What to do in Manila Philippines
Manila is the capital
of the Philippines, an archipelago of islands situated in the Pacific Ocean.
Manila is a metropolitan city and a highly urbanized area. It is home to about
10 million Filipinos and the sceneries are just as diverse as its people. Once
called Paris of Asia, times have changed since then. Nevertheless, it is one
Southeast Asian country you would not want to miss when you explore that part
of the world. If you are thinking that there’s nothing much to see in Manila,
there are actually many things to do and you will find yourself drawn to the
warmth and hospitality of the Filipino people. Find yourself wondering what to
do in Manila, Philippines when you’re there? Here is a list of the places to
see and things to do when in Manila.
Visit Intramuros
Philippines used to be a colony of Spain for more
than 300 years. The Spanish made Manila their home base where they established
a seat of government. This seat of government is what they called Intramuros
which means walled city.
Intramuros was once a walled city where only
Spaniards could live in. From there, Spaniards from Spain who hold important
titles and jobs in the Philippines lived in Manila. It served as a seat of
power for the Kingdom of Spain in the Philippines. Nowadays, there are no more
Spaniards living within its walls. The Intramuros is open to tourists where
they could experience walking along the city walls and become a part of what
was once a colonial past.
The walled city of Intramuros also boasts a long
history. During World War 2, it served as a barracks for the Japanese army
where thousands of Filipino and American soldiers were killed and imprisoned.
See the Wariety of sea life at Ocean Park
The Philippines is home to a diverse number of
wildlife and sea life. Since it is an archipelago rich in natural resources and
a wide coastline, you can see hundreds of different fish and sea animals
combined together at the Manila Ocean Park.
You will see sea creatures you haven’t seen
elsewhere. With the 7,107 islands in the Philippines, there is a diverse amount
of sea animals some of which can be found at Manila Ocean Park.
The Manila Ocean Park is also home to a bird
sanctuary where you can see different kinds of Philippine birds. You will not
be seeing them from a cage, you will actually be there inside the ‘cage’ with
them! There is even an option to ask the local zookeeper if you can touch one
of the birds and have your picture taken with it!
Shop in the Largest Mall in Southeast Asia
The Mall of Asia located in Pasay, Manila was
once the largest mall in Asia thus earning it the name “Mall of Asia”. It has
since been dethroned as the largest mall in Asia, but it is still the largest
mall in Southeast Asia.
Filipinos love their malls as it serves as a cold
recluse from its hot and humid climate. If you want to experience what it’s
like shopping like there’s no end, better go to this mall. There are hundreds
of shops to choose from.
The mall is also situated near the Manila Bay so
if you feel like walking along the sea or having a drink while seeing the
Manila Bay sunset, this is the place to go to.
Walk at Luneta Park
Manila is a highly urban city but there are still
a few parks where you can hang out and people watch. Such park is the Luneta
Park. You can do various activities here. On the weekends, you can see families
having a picnic on the field, lovers strolling along the pavement, or kids
playing with kites.
The Luneta Park is also home to the monument of
Jose Rizal who is the Philippine’s national hero. His monument is considered as
a symbol of Manila. If you have made it to Jose Rizal’s monument, you have
proof that you have definitely been in Manila.
There is also a butterfly park nearby if you want
to see hundreds of butterflies, so go find yourself walking at Luneta Park.
Do Rides at Star City
Star City is the most popular amusement park in
the Philippines since it is situated in the metropolis. It is where you can
ride extreme rides such as Vikings,
Frisbee, Jungle Splash and Surf Dance. You can also have fun with the
children as there are a variety of games and children and family-friendly rides
as well.
At sunset, you can ride the ferris wheel and
watch the city lights beaming up. You may also watch the Manila Bay sunset
which is certainly not to be missed!
Watch the Fountain Show at Okada Manila
Okada Manila is a casino and resorts hotel
situated in Pasay, Manila. Starting 6 PM, it has an impressive fountain show
inside the hotel. The fountain show runs every hour until 9 PM.
There are also world-class restaurants where you
can fancy yourself a chef’s meal. After the fountain show, you can try out the
casino games or just stroll around the vicinity to take pictures.
Have Lunch at Jollibee
Forget McDonalds, in the Philippines, Jollibee
reigns king of fast food. It is the most popular fast food branch in the
country and you can find the restaurant chain almost anywhere. The menu is
similar to McDonalds but has a different tasted adjusted for the Filipinos.
The food is also cheap and if you are on a
budget, Jollibee is where you can find a tasty supply of Western food.
Pro tip: Try their Filipino style sweet spaghetti
and their world famous Jollibee fried chicken known as “Chickenjoy”.
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