Tourist Destinations and Attractions in Manila, Philippines

Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is a defense fortress built for Spanish Conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. This fort is part structure from the walled city Intramuros in Manila, Philippines.

Fort Santiago also has a high historical value because of Jose Rizal, the Philippines national hero, was imprisoned in this fort before being executed in 1896. One site that also you can see is the bronze footsteps. This is the last step when Jose Rizal walked from his cell to the execution site.

Intramuros

Built in 1571, Intramuros was built by the Spanish during their occupation of this country. This place covers about 160 hectares area (395 acres).

Intramuros (Walled City) is a famous walled city built in the Spanish colonial period. At this resort, you will see the castle, churches, monasteries, homes, schools and other government buildings with Spanish style. The oldest area of the city is protected by a few large wall that is still strong, despite the battles of World War II was happened here.

Unfortunately, the entire city was destroyed during the bombing of U.S. troops when they retake Manila from Japan in 1945. Currently most of the walls has been restored, it will make you thrown into the past.

San Agustin Church

San Agustin is a Roman Catholic church located in the walled city (Intramuros) in Manila. Built in 1607, this is the oldest church that still standing in Philippines. In 1993, San Agustin Church, one of four Philippine churches constructed during the Spanish colonial inaugurated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the classification of Philippine baroque church.

When you enter to this church which has 67.15 meters long and 24.39 meters wide, you can see the baroque architectural style design, especially in the carving style at the door.

In the courtyard , you will see a lion statue. The church also has 14 chapels and beautiful paintings on the ceiling from Italian artists Cesare Alberoni and Giovanni Dibella.

Tagaytay Lake and Volcano

If you traveled to the mountains, Philippines will refresh your eyes with stunning panoramic views. Tagaytay Lake Volcano is a natural tourist attraction that should not miss when you travel to Philippines.

This place is a little bit far from the capital city, Manila, so it requires you to travel about three to four hours to get there.

The lake was formed by the eruption of a volcano located in the ocean. It can be imagined, if you want to see the lake, you must first refresh your eyes with the beauty of blue sea. When you arrive at the mountain, you can choose to walk or ride a horse to climb the mountain and see the Lake.

Rizal Park

Rizal Park is one place that is often visited by locals and foreigner tourists. It is a city park located in the heart of Manila, Philippines, specifically at the northern end of Roxas Boulevard, overlooking Manila Bay.

Another uniqueness is that there is a small lake with a replica of the Philippine Islands. The park is decorated with several statues. Besides Jose Rizal statue, the Philippine national hero, there is a very high flagpole. This flagpole is the highest in the Philippines, built in 1961, has a 107 meters height.

Around the park there are also historical buildings, including the National Library, the National Museum of the Filipino People, Butterfly Pavilion, and Planetarium Orchidarium. Rizal Park is also often used for musical performances, dance, and various other arts.

Chatedral

Manila Metropolitan Cathedral is the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila. Located in the Intramuros district of Manila, the cathedral has been damaged and destroyed several times since it was built in 1581.

After the sixth incarnation in 1958, the cathedral was ordained as a minor basilica in 1981. It is dedicated to St. Mary as a protector for Philippines.

The main facade of Manila Cathedral is decorated with saints sculpted made from Roman travertine stone. In the old cathedral, the building was originally made from Molave woods.