Rent Serviced Apartments in Manila

Facts About Manila

Manila is the capital of the Philippines and the second most populated city in the country. It has rapidly urbanized while being known as the most densely populated city proper in the whole world as of 2019. Here are some more interesting facts about Manila. 

• Manila was the Philippines’ first chartered city, designated by the Philippine Commission Act 183 of the 31st of July, 1901. 
• It obtained autonomy with the Republic Act No. 409 The Revised Charter of the City of Manila on 18th June, 1949. 
• Manila is considered as one of the earliest global cities in the world owing to its vast commercial and trading networks. 
• It is also the second-highest natural-disaster impacted capital city in the whole world after Tokyo. 
• The official founding date may have been 24th June, 1571 with Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, the Spanish conquistador, founding it as such. Yet, Maynila, a fortified Tagalog-polity had existed previously, dating to 1258. 
• After the defeat of the final indigenous Rajah, namely Sulayman III at the Battle of Bangkusay, the Intramuros fortified city was built over the old Maynila site. 
• The city has witnessed the country’s first light station, university, hotel, electricity network, water system, stock exchange, flyover, rapid transit system and zoo. 

Manila is a key hub for banking, commerce, retail, finance, tourism, real estate, traditional and new media and transportation along with insurance, accounting, legal services, advertising, fashion and theater. 

The city has its own Ninoy Aquino International Airport along with the Clark International Airport. 

Cost of Living in Manila

The average costs for a family of four people will stand at somewhere around 98,834.19₱ for a month. Meals at restaurants may hover between 200 and 1,200₱ while one-way transportation tickets cost around 25₱. This may be somewhere around 678.50₱ approximately for monthly passes. Basic utility costs may hover around 5,820.90₱ while monthly rentals may hover between 33,625.21₱ and 114,375₱ for 1 and 3 bedroom apartments in the City Center. They may stand at 16,380.95₱ and 43,571.43₱ for 1 and 3 bedroom apartments outside of the City Center. 

Tips for Visiting Manila

There are several attractions and landmarks that you will greatly enjoy in Manila. Here are some useful tips for visiting this beautiful city: 

• You will not require much cash since lifestyles are more affordable here. 
• Instead of hitting the malls, try thrift shopping; you will land delightful bargains. Try Divisoria near the Quiapo Church. 
• Manila is known for its buzzing nightlife with low entrance fees of $10 or slightly higher for most nightclubs and beverages available on the cheap! 
• Jeepney or Sarao is the key transportation mode which is quite adventurous. The tricycle is another transportation mode that will cover your needs for shorter distances. 
• You can expect warm and humid weather throughout the year. Make sure you have a portable mini electric or hand fan along with an umbrella for sudden rainfall. 
• Filipinos have vast families and networks of relatives; most people you stay with or make friends with, will get you introduced to a long list of cousins, relatives, uncles, aunts, grandparents and more! 

Things to Do in Manila 

Manila is dotted with attractions and fabulous things to do for travelers. Here’s taking a closer look at the same. 

Q. What are the most popular things to do in Manila? 

Popular things to do in Manila include visiting the Intramuros, Rizal Park, Quiapo Church, Manila Ocean Park and the San Agustin Church and Museum along with the National Museum of the Philippines and Fort Santiago. 

Q. What are some free things to do in Manila? 

Free things to do in Manila include exploring the National Museum, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Quiapo Church, Rizal Park and Intramuros. 

Q. Does Manila have many romantic attractions? 

Romantic attractions in Manila include the likes of the Robinsons Place Mall, Manila Cathedral, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Rizal Park, San Agustin Museum and San Agustin Church. 

Q. What are the most family-friendly things to do in Manila? 

Manila has several family-friendly attractions including the Aquarium, Water Park, Mind Museum, Manila Zoo, Star City Theme Park, KidZania and others. 

Q. What are the more unusual things to do in Manila? 

Unusual things to do in Manila include riding bamboo bicycles around Intramuros, exploring the numerous fun museums, viewing street art, exploring delicacies around Binondo and tasting delectable craft spirits. 

Places to Visit in Manila

Manila has several places worth visiting. Some of them include the following: 

• Rizal Park – Rizal Park is a great place to visit in Manila, sometimes known as Luneta Park. It is an impeccably manicured outdoor garden in the heart of the city, dotted with numerous monuments and statues. The Monument of Rizal is a century old, accommodating remains of Dr. Jose Rizal, one of the country’s most feted icons. The Narra tree, the national tree of the country, can be viewed here. 
• Quiapo Church – The Quiapo Church is one of the most famous and oldest Catholic Churches in the city, formally called the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene. The plaza is a buzzing hub for visitors. 
• Intramuros – Intramuros is the oldest portion of Manila and known for its walled fortress. This was once a famous walled city in the 1500-1800s during Spanish Colonial rule. You will love exploring the three mile stone walls surrounding this district. 
• Manila Ocean Park – The Manila Ocean Park is a great landmark for tourists, offering interactive sessions with marine life such as Sharks and Rays Encounter or Trails to Antarctica. There is also the fish spa where your feet are cleaned by fish in a little pool! Talk about innovation! 

Places to Eat in Manila

Manila has several wonderful restaurants that travelers should definitely explore. Smokeyard is a wonderful destination, offering lip-smacking and sumptuous BBQ and other smoked meats. Three Guys and a Grill offers home-grilled delights including the Posh Dog. Oomori Japanese Cuisine is a quirky restaurant, offering a modern interpretation of classic Japanese picks including Salmon Wrapped Aburi with Truffle Oil and also Flaming Nigiri. Kale Café + Restaurant is another fantastic joint with comfort foods galore. It is more of a friendly neighborhood café with a welcoming ambiance. These are only a few of the innumerable top rated restaurants and eateries in Manila. 

Street Food in Manila

Manila has sumptuous street food on offer for visitors including Betamax, Isaw and Cheese Sticks. You should not miss trying the squid balls, fish balls, Sorbetes, Kikiam and banana cue as well. You should visit Quezon City and Bugis Singapore Street Food for other delicacies or even the Quiapo Market. Mang Raul’s BBQ Haus and Mang Larry’s Isawan are top rated joints worth trying. 

Shopping in Manila

Shopping in Manila means exploring some of the best spots like the SM Mall of Asia, one of the country’s biggest shopping malls, Silahis Arts & Artifacts, Divisoria Market, Legazpi Sunday Market, Robinsons Place Mall and many others. From malls and local markets to fashionable stores, you will find them all here in Manila. 

Transportation in Manila

Manila has the Jeepney as a favored mode of transportation along with tricycles for shorter distances. Taxicabs ply in the city along with the LRT Lines 1 and 2 for light rail transit. The first one is a light metro and the second one is a full-metro heavy rail network. The Philippine National Railways has its central terminus within Manila while the Port of Manila is the key seaport of the country.

There is a Pasig River Ferry service plying upon the Pasig River. Air transportation options include the Clark International Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Trolleys or metal handcarts powered by humans also help in transportation customers along the PNR lines. This is popular, affordable and helps in bypassing the traffic congestion as well. However, these rides are officially not recognized by the Government although they are tolerated.  

Weather in Manila

Manila has a cloudy and overcast wet season along with some cloudiness during the dry season as well. It is usually hot, humid and stifling throughout the year. Temperatures usually vary between 74 and 93 degrees Fahrenheit round the year although they do not rise above 96 degrees Fahrenheit or dip below 71 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time of the year to pay a visit to Manila is between late in December and early in April. This will help you enjoy several outdoor activities and attractions amidst the hot weather.