Intramuros

What is there to see?

Intramuros was first erected in 1571. It has had a very interesting history. It has mainly been Spanish and was used to control the nearby China town. It fell to the British for 2 years. In the Second World War it was largely destroyed by bombing. When the Japanese were overcome many chose to take their own lives, but not before taking those of thousands of Filipinos. This area has a deep history and some bombed out shells of buildings embody the fact that Manila is still recovering from the war.

I would start at Manila Cathedral. This is often where taxis will drop you anyway. Take a tour around. You can go by foot or by Calesa (horse drawn carriage). The Calesa is good in that you get to see the whole place and is recommended. The guys on the Calesa have a nasty habit of ripping off tourists. Before you get on one, agree on a price and make this clear. I would recommend a 30 minute to 1 hour tour. I think that the price is 400 peso for 30 minutes, certainly no more than that though. Don't hold on to a calesa whilst in a museum - you'll be charged, just get a new one after. Once you are oriented you should easily be able to walk around the place on your own.

The war memorial. Thousands of people died at the end of the war.

Visit the Casa Manila Museum. This is an old Spanish House full of antiques and with a fantastic courtyard. Not to be missed. I particularly like the fridge. Ice was brought from America each month to keep it cool.

Next visit San Agustin Church and attached Museum. This is an interesting museum. There are a lot of religious artifacts but also more general interest artifacts and you get to appreciate the architecture. If you are lucky, particularly on a Saturday, you will get to see a Filipino wedding. You can look from the upper tier of the church.

In the gardens

In San Agustin Church

In the San Agustin Museum

Next turn South down General Luna Street. Take a look in the Souvenir / art /antique shop at the El Amanecer Building, 744 General Luna Street. It is one of the best in Manila.

If you are hungry then Illustrado is good. It offers fine dining and is a little further down the same street.

Next take a walk around the walls. When you get to the end of General Luna Street turn right. You now have to pay a small fee on some wall sections and in some gardens. It is worthwhile though and the money goes to conserving the place.

Finish off your visit by going to Fort Santiago. You can walk or grab a horse! Fort Santiago is located near to the starting point - the Manila Cathedral. It is not immediately obvious as it is tucked behind buildings. Again you have to pay a small fee to tour this site. After Fort Santiago there is another souvenir shop opposite which is worth a look and always has complicated discounts.

If you are still after things to do then visit Rizal Park, which is a very pleasant park adjacent to Intramuros. The Rizal monument always has two guards on duty. If you are adventurous you can also visit the adjacent China Town. Compared to most China Towns, however, there is not a great deal to see beyond some old and rather dilapidated Spanish era buildings.

Where do I stay?

Intramuros is easily reached from anywhere in Manila

How do I get there?

Intramuros is about a 30 minute taxi ride (100-150 peso) from Makati.

How long shall I stay?

The tour takes about 3/4 of a day. You can do it in half a day but you may be rushed. Things start to shut by 6pm so if you start after midday you may miss a few things. 

Tips and Comments

Probably the best place to dine in Intramuros is Illustrado, 744 Calle Real del Palacio (General Luna Street). Tel: +632-527-3674. This is just south down General Luna Street from the Casa Manila Museum and San Agustin Church.

The art gallery, antique shop and souvenir shop at El Amanecer Building, 744 General Luna Street, Intramuros is one of the best souvenir shops in Manila.

Carlos Celdran (below) often does an Intramuros tour entitled 'If these walls could talk'. The tour costs around 600 peso (excluding museum entry fees) and is very entertaining. See his website and find out his scheduled tours here.

(this part was on the American History of the Philippines!!!)