For the adventure-seeker and culture-lover, Manila is a dream destination. If one has four days to spare, here is a suggested itinerary.
Day 1 - Intramuros, Baywalk and Malate areas
Start a Manila adventure by visiting Intramuros, also known as The Walled City. Built during the Spanish regime in 1571, the City was said to have been inhabited only by the Spanish elite and Filipinos of Caucasin origin. Visitors will definitely enjoy its cobblestone streets, Spanish era architecture and at certain times of the year, trade fairs and exhibits. Also worth visiting in Intramuros are two of the oldest Churches in Manila - Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church - and Fort Santiago, the Spanish government's seat of power where the National Hero, Jose Rizal, was imprisoned. For golfers, the grounds surrounding Intramuros are also perfect spots. One can find a good cabbie and spend the whole afternoon enjoying a round or two of golf at probably half the price compared with the golfing rates in other cities like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.
After a dose of history and some swings at the greens, one can savor a breezy afternoon walking at the Baywalk, a long strip of pathway on one side of Roxas Boulevard. Here, one can simply watch the waves and promenaders and wait for the world-famous Manila Bay sunset.
One can then walk further deep into the side streets of Roxas Boulevard to see the artsy side of Manila: Malate. Here, one will find many options for cafes, bars and restaurants. The Remedios Circle is a favorite spot among tourists and locals alike. The Cafe Adriatico, famous for its Filipino and Spanish cuisine, and the Cafe Havana, a favorite hang-out for drinking and dancing, are both situated here.
Day 2 - Quiapo, Chinatown and Divisoria
Most travel books caution tourists from venturing into these areas but if one has enough common sense, there is really no need to be paranoid. (Read: Before one should venture into this unfamiliar territory, he should be smart enough to remember that just like in other cities of the world, Manila's streets have their own share of petty crimes so bringing too much cash or jewelry is like waiting for a disaster to happen.)
The Holy and Unholy Business of Quiapo
In the center of Quiapo is the Church where all kinds of business (not just spiritual) happen. Outside the Church are vendors with their different offerings: leaves for avoiding pregnancy, thick syrups for alleviating sexual dysfunctions, and other weird-looking substances said to heal many forms of ailments. Beside these stalls are other "freelance" workers: palm and card readers, prayer "whisperers", and witch doctors. There are also numerous shops of Philippine handicrafts under the Quiapo bridge. These are perfect places to shop for souvenirs as most will be happy to offer huge discounts (provided that one has mastered enough bargaining skills).
The next recommend stop is Chinatown. Here, one will find endless shops of gold and faux jewelries, crystals and semi-precious stones, feng shui charms and ornaments, and Chinese delicacies including mooncakes and dimsums. A trip to a Chinese temple is also worth one's time. There is a temple said to be a favorite among the locals but it is often challenging to look for it.
Divisoria is a shopping haven especially for bargain-hunters. Wholesalers and retailers ply their trade here. This is also famous for designers and fashion merchandisers because this is the best place to buy textiles and other sewing materials at perhaps a fraction of the prices in shopping malls.
Day 3 - UP, Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife and Tomas Morato-Timog Avenue Strip
The University of the Philippines in Diliman is a paradise! Covering an area of about 490 acres, one can practically get lost inside the UPD campus. It has wide open spaces, pocket gardens, olympic-size swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, gymnasium, billiard and bowling facilities, libraries, museum, post office, film center and a university theater. If one needs to do some quiet walks and have a taste of nature even in the middle of a concrete jungle, UPD is a good choice. Also in Quezon City is the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife. There is an interesting man-made lagoon there worthy of a visit especially if one is into photography.
Dine and Stay a Little Bit Longer
The Tomas Morato-Timog strip should be in the agenda after some serious strolling and picture-taking. The area is home to more than a hundred restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels and shops. Certain types of people prefer to dine in this part rather than in big malls because most places here still offer peace, quiet and intimacy. Here, one is always tempted to stay a little bit longer.
Day 4 - Tagaytay, Batangas
Tagaytay is no longer part of Manila but a visit to Manila should always include a side strip to Tagaytay City, where the Taal Volcano is. About 1.5 hours from Makati, Tagaytay is fast becoming a favorite weekend place for city dwellers because of its relative distance from Manila and its cooler climate. A day trip can already include a proper massage and pampering session in a garden spa. Along the Tagaytay Ridge are restaurants offering sumptuous meals with perfect views of the lake. For trekking towards the crater of the volcano, private tours are often arranged by operators but care in choosing which ones to avail of is recommended.
Ideally, a week's stay is necessary when in Manila. This 4-day itinerary is then recommended for those who have limited time in Manila but would still want to experience more of its "real" soul.
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