1. Manila appears to be void of interesting things, however this is false
2. As an outsider getting around in Manila can be overwhelming, however with a bit of faith it is quite doable
Interesting things exist however they are hard to find. Thus far I have found that:
- The National Museum is really wonderful, and if you go on Sundays it is free
- Mall of Asia has an ice skating rink, its about P400 to skate, but free to watch
- Green Belt 1 has a live theater in the same area as a movie theater
- SM North has a great rooftop area where you can sit and enjoy
- Roxas Av, has a lovely beach promenade that is enjoyable to walk especially around dusk
- Quezon City circle has occasional exhibits and always a lively group of park goers on Sundays
- UP campus is lovely to walk and has amazing street food (2.2km around the sunken garden)
- Tomas Morato statue is a good landmark to adventure near by, some nice shops, restaurants, salons and night life.
- UP Ayala is quickly becoming a favorite place, three coffee shops and sushi!
I feel that it is important to note that three of these locations are connected to a shopping mall, so it is quite probable and easy to find yourself spending an inordinate amount of time in the mall while you are here in Manila, however if you are willing to just accept that fact and take note that its the Philippine way, you can enjoy what you find.
In regards to transportation.
The metro, train, rail system(call it what you may) is known here as the MRT or LRT.
The routes are a bit disjointed, this is because they are still building the complete system however no one seems quite sure when it will be finished.
The MRT overlaps both the LRT1 and LRT2 and LRT1 &2 overlap, so you can get around the whole system.
Every station should have a map and be well labeled, i have not found any without these two things. The station attendants as well as security guards and fellow travelers will most likely be able to help you if you have any questions.
Be warned that the line to buy tickets is quite long. If you are going to be in town for a few days and plan to use one line often it will be faster for you to buy a stored value card for 100p. During rush hour lines can take up to 45 min, if you can ovoid it stay off the metro during rush hour its packed.
Do note that the LRT and MRT use different cards. The cost per ride is based on starting station and ending station but the high end is 15p or about the equivalent of $0.30 USD.
The very front of each train is reserved for women, and ladies do take advantage of this its quite nice.
The trains are all AC
Mostly they operate from 530am till 10pm
The web sites are mildly useful
The Jeeps or Jeepneys are great fun and a full adventure. If you want to try them, and everyone should, you need to know the name of a landmark (this can be any big place, a hospital, school, church, shopping mall) near where you want to go, than just start asking, if where you are going is a common location you might get lucky and find a jeep that says the name of the place in the window or on the side. Typically a ride costs around 10p. If you ask the driver he will make sure that you know when you get to your stop and even point you towards the landmark you used to get there! Jeeps run quite late (at least till 2am)however starting around 10pm the drop in frequency.
Another form of a jeep is more like a big SUV that has seats in the back, these are AC and typically a more luxurious ride, however they will cost you about twice as much.
Buses are much the same as jeeps however they go much further distances, you can get AC and Non AC with prices that match and you just need to ask around to get the one you want unless you know the area you are going and than look for the sign. These run most of the night, I am not sure if they ever stop but I have had no problems with them up till 2am
there are pre-set stops for these three and a little asking can get you to a location where many of them will be.
Taxis are reasonable compared to the rest of the world, but expensive compared to the jeeps and buses. Make SURE to have the taxi driver use his meeter otherwise you will get ripped off. They also should have good AC, if not find another taxi. In general if you have a choice take the newer looking taxi, the companies give the new cars to the best drivers. At many places there are pre set taxi stops where you just get in line and wait for your taxi. A good thing to keep in mind is to lock your door once inside, everyone here says it safer. I have also found that frequently my taxi driver says he knows where we are going but we end up driving around for a while trying to find it, just be prepared. They run all night just make sure you call ahead if your going to need one at a set time.
Tricycles are little pods attached to motorbikes, they have selected zones they can operate in but within that zone they can go wherever you would like. The are less expensive than a taxi and faster than walking. Pre-discuss the price before you get in, normally they are honest about the prices except in the rain or late at night! They run all night however its common to find the drivers asleep if your out too late.
As I discover more ill do my best to update you
=)
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