The Philippines has much to offer the visitor. Despite what you read in the press from time to time, most of the Philippines is perfectly safe provided you take sensible precautions and don’t expose yourself to unnecessary danger. Aside from the well-known international tourist resorts, this vast archipelago has many attractions – though some tend to be rather well hidden from the casual visitor.

If you are after the night life you had better check out our Virtual Pub. That is the place where you will find the low down on bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants.

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In this section of our website some of the “old hands” share their knowledge and an introduction you to some of the places worth including on your itinerary. In keeping with our overall policy we check out all places ourselves and write from first hand knowledge so it may take some time before we get around to all the spots. Nevertheless we intend to build this part of the site progressively starting with Manila and its environs and moving outwards. Here are a few suggestions to begin with:

Angeles City

In biblical terms there are some who think that the “City of Angels” has more in common with Sodom and Gomorrah than with anyplace else except perhaps Dodge City and the wild, wild west.. Actually Angeles has an interesting history and offers a lot to those wishing to escape for a relaxing weekend away from the bustle of Manila.


Bata’an Province

Bata’an Province, across from Manila Bay offers a chance to experience the true spirit of the Philippines. From the provincial capital of Balanga down to the port of Mariveles, Bata’an offers spectacular scenery and fine seafood at very reasonable prices.


Binondo

Also known as Chinatown. Manila with a Shanghai twist.


Corregidor Island

Corregidor Island in Manila Bay gained fame during World War II. The wartime ruins have now become a popular venue for tourists who can enjoy a short boat ride to view this piece of contemporary history.


Cultural Center of the Philippines

Along Roxas Boulevard and jutting out into Manila Bay is the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a favored project undertaken by former first lady Imelda Marcos. The main cultural complex offers a varied program of music and entertainment – the finest the Philippines has to offer. The adjacent park provides a relaxing environment from which to obtain a new perspective on Manila.


EDSA Shrine

The EDSA shrine at Ortigas commemorates the first Peoples Power revolution that overthrew the Marcos regime and remains a mecca for those seeking political reform.


Enchanted Kingdom

Thousands of people head south of Manila to spend a day of fun-filled relaxation and adventurous excitement within the American-style walls of the Enchanted Kingdom, a 17-hectare theme park located in the outskirts of Sta. Rosa, Laguna (south of Manila).


Intramuros

The old walled city of Intramuros is slowly being restored to much of its former glory. With many fine historic buildings of the colonial style, this area of the city is a “must” for any visitor.

Island Cove Leisure Park

Located at Cavité, some 45 minutes south of Manila along the coastal highway, Island Cove Resort and Leisure Park offers a day or weekend of fun for the whole family.


Malacañang Palace

Malacanang is the seat of government of the Philippines and has a colorful history. Not as accessible as in the past due to security concerns but still worth seeing.


Nayong Pilipino

Located adjacent to the NAIA International Airport, Nayong Pilipino offers visitors and local residents alike a chance to experience the diverse culture of the Philippines in the space of a single afternoon. Well worth a visit but you may have to hurry. Extensions to the airport may soon take a sizeable chunk out of this place and reduce it to a shadow of what it is today.


National Museum

The National Museum and the Museum of the Philippines People are located close to Luneta and Rizal Park and provide the best opportunity to understand the diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines.


Puerto Galera

Manila’s weekend playground, where by day you can relax on a wide sandy beach or visit some world-class dive sites and by night…. Well, Puerto Galera offers everything that Manila can offer, almost.


Rizal Park

Dedicated to the memory of Philippines martyr, Josef Rizal, this historic area adjacent to Intramuros, commemorates one of the Philippines greatest patriots.


Saint Augustine’s Church and Museum

Saint Augustine’s Church, located within Intramuros, is not only the oldest church in the Philippines, it also boasts a fine museum of Philippine religious history – at least as interpreted by the Church. Well worth a visit but we sometimes wonder what the average Filipino makes of his or her “glorious” colonial past.


Subic Bay

Subic Bay and the adjacent area of Olongapo is another favored weekend retreat for Manila residents with sandy beaches and hotels that cater to all budgets.

 

Tagaytay

Located 56 kilometers south of Manila, this idyllic ridge city in the southern part of Cavite is blessed with crisp and cool mountain air all year round.

The Orchidarium and Butterfly Pavilion

A one-hectare theme park that showcases a rich collection of orchids, bromeliads, mums, poinsettias, roses and other colorful flowers. Originally focused on orchids, the Orchidarium now hosts a variety of blooms, scents and greens.