Manila, Philippines

Manila is a crowded city which acts as a halfway house for many travelers in the Philippines. The old walled town within, is a disappointment for many because of the slow-going restoration process started after WWII. However, theres more to Manila than meets the eye. Despite the congestion and traffic clogged streets, the people are in high spirits, and are always willing to show visitors to their city a great time. Modernism is a rapidly spreading virus bringing Manila further and further into the world of tomorrow, but Intramuros (old Spanish town over the river) in the south is still standing to keep the memories of the past, both of triumph and loss, in the hearts of the people. The Filipinos here are proud of their city, and with the continuing society advancement and cultural awareness, Manila changing from a resting ground for travelers, to a vibrant tourist destination itself.

When to go

If you can arrange to fly into Manila between February and April, youre set for a spending trip. If not, try to visit during the dry season December to May. Youll get warm weather (the weather doesnt change very much throughout the year anyway), very little humidity, and long days. Of course, hotel rooms are priced according to travel seasons, and since most foreigners fly to Manila during the beautiful, sunny season, you may have to pay a bit more than you would during the rest of the year. Of course, the trade-off for visiting Manila during the off-season is constant torrential rain. While we always enjoy discounts, the trade-off here is not worth it.

Getting there and around

Manilas Ninoy Aquino International Airport is pure chaos, but it is the only airport within a reasonable distance of the city. If you are patient, and can bear the long lines and less-than-perfect service, once out the door, its a much different world. Ninoy Aquino is just 8km (5mi) from Manilas city centre, and a bus or a taxi will get you there speedily; a bus to the centre, a taxi to your hotel door.

Though Manilas bus system tries so very hard to provide the best service for commuters, the traffic infested streets makes any extra effort on the part of the driver futile. However, there is good news in the form of an alternative. Go with the Metrorail. Youll save money, time, and sanity in the process. Of course there is a disadvantage to every advantage. While the Metrorail (MRT) is speedy however crowded and above all the hubbub and horns emanating from the streets below, the trains only travel on a north-south route.

Attractions

Before trying to navigate the modern districts of Manila, we suggest taking a ride over the river to Intramurus, the old Spanish town of much history and much renovation. Intramurus was started as a Spanish fort in 1590, but when the Chinese settled the area, they converted the fort from wood to stone, and the settlement slowly grew to what has been for quite some time to be a walled-in town. Of course, during the repeated conflicts that plagued the city, buildings within Intramurus were either damaged or destroyed, and while a number of buildings have been re-erected or restored (such as Casa Manila and Manila Cathedral) there is still much to do, and the process toward completion for this area has been all too slow. Though many buildings do not stand today, the walls that surround Intramurus do, and you can take a walk along the three kilometers of 6 meter high wall for an encompassing border-view.

Rizal Park is another fascinating place to visit in Manila. You can traverse the 60 hectares (148 acres) of lawns, gardens, walkways, and forest for days-on-end, and you can see the fantastic Planetarium and Childrens Amusement Park with the little ones. While walking through the pathways youre bound to come upon a great number of monuments commemorating Filipino heroes, some of which are quite extraordinary.