Manila, Ultimate Philippines

Manila is the capital city of Philippines. One of the greatest Asian cities, Manila is one incomparable mixture of the East and the West. Exuding with old world charm, Manila has seen also swift modern development. Manila is very much, in both literal and figurative sense the heart of Philippines. It is its political, cultural, financial center and is the very nucleus of the whole of Philippines.

A city with a turbulent history, Manila has numerous historical monuments that bear testimony to its marked place in the annals of history. The people are warm and friendly.

Places of interest

A Majority of the locations worthy of interest are located along Manila Bay.

Intramuros

Intramuros means ‘within the walls’ in Spanish. Located at the northern tip of the Manila Bay, Intramuros is the remains of walled Spanish settlement of Manila. Intramuros houses some excellent museums, remains and churches.

The manila Cathedral is located in Intramuros. This is the most important church in the entire country.

Basilica of San Sebastian

The Basilica of San Sebastian is an all steel church designed by Gustav Eiffel, famed architect of the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty. It is built in Gothic style, and was built in strong steel because the place kept getting destroyed due to repeated fires and earthquakes.

Bay walk

The Bay walk is a park adjacent to manila Bay in the South of the Luneta.

Bonificio Shrine

Bonifacio Shrine was built in honor of Andres Bonifacio who fought for freedom against the Spanish at the time of freedom struggle.

Chinatown

One of the largest Chinatowns in the world, this is an excellent place to shop for exotic goods and eat some delicious Chinese food.

Mabini Shrine

Mabini Shrine was the former home of Apolinario Mabini, a lawyer who fought for freedom during the Philippine Independence. During the American Occupation, this was a meeting and the first intellectual headquarters of the First Philippine Republic.

Malacañang Palace

Malacañang Palace is the official residence of the Philippine president. This is wonderful building with splendid architecture. There are many interesting sites around the palace too. The splendid royal gardens are amazing to watch.

Manila Hotel

The Manila hotel, located just outside Intramuros on the edge of Manila bay, is an attractive and historic hotel. This is a relic from the American Colonial era, and was home to General Douglas Mac Arthur before the World War I I.

Museums

There are several must see museums in Manila, and several has had recent refurbishments. The National Museum of the Filipino People, The Ayala Museum, The Museum of Filipino Political History, Museo Pambata for children, Bahay Chinoy, casa Manila and San Agustin Museum.

How to get there

Manila is easily accessible by air, and has two airports serving the city.