Manila Ocean Park is a famous aquarium in Manila that offers a variety of activities such as shark and ray encounters, sea lion shows, and a marine-themed park. The park is open every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Intramuros and Fort Santiago is a walled city built during the Spanish colonization period. It is one of the oldest and most historical sites in Manila. Visitors can walk along the old walls, visit the different churches such as the San Agustin Church, and other significant landmarks. The walls are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the admission fee is PHP 75 for adults and PHP 50 for students.
Batangas and Taal Volcano are popular tourist destinations near Manila. Visitors can go hiking up Taal Volcano, which is known for its stunning views of the volcano island surrounded by a crater lake. The hike takes around 1 to 2 hours, and the boat fee to the island costs around PHP 250 per person. There are also different resorts in Batangas where you can relax and enjoy the beach.
SM Mall of Asia is the biggest mall in Asia and is located right by the Manila Bay. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities such as an ice-skating rink and a cinema. Just across the mall is the Cultural Center of the Philippines, a venue for different cultural events and shows. Visitors can watch ballet, plays, and musical performances.
When exploring Manila and its nearby areas, visitors can use different modes of transportation such as buses, trains, taxis, and ride-hailing services. The MRT and LRT lines are the fastest and most affordable way to travel around the city, costing around PHP 16-30. When going to Batangas, visitors can take a bus from the Buendia or Pasay terminals. The boat fee to Taal Volcano island costs PHP 250 per person. The estimated costs for transportation would be around PHP 800-1,000 for the entire trip.
If you have more time, you can explore other historical landmarks in Manila such as Rizal Park and the National Museum of the Philippines. You can also go on a food trip and try different Filipino street food such as balut and isaw. For those who have less time, you can combine Fort Santiago and Intramuros with Rizal Park and the National Museum of the Philippines.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the main airport in Manila, located in Pasay City, Metro Manila. It is approximately 7.7 km away from the Manila city center. The airport has four terminals that cater to both domestic and international flights, and taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available.