Unique and budget-friendly experiences in Manila

Not as glamorous as Singapore, nor as lively as Bangkok, Manila – the capital of the Philippines, has its own distinctive characteristics, both dynamic and serene.

Unique and budget-friendly experiences in Manila

Manila is home to major shopping areas, nightlife districts, and various other activities. Explore the following places if you ever find yourself in Manila.

Exploring the city on a Jeepney ride

The Jeepney is a distinctive feature of Manila, even considered a symbol of Philippine transportation. These vehicles lack air conditioning and windows but are highly flexible. Painted in vibrant colors, riding around Manila in one is sure to be a delightful experience. The fare for each kilometer traveled is also very affordable, ranging from 4,500 to 5,000 Vietnamese dong for the first 4 kilometers and 500 to 1,000 dong for each additional kilometer.

Indulge in the Halo-Halo dessert

This can be considered as a delicacy from the Philippines. Halo-Halo is a dessert with various tropical fruits served with ice cream and beans. The term Halo-Halo in Filipino means 'mix.' And this dessert truly lives up to its name. Halo-Halo is sold everywhere and the price is very affordable.

Visit the grand churches

Filipinos mostly adhere to Christianity, so it's no surprise that churches become a part of life in Manila specifically and the Philippines in general. Manila hosts some of the most famous churches since 1565 when the Spanish conquistadors chose Manila as the capital. The intricate architecture, the old charm of Manila can be found in the churches in the city center. The grand church has 134 intricately carved stained glass windows, with additional bronze and jade.

Furthermore, Manila boasts the San Agustin Church recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here, remnants from the 19th century are preserved with statues, silverware… The architecture here is also worth admiring. At the entrance are two mighty unicorns. The staircase of the church was made by 44 granite slabs brought from China in 1780. On the walls are intricately carved paintings. This ancient church is a symbol of a golden age of Spanish colonialism in the Philippines.

Stroll around the shopping districts

Shopping is an indispensable choice at every tourist destination, and Manila is no exception. The fashion stores in this city are highly regarded, rivalling Bangkok and Singapore. There are various price ranges for you to choose from, from a few to several thousand USD. Of course, when traveling on a budget, you'll focus on affordable shopping areas. So, don't forget Greenhills shopping district in Makati, San Juan Center, Luzon, or even Robinson. Remember, you can still bargain at these shopping spots.

Visit Santiago Fort

Santiago was also a source of pride for the Spanish in the Philippines in the past. Formerly, when occupied by Spanish, British, American, and Japanese forces, this fortress served as a governor's palace. Today, Santiago has become a famous tourist spot in Manila. If you want to tour Santiago, you'll only spend 1.8 USD per person.

Experience Fish Foot Massage at Manila Park

The fish will act as your 'massage therapists.' For just 10 USD, you can have your dead skin removed and enjoy a massage at the marine park in Manila. This is the entrance fee for the entire park, so with just 10 USD, tourists can experience many interesting things at Manila Park.

As per Ngoisao.net

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour