Look past the rougher edges of the Philippine capital and you'll find a thriving centre of culture and a quirky ambience fizzing with Filipino charm. Manila is situated at the north of the Philippines archipelago, just below Luzon and on the shores of Manila Bay. This cosmopolitan metropolis enjoys a constant temperature of 30 degrees centigrade throughout the year, but humidity is lower between February and April. Arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you're only 8km from the centre of the city and the start of your adventure.
Manila is great for
- Cultural Insight
- Historical Sites
- Museums
- Handicrafts and shopping
- Temples and religious sites
- Festivals
- Local Markets
- Music
- Museum/Galleries
- Nightlife
Manila City can be a daunting sight for travellers unused to the hustle and bustle of the Philippine lifestyle. This is not to say that you won't love exploring this sprawling hub of Filipino culture, arts and entertainment once you're settled into its fast pace of life. Visit the Ayala Museum for a guided tour of the best of Filipino art history and cultural relics then head to the Malate district for its fashionable restaurants and bars. If you're a sports fan, take in a trip to the modern marvel of the Araneta Coliseum at Cubao, a popular venue for the national passion - basketball. Foodies will love the ancient and eclectic array of stalls in China Town, and if you're after an authentic curry after a day's sightseeing, track down the Banana Leaf Curry House at the Ayala Centre.
Recommended highlights
The following experiences are possible from Manila. Talk to our expert travel consultants about how to make your holiday extra special:
Classic History and Religious Relics of Manila City
Why not start your historical tour at Rizal Park, named in honour of the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. You could then proceed to the Walled City of Intramuros to visit the remnants of Spain's conquistadores. Travel through the cobbled streets to San Agustin Church, the country's oldest stone church, and view its wide collection of ecclesiastical icons, vestments and other religious articles. Close by, you'll be pleasantly surprised at Casa Manila, a reproduction of a 19th century house equipped with oriental and European decor.
Drive along the Tagaytay Ridge for a Unique View of Tagaytay-Taal Volcano
Take a 2-hour drive south of Manila and you'll be rewarded with a magnificent vantage point of Taal Volcano surrounded by the gleaming waters of Taal Lake. You should take advantage of the native refreshments before returning to Manila, dropping by the world-famous Bamboo Organ of Las Pinas en route.
Relax at Nature's Hidden Valley Springs
Drive through the South Expressway to the town of Alaminos and visit Hidden Valley Springs - a 44-hectare resort of pristine vegetation and flora dotted by spring-fed pools of varying temperature. A veritable place where you can be close to nature, Hidden Valley is believed to be a crater of an extinct volcano located 100 meters below sea level. Swimming or lazing about in one of the pools is a must here.
Exhilarating Pagsanjan Falls Water Adventure
After a 2-hour drive to the town of Pagsanjan, site of the famous Pagsanjan Falls, why not transfer to a dug-out canoe manned by local boatmen for the upstream ride on the Pagsanjan River fringed by tropical vegetation and steep gorges. Skimming on rocks and boulders, arrive at the falls where you could opt for a bamboo raft-ride through the thick roaring curtain of water as it thunders down the 70ft. gorge.
Villa Escudero Coconut Plantation Tour
Villa Escudero is a quaint resort located in Tiaong, Quezon Province, about 10 km south of San Pablo, and about 1.5 km from the Laguna-Quezon boundary. An 800-hectare coconut plantation typifies the Filipino life style and gives you an idea of what life is like in this rural setting. Ride a carabao-driven tram for a sight-seeing tour of the plantation and watch closely as coconuts are harvested.
Witness the War-time Heritage of Corregidor Island
A tour of this tadpole-shaped island is a must for history buffs. This island-fortress standing guard at the entrance of Manila Bay is a symbol of determined resistance of its Filipino and American defenders who fought a heroic battle against the invading Japanese forces. Don't miss the realistic Light and Sound Show where poignant moments of the war are shown within the dark confines of Malinta Tunnel.
