Intramuros: Unveiling the Other Side of Manila

Manila is known as the capital city of the Philippines. For many of us in the provincial areas, it's a bustling city and a not-so-safe place to live in. Media played a major role in making us perceived Manila like this. However, my 2-day stay in this city has straighten up some of my misconceptions on this city.

More than the noise and the rush hour moments, Manila is also home to rich culture and history. And this is the other side of PH's capital that we often oversee.

Welcome to Intramuros!
Popularly known as the walled city, it is considered to be the oldest district and the historical core of Manila. 

We had an early checkout in the pension house that day so right after breakfast, we secured our bags, left it in the reception area for safekeeping (yes, they allowed us), and headed out to start another adventure.

Despite the misconception that a lot of people here are tourist trappers, we're able to reach Intramuros safely and smoothly. We've met good people along the road who are kind enough to show us the right way (some of them warned us of those pesky drivers who will ask for more than the set price for the fare).

walking around Intramuros

It took us almost an hour before we decided to head to Fort Santiago, the defense fortress of the walled city established by Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador. 

lavishly-designed horse carriages

Entrance fee in Fort Santiago is P75. This doesn't include the fee for riding these horse carriages that can take you around the place. 

It was scorching hot that day but despite the heat, we still opted to walk around. 

We're fortunate though that we reached the place an hour before the large batch of tourists arrived.

I firmly believed that if we wanted to understand fully ourselves and our country in general, we must first learn about our history. I'm glad that we decided to drop in this place and get to learn more about those people who have freed this country from the hands of the conquerors.

Jose Rizal - my idol!

GOMBURZA priests

Wouldn't it be interesting if we have professors  who are as wise as these men?

Being in Fort Santiago made me feel closer to our past and the important figures who made a difference during that time.

an interesting art piece

dungeons facing the Pasig river

If you're on a budget (like us), you can skip the tour by those horse carriages. I actually find walking around more satisfying because you discover the place on your own pace, and most importantly, it saves you money - hehehe.

Restaurants are just around the corner in case you wanted to grab a bite.

Experience the other side of Manila by taking some time here in Fort Santiago.

Trust me, every minute and peso spent here is all worth it :)

'til we meet again...