Manila
Colonial old city, designer shopping and upmarket dining
Flights to Manila uncover Spanish colonial history and pristine beaches in the heart of Southeast Asia.
Things to do
The stone walls of Manila’s 16th-century fortified city, Intramuros, summon up days of Spanish colonial rule. Walk atop the ramparts on your Manila city break, or wander Anda Street, where shop names are still etched on medieval Spanish tiles.
Shopping
Before return flights from Manila, travel by jeepney to Chinatown, where colourful mounds of red chilli peppers and coconuts mark the labyrinthine route to translucent pearls, coral jewellery and silk scarves, perfect souvenirs of a Manila holiday.
Restaurants
Succulent l echón (slow-roasted pork) melts in your mouth after hours on the spit, and the flavours of fresh Filipino seafood meld with sweet-and-sour tamarinds in sinigang stew. Finish off with the sweet tastes of tropical fruit – mangos, bananas and guavas.
Nightlife
An evening in Malate, Manila’s trendy nightlife district, forms the perfect nightcap. Energetic DJs accompany dancers who sip tropical cocktails of mango or papaya juice. You might also cool off with a locally-brewed San Miguel beer ( serbesa).
When to go
KLM has frequent flights to Manila. Book a holiday during a Manila fiesta – Lunar New Year in January or February or the December Christmas season – when the city’s streets fill with dancing, colourful parades and street musicians.
Upcoming events
- World Food ExpoAug 2012 (annual)
- Feast of the Black NazareneJan 2013 (annual)
- Show all events
Things to do
SpotlightIntramuros and Fort Santiago
Located in Old Manila, the walled city of Intramuros, built by the Spanish in 1571, was considered to be Manila More about this item
More things to doShopping
SpotlightChinatown
Crawl through the cramped streets of Chinatown in Binondo in an elaborate horse-drawn calesa (carriage) for souvenirs and gifts. More about this item
More shoppingRestaurants
SpotlightOld Manila
Colonial elegance and sweeping staircases combine with contemporary Filipino décor in Old Manila at the upmarket Peninsular Hotel in Makati. More about this item
More restaurants
