Manila Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Manila

Manila is the bustling capital and pulsating hub of the Philippines, without any real city centre to speak of. The walled Intramuros area was the old centre of Manila, but was mostly destroyed in WWII and has never recovered. Quiapo, Binondo, Ermita and Malate have never been more than a supporting cast for a lead actor that doesn't exist. That said, you may well find lots of fun in Ermita and Malate, while Binondo and Quiapo have a certain energy and some unique markets. Intramuros itself is also a good place to explore, just to find the remnants of its past. Manila is also a city of theatres, libraries and museums, and the home to the University of the Philippines.

Those looking for the lively parts of Manila will find Makati, the commercial and business centre for the country. Here you can shop, eat and drink and soak up the bustling atmosphere provided by the hordes of locals who come here to work, relax and play.

Visitors to the Philippines cannot avoid using Manila as a starting point for their exploration of the other provinces and islands, because most charter flights to the outlying islands leave from the city's airport. The city is a good hub for excursions and getaways. The island of Luzon is a good base for tourists intent on touring. There's also Manila Bay and its incredible sunsets. View the sunset from Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard or from a cruise boat around Manila Bay. Rather than seeing Manila as an a chaotic mass, try focusing instead on enjoying its individual areas, and you will start to get a feel for the greater Manila, which really is a sum of its parts.

Chinatown : As with many other countries in the world, the Chinese have found a niche in the Philippines. It is apparent in Binando, where Chinatown is found. Situated in this bustling area, Chinatown is filled with all things Chinese from Peking duck and Buddhist temples to gold watches, snake soup, and wonder herbs. The beauty of Chinese songs and the permeating scent of incense complete the ambience of Chinatown.

Corregidor : Known as "the Rock," Corregidor Island is about 3 kilometers long and is about one hour from the CCP Complex in Roxas Boulevard by cruiser boat. The island was the last bastion of the Allied forces in the Pacific during World War II. The ruined barracks and artilleries are evidence of the intense fighting between the Philippine/American force and the Japanese. The many historical landmarks on the island can all be reached by foot. For those staying overnight, there is a 15 cottage beach resort and a 31-room hotel. Picnic grounds are available and are ideal for camping. Today, "the Rock" is a Memorial to Peace, Valor and International Understanding.

Intramuros : Taking a walk through cobbled streets paved with Spanish colonial buildings and old church plazas, transports the visitor into 16th century Manila. Puertas (gates) and baluartes (battlements) have been heroically restored to preserve the charm and historicity of this once-upon-a-time bastion of Spanish culture. Within Intramuros complex lies the Fort Santiago (one of the oldest fortifications within the walls), the Manila Cathedral (a magnificent architectural feat with its intricate stone carvings, stained glass mosaics, and rosette windows), and the San Agustin Church (the oldest structure in the country with its Baroque interiors and trompe l'oeil murals).

Las Pinas Bamboo Organ : Made of bamboo, this organ is the only one in the world and is found in Las Pinas. This beautiful piece of musical instrument is housed in an old church made of cobbled stones and takes center stage every year in the Bamboo Organ Festival. Both local and international artist have shared the spotlight with Las Pinas' pride over the years.

Rizal Park : A refreshing patch of blues and green can be found in the midst of Manila's hustle and bustle in the form of Rizal Park or, as it is commonly known, Luneta. This park is a tribute to the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. A refuge for early morning joggers and those practicing tai chi, it is also a place where mothers walk with their babies for some sun. Luneta enables even the busiest person to pause for a moment in the afternoon for a glimpse of the beautiful sunset and transforms at night into a romantic rendezvous for lovers. It is also home to a planetarium, fountains, a light and sound sculptural show, an amphitheater and a children's playground. In addition, Luneta has Chinese and Japanese gardens.

Sports and Clubs : In Manila, the greens beckon with 11 available in the metropolis of Manila. There is also something for yacht fans at the Manila Yacht Club. Also popular are sports facilities - swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, billiard halls and bowling lanes.

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Population: 87.857.500
Languages: Filipino (based on Tagalog), English (both officia
Currency: Philippine peso
Currency code: PHP
Local Times:
Philippines - Manila

Country Dialling Code: +63
Voltage: 110/220V-115/230V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

2 parallel circular prongs with a female earth connector

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Flat prongs, inverted 'V' positioned with earth connector

The Philippines comprise the second-largest archipelago in the world, with over 7000 tropical islands, and is one of the great treasures of SE Asia. Often overlooked by tourists and travellers due to its location, the Philippines rewards those who make the extra effort to reach it. It's comparative lack of tourists means the Philippines is a great place to escape the hordes who descend on other parts of SE Asia.

The startling realisation of this country is that the Philippines is a place of natural wonders – a string of coral-fringed islands strewn across a vast expanse of the W Pacific. The Philippines boasts some of the world’s best diving and snorkelling, including wreck diving around Coron and swimming with the whale sharks off Donsol. On land, it has a fantastic landscape with wonders enough to stagger even the most jaded traveller: the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, Banaue & the Rice Terraces and fascinating reminders of the islands’ history in places such as Samar & Leyte and Vigan. And if you’re a fan of the beach scene, then its white-sand beaches will not disappoint at places such as the laidback Sipalay. There's also the flat-out party town Boracay for something a little more upbeat.

Despite its significant positives, The Philippines is not all good news. The county is struggling to brush off its turbulent political reputation and poor infrastructure, dilapidated roads and unsafe ferries, have also all played a role in deterring potential travellers. The country is also far from gaining a reputation as an eco-tourist destination because of local disregard for the natural resources.

On the other hand, the local tradition and culture is a treat in waiting. Shaped by its position at the centre of SE Asian trade and colonised by a succession of world powers, the Philippines is a vivid tapestry that reflects its varied cultural inheritance. And despite the poverty that afflicts much of the nation, the Filipinos themselves are among the most easygoing people anywhere. For those looking at a relatively none-cultured experience, there are some superb all-inclusive luxury resorts spread around the islands which cushion visitors from the general degradation and safety-risks of the cities and towns, and a major plus is that the country is amazingly good-value with English well spoken.

The country is one of the few places left in the world where adventurers can wander through tribal lands, unfettered by modern interferences. Travellers are however advised to follow the current safety advice on areas to avoid. The Philippines truly qualifies as one of the last great frontiers in SE Asian travel.

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