Travel to Manila

Travel to Manila

Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, offers visitors friendly people, vibrant nightlifeandhistoric sights. Manila is close to scenic countryside, providing a cheap and attractive holiday destination.

Transportation to Manila

Manila International Airport provides direct connections to most Asian cities, Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Frequent and reliable shuttle services connect the airport with the city, while the countrys only remaining train line connects Manila to the Bicol region in the south; however, the train is slow and at times dangerous. Buses from other cities in the Philippines also depart for Manila, although they can be fairly disorganised.

What to see

The walled city of Intramuros, the first Spanish settlement on the Philippines Luzon Island, was built in 1571. Its the only colonial-style medieval fortification in Asia and todayhouses plazas, the Governor's Palace, churches and monasteries. Inside the walls, visitors can find museums such as Fort Santiago, old churches including San Agustin and the Manila Cathedral as well as antique and craft shops.

Binondo, or Chinatown, is home to the 17th century Binondo Church, Quiapo Church and Quiapo district, and is another fascinating part of the city. Among other key attractions in the city is the flamboyant Malacaang Palace, now eternally linked with the decadence of the Marcos family. Rizal Park houses the Planetarium, Rizal Memorial, Chinese and Japanese gardens, fountains, a floral clock and an area for roller-skaters. Close by is the vast Manila Bay, which offers panoramic views of the South China Sea.

Daytrips

Rizal Park consists of some 60 hectares of sprawling lawns, decorative gardens, paved walkways and forested areas that are speckled with monuments of just about every Filipino hero that you can think of. Every day, hordes of Filipinos come here to jog, picnic, sing, play music or just unwind away from the choking traffic. For an interesting outing farther afield, head for the impressive volcanic crater of Lake Taal, south of Manila.

Activities and leisure

Manila has a multitude of lavish hotels, fine cuisine, excellent cafs and thrilling nightlife, especially on the streets around the suburbs of Malate and Makati, which make up the main entertainment areas. The Ayala Centre in Makati City features two of the biggest upmarket shopping malls in the country, Glorietta and Greenbelt, with a huge number of shops, supermarkets and eating and entertainment options connected by elevated walkways.

Safety issues

Be vigilant when travelling in unknown territory. Tourists are more prone to pick-pockets and theft, or loss of personal belongings. Participating in outdoor activities puts you at a greater risk. Interrupted travel plans due to natural disasters, accidents and other unexpected events can end in financial loss. We therefore strongly advise that you take out sufficient travel insurance for yourself and your family.