Philippines
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Philippines - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Intramuros
IntramurosMeaning literally "within the walls," Intramuros is Manila's historic heart and its oldest neighborhood. The Spanish began constructing the walls towards the end of the 16th century, and for the next 350 years this ½-square-km of real estate has remained a thriving center of government, culture, and trade. Time, tropical weather, wars, and earthquakes have combined to fade its glory somewhat, and it suffered particularly heavy damage during Manila's liberation from the Japanese in 1945, but restoration work in recent decades has halted the decline, and it continues as a priceless remnant of colonial architecture that drips history from every corner. There are numerous old houses with whitewashed facades and iron-rail balconies, as well as the city's former first line of defense, Fort Santiago. But the main highlights are the several churches, not least of all San Augustin on General Antonio Luna, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Immaculate Conception—more usually known simply as Manila Cathedral—on Plaza de Roma.
Between Bonifacio Dr and Padre Burgos St, Manila, Metro Manila, 1002, Philippines02-527--3138Sight Details
Rate Includes: ₱75--100 -
2. Corregidor Island
One look at a map will convince you of Corregidor's strategic importance. Some 48 km (30 miles) southwest of the city, it stands guard over the entrance to Manila Bay, and any marauding invader wishing to take the city by sea must first pass by here. Under Spanish rule it was both a defensive fortress and a penal colony. During the American colonial period it was the site of Fort Mills and also Malinta Tunnel, the latter both a defensive bunker and a 1,000-bed military hospital. The tunnel was also the last stronghold of the American forces under General Douglas MacArthur in 1942, before they were forced to withdraw following the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. Today you can view an audiovisual presentation about the building's history inside of the tunnel. Most other war-damaged buildings have been left as they were, as a memorial to the many Filipino and American soldiers who died here. The highest section of Corregidor is also the location for the Pacific War Memorial, completed in 1968 by the U.S. Government to honor the soldiers who took part in World War II. Also on the island, a Japanese Garden of Peace serves as a reminder that it wasn't only allied soldiers who gave up their lives. Elsewhere, Corregidor Lighthouse, first built in 1853, reminds us that the island also has a navigational as well as strategic role. The best way to visit Corregidor is to book a day tour through one of Manila's many travel agents.
Corregidor Island, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines02-831--8140Sight Details
Rate Includes: ₱150 -
3. Fort Santiago
IntramurosConstruction of this stone defensive fortress beside the Pasig River was begun in 1590 by conquistadors on the site of a palace once used by the last pre-Hispanic king. Over the centuries it has fallen into disrepair and ruin, and besides the impressively restored entrance gate on the south side, it mainly functions now as a museum and peaceful public park on the edge of the Intramuros district. Toward the end of colonial rule, the country's foremost national hero, Dr. José P. Rizal, was imprisoned here and then executed by firing squad in 1896. His former cell has been transformed into the Rizal Shrine and contains memorabilia about his life and work. The fort is also home to the Intramuros Visitors Center, which can advise about other attractions in the walled city.
Santa Clara St., Manila, Metro Manila, 1002, Philippines02-527--1572Sight Details
Rate Includes: ₱75, Daily 8--9 -
4. Rizal Park
Rizal ParkThis 130-acre park in the heart of downtown Manila traces back to 1820 and the peak of Spanish rule, yet today it is named after José Rizal, the national hero largely responsible for ending the colonial era. Bordering Manila Bay, Intramuros, and Ermita, it acts as the city's lungs, providing a respite from the traffic. As well as having lots of open space, it's home to numerous monuments and both a Japanese and Chinese ornamental garden. But the main reason to come is people-watching, especially on weekends when locals flock here to picnic, and young couples come to canoodle away from the disapproving gazes of their watchful parents.
Roxas Blvd., Manila, Metro Manila, 1000, Philippines02-302--7079Sight Details
Rate Includes: ₱10--50, Daily 5--9 -
5. Taal Volcano
If you make only one day-trip out of Manila, book a tour—or hire a taxi and driver—to visit Taal Lake and Volcano; you can get here on public buses heading for Tagaytay City, but a pre-arranged trip avoids the need to negotiate prices at every turn. This huge volcanic crater containing a lake and another smaller volcanic cone at its center is arguably the most spectacular site in central Luzon, and it's a world away from the hustle and noise of downtown Manila. For the grander view, enjoy the panoramic vistas from the crater rim in Tagaytay itself. To get more up close and personal, take the winding road down to the lakeside village of Talisay, from where small boats head out to the central island. There you can then either walk (a half-hour each way) or ride a horse up to another crater rim, from where you can gaze down at what it believed to be the world's only "island within a lake within an island within a lake within an island." Try saying that quickly.
Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines -
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