Manila, Philippines travel tales and tips

Manila, Philippines travel tales

Our customers share their travelling experiences in Manila, Philippines. Read about first hand stories on travel tips and guides, events, entertainment,shopping, food, business and transportation. Also, you might want to read our Baguio city guide, Bohol city guide, Boracay city guide, Cebu city guide, El Nido city guide, Manila city guide, and Puerto Galera city guide.

T Radley	19 August 2004
Stayed at Copacabana Apartment Hotel - Manila, Philippines.
No need to get a taxi to go to karaoke and girly bars; they're right outside within walking distance (you will be approached by beggars though if you are walking, also in taxi if you leave the window open). Makati is 20 mins away by taxi (80-90p) but there most prices are double those in Pasay, especially entertainment!!! Bands and singers in the Philippines are the absolute best in Asia if not the world.
C Boeder	17 August 2004
Stayed at Dusit Hotel Nikko - Manila, Philippines.
Go to the Hobbit House, a Manila live music institution. It is staffed entirely by midgets.
E Outland	05 August 2004
Stayed at Fraser Place Serviced Residences - Manila, Philippines.
Northwest Airlines offers the best link to Manila (through Tokyo) and you can get bargain rates on business class by bidding on a website called "www.skyauction.com". I pay between $1,500 and $2,000 for a round trip business class out of LAX to MNL. It represents a 50% savings or more on business class. They have the new "pod seats" with back massage and the works....Go Northwest!!
P Ranger	31 July 2004
Stayed at BSA Mansion - Manila, Philippines.
Within two minutes of the hotel you have the Greenbelt facilities that has cinemas, cafes, shops and a well stocked supermarket. I was on a 15 day business trip so all the close facilities really supported my stay.
S Milner	26 July 2004
Stayed at Somerset Millennium Makati - Manila, Philippines.
Makati has changed beyond belief in 5 years! The restaurants, shops, cinemas etc are first class and you won't be short of things to do there. The airport is only about 30 mins away, depending on the traffic, so is a good place for a stopover before hitting the islands. Airport transfers around 200 - 250 pesos to Makati. Don't pay more! At the airport walk past all the touts charging 500 pesos and get a taxi out on the main road. Most drivers don't use their meters so negotiate hard!
A Leblanc	19 July 2004
Stayed at Asian Mansion II - Manila, Philippines.
There is a mall called Greenbelt which can be reached by covered walkway from Asian Mansion II which has all kinds of shops and restaurants.If you want to roam further, taxis are very inexpensive and you can catch one right at the front door. Most of central Makati (hotels, shopping, etc.) is within walking distance.
M Castillo	17 July 2004
Stayed at Makati Prime Tower Suites - Manila, Philippines.
My family enjoyed our trip to Tagaytay to see Taal volcanoe, had a remarkable time swimming and scuba diving in Boracay; as well as sampling the exciting nightlife in Manila.
S Atallah	09 June 2004
Stayed at Lotus Garden Hotel Manila - Manila, Philippines.
We took a planned trip to Villa Escudero (PHP5200 for two people). It included a visit to a religious museum in an old church, a ride on a carabou cart, a great buffet lunch and a one-hour fantastic show of folk music and dancing. Be sure that you go there on weekends when these shows are given.
D Reyes	04 June 2004
Stayed at Saint Illian's Inn Makati - Manila, Philippines.
If this your first time in the Philippines, this tip is for you. Don't drink tap water! Before you go out shopping, go to the bathroom and make sure you bring a toilet paper. To exchange your dollars, go to SM, money changers and banks. SM only changes newer 100 dollar bills. The only place I know that exchange Travellers checks are the American Express office in Makati. Beware of Taxi who refuse to use their meters or asked for additional fee. Find another one. Watch your wallet or purse on MRT/LRT (elevated trains). If you have to eat on a restaurant or a store (sari-sari) with precooked food (turo-turo), ask for any freshly cooked ones and don't drink the water. Avoid food that's cooked outside or sold in a bus. Be careful when crossing a busy intersection. Police might give you a fine for "jay walking". Beware of snatchers; Don't use your cell phones while walking and keep your cameras secure.
S Salachua	30 May 2004
Stayed at Dusit Hotel Nikko - Manila, Philippines.
First time being in the Philippines...It's just like other countries in Asia, very bad traffic at rush hour but luckily the weather in May was not too hot. I went around with my friends who live in Manila. Makati itself is a very nice and pleasant city since it is more like a business district. Very near to Dusit, there are lots of restuarants where you can choose from, one of them is Max where their expertise is in the fried chicken, it tastes really nice. However, you will need at least about a week or more because there are other places to visit outside Manila too. The month that I would recommend is either April or May since it is not too hot. Going there in June would not be so much fun due to the rain season.

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