Manila, the capital city of the Philippines offers several attractions to travelers looking for that unforgettable vacation. The Filipinos have a rich culture and Manila is the melting pot of something that’s historic and traditional with a touch of modernity that we all look for when we’re away from home.
Relive a dream of grandeur at the Manila Hotel, an establishment imbued with public interest as the Filipinos consider this a part of their heritage. The Manila Hotel has seen many events in history and to this day stands magnificently tall and proud. In fact the Manila Hotel not only prides itself in being a 5-star hotel that strictly adheres to international standards, events, meetings and conventions are frequently held here. The rooms at this hotel have luxurious amenities and are all elegantly furnished with centralized air conditioning. Each room has a mini bar, cable television, in-room sage, bathroom, a bedside radio and a telephone. Their suites at the Manila Hotel have a 24-hour butler service. The deluxe room at this hotel costs US$ 135 and their most expensive suite, the 2 bedroom Gabriela Silang, is US $ 1,291.50.
An alternative to the Manila Hotel is Bayview Park Hotel which also boasts of almost a century old history and can be found in Roxas Boulevard. Just a couple of minutes away from the historical sites of Intramuros, boutique-style 5-star hotel offers comfort and privileges to all their guests. The Bayview Park Hotel has a different rate for Filipinos and their superior room is only Php 1,200 if it’s without breakfast but if the guest wants breakfast every morning during their stay, the rate is Php 1,600 for 2 nights.
The facilities at Bayview Park Hotel have been designed to provide a relaxing atmosphere during the guest’s stay and to provide them with everything they might possibly need. The coffee shop serves delicious meals everyday, while the bar and the lounge serve as a good rendezvous. The swimming pool at Bayview Park Hotel can be found on the rooftop so guests get to enjoy the view while doing some laps. The hotel also has a gym for the fitness fanatics. Bayview Park Hotel’s mini Internet café is equipped with the latest technology and to cap the day, they offer massage services.
If it is luxury one is after when in Manila and would like to stay at a 5-star hotel that is close to everything important, then these two options, The Bayview Park Hotel and the Manila Hotel are places to consider.
Manila transportation takes you not only to the major thoroughfares of the city but also to anywhere in the country. Land, air, or sea, one would surely find a mode of transportation that would take them to their target destination. Here we will look at the various transportation options that are available in Manila.
As one of the major cities in the Philippines, Manila has several modes of transportation to boast of. One of the most popular public transportation in the city is the jeepney. Used since after the post-World War II years, jeepneys showcase the artistry and creativity of Filipinos. The minimum fare is P7.00 for the first 4 kilometers and an additional 50 centavos for the succeeding kilometers.
Taxi cabs are also regular fixtures in Manila transportation. This mode of transport has two kinds, the regular metered cab and FX taxis. The former will take you anywhere in the city while the latter has a limited route just like buses and jeepneys. Aside from that, regular cabs have a flag down rate of 25 pesos while FX cabs have a minimum fare of 30 pesos and can take up to 12 passengers, including the driver.
If you are looking for a really quick means to get to your destination, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) is the best option. The LRT plies two routes – Monumento to Baclaran and Divisoria to Cainta. The MRT, on the other hand, traverses EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue bypassing two important commercial centers in Ortigas and Ayala Avenue. The trains are suspended 20 – 25 feet above the major roads ensuring a traffic-free trip. However, things could get messy during the rush hours.
In some districts in Manila, one could still see horse-drawn carts plying the interiors of the city. In the old city of Intramuros, for instance, calesas can take passengers to a trip to some of the country's historical places for a minimum of P100. Another mode of transportation used in traveling to inner roads or streets is the tricycle, a motorcycle with sidecar capable of carrying up to 3 passengers. A fourth passenger can sit in the driver's seat.
Aside from public modes of transport, Manila transportation likewise offers air and sea options going to other cities and provinces. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport serves as the main entry and exit point going to domestic as well as international locations. The North and South Harbor provides maritime transportation to other parts of the archipelago.
Manila transportation is very convenient with all these options available at your disposal.
Manila is usually the entry point to the Philippines for tourists. From the plane, one will see the towering skyscrapers of the commercial business districts and a city that is well into progression. While there are other places in the Philippines that one should visit, while in Manila, take in the sights and sounds of this thriving city and go to Manila destinations frequented by tourists.
Themed after the Ocean Park in Singapore, the Manila Ocean Park is one of the biggest oceanariums in the whole of Southeast Asia. Found very close to the Quirino Grandstand, this theme park that showcases marine creatures was built on some 80,000 sq feet of land. Fishes are not the only things to see at the Manila Ocean Park, the Bahura reefs are also on display here and there are replicas of different corals found in the country. When at this Manila destination, one will be amazed by the Living Ocean, which is a walk through a tunnel that is surrounded by an aquarium. Fishes swim freely above and on one’s side at the Living Ocean of the Manila Ocean Park including several species of sharks and sting rays. There is also a small pool at this Manila destination where one can dip one’s feet in and the small fishes swimming in it will nip away at dead skin cells. Not to worry though, this is not painful and is very useful in helping the skin cells regenerate. The Manila Ocean Park also has a shells museum where collections of different types of shells found in the Philippines are on display, contributed by resort owners. The Manila Ocean Park is a great Manila destination for families and young children.
The national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose P. Rizal was executed at the Luneta Park. Dr. Rizal wanted equal opportunities for Filipinos and fought a long battle of words with the Spaniards so that his fellowmen be educated as well. Luneta Park is a massive national park where one can take a stroll or visit other attractions such as the lake, the gardens, the monuments and the Planetarium. One will notice that at this Manila destination, the statue of Dr. Rizal is guarded by two soldiers around the clock. Luneta Park provides a means to get in touch with nature while in the middle of the metropolis. The Chinese Gardens should also be visited when at this Manila destination. Learning about the solar system has never been as fun as visiting Luneta Park’s Planetarium. Luneta Park provides a whole day fun for the entire family.
A trip to Manila is made even more interesting by the extensive array of food available in very corner. No matter what kind of food you are into, what kind of cuisine your tongue is most comfortable with, and what kind of dining ambience you seek, there will surely be one Manila restaurant that will suit your need.
Manila restaurants are varied according to the palate of just about every kind of individual, tourist or local. They are intended to satisfy the craving of diners, no matter how challenging that could be. What’s more, the price range at Manila restaurants can come from affordable to pricey and everything else in between.
In this comprehensive directory, you get a nice sneak peek on Manila restaurants and the mouth-watering quality they adhere to.
The Aristocrat – If you are thinking about Manila restaurants, The Aristocrat should instantly come to mind. Why, it speaks of a long line of history in the food industry. It offers the best of Filipino food at the most native atmosphere, and for a price you won’t regret paying. Sinigang and Crispy Pata are must-tries. [www.aristocrat.com.ph; San Andres St. cor. Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila; (632) 524 7671]
Harbor View – Want to eat something fresh from the water? There’s no better place to go. Harbor View offers seafood at its freshest. [www.harborview-manila.com; South Boulevard, Rizal Park, Manila; (632) 524 1532, (632) 523 2019]
Cowrie Grill – If there is one formidable choice for steak lovers among Manila restaurants, this is it! It has been serving diners for almost three decades. And it never failed anyone who craves for luscious, succulent steaks, European-style! [One Rizal Park, Roxas Blvd., Manila; (632) 527 0011]
Cafe Adriatico – A cozy ambience is always a nice advantage. Among Manila restaurants, there is one that is applauded for its romantic atmosphere more than its delectable food fare – Café Adriatico. But wait, that does not mean to say that food here sucks. It’s just that, you’ll be breathtaken to say anything more while you are eating classic Filipino and continental dishes. [Adriatico St., Remedios Circle, Malate, Manila; (632) 523 7924]
Oven 349 – If you love baked treats, this is one Manila restaurant you should dig. It serves hot-off-the-oven pastries and goodies with a fresh brew of coffee. What a perfect match! [www.oven349.co.nr; oven349@gmail.com; 1360 San Gregorio St., Paco, Manila; (632) 563 0349]
Jollibee – This is the best place to be if you seek both the convenience of fast food and the authentic Filipino taste in most foreign food fares like burgers and spaghettis and hotdogs. And oh, it’s all around the place! [http://www.jollibee.com.ph]
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.
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.