A Guide to Exploring Manila and Beyond

Makati: Manila’s Business Center

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a vibrant and dynamic city with a lot to offer visitors. However, unlike most cities, Manila can be challenging to navigate due to the heavy traffic congestion. With some planning and local knowledge, tourists can make the most of their time in the city. One of the best places to start an exploration of Manila is Makati, the financial and commercial center. As the country’s premier business district, Makati has wide avenues, skyscrapers, shopping malls, and upscale restaurants. Visitors looking to experience Manila’s modern cosmopolitan side should spend a day checking out the sights. The prestigious Ayala Center complex, consisting of Greenbelt Mall, Glorietta Mall, and Landmark Mall, offers high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Culture-seekers can visit the Ayala Museum to learn about Philippine art, history, and culture through its collection of gold artifacts and religious icons.

Tondo: A Glimpse into Deprived Communities

After absorbing Makati’s sophisticated urban landscape, travelers should venture to the other side of Manila and visit Tondo, one of the city’s most densely populated and impoverished neighborhoods. Located along the banks of the Manila Bay, Tondo is home to squatters, slums, and urban poor communities crammed into tightly packed dwellings. While the conditions may be confronting, spending time here offers tourists a rare, authentic view into the realities faced by many Manilenos struggling with poverty on a daily basis. Just observing the bustling activity and resilience of the locals can provide valuable cultural insights beyond what guidebooks reveal.

Escaping the Congested Streets via Public Transit

Navigating Manila’s notoriously clogged roads takes patience, as getting caught in traffic jams is almost inevitable. To maximize sightseeing time, visitors are advised to make good use of the city’s reliable public transportation network. The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines connect key areas like Makati, Pasay, Quezon City and more with efficiency. Transfers between the two systems allow tourists to zip between must-see destinations like Intramuros, Rizal Park and China Town with ease. Downloading transit apps also enables travelers to plot routes and monitor schedules on the go for smoother commutes.