Things to do in Manila
Tourists will find an enticing range of shops, restaurants, art galleries and performing venues in Manila, which is easily among Southeast Asia's most buzzing capitals. History buffs should visit the National Museum, where they'll find exhibitions of sunken treasure dating back to 1600, as well as the Ayala Museum, covering the history of the Philippines. They'll also enjoy exploring the ruins in Intramuros. Located on the Pasig Rivers south bank, it was founded in 1571 and was originally the capital of the Spanish East Indies.
Travellers will see many ornate churches across the largely Catholic city. A prime example is the San Agustin Church, which dates back to 1606 and survived wars, earthquakes and invasions. Manila also has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, where visitors can dine on delicious cuisine and purchase exotic goods. The Malacanang Palace, which is the residence of the Head of State, is well worth a visit too, while the peaceful American Cemetery and Memorial honours those who died during WWII.
Intramuros
Intramuros is one of the oldest parts of Manila. Located on the southern bank of the Pasig River, the walled Spanish enclave is a feast of historic buildings and churches, many of …
Intramuros
Intramuros is one of the oldest parts of Manila. Located on the southern bank of the Pasig River, the walled Spanish enclave is a feast of historic buildings and churches, many of which are being or have been restored. Tourists can enjoy several parks, restaurants and galleries in the attractive district, along with learning about its intriguing past as a site of political imprisonment and execution. Today, it's a lush park full of pigeons and flowering trees, where visitors can ride along the promenade in horse-drawn carriages. History lovers should stop at the beautifully restored colonial residences in the Barrio San Luis too, which is filled with street artists and food stalls amid a festive atmosphere.
Rizal Park
Rizal Park, named after the renowned Philippine writer, philosopher, and anti-colonialist Dr. Jose Rizal, stands as a symbol of national pride and independence. Rizal's execution i…
Rizal Park
Rizal Park, named after the renowned Philippine writer, philosopher, and anti-colonialist Dr. Jose Rizal, stands as a symbol of national pride and independence. Rizal's execution in 1896 became a catalyst for the Philippine Revolution, and the park later witnessed the country's Declaration of Independence from American rule in 1946.
As one of Southeast Asia's largest urban parks, Rizal Park offers a wide range of attractions, including a chess plaza, a skating rink, a children's playground, an aquarium, a planetarium, and lush ornamental gardens. Visitors can also explore museums dedicated to Rizal's life and legacy, along with a miniature model of the Philippine archipelago. After sunset, the park features a sound-and-light show that recounts Rizal's martyrdom.
On Sundays, the park hosts a free concert in its open-air auditorium, adding to the lively atmosphere and making it a favourite destination for both locals and tourists alike.
San Agustin Church
San Agustin is Manila's oldest church and stands within Intramuros. Completed in 1607, it has survived the ravages of time and successive invasions. In fact, it was the only public…
San Agustin Church
San Agustin is Manila's oldest church and stands within Intramuros. Completed in 1607, it has survived the ravages of time and successive invasions. In fact, it was the only public building left standing after a terrible earthquake in 1863. The church has a Baroque pulpit, an 18th-century pipe organ and an intricately carved door. It's one of four churches in the Philippines to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is also a National Historical Landmark with notable Filipinos buried in the crypt. Visitors will find a monastery alongside boasting religious art, with the Sacristy housing a collection of richly embroidered vestments.
National Museum of the Philippines
The National Museum and Art Gallery of the Philippines showcases the cultural, natural and historical heritage of the islands. The large and comprehensive institution categorises i…
National Museum of the Philippines
The National Museum and Art Gallery of the Philippines showcases the cultural, natural and historical heritage of the islands. The large and comprehensive institution categorises its exhibits in five divisions, namely art, botany, zoology, geology and anthropology. Visitors will find the archipelago's oldest human remains in the museum's collection, as well as the remains of the San Diego Spanish galleon, which sank in Philippine waters in 1600. The institution is clean, well-kept and has good facilities, with photography permitted but not with flash. It remains a deeply interesting museum that's a worthwhile stop for travellers of all ages.
Website www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph
Malacanang Palace
The Malacanang Palace is the seat of government and official residence of the Philippines head of state. Situated on the north bank of the Pasig River, the villa has been a noble r…
Malacanang Palace
The Malacanang Palace is the seat of government and official residence of the Philippines head of state. Situated on the north bank of the Pasig River, the villa has been a noble residence since the 1800s, when it was built for a Spanish aristocrat. Today, visitors will instead find a museum featuring national treasures, historical artefacts and mementos from each Filipino ruler, including the notorious dictators Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. The building itself is attractive and the rooms are furnished beautifully, with visitors enjoying great views over the river from some of the windows.
Website museums.gov.ph
American Cemetery and Memorial
Located near the Makati commercial centre, the American Cemetery is a quiet oasis in bustling Manila. The hillside burial ground contains thousands of white marble crosses, marking…
American Cemetery and Memorial
Located near the Makati commercial centre, the American Cemetery is a quiet oasis in bustling Manila. The hillside burial ground contains thousands of white marble crosses, marking the graves of those who died in battle. The circular memorial contains names of soldiers who went missing in action, as well as mosaics depicting battle scenes from the Second World War. Visitors will also find a small chapel. Those who are interested in military history should note that the cemetery has the world's largest number of American military dead from World War II. Staff is always on duty during opening hours, and will give tours, answer questions and escort visitors to particular places of poignancy.
Website www.abmc.gov/video/manila-american-cemetery/
Las Pinas
Las Pinas is located on Luzon Island next to Manila and is a popular stop for visitors to the Philippines. The city is home to the San Jose Church, where the unique sound of its ba…
Las Pinas
Las Pinas is located on Luzon Island next to Manila and is a popular stop for visitors to the Philippines. The city is home to the San Jose Church, where the unique sound of its bamboo organ attracts international organists to the annual Organ Festival. Travellers can also visit the Sarao Jeepney Factory to see these iconic, colourful public buses being assembled. Known for their vibrant designs, jeepneys have become a symbol of Philippine art and culture. Las Pinas is celebrated for its cleanliness and eco-consciousness, and offers visitors a range of charming guesthouses and delicious restaurants.
Website www.laspinascity.gov.ph
Corregidor
Shaped like a tadpole, Corregidor Island serves as a memorial and open-air museum honouring the Filipino and American troops' victory against Japanese forces. It's the largest of s…
Corregidor
Shaped like a tadpole, Corregidor Island serves as a memorial and open-air museum honouring the Filipino and American troops' victory against Japanese forces. It's the largest of several islands located at the entrance to Manila Bay, off the tip of the Bataan Peninsula. Its strategic position made it a key site for the last stand against Japanese forces during the Pacific War, and the island still bears the remnants of the battle. Visitors can arrange guided tours through the Corregidor Visitor's Information Centre or through tour operators in Manila. Key attractions include the Pacific War Memorial, the Japanese Garden of Peace, the Filipino Heroes Memorial, and the Malinta Tunnel.
Tagaytay City
Tagaytay is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, and is located just south of Manila. The town's most famous attraction is the Taal Volcano, which sits …
Tagaytay City
Tagaytay is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Philippines, and is located just south of Manila. The town's most famous attraction is the Taal Volcano, which sits on an island in a lake, with another smaller lake in the vast crater. Known as the country's 'summer capital', Tagaytay offers a cool escape from Manila's often oppressive seasonal heat.
The area is home to numerous recreational activities, as well as top hotels and restaurants. Along with appreciating the stunning natural scenery, visitors can explore the famous 'Palace in the Sky', a mansion originally envisioned to host U.S. President Ronald Reagan during a planned state visit to the Philippines in the 1980s. However, after the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr., political tensions in the country grew, leading to Reagan's cancellation of the trip. As a result, the mansion remained unfinished, and its construction was abandoned.
Today, the site has been repurposed as a public park and viewing point, offering panoramic views of Taal Volcano and the surrounding landscapes. The site also features beautiful gardens, and its scenic terraces make it a popular spot for photo ops and relaxation.
Aside from sightseeing, Tagaytay has variety of activities for adventure enthusiasts, including golfing, horse riding, zip-lining, and even diving and snorkelling in nearby lakes. Whether travellers are looking to unwind in nature or seek an adrenaline rush, Tagaytay has something for everyone.
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Subic Bay is located on the site of a former United States Naval base. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 buried the area in ash, and it has since been transformed into a buzzi…
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Subic Bay is located on the site of a former United States Naval base. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 buried the area in ash, and it has since been transformed into a buzzing eco-tourism and commercial hub. Dense forests cover most of the area, which is enclosed by a security fence. Visitors will find forest trails and unspoilt beaches, and can explore shipwrecks and coral reefs in the bay's dive sites. They can also enjoy sports facilities and duty-free shopping centres. Subic Bay's attractions include Ocean Adventure, which is an open-sea marine park where tourists can scuba dive and swim with dolphins; Pamulaklakin Forest; and the wildlife-rich Zoobic Safari Forest Adventure Park.
Website www.mysubicbay.com.ph
Palawan
The island of Palawan stretches from Luzon towards Malaysia. A must for nature lovers, it's thickly forested and accented by coves, lagoons and limestone cliffs. Puerto Princesa is…
Palawan
The island of Palawan stretches from Luzon towards Malaysia. A must for nature lovers, it's thickly forested and accented by coves, lagoons and limestone cliffs. Puerto Princesa is the primary gateway to the island, sporting hiking trails, spelunking opportunities and an underground river near Sabang. The small, lively beach town of El Nido is Palawan's most popular destination and is geared towards island hopping. From El Nido, travellers can choose to take a boat to the neighbouring island of Busuanga and the town of Coron. They will find fewer niceties than on Palawan's main island, but can explore the island's gorgeous aquamarine lakes and experience some of the best scuba diving in the region. The area is archaeologically significant too, with palaeolithic remains from 22,000 years ago discovered on the island.
Website www.palawan.gov.ph
North Luzon
The northern reaches of Luzon Island draw travellers craving adventure and an authentic taste of traditional Filipino culture. Lush, mountainous terrain characterises the region, t…
North Luzon
The northern reaches of Luzon Island draw travellers craving adventure and an authentic taste of traditional Filipino culture. Lush, mountainous terrain characterises the region, though much is lacking by way of infrastructure. Banaue is one of the most popular tourist stops, with villagers still living according to age-old tribal traditions. Constructed about 3000 years ago, the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Banaue Rice Terraces starts from the base of the Cordillera Mountains and extends upwards for thousands of feet. Nature lovers can also enjoy nearby waterfalls, natural pools and scenic hiking trails. Caving and hiking are among the area's draw cards near the local town Sagada, though its main attractions are ancient burial caves with remarkable hanging coffins perched on limestone outcrops.
Binondo (Chinatown)
Binondo is the world's oldest Chinatown, and remains one of its largest, most authentic and culturally intriguing. The Spanish established it at the end of the 16th century, when t…
Binondo (Chinatown)
Binondo is the world's oldest Chinatown, and remains one of its largest, most authentic and culturally intriguing. The Spanish established it at the end of the 16th century, when they gave tax-free land outside Manila to Catholic Chinese immigrants, along with self-governance. The immigrants were mostly from China's Fujian Province, and soon established a bustling community. Today, Binondo is among Manila's most vibrant areas, where visitors can shop for a range of goods and exotic cuisine. Foodies should definitely stop at the enclave's converted movie theatres, now housing traditional Chinese restaurants.
Vigan
UNESCO-listed Vigan is said to be Asia's best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town. Visitors will encounter cobblestone streets and buildings fusing Spanish-Colonia…
Vigan
UNESCO-listed Vigan is said to be Asia's best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town. Visitors will encounter cobblestone streets and buildings fusing Spanish-Colonial architecture with Filipino and Oriental designs. Its list of attractions include the hugely impressive Baroque-style St Paul's Cathedral, a horse-drawn-carriage ride through the cobbled streets and the chance to spend a night in one of the grand colonial houses in the city's Mestizo district. Many of the streets are lined with shops selling clothes, trinkets and souvenirs. January is the best time to visit, as the annual Fiesta celebrations bring parties, beauty contests and a carnivalesque atmosphere to the streets.
Website www.vigancity.gov.ph
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located in the province of Palawan, lies about 37 miles (59 km) north of Puerto Princesa. Recognised as one of the New Seven W…
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, located in the province of Palawan, lies about 37 miles (59 km) north of Puerto Princesa. Recognised as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, this underground river attracts numerous tourists each year, with many tour operators offering guided trips. The park is part of a stunning limestone karst mountain landscape, and the river itself winds for approximately five miles (8 km) through a vast cave system before it flows into the South China Sea. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride through the cave complex, where they'll encounter fascinating rock formations and a large population of bats.
Website www.puerto-undergroundriver.com
Boracay
Nestled in the western Visayas, the enchanting, butterfly-shaped island of Boracay is a premier destination for sun-seekers from around the globe. Its powdery white sand beach, fri…
Boracay
Nestled in the western Visayas, the enchanting, butterfly-shaped island of Boracay is a premier destination for sun-seekers from around the globe. Its powdery white sand beach, fringed by swaying palm trees, is renowned for its stunning beauty, especially as it seems to glow under the moonlight. Visitors are drawn not only to its pristine landscapes but also to the vibrant mix of hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Boracay offers a wealth of exhilarating water activities, including cliff diving, kiteboarding, snorkelling, windsurfing and scuba diving. With its unspoilt charm and world-class amenities, Boracay has earned its place as one of the world's top beach resort destinations. The ideal time to visit is during the Amihan season, from October to May, when the weather is dry and the island's main beach area remains calm and inviting.
Puerto Galera
Located on the island of Mindoro, Puerto Galera began as a refuge for Spanish traders in the 16th century. Today, it consists of several towns and beach resorts, which together for…
Puerto Galera
Located on the island of Mindoro, Puerto Galera began as a refuge for Spanish traders in the 16th century. Today, it consists of several towns and beach resorts, which together form one of the country's largest urban areas. Puerto Galera is one of the most sought-after scuba diving locations in the world. Travellers will find many sites within 10 minutes of the three main beaches, where they can explore wrecks, deep trenches and vibrantly colourful reefs. Sabang and White Beach offer an active nightlife, while visitors who want a less-crowded experience should head to one of the island's smaller coves or beaches.