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Manila Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Manila
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Manila Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Manila - Manila, the somewhat daunting capital and
pulsating hub of the Philippines, is situated on the east coast of
Luzon, the most northerly island, also the largest and the most
well developed. The city was founded in 1571 on the site of a
Muslim settlement. Its major tourist attraction is the old Spanish
walled city, known as Intramuros, which contains some historic
buildings and ruins.
Modern Manila is a morass
of traffic and people, polluted and chaotic, an industrial
metropolis that grew from the ashes of war when in 1945, the United
States' forces fought to recapture it from Japanese occupation. It
is also a city of theatres, libraries and museums, and the home to
the University of the Philippines. The neighbourhoods of the
metropolis vary from wide avenues full of palatial homes to
squatter camps where the poorest of the poor scratch out a
living. Visitors to the Philippines cannot avoid
using Manila as a starting point for their exploration of the other
provinces and islands, because most charter flights to the outlying
islands leave from the city's airport. The city is also within
reach of day and weekend getaways on the island of Luzon; this
makes it a good base for travellers intent on touring. One thing no
visitor should miss is a famous Manila Bay sunset: a light show
created out of the high humidity conditions coupled with the
effects of cloud over the city's harbour. This remarkable sight
allows a short respite from the more unpleasant aspects of the
sprawling city. View the sunset from Rizal Park, Roxas Boulevard or
from a cruise boat that plies around Manila
Bay.
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Manila
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Intramuros
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What is it? The oldest part of Manila is the medieval
Spanish walled enclave of Intramuros on the southern bank of the
Pasig River, packed with historic buildings and churches, many of
which are being or have been restored. The reconstruction of
Intramuros has allowed for the inclusion of several parks and
performing venues, art galleries, souvenir shops and restaurants,
so that the area has become an attractive, entertaining and
interesting tourist Mecca. Fort Santiago, for example, was where
political prisoners through the ages, from Spanish to Japanese
occupation, were held, tortured and sometimes executed. Today it is
a lush park full of flowering trees and homing pigeons where
visitors can take a ride along the promenade on a horse-drawn
carriage. Then, in the Barrio San Luis along Juan Luna Street there
are five colonial residences that have been beautifully
restored.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
2. Rizal Park
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What is it? The 58-hectare (143 acre) Rizal Park is named
for Dr Jose Rizal, renowned Philippine anti-colonialist, writer and
philosopher. The park is one of the largest in South East Asia, and
is a green lung much used by the residents of Manila for recreation
and entertainment. The park features numerous ornamental gardens, a
chess plaza and a skating rink. In a pond on the east side of the
park the Philippines archipelago has been recreated in miniature.
There are also some museums and public buildings within the park,
and after sunset a sound and light exhibit featuring the martyrdom
of Dr Jose Rizal is to be seen. On Sundays there is a free concert
in an open-air auditorium.
Hours of Operation: Daily 7am to 7pm
Phone: |
3. San Agustin Church
Calles Gen Luna and Real
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What is it? Within Intramuros stands Manila's oldest
stone church, San Agustin, which was completed in 1606 and has
since survived the ravages of time and successive invasions. The
church has a magnificent intricately carved door, Baroque pulpit,
and an 18th century pipe organ. A museum is housed in the Monastery
alongside the church, which holds a collection of paintings of
saints and other religious art. The Sacristy houses a collection of
richly embroidered vestments and Philippine notables are buried in
the crypt.
Hours of Operation: Daily 7am to 7.30am and 5pm to 6pm. The museum is
open daily 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm
Phone:(0)2 527 4060 |
Manila
holidays - Top Events
1. Fête de la Musique in Manila
From 2007-06-21
To 2007-06-21
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What is it? Originally an idea conceived in France, the
Fête de la Musique festival is now celebrated in about 100
countries around the world on the same day. Manila has one of the
biggest and best of these musical meetings, with 150 bands of
different musical genres pounding it out simultaneously on seven
different stages in one venue on a single night. The music itself
is a cocktail of everything of the best from jazz and rock, blues
and alternative to electronic, reggae and ethnic percussion. For
more information contact the project director on 0917 849 5959 or
email len.francisco@gmail.com.
Where is it? Ortigas Center, Pasig |
2. Feast of the Black Nazarene
From 2007-01-09
To 2007-01-09
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What is it? Thousands of pilgrims from all over the
country flock to Manila to be part of the procession accompanying
the Christ statue known as the 'Black Nazarene' through the streets
in the hope this will protect them from harm and ensure health,
wealth and happiness for the coming year. The raucous cacophony of
the procession lasts for about six hours. Traditionally all
devotees marching along with the carriage bearing the statue and
the colourful brass bands have to be barefoot. Traffic is disrupted
in the city centre for the duration. For more information email
info@cityofmanila.com.ph
Where is it? From Quipo Church and through the streets of Quipo |
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