Manila is found on the largest of the Philippine Islands, Luzon. It is the capital city of the Philippines. There is often unrest in this area of the world and in the Philippines itself, so be sure to check with the state department and do your research on security ahead of time if visiting Manila or the islands.
1.6 million people call the city of Manila home and it has been known as the Pearl of the Orient. If you research the history of the city, you will find that much of it was destroyed during World War II, but rebuilt, of course, to become the Manila of today.
If you wish to spend some quiet time in a park, try to stop by the nearly 150 acre large Rizal Park. It looks over the Manila Bay and provides hours of entertainment to the visitor. You will be able to enjoy lovely gardens, monuments, a concert hall, theater, and even an observatory. Food is available here as well as playground areas for the children. A Chinese Garden and a Japanese Garden are found within the area of Rizal Park. At the monument to honor Jose Rizal (the national hero who died in this spot) there is a guard on duty twenty four hours a day and they have changing of the guard at the monument.
Also while at the park, you may enjoy the Artists' Haven, the National Historical Institute, and the National Library, the lagoon, and the beautiful gardens. There is a butterfly garden here, a waterfall, and a rainforest (of the manmade variety.) If you get tired of walking this huge area, carriages drawn by horses are available.
A former capital of Manila called Intramuros is a historical site tourists will enjoy visiting. It was built in the mid 16th century and shows some of the history of the Spanish period of the area's history. It is a walled city, with some of the ancient buildings remaining. Here visitors can see some of what what remains after World War II destroyed many of the buildings. Among the things still standing to visit are the Manila Cathedral and the St. Augustine (San Agustin) churches and Fort Santiago. The fort took about 150 years to complete and it was started in 1571.
Unique about the Manila Cathedral is that if you were to take an air tour over the city, the church will be in the form of a cross. A unique fact about the St. Augustine Church is that it is the oldest church made of stone in the entire country of the Philippines and has stood strong through World War II and various earthquakes that have hit the area since the church was built.
The Manila Zoo (Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden) was first opened in 1959. Found on Quirino Avenue, this was one of the first zoos to open in Asia. In addition to the many species of animals, birds, etc. there is an amphitheater, playground and petting area for children (Kinder Zoo).
For doing some shopping or finding a restaurant offering local cuisine, try the Baywalk. Directly beside Manila Bay, the sunsets are incredible from here, as well as from many other points by the bay. There are palm trees and shops, food and live entertainment. For another kind of shopping, the various districts within the city offer public markets, some of them huge and modern, and some more traditional. There are also shopping malls within the city. One shopping place of interest that has been restored as an old train station is the Tutuban Mall.
If you have an interest in the history of the country, architecture, or religion, there are various churches in Manila to visit. Some of these include the Manila Cathedral (Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception) and San Agustin churches already mentioned, Malate Church (Our Lady of Miraculous Medal), Quiapo Church (Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene), San Sebastian Church (Minor Basilica of San Sebastian), Santa Ana Church, and Binando Church (Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz).
If you have never seen a volcano, the Taal Volcano is located less than 40 miles from Manila. It is an active volcano, so keep the risk factors in mind if any of your activities involve visiting the Taal area.
For an evening of song or dance, the Cultural Center of the Philippines offers music of many kinds, dance including ballet, and many other events throughout the year. The Cultural Center is found on Roxas Boulevard.
There are a number of museums in Manila including the Museum of Manila, the Light and Sound Museum at Intramuros, the Children's Museum, and the National Museum of the Filipino People.
The beautiful Spanish Colonial Malacanang Palace is in the San Miguel district of the city. The palace advises calling first if you are planning a visit there. If you want to get into some sports activities, try stopping by the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex. There are many options of sporty-type activities to do and watch at the complex.
Manila also has its own Chinatown if a tourist to the city still needs more things to see and do. You will be able to see the sights and smell the smells of a typical Chinatown area. Check out the carriage (calesas) rides that are offered from Chinatown.
