Friday Welcome to Manila!!
Mark's guide to tourists in Metro Manila
5 things to be sure to pack
-Lots of extra shirts. It's that hot here
-Sunblock
-Insect repellent. You don't want to get dengue fever, trust me.
-Wading boots, especially if visiting the older parts of the city
-A sense of humor
4 tourist traps or attractions
-The old Walled City/Intramuros. It's got lots of ruins, a few museums and good places to eat.
-The Baywalk. You can see the famous Manila sunset from here
-The Ayala Triangle Gardens. Actually it's best to go here during Christmas; the light show here is awesome. But otherwise it's a great place to jog and relax in.
-Quiapo and Chinatown. Best shopping district ever.
3 places to stay (or to avoid)
-The Manila Peninsula; the dessert here is awesome.
-The Sofitel; it's a good bayside hotel. Just be careful with the storm surges
-This new B&B that I believe is called "The Pancake Tower"
2 of the most famous or infamous local residents
-For famous: Manny Pacquiao "Pacman". Yes, he has a residence somewhere in town.
-For infamous: Imelda Marcos, the widow of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Let's just say she's quite a character.
and 1 handy tip to help a traveller keep their money, their health, and their sanity
-Keep two wallets: one in your bag, one in your pocket. That way if some thief decides to victimize you, you're not down and out.
5 things to be sure to pack
-Lots of extra shirts. It's that hot here
-Sunblock
-Insect repellent. You don't want to get dengue fever, trust me.
-Wading boots, especially if visiting the older parts of the city
-A sense of humor
4 tourist traps or attractions
-The old Walled City/Intramuros. It's got lots of ruins, a few museums and good places to eat.
-The Baywalk. You can see the famous Manila sunset from here
-The Ayala Triangle Gardens. Actually it's best to go here during Christmas; the light show here is awesome. But otherwise it's a great place to jog and relax in.
-Quiapo and Chinatown. Best shopping district ever.
3 places to stay (or to avoid)
-The Manila Peninsula; the dessert here is awesome.
-The Sofitel; it's a good bayside hotel. Just be careful with the storm surges
-This new B&B that I believe is called "The Pancake Tower"
2 of the most famous or infamous local residents
-For famous: Manny Pacquiao "Pacman". Yes, he has a residence somewhere in town.
-For infamous: Imelda Marcos, the widow of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Let's just say she's quite a character.
and 1 handy tip to help a traveller keep their money, their health, and their sanity
-Keep two wallets: one in your bag, one in your pocket. That way if some thief decides to victimize you, you're not down and out.