Manila Guide
Steaming, traffic-snarled Manila is at first glance intimidating, infuriating and confusing. Persevere to discover an exciting, rich and newly elegant city dragging itself out of the mire to present a bright and shining face to the future.
Explore the renovated walls, cathedral and city hall of Spanish-colonial-built Intramuros and seek solace from the clamour of the city in Rizal Park's Japanese Garden, just outside the walls. Visit the museums on the edge of the park to glimpse Manila's complex history or ride through the choked backstreets of Chinatown in an elaborate horse-drawn calesa.
Marvel at brave new Makati, emerging as Manila's futuristic financial hub, dotted with green spaces and home to a cosmopolitan and sophisticated nightlife. Take a guided tour of opulent bay-side Coconut Palace, built for the visit of Pope John Paul II by the Marcos family; it is a mother-of-pearl-slathered monument to excess.
Stock up on Chinese antiques, embroidered dresses, rattan chairs and brass jewellery boxes from stalls in Ermita. Trawl Mabini junk shops for icons and bamboo baskets to carry them home in. Seek out pearls and fine cigars in hotel boutiques in Makati and shop in air-conditioned comfort at Robinson's Place in Malate or the Shangri-La on EDSA.
Take a boat tour from the docks to Corregidor Island, the last bastion of American resistance to the Japanese in the Second World War. Escape Manila altogether with a 90-minute drive north to the soft, pristine beaches of Caylabne or turn south to dive through gem-coloured coral among angel and parrot fish off the coast of Anilao.
Immerse yourself in Manila's theatrical tradition and see English-language plays, ballets, musicals and opera throughout the city. The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a one-stop entertainment complex featuring classical and experimental theatre, ballet, traditional dance and exhibitions. Catch open-air concerts at Intramuros, Rizal Park and Paco Park.
Reach for the chilli sauce to enliven Manila's mild cuisine, a blend of Malay, Chinese and Spanish influences. Savour sinigang (clear broth) and lechon (roasted suckling pig) from stalls in Pasay or eat at international restaurants in Ermita and Malate. Try seafood snacks and tropical juices from stalls along Roxas Boulevard and feast on dim sum and noodles in Chinatown.
See Manila from (mainly) above on the elevated rail system. Take the LRT1 (yellow line), which wiggles parallel to Manila Bay, to see most of the city's main attractions and the scale topographical map of the Philippines on Valencia Circle.
