Travel tips: What are must-see things in Manila and Boracay, the Philippines?

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This was published 7 years ago

Travel tips: What are must-see things in Manila and Boracay, the Philippines?

By Michael Gebicki
Boracay, Philippines.

Boracay, Philippines.Credit: iStock

OUR FAMILY WITH THREE ADULT SONS IS VISITING THE PHILIPPINES IN JANUARY: FOUR DAYS IN MANILA THEN A WEEK ON BORACAY. WHAT ARE THE MUST-SEES FOR EACH? J. MOORE, GOSFORD

The most interesting part of Manila lies within the historic walled city of Intramuros, the original Spanish quarter of the city, which retains much of its old world European flavour. Don't miss Casa Manila, a modern rendition of a Spanish colonial house and a glimpse of what life was like for the city's 19th century aristocrats. The National Museum of the Filipino People is well worth a visit, with the collection of weapons, coins, porcelain and jewellery from the wreck of the Spanish galleon San Diego as a highlight. The Shoe Museum at Marikina houses 800 pairs of shoes once owned by Imelda Marcos, former First Lady of the Philippines, and is barely a quarter of her total collection. Be warned, Metro Manila has some of the worst traffic jams of any Asian city. It compares unfavourably with Bangkok, and that's bad enough. Boracay, just a short flight south of Manila, is a tiny slip of an island entirely dedicated to lying back under the coconut palms and doing not very much. The water sparkles like a DeBeers product and the beaches call for welder's-strength eye protection. There's a big choice of resorts here, from the ultra luxe Shangri-la to cheap and cheerful bed-and-breakfasts tucked away behind the beaches. Boracay has embraced spa culture with enthusiasm. This is also a melting pot of world cuisines, from Greek to Spanish to Mexican with plenty of Filipino restaurants in the mix, and seafood lovers can expect to loosen their belts. You can expect big crowds out for a good time and Boracay also has a feisty nightlife scene so choose your accommodation with care if quiet is high on the wish list. For more information see the Philippines Department of Tourism website, tourismphilippines.com.au

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