Just beside Intramuros is Rizal Park, a 60-hectare locale overlooking the famous Manila Bay.  The park has gardens, historical markers, plazas, a 1913 bronze monument of Jose Rizal, a grand stadium, an observatory, an open-air concert hall, an artists’ sanctuary, a light-and-sound theatre, restaurants, food kiosks and playgrounds, and dozens of fountains. 

Formerly known as Luneta, the park was a tribute to Jose Rizal, a Filipino doctor and novelist who was shot by firing squad at this site on December 30, 1896 on charges of fomenting local rebellion against the Spanish government.  The Philippines declared its freedom from Spain on June 12, 1898 but the American forces quickly replaced the Spanish colonizers.  The US granted the Philippines its freedom on July 4, 1946, after the defeat of Japanese forces in the country.

The 31-meter Philippine flagpole is called kilometer zero, because it is where the distance of the country’s towns and cities is measured from.   Just beside the flagpole is Rizal monument, where foreign leaders attend wreath-laying ceremonies during state visits. 

From the Rizal monument, one can see the Quirino Grandstand, the Manila Bay, Manila Hotel, Army Navy Club, the Gallery of National Heroes, and San Lorenzo Ruiz Plaza, in honor of Lorenzo Ruiz who is considered by the Catholic Church as the first Filipino saint.

Also near are the Light and Sound Complex, which consists of Rizal’s mural; the Gomburza marker, in honor of three Filipino priests who were executed by Spanish authorities for rebellion; and the Rizal fountain.

Just a short walk from Rizal fountain are the Artists’ Haven, an environmental art gallery; National Historical Institute, the repository of the country’s historical artifacts; and the National Library, which includes in its shelves rare books and documents.  From here, one can proceed to the Central Lagoon, Chinese Garden, Open-Air Auditorium, Planetarium, Rizal Park Library, MassCom Library, Chess Plaza, the Flower Clock, Japanese Garden and a 27-foot cascade.

The next stop is 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.  Aside from its flora collection, the Orchidarium mesmerizes the visitors with its well-designed mystic lagoon, crystalline waterfalls, a climbing wall, a replica of a man-made rainforest, and a butterfly paradise. 

The twin buildings of the Department of Tourism and the Department of Finance, which were built in classic Greek architecture, are favorite sites for photo opportunity.  It is also recommended that the visitor obtain a brochure from the tourism desk, in order to have a guided tour of the sprawling park. 

From here, the visitor can proceed to the National Museum and pass by the Skating Rink, Plaza Olivia Salamanca in honor of the first woman physician in the country, Children’s Playground, Relief Map and Halamanang Pilipino, which contains a selection of local flora.

A tour of the park on horse-drawn carriages is available to tourists.  For those who want to enjoy the sunset from the sea, tickets for the cruise are available at the Golden Horizon Restaurant & Cruise Services near the Army-Navy Club.