Manila remains as one of my most favorite cities in the Philippines having been able to retain its old world charm and distinction.
Manila remains one of my favorite cities in the Philippines. Despite the modernization and the ravages of times, it was able to retain its old-world charm and distinction like a dignified nobleman.
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| Roxas Boulevard (courtesy of pexels.com) |
Manila Travel Guide + Top Things To Do With Your Kids
Set against the majestic Manila Bay and its breathtaking sunset, Manila is a destination that is hard to forget, whether you love it or you hate it. Personally, I think there is so much more to adore in Manila than to dislike.
If you plan a trip to Manila, you will find below some helpful information on tourist spots, activities to try, and attractions to visit that might be of great help to you when you plan your itinerary.
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| Manila Bay (courtesy of pixabay.com) |
Manila is a bustling metropolis, as such, you will never run out of amazing things to do and places to see in this magnificent city. And while you are outside walking the streets in Manila, be adventurous and take advantage of the opportunity to sample some famous Filipino street food.
The City of Manila is easily accessible because of its proximity to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. For those coming from nearby provinces, Manila can be easily reached via bus, jeepneys, ferries, and passenger vans.
Top Things to Do in Manila
If it’s your first time in Manila, the best way to explore it is to join a walking tour where guides will take you around the city’s oldest streets and heritage sites. Some operators would even include food tours in their packages to allow guests to sample traditional fares and heritage cuisines offered by historic restaurants.
Alternatively, you may hire a horse-drawn coach to take you around Intramuros and Roxas Boulevard for a glimpse of Manila Bay.
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| Jeepneys in Manila (courtesy of pixabay.com) |
Alternatively, you may hire a horse-drawn coach to take you around Intramuros and Roxas Boulevard for a glimpse of Manila Bay.
The City of Manila is small and easy to explore. As such, you do not really need a lot of time to get around it. Of course, you are welcome to stay longer if you fall in love with it.
In any case, here are the top five things to do in Manila and in the neighboring city of Pasay if you only have a weekend to spare:
1. Explore Intramuros
Address: Manila
One of my favorite places in Manila is Intramuros. It’s a walled settlement built during the Spanish era. Intramuros is also the original site of old Manila, a pre-Spanish period Tagalog colony along the banks of the Pasig River.
The land was bequeathed by the former native rulers to the Spaniards and eventually became the seat of education, government, and religion during the Spanish colonial era. The wall was constructed to protect the city from natural disasters as well as attacks from pirates and other invaders.
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| Manila Cathedral |
The land was bequeathed by the former native rulers to the Spaniards and eventually became the seat of education, government, and religion during the Spanish colonial era. The wall was constructed to protect the city from natural disasters as well as attacks from pirates and other invaders.
What you should not miss in Intramuros:
• Visit the Manila Cathedral• Visit San Agustin Church and San Agustin Museum
• Stroll around Fort Santiago
• Explore Baluarte de San Diego
2. Tour Manila Ocean Park
Address: Behind Quirino Grandstand, Ermita, Manila
Manila Ocean Park is a premier oceanarium located behind Quirino Grandstand. It is frequented by schools for their educational tours, so expect a lot of pupils even on weekdays, but it also welcomes curious individuals who would like to take a glimpse of what the deep waters hold as well as the beautiful sea creatures that inhabit the ocean.
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| Manila Ocean Park |
It serves as home to around 14,000 sea creatures found in the Philippines as well as in Southeast Asia. Manila Ocean Park is regarded as the pioneering and biggest aquarium facility in the Philippines and one of the best in the world.
Manila Ocean Park is a family-friendly destination. We have been to Manila Ocean Park in 2015 and we completely enjoyed our adventure; it was an educational yet fun way to spend the day.
Things to see at Manila Ocean Park:
• Sharks & rays encounter• Oceanarium
• Trails to Antarctica
• Aquanaut voyage
• The barnyard
• Jellies exhibit
• Fish spa
• Symphony evening show
• Sea lion show
• All-star bird show
• Penguin talk show
• Super toy collection
• Birds of prey kingdom
• World of creepy crawlies
• The birdhouse
• Augmented reality encounter
• Neon rides
• Mermaid swim experience
3. Enjoy the rides at Star City
Address: Vicente Sotto St, Pasay City, Metro Manila
Star City is possibly one of the most iconic landmarks in Manila. Ask anybody from Manila to name a theme park and Star City would easily come to mind. This theme park is a favorite weekend destination among families and a group of friends.
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| Star City |
Technically, Star City is located in Pasay City but it is very near the Pasay-Manila border so you do not have to travel too far if you are already in Manila. Star City features several indoor and outdoor rides and attractions that are sure to keep visitors thrilled and lively throughout the day.
Things to try at Star City:
• Attractions• Extreme Rides
• Family Rides
• Kiddie Rides
• Teen and Adult Rides
4. Have a Manila Bay Cruise
Terminal Address: Esplanade Seaside Terminal, Seaside Boulevard, SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila
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| Manila skyline with Manila Bay in the background (courtesy of pexels.com) |
Many people may not admit it but Manila Bay does provide quite a romantic backdrop. Coupled with a view of the setting sun, it’s an artwork that will remain indelible in the mind of a beholder. However, a cruise at Manila Bay with a dinner buffet and a stunning view of the Manila skyline at night raises the romantic mood to a higher level.
Things to keep in mind:
• Book your ticket ahead• Pregnant mothers are not allowed to go on a cruise for their safety
• Children below two years old are free of charge
• The cruise is an hour and a half
• There is live entertainment aboard the vessel
5. Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Dessert Museum
Address: Unit 124, 126, 127a, S. Maison, Coral Way, Conrad Hotel Manila, SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, Metro Manila
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| The Dessert Museum |
The Dessert Museum is one of the latest attractions to take Manila by storm. Located in the SM Mall of Asia complex, it is best described as heaven for dessert lovers or those with a sweet tooth. The Dessert Museum consists of eight themed rooms, all filled with various desserts.
Aside from being given the chance to have a bite of some of the goodies in The Dessert Museum's themed rooms, guests will also be provided with fun facts and information about the featured sweet treats. If you are on the hunt for your next set of Instagram photos, then The Dessert Museum might just be the place that you are looking for.
Things to see at The Dessert Museum:
• Cake pop• Candy cane
• Cotton candy
• Donut room
• Gumball
• Gummy bear
• Ice cream
• Marshmallow
Where to stay in Manila
Manila, being a popular leisure and business destination, offers a good number of hotels that cater to different travelers depending on their budgets.
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| Photo courtesy of pexels.com |
Here is a list of some of the best hotels in Manila:
1. Palm Grove Hotel
Address: Pedro Gil cor. M. Adriatico Street, Malate, Manila
Palm Grove Hotel is highly recommended for those who want to be near the touristy areas of Manila, particularly bars, malls, and restaurants. It is also just a few minutes away from the airport, making it one of the most conveniently-located hotels in Manila.
2. Manila Lotus Hotel
Address: A. Mabini St. cor. P. Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Manila Lotus Hotel is ideal for those who are looking for a relaxing and fun stay. It is also located near Manila's top tourist destinations, thus, making it an easy choice for travelers as well as families who are looking for a weekend staycation.
3. Executive Hotel
Address: A. Mabini St, Malate, Manila
Executive Hotel's modern interiors are perfect for business travelers or for those who are looking for upscale accommodation in the heart of Manila. Executive Hotel is near bars, restaurants, shopping malls, and business districts, thus, its popularity among visitors.
4. Las Palmas Hotel de Manila
Address: A. Mabini St., Malate, Manila
Las Palmas Hotel de Manila provides a great balance between price and quality. It provides clean and well-maintained rooms, and superb service at a price that is easy on the pocket.
5. Silver Oaks Hotel and Suite
Address: A. Mabini St., Ermita, Manila
Silver Oaks Hotel and Suite offers good quality rooms at a price that will not break your budget. Its rooms are clean and well-kept, its staff are friendly and accommodating and includes free breakfast.
6. Okada Manila
Address: New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City, Manila Bay, Manila
Okada Manila is an integrated resort complete with a five-star hotel, luxury shops, fine-dining restaurants, an entertainment complex, a spa, and the world's largest multicolor dancing and musical fountain. If you want to splurge and are looking for opulent accommodation, then Okada Manila is for you.
How to use Airbnb in booking your accommodation in Manila
Another easy option to book your stay in Manila is through Airbnb. Aside from Airbnb being a reliable booking site, the properties listed there are usually more affordable as compared to other websites, are generally attractive and homey, and sometimes even unique in terms of design and features.
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| CCP Complex |
Here are the steps in booking via Airbnb:
1. I would suggest using the Airbnb app so that you can easily book anytime and anywhere as long as you have an internet connection. If you have not yet downloaded the Airbnb app, go to either Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for “Airbnb.”
2. Once you have located it, download and install the Airbnb app.
3. Register and create your profile here to get up to Php2,200 worth of credits.
4. Once you have created your profile, log on to the app, then go to “Explore.” In the search field, type "Manila."
5. Choose "Places to stay" in the next window.
6. Then choose the dates of your stay.
7. Next, enter the number of guests (adults, children, and infants), then click "Search"
8. A list of available units will appear on the results page. Here, you will see the number of beds, the name of the unit, the price per night, and the rating.
9. You may click on a unit of your choice to reveal more details such as the rest of the amenities, house rules, location, and detailed reviews, among others. You may also check if the property is available during your planned travel dates.
10. Once everything is set, you may already proceed with booking at Airbnb. Only credit card payments are accepted by Airbnb, by the way.
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I grew up in Manila..There are lots of places to visit but sadly some are not maintained well
ReplyDeleteWow this is helpful specially for me who is not familiar in the new establishments now in the PH!
ReplyDeleteIntramuros is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Manila Bay this good. It resembles the nice view at Macau. I got to try that cruise!
ReplyDeleteI like visiting the old city. Hope DOT will promote more urban destinations.
ReplyDeleteYup, hope those places get the attention they deserve. I am not from Manila but I am so in love with that city.
DeleteI really like going to the attractions in Manila even up to this day but our government doesn't maintain them well... Spending a day in Manila makes you haggard! I wish we could do something about this to attract more foreign tourists.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Dessert Museum.. I wanna go there soon and maybe Intramurous again, I can't remember the last time I went there!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to visit Ocean Park but Intramuros has always been my go-to escape in Manila.
ReplyDeleteYup, hope those places get the attention they deserve. I am not from Manila but I am so in love with that city.
ReplyDelete