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Intramuros tour

Visit Manila

available everyday!


Sure you can just step out of your hotel and explore Manila on your own but you will be doing yourself a disservice by not going with a guide who is trained to show you the city's nook and crannies. He will show you what you will easily miss and tell you the what's/why's/how's of the magical maze that is the capital of the Philippines. All of our guides are licensed and are super fun to be with! We cater to those who like to take a walking tour of Intramuros as well to those who prefer to see the city while inside a comfortable vehicle.
Have balikbayan visitors and you want to show them what Manila is all about but don't know where to begin? We can help you. Coming from a cruise and have a limited time here? Worry not. We can pick you up from the harbor, show you the city and take you back to your ship before it leaves. Regardless of your interest - historical, culinary, photography - TRIPinas can create a package that's right for you.

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INTRAMUROS MANILA CITY TOURS 2023-2024

We arrange guided walks where you will see the essential of either Intramuros or Chinatown in 2 hours (or half-day if you prefer). We also offer a full day tour that allows visitors to see several districts of the capital and visit much more monuments and places than the regular trips. Now if you need it, we can also provide a service that will pick you up and drop you off at home. Our packages are also customizable, which means that you can request to add places of your own interest. Lastly our guides are passionate with their city and culture and you will learn a lot about the Philippines during the day. They can tour you in English, Filipino, French, Spanish, Chinese or Japanese.



TOP FIVE PLACES IN MANILA YOU SHOULD NOT MISS

Intramuros
It's easy to dismiss the Walled City as a showroom of tragedy and that's understandable. This area has seen all manners of oppression against the Filipinos from various outsiders --- the Spanish during their 377-year reign, the Japanese during the second world war and the Americans from 1898 to 1946. But if one takes the time to see beyond the ruins found in and around the walls, it will show you that Intramuros was a fortification built by and for the hardy Filipinos who have survived not only wars but also different natural disasters from fires to earthquakes and typhoons. One classic example of such a structure that has stood the test of time is the San Agustin church, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Due to long periods of foreign occupation, Intramuros boasts of magnificent architectural works from churches to schools and government buildings. Ultimately, Intramuros is a story of Filipino resilience - that we can get up after each fall. Do not miss Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, San Agustin church and Museum, Bahay tsinoy, Baluarte San diego and of course the walls and old mansions. Keep in mind that this district has nothing to do with an attraction park or a fully renovated historical town center. There you will witness the reality of the country. There you will feel as much as you see.

Quiapo
Named after the aquatic plant kiyapo (Pistia aka water cabbage) that's found abundantly on Pasig river where it sits, Quiapo is a district of contradiction. On one hand, you have Quiapo church - one of the city's most iconic thanks to the feast of the Black Nazarene (every January) and on the other, you have fortune tellers and vendors just outside the church doors selling talismans, bottles of unmentionable concoctions to make any lady un-pregnant. As if that's not enough to make you scratch you head, did know that there is a sizable Muslim population in the area, too? During the time of the Marcos regime, the former first lady supervised the construction of Masjid al-dahab (Golden Mosque) in preparation for the 1976 visit of the late dictator President Ghadaffi. His visit got cancelled. If you are looking for bargain quirky finds, head to Ils-de-Tuls (ilalim ng tulay) which literally means under the bridge. Here you can easily score budget-friendly handicrafts of various shapes and sizes as souvenir for your visit.

Chinatown
The country's Chinatown is found in Binondo. Established on the 16th century, it is the world's oldest Chinese enclave outside of China, Taiwan and Singapore. The district was created by Governor Dasmariñas to be the settlement of Chinese immigrants (Sangley) so they can be indoctrinated with Christian beliefs and finally turn them to Roman Catholics. All those who refused to convert were executed. Chinese mestizos refer to the children of Catholic Chinese and Filipinos. The first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz, was a Chinese Filipino and was from Binondo. Due to the strong influence of the Chinese tradition and the Catholic belief, you will find churches and Buddhist temples in the same district. When visiting the capital's Chinatown it is best to set your expectations right - you are NOT going to China so leave your stereotypical thoughts behind on how the place should look like. A trip to Chinatown is a culinary delight so take an empty stomach and an open mind. Most of the food are Hokien-influenced as the Chinoys are mostly from Hokien. Feast on tikoy (sticky rice), sio mai (siu mai or dumplinga), sio pao (steamed buns), hopia (mooncake) and different permutations of mami (noodle soup). Wash down your meal with some Chinese tea that are also available in Binondo. Chinoys (Chinese Pinoys) make up about three percent of the country's population and have played important roles in Philippine business and politics. Most of the big shopping malls in the country are owned by Chinese Pinoys. Three of the Philippine presidents are Chinoys.

Rizal Park
Also referred to as Luneta, Rizal park is popular to Manileños not only because the country's national hero's buried there but because its landscape is one of the few remaining open spaces in the metro. Every weekend, you will see throngs of people of all ages aerobic dancing in the early morning, runners logging their miles, martial artists practicing their katas and street performers showing their craft. Families picnic at the grassy area while couples profess their undying love by the bay. Rizal park has been a silent witness of major national events ranging from public executions (garrote), political rallies, sporting events to papal visits. Located along Roxas boulevard, this 58-hectare park is divided into three major parts. The prominent figures in the park include the Rizal monument, Kilometer zero marker and the relief Philippine map.

Chinese Cemetery
Walking into the Chinese cemetery, you wouldn't think you're going to a graveyard but in fact to a posh gated subdivision. The mausoleums look like mansions and some have in fact two floors of grandeur. From an outsider's point of view, these all look ridiculous and unnecessary but as with most Asia countries, keeping a strong family tie is important so these structures were built in such a way that even the living are comfortable when they visit their deceased loved ones. The mausoleums are fully equipped with air-conditioning, functioning toilets, kitchens with hot and cold water! It is common for Chinese Filipino families to spend their family lunch at their mausoleums over the weekend. Leasing a lot at the cemetery does not come cheap. Some can cost as high as Php50M for a long-term rent after-which they need to renew their lease otherwise they will be transferred to another area. For those who can't afford to pay the high rent, the Chinese Cemetery has the "budget" section where the plots are narrower and are located farther away from the gates. The Manila Chinese Cemetery was established on the 19th century to be the graveyard of the Chinese nationals who were denied a "decent" burial from Catholic cemeteries.

An insider's guide on how to get the best from your visit

Our guides dished out their favorite activities in the city plus their faqs for an enjoyable walk in the metro

FAQs

When is the best time to visit?
During the dry season from October to Mid-June. It is also possible to explore the city during rainy season but do not forget to bring your umbrella.

How long does it take?
For the whole day it takes around 6 to 7 hours. This is the minimum time you should spend to visit the main attractions. Now if you prefer a half-day we can also arrange it and we suggest scheduling it on the morning. For those who are in a rush we also have the express options, two hours only where you will have a glimpse of one of the districts of the capital of the Philippines.

Do we have to walk?
Yes definitely. Especially in Intramuros. It is a pleasant (and the best) way to discover this part of the town.

If we take the package with transfer where is the pick up?
At your place or hotel, anywhere in Metro Manila.

Is it safe?
Yes, like most cities in South East Asia, you will enjoy a better level of safety compared to North American or Europeans capitals.

Is the itinerary fixed?
It is fully customizable depending on what you want to see and how much time you have.

Why should I take a guided tour, why not visit the city by myself?
Well our capital is one of these towns that do not showcase easily its beauty. If you are not very familiar with the town you will probably end up getting lost, missing most of the interesting places or visiting its monuments without understanding why they have been built.