Manila is the capital of the Republic of the Philippines and the largest port city in the country. As the largest economic, cultural, and transportation center in the Philippines, Manila is quite westernized and known to be a melting pot of local and foreign cultures. Manila has a long history. In 1571, Spain colonized and occupied the Philippines and established a castle and fort in the center of the city. Today, Manila is an international metropolis full of gardens and greenery. Metro Manila is a large metropolitan area that includes fifteen cities and one municipality. Many people use Manila as a transit point for their trips to other places in the Philippines, but if you have enough time to settle down and spend some time in the city, there are many interesting attractions to be discovered. There are old Spanish buildings in the metropolitan area as well as modern skyscrapers.
Sunsets in Manila are famous and well known throughout the country. The glow of the sunset renders the tranquil Manila Bay golden, while white sands shimmer under the sunlight. In the summer, it’s also common to see rainbows in the sky. Visitors can rent bikes and ride along the ten-kilometer Roxas Boulevard (also known as Sunset Boulevard) while waiting for the arrival of the sunset in the slightly damp sea breeze.
The temperatures each year from November to February are quite cool. At this time, the weather is pleasant and there is less rainfall than usual, making it is the best time to travel. The hot season is from March to May each year, where the maximum temperature hovers around 37°C. The rainy season last from June to October each year, though the frequent rain showers only last for about 20 minutes each time. Overall, Manila has high temperatures throughout the year and it is recommended to bring summer clothing such as short sleeved t-shirts and shorts. In addition, during the cool season, it’s a good idea to bring light jackets and pants. During the rainy season, locals often carry umbrellas with them wherever they go.
Manila has a relatively large area and is surrounded by several satellite cities, but the scenic spots are mostly centered around Rizal Park and Intramuros. When choosing accommodations and hotels Manila, make sure to choose an area that’s near the places you’re planning to visit. For those looking to check out the colonial ruins, staying at hotels in the Manila city center is not a bad idea.
