48 hours in the PHILIPPINES
From sprawling megacities to thousands of tropical islands, the Philippines is a fascinating land, as inviting as the fun-loving locals
THE first thing you notice when you land in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is its sheer scale. But don’t be fooled into thinking this megacity is as unforgiving as other metropolises – you’ll soon be welcomed like an old friend by everyone, from taxi drivers to restaurant owners.
It’s this hospitality which makes everything so much easier during a trip to this epic archipelagic country – good job, really, as there are 7,000 islands, a plethora of pristine beaches and endless emerald rice fields up for exploration. And, thanks to the current exchange rate, you’ll also ensure value for money.
But to get to the heart of this nation, there’s no better place to kick-start your trip than with two invigorating days experiencing magnificent Manila.
DAY 1
9am: Throw yourself into the diverse history of this country with a morning exploration of its walled city – known as Intramuros. Dating back to the 1500s, when the country was Spanish owned, this labyrinth was used as the city’s tightly contained political and military base – and makes the perfect place to discover the Philippines’ complicated past.
11am: Now you’ve soaked up some of its Spanish-focused history, head over to the city’s Chinatown – which is the world’s oldest. Start off at Binondo Church, on one of the most bustling streets in the district, and window-shop until you drop on the streets of Escolta.
1pm: While you’re here, you can’t leave without enjoying the local delicacies. Make sure to try the freshly cooked pork dumplings at Dong Bei Dumplings (642 Yuchengco Street, Binondo), fried lumpia (veggie spring rolls) at New Po Heng Lumpia House (531 Uysubin Building, Quintin Paredes Street) and finish things off with a mango hopia (fluffy filled cakes) at Ho-land Hopia & Bakery (551 Yuchengco St, Binondo).
4pm: You’ll want to work off your street-food extravaganza – so do it in style at the world’s fourth biggest mall. SM Mall of Asia comprises four buildings – and alongside an amazing selection of boutiques, it also gives you an incredible view of the sunset over Manila Bay.
8pm: See how your luck lies by rounding off your first day in the Philippines with a roll of the dice at one of the city’s vibrant casinos. If you don’t fancy risking your pennies, there’s always a huge amount of entertainment on offer for you to dance the night away to.
DAY 2
6am: Plenty of activities are on offer just a few hours outside the capital. On your second day, head to Batangas Province, birthplace of scuba diving in the country. It’s just a 2.5-hour drive away, and you can spend your morning swimming off the stunning coast with cuttlefish, clownfish and sea turtles.
2pm: Back in the city, soak up some more history at one of the many museums dotted around Manila. If art is your bag, check out the National Museum of Fine Arts, where you will find works by the likes of Juan Luna – or put your best foot forward at the Marikina Shoe Museum, inspired, of course, by the heel-loving Imelda Marcos.
4pm: A walking tour of a cemetery may not be on every adventurer’s wish list but a visit to Chinese Cemetery is unforgettable. You’ll see lavish mausoleums that even have built-in toilets! A great talking point over dinner later.
8pm: Soak up the buzz of a Filipino evening at The Blind Pig (227, Salcedo, Legazpi Village), a dimly lit speakeasy perfect for sharing a nightcap – and toasting to the rest of your holiday.
Put your best foot forward at the Shoe Museum