Whenever taking new visitors and guest to Manila Philippines, I always take them to Intramuros, to see an idea of old historic town Manila, from the time of Fort Santiago back in the 16th century. This area, called “Intramuros” is located on the Manila Bay, North of Pasay and North of Makati area. For my Latin Scholars, this literally means “Inside the Walls” and Intramuros is a small .6 Kilometer historic area, surrounded by stone walls, and persevered, somewhat, like it was back in 1571 with the fort was built. It’s a wonderful area to spend 2-3 hours, visiting the museum, historic fort, church and walking around.
The walls were put up by the Spanish Imperial Government, in the strategic area where the Pasig River Runs in to the Manila Bay. This created a fortified city, and protected the river into Manila. Much of the city was persevered until 1945, when the Japanese Imperial Army took over, but today, it’s a wonderful historic UNESCO World Heritage Site. OF course many parts have been rebuilt, but it looks very much like a small colonial 16th century town.
So what to do?
First, WHEN should you go. It you are staying in the Bay Area, or Makati, even if its only a few miles this can take hours during rush hour. So best time to go, is AFTER morning rush hour, or early afternoon. Either way, stop in for a snack or dinner at the Bayleaf, on your way out.
What can you see?
You can walk around and see the old walls, stove roads, and even ride in a horse carriage just like 16 hundreds. There is a great museum at Fort Santiago what you can walk around and see the fort and hear the history of Jose Rizal. There is dungeons under the fort as well, where prisonors were kept, as well as explosives. See the famous steps of Jose Rizal, before we was sentenced to death by the Spanish colonizers.
See Casa Manila, for a great example of the stone architecture of the colonial period.
Visit San Agustin Church, It is actually the oldest building still in existing in Manila form 1607, and only structure that was not destroyed during the way.
Once you have toured around, head up to the Bayleaf Intramuros which is a small hotel, that LPU University helps run through their hospitality program. They have a wonderful roof top where you can order great tapas and drinks or a full meal if you have time. Of course, I have been there a couple times, so my favorite is their: Singapore Sling that they make with Lychees. Cheers
