It doesn’t get the same numbers as Singapore or
Bali, but Manila is still a major tourist destination in Southeast Asia. For most foreign tourists, it is the gateway
to the Philippines’ incredible beach destinations. However, Manila is not the
easiest place to get around. If you have a long layover or you decide to spend
a few days in Manila, there are things you have to know before heading to the
capital of the Philippines.
 |
| Photo Credits: Travelbook.ph |
Hotels
Book
your hotel before departing for your flight. Because of Manila’s weather, hotel
peak seasons are usually around December to May. Apps like Agoda and Expedia
have great deals online and you can easily compare the customer ratings. There
are a lot of hotels in and around Manila that you can choose from. If you will
be in the city for a short layover, hotels near the Manila airport are fairly
affordable. Popular areas for foreign tourists are Makati City and the Manila
Bay area. Make sure you choose a hotel in a convenient location and in a safe neighbourhood.
Most affordable hotels in Manila have shuttle services to the airport.
 |
| Photo Credits: Manila-airport.net |
Airport
All international flights that arrive in the country will land in the
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). NAIA is divided into 3 different international
terminals – they share the same runway. It is important to take note of the
terminal number as these are actually in different areas in Manila. Getting a
ride in the airport is a bit of a challenge. You have several transportation
options; namely, airport taxis, metered, or through airport-approved Grab (ridesharing
app). Most airport taxis will require you to pay nearly 3x that of a regular
metered taxi. Airport metered taxis, on the other hand, have higher starting
meter as compared to regular Manila taxis but more affordable than the airport
taxis. However, lines tend to be long in this area. The ridesharing app, Grab,
is the most affordable. It has been pre-calculated by the app so you don’t have
to worry about getting ripped off.
 |
| Photo Credits: Business.Inquirer.net |
Money Exchange
You can easily exchange your money in Manila. There are plenty of money
changers around the city. Airport money changers have poor deals. It is better
to get your money exchanged in reputable money changers in the malls around
Manila.
 |
| Photo Credits: Expedia.com |
Travelling Around Manila
Public transport such as buses, jeepneys, and light/metro rail systems
are best avoided. It is a more affordable option but it is terribly
inconvenient during rush hour. Travelling through taxi cabs and ridesharing
apps such as Grab and Uber are the most accessible option. Make sure the taxi
cab uses the meter and doesn’t negotiate with you. The best hotels in Manila
have shuttle services to get to close points of interest such as shopping malls
and restaurants.
 |
| Photo Credits: Outoftownblog.com |
Shopping
Filipinos love their shopping malls, which is why shopping in Manila’s
major shopping malls is fairly easy. Prices are already fixed and most major
credit cards are accepted. On the other hand, local markets are very different.
Prices tend to go up once they know that you are foreign, this is why it’s
important to bargain as much as you can.
Have you been to Manila? Share your travel tips
in the comments below.
