Manila
Manila is the capital city of the Philippines, located on the island of Luzon. It is a bustling metropolis with a population of over 12 million people, making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world. Manila is a vibrant and diverse city, with a rich cultural heritage and a mix of modern and historic architecture.
The city is known for its vibrant street life, with busy markets, colorful street vendors, and lively nightlife. There are also many historical and cultural attractions in Manila, including the Intramuros, a walled city built by the Spanish in the 16th century, and the Rizal Park, a large public park named after the national hero of the Philippines.
Overall, Manila is a dynamic and exciting city with a unique mix of cultures and traditions. Visitors can experience the city's rich history, enjoy its vibrant street life, and explore its many tourist attractions and amenities.
1. Intramuros
Intramuros is a historic walled city located in the heart of Manila, Philippines. It was built by the Spanish colonial government in the 16th century to protect the city from foreign invaders. The word "Intramuros" is derived from the Latin words "intra" which means "within" and "muros" which means "walls".
It is about 30 minutes by car from Manila International Airport.
If choosing to travel to Manila, 9 out of 10 people will visit this historical site. If you decide to visit this place, walking around is fine, but we recommend that you consider taking an eco tour using a bamboo bicycle.
Probably, a bamboo bike tour is unfamiliar. It is literally touring Intramuros, including Fort Santiago, through a bicycle made using bamboo. Tours are conducted in small groups with a maximum of 15 people per group, usually between 5 and 10 people . Don't worry about the bamboo not breaking easily! It is as strong as steel by using carefully selected bamboo, which has also completed the frame durability test. 2.5 hours is enough to see Intramuros by bicycle. The price is about 35 dollars. It is a great opportunity to see the attractions of Intramuros while listening to the explanations from the local guide.
2. Manila cathedral
The Manila Cathedral, one of the most beautiful buildings in Intramuros, was built in 1581 in the form of a stone building, then damaged and restored several times due to natural disasters, and was rebuilt in 1958. The Romanesque-style exterior boasts sophistication. When you enter the cathedral, you can see 134 ornate stained glass windows and large bronze doors along with a pipe organ. Please note that travelers are limited during Mass. Hours of use are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Overall, the Manila Cathedral is a magnificent and important landmark in Manila, Philippines. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and religious significance make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the city.
3. Fort Santiago
Fort Santiago is the place where Jose Rizal, a leading independence activist in the Philippines, was sentenced to death and imprisoned for two months during the Spanish rule of the Philippines. It is part of the walls of Intramuros, and inside is the Rizal Museum, which displays artifacts belonging to Jose Rizal. Take an hour or two to admire the artifacts he left behind, such as manuscripts and books, at the museum. In particular, there are footprints along the way to Rizal's execution site, and if you walk along them, you will be able to feel the history of the Philippines. It is open daily and admission is free.
Overall, Fort Santiago is a fascinating and historically significant landmark in Manila, Philippines. Its well-preserved architecture, beautiful gardens, and important role in the country's history make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in culture, history, and architecture.
4. Rizal Park
Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is a large public park located in the heart of Manila, Philippines. It takes about 6 min. by car from Intramuros. It is named after Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines, who was executed in the park in 1896.
The park features many tourist attractions and amenities, including gardens, fountains, monuments, and museums. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a peaceful respite from the busy city streets.
One of the most notable features of Rizal Park is the Rizal Monument, a bronze statue of Jose Rizal that stands at the center of the park. The monument is surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains, and it is a popular spot for taking photos and relaxing.
Other attractions in the park include the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the Planetarium, which offers educational shows about astronomy and space.
Rizal Park is also a venue for many events and concerts, including the annual New Year's Eve countdown celebration, which attracts thousands of people every year.
5. Venice Grand Canal Mall
The Venice Grand Canal Mall is a shopping mall located on Bonifacio McKinley Hill. Although it is a shopping mall, in fact, most people visit it for sight seeing rather than shopping. This is because there is an artificial canal because it is a place made with the motif of the canals of Venice, Italy. Especially famous is the gondola above the canal. You can also take a photo of the gondola boatman singing the song and remember it.
If you don't have time to go to Venice, I recommend you to visit this place where you can embrace the East and the West at once. In particular, if you visit during Christmas, you can enjoy fireworks and parades, so if you are planning a tour to the Philippines in winter, be sure to stop by. Available hours are from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
6. SM Mall of Asia
SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is one of the largest shopping malls in the Philippines and in Asia, located in Pasay City, Metro Manila. It opened in 2006 and has since become a major destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure activities.
It is a place where an average of 200,000 people come and go every day, and the moment you see the exterior of the shopping mall, you will be overwhelmed.
There are many famous brands for shopping. In addition to shopping, there are a bowling alley, a skating rink, and a music hall, so it is full of various events and things to enjoy.
By the Bay Amusement Park, located on the second floor of the entertainment mall, has various rides such as a merry-go-round, vikings, and bumper cars. Among them, the Ferris wheel, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of SM Mall and the night view, is a must-see. If you did not get to ride the Ferris wheel, it is recommended to have a meal while looking at the night view at a restaurant located along By the Bay Way or along the Manila Bay promenade.
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Manila is a relatively familiar city to us. It's a place that has features you didn't know existed. How about visiting Manila, a city with a variety of charms?
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