Manila: At a glance

MANILA is an essential stopover for clients who want to experience city life in the largely rural archipelago country that is the Philippines. Densely-populated, restless and vibrant, the capital city has a variety of attractions that appeal to the most discerning travellers, and visitors’ experiences will be limited only by the amount of time they have available. A visit to the historic, walled city of Intramuros is a must, constructed by the Spanish colonial government in the 16th century as fortification against attack. The riverside walls which house dank dungeons where prisoners were routinely crammed hauntingly contextualises the country’s long history as a Spanish colony. This precinct of Old Manila is best seen from atop a calesa – a horse-drawn carriage – or by foot. Travellers can also thread their way along cobblestoned streets and pop into the 425-year-old UNESCO heritage-listed San Agustin Church which is affectionately known as the wedding capital of the Philippines. For a taste of one of the Philippines’ other major cultural influences, visitors can take a walking food tour of nearby Chinatown. Retail needs are easily met at the SM Mall of Asia, the world’s 10th largest shopping mall which attracts around 200,000 people each day. The only dilemma travellers will face is how much they can fit into their shopping bags and which restaurant to try first.

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