Manila Overview

The capital city of Manila evolved from humble beginnings as a tiny tribal settlement on the banks of the Pasig River at the mouth of Manila Bay. Today it has a thriving population and is the bustling nerve centre of the Philippines.

Metro Manila is made up of nine cities - Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Pasay, Pasig, Kalookan, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Mandaluyong - and eight municipalities, covering 630 sq. km in total. It is a delightful mix of old and new, where traditions, modern customs, centuries-old buildings and gleaming high-rise hotels and skyscrapers, quaint street stalls, modern shopping malls, stately museums and discotheques and bars all fit together in a mishmash way that is very appealing and makes Manila the vibrant city it is.

There is much to see and experience in Manila. The most famous structure is Intramuros, the famous walled fortress. A tour of this landmark provides the visitor with a good understanding of Manila's rich and varied heritage. Among the attractions in Intramuros are Fort Santiago, the headquarters of the Spanish military troops and prison to thousands of Filipinos, including the country's national hero, Dr Jose Rizal. Manila Cathedral and San Augustin Church, two of the oldest churches in the country, are filled with an extensive collection of religious artefacts, and Casa Manila is a reconstructed 19th century mansion decorated with 16th and 19th century furnishings.

Outside Intramuros is Rizal Park, a place to relax and wander around the manicured lawns and spouting fountains. It also features Chinese and Japanese gardens and a skating rink, as well as the remains of Dr Jose Rizal who lies buried within the cornerstones of the Rizal Monument.

The Cultural Centre of the Philippines (CCP) is the central venue for the arts of the provinces. Ballets, concerts, stage plays and other performances are held here and are a great way to absorb some of the fascinating Filipino culture.

Ten minutes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the 32-acre theme park called Nayong Pilipino (Philippine Village) the showcase of the country's diverse attractions and its culture. Nearby Makati is the business district of Metro Manila and features modern high-rise hotels and other buildings, sprawling shopping malls, rows of gourmet restaurants, entertainment facilities and sports clubs. Also in this district is the Ayala Museum which depicts various periods of Filipino history.

Outside of Metro Manila, a 45-minute trip on a cruise boat from near the CCP complex will take you to Corregidor, an island about four miles long and half a mile wide which was the scene of fierce fighting in World War II between Filipino-American troops and the Japanese forces. Today, the memory comes alive with a spectacular light and sound show.

In Manila like elsewhere in the Philippines, friendliness is a way of life and the Filipino's world-famous brand of hospitality and ever-shining smiles will always be there to greet you. Discover Manila, discover the islands and discover the Philippines, you won't ever forget the place, as it's here that those dreams you have had of a tropical paradise can be fulfilled.

Climate

Manila is hot and humid throughout the year, though constant sea breezes somewhat temper the climate. Seasons can be roughly divided into the cool and dry season from November to February, hot and dry from March to May, and hot and wet from June to October. January is usually the coolest month with an average temperature of 78 Fahrenheit (25.5 Celsius), while May is the hottest at 83 Fahrenheit (28 Celsius). Rainfall varies, but some precipitation occurs most of the year-round. Beware of typhoons between May and November.