Things to do in Manila

Tourists will find an enticing range of shops, restaurants, art galleries and performing venues in Manila, which is easily among the region's most buzzing capitals. History buffs should certainly visit the National Museum, where they'll find exhibitions of sunken treasure dating back to 1600, as well as the Ayala Museum, covering the history of the Philippines. They'll also enjoy exploring the ruins in Intramuros. Located on the Pasig Rivers south bank, it was founded in 1571 and was originally the capital of the Spanish East Indies.

Travellers will see many ornate churches across the largely Catholic city. A prime example is the San Agustin Church which dates back to 1606; surviving wars, earthquakes and invasions. Manila also has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world where visitors dine on delicious cuisine and purchase exotic goods. The Malacanang Palace, which is the residence of the Head of State, is well worth a visit too, while the peaceful American Cemetery and Memorial honours those who died during WWII.

Intramuros photo

Intramuros

Intramuros is one of the oldest parts of Manila. Located on the southern bank of the Pasig River, the walled Spanish enclave is a feast of historic buildings and churches, many of …

Rizal Park photo

Rizal Park

Rizal Park is named for the Philippine writer, philosopher and anti-colonialist Dr Jose Rizal, whose execution in 1896 sparked the Philippine Revolution. The country held its Decla…

San Agustin Church photo

San Agustin Church

San Agustin is Manila's oldest church and stands within Intramuros. Completed in 1607, it has survived the ravages of time and successive invasions. In fact, it was the only public…

National Museum of the Philippines photo

National Museum of the Philippines

The National Museum and Art Gallery of the Philippines showcases the cultural, natural and historical heritage of the islands. The large and comprehensive institution categorises i…

Malacanang Palace photo

Malacanang Palace

The Malacanang Palace is the seat of government and official residence of the Philippines head of state. Situated on the north bank of the Pasig River, the villa has been a noble r…

American Cemetery and Memorial photo

American Cemetery and Memorial

Located near the Makati commercial centre, the American Cemetery is a quiet oasis in bustling Manila. The hillside burial ground contains thousands of white marble crosses, marking…

Las Pinas photo

Las Pinas

Las Pinas neighbours Manila on Luzon Island, and is a popular stop among visitors to the Philippines. Housed in the charming San Jose Church, the unique sound of its bamboo organ c…

Corregidor photo

Corregidor

Shaped like a tadpole, this small island is a memorial and open-air museum commemorating the Filipino and American troops' victory against Japanese forces. Corregidor is also the l…

Tagaytay City photo

Tagaytay City

Tagaytay is one of the most-visited tourist destinations in the Philippines. Located just south of Manila, the town's most famous attraction is the Taal Volcano. It sits on an isla…

Subic Bay Freeport Zone photo

Subic Bay Freeport Zone

Subic Bay is located on the site of a former United States Naval base. The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 buried the area in ash, and it has since been transformed into a buzzi…

Palawan photo

Palawan

The island of Palawan stretches from Luzon towards Malaysia. A must for nature lovers, it's thickly forested and accented by coves, lagoons and limestone cliffs. Puerto Princesa is…

North Luzon photo

North Luzon

The northern reaches of Luzon Island draw travellers craving adventure and an authentic taste of traditional Filipino culture. Lush, mountainous terrain characterises the region, t…

Villa Escudero photo

Villa Escudero

Villa Escudero is an old colonial plantation owned by the eponymous family. Located just south of San Pablo on Luzon Island, the property spans three municipalities in two province…

Binondo (Chinatown) photo

Binondo (Chinatown)

Binondo is the world's oldest Chinatown, and remains one of its largest, most authentic and culturally intriguing. The Spanish established it at the end of the 16th century, when t…

Vigan photo

Vigan

UNESCO-listed Vigan is said to be Asia's best-preserved example of a planned Spanish colonial town. Visitors will encounter cobblestone streets and buildings fusing Spanish-Colonia…

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park photo

Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park

The Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is located in the province of Palawan, and lies about 36 miles (58km) north of Puerto Princesa. Regarded as one of the New Seve…

Boracay photo

Boracay

Located in the western Visayas, the tiny, butterfly-shaped island of Boracay is a major hotspot for international sun-lovers. Its powder-white, palm-studded beach is said to glow a…

Puerto Galera photo

Puerto Galera

Located on the island of Mindoro, Puerto Galera began as a refuge for Spanish traders in the 16th century. Today, it consists of several towns and beach resorts, which together for…