Manila Information Guide

Airport ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Weather ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

Languages ..................................................................................................................................................... 2

Exchange rate ................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.

Technology and Communications ................................................................................................................. 3

Hotels ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

Places to visit within the Metro .................................................................................................................. 11

Food to try................................................................................................................................................... 18

Places outside Metro Manila ...................................................................................................................... 21

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila International Airport (MIA) is

the main entry point of international travellers to the Philippines in Manila as it serves as a hub to

various international and local airlines. It is managed by the Manila International Airport Authority

which is under the Philippine Department of Transportation and Communications. Located south of the

countrys capital, it is about 30 minutes to 1 hour from Makati City, depending on the traffic situation.

It is likely that you will pass through NAIA Terminal 1, based on the airline directory.

The Philippines is a tropical country with two pronounced rainfall-dependent seasons, wet and dry. Dry

season begins in November and ends in April. Generally, Manila experiences cloudy weather with some

showers in July with temperatures between 29 C-32 C. You can wear light clothes because its still hot

even though there are occasional showers.

There are two official languages in the Philippines: Filipino and English. Filipino is the national language

of the country. English is the medium of instruction in schools and is also widely used in government and

media.

As of October 2015, $1=46.02 Philippine Peso

You may find the bills below.

Mobile Phones. Mobile phone carriers in the Philippines are Smart, Globe, and Sun Cellular. These

service providers have GSM, 3G 4G-LTE networks. Prepaid SIM cards are sold at all convenience stores

and information kiosks in falls at USD 1.00-2.00.

Electricity. Electricity in the Philippines is 220V with 60Hz frequency. Power plugs are usually 2-flat

pronged/American-type with or without grounder. It is advisable to bring universal adapters for

equipment.

I suggest you to stay in Makati City, which is one of Manilas Central Business Districts (CBD). The other

CBD is called Ortigas City, but I think Makati is closer to the more upscale shopping malls like Greenbelt

and Powerplant Mall in Rockwell Center. You can also find supermarkets here for your needs like SM

Makati (ShoeMart, which is owned by a Chinese-Filipino businessman Henry Sy. I think he also built SM

Malls in Xiamen, Jinjiang, Chengdu, Suzhou and Chongqing. ) and Landmark. The environment in

Makati appears to be safer and more convenient for walking, dining, and relaxation compared to

Ortigas.

Here are some hotels in Makati City:

1. Holiday Inn & Suites Makati (website)

Enjoy the warmth of the Filipino hospitality as you check-in at the Holiday Inn & Suites Makati,

Metro Manila's newest international hotel which is situated at the heart of Ayala Center in the

Central Business District of Makati City. The hotel is approximately 30 minutes away from the

Ninoy Aquino International Airport, a 10-minute ride to nearby Bonifacio Global City & a short

walk to the Makati Philippine Stock Exchange. It has direct access to Glorietta Mall, Ayala

Centers world-class hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. Be delighted with our genuine

service when you stay in any of our 348 guest rooms which are all fully equipped with coffee &

tea making facilities, high-definition 40" LED TV, IDD/NDD telephone, mini-bar, work desk with

high-speed Internet access and a multimedia panel. Moreover, Holiday Inn & Suites Makati

offers excellent dining and entertainment through its smart casual all day dining, a hip and

happening bar and a sky lounge. For guests' business needs, o ther facilities include meeting &

function rooms, a boardroom, a business center, and an executive lounge. Have a relaxing time

and soak up the sun by the hotel's roof deck swimming pool overlooking the cityscape.

Experience the warmth, wealth and wonders of the Philippines with our close proximity to local

cultural attractions. Relax and feel at home in a family friendly environment where Kids Stay

Free, Kids Eat Free.

Address: Glorietta 1, Palm Drive | Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon 1224, Philippines

Phone Number: 00 1 877-859-5095

Price range (per night): 6,001 PHP - 9,807 PHP / 833.82 CNY - 1362.65 CNY

Hotel Class: 4 star Holiday Inn & Suites Makati 4*

Hotel Style:

#5 Romantic Hotel in Makati

#6 Spa Hotel in Makati

#6 Family Hotel in Makati

#7 Business Hotel in Makati

#7 Luxury Hotel in Makati

2. New World Hotel (website)

A luxury retreat and destination in the heart of the city, New World Makati Hotel is at the center

of "The Wall Street of the Philippines" -- the financial district of Makati City. Right across the

street from the Greenbelt Lifestyle Center, the 595 stylishly appointed guestrooms and suites

combine stunning city views with comfort.

Address: Esperanza Street corner Makati Avenue | Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon 1228, Philippines

Location: Philippines > Luzon > Metro Manila > Makati

Price range (per night): 6,538 PHP - 11,285 PHP / 908.43 - 1568.01 CNY

Hotel Class:5 star New World Makati Hotel 5*

Number of rooms: 595

Also Known As:

Renaissance Makati

Makati Renaissance

Hotel Style:






3. Fairmont Makati (website)

Situated in Makati's prestigious commercial business, the luxurious Fairmont Makati is a hotel

with 280 elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites including Fairmont Gold - our exclusive

lifestyle hotel experience. This luxury Makati City hotel features six restaurants and lounges,

over 1,700 sq m of versatile meeting and function space, including a 859 square meter ballroom

accommodating up to 720 diners. Relax and re-energize in hotel's Willow Stream Spa, one of the

city's most luxurious retreats, or the adjacent fitness center and outdoor swimming pool.

Address: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue | Corner Arnaiz Street, Makati, Luzon, Philippines

Phone Number: (02) 555 9888


Price range (per night): 8,508 PHP - 13,748 PHP / 1182.16 - 1910.24 CNY

Hotel Class:5 star Fairmont Makati 5*


Hotel Style:





4. Makati Shangri-La (website)

Makati Shangri-La, Manila is located at the center of Manila's most prestigious business,

shopping and entertainment district. Just 20 minutes away from the international airport, this

award-winning hotel offers exquisite comfort and world class luxury. From its exceptionally

spacious and beautifully appointed rooms to its lavish restaurants and exciting bars, its high-

speed internet access to its full-service Spa and Fitness Center, Makati Shangri-La lives up to its

reputation as Manilas leading hotel.

Address: Ayala Avenue Corner Makati Avenue, Makati, Luzon 1200, Philippines


Price range (per night): 10,703 PHP - 17,106 PHP / 1487.14-2376.82 CNY

Hotel Class:5 star Makati Shangri-La Manila 5*


Also Known As:

Makati Shangri-La Manila Hotel Makati

Shangri La Manila Makati

Shangri La Makati

Shangrila Makati

Makati Shangri La Hotel

Hotel Style:






5. Dusit Thani Manila (website)

Dusit Thani Manila is situated in the heart of the Philippines premiere financial district located

25 minutes from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, 15 minutes away from the countrys

major convention centers, right-at-the-doorstep shopping malls and entertainment centers.

With 538 guest rooms and suites, 11 meeting and banqueting rooms for up to 1,000 persons,

seven bars and restaurants Basix, Benjarong, Dusit Gourmet, Pool Bar, Lobby Lounge, Tosca

and Umu; DFiT Fitness Center and Devarana Spa.

Additional Information about Dusit Thani Manila

Address: Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon 1223, Philippines


Price range (per night): 6,717 PHP - 12,315 PHP/ 933.3 - 1711.13 CNY

Hotel Class:4.5 star Dusit Thani Manila 4.5*


Also Known As:

Dusit Thani Manila Hotel Makati

Dusit Thani Hotel Manila

Dusit Makati

Manila Dusit Thani Hotel

Dusit Hotel Makati

Hotel Style:




6. Raffles Makati (website)

Unrivalled charm, endlessly enchanting with unparalleled grace, understated refined and

contemporary luxury. Raffles Makati is a legendary oasis of calm and elegance nestled in the

most prestigious address of Makati Avenue, in the financial and cultural hub of the Makati

district.

Address: 1 Raffles Drive, Makati Avenue, Makati, Luzon 1224, Philippines



Price range (per night): 14,061 PHP - 20,554 PHP/ 1953.73-2855.91 CNY

Hotel Class:5 star Raffles Makati 5*

Number of rooms: 32

Reservation Options:

TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia and Despegar.com so you can book

your Raffles Makati reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each month to

find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best discounts and

special offers.

Hotel Style:






7. The Peninsula Manila (website)

Address: Corner of Ayala and Makati Avenues, Metro Manila, Makati, Luzon 1226, Philippines




Hotel Class:5 star The Peninsula Manila 5*



TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Ctrip TA and Despegar.com

so you can book your The Peninsula Manila reservations with confidence. We help millions of

travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with

the best discounts and special offers.

Also Known As:

The Peninsula Manila Hotel Makati

Peninsula Hotel Makati

Peninsula Makati

Manila Peninsula

Hotel Style:





8. InterContinental Manila (website)

Designed by National Artist Leandro Locsin, InterContinental Manila is a symbol of pride in the

Philippines' premier financial and commercial hub-Makati City. The hotel is across the Greenbelt

and Glorietta shopping and entertainment districts and is easily accessible from Ninoy Aquino

International Airport. Our 332 guestrooms and suites boast every comfort for an enjoyable and

unforgettable visit. The latest technology including in-room high speed Internet access and Wi-Fi

in public spaces is sure to please business or leisure travellers. For guests looking for extra space

and added comfort, our Club InterContinental rooms are available and offer special privileges

such as a Club Lounge for private check-in and check-out, sumptuous breakfast, afternoon tea

service, evening cocktails and a selection of international newspapers and magazines. The Club

InterContinental Lounge at the top floor offers a breathtaking view of Makati and the nearby

Bonifacio Global City. InterContinental Mani ... more

Additional Information about InterContinental Manila

Address: 1 Ayala Avenue | Ayala Center, Makati, Luzon 1226, Philippines

Phone Number: 00 1 877-859-5095



Hotel Class:4.5 star InterContinental Manila 4.5*



TripAdvisor is proud to partner with IHG, Booking.com and Despegar.com so you can book

your InterContinental Manila reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers each

month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best

discounts and special offers.

Also Known As:

Intercontinental Manila Hotel Makati

Intercontinental Hotel Manila

Intercontinental Hotel Makati

Intercon Manila

Hotel Style:




9. Ascott Makati (website)

Indulge in one of the most luxurious of Manilas serviced apartments designed exclusively for

international executives and their families. Tailored to meet your every need, the services and

facilities are well-appointed, extensive and personalized, complementing the elegance and

sophistication of the spacious residences. With wireless Internet (WiFi) zones, modern business

facilities and high speed broadband Internet services, business can be conducted with ease and

efficiency while you live in the comfort and security of an exclusive city resort, so that you may

enjoy your overseas assignment, leisure vacation or relocation with a peace of mind.

Conveniently located within Makati's prime business district and surrounded by restaurants,

entertainment and shopping complexes, you can relax and recharge in the exclusive Ascott

lifestyle amidst the vivacious culture of this dynamic city

Additional Information about Ascott Makati

Address: Glorietta 4, Ayala Centre, Makati, Luzon 1224, Philippines

Phone Number: (632) 729-8888


Price range (per night): 7,926 PHP - 9,986 PHP/ 1101.29- 1387.52 CNY

Hotel Class:4.5 star Ascott Makati 4.5*



TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Booking.com, Expedia, Asiatravel.com Holdings, Agoda

and Despegar.com so you can book your Ascott Makati reservations with confidence. We help

millions of travelers each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips,

always with the best discounts and special offers.

Also Known As:

Ascott Makati Hotel Makati

Hotel Style:






10. BSA Tower Makati (website)

Guests of BSA Tower are often pleasantly surprised to find the cozy comfort of home in Makati,

the Philippines' most vibrant business and financial hub. The serviced suites of BSA tower are

designed to provide the ultimate in comfort and convenience. These self-contained units are

fully equipped with quintessential home comforts amenities like cable television, internet,

NDD/IDD phones, kitchen utilities, cookware and much more.

Additional Information about BSA Tower

Address: 108 Legaspi | Legaspi Village, Makati, Luzon 1223, Philippines



Hotel Class:3.5 star BSA Tower 3.5*

Number of rooms: 60


TripAdvisor is proud to partner with Otel, Expedia, Asiatravel.com Holdings and Despegar.com

so you can book your BSA Tower reservations with confidence. We help millions of travelers

each month to find the perfect hotel for both vacation and business trips, always with the best

discounts and special offers.

Also Known As:

Bsa Tower Hotel Makati

Bsa Hotel Makati

Bsa Tower Makati

These are some places that are worth seeing within Metro Manila.

1. The Mind Museum

http://www.themindmuseum.org/

Address: JY Campos Park, 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig

What to expect: The Mind Museum is a learning venue where you can satisfy your thirst for

science discovery. Whether it is by joining MindBurst weekends or taking part in educational

programs or by visiting travelling exhibitions, The Mind Museum is sure to inspire and provoke

you to continue exploring and asking questions.

Cost: PhP 950 / CNY 131.7

2. Ayala Museum

http://www.ayalamuseum.org/

Address: Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City 1224

What to expect: Ayala Museum, located at the heart of the Makati Central Business District,

Philippines, is a breathing space amidst the hustle and bustle of Metropolitan Manila. Whenever

visiting the country, the museum is surely one of the best places to lose yourself in amazing

contemporary art and uplift your spirit through the Philippines inspiring history.

Cost: Php 300-425 / CNY 48.53-58.93

3. Shopping at Greenbelt Mall, Glorietta Mall, SM Makati

http://www.makaticity.com/shopping/

4. Intramuros tour with Carlos Celdran

http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/

What to expect: Carlos Celdran (tour guide) is on a mission to educate and help locals and

foreigners alike understand the city of Manila. Touted as one of the best and funniest guides in

the city, he incorporates performance art, comedy, and sensational trivia in his bold and

animated spiels about his favorite city. He would take you around Intramuros' Fort Santiago and

Plaza San Luis while providing you with insights on Philippine architecture, culture, and history.

The duration of the tour is approximately 3 hours.

Cost: Rates: P1,100 - adult; P600 - student (updated as of May 2014), to be paid at the tours

meeting place (Fort Santiago gate) / Adult - 152.84 Student - 83.37

Sadly, the only tour dates for July are July 25 - Saturday - 3:00 PM and July 26 - Sunday - 3:00

PM. However, the places are still open and can be visited even without a tour guide. You can

ride a horse carriage called caleza for a certain fee.

5. Old Manila Walks

http://www.oldmanilawalks.com/

What to expect: Because the other tour guide is not available, we can try Old Manila Walks.

Unless otherwise specified, all tours are done in English. Tagalog and Mandarin () guided

walks available upon request because the founder of Old Manila Walks is part Chinese

(http://oldmanilawalks.com/tourguides.htm).

There are many tours available. I would suggest Intramuros (also known as the Walled City

which was the seat of power during the Spanish colonial times) and Manila Chinatown-Binondo

tour (http://oldmanilawalks.com/binondotour.htm). There is even a tour of the Chinese

cemetery (http://oldmanilawalks.com/chinesecemeterytour.htm).

Cost: P650-P1200 per person/ CNY 90.16-166.45

6. National Museum

http://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/#page=page-1

Address: P. Burgos Drive, Rizal Park, Manila Schedule: Tuesdays-Sundays, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

What to expect: The National Museum of the Philippines is the official repository established in

1901 as a natural history and ethnography museum of the Philippines. The museum complex is

located next to Rizal Park and near Intramuros in Manila. It is the National Gallery and Museum

of the Filipino People.

Cost: P50-P150/CNY 6.94-20.81

7. Presidential Museum and Library in the Malacaang Palace (http://malacanang.gov.ph/)

Address: 2/F Kalayaan Hall Malacaang J.P. Laurel St. San Miguel Manila

What to expect: Discover a trove of national treasure that includes an exclusive collection of

keepsakes owned by the presidents, past and present. Photocopies of your passports must be

attached to the reservation form.

Cost: P50 for adults and P30 for students / CNY 6.95 for adults and CNY 4.17 for students

This tour can be done on our own or availed through Old Manila Walks

(http://oldmanilawalks.com/malacanangtour.htm).

8. Manila Ocean Park and Seri Fantasy Land Museum (Trick Art Museum)

https://www.manilaoceanpark.com/main/attractions/page/attraction

You can take funny pictures after viewing the ocean wonders. There will be a musical lights

show to cap the night.

9. University of the Philippines (The Philippines Premier State University)

Address: Quezon City, Philippines

What to expect: Vargas Museum, jogging along the Academic Oval, neo-classical architecture

from the American Colonial Period, modern architecture, Filipino street food

10. Maginhawa Street and Matalino Street

What to expect: These are famous food hubs in Teachers Village, Quezon City.

11. Kapitolyo, Pasig City

What to expect: This is a food hub situated in Pasig City.

12. Sip and Gogh (http://www.sipandgogh.com)

Address: 1 Capitol Hills Drive, 1119 Quezon City, Philippines

What to expect: This is a place where both children and adults can enjoy painting over snacks

and drinks. Adults may opt to have alcoholic drinks such as wine, beer or cocktails. Those below

18 will be served non-alcoholic beverages.

Cost: PhP 900-1000 per person / CNY 125.04-138.93

These are the traditional Filipino dishes you should try:

1. Lechon (roasted pig) and lechn de leche (roasted suckling pig or piglet)

2. Sisig

- a popular pulutan (usually eaten with beer but this can also be eaten as a main dish) made

from the pig's cheek skin, ears and liver that is initially boiled, then charcoal grilled and

afterwards minced and cooked with chopped onions, chillies, and spices.

3. Sinigang

- a popular dish in this category distinguished by its sourness that often vies with adobo for

consideration as the national dish. It is typically made with either pork, beef, chicken or seafood

and made sour with tamarind or other suitable souring ingredients.

4. Adobo

- a popular dish and cooking process in Philippine cuisine that involves meat, seafood, or

vegetables marinated in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic, which is browned in oil, and simmered in

the marinade.

5. Kare-kare

- oxtail and vegetables cooked in peanut sauce

6. Laing

- The dish's main ingredients are taro leaves (at times including stems) cooked in coconut milk,

and salted with fermented shrimp or fish bagoong. It is sometimes heavily spiced with red hot

chilies called siling labuyo.

7. Bulalo

- a beef dish from the Philippines. It is a light colored soup that is made by cooking beef shanks

and marrow bones until the collagen and fat has melted into the clear broth.

8. Pancit Malabon

- a Filipino dish that is a type of pancit, or stir-fried noodle dish, which originated in Malabon

City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It has a yellow-orange color owing to a sauce that includes patis

(fish sauce) and crab fat. Its toppings draw heavily from the fresh seafood that is available in the

area and may include fresh shrimp, squid, oysters, and hard-boiled duck or hen eggs, as well as

pork.

Restaurants that serve Filipino cuisine:

Sentro 1771 in Greenbelt 3 http://sentro1771.com/

Mesa Filipino Moderne in Greenbelt 5 Http://mesa.ph/

ARACAMA FILIPINO CUISINE in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

http://www.aracamamanila.com/

VIA MARE in Landmark, Makati City http://www.viamare.com.ph/index.html

KROCODILE GRILLE in Greenbelt 3, Makati City https://www.zomato.com/manila/krocodile-

grille-greenbelt-makati-city/menu

Filipino Fast food:

1. Jollibee (American food adapted to the Filipino taste)

2. Chow King (Chinese food adapted to the Filipino taste)

3. Mang Inasal (Filipino food)

4. Yellow Cab Pizza (Italian food)

5. Manangs Chicken (Filipino food, the chicken skin is crispy and sweet)

Buffet restaurants:

1. Sambo Kojin (Japanese/Korean)

2. Vikings (Filipino and International)

3. Cabalen (Filipino)

4. Kamay Kainan (Filipino)

5. Barrio Fiesta (Filipino)

6. Spiral (Filipino and International)

Here are some places which are 2-6 hours away from Manila by car, van, or bus.

1. Tagaytay City

-The weather is cool here because this is an elevated area.

-what to expect: dining at the Tagaytay Ridge with a view of the Taal volcano, outdoor activities,

visit the Sky ranch, a small amusement park with the tallest Ferris wheel in the Philippines

2. Baguio City (The Summer Capital of the Philippines)

-Many families go here every summer because of the cool weather. This city is on top of a

mountain.

-what to expect: parks, BenCab museum, outdoor activities like horseback-riding and zip-line,

strawberry picking, butterfly farm

3. Batangas

-There are numerous beaches in Batangas.

4. Bataan

-Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar is an open-air museum and heritage park in Bagac, Bataan. Feel

like you are transported back in time. You can have either a day tour or an overnight stay in the

old reconstructed houses

http://lascasasfilipinas.com/lc/

5. Laguna

-Villa Escudero (2.5 hour drive from Manila): Experience rural life in a coconut plantation and

hacienda. You can eat at the Waterfall restaurant! (www.villaescudero.com/) The day tour rates

are about PhP 625-700 (CNY 86.69-97.1) for children and PhP 1,250-1400 (CNY 173.39-194.2) for

adults (The rate is higher on weekends). You can also choose to stay here overnight.

End

Manila Information Guide

Documents

metro manila

makati city

tropical country

naia terminal

philippine peso

occasional showers

official languages

dry season