7 Interesting Places in Manila: Where to bring your Balikbayan and Foreign Guests

Many of my friends and readers would always ask me "where to bring their balikbayan and foreigner friends visiting Manila?" If it's their first time in the Philippines or has been away from the country for such a long time, I recommend a Manila City Tour. A tour that would (re)introduce them to some historical and interesting sites in the city.

Two weeks ago, we were invited by Klook Travel Booking App to experience one of the activities they offer. The Manila City Tour aims to tour guests to the country’s bustling capital, visit its key historical sights, old districts, as well as architectural landmarks. From our hotel, we were fetched by Klook's travel partner-agency, Baron Travel Services and brought us to Shangri-La Makati where the other guests joining the tour are waiting for us. We were a group of 8, plus the driver and our tour guide.

With this, let me share to you the places we visited:

1. Makati Central Business District

We departed the hotel at around 2:30 PM and passed by Makati City's Central Business District. As the country's prime financial and business district, Makati is dominated by tall building and skyscrapers, as well as shopping malls and luxury hotels. While traveling, our guide would tell us some interesting facts about the city and some historical information about the Philippines which certainly delighted the foreign guests joining the tour.

2. American Memorial and Cemetery

We then proceeded to Bonifacio Global City in Taguig where our 2nd stop is located - the American Memorial and Cemetery. The complex has more than 17 thousand graves and known to have the largest number of graves of any cemetery for U.S. personnel killed during World War II. Don't miss visiting "The Memorial," which has huge mosaic maps located in four rooms that recall the actions of the United States Armed Forces in the Pacific, China, India and Burma (Myanmar). Also, you will see the seals of the American states and its territories carved on the floor of The Memorial.

It's my first time here, so I spent ample time to take a lot of photos and enjoy the clean and green scenery. It's really a beautiful place. I wish we could stay longer but we have to get going to our next destination.

3. Rizal Park (Luneta)

Our next stop is Rizal Park (also known as Luneta Park) where the monument of our National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal is located. In front of the monument is the Philippine Flag pole, one of the tallest in the country.

4. Intramuros

We then proceeded to the "Walled City of Intramuros," one of the oldest districts of Manila and probably one of most visited historical sites in the city. Intramuros is a must-visit for tourists when visiting the City of Manila. Full of history to tell, it is where you could see Manila’s vibrant past. I've been here many times but every visit is still a memorable one. Intramuros is where you could see old structures, churches, old houses, a Spanish fort, and a lot more.

5. Mananzan Handicrafts

Our next stop is a quick visit to Mananzan Handicrafts where you could buy some souvenirs and snacks. It's a huge store that sells different kinds of souvenir items, handicrafts, accessories, shirts, and food items that are proudly Philippine-made. This is also a good place to have snacks and restroom break.

6. Fort Santiago

Fort Santiago is a 16th century military defense fortress which gives an interesting insight into one of the most important chapters in Manila's history. Fort Santiago is also where Rizal shrine is located; it exhibits some memorabilia related to the life and works of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. As a place where Rizal was imprisoned, his final steps from his prison cell to the fatal firing squad site in Luneta were immortalized with golden footprints seen inside the Fort. This is where we spent about an hour just taking photos, wandering around and enjoying a good cup of coffee.

INTRAMUROS TOUR WITH CARLOS CELDRAN Learn about the history of the Philippines in the most entertaining way possible! Join notable Filipino performance artist Carlos Celdran as he takes you back in time inside Manila’s ancient walled city of Intramuros. CLICK HERE TO BOOK AN INTRAMUROS TOUR

7. San Agustin Church

This is a must-visit when in Intramuros as it is one of the "Four Baroque Churches in the Philippines" inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1993. San Agustin Church is said to be the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Built in 1589, it is the only church inside Intramuros that survived the Second World War.

This Manila City Tour is an ideal activity if you want to bring your balikbayan and foreign friends on a tour in the different interesting and historical sites around Manila.

For hassle free tour in Manila, you may avail this activity via Klook App. It's a website/app which lets you discover activities, attractions and things to do wherever you travel. Enjoy easy booking and instant confirmation of this activity via Klook!

BOOK THIS ACTIVITY HERE: Manila City Tour via Klook

[ CLICK HERE TO THE SEE LIST OF TOP-RATED HOTELS IN MANILA ]

Manila City Tour via Klook

Rate: Php 2,141.00 per person

Inclusive Of:

• Join in tour
• Department of Tourism Accredited English speaking guide
• Entrance fees to Fort Santiago
• Hotel pick up and drop off

Not Inclusive Of:

• Meals/Snacks

Itinerary:

• 9:30am/2:30pm hotel pick up
• Makati (the country's financial center)
• American Memorial & Cemetery
• The "Walled City" of Intramuros
• Fort Santiago
• 1:30pm/6:30pm hotel drop off

BOOK A MANILA CITY TOUR HERE!

TRAVEL TIP:

You may also book Klook's Dinner Buffet and Cultural Show at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros and end your day with a sumptuous dinner buffet of Filipino dishes inspired by the colonial time.

ALSO READ: 5 Awesome Reasons Why You Should Dine at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant in Intramuros Manila

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