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Manila
Vast and sprawling, Manila at first sight can be daunting. One of the largest cities in the world and still growing, this metropolis of sixteen towns seems impossible to navigate. With no obvious centre, the new visitor can find themselves bewildered by the crowded streets, dense traffic and frantic pace. But spend a little time among its friendly people, learn a little of its fascinating but volatile history, and its charms will soon get under your skin.
Manila has been under occupation by the Spanish, British, Japanese and Americans, and has been destroyed many times by natural disasters including fires and earthquakes. More recently, the tragic devastation wrought by bombing raids during the Second World War brought the city to its knees. Now, thanks to an ambitious programme of reconstruction, many of the city’s historic buildings have been preserved for posterity.
Intramuros is the oldest area and one of the main focuses for tourism. This ancient walled city is surrounded by sturdy fortifications built by the Spanish in the 16th century to repel hostile invaders. Most of the walls were left in ruins by wartime bombing, but the remaining parts have been sympathetically restored. Follow the walkways to the Baluarte de San Andres and the Baluarte de San Diego to appreciate their strategic position overlooking Manila Bay and the Pasig river. Nearby Fort Santiago houses the Rizal Shrine, dedicated to national hero Dr José Rizal, who lost his life in the struggle for independence. See the place of his execution in Rizal Park, one of the largest recreational spaces in Asia.
Learn about the fascinating archaeology and anthropology of the region in the National Museum of the Filipino People, or visit Casa Manila Museum for a close-up view of the domestic life of an affluent Filipino family during the colonial era. Believers and non-believers alike can’t fail to be moved by the sight of faithful pilgrims flocking to Quiapo Church to pray to the Black Nazarene, one of the most important icons in the country. Take time to visit Manila Cathedral, still proudly serving the Catholic community despite being destroyed many times.
Getting around on foot is hard in this huge metropolis, but taxis are cheap and plentiful and the light rail links most of the main sites. For the authentic Manila experience, hop on a colourful jeepney and hold on tight!
Guide to Exploring Manila
Top Hotel Deals
Belmont Hotel Manila
Newport Boulevard, PasaySituated near the airport, this hotel is 0.3 mi (0.5 km) from Resorts World Manila and 3 mi (4.8 km) from SM Mall of Asia. Baclaran Church and Embassy of Japan are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Rang Ju - Guest House
428 United Nations Ave., ManilaLocated in Ermita, this bed & breakfast is steps from Children's Museum, Plaza Nuestra Senora de Guia, and Ermita Church. U.S. Embassy and Rizal Park are also within 10 minutes.
ZEN Rooms Pasay Seaside
Sunrise Drive Mall of Asia Complex, PasaySituated in Pasay, this apartment is within a 15-minute walk of SMX Convention Center and SM Mall of Asia. Embassy of Japan and Baclaran Church are also within 1 mi (2 km).
City Garden Grand Hotel
8008 Makati Avenue corner, MakatiLocated in Makati Central Business District, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Century City and Ayala Center. A. Venue Mall and Alliance Francaise are also within 10 minutes.
Remington Hotel
#1 Jasmine Drive Newport City, PasaySituated near the airport, this hotel is 0 mi (0 km) from Resorts World Manila and 3 mi (4.9 km) from Ayala Center. Baclaran Church and Venice Grand Canal Mall are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Hotel Sogo Jr.
235 Montillano St, MuntinlupaLocated in Alabang, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Asian Hospital and Medical Center and Festival Supermall. Alabang Town Center is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away.
Tropicana Suites
1630 Luis Maria Guerrero Street, ManilaLocated in Ermita, this aparthotel is within a 15-minute walk of Supreme Court of the Philippines and Baywalk. Rizal Park and San Agustin Church are also within 2 mi (3 km).
DG Budget Hotel NAIA
Columbia Airfreight Bldg, ParanaqueSituated near the airport, this hotel is 0.7 mi (1.2 km) from St. Andrew's Cathedral and 2.5 mi (4 km) from Baclaran Church. SM Mall of Asia and Ayala Center are also within 6 mi (10 km).
Top Flight + Hotel Deals
Conrad Manila
5.0 out of 5.0Sat, 18 Nov - Sat, 25 Nov
Heathrow - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£1,362
per person
Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria
4.5 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£737
per person
Holiday Inn Manila Galleria
4.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£707
per person
City of Dreams - Crown Towers Manila
5.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£1,278
per person
Shangri-La at the Fort, Manila
5.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£1,023
per person
Hotel Novotel Manila Araneta Center
4.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£759
per person
Seda Bonifacio Global City
4.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£818
per person
Makati Shangri-la Hotel, Manila
5.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£951
per person
Oakwood Premier Joy-Nostalg Center Manila
4.5 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£788
per person
Fairmont Makati, Manila
5.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£926
per person
Eastwood Richmonde Hotel
4.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£790
per person
Midas Hotel & Casino
4.0 out of 5.0Wed, 6 Dec - Tue, 12 Dec
Gatwick - Ninoy Aquino Intl.
£755
per person
Top Deals on Flights
These prices were available within the past 7 days. Prices quoted are per person, return, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
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