Too many times I have seen "Skip Manila, it's a dump," instantly posted whenever somebody mentions they are traveling to the Philippines. THIS could not be further from the truth. Manila's fancier neighborhoods can rival any city in Asia, and the world, in the upscale experience it offers to its visitors and inhabitants. The western restaurants are better than any other Asian country, with hamburgers, pasta, and even legit hot dogs offered. Local pineapple and mango make for excellent juice drinks, bought at local prices (under $1). You ever see a Philippines sticker on your bananas? try them ere and you'll understand why. The fish you order will have been caught that morning, making it some of the freshest offerings in the world. There are guys all around town with big jugs of coconut water, waiting to be purchased for 20 cents a cold cup. It's truly the best way to drink your coconut, with pieces of coconut flesh floating around to bolster its flavor.

Part of the fun of exploring this city comes from riding around in "Jeepneys," buses where you just climb in and pay 20 cents before whizzing down the street. It's a great way to see how the locals go about their days and explore neighborhoods. Manila might be one of the last places on earth where kids play WITHOUT smartphones (since they can't afford them). I spent a week there checking out everything and now I've come up with a list of suggestions.

Intramuros: This is where all the old Spanish churches are, including the main attraction, "Minor Basilica of Immaculate Conception." You can also check out Fort Santiago. The Manila Post office is also in the area with a statue of Douglas McArthur, American WW2 hero, nearby.

The baywalk along Roxas Boulevard is very scenic and can't be missed. Near there is "Church of Malate," with its mysterious stone facade. The Cultural Center of the Philippines is a very nicely designed building in this area as well. Near here is also the Manila Zoo, with a nice group of rare animals you might not see anywhere else. Also "De La Salle University" campus can be visited with some interesting shops geared towards students nearby.

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Binondo: I can't say enough about how good the food is here. LEGIT Chinese food made by Chinese people. The area is interesting to walk around in, including nice shopping opportunities if you need to upgrade your bag or headphones. Be sure to check out "Escolta" street for old buildings, along with 'Chinatown Walk' for some good restaurants. The gates of Binondo are beautifully decorated and make for good photos. Nearby is the interesting campus of University of Santo Tomas, which can't be missed. You'll see the energetic and confident students of Manila, who are ready to move past their own economies limitations and join the global market. There's a lot to see in this area, it can take a full day of walking around in itself.

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Makati: This is the area you should be staying in-- upscale (but not to the Fort level). The business district, where Manila's best are working in. In this area is Little Tokyo with the delicious restaurant/super market named "Yamazaki." Check out the Saturday morning market (7 am - 2 pm) "Salcado" with its unique offferings. The whole neighborhood gathers there, it's really fun and cannot be missed.

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The Fort: an upscale area that could remind you of New York or Chicago. This is where everyone who has a savings account comes to spend their time (and money). You can find western restaurants everywhere, and just chill here. But when you are ready to rejoin the regular society, check out "Market Market" where you will be reunited with 'cheap cheap' food, good drink, and a return to what makes Manila so great in the first place. A good place to end the night before catching your Jeepney back home.

Also what can't be missed is the American Cemetery for its 17,000 WW2 soldiers who died in the Philippines. You'll understand the sacrifice that was made battling the Japanese here and be poignantly reminded about just how brutal the fighting truly was.

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Quezon City: A further out suburb. If you have extra time, check out "Ninoy Aquino Parks & Wildlife Center." They take care of injured animals, including owls, eagles, and the largest pythons you'll ever see. Very wonderful animals hosted here and they should be visited.

Nearby is another university, "UP Campus." It's not that interesting but it's in the area so if you have extra time you can check it out.

GENERAL disclaimer: Manila can feel unsafe at night, so it's best to spend your evenings in Makati / The Fort or going back to your lodging. There are very poor people that lay mostly idle on the streets, but walk around protectively and exercise pre-caution.

The only bank in Manila that allows for free withdrawals is HSBC.

Have fun! If you enjoyed this post, feel free to check out my page "Sunny Saigon" on FB. It's about Vietnam right now but one day I'd like it to explore tourism in nearby places, like Manila, as well.

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