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Posted by Mommy Woobie on August 24th, 2008 in Philippines

One of the stumbling blocks to just travelling is the fear of different places. I have been asked numerous times, and now again as the travel season starts, to act as a tour guide all over Manila by friends from the province.

For example you are a tourist from Northern Luzon and you want an itinerary comprising a few nights in Manila before going off to your destination out of the country. Here is a guide that I prepared just in case I can’t be your guide during  your brief Manila stay (because of family obligations).

Whether you are coming in locally or from abroad, it’s impossible to get lost in Manila because you can ask anything from anyone in English and you’ll get a relevant answer… also in English. If you are a foreigner and may need additional prodding to come to Manila, here is a reason… Manila’s spectacular sunsets…

For people coming in locally from Northern Philippines, the best way to start (if you don’t have relatives to drive you to the city) is to go by bus. The bus company of choice is Partas. They have luxury buses with seats as big as a regular Lazy Boy, and just as comfy. My tip is to bring a big bag, but mostly empty initially (besides your basics). Your travels will fill it up with mementos and knick-knacks you pick up along the way. Once you get to the bus terminal in Cubao (Quezon City) or Manila, you can ask a cab to bring you to a hotel of your choice.

For a weekend stay, the prices could be fixed for a weekend package (3 days and  nights). My suggestion is to avail of reasonably priced rooms in 4 star manila hotels (excellently compared and contrasted by hotelscombned.com). Why? It’s relatively cheaper than the bigger hotels like Holiday Inn, and some of these hotels are very near the airport.

Cab drivers are the best source of info on nice places to go to. They vary in quality and it is best to find out how others rate these cab companies. You can do that on this practical tips to manila page.