Manila: attractions. Tours to the Philippines

The state of Southeast Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean, on the eponymous archipelago, has always been popular with tourists from all over the world. Comfortable climate, luxurious beaches, underwater coral reefs, the richest flora and fauna attract hundreds of thousands of travelers who dream of a real exotic. Tours to the Philippines - it's a memorable vacation in a paradise corner with a virgin nature and unusual architectural monuments.

The colorful capital

The capital of the state is the beautiful metropolis of Manila, which is located on the island of Luzon. As tourists note, the city is incredibly similar to Los Angeles: the same business quarters, 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 picturesque city must visit.

Excursion to the history

Charming Manila, whose attractions are surprising by its unusualness, was originally a Muslim settlement. At the end of the 16th century, residents who were not subordinate to the Spanish authorities were expelled from the territory, and on June 24, 1571, a new Intramuros district appeared, surrounded on all sides by fortress walls. In 24 years, the sprawling city, which survived several terrible wars, becomes the capital of the Philippines.

In the history of Manila, there was a time when the Spaniards lost their dominance and were replaced by the English, who ruled for two years and plundered the main pearl of the archipelago. After the signing of the peace treaty, the city begins to gradually recover, the first educational institutions, monasteries, temples, private palaces appear.

At the end of the XIX century, the Spaniards lost 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 carved out more than 100,000 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 of 17 satellite cities, and the central one is Metro Manila. Attractions of the metropolis will please even the most demanding tourists, and to begin the trip locals recommend the oldest area, built by the Spaniards several centuries ago.

Each city has its own heart, from which it appeared, and this area 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 a territory more than three kilometers. Inside the district there were hospitals, schools, barracks, temples and the palace of the governor.

A special atmosphere of a historical place

Unfortunately, numerous wars did not pass without a trace: the main structures are destroyed, and the fortress wall is now a ruin. However, here you can feel the special atmosphere of colonial times, and the so-called city in the city is the place where the remembering history of Manila is proud. Sights that have survived to this day will take tourists back several centuries. The magnificent cathedral, the eighth in the city, St. Augustine's Baroque style church, survived the enemy's attack on the fortress of Santiago.

In the territory of the old city of Intramuros, no one will be bored, because there are art galleries, restaurants, museums, and a huge moat is dried and turned into golf courses. We must pay tribute to the authorities of Manila, who preserved an important piece of history for the inhabitants that could be lost forever, and turned the oldest district into the most visited place for tourists.

Jose Risal's Park

Manila perpetuated the name of the national hero - a fighter for the independence of the country, installing 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, the monument was declared independent of the Philippines.

Rizal Park is a popular holiday destination for city residents and foreign guests. In the stylized Japanese and Chinese gardens, broken in the park, lovers love to walk, and a planetarium, a butterfly pavilion and several playgrounds will attract the attention of children. Adults watch the performances of the best masters of martial arts, arrange picnics in the fresh air and enjoy pouring music from special venues, where various bands perform. There is also a three-meter map of the Philippines located on the water, and the guests of the park look at it with curiosity.

The Holiest of Holies of the Museum Fund

Manila, whose attractions have made its appearance unique, recognized as the cultural capital of the state. The best way to learn a lot about the city is to get acquainted with its museums, and no tourist leaves without visiting The National Museum of Philippines.

The National Museum of the Philippines, located near the park of Jose Risal, was founded in 1901. Huge collections of exhibits will tell about the long-suffering history of the city, admire masterpieces of national art, surprise with new facts from the world of plants and animals. Europeans celebrate the unique hall "Ships of Faith", where ritual artifacts are presented, and local rites and traditions become more clear to visitors.

Ninoy Aquino - main airport

Manila admits that tourism is the main source of income, and does everything to ensure that the arriving people to the glorious land were comfortable and comfortable, and the first acquaintance was not the last.

The main gate of the Philippines is the only international airport. Manila is proud of the modern air dock, bearing the name of a senator who was killed 33 years ago. Inside there are four terminals, and when you fly home you will have to pay a small fee for using them. Experienced tourists recommend in advance to change the currency to local pesos and not lose a receipt. A lot of pointers will not get lost, and free buses running between terminals will be quickly delivered to the right place.

Every year the number of travelers wishing to visit an exotic country is growing. Standard tours to the Philippines do not last more than two weeks, and during this time the guests get acquainted with the main attractions of the islands. Many often return back, confessing their love for the heavenly corner. Of course, this is not the cheapest pleasure, but positive emotions and new impressions are worth it.