Manila

Come to Manila and you’ll see Asia in non-stop action. The Filipino capital heaves with its nation’s most valuable asset – its people. The city has the highest population density in the world, but despite this fact, there is order and open space among the chaos and traffic congestion. Like many Asian super-cities, Manila is not one city but several, with opulence and poverty, modernity and antiquity often sitting cheek-by-jowl.

Must See:
Intramuros – literally ‘Within the Walls’ – is the city’s oldest district; a Spanish colonial site with more than its fair share of historical remnants.

Must eat at:
For over a decade, Casa Armas in Malate has been the place to go for a genuine bodega feel, with a comprehensive array of traditional tapas and rioja on tap.

Must be there for:
Filipinos go a bit mad every June, celebrating their independence day on the 12th of the month as only they can. It’s one of a string on secular festivals peppering the calendar... all the major Christian festivals are marked with real exuberance, too.

Well-travelled facts:
· The city of Manila is just one of 17 different municipalities in its greater metropolitan area
· One of the most popular modes of local transport is the Jeepney, converted US Army jeeps dating back to World War II.

Visa:
British citizens can enter the Philippines without a visa for stays of up to 21 days. As conditions apply, please visit http://www.philembassy-uk.org/default.asp?iId=KFGKF