Manila
Travel Guide > Asia > Philippines > Metro Manila > Manila
Introduction
Manila is not really known for being a tourist hot-spot, thanks in large part to a delectable combination of heavy pollution, the world's densest population, and a frantic pace of life. But Manila is a fascinating city nonetheless, where Latin influences infuse a modern east Asian city simultaneously experiencing the push of American globalisation.
Manila is located on Manila Bay, in the north of the Philippines on the island of Luzon. It is the second largest city in the wider metropolitan area of Metro Manila.
Manila dates back to the Spanish era in the 16th Century. It started as a small fishing village at the mouth of the Pasig River. The city got its name from an extinct mangrove species that bloom a white flower and once grew on the river banks called the Nilad. The locals called the place 'may nilad' which is translated as having the nilad. Later the local name evolved from being Maynilad to Maynila and eventually internationally known as Manila.
Manila became the center of government eversince the Spanish era where they built the Intramuros with Fort Santiago guarding the mouth of the Pasig River. Here Spanish nobilities and politians lived within the walls while locals are limited beyond its walls.
Neighbourhoods
Some of the noteable districts within the city of Manila are the following:
- Binondo (Chinatown)
- Ermita
- Intramuros
- Malate
- Paco
- Pandacan
- Quiapo
- Sampaloc
- San Miguel
- Santa Ana
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Mesa
- Tondo
Sights and Activities
Historical
- Intramuros. The Walled City of Manila where during the Spanish colonial period, politicians, friars, and influential Hispanics reside.
- Fort Santiago. A historic fortress within Intramuros that guarded the mouth of the Pasig River.
- Rizal Park. Also known as Luneta Park, the main park that marks the location of the monument of the Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal.
- Malacañan Palace. The presidential palace.
- Chinatown. Situated in Binondo, it is the biggest Chinese community in the country where different Chinese goods, foods and products may be bought.
Cultural
- Cultural Center of the Philippines. Once a center for arts and entertainment in Asia, the CCP remains to be center for cultural shows for the country.
- Museong Pambata. Museum for Children, a museum designed to appeal to the younger generations.
Eco Tourism
- Manila Ocean Park. The first oceanarium in the country that features endemic marine creatures found in the archipelago.
Entertainment
- Malate nightlife. Once part of the red light district, it has become a busy destinations for yuppies and younger individuals who enjoy bar hopping and comedy bars.
Shopping
- Divisoria. A very busy center for different goods that range from clothes, souvenir items, and to different raw materials and is famous for very cheap prices and best place for bargains.
Events and Festivals
- Feast of the Black Nazarene. Held every ninth of January in Quiapo, Manila. A grand festival honoring the image of the Black Nazarene where devotees flock to the streets on bare feet during its procession.
Other major Philippine festivals are listed in the Events and Festivals in the Philippines section.
Weather
Getting There
By Plane
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Manila Domestic Airport serves as the main airports to get to Manila. These airports are about 30 minutes from the city.
By Train
By Car
By Bus
By Boat
Eat
Drink
Work
Learn
This is version 12. Last edited at 6:03 on May 15, 08 by GeoBot (+53). 16 articles link to this page.
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