The dynamic, fun-loving capital of the Philippines is home to the old Spanish city centre of Intramuros, Rizal Park, and centuries-old Catholic churches. Rooms of all kinds and price ranges are available; let HotelTravel.com do the booking for you.
Manila is one of the most famous metropolitan cities in South East Asia. This bustling metropolis is not only the centre for business and economics; it is also on of the country’s top tourist destinations. Manila is a delightful mix of old-world culture and traditions blended with a totally modern metropolis that is complete with and modern hotels and skyscrapers, trendy shopping malls and colourful discotheques. One of Manila’s top attractions is Rizal Park, which is located on the north-western route to Intramurous. Rizal was once the site of the palace and kingdom of Rajah Suliman, the park now attracts thousands of visitors each year who marvel at the lovely man-made lake, breathtaking Chinese and Japanese gardens and national museum. Hotel accommodation in Manila is abundant and range from budget lodgings to luxury resorts. There is something on offer to match every traveller’s budget.
Manila, a sprawling mass of humanity, is one of Asia’s most diverse and energetic cities, acutely reflecting its long heritage as a point of convergence for cultures and classes. Straddling the delta of the Pasig River, the capital of the Philippines is actually several cities fused into one.
Manila has some decent attractions for children of all ages. A handful of amusement and water parks provide plenty of thrills, fun and entertainment, while Rizal Park is a great all-around spot for playing in the grass and getting some fresh air. For a more cultural experience, check out the city’s Repertory Children’s Theatre which puts on a regular schedule of kid-based plays.
Feast of the Black Nazarene: one of the major religious festivals in January centres on a life-sized wooden statue of Jesus with dark skin. This unique portrayal of Christ was brought to Manila from Mexico centuries ago and is now enshrined in Quiapo. On the day of the feast, devotees go to the basilica in this district and parade the image around town.
There’s little doubt among visitors that Manila is loaded with interesting things to see and do. The sheer mass and history of this city lends itself to a wide range of attractions covering the Spanish colonial era through to the city’s modern age of democracy. Excellent museums provide an educational background, while ventures into the bustling Divisoria Market and the shopping mecca of Glorietta show the social face of Manila. Spend some time in Intramuros and Rizal Park, which both warrant travel guides of their own, then soak in the views and history of Manila Bay before exploring Chinatown and some of the other pockets of cultural diversity that are sprinkled around this mega-city.
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, located seven miles from the city centre, is the main entry point for travellers to the Philippines. The airport’s two terminals may be in need of upgrading, but all essential facilities are available upon arrival. ATMs, currency exchange kiosks, shops, restaurants and a tourist information office are present to assist passengers. International travellers fly into Terminal 2, which is the base of the national carrier Philippine Airlines. Most major airlines have regular service into Manila.
Banks: 09:00 to 15:00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Department Stores and Shops: 10:00 to 21:00, daily
Museums: 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Sunday
Business Offices: 09:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday
Consistently excellent, and extremely good value for a high-end hotel. Spices restaurant, on the ground floor, is one of the best in Manila. Sunday brunch in Nielson's (ground floor, again) is a terri...
