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Top 10 Reasons to Visit Manila
Reason 01
A Sneak Peak into Manila
- Manila Holidays discovering historical sites, enjoying delicious food, and getting involved in the local art scene are just some of the many things you can do in Manila.
- Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a busy city that offers a wide range of fun things to do on Manila holidays.
- Intramuros is a city full of cultural treasures. It is a walled city that looks like it’s from another time with its Spanish colonial buildings, old churches, and dirt streets. To learn more about the city’s Spanish past, visit Fort Santiago and the San Agustin Church, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- There are many museums and art centres in the city. The Ayala Museum has beautiful examples of Filipino art and culture, while the National Museum shows Filipino history and art. Places for modern art, such as the Pinto Art Museum and the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, give you a look into the art scene in the Philippines.
- All year long, Manila is home to many gatherings and events. In Lucban, the Pahiyas Festival honours a good harvest with brightly coloured house decorations. In Baguio, the Panagbenga Festival has big parades and detailed floats.
- Manila’s nightlife is always busy, no matter the time of year. Makati and Bonifacio Global City are two parts of the city with many bars, clubs, and places with live music. Poblacion is a lively place to spend the night because it has many different restaurants and leisure options.
- Manila’s malls are an important part of the culture because they are places to shop, eat, have fun, and more. A big mall like the Mall of Asia can be found in Greenhills Shopping Centre, best known for its jewellery and tech stores. People who love shopping will love all the different options in Manila. You can find good deals in Divisoria, look around the high-end shops on Greenbelt and Bonifacio High Street or bargain for handmade goods in Quiapo’s markets.
- Want to find cheap holiday deals in Manila? Cheaper when you book your flight and hotel on World Pinoy Flights.
- Capital: Manila
- International Airport: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
- Currency: Philippine Peso (PHP)
- Time Zone: Philippine Time (PHT) UTC+8 (No Daylight Saving Time)
- Driving Side: Right-hand side
- Main Electricity: 220V, 60Hz (Type A, B, or C sockets may be used)
- Official Language: Filipino and English
- Religion: Predominantly Roman Catholic Christianity, with other Christian denominations and minority faiths
Reason 02
Highlights
- Before you go to some of the world’s biggest and best shopping malls, you can see Spanish colonial buildings, world-class museums and galleries, and the oldest Chinatown in the world. There are many great places to stay in Metro Manila, from busy cities to beautiful beaches.
- The streets wind around forts, churches, museums, and other places inside the walled city of Intramuros. The oldest church in the Philippines, San Agustin, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that you should see. Find out what the shrine museum to José Rizal at the Spanish-era Fort Santiago is hiding. Casa Manila has art and furniture that will take you back in time. That’s just one place. There are 15 more that have yet to be found.
- Back in time to the present day in Pasay. The nightlife starts here, with many bars, restaurants, and hotels for various prices. In between shopping stores and Baywalk sunsets, give yourself a five-star holiday. On holiday, you can also visit Malate and Ermita to see famous plays and some of the best things to do in Metro Manila.
- There are adventures for kids, too. At the Exploreum Science Museum and the Museo Pambata Children’s Museum, there are hands-on shows that they are sure to enjoy. Or, you can blow their minds at the Upside Down Museum of Illusions, giving you many unique pictures and memories. People can even enjoy the nightlife. There are singing nights on the Baywalk and entertainment at Manila holidays All Inclusive hotels.
- You’re in a great place to go on day trips and hop from island to island. Go to Corregidor Island to see the ruins of a group of forts that stood at the entrance to Manila Bay. If you climb the Taal Volcano, you can see the island and further away in awe. Stop by the People’s Park in the Sky if you’re up for it to blow off some steam and have lunch from above.
- Book your Metro Manila holidays today and have a trip you’ll never forget.
Reason 03
Seasons to Travel
- The best time to visit the Manila Holidays in the Philippines is between December and February because the weather is cool and doesn’t rain much.
- It gets hot and humid from March through May, making travelling unpleasant.
- Try to spend much time in the water or go somewhere higher, like the Banaue rice fields.
- There is a chance of storms from June to October, when it rains, making it hard for planes, cars, and boats to get where they need to go.
- Small group Manila holidays don’t usually happen during this time, but you can book a custom holiday anytime.
Reason 04
Worth A Visit
Intramuros
- Visitors can learn about the Philippines’ long past on tours around the Walled City of Intramuros in Manila. The main city has many buildings, churches, plazas, and museums that tell interesting stories about when Spain ruled the Philippines.
- The Walled City of Intramuros in Manila is south of the Pasig River and east of Manila Bay. The Spanish built it 400 years ago as their government and military base in Asia.
- For defence, the city had moats, guns, bulwarks, weapons, and the 4.5-km wall, which is where the name came from (“within the walls”). In addition to keeping Intramuros safe from natural disasters, it kept Chinese pirates, Dutch troops, and other invaders at bay.
- It had many influences from Spanish architecture, like big baroque church designs, but repairs showed that it also had Chinese influences. However, some buildings were not fixed up after being destroyed in several wars and are still there today.
- The past behind the ruins made Intramuros a must-see in Manila, even though it has been updated since then.
- The past ramparts, fortresses, and gates can still be seen and are a big part of walking tours and cultural shows for tourists who want to learn about the country’s history.
- Learn about the past inside the walls as you walk down memory lane. Save this guide to Manila Holidays so you can use it to plan your tours of Intramuros!
National Museum of the Philippines
- Over the past 32 years, the Museum Foundation of the Philippines has done some of the most innovative work in cultural assets this century.
- After years of work, renovating three historic buildings that housed the National Museum of Fine Arts, the National Museum of Anthropology, and the National Museum of Natural History made this dream come true.
- The Museum Foundation of the Philippines Hall at the National Museum houses an important work by a National Artist.
- The Foundation also buys important collections for museums and fixes up important works of art.
- It also holds regular lectures, grants, tours, and the MaARTe fair every year, which showcases the best in contemporary Philippine arts and crafts. It also works on other special projects.
- Join us as you can make these big steps forward and see more interesting work in cultural heritage!
Rizal Park
- The Rizal Monument is a monument in Manila, Philippines’ Rizal Park, that was built to honour José Rizal, a Filipino nationalist who was put to death.
- The monument has a bronze statue of Rizal standing and an obelisk on a stone base where his body is buried.
- The obelisk holds his famous books, “El Filibusterismo” and “Noli Me Tangere.”
- The Philippine Marine Corps’ Marine Security and Escort Group constantly walks around the monument’s perimeter, and the guards change periodically.
- About 100 m northwest of the memorial is the exact spot where Rizal was put to death. There are life-size dioramas there that show his last hours.
- The landmark is the most well-known building in Luneta. Filipinos see the Rizal Monument as an important part of their national history because it remembers the brave act Jose Rizal did for his country.
- In Madrid, Spain, at the corner of Avenida de Las Islas Filipinas and Calle Santander, you can find a monument that is an exact copy of the Rizal Monument.
San Agustin Church
- The oldest church in the Philippines is San Agustin Church, which is inside the walls of Intramuros.
- It was the only building still standing after World War II. It was the church and the close monastery.
- The present building is the third version of the church, which has been through several natural disasters.
- These churches were built all over the Philippines by the Spaniards, who came to spread Catholicism.
- The San Agustin Church is one of them. The Augustinian Order built the church in 1571.
- Then, it was built out of nipa and bamboo and named Iglesia y Convento de San Pablo.
- Three years later, Limahong, a Chinese pirate, took over Manila and set fire to many homes and the San Agustin Church. Because of this, the church was rebuilt out of wood in 1575. It was too bad that the new wooden church burned again in 1583.
- The Augustinian friars used adobe stones for the third church because they feared another big disaster. In 1586, they talked to Juan Macias about how to plan and build the church. Then, in 1607, it was finally done.
Reason 05
Discover More
Binondo
- The world’s oldest Chinatown is busier than ever. Home to more than 20,000 people, it is famous for its historic cafes, neoclassical buildings, and lively culture.
- Binondo is made up of its people. This small district has everything you could want in a Filipino city: lively vendors, the sound of jeepneys, friendly locals, and authentic Chinese restaurants that will take your taste buds on a trip like no other.
- Manila’s rich cultural history can be seen in every part of the world’s oldest Chinatown. Although you’ll only walk through it once, you’ll remember it forever.
- The huge New Binondo Chinatown Arch is at the base of Jones Bridge and leads to Binondo.
- When finished in 2015, the entrance was the world’s biggest. The El Hogar Filipino building’s shell can be seen from the left side of the bridge.
- It was a wedding gift from Antonio Melián Pavía to his bride, Margarita Zóbel de Ayala. This building was once a wonder but has fallen into ruin, showing its problems over the past few decades.
- On the right is a beautiful building called the Manila Central Post Office, which Juan M. Arellano, Tomas Mapua, and Ralph Doane created.
Mall of Asia
- SM Mall of Asia is one of the biggest malls in the Philippines and the world.
- It’s not your average mall; it’s a tourist spot with many things to do, like shop, relax, and have fun and more with Manila Holidays.
- The mall is a huge complex with first-class facilities and a good mix of local and international names.
- It is right next to the beautiful Manila Bay. It’s easy to spend a day or two here shopping or drinking by the bay at night.
- There is a two-story entertainment complex at SM Mall of Asia with world-class movie theatres and the first Olympic-sized ice rink in the country.
- It can be hard to choose between all the stores and restaurants, from fast food to high-end restaurants. Outside, there’s a small amusement park where you can have lunch and relax in the sea air.
- In addition to the beautiful sunsets, there are also small fireworks shows on the weekends.
- The SM Mall of Asia also has a meeting centre, a large concert area, and an indoor arena that can hold up to 20,000 people. People from the area and tourists shop there so that it can get crowded on weekends and holidays. If possible, go during the week.
Manila Bay
- Manila Bay is both a harbour and the Port of Manila. Its location on the western coast of Manila City makes it easy to send and receive things from and to neighbouring countries.
- The beach is 190 km long, and the baywalk is about 2 km long. The baywalk, along Roxas Boulevard, allows you to see the sun going down behind the horizon.
- It’s best known as a place to watch the sunset, but visitors can do more than walk around and watch the sunset here.
- They can also eat at one of the many restaurants, shops, or bars and enjoy the view of the bay.
- Throughout history, Manila Bay has been a major trading port and the site of important fights.
- In particular, the Battle of Manila Bay. This was part of a war between Spain and the United States that lasted more than 200 years and ended in 1898 with an American victory over the Spanish army.
- That’s also where the Japanese troops were driven out of Manila at the end of World War II.
Reason 06
Culture Traditions
- The Feast of Black Nazarene is one of the Philippines’ most well-known religious parades. Thousands of people celebrate this event in Quaipo, Manila, where a statue of Christ built over two hundred years ago is erected. Men and women walk barefoot through the city streets for hours at this event.
- The Aliwan Fiesta is one of the Philippines’ most well-known events. It only began in 2003, but it’s already one of the parties people love attending. Every year, the Aliwan Fiesta brings together people from all over the country to show off their songs, traditions, art, and culture. You can learn about what grows in the country and see how people from different cultures dress and do things. Intriguing!
- Blessed Child Manila has a lot of holy events. Filipinos dress their streets, especially in the Tondo and Pandacan neighbourhoods, with bright colours, dancers, and music for the Santo Niño holiday. What a great way to learn about this event while you’re travelling.
- Bailes de los Arcos in Old Makati is a party that has been going on for generations in Manila. The Virgen de la Rosa, Saint Peter, and Saint Paul are honoured, giving it a holy feel. This Filipino event is all about the young women. The dancers practised for months in preparation for a traditional performance. It is a gift and a thank you to the saints for all this year’s good things.
- Putting up buns in pandanus The dance is deeply rooted in the culture of Manila and the Philippines. One of the most well-known dance events in the area is the buling-buling in Pandacan. They do it so much that it’s now the official dance of Manila. At this event, dance shows that have been planned and practised are shown. People in Manila are happy and friendly during this time.
- The Battle at Manila, The capital city of the Philippines, celebrates every February 3 the end of World War II and the freedom of its land. People in Manila still celebrate their identity as a city and a country, even though the event isn’t as loud as other holidays.
- The Philippines celebrates Manila Day on June 24. Anyone of any religion can join the party. Everyone makes a feast to remember and honour their victories, customs, and culture. Try to go to one of the Philippines’ islands to enjoy this party with our Manila Holidays.
Reason 07
Food Fun Fashion
Food
- Different parts of Luzon have different meals, but you can easily tell them apart by the ingredients that are native to that area.
- Pampanga, also known as the “Culinary Capital of the Philippines,” is one of the most famous places for food tourists to visit in Luzon.
- It has a wide range of savoury dishes.
- Along with ATV in Albay with a view of Mayon Volcano, Bicol is another famous area on Luzon for its food and treats.
- It is known for hot foods that are mixed with coconut milk. You can try some of the best-known foods in Luzon when you visit this part of the country.
Fun
- Explore the lively charm of Manila City, the capital of the Philippines and home to interesting historical places like Intramuros Old Town.
- Find out about the best places to visit in Manila City, the specialities you should try, and the different ways you can get around the metro.
- People often think of Manila City as the entrance to the country’s beautiful beaches and islands, but the city has many interesting things to see and do.
- Manila City is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. It offers historic sites, cultural activities, and delicious foods.
- An organised tour of Manila City allows you to easily see the most important places and do the most exciting things.
- You could also take a car and go at your own pace while seeing Manila’s tourist spots.
- Get ready to fall in love with Manila City’s unique mix of fun things to do, tasty food, and interesting sights and more with Manila Holidays.
Fashion
- There are shopping stores in almost every corner of Manila, making it a great place for people who love to shop.
- If you asked the average Filipino his favourite activity, “malling” would be at the top. That’s how deeply shopping malls are embedded in the country’s culture and geography.
- The SM Megamall is one of the biggest stores in the country. It has many floors with places to shop, eat, and have fun. The Mega Fashion Hall, the mall’s newest addition, has a lot of new shops and restaurants for people of all incomes and tastes. People who don’t want to shop can hang out in the food court or the movie theatre. The mall has an ice rink where people who want to be winter Olympians can improve their skills.
- Gateway Mall is the place to go if you like shopping at high-end stores because of its modern, glitzy look and wide range of high-end names. After too much shopping, go to the Platinum Cinema to rest and enjoy a luxurious movie experience.
- Because it is so well connected to public transport, Trinoma (Triangle North of Manila) lets buyers skip the notoriously bad traffic in Manila. The stores are varied, from small boutiques to well-known high-street names.
- Greenbelt is in Makati’s business area and has five different places to visit, each with specialities and prices to suit different budgets. You can see the newest films and see live theatre at Greenbelt 1. There are also small shops there selling electronics and home goods. After you’re done, go to Greenbelt 2 to eat some tasty Asian and European food. Afterwards, go to Greenbelt 3 for coffee and Greenbelt 4 and 5 to look at expensive clothes and accessories.
- Another huge mall in the SM group is SM Mall of Asia (MOA). The Main Mall has many places to shop and eat and a food court. The Entertainment Mall has a beautiful view of Manila Bay, balconies where you can eat outside, and beautiful greenery.
- Not only are there movie theatres, but there are also places to see live bands and plays. Families can pass the time at the entertainment park on-site, which has a Ferris wheel and a carousel, or at the Olympic-sized ice rink in the mall.
Reason 08
Nature Safari
- Tanay, Rizal, is a province just outside Metro Manila. Treasure Mountain is one of the most famous tourist attractions there. Treasure Mountain should be at the top of your list if you want to stay at a glamping lodge close to Manila.
- The Puning Hot Spring is one of the best places in Pampanga and is famous for nature trips close to Metro Manila. Treat yourself to a sand spa session and let the warm sand relax your body. You can also get a mud pack treatment, which is relaxing because you soak in the mud.
- Take a beautiful Inararo ecotour to the Tutulari Avatar Gorge in Porac, Pampanga. The Aeta community made this secret gem public. On this ecotour in the Philippines, you can learn about this natural wonder by hiking along trails and streams and seeing plants and animals in the forest.
- People know Batangas for its lovely mountains and beaches. A complete nature getaway close to Manila. After only two to three hours of driving from the metro, you can enjoy a quick getaway to beaches and resorts, hike in the mountains, and eat delicious local food.
- In the mountains of Tagaytay, you canease off and have fun. Tagaytay is known for having cooler weather than the city area. It’s a great place to spend a nature-filled holiday close to Manila, with views of Taal Lake and the volcano. In Tagaytay, you can book hotels with views of Taal Lake and take trips that the whole family will enjoy.
- On a coffee farm walk at ECHOfarms in Amadeo, Cavite, you can enjoy the fresh air and learn about Philippine coffee. The three-hour tour starts at ECHOfarms, where you can try a few different kinds of local coffee and hear a short talk about coffee and how to make it.
- At the Labasin Waterfalls restaurant, you can enjoy a full lunch while viewing the man-made falls in Villa Escudero. Villa Escudero is a resort and coconut farm in the province of Quezon that offers delicious food and beautiful views of nature. When you take a Villa Escudero day tour, you can ride a carabao cart through the lush scenery.
- Zambales, in Central Luzon, is one of the most famous beach spots in the Philippines. Island and beach spots like Anawangin Cove, Nagsasa Cove, and Capones Island are some of the most well-known near Manila.
- Explore the well-kept colonial-era homes at Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan to learn about Philippine history and architecture. At this open-air museum, visitors can go back in time and learn about the country’s history. Walk along cobblestone streets lined with reconstructed ancestral houses from all over the country.
- Laguna has some of the best natural hot springs in the Philippines. You can relax in the warm water at one of these springs. Laguna has a lot of public and private hot spring resorts that are only a few hours’ drive from Manila.
- Plan your day trip to a nature spot near Manila to maximise your time in Japan. You can camp with Rizal in Treasure Mountain, stay in a hotel in Tagaytay with a view of the beautiful Taal Lake, or visit many islands in Zambales. These trips into nature near Manila are great for getting away from the city quickly, going on a nature date near Manila, or just finding peace in beautiful nature.
Reason 09
Events Fiestas
- In Metro Manila and other parts of the Philippines, some of the most famous events and festivals are happening…
- Festivals, or fiestas, are a big part of Filipino society. They have roots in the Catholic Spanish era, as well as in native traditions and Mexican culture.
- Most fiestas happen on the feast days of the town’s main saint. Here are some of the Philippines’ and Manila’s most important Fiestas:
- Celebration of Black Nazarine: Held in Quaipo, Manila, twice a year, on January 9 and Good Friday. The Festival’s focus is a 200-year-old figure of a black Christ.
- Festival celebrates Sinulog, a much bigger holiday that got its idea from the Ati-Atihan festival. This event celebrates the baby Jesus, known as Santo Niño in the Philippines. Sinulog is one of the biggest events in the country, and there is a parade and party all day long. It happens on the third Sunday of January.
- Celebration of Kadayawan Every year in Davao, Kadayawan is a festival for the crops. Many events include street dancing, a flower parade, and people dressed in bright outfits. It happens on the third weekend of August.
- On May 15, the Pahiyas Festival was held in Lucban to celebrate San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint of farmers. Fruits and plants are used to make pretty houses.
- Festival at Dinagyang This event honours Jesus and takes place in Iloilo City. It hasval has three mainivaleet Dancing, Kasadyahan Street Dancing, and Miss Dinagyang. It happens on Saturday in January.
- Festivity of Masskara, a more recent event, is a big masquerade party with a competition for the best street dancing. It takes place every year in October in Bacolod City.
- Celebration of Panagbenga This event takes place in Baguio City on the last Sunday of February and is sometimes called the Flower Festival. People at Panagbenga wear very fancy flower-themed costumes, and there is a float show.
- Festival de Higantes the annual gathering for San Clemente, the patron saint of fishermen, takes place in November in Angono, Rizal, just outside the greater Manila area. Giants, or Higantes, are huge forms of papier maché carried through the streets to honour the saint.
- Many Chinese people live in the Philippines in China, and the whole country celebrates Chinese New Year. The party is loudest in Binondo, the world’s largest Chinatown. Some things to do are put flowers and hang red lanterns. Watch the Dragon and Lion Dances.
- Manila hosts the Cinemanila event every year, an international film festival featuring Filipino and Southeast Asian films.
- Marikina Sapatos Festival is a yearly celebration that lasts a whole month starting in the middle of October. The Festival showed off people’s skills from Marikina, the Philippines’ shoe capital. The festival trade parade goes from Manila to other cities at the Festival. The big moving shoe that goes with the caravan is one of the best parts of the event.
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