WHERE TO GO / WHAT TO DO
1. Tour Intramuros on a Bamboo Bike with Bambike Ecotours
Historic Intramuros is without a doubt the premier tourist attraction in Manila. What better way to see it than on sustainable bamboo bikes made in partnership with one of the Philippines’ most respected NGOs, Gawad Kalinga?
1. Tour Intramuros on a Bamboo Bike with Bambike Ecotours
Historic Intramuros is without a doubt the premier tourist attraction in Manila. What better way to see it than on sustainable bamboo bikes made in partnership with one of the Philippines’ most respected NGOs, Gawad Kalinga?
2. Do the Binondo Food Wok with Ivan Man Dy
Have you seen the Philippine episode of No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain? If so, then you might recognize Ivan. He was one of Anthony’s guides in Manila. A fun gastronomic tour that takes you through the back alleys of Binondo, there’s no better or more delicious way of exploring Manila’s Chinatown than this. Highly recommended.
3. Marvel at Juan Luna’s Spoliarium at the National Museum
The National Museum is Manila’ foremost museum and houses what’s widely considered to be the most internationally renowned piece in Philippine art history — Spoliarium by national artist Juan Luna. A cultural treasure measuring a gargantuan 422 cm x 767.5 cm, this painting of dying gladiators received a gold medal at the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in Madrid in 1884.
The National Museum is comprised of three buildings — The National Art Gallery which showcases visual artworks, the Museum of the Filpino People which houses important historical artifacts, and the Planetarium. Needless to say, you can spend an entire day visiting all three. The National Museum went through a major renovation in 2012 so the buildings look and feel brand new.
4. Enjoy the Manila Bay Sunset over Buckets of Beer at Mall of Asia (MOA)
Manila Bay is renowned for its sunsets and there are few better vantage points than Mall of Asia. Fronting the bay, its the third largest shopping mall in the Philippines.
To catch the sunset, head on up to the second floor around 5 PM and look for signs pointing you to Seaside Boulevard. There you’ll find a row of al fresco restaurants facing Manila Bay. Pick any restaurant that appeals to you and order a bucket (6 bottles) of San Mig Lights or Pale Pilsens. Kick back and enjoy the light show.
5. Go Bargain Hunting at Greenhills Shopping Center
Greenhills Shopping Center (or “Greenhills” for short) is a bargain hunter’s paradise. You can find almost anything there like mobile phones, gadgets, jewelry, clothing, fashion accessories, watches, shoes, bags, etc. It’s also home to a good amount of quality knock-offs. Just be aware of any laws that your country may have about the importation of counterfeit goods before you go crazy buying fakes.
6. Watch Science come Alive at the Mind Museum
This place was fun. If you’re traveling with kids, then the Mind Museum is a great way to spend a couple of hours. Not only will they be learning about things like Bernoulli’s Principle, magnetic fields, and Einstein’s theory of gravity, but they’ll be doing it in the funnest way imaginable. The Mind Museum is located at the BGC (Bonifacio Global City) as well which is home to some of Manila’s trendiest bars and restaurants.
7. Get a Massage
Massages are cheap in Manila and pretty good. You can get a full body massage for around PHP 350. Just be sure that you go to a LEGITIMATE massage parlor and not a sex den masquerading as one. There are many legitimate massage parlors around so just ask your hotel where the nearest one is. If you’re staying at Z Hostel, then I recommend Nuat Thai near A Venue Mall. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk from the hostel. You can refer to the map at the bottom of this post or ask your hotel for directions. Massages are hard work so be sure to give your masseuse a good tip as well (PHP 50-100).