Manila travel agents offer diverse travel packages which may include, but are not limited to sightseeing tours, airlines, cruise lines, holiday packages, car rentals, and hotel bookings.
The above mentioned services are primarily for tourists. Some Manila travel agents are also capable of catering to the needs of business travelers.
Because of the numerous different travel and business/commercial packages that travel agencies in the capital city offer, it is vital for travelers to search for an agency that will offer them the correct travel packages which will accommodate their needs.
Finding the right agency from among the numerous Manila travel agents is not as hard as one may think. Many Manila travel agents are located either in the district of Ermita or Malate.
This makes it convenient for travelers to pick the right agency for their needs, since a lot of these agencies are within walking distance from each other.
For those who are interested in acquiring the services of a Manila travel agency, I have included a list of government certified agencies in no particular order, along with their contact numbers, the district they are located at, and the services they offer.
Manila International Travels and Tours Incorporated is a travel agency in Ermita which offer travel/tours, travel bureaus, and air travel ticketing services. You can contact them at this phone number: +63(2)5218610.
Destination Travel (Philippines) Incorporated is an agency in Ermita that specializes in sightseeing tours. They can be reached at this number, +63(2)5253956.
Tourist Information Bureau, Incorporated is a travel agency/bureau located at Ermita. Their phone number is +63(2)5230424.
Laban Travel and Tours International, Incorporated is a travel agency/bureau in Ermita. You can contact them at this number, +63(2)5262022.
Interisland Travel and Tours is a travel agency in Malate which offers travel/tours packages, and aircraft charter and leasing services. Their phone number is +63(2)5038721.
Air Sea Land Tours is a travel agency which is located at Malate. Their contact number is +63(2)5269972.
Dacodion International Travel Corporation is an agency located at Malate. They offer travel/tours packages and travel assistance services. Their contact number is +63(2)3033184.
Silver Link International Travels and Tours Corp is a travel bureau/agency located at Malate. You can contact them at this number, +63(2)5240648.
Sunhong Travel and Tours Philippines, Incorporated is a travel bureau/agency in Binondo. You can contact them at this number, +63(2)2429728.
West Gate Travel and Tours is a travel bureau/agency located at Binondo. Their contact number is +63(2)2420093.
These are but a few of the dozens of quality travel agencies in Manila. Each offers services that cater to different travel needs, so be sure to pick one that best suits your needs.
Are you a tourist looking for a place to stay in Manila, Philippines? Why not you try the Las Palmas Hotel? Las Palmas Hotel is a three-star hotel where you can stay and relax with quality and style.
The Las Palmas Hotel is easy to find in Malate. It’s about 18 Kilometer from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Las Palmas Hotel is in the heart of Malate, Manila. The address is 1616 A. Mabini St., Malate Manila.
Las Palmas Hotel was formally opened on July 22, 1975. Since then the Las Palmas Hotel has been committed to give their guests professional high quality service.
The Las Palmas Hotel is a part of Palm Hotels? This ensures that the Las Palmas Hotel is not just out to give high quality service. It has passed the international standard of the hotel business industry.
The Las Palmas Hotel is the most preferred hotel by business travelers and other countless guests and visitors of Manila. This is due to the dedicated service-oriented team members that make up the Las Palmas Hotel staff.
The dedicated staff of the Las Palmas Hotel would always assure that guests receive international-standard quality service. The Las Palmas Hotel will always create a bond of friendship with their guests through their service-oriented team.
The hotel is strategically located in Malate. A lot of convention centers, shopping malls, bars, restaurants, historic landmarks, and other places of interest are really easy to get to from here. Transportation to these locations and back are readily accessible.
The Las Palmas Hotel in Malate is also near the Domestic and International airports. If you've just arrived from the airport and need a quick place to stay, then the Las Palmas Hotel is just within easy reach. The proximity of the hotel to the airports will have you relaxing in no time.
89 rooms and suites equipped with state of the art amenities are offered at the Las Palmas Hotel. Each room in the Las Palmas Hotel is well furnished. There would be a bed, an IDD/NDD phone, WiFi Internet Access, cable television, mini-bar, and shower with a bathtub.
If you decided to stay for just a day, you can choose from the Standard Rooms, Superior, Deluxe, Superior Deluxe, and Junior Suite. Room rates would range from $55.00 to $150.00 dollars.
Other facilities at the Las Palmas Hotel include a Colonial Ballroom suitable for seminars and conventions that can accommodate up to 200 guests.
Whether you are in Manila for business or leisure the Las Palmas Hotel is a great place to stay. The service, location, and amenities are really world class.
In the center of Makati City, Philippines, Makati Shangri-La stands as a hotel of luxury and comfort. The hotel is about 20 minutes away from the International and Domestic airports of Manila. Makati Shangri-La stands as an award-winning hotel in the Philippines.
Makati Shangri-La has 699 beautiful and spacious guestrooms and suites. The international restaurants in the hotel serve world-class food. The private lounges offer gracious services. All hotel guests are received in internet-ready rooms and have an entry to Makati Shangri-La's spa and fitness center.
Due to Makati Shangri-La's location, hotel guests are a few walks away from Makati's shopping malls, bars, and restaurants, and business centers. This makes the hotel an ideal place to stay for business and family vacations for both local and foreign tourists.
Makati Shangri-La is situated in the corner of Ayala Avenue and Makati Avenue in the business district of Makati City, Philippines. On each floor, the Zen waterfalls welcome the hotel guests as they walk into comfortable and spacious rooms which ensures a good night's sleep.
Makati Shangri-La rooms are furnished with a 21 inch TV and entertainment system. Cordless headphones are available upon request.
Makati Shangri-La's Standard Room features in-house movie channels, satellite/cable television, broadband internet access, mini-bar, coffee/tea making facilities, electronic safe, in-room fax/printer/copier, voice mail, IDD telephone, full-size executive writing desk, separate shower and bath, Shangri-La toiletries, and hair dryers.
The Horizon Club of Makati Shangri-La has a much higher level of comfort, convenience, and service. The hotel room benefits include private check-in/check-out at the Horizon Club Lounge, full use of the Horizon Club lounge at daytime, checking out late, buffet breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, evening cocktails, daily international newspaper, suit pressing, DVD entertainment system, fruit juices, and coffee during the daytime, and concierge service.
Makati Shangri-La's Suites let you live in a contemporary Asian spirit. The hotel's standard Suite features include broadband internet access, satellite/cable LCD television, in-house movie channels, DVD entertainment system, mini-bar, and coffee/tea making facilities. Other Suite features are electronic safe, voice mail, fax/printer/copier, IDD telephone, executive writing desk, separate parlor or sitting area, kitchenette with separate dining area, hair dryer, Shangri-La toiletries, and Iron with Ironing Board.
The hotel room rates in Makati Shangri-La regularly starts at $225 USD. The hotel's restaurants offer a unique blend of Western and Asian cuisine. The lounges and bars of Makati Shangri-La both have the relaxing and socializing atmosphere while enjoying the hotel's refreshing beverages.
Makati Shangri-La has spa facilities and a health club that gives the hotel guests the opportunity to be physically fit, healthy and relaxed while staying at the hotel.
For comfort, leisure and relaxation while here in the Philippines, Makati Shangri-La can give you these. The Makati Shangri-La is the ideal place to stay whenever you visit the center of business in the Philippines.
One of the oldest learning institutions in Manila, and in the Philippines, is the University of Santo Tomas, or UST. Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal studied Medicine in this centennial university. Other heroes and some Philippine presidents also graduated here. A short trip to this historic university captures the grandeur of the past in the present setting. It traces history back in 1611.
UST, or fondly called “uste” by generations of benefactors, was built in 1611 on approval of no less than King Philip II of Spain. Named after St. Thomas Aquinas the Dominican priest, UST was first situated inside the Intramuros Wall (Manila at the time was a walled city) as a convent and seminary. It mostly offered courses in theology, philosophy, grammar, logic, the arts, and other related courses.
In 1871 it began offering Medicine and Pharmacy. Later in 1927 UST was transferred in a 220,000 square meter lot in the Sulucan Hills in Sampaloc, Manila where it now sits right at the corner of Espana (or Quezon Boulevard Extension) and Lacson Avenue (former Forbes avenue). Well, the hills are gone today and UST campus in Manila is on a flat ground clustered with old and new buildings, a hospital, and abundant trees and parks. Other courses were eventually offered. Plans are made for an upcoming UST Laguna, General Santos City, and even Sri Lanka.
The main building was built also in 1927. This historical building in Manila allegedly boasts of being one of the first earthquake-proof buildings in the Philippines and Asia. This historical building in Manila is said to sway with earthquake motion. It is styled in classic Baroque architecture, of perfect symmetry, with an interesting look-out tower in the middle.
In World War II, the conquering Japanese Army converted UST campus into a prison camp. Lots of Filipino and American soldiers were imprisoned and reportedly tormented here. It was one of many buildings damaged when Americans attacked to liberate Manila from the Japanese. After restoring this historical building in Manila, other buildings were added, like the popular UST hospital.
Today, besides having its grand history preserved in the walls of its historical building, UST Manila boasts of some 35,000 students, state-of-the-art learning and medical facilities, a modern gym, managed parks and greeneries, and other modern amenities. Its remarkable historical, scientific, and medical museums are often field trip destinations of other schools. The air of past and present grandeur can still be had in a short visit there.
To get the most out of your time in the Philippine capital, you need to know which places are the best ones to visit. This Manila travel guide can be your roadmap to the finest tourist spots in the city.
Manila travel guide: historical landmarks
One of the up and coming tourist hotspots in the country is the Plaza San Luis. The structure consists of several houses that represent the different types of residences that were prevalent during Spanish times.
A historical marker that is not to be missed when in the city is Fort Santiago. This ancient fortress took over 150 years to build, and the focal point of the Spanish defense base. After serving as a sanctuary for wounded soldiers in World War II it has now been transformed into a park. Other historical buildings are the Palacio del Gobernador, the Bonifacio Shrine and Intramuros, where Fort Santiago is located.
Manila travel guide: buildings and edifices
The city is the home of several important and historically significant churches. This includes the Manila Cathedral, which is the residence of the Archdiocese of Manila. Another one is the famed San Agustin Church, which is renowned for its Baroque style, pipe organs and the pulpit.
Besides churches, other important buildings and structures are Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the Philippine President; the Malacanang Museum, a repository of priceless works and other historical memorabilia from various time periods. The Museo Pambata (Children’s Museum) was designed especially for educating schoolchildren, while the Bahay Tsinoy showcases a varied collection of antiques, pictures and relics of the Chinese and how their presence has influenced Philippine society.
Manila travel guide: parks
A Manila travel guide would not be a comprehensive one without making mention of the various parks and gardens in the area.
Among the most renowned of the many parks here is Rizal Park. Encompassing over 50 hectares, it is the location of the Rizal Monument, where the remains of the national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, were interred. Another haven for tourists is Paco Park.
It is the place where various cultural performances are staged, and it is also a popular destination for weddings and other festivities. The Japanese Garden on the other hand, is not just a venue where one can appreciate a genuine garden done in the traditional Japanese style, but it is also symbolic of the partnership between the two nations.
There are a lot of areas you can visit in the Philippines, but as this Manila travel guide has shown, the capital city will remain, despite all the numerous upstart tourist spots coming out, a premiere destination for travelers and tourists.
The capital city of the Philippines has a lot in store for every shopaholic. Shopping in Manila is almost pure bliss because you do not only have the vast possibilities and selection, but you also have great quality and ambience. All these things and more make shopping in Manila a true heaven for shopaholics. Let us take you into the crème de la crème of Philippine consumerism.
Shopping in Manila is just a dream for many frequent shoppers because you have the biggest malls in the country and you have the biggest choice. The only downside however is that the travelling time from one mall to another can take as long as two hours. The traffic in Manila and Makati is pretty tight, so you need to make a good shopping plan ahead of time.
The best place to start your shopping in Manila spree is SM Mall of Asia. The SM Mall of Asia is Asia’s largest mall and the mall itself will take several hours to complete. Here you will find absolutely everything you desire. This is where you can start spending without fearing that something better will come along. If you are not necessarily going for designer stores then this will be your favourite destination. The Mall of Asia has the best boutiques from Zara and Hotshop to Guess and Gap. Enjoy the biggest ice skating rink in the Philippines once you are tired of shopping around or get your favourite meals in one of the plenty fast food and coffee chains.
The second must see spot while shopping in Manila is the SM Megamall. This mall is located alongside EDSA and is the second largest mall in the Philippines. You will find many nice stores here that you cannot find in SM Mall of Asia such as an original Sanrio store for all the Hello Kitty fans out there or the popular arcade center that is comprised of the entire basement of the mall. You can also find cinemas and great lingerie shops that you cannot find anywhere else.
Shopping in Manila would be boring and high street if you miss this special designer place called Glorietta located in Makati. The Glorietta malls are part of the Ayala cooperation and they are comprised of high street and designer fashion shops. The leading brands in Glorietta Greenbelt are Louis Vuitton, Lacoste, Prada, Gucci and everything that makes your designer heart beat faster. You can also find specialty stores that focus on dance apparel for the future ballerinas and dancers.
Shopping in Manila truly takes you to all the possible stores open to you and to your credit card. Get the best deals or simply window shop in one of the great malls that you can find in Metro Manila.
As a photographer, there will be a constant need for a change of scenery. If you're tired of the same old scene in your town, traveling would be a great change from monotony, and Metro Manila would be the ideal place for someone like you.
There are a million things that can catch your fancy in a place like Metro Manila, and everything is just an hour or two's (depending on the traffic) worth of travel away. Manila is very diverse! You can be in the slums one second and then be in the very heart of the Philippine economy in a few steps.
This is what makes the Philippines such a great photograph resource. It has so much to offer to any photographer who travels there. If you're an urban life photographer, there is so much emotion that can be captured in the streets of Tondo, Cubao, Quezon City, and even downtown Manila.
If you're more of a lifestyle photographer, you can visit the sprawling estates in Forbes, Rockwell, Corinthian Gardens, and the like. There are also new trendy spots like Bonifacio High Street and Serendra where a high-class lifestyle is what they offer.
Manila is especially wonderful for those who like to take pictures of architecture. Almost around every corner is a church, and the design of the churches in the Philippines vary in influence, era, and material. For the more modern eye, Makati and Ortigas Center, and Fort Bonifacio are abound with structures that are bound to give you a beautiful picture.
For the nature lover there are tree-lined streets in New Manila and in the campuses of University of the Philippines Diliman and Ateneo de Manila University. There are also botanical gardens in Luneta and Pasig.
For the photographer who can never miss a good sunset, an afternoon at Roxas Boulevard is an opportunity you shouldn't miss. Manila Bay is famous for its golden sunsets, wherein the colors of the sky come alive in such a breathtaking manner.
For someone who likes skylines especially at night, there is a beautiful view of Manila from a spot in Antipolo, which is less than an hour's travel away. An amazing play of lights can also be seen on the various bridges in downtown Manila that are built over Pasig River.
Lastly, for the photographer who likes portraiture, Manila is the best place for that purpose. It is a melting pot of different races be it Asian, American, or European. Nobody looks the same because hardly anyone is purely from one race only, therefore providing variety.
We've given some examples of why the Philippines is a great place for photography, but you're sure to find more. Just be ready with your camera in hand because you'll never know when that moment will come and be exactly right for the perfect photograph.
Manila, being the capital of the Philippines, is an interesting place to tour around. Spanish era architecture, parks, historical landmarks can be found in Manila. With all of these features, sightseeing in Manila is an activity that will be enjoyable and fruitful.
Intramuros was Manila during Spanish time. Now a district of Manila, Intramuros gives sightseeing tourists Spanish-style architecture in its finest form. Churches in Intramuros such as Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, San Ignacio Church and the Palazio De Arzobispal gives a chance for tourists to see the Spainish-influence in Philippine architecture and religion. Inside Intramuros is Fort Santiago. Fort Santiago was where the national hero Jose Rizal was imprisoned in the late 1890s.
In terms of sightseeing marine life in the city, Manila Ocean Park is the place to visit. This oceanarium is near the Quirino Grandstand. Different kinds of marine life can be seen here. Replicals of Philippine corals, sharks and sting rays are showcased in Manila Ocean Park. The most famous feature of Manila Ocean Park is The Living Ocean. This is a walkway glass tunnel where one seems to one with the marine life forms swimming under the see.
Manila Zoo and Botanical Garden, on the other hand, showcases mammals, reptiles, birds. Elephants, lions, as well as native animal species are some of the animals that can be found in Manila Zoo.
For those sightseeing for history, the National Museum is the place to go. The museum features data and artifacts of Philippine history from pre-Spanish Time to Spanish Colonial Rule up to World War II.
Manila also has several parks for sightseeing visitors. Foremost is the Luneta or Rizal Park. This park was where Jose Rizal was executed. Now a statue of the national hero is inside this park. Inside Rizal Park is the Chinese Garden and Planetarium. Along Taft Avenue of Rizal Park is a lagoon where a three-dimensional map of the Phippines can be found in the center.
If churches is the focus of a tourist sightseeing in the city, Manila has a lot of these. Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church in Intramuros were already mentioned. Quiapo Church hosts one of the most festive fiestas in the Philippines. Every January 9, Quiapo Church is the site of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
Other churches that can be visited are Binondo Church and Malate Church.
Binondo, aside from Binondo Church, has another feature. This district of Manila is Chinatown. Chinese life from religion to architecture can be seen, heard and felt in Binondo.
Located at M. Adriatico corner General Malvar Streets Malate, Manila in the Philippines is a tried and tested hotel which has been providing the best of what its guests want whether it be for business or leisure.
Pan Pacific Hotel is easily accessible and just a few minutes drive from the bustling busy capital of the Philippines. Guests of Pan Pacific Hotel can easily attend conventions and meetings at any of Manila’s convention and business centers. The hotel is only eight kilometers away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
What does it offer?
Pan Pacific Hotel primarily caters to business travelers with 236 executive rooms and seven function rooms. The hotel is the first five-start hotel in the Philippines. It has also been known for providing all of its guests the best treatment anyone, even royalty could get.
Hotel Rooms
All of its rooms have exquisitely-designed granite desks, two phone lines and a mini bar. To further be considered Manila’s world class luxury hotel, Pan Pacific has a one-of-a-kind butler service to cater to the needs of the guest. This brings the hotel service to a higher level.
Restaurants and Bars
Pan Pacific Hotel caters to all the dining standards of its guests by offering different lounges in the hotel. For a little chitchat with a friend or light conversations with an acquaintance, Pan Pacific’s Lobby Lounge is the recommended place to spend a relaxing day. The lounge is designed with comfortable seating arrangements and guests can savor tasty fruit juices, teas, coffees and other refreshing beverages.
For a spectacular view of Manila, Pacific Lounge exudes elegance enjoyed over sumptuous world-class and international cuisines. Pacific Lounge serves guests breakfast, lunch and dinner while they marvel at the floor-to-ceiling glass walls.
While taking a dip in the pool, food and drinks can be served at the pool counter, which boasts of a tropical-inspired design.
Facilities and other services
To keep up with the latest in the world, the hotel has broadband Internet access in its elegant rooms and suites. Assistance is also provided for any wireless connectivity concerns 24 hours a day and seven days a week.
Pan Pacific Hotel has a business center which is available daily from 7 am to 11 pm. The business center’s services include secretarial services such as typing and dictation, and rental of office equipment such as Laser jet printers, Electronic typewriters, photocopying and facsimile services, book binding, messenger services, laminating services and many others business type services are provided.
If you’ve decided to come to Manila to experience the Philippines’ culturally-rich capital, finding the best hotel to stay at isn’t a tough challenge. Any traveler who would like to experience the rich cultural heritage of this country could have one hotel destination to go to. The Manila Hotel embodies what the Philippines is as a country and the Filipinos are as a warm and hospitable people. Here are the reasons why Manila Hotel should be on the top of your Manila hotel list.
Location
Manila Hotel is located right in the heart of the city of Manila. With a breathtaking view of the Manila Bay, 3 ½ hectare Manila Hotel is along Roxas Boulevard and several minutes from shopping malls and historical tourist destinations of the city.
Rich Cultural Destination
Established in 1912, Manila Hotel visitors are provided with an interesting peek of the Philippine History and culture. Famous personalities and Philippine Presidents have stayed at the hotel which even more gives the hotel a sense of cultural pride and world-class claim to excellent hotel service.
Manila Hotel’s location also provides easy access for travelers to visit the world-famous Rizal Park, which is named after Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. The centuries-old “walled city” also known as “Intramuros” can be reached on foot.
Manila Hotel is also widely accessible to Manila’s shopping malls and restaurants.
World-Class Amenities
A stay at the Manila Hotel would give any traveler a chance to experience the best of what Philippines is known for; Filipino hospitality. The hotel makes sure that everyone gets to experience the warm and best service while staying in the culturally-rich and world-class hotel. Security is also well-placed as the hotel takes pride in keycard electronic lock system and a secure in-room safe. Comfort is well-provided with Manila Hotel’s exquisite and classical designed rooms, remote control TV, fully stocked mini bar and separate bath and toilet.
Breathtaking Views
Manila Hotel guests are treated with a top view angle of the Philippines’ capital as the hotel provides a breathtaking view of Intramuros, Rizal Park and Manila Bay. Manila Hotel also allows its guests to have a look at the wonderful sunset on Manila Bay.
So, if you are now preparing your things and looking forward to a pleasurable Manila trip, booking a room at Manila Hotel could be one of your best options. Manila Hotel can give you a one-of-a-kind hotel service that would make you think that you're living life the best you can in Manila. At almost a century-old, only Manila Hotel could provide its guests a comparison of the culturally-rich Philippine past and the artistically modern Philippine culture.