Intramuros Travel Guide: Rediscover Old Manila

Travel to Manila will never be complete without visiting the old walled city now more commonly called Intramuros. Strategically located along the Pasig River and Manila Bay, it was the ideal place for the early settlers of the old city to trade with other Asian and foreign neighbors. Intramuros, which means "within the walls" in Latin, is the oldest district of Manila, now part of the 5th congressional district of the Philippines' capital.

Intramuros can be easily accessed through Roxas Boulevard, which is directly connected to roads from the NAIA International Airport and the Manila Domestic Airport. It is also stone throw away from the Port of Manila where major sea vessels come in and out of Metro Manila through Manila Bay. It can also be reached through Manila's busy main roads where most jeepneys and buses pass by just outside its walls.

To its north, across the Pasig river, are the densely populated district of Tondo, the Manila's China-Town district of Binondo, and busy districts of Quiapo and Sta. Cruz. Along the east and south boundaries of Intramuros is Ermita, where Manila's nightlife is located. Also, just outside Intramuros are important government institutions and buildings like Manila City Hall, Manila Post Office, and several other structures that represent distinct architecture designed by Daniel Burnham during American period in the early 1900's.

The charm of Intamuros lies within the ambiance of the Spanish-occupied Philippines era. Within and immediately outside the walls of Intramuros, you'll have the feel of how Manilenyos of the past lived their lives. You'll find old structures, ruins, and a few of the oldest and grandest churches in Manila. Most part of the wall were either rebuilt or restored while modern structures and commercial restaurants were limited to within the vicinity of educational institutions. Before, there were trenches surrounding the wall, until they were converted to golf course during the late 1990's.


Going around Intramuros.

You can actually travel and go around Intramuros by foot. Horse drawn carriage or Kalesa, its local term, are quite common inside Intramuros and are still popular for tourists. Be wary of abusive drivers though, never trust you visit around the walled city to them. Aside from the experience, I don't see any other practical reason to take Kalesa, being uncomfortable (compared at least to taxis), the ride may actually be more expensive.


Fort Santiago

Located at the northwestern part of Intramuros, Fort Santiago served as the military fortress for the Spanish forces, later by the British, American even the Japanese during their occupation of Manila in the second World War. It is the heavily fortified and well laid out which probably made it the best preserved part of the walled city. It is also known to house the Philippine National Hero, Jose Rizal, while under arrest by the Spanish government before he was put into a firing squad in Bagumbayan, now Rizal Park, just outside Intramuros.

You may go inside the gates of Fort Santiago for a minimal fee of not more than 100 pesos (2 USD). Visitors may come in  from 8 AM to 6 PM daily.

Wall Structures.

Be on the lookout for wall design structures, entrance gates, bulwarks, ravelins, and redoubts. Most of these structures especially wall entrances are named during the Spaniards occupation of the city.

Churches

Just across the gates of Fort Santiago park, you'll see the Manila Cathedral, the official church of the Bishop of the Archdiocese of Manila. Also known as the Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, was originally built in 1581. The existing modern structure of the church however was built in 1958 following it total destruction after the World War II. A block away from the Manila Cathedral is another well known church inside Intramuros, the San Agustine Church. Completed in 1607, it is the oldest standing church in the Philippines and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1993. San Agustine Church was actually the third church built on the site, the original made of nipa and bamboo was completed in 1572.

Buildings, Ruins, Momunents, Plazas and Gardens


Old buildings, ruins, monuments and plazas are distributed around Intramuros. Some of which were transformed into gardens which can be used for functions and reception for weddings and social gatherings.

Antique Shops, Souvenirs, and Restaurants

There are also a few shops in Intramuros that trade antique items and souvenirs. One noteworthy shop is the the Illustrado, which also has a garden and restaurant that serves good food.

A travel stop at Intramuros is a must as a guide and for better understanding of Manila and its culture.