The Manila Hotel, in partnership with the Intramuros Administration, has pilot-tested the Visita Intramuros, a tour of the famous walled city, coinciding with the 121st Philippine Independence Day on Wednesday to reintroduce the place and prominent sites around it as part of Manila's tourist belt.
ABOUT INTRAMUROS
Called as the Walled City during the Spanish colonization. This historical landmark is now home to famous schools and universities (Lyceum, Letran, Mapua, Manila High School, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and Colegio de Sta. Rosa) as well as historical landmarks and tourist spots (Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, etc.)"The original tourist belt is the Ermita-Malate-Sta. Cruz-Quiapo-Binondo area. If we can revive this tourist belt, we could once again establish the capital as an attraction," Manila Hotel president Joey Lina said.
Reintroducing Intramuros as an entry/starting point could also be a way to revive this once vibrant "tourism belt" of Manila, said the former senator.
Intramuros and Manila Hotel are both witnesses to significant events that shaped Philippine history and what the country is today.
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| Intramuros Map Guide |
VISITA INTRAMUROS gives visitors an exclusive tour that features the following attractions starting at The Manila Hotel, followed by a half-day tour in the Walled City:
The Manila Hotel Heritage Museum – A newly curated museum that houses the collections of the Manila Hotel that reflects the rich history of the Grand Dame.
The MacArthur Suite – A two-bedroom suite that was the residence of General MacArthur decorated with rare paintings, photographs, Asian antiques and Filipino crafts.
Champagne Room – Long favored by the fashionable set, it is well-known for it’s impeccable service and lavish decor. A favorite venue for elegant gatherings, it best embodies the Grand Dame’s decades of tradition and devotion in providing guests with only the finest dining experience.
Fort Santiago – One of the oldest fortifications in Manila built in 1571 on the site of the native settlement of Rajah Soliman. It is notable for being the headquarters of the armies of several foreign powers in Philippine history, including the Spanish, British, Americans and the Japanese.
Museo de Intramuros – The newly-opened museum that houses the collections of the Intramuros Administration.
Baluarte de San Diego – Standing the test of time as a bulwark that defended not only it’s land but also the stories of the past. This historical concrete structure withstood cannon fires, earthquakes, and the battle of Manila.
Destileria Limtuaco Museum – The museum of the oldest distillery in the country features the actual process of making rum and whisky, from fermentation to bottling.
Bahay Tsinoy – A museum that showcases the tangible imprints and lasting influence of the Chinese whose presence in the Philippines dates back long before the Eropeans sought alternate routes to the Moluccas.
Casa Manila – A colonial lifestyle museum which features the domestic life of the upper class in the 19th Century Philippines. The three- story building is a replica of the house of Binondo merchant Don Severino Mendoza.
This tour package may be booked with the Concierge department of The Manila Hotel. It is best experienced on a siklesa – a motor drawn kalesa. Tour prices start from PHP2,250, with three options to choose from: vehicle with driver, vehicle, driver and guide and vehicle, driver, guide and all in pass. In-house guests will enjoy a 15% discount off the tour prices.
If you’re up for the challenge and ready to tour around Intramuros on foot, read my full Intramuros Travel Guide for other details.
HOW TO GET TO INTRAMUROS
Commuting Routes:
From Manila:
Option 1: Jeep- From Quiapo, ride a jeep to Pier.
- Get off at Intramuros. Landmark is Palacio del Gobernador.
- From Rizal Ave. or Divisoria, ride a jeep to Baclaran/Mabini or Lawton/SM City Hall.
- Get off at Intramuros. Landmarks are Manila City Hall, National Museum, and Philippine Normal University.
- From Quiapo, ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
From Caloocan:
Option 1: LRT1-Jeep- Take the LRT1 to Doroteo Jose station.
- Ride a jeep to Baclaran/Mabini, and get off at Intramuros. Landmarks are Manila City Hall, National Museum, and Philippine Normal University.
- Take the LRT1 to Carriedo station.
- Ride a jeep to Pier, and get off at Intramuros. Landmark is Palacio del Gobernador.
- Take the LRT1 to Carriedo station.
- Ride a jeep to Lawton/SM City Hall, and get off at Manila City Hall.
- Cross the street using the underpass, away from Manila City Hall towards Intramuros.
Or you can book a Grab ride straight to Intramuros.
Intramuros
Old-world Intramuros is home to Spanish-era landmarks like Fort Santiago, with a large stone gate and a shrine to national hero José Rizal. The ornate Manila Cathedral houses bronze carvings and stained glass windows, while the San Agustin Church museum has religious artwork and statues. Spanish colonial furniture and art fill Casa Manila museum, and horse-drawn carriages (kalesa) ply the area’s cobblestone streets.Founded by: Miguel López de Legazpi
Region: National Capital Region
Area codes: 2
MANILA TOUR
Some other attractions to see and things to do near Intramuros:
- Visit Arroceros Forest Park
- Food crawl in Binondo
- Visit the Dolomite Beach in Manila Bay
- Have fun at Star City
- Have a relaxing staycation at SMDC Breeze Residences
- Go shopping in Divisoria
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