Manila Philippines Tourism (2020) Travel Guide Top Places

"Manila: a whole different kind of architecture"

Manila Tourism

The city of extensive commerce and seats the executive and judicial branches of the Philippine national government, MANILA, also the capital city of Philippine, contains architectural and cultural landmarks, dating from the Spanish colonial period such as the Walled City of Intramuros. Globalisation and World Cities Research Network listed the city as a global city in the year 2012. Located on the eastern shore of Manila Bay, it is the second most populous city in the Philippines.

The city is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and lies 800 miles/1300 km. from mainland Asia. The Pasig River bisects Manila. Manila has been altered substantially by human intervention, with considerable land reclamation along the waterfronts since the American colonial times. The city has six representative districts for the lower house of the Philippine Congress thus the city is composed of 16 districts. Before the city became a province of the Hindu Majapahit Empire, the Kingdom of Tondo once ruled in the vicinity of Manila. During the Brunei invasion of the Philippines, Sultan Bolkiah of Brunei captured Seludong and renamed it Maynilà, a Tagalog term referring to the presence of the Nila shrub. Manila is one of the earliest examples of globalisation as it was a centre of Spanish activity in the east and one end of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade route which linked Spanish America with Asia.

Places to Visit In Manila

Intramuros

Rizal Park

Casa Manila

Divisoria Market

National Museum

Manila Bay

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Shopping in Manila

When in Manila you must follow their way of shopping. Shopping+eating+basketball, all together results in a perfect weekend for the Filipinos. There are several malls in the city to shop from and stay in the air conditioned indoors in the hot and humid climate. Malls like the SM malls, Glorietta and Greenbelt, Trinoma(Triangle North of Manilla), Divisoria and 168 are few offering great shops and flea markets to experience the local tradition of Manila.

Currency in Manila

Philippine peso (PHP/P/Php), is the local currency of Philippine. One peso is made up of 100 centavos. The notes come in denominations of P 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Whereas the coins come in denominations of P 10, 5, 2 and 1 and 50, 25, 10 and 5 centavos.

Exchanging Money in Manila

It is easy for the visitors to exchange foreign currency into local peso. Even though the hotels provide money exchange services, the best rate providers are the banks and licensed moneychangers. The ATM services are easily accessible around the city, you must check for any charges added to each transaction. All major shops accept credit cards. Carry cash if you are going far from the urban centres as it would be difficult withdraw cash there.

Daily Budget for Manila

This is to give an estimate of the amount of money a traveller should carry. Try and give separate ranges for a shoestring budget travel, comfortable travel and luxury travel. Short, objective information expected.

Religion of Manila

Philippines is the only country having Christian religion in Asia with 92% population falling in this religion. About 5.6% population belongs to the Muslim religion making Islam the second largest religion in Philippine. The Japanese population of the country practice Buddhism.

Manila Customs

Greeting the eldest or the most important person of the family first is a must. Two people shake hands with a smile is a standard way of greeting in the city, close females may also give hugs to each other. Using the first name or nickname without given the permission is not appreciated, you may call a person by his surname or a title asked by him. Dress Code: Men or women, it is not appreciated to wear shorts, for men knee length are still fine but not above knee lengths, shorts are strict no no for girls. If roaming in malls you are to dress up well.

Language of Manila

Filipino is the national language of Manila. Although English is spoken and understood by the locals too. Many more languages are spoken like Spanish, Arabic, Ibanag, etc. Phrases in Filipino - Hello: Kamusta; Thank You: Salamat; Sorry: pinagsisisiha; Goodbye: Paalam.

History of Manila

After winning the sovereignty over the Philippine Islands, Manila became the seat of the colonial government of Spain in 1565. The seat of the government was situated within the fortified walls of old Manila to keep out the invading Chinese pirates and protect the city from native uprisings. Manila became the center of trade between Manila and Acapulco, which took place for three centuries and brought in goods from the America to South East Asia and the other way round. World War II destroyed the city fully but was soon reconstructed after the war. Manila was the most destroyed city after Warsaw, Poland during the World War II. It was then the city became an independent entity in 1975.

Nightlife in Manila

Malate area of Manila is the main area where most of the nightlife is enjoyed by the people. Malate is an area that represents the Old Manila with some old buildings dating to the Spanish time. The restaurants and bars would cover a lot of space of the streets and are loudy and are generally the classy and cheap ones. Best club of the city is Oarhouse Pub of Manila.

Restaurants and Local Food in Manila

The Philippine cuisine has evolved over many centuries and is a mixed of many cuisines like Malay, Indian, Spanish, American, Chinese and other Asian Indian cuisines. The famous unofficial food of Manila is Adobo which is a marinated fried chicken available everywhere in the city.
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