Manila is a colossal metropolis that sprawls for miles around. It’s a vast yet dense microcosm of almost every facet of the Philippines, almost like a country unto itself. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there are plenty of reasons that Manila is well worth visiting. But when we foreigners refer to “Manila,”…
Philippine beach and nature destinations are legendary, and rightly so. But Philippine cities—including the capital, Manila—are rarely on anyone’s bucket list. Is that a naïve oversight, or is Manila really best avoided? Manila is not the most exciting city in Asia, but it’s much more than just a gateway to exotic locales. It is worth…
Southeast Asia is on the top of every backpacker’s and budget traveler’s list. But if you want to splurge on pampering and futuristic luxury, there’s something for you, too. Where does the Manila fit in that spectrum? Here’s whether Manila is expensive Manila is not expensive to visit, by Western standards. Tourists in Manila will…
Manila gets a bad rap for crime. “Well, duh,” you might think, “It’s a big, gritty city in a fairly poor country.” That’s not wrong, but it doesn’t reflect the reality that most foreigners will experience, either. Manila travel safety in brief Travel safety in Manila is more complicated than “yes” or “no.” Manila’s tourist…
Manila is a destination for some, a jumping-off point for others, and of course home to many millions. You’ll get as many takes as there are people. But, by and large, most will agree on a few particular things. Domestically, Manila is known as the political, financial, and commercial capital of the Philippines. To travelers,…
Just about everyone who visits Manila, especially from the West, is floored by one thing the second they leave the airport. Not the heat, not the density, not even the unique and oddly pleasant BBQ-and-exhaust smell…but the traffic. It even costs the Philippine economy about $70 million per day! Every big city has congested roads, but Manila’s traffic is particularly…
Everyone who visits Manila comes back with a strong opinion of the city. Sometimes it’s positive, sometimes it’s negative, but one thing is for sure: staying in Manila leaves a strong impression. That raises some interesting questions for travelers. What’s different between those who do and don’t like the city? What sort of expectations lead…
From its epic sunsets to legendary battles, Manila Bay is a significant part of history and life around Metro Manila. Approaching the city from the air, you can’t miss the fish ponds and even impromptu houses that extend far into its water. It can be surprisingly hard to tell where land ends and the bay…