This most populous point of the world is a city of opposites. In it, with poverty and ruin, amazingly at the same time coexists with magnificent ultramodern architecture: in one part of the city there are skyscrapers and huge shopping centers, in the other - slums and preserved historical monuments. Such a contrast is the capital of the Philippines - the city of Manila.
But he is famous and famous for his wonderful coast, which many tourists love.
The article provides overview information about some of the beaches of Manila: photo, short description.
General information about the city
Manila, located on Luzon Island, is a little over 500 years old. However, in such a relatively short period of time, she managed to visit the Muslim center, and with the arrival of the Spaniards on the islands, Christianity arose here. In the XIX century, the city was captured by the Americans, and by the Japanese it was occupied after the Second World War.
Thus, the current capital of the Philippines contains many historical buildings and monuments related to cultures of different peoples and beliefs.
In fact, Manila is the new capital of the Philippines, before that it was Cebu. Both cities represent the "gateway" to the islands with the amazing paradise beaches of the Philippines. Manila meets everyone at his airport who wants to get to these fabulous corners.
Tourism is one of the important sectors of a fairly rapidly developing state economy. Not only magnificent sights contribute to this, but also the climate, which is subequatorial, and the average annual temperature here is +26.5 ° C.
Choosing a vacation spot
The beaches of Manila are varied. Near the city there are none. Basically, the most popular beach areas are located on the islands of the Philippine archipelago. In Boracay, mainly sunbathing lovers rest on snow-white beaches, as well as windsurfers. On the island of Cebu there is an opportunity to combine a beach holiday with entertainment and shopping. Plavan and Bohol are more suitable for fans of secluded relaxation and eco-tourism.
Important when choosing a place of rest are the ebbs and flows. They are especially tangible on the islands of Bohol and Cebu. They are observed in Boracay, but do not cause much tangible discomfort. Problems with the waves on the islands of Bohol and Cebu are fully compensated by the most developed infrastructure and the presence of various entertainments: restaurants, bars, boardwalks, excursions. These islands are also suitable for those who do not like complex travel and flights (there are at least transfers from Russia to them). Flight route: Moscow-Hong Kong-Cebu.
The city is the country's largest seaport, stretching along the coast of the Gulf of Manila. In this regard, swimming near the famous promenade is risky. The beaches near Manila are a 40-minute drive north and south. These are wonderful places with white sand and calm warm sea.
The story of Manila will be incomplete if you do not pay attention to some of the famous beaches.
Subic Bay
The best beach is considered by many to be Subic Bay (or Subic Bay), which is located in the small town of Puerto Galera. This is a bay off the coast of Luzon, 100 kilometers northeast of Manila. It should be noted that from 1898 to 1992, the US Subic Bay naval base was located here. This place was chosen more than a hundred years ago by the Spaniards, and subsequently the Americans built the first recreation centers. The beach held the palm for a long time before the development of infrastructure in Boracay.
Today, along the promenade are numerous hotels that are quite affordable and with good service. The cafe serves inexpensive, delicious rice and seafood dishes. For a budget holiday Subic Bay is a perfectly acceptable option.
This Manila beach is also good for diving and surfing, as well as taking a boat trip on the boat, where you can enjoy colorful fish, sporting dolphins and wonderful coral reefs, as well as scuba diving.
Cebu island
It is from these places that the history of the Philippines begins, and the island competes in popularity with the island of Luzon presented above. There are many historical and architectural monuments and buildings preserved from the time of Spanish colonization. Attracts the island and entertainment, and shopping.
The beautiful Kawasan Falls are located in the vicinity, where visitors are offered an unusual hydromassage procedure: a person lying on a bamboo raft is led directly under the stream under a rock. Here in the parks you can enjoy Sky Adventure rides and ice skates at Fuente Osmena.
Bohol Island
This place is called the "land of miracles." Natural attractions: monkey tarsier or tarshire (endemic), chocolate hills, a special viewing platform for viewing the fabulous landscapes of the island. The beaches of Manila, spread out on the coast of this island, are covered with sand, which is exported from here to many countries (for example, Sentosa Island in Singapore consists of Bohol sand).
On the island, nightlife is practically undeveloped and there are not so many shops as on Cebu.
Entertainment:
- River rafting;
- a visit to the aboriginal village to observe the trades of local residents (hunting for snakes and monitor lizards, fishing) and lunch (the main dish with Lapu-Lapu fish, named after the leader who defeated Magellan);
- scuba diving;
- trips in the water area (observation of dolphins);
- snorkeling.
Boracay Island
The best beaches in Manila are located here. Boracay Island is a leader in beach holidays around the world. The beach, covered with sand the color of baked milk, takes the first lines of ratings from year to year thanks to the enthusiastic reviews of tourists who visited the exotic island. It is very small in size (7 km long and 1 km wide) and is not particularly full of entertainment in comparison with other resorts.
During the day, you can sunbathe and swim on the White beach in Tablas Strait, or, having rented a tricycle (the local vehicle is a tricycle with a large stroller), go to Bulabog (the beach on the Sebuyan Sea) for windsurfing or surfing. In the evening, you can spend time on the D`mall boardwalk, where there are cafes and shops. You can also go to a local natural attraction - to Lyuha Mountain, where there is an observation deck. From its height you can see a magnificent panorama of the islands of Panay and Boracay.
Palawan Island
This is a mini-archipelago with several dozen tiny islets, among which there is one large. The beaches of Manila, located on this island, are a real paradise for lovers of a comfortable expensive vacation in an "eco-style" and for divers.
The island is located 600 kilometers from the city of Manila in the southwestern section of the archipelago. The main attraction of the area is the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is an extended network of many caves, interconnected by an underground river (about 8 kilometers long) with the name St. Paul.
The best time to relax in the Palawan is the period from January to May. From June to the end of October it often rains, and air temperature rarely drops below 30 degrees.
Finally
One noteworthy fact should be noted. There is one place for families with children in Kazakhstan. It is located in Aktau - Manila Beach, located in the center. It is a pleasure for city residents and guests to relax on.
As for the many-sided Manila, which uniquely combines the riot of colors of a rich tropical nature, modern skyscrapers and monuments of ancient culture, we can say about it that it is a city of unimaginable contrasts and hospitable hospitable people. To feel the true color of Asia, you need to plunge into this atmosphere, having arrived in these parts on vacation.