Manila Travel Guide
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🇵🇭Manila Travel Guide: Culture, Food & Experiences Through My Lens
Manila, the bustling capital of the Philippines, is a city where centuries of history meet modern urban energy. Founded as a Spanish colonial settlement in 1571, Manila later came under American rule for nearly 40 years, leaving behind a fascinating blend of architecture, culture, and traditions. From the historic streets of Intramuros and the colorful markets of Binondo — the world’s oldest Chinatown — to the contemporary vibes of Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Manila is a city of contrasts that surprises travelers at every turn.
Whether you’re exploring centuries-old forts, sampling street food, wandering cobblestone alleys, or enjoying modern cafes and skyscraper views, Manila offers a rich tapestry of experiences. In this guide, I’ll take you through my cinematic journey of Manila, highlighting its history, culture, neighborhoods, food, and travel tips to help you make the most of your visit."
Key Neighborhoods & Highlights:
Intramuros: Historic walled city with colonial architecture, Fort Santiago, and San Agustin Church
Binondo: Bustling Chinatown filled with rich history, street food, and unique cultural experiences
Bonifacio Global City (BGC): Modern cityscape with street art, green spaces, and trendy dining
Makati: Major business and hotel district, vibrant nightlife, and convenient location for exploring the city
Why Manila? 🇵🇭
Watch My Manila Adventure on YouTube
Click through each section below to dive into the experiences I captured — from first impressions to hidden gems, historic sites, and modern city life.
My First Impressions of Manila
Episode 1: “My 1st Impressions of Manila 🇵🇭 | Was I expecting THIS??”
Neighborhoods Explored: Makati (where I stayed), Ayala Triangle, Salcedo Market
Why Makati Is the Perfect Base:
Makati is the central business district of Manila, making it an ideal neighborhood for first-time visitors. It’s centrally located, close to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (about 30–45 minutes by car), and offers easy access to historic neighborhoods like Intramuros, vibrant streets in Binondo, and modern hubs such as Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
Walking Around Makati:
Highly walkable areas like Ayala Triangle and Salcedo Market are lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, and green spaces — perfect for leisurely strolls and capturing cinematic moments.
Local weekend markets and rooftop gardens provide authentic city experiences.
Getting Around:
Grab App: Air-conditioned car rides, convenient for solo or group trips.
Move It: Grab’s motorbike service — fast for solo travelers, especially during traffic.
Local Transportation: Jeepneys and tricycles are perfect for short hops within neighborhoods but not ideal for longer city trips.
Highlights of My Day:
Rizal Park: Iconic green space and historical landmark
Salcedo Market: A must-visit for local food and snacks
Ayala Triangle: Peaceful urban oasis in Makati
Greenfield Weekend Market: Night market vibes and local eats
Market! Market!: Bustling shopping destination
SM Mall of Asia: One of the largest malls in the world
Robinsons Place Mall: Popular shopping hub for locals
🎬 Episode 2: Binondo, Manila — The World’s Oldest Chinatown 🇵🇭
Step into the world’s oldest Chinatown — a place where history, heritage, and flavor collide. Founded in 1594, Binondo has been the heart of Manila’s Chinese-Filipino community for over four centuries. Every street tells a story, from Spanish-era architecture and ancestral temples to the sizzling woks of food stalls that have been serving locals for generations.
Watch: The Binondo Episode
Highlights & Must-Do Experiences:
Wander through historic streets and admire the old-meets-new charm that defines Binondo.
Visit the Binondo Church, one of Manila’s oldest landmarks, originally established by Dominican priests in 1596.
Stop at Vege Select (formerly Quan Yin Chay) — a beloved vegetarian spot known for its flavorful local dishes. Be sure to grab a fresh sugarcane juice from the vendor right out front — a refreshing way to cool off while exploring.
Try the Lumpia, a traditional Filipino-style spring roll that perfectly blends Chinese and Filipino influences.
Visit the Eng Bee Tin Binondo Flagship Store, a must for anyone with a sweet tooth — their ube hopia and pastries are iconic Binondo treats.
End your adventure with classic dumplings at Chuan Kee Chinese Fast Food, open since 1940, where the flavors are as rich in history as the area itself.
Highlights & Must-Do Experiences:
Insider Tip:
Binondo is best explored on foot — the energy of the streets, the aroma of the food, and the charm of the people make it an unforgettable experience. Follow your curiosity — the best bites often hide down side streets that don’t show up on maps.
Tours & Tickets:
FOR ALL: Skip- the- line tickets, Daytrips, Events:
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Intramuros, Chinatown, and Old Manila Half-Day Tour
Intramuros, Chinatown, and Old Manila Half-Day Tour
Travel Essentials for the Philippines
Gear I always bring for island hopping, city wandering, and filming on the go:
🎒 Lightweight backpacks & dry bags
📸 Cameras & drones
🤿 Snorkel gear
☀️ Sunscreen
🦟 Bug spray (trust me, you’ll thank yourself later)
👉 Shop My Travel Essentials for Exploring the Philippines
Health & Safety Tips 🛡️
The Philippines is breathtaking, but like any true adventure, it’s important to stay prepared. From island-hopping boats to jungle hikes, every experience brings unforgettable moments — and a few things you’ll want to plan for in advance:
🦟 Mosquitoes & Dengue: The tropics mean mosquitoes, and dengue fever is a real risk. Always pack bug spray and reapply often, especially at dusk.
🚰 Water Safety: Avoid drinking tap water, even for brushing your teeth. Stick to bottled or filtered water to keep your trip worry-free.
🛡️ Travel Insurance: This is essential! From unexpected illness and lost luggage to sudden changes of plans, having coverage keeps the focus on your journey — not the stress. In the Philippines, accidents are unfortunately common: I’ve witnessed everything from motorbike accidents to cuts on coral while exploring the islands. I haven’t seen it all, and you never know what might happen — that’s why travel insurance is non-negotiable.
I personally recommend two trusted options:
World Nomads
Great for short-term and adventure coverage.
Safety Wing
Ideal for long-term travelers and digital nomads
✨ Ready to Explore the Philippines?
From the pulse of Manila to the laid-back beaches of Siargao, the limestone cliffs of Coron to the hidden lagoons of El Nido, and the charm of Puerto Princesa — every moment is waiting for you.
👉 Click on a city to start your journey
Manila
Siargao
Coron
El Nido
Puerto Princesa
2-Week Philippines Itinerary
Perfect for travelers short on time but craving the full experience.
🇵🇭 Days 1–2 – Manila
Start your adventure in the capital — street food stalls, Spanish-era architecture, and rooftop sunsets over Manila Bay.
🏝️ Days 3–7 – Siargao
Island life at its purest. Surf breaks, palm roads, hidden lagoons, and soulful island energy. Slow mornings and cinematic sunsets guaranteed.
⛰️ Days 8–10 – Coron
Turquoise lagoons and shipwreck dives — the kind of landscapes that feel unreal until you’re floating in them.
🌅 Days 11–13 – El Nido
Island-hopping paradise. Kayak into hidden lagoons, jump off limestone cliffs, and explore beaches that look like movie sets.
🏙️ Day 14 – Manila Return
One last halo-halo before your flight home — because you can’t say goodbye to the Philippines without one more taste.
🌏 30-Day Philippines Itinerary
For those ready to dive deep into every island, culture, and connection.
🇵🇭 Days 1–3 – Manila
Begin your journey in the capital city — the pulse of the Philippines. Explore Intramuros, try the street food, and take in a rooftop sunset over Manila Bay before heading off to the islands.
🌴 Days 4–13 – Siargao
Ten days on the island that truly captured my heart. Between surf breaks, palm-lined roads, island hopping, and quiet moments by the ocean — Siargao is pure magic. I even called it home for a while, working remotely and soaking in every golden-hour sky.
⛰️ Days 14–20 – Coron
A place that looks straight out of a dream. Spend your days exploring turquoise lagoons, dramatic limestone cliffs, and the world-famous shipwreck dives. It’s adventurous, cinematic, and raw — one of my favorite filming locations in the Philippines.
🌅 Days 21–25 – El Nido
From hidden lagoons to island-hopping adventures, every day feels like a scene from a movie. Expect postcard views, white sand beaches, and sunsets that make you pause and just breathe it all in.
🌿 Days 26–28 – Puerto Princesa
A change of pace — peaceful and green. Visit the Underground River (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), wander the local markets, and enjoy this more relaxed side of Palawan.
🏙️ Day 29–30 – Manila Return
Wrap up your trip back in the capital. One final halo-halo, one more city sunrise, and a moment to reflect before heading home.
✈️ If you have the time — this is the dream route. You’ll feel the contrast between every island, meet incredible locals, and truly live the rhythm of the Philippines.
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