Manila

Manila is the heart, soul and capital of the archipelago called Philippines. Philippines is made up of more than 7000 islands, and Manila is its pulse and its very core. Manila is the gateway and the seat of education, political, commercial activity. It used to be called the Pearl of the Orient at one time. After massive destruction of the city during WWII and being the second most devasted city in the world, after Warsaw, the city has been re built. The hardships have made its inhabitants resilient and resourceful. Manila as a whole may put you off, but when you enjoy Manila is parts, its individual areas, like Ermita, Intramuros, Malate, you will find the city grows on you.

 

Some General Information

Country : Philippines

Official Language : Filipino based on Tagalog, English, Spanish

Religion : Roman Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Buddhist

Currency : Philippine Peso

Time Zone : + 8 Hours GMT

Temperature : Manila has a tropical wet and dry climate. It lies entirely within the tropics. The temperatures rarely going lower than 20 °C and going higher than 38 °C.

Sightseeing : Rizal Park, San Agustin Church and Museum, National Museum, National Library, Manila Ocean Park. Districts like Intramuros, Ermita and Malate. Hidden valley, Pagsanjan Falls, Tagaytay City.

 

Getting There

By Air

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA, pronounced ‘na-EE-ya’) is located in Parañaque City, 12km from Manila. It has two working terminals: Terminal 1 has aging and cramped facilities, while Terminal 2 is more modern, but exclusive to Philippine Airlines, the national carrier. A third, more modern terminal has been completed, but a legal battle has kept it padlocked. The airport provides an executive lounge with business facilities and showers, duty-free souvenir shops, banks, ATMs, foreign exchange facilities, a post office, tourist information offices, left luggage, restaurants, car hire from Avis and Hertz, and hotel representative counters. Free telephones in the baggage claim areas allow visitors to phone ahead to confirm or arrange accommodation. Business centers with Wi-Fi access are available. Other facilities include baby-changing facilities, a children's playroom, salon, sauna and massage service, 24-hour medical centres, chapels and a pharmacy are all available. Disabled facilities: The airport is wheelchair-accessible with ramps, lifts and disabled toilets, and wheelchairs are available on request from airline ground staff, passengers requiring this service or any special assistance should inform their airline prior to travel. There is a contact number for assistance (tel: (02) 877 1111).

Airport Tel: (02) 877 1109

Website: www.miaa.gov.ph

Hotels Overview: The Manila Airport Hotel

Tel: (02) 854 7549 or 854 7550, is the only airport hotel - it is located in Terminal 1; passengers in transit can hire a day room for resting. There are hotel reservation desks at the airport in both terminals and major hotels provide a shuttle service.

 

Tourist Information

Philippine Tourism Authority (DOT)
Fifth Floor, DOT Building
TM Kalaw Street
Teodoro Valencia Circle
Tel: (02) 524 2502.
www.tourism.gov.ph
Opening hours: Daily 0700-1800.

 

Some Useful Tips

1. Crime is a part of life in Manila. Foreigners prey to petty crimes, avoid walking alone at night and deserted areas. Avoid staying alone in the city. Try travelling in groups while in Philippines.

2. Don’t wear jewellery, carry backpacks, short skirts and shorts. Make sure to get your credit card swiped infront of you, if you have to use it. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and don’t lose sight of it, at any time.

3. Tipping is not necessary but practiced.

4. The heat can be a problem. Keep yourself well hydrated. Have lots of water, only bottled. No ice.