| The largest as well as the official capital | | | | |
| city of the Republic of Philippines, Covering | | | | Another worth visiting attraction in the city |
| an area of about 39 square kilometers and | | | | is the magnificent Malacanang Palace, which |
| with a population of about two million | | | | now serves as the official residence of the |
| people, Manila is the world's most densely | | | | Philippines president. Located along the |
| populated city. | | | | northern banks of the Pasig River, this |
| | | | palatial complex is noted for its unique |
| Located at the mouth of the Pasig River on | | | | architecture, and consists of sections such |
| the Manila Bay's eastern shores, in | | | | as Malacanan Palace; the Bonifacio Hall, |
| southwestern Luzon - the largest island in | | | | which was formerly the office of Ferdinand |
| the country, Manila is actually a part of the | | | | Marcos successor Corazon Aquino; Kalayaan |
| Metropolitan Manila or Metro Manila, also | | | | Hall, built under the American |
| referred to as the National Capital Region | | | | administration. |
| (NCR.) Once a stronghold of the Spanish | | | | |
| Empire during the colonial times and a point | | | | Mabini Hall - the administration hall; and |
| of trade between Europe and Asia, Manila has | | | | above all a guest house. Also, a significant |
| now become one of the most prominent | | | | attraction in Manila is Bahay Tsinoy, which |
| cosmopolitan cities in the world. Lying on a | | | | is an interesting museum that has on display |
| narrow strip of land between Manila Bay and | | | | collections related to Chinese-Filipino |
| Laguna de Bay, the Metropolitan Manila is | | | | culture. Housed within the Kaisa Heritage |
| made up of 17 cities and municipalities. | | | | Center, the museum's collections include |
| Further, Metro Manila is regarded as one of | | | | pictures depicting life of Chinese |
| the world's mega metropolises, and serves as | | | | immigrants, and Chinese artifacts such as |
| the economic, educational, industrial, and | | | | coins, pottery, and kitchen utensils. |
| cultural center of the country. | | | | |
| | | | Further, popular attractions in Manila cover |
| From historic buildings, monuments, and | | | | Paco Park, which is probably the one of its |
| interesting museums to entertainment | | | | kind in the whole of the world. Considered a |
| facilities and parks and gardens, attractions | | | | historical shrine, the park was once a |
| in Manila are truly endless. Perhaps the | | | | cemetery. With a unique design, the park |
| greatest of all attractions in Manila is | | | | consists of two circular structures with |
| Intramuros, which is a medieval fortified | | | | different levels of recesses. In short, the |
| city designed in European style. Once served | | | | way the park is designed is truly stupendous. |
| as the focal point of the Spanish colonial | | | | |
| rule, the city was the seat of administration | | | | Other not to miss attractions in Manila are |
| for a period spanning from 1571 to 1898. | | | | Manila Zoological Garden, which is home to |
| | | | some rare collection of Philippine as well as |
| In 1945, many of the city's portions were | | | | African wildlife; Carfel Seashell Museum, |
| destroyed by the Americans, which were later | | | | which has on display some rare seashells; |
| restored. A visit to this walled complex is a | | | | Kanlungan ng Sining, where you can find a |
| great way to experience the rich heritage of | | | | unique variety of sculptures, paintings and |
| the region. Few among many of the highlights | | | | photographs; Ayala Bridge, which connects San |
| of this complex are Fort Santiago - a | | | | Miguel to Arroceros; Meban Garden, the city's |
| beautiful fort that was erected on the ashes | | | | first botanical garden; and Liwasang |
| of a Muslim ruler during the 16th century; | | | | Bonficacio, a park that has been built to |
| Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church, | | | | commemorate a Philippine hero, Andres |
| which is the oldest of its kind in the city; | | | | Bonifacio. |
| and Casa Manila, a 19th century mansion noted | | | | |
| for its beautiful furniture. | | | | Hence, no wonder why tourists flock to Manila |
| | | | all-year round. Manila has accommodation |
| A museum, exhibiting some rare collections of | | | | options to cater every taste and pocket. From |
| oil paintings, can also be found within the | | | | budget villas and hotels to high-end resorts |
| San Agustin Church's old monastery. Apart | | | | and apartment, Manila's accommodation choices |
| from these, attractions also include the | | | | are superb. There are also some hotels that |
| Rizal Park, an excellent area for enjoying | | | | provide services in the form of packages, |
| recreational activities. Named after the | | | | covering accommodation, dining, and |
| national hero, Jose Rizal, the park is | | | | facilities to explore the attractions of the |
| credited to be the largest of its kind in | | | | place. |
| Asia. | | | | |