feet, and take a break before the pub crawl begins.

Who will enjoy this night most

I would recommend this experience to an adult staying in Manila who wants company and a simple plan for the evening. It suits solo visitors, friends who want a ready-made route, and anyone interested in meeting an English-speaking international group.

It is also a good fit if you like switching venues. You will see four bars in Poblacion and receive a different shot at each. The schedule gives you a taste of several places instead of tying you to one bar for the whole night.

I would be more cautious if you dislike crowds, loud nightlife, group games, or fixed departure times. The 9 to 11 PM opening period may feel too slow for someone who wants immediate movement, while the later stops may feel too short for someone who likes to settle in.

The activity is not suitable for children, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, people with back problems, or people with pre-existing medical conditions. Only adults aged 18 and over may join.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, cash, a valid ID, and your booking voucher. You must show the ID and voucher at the Mad Monkey Manila front desk, and the instructions ask you to arrive 30 minutes before the tour begins.

Leave large bags, luggage, handcarts, weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs behind. Bare feet are also not allowed. Pets are not permitted.

These rules are practical rather than fussy. You will be moving between venues late at night, and a light load makes the evening easier. Keep your belongings close and avoid bringing anything you do not need.

The tour is conducted in English. Gratuity and additional food and drinks are not included.

Is the pub crawl well organized?

The route has a clear shape: meet at Mad Sky Bar, warm up with games or karaoke, take the signature shot, then visit four named venues in sequence. The timing also gives you a simple framework, with Almacen at 11 PM, Kampai at 11:45 PM, Annex House at 12:30 AM, and Sanctuary at 1:15 AM.

That structure removes much of the guesswork from a night out. You do not need to choose the next bar, work out where to go, or pay entry at the final stop. The trade-off is less freedom during the main crawl, since the group leaves each venue on schedule.

The available ratings are strong overall, at 4.5 out of 5 from two bookings. The clearest positive is that the later venues can deliver the lively atmosphere the evening promises. The main criticism is the early karaoke period, so I would plan around that rather than dismissing the entire experience.

Cancellation and booking flexibility

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later booking, which helps if your Manila plans are not fixed.

The experience may also be cancelled by the provider, in which case the stated policy provides a full refund. Check the exact starting time when booking, since the main crawl runs for about five hours and the optional walking tour has a separate schedule.

Should you book the Makati Pub Crawl?

Book it if you want a social, adult night with a fixed route, included shots, four Poblacion bars, and free entry at Sanctuary. The 800 PHP cost is reasonable for the drinks, singlet, and admission saving, especially if you would visit several of these venues on your own.

Skip it if you want a quiet evening, dislike group activities, or prefer to spend the whole night in one carefully chosen bar. I would also arrive closer to 9 PM if karaoke is not your thing, or arrive at 6 PM if meeting people is your main goal. Add the 4 to 6 PM walking tour if you want an earlier look at Poblacion before the nightlife begins.

FAQ

Where does the Makati Pub Crawl meet?

Meet at the Mad Sky Bar at Mad Monkey Manila. You can arrive anytime between 6 PM and 9 PM to meet the group and sign up.

What time does the pub crawl begin?

The main pub crawl begins at 9 PM. You should arrive 30 minutes before the tour begins and bring your valid ID and voucher.

How long does the pub crawl last?

The stated duration is five hours. The scheduled route begins at 9 PM and continues into the early morning, with the organized portion ending at about 2 AM.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a Mad Monkey Manila singlet, the Thriller in Manila location shot, one shot at each of the four bars, and free entry at Sanctuary. A free drink at Mad Sky Bar is also included after the optional walking tour.

Which bars are included?

The route includes Almacen, Kampai, Annex House, and Sanctuary, all in the Poblacion area.

Is the walking tour required?

No. The walking tour is optional and runs daily from 4 PM to 6 PM. You can join the pub crawl without taking part in the walking tour.

Is the pub crawl suitable for people under 18?

No. Only people aged 18 and over are permitted to join.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, comfortable clothing, cash, one valid ID, and your booking voucher.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. The reserve now and pay later option is also available.