The state of Southeast Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean, on the archipelago of the same name, has always been popular with tourists from all over the world. A comfortable climate, magnificent beaches, underwater coral reefs, rich flora and fauna attract hundreds of thousands of travelers who dream of real exoticism. Tours to the Philippines is a memorable vacation in a paradise with pristine nature and unusual architectural monuments.
Picturesque capital
The capital of the state is the most beautiful metropolis of Manila, which is located on the island of Luzon. According to tourists, the city is incredibly similar to Los Angeles: the same business districts, modern skyscrapers, expensive sleeping areas, fenced luxury villas. In the economic heart of the country there are incredibly many places that all guests of a colorful city must visit.
History tour
Charming Manila, the sights of which surprise with its unusualness, was originally a Muslim village. At the end of the 16th century, residents disobeying the Spanish authorities were expelled from the territory, and on June 24, 1571, a new district of Intramuros appeared, surrounded on all sides by ramparts. After 24 years, an overgrown city, having survived several terrible wars, becomes the capital of the Philippines.
There was a moment in the history of Manila when the Spaniards lost their dominance and were replaced by the British, who ruled for two years and plundered the main pearl of the archipelago. After signing the peace treaty, the city begins to gradually recover, the first educational institutions, monasteries, temples, private palaces appear.
At the end of the 19th century, the Spaniards ceded their possessions to the Americans, who were very cruel to the islanders. But the most terrible test was the Second World War, during which Japanese soldiers massacred more than 100 thousand inhabitants, and as a result of the bombing, many architectural monuments were destroyed.
Intramuros
Many will be surprised by the fact that the capital of the Philippines is a very complex conglomerate consisting of 17 satellite cities, and the central one is Metro Manila. The sights of the metropolis will delight even the most demanding tourists, and locals recommend starting the journey with the oldest district, built by the Spaniards several centuries ago.
Each city has its own heart from which it emerged, and this district laid the foundation for the political and cultural center of the state. Surrounded by moats and high stone walls, Intramuros, consisting of 51 blocks with seven gates, occupied an area of more than three kilometers. Inside the district were hospitals, schools, barracks, temples and the governor's palace.
The special atmosphere of the historic place
Unfortunately, numerous wars did not pass without a trace: the main buildings were destroyed, and the fortress wall now represents ruins. However, here you can feel the special atmosphere of colonial times, and the so-called city in the city is the place that Manila, who remembers her history, is proud of. Sights that have survived to this day will take tourists several centuries ago. The city’s guests will see the magnificent cathedral, the eighth in the city, the baroque church of St. Augustine, the fortress of Santiago that survived the attacks of the enemy.
No one will be bored in the territory of the old town of Intramuros, because there are art galleries, restaurants, museums, and a huge moat is dried up and turned into a golf course. We must pay tribute to the authorities of Manila, who preserved a piece of history that was important for residents, which could be lost forever, and turned the oldest district into the most visited place by tourists.
Jose Risal Park
Manila immortalized the name of a national hero - a fighter for the country's independence, erecting a monument of bronze and granite near the place where the Philippine patriot was executed. The memorial is guarded by soldiers, and all political figures arriving in the country lay wreaths at its base, where Risal is buried. In 1946, independence of the Philippines was proclaimed at the monument.
Rizal Park is a popular vacation spot for urban residents and foreign visitors. In the stylized Japanese and Chinese gardens, laid out in the park, couples love to walk, and the planetarium, butterfly pavilion and several playgrounds will attract the attention of children. Adults watch the performances of the best martial artists, have picnics in the fresh air and enjoy streaming music from special venues where various groups perform. There is also a three-dimensional map of the Philippines located on the water, and guests of the park are looking at it with curiosity from a three-meter viewing platform.
Museum of Fund Saints
Manila, the attractions of which made its appearance unique, is recognized as the cultural capital of the state. The best way to learn a lot about the city is to get to know its museums, and not a single tourist leaves without visiting The National Museum of Philippines.
The National Museum of the Philippines, located near the José Risal Park, was founded in 1901. Huge collections of exhibits will tell about the long-suffering history of the city, delight with the masterpieces of national art, surprise with new facts from the world of plants and animals. Europeans celebrate the unique Ships of Faith hall, which presents ritual artifacts, and visitors become more aware of local rites and traditions.
Ninoy Aquino - main airport
Manila recognizes that tourism is the main source of income, and does everything to make it convenient and comfortable for those who come to glorious land, and the first acquaintance is not the last.
The main gate of the Philippines is the only international airport. Manila is proud of the modern air pier, bearing the name of a senator, who was killed 33 years ago. There are four terminals inside, and when you fly home you will have to pay a small fee for using them. Experienced tourists recommend changing the currency to local pesos in advance and not losing a receipt. A lot of signs will not let you get lost, and free buses running between terminals will quickly deliver to the right place.
The number of travelers wishing to visit an exotic country is growing every year. Standard tours to the Philippines do not last more than two weeks, and during this time guests get acquainted with the main attractions of the islands. Many often come back, confessing their love to the paradise. Of course, this is not the cheapest pleasure, but positive emotions and new experiences are worth it.