Manila flights and travel guide

Most Asian capitals are unfairly dismissed as being chaotic, over-populated and beleaguered with traffic. Although this may ring true for Manila, especially at first glance, scratch beneath its surface and discover the irresistible energy and benevolent locals that keep tourists coming back for more.

The first thing that visitors off Manila flights notice is that the city doesn’t have a centre, instead there are remnants of the walled Intramuros. Built in the 16^th century by the Spaniards, this ‘city within a city’ is Manila’s oldest district and its traditional city centre which once housed churches, schools and hospitals. To get your bearings of the city, begin at the Intramuros and make your way towards Rizal Park where a huge three-dimensional map of the country sits as well as a Japanese Garden, planetarium and children’s amusement park.

Art buffs taking Manila flights will have lots to keep them busy during their flight since visiting all the museums and galleries will require some planning as the city is spread out. But if there’s only time to visit one museum then the Ayala Museum is should be provides the best examples of Filipino art and culture.

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Manila insider information

• Visit Casa Manila in the Intramuros area. The three-storey furnished house is a beautifully restored colonial Spanish home.
• Organise a trip to Corregidor, the island which was fought over in World War II by the Japanese and Americans.  Here you’ll find the haunting Malinta tunnels to explore and a small museum that houses weapons and uniforms.
• Stroll down Ayala Avenue and explore its trendy boutiques, restaurants and nightclubs.
• For a fun night out, nothing beats the Amazing Philippines Theatre, a theatrical live show featuring transvestites dressed in extravagant who provide nightly performances.
• Considered the national sport of the country, basketball is huge here and avid basketball lovers won’t want to miss a season game at the Araneta Coliseum which is managed by the PBA – Philippines’ NBA equivalent.

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Manila airports

The nearest airport for travellers taking flights to Manila is:

Ninoy Aquino International Airport which is located four miles south of Manila.

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Passport/Visa

Everyone entering the Philippines must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay. If there is an embassy of country of nationality in the Philippines, then the passport can be valid for less than six months. All visitors must have return or onward tickets and documents necessary for further travel, as well as sufficient funds.

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Entry requirements

British citizens must have a valid passport. No visa is required for a stay of up to 21 days. A tourist visa from the Philippine embassy is valid for 59 days.

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