Manila is a vast city spanning about 650 square kilometers with a population of approximately 12 million residents, indicating its high population density. It is the capital of the Philippines, a bustling city situated along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
It’s a city where the past and present coexist seamlessly.
When you arrive in Manila, your landing will typically be at one of the various terminals. There are three different terminals for international flights and an additional one for domestic flights. In most cases, if you arrive on an international flight with a foreign airline that is not Philippine-owned, your arrival will likely be at Terminal 1. This terminal is the oldest and not the most pleasant, but once you leave the airport, everything changes as you step into the unique and colorful world of Manila.
Throughout your journey to the hotel, you’ll encounter the “jeepneys,” which are the local public transportation. They resemble the former American military jeeps from the time when the Philippines was under American rule. Even before American rule, Manila had a long and primitive history, with remnants visible in the streets of Intramuros, a neighborhood with cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and shrines. Today, it’s highly modernized.
Manila has a rich history, having been under Spanish rule in the past, and it has absorbed various cultures over the years.
In the present day, Manila is a modern city, similar to major cities worldwide. It boasts numerous massive shopping malls, beautiful parks, cinemas equipped with IMAX technology, and a vast seaside promenade.
Manila caters to all types of travelers, from backpackers to luxury hotel enthusiasts. Its diverse entertainment options, scattered shopping centers throughout the city, and numerous restaurants offer visitors a chance to enjoy the city’s atmosphere.
In Manila, you can find the largest mall in Asia, called “Mall of Asia.” This gigantic mall covers a massive area facing Manila Bay. Part of the mall’s territory was once underwater, but it has since been reclaimed and developed into a shopping haven. The mall features a plethora of shops offering a wide variety of international products and brands. Additionally, you can enjoy sitting in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea and relish the beautiful sunset over Manila Bay.
The city of Manila also invites you to explore its bustling markets filled with everything good and diverse, as well as numerous stores with very affordable prices.
>> Information about shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment areas
From Manila, you can embark on day trips to Tagaytay, where you can see the majestic Taal Volcano and its stunning surroundings, as well as the enchanting Pagsanjan Falls, just a couple of hours’ drive away from Manila. Of course, there’s also the famous Mount Pinatubo, which erupted unexpectedly in 1991 and covered entire villages in the vicinity. Today, the area serves as one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations.
If you wish to explore the historic side of Manila, you can visit Intramuros, the old city of Manila. You can also visit the renowned Chinese Cemetery with its extravagant mausoleums built for the dearly departed members of the Chinese community. And, of course, there’s the bustling business district of Makati City.
Malate, an area located in Manila, is considered a highly developed tourist area. You can find numerous hotels of all types there. A few minutes’ drive from Malate, you’ll find the business district of Manila. From the tourist area of Malate, you can easily reach downtown Manila by public transport, taxis, and even by walking to the well-established shopping centers in the area, Greenbelt and Glorietta, where you can find everything you need, from clothing to restaurants, electronics, and, of course, souvenirs from the Philippines if you haven’t had the chance to buy them yet.
So, see you in Manila!
Mabuhay!