Hafen
Manila

OVERVIEW

Walk through the historical Intramuros district and see colonial landmarks that reflect Manila’s heritage and lend insight into the centuries that the Spanish ruled the Philippines. Intramuros means “within walls,” and the thick high walls that the Spanish built in the 1500s to protect the district still remain. So does Fort Santiago, a 16th-century fortress that has been declared a National Monument for its historical and cultural significance. National hero Dr. Jose Rizal and countless other freedom fighters were held there as punishment for their anti-colonial actions before being executed. You will also see how the fort played a key role during the Japanese occupation in World War II, a time during which Manila was heavily bombed. Other meaningful landmarks include the remains of the Cuartel de Santa Lucia – a building used for various military purposes – and the Plaza San Luis complex of houses that represent different eras of Filipino-Spanish architecture.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an enlightening guided walk-through Manila’s 16th-century Intramuros district.
• Visit landmarks that lend insight into Spain’s occupation of Manila over the centuries.
• Hear about the Filipino heroes that fought against colonialism.
• Gain an understanding of how the Philippines won its independence after WWII.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Pedal through the cobblestone streets of historical Intramuros – Manila’s oldest district – on a bamboo bicycle, a fun and adventurous way to see a host of revealing landmarks. Some of the attractions within the walled district are of great architectural importance such as the Plaza San Luis complex that contains houses from different eras and cultures. The Manila Cathedral, which dates to the 16th century, is noteworthy for it reconstructions, the most recent being after World War II. The Japanese ruled Manila during most of that war and you will see a cannon left there as a reminder of the occupation. A look at the Puerto Real Gardens offers a change of pace as this urban oasis couldn’t be more serene. Centuries ago, the land there was part of the Fort Santiago complex. The ultimate view of Manila awaits you atop the Sky Deck of the Bayleaf Hotel as you can see Intramuros and beyond in every direction.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride a bicycle at a leisurely pace through Manila’s atmospheric Intramuros district.
• Pass landmarks that reflect the colonial era and the Japanese occupation in World War II.
• Appreciate the bike’s maneuverability that affords you close-up views of the attractions.
• Gaze out over Intramuros from the Sky Deck on the rooftop of the Bayleaf Hotel.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

See the contemporary side of Manila through attractions that reflect the city’s vision for the future. On the introductory drive along Manila Bay, you will pass the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which promotes the arts, and the Philippine International Convention Center, a state-of-the-art venue for cultural performances. Nearby, you will find the luxurious Sofitel Philippine Plaza resort and the soaring skyscrapers in Makati, the city’s financial center. Although these 21st-century properties confirm that Manila has embraced the modern world, the Filipino heritage is still celebrated as you will discover at the Ayala Museum. Its collection showcases pioneering modern artists as well as ancient craftsmen. The exhibits include exquisite gold jewelry, ceremonial weapons and dioramas depicting watershed events in World War II. Manila was in ruins following the war and seeing the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial will be a somber reminder of the sacrifices made to liberate the Philippines.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Drive through the revitalized and modern cultural district overlooking Manila Bay.
• Travel along streets lined with towering skyscrapers in the Makati financial district.
• Browse the Ayala Museum, whose collection includes modern and historical works.
• Reflect at the largest of all American overseas military cemeteries.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Quezon Memorial Circle

Drive to Quezon Memorial Circle, a National Park located in Quezon City which served as the country's capital from 1948-1976 and was named after the 2nd President of the Independent Philippines. The park also features the 217 feet tall mausoleum containing the remains of the former President Manuel L. Quezon. Visit the Presidential Car Museum, a comprehensive gallery of cars used by the former Philippine Presidents. Each state car reflects not just the Presidents personalities but also represents the political, economic and social climate during a president's term, the global trends and the key developments in the automotive industry at the time. These vehicles are important historical artifacts that could give you new insights on the history and former leaders of the Philippines.

American War Memorial and Cemetery

Continue the tour to American War Memorial and Cemetery, it has the largest number of graves of any cemetery of U.S. personnel killed during World War II and holds war dead from the Philippines and other allied nations. From there, board again the coach and drive back to the pier.

Explore the history and traditions of Manila during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Rizal Park, Planetarium, National Museum, Manila City Hall, Jones Bridge, Binondo, Chinatown

Depart the pier for a scenic, approximately one-hour sightseeing tour of downtown Manila. Along the way, pass by Rizal Park, Planetarium, and Manila City Hall. Stop at National Museum of Fine Arts, The National Museum of Fine Arts is home to 29 galleries and hallway exhibitions comprising of 19th century Filipino masters, National Artists, leading

modern painters, sculptors, and printmakers, including the famous painting called Spolarium by Juan Luna. The Spolarium has become a Philippine

National Symbol. Juan Luna created the painting to inspire his fellow Filipinos during the Spanish Regime which lasted for 333 years. Then head towards the Jones Bridge and Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch before reaching Binondo. Located across the Pasig River from Intramuros, Binondo has typified a small Chinese town and is referred to as the local ‘Chinatown’. Binondo was already a hub of Chinese commerce before the first Spanish colonizers arrived in 1521, and this district remains the centre of commerce and trade for all types of businesses run by Filipino-Chinese merchants. Chinatown is also famous for its wholesale stores and restaurants serving top-rated Chinese dishes.

Manila Chinese Cemetery, Guided Tour, Tomb Houses

Next, head to the Manila Chinese Cemetery. The second-oldest cemetery in Manila, it was designated as the resting place for the Chinese citizens who were denied burial in Catholic cemeteries during the Spanish colonial period and were forced to establish their own cemetery. This vast area reflects the realities of real life, with luxurious buildings housing the rich, spacious houses the middle class, and walls with square graves the poor. The deceased are buried in fully-functional houses with bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and, often, air conditioning. Tomb houses of the Chinese Cemetery have front doors that are locked. Every tomb is unique and has its own story to tell. Following your visit, re-board your coach and head to La Loma.

Lechon Road, La Loma, Quiapo Church, Black Nazarene, Vendors

En route, pass by La Loma area, a narrow road lined with rows of roast lechon (suckling pig) cooked over charcoal, a main entrée in most Filipino celebrations. After a photo stop at La Loma, continue on to the Quiapo Church, which is famous for the Black Nazarene. It gets very crowded every Friday, when thousands of devotees come to light a candle in supplication to the Black Nazarene, a life-size image of Christ, believed to be miraculous. Around the church is a fascinating gathering of vendors selling candles and curiosities like amulets and folk cures for obscure ailments. Your tour concludes with an approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Rizal Park Monument

Pass by Rizal Park Monument before going to Plaza Roma. The park is the former site of a native community, Bagumbayan, which stood beyond the Spanish walls of Intramuros. Enshrines the remains of the Philippine National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Plaza Roma

First stop at Plaza Roma, fronting the Manila Cathedral see the beautiful neo Romanesque architecture. From here, board the kalesa, also known as a horse-drawn carriage.

Local Kalesa Ride

Take a ride on a two-wheeled horse drawn carriage and stroll along the cobbled street on an old Spanish settlement to learn the history and culture brought by the Spaniards during the early era. See the historical landmarks around the Old walled City of Intramuros and visit the following famous sites:

San Agustin Museum & Church

Visit San Agustin Museum & Church. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church dates from the 16^th century, and is the country’s oldest structure. Its extensive collection of religious artifacts makes the San Agustin Church and Monastery the country’s largest ecclesiastical museum.

Casa Manila

From San Agustin Church, crossover to Casa Manila, a “colonial lifestyle” museum that reflects the culture and traditions during the Spanish era.

Plaza San Luis Complex (Barrio San Luis)

Plaza San Luis is located inside old Intramuros named after one of the seven old barrios, Barrio San Luis. It is a cultural commercial complex that has a Filipino-Hispanic architecture design. Try the local ice cream at the bar/cafe inside Plaza San Luis Complex.

Bahay na bato (Stone house)

Re-board the Kalesa and drive around the walls of Intramuros passing by Baluarte de San Diego then proceed to Bahay na Bato, where the family of Limtuaco used to reside now, enshrines the Destileria Limtuaco Museum, it houses artifacts of the brand that go decades to more than a century back. After learning about the history of the oldest distillery company in the Philippines, you may opt to try their local spirits known as 6 shots at USD 2.00 per pax.

Fort Santiago

Before going back to the Port, re-board the Kalesa and continue the tour and stop at Fort Santiago, a fortress that was built to protect the walled city of Manila from its invaders, one of the most important historical sites in Manila, several lives were lost in its prisons and dungeons during the Spanish Empire and World War II.

Embrace the picturesque beauty of Manila in a unique and exciting new way during this memorable, full - day excursion to the Pagsanjan Falls.

Pagsanjan River

Depart the pier for the approximately three-hour drive south of Manila to the town of Pagsanjan, with a comfort stop made enroute. Located in the scenic native countryside, Pagsanjan is the home of the famous Pagsanjan River and Falls.

Scenic Canoe Ride

Upon arrival at the Resort, proceed to the canoe launching area. Receive your safety instructions, then embark in a canoe manned by able -bodied boatmen for a ride upstream to the falls. Along the way, skim by rocks and boulders amidst steep gorges and lush vegetation.

Pagsanjan Falls

Upon reaching the falls, some free time is made available for you to relax and take in your idyllic surroundings. During your visit, you can take an optional bamboo raft -ride through the pounding curtain of water, which falls from a height of 70 feet (21 metres) above the gorge.

'Shooting the Rapids' & Lunch

Your ride back is a more thrilling experience. 'Shoot the rapids' while going downstream, with your boatmen skillfully maneuvering the canoe between rocks and boulders until you reach calm waters. At the conclusion of your river excursion, change into dry clothing and proceed for lunch at the resort. After lunch, commence the approximately three-hour drive back to the pier.

Enroute, pass by renowned landmarks such as the Cultural Centre of the Philippines, Complex, Roxas Boulevard and Rizal Park.  

Explore Manila at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Manila at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Manila at your leisure during your full-day (8-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Manila at your leisure during your half-day (4-Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your driver and English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore the history, architecture and landmarks of Manila during this scenic, half-day tour of the Old City.

Rizal Park

Your tour starts with a brief visit to Rizal Park. The park is the former site of a native community, Bagumbayan, which stood beyond the Spanish walls of Intramuros.

Fort Santiago

Re-board the coach and continue the tour with a short drive to the heart of the old walled Spanish city of Intramuros, where the history of Manila as a capital city began. Your second stop is at Fort Santiago, which overlooks the Pasig River. It is the country's foremost cultural relic and the site of key moments in Philippine history.

San Agustin Church

Next, re-board your coach and proceed to the San Agustin Church and Monastery, also located within the walls of Intramuros. The church dates from the 16th century, and is the country's oldest structure. Its extensive collection of religious artifacts makes the San Agustin Church and Monastery the country's largest ecclesiastical museum.

Manila Hotel

En-route to Pier, drop by the historic Manila Hotel for a welcome drink and light snack.