The city of Manila is located on the west coast of the Philippine main island of Luzon and surrounded by fertile plains. The city straddles at the delta of the Pasig River, a short navigable stream that connects the fresh water Lake of Laguna de Bay with Manila Bay and the South China Sea.
It sets the archipelagos rhythm and is pulsating hub that blends the Oriental with the Occidental, the quaint with the modern, the mundane with the extraordinary. The capital follows the curve of Manila Bay approximately from north to south. It is the largest city in Southeast Asia with approximately 10 million people.
Whenever Manila is mentioned, the speaker actually refers sometimes unknowingly to a vast conglomeration of 12 cities and five municipalities. Each is an autonomous political entity, but together functioning as one city called Metro Manila. Exploring this sprawling metropolis can be quite a daunting prospect even for its residents, but as a visitor you may rest assured that your stay will be most likely confined to certain areas, as outlined in this guide.
The roads in Manila are in a perpetual state of chaos bordering on anarchy, a result of the capitals rising population and poor infrastructure. There are so many vehicles fighting for every inch of road space that at peak times it can be a sweaty battle of nerves just to get a few hundred metres.
At the heart of Manilas history is Intramuros. It features the grand Manila Cathedral with its detailed stone carvings and stained glass mosaics. Fort Santiago, the site of torture chambers and dungeons and the favourite wedding spot, the San Agustin Church.
Its relentless bustle and notorious nightlife are both exciting and draining, but if its action youre looking prepare you for non stop action. You can listen to a wide variety of popular bands and singers, take advantage of Happy hour specials, dance up a storm at clubs and street parties, or cap an exhilarating night with a cappuccino at a corner cafe. Hotspots not to be missed are bohemian Malate in Manila, upscale Ayala Rockwell in Makati, and the trendy Libis and Timog Avenue in Quezon City.
Fascination is an understatement of the feeling that one gets by visiting Manila, a lively metropolis commanding a magnificent view of the world famous Manila Bay and its golden sunset. Historic, bustling, awe inspiring, the Philippine Cosmopolitan Capital is a blend of cultures and flavours that offers an endless serving of places to see, sights to behold, and experiences to never forget.
