The gateway to the Philippines, Manila is worth a few days' exploration. The city is split into 16 mini cities, my favourite of which is Manila City. This is the historic part of Manila where you can meander along cobbled streets, stopping at San Augustin, the oldest stone church in the country, Fort Santiago, and the prison cell once occupied by national hero and revolutionary Jose Rizal. Horse-drawn carts and policemen wearing colonial-style uniforms add to the district’s atmosphere.
Manila is a hectic city and I wouldn't recommend too many long journeys across it by road due to the bad traffic, but it’s fun jumping into the back of a kitsch, crowded Jeepney vehicle. These long wheelbase US army jeeps are used as public transport and each is painted in bright colours.
If you’ve a spare day, I would recommend taking the fast ferry to Corregidor Island in Subic Bay. This was the last line of defence for US forces holding out against the 1941 Japanese invasion. Highlights include the Malinta Tunnel (a bomb-proof underground area used as a bunker and later a hospital), General McArthur’s headquarters, and a Spanish lighthouse with remarkable views over Manila Bay.
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