The state of Southeast Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean, on the archipelago of the same name, has always been popular with tourists from all over the world. Comfortable climate, luxurious beaches, underwater coral reefs, rich flora and fauna attract hundreds of thousands of travelers who dream of a real exotic. Tours to the Philippines is a memorable vacation in a paradise with virgin nature and unusual architectural monuments.
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 districts, modern skyscrapers, expensive sleeping areas, luxurious villas surrounded by fences. In the economic heart of the country, there are incredibly many places that all visitors to the colorful city must visit.
A trip to history
Charming Manila, whose sights surprise with their unusualness, was originally a Muslim settlement. At the end of the 16th century, residents who did not obey the Spanish authorities were expelled from the territory, and on June 24, 1571, a new district of Intramuros appeared, surrounded on all sides by fortress walls. After 24 years, the sprawling city, which survived several terrible wars, becomes the capital of the Philippines.
There was a moment in the history of Manila when the Spaniards lost their dominance and were replaced by the British, 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 19th century, the Spaniards ceded their possessions to the Americans, who treated the islanders very cruelly. But the most terrible test was the Second World War, during which Japanese soldiers slaughtered more than 100 thousand 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, consisting of 17 satellite cities, and the central one is Metro Manila. The sights of the metropolis will please even the most demanding tourists, and the locals recommend starting the trip from the oldest area built by the Spaniards several centuries ago.
Each city has its own heart from which it emerged, and thisthe district 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, covered an area of more than three kilometers. Inside the district were hospitals, schools, barracks, temples and the governor's palace.
Special atmosphere of the historical place
Unfortunately, numerous wars did not pass without a trace: the main structures were destroyed, and the fortress wall is now ruins. However, here you can feel the special atmosphere of colonial times, and the so-called city within the city is the place that Manila, remembering its history, is proud of. The sights that have survived to this day will take tourists several centuries back. The eyes of the guests of the city will see the majestic cathedral, the eighth in the city, the church of St. Augustine in the baroque style, which survived the attacks of the enemy, the fortress of Santiago.
On the territory of the old city of Intramuros, no one will be bored, because art galleries, restaurants, museums are located here, and a huge moat is dried up and turned into golf courses. We must pay tribute to the authorities of Manila, who preserved an important piece of history for the residents that could be lost forever, and turned the oldest district into the most visited place for tourists.
Jose Rizal Park
Manila immortalized the name of the national hero - a fighter for the country's independence, by erecting a monument of bronze and granite near the place where the Filipino patriot was executed. The memorial is guarded by soldiers, and all political figures arriving incountry, lay wreaths at its base, where Rizal is buried. In 1946, the independence of the Philippines was proclaimed at the monument.
Rizal Park is a popular holiday destination for city dwellers and foreign visitors. Loving couples love to walk in the stylized Japanese and Chinese gardens in the park, and the planetarium, butterfly pavilion and several playgrounds will attract the attention of children. Adults watch the performances of the best martial artists, have picnics in the fresh air and enjoy the flowing music from special venues where various groups perform. There is also a three-dimensional map of the Philippines, located on the water, and guests of the park are looking at it with curiosity from a three-meter observation deck.
Holy of Holies Museum Fund
Manila, whose sights have made its appearance unique, is recognized as the cultural capital of the state. The best way to learn a lot about the city is to get to know its museums, and no tourist leaves without visiting The National Museum of the Philippines.
The National Museum of the Philippines, located near José Rizal Park, was founded in 1901. Huge collections of exhibits will tell about the long-suffering history of the city, delight with masterpieces of national art, and 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 understandable to visitors.
Ninoy Aquino - main airport
Manila recognizes that tourism is the main source of income, and does everything to make those who arrived in the glorious land feel comfortable and comfortable, and the first acquaintance will not be the last.
The main gate of the Philippines is the only international airport. Manila boasts a state-of-the-art air dock named after a senator who was assassinated 33 years ago. There are four terminals inside, and when flying home, you will have to pay a small fee for using them. Experienced tourists recommend changing the currency to local pesos in advance and not losing the receipt. Plenty of signposts to help you get lost, and free shuttle buses between the terminals will quickly get you where you need to go.
The number of travelers who want to visit an exotic country is growing every year. Standard tours to the Philippines do not last more than two weeks, and during this time, guests get acquainted with the main attractions of the islands. Many often come back, declaring their love for paradise. Of course, this is not the cheapest pleasure, but positive emotions and new impressions are worth it.
