Go to Manila?
Why would you want to? Manila is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, with some 46,000 people packed into an average square mile. The economy of the Philippines is soaring, so as more and more luxury accommodation goes up, so too do dismal shanty towns, shacks of corrugated steel and washing hanging on wire, susceptible to floods and disease. In addition to all of the people, Manila can also boast some of the worst traffic in the world, compounded with a virtually non existent public transit system. So why would you want to go to Manila, other than purely in transit to any one of thousands of incredible beaches, and some of the best diving in the world?
If you are going to holiday in the Philippines, I would always advise you to spend a few days in Manila. It may be busy and bustling, hot an uncomfortable, but it is also incredibly vibrant, with a lot to do, if you know where to look.
My top tips for places (in no particular order) to go and things to see are :
- Manila Ocean Park. Whatever your views on zoos and other places where animal life is held captive, there can be no denying their attraction to younger members of the family. And they are usually a good place to ignite an interest in the natural world. Its list of encounters and attractions include sharks and rays, jelly fish, sea lions, and a trip to the Antarctic. Particularly impressive is the underwater walk, where even non swimmers can put on a special diving helmet with air pumped in to help you interact with the marine life you will find waiting for you. In addition, there are birds of prey, jungle birds and creepy crawlies to keep you occupied for a full day.
- Art in Island. Another place to take the kids, and also a camera. The attraction includes 3d pictures and representations in which you can pose.
- Intramuros : the old city of Manila, heavily influenced by the Spanish. It has been heavily damaged in the past, particularly during the Second World War, but is being carefully restored.
- Manila Bay: The sunsets over the bay are usually pretty spectacular. Enjoy a walk along the promenade after a good dinner.
- The Corregidor : Again for history buffs: This is small island in the bay of Manila, fortified by the Spanish and vigorously defended by the Americans in WW2. It can be reached by ferry taking just over an hour. Sights include gun placements dating back to 1904, the remains of the barracks, the Pacific War Memorial complex, the lighthouse, which was first lit in 1853, the Malinta Tunnel. The main tunnel is now used for a light and sound show commemorating events in WW2. Most guided tours are fairly lengthy, at about 9 hours, but this does include the ferry crossings and lunch.
- Binondo : The oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594 by the Spanish, near their settlement at Intramuros.
- Shopping : I am not a great fan of shopping and shopping malls, but Manila does have its fair share of Malls. Experienced shoppers tell me that Malls in Manila are not as impressive as in Bangkok, but certainly SM in the Pasay district seems to have everything you could possibly want and more.
Hotels
Manila has a huge variety of hotels to suit every budget.
Low : Red Planet and Hop are both budget brands, featuring simple but clean rooms. You can expect a TV, possibly a kettle, and an ensuite shower room, but not much else. In particular, there is no restaurant, but they are situated in popular areas, so it should not be too difficult to find somewhere to eat.
Medium Priced : You can find western brands of hotels such as Best Western, or you could try something like the Heritage Hotel. I like the Heritage because it is relatively close to the Airport and has a small swimming outdoor pool. It is close to SM Mall.
Luxury hotels: There is of course no shortage of very nice hotels, from Sofitel to the Peninsula. The Diamond hotel has a good reputation, if you have a view of the bay, less so if you are facing the other way! Its gym and spa facilities are described as “great”.
Transport
Transport in Manila is not great. I would usually get around by taxi. I have hired a car in Makati and driven out, but if I am driving out of Manila, I prefer to take a taxi to the airport and then hire a car from there, assuming I am driving south. Driving in Manila (or indeed in the Philippines in general) is not for the fainthearted. You will need to know your way around Manila if you want to take a jeepney, but these are certainly an interesting experience and one that you should enjoy while in the Philippines.
So those are some of the reasons I would want to go to Manila.