Many visitors can’t wait to get out of Manila – there is so much else to see in the Philippines. It is worth at least a few days, perhaps after arriving at the airport and a day or two before leaving.
Your first impression will be from the air ( 1 ), and then from your hotel or wherever you are staying. Here ( 2 ) is the view of Makati and beyond from the rooftop of a modern hotel like St Giles ( www.StGilesManila.com ) . A three hour city tour ( www.greatsights.com.ph ) takes in Rizal Park ( 3 ), Fort Santiago, and the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial ( 4 ) for P 1,600. The view of Manila Bay and Corregidor ( www.corregidorphilippines.com ) from SM Mall of Asia is not to be missed ( 5 ). Manila Ocean Park ( www.manilaoceanpark.com ) is a new attraction ( 6 ). Air-conditioned taxis are relatively cheap, but at least one trip in a jeepney is a must, and very cheap ( 7 in Makati Avenue ).
There are several day trips from Manila worth considering – Tagaytay ( with Taal volcano, 55 km ) for P 3000, and Pagsanjan Falls ( 100 km ) for P 4,500 at last year’s rates – with scenic countryside en route. Try to read an up to date guide book first such as The Rough Guide to the Philippines published last year ( www.roughguides.com ).
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( 7 - Makati Avenue )
