Manila Adventure: Intramuros

Our adventure today takes us to one of Manila's historical districts where one can see remnants of the Spanish colonial era Philippines. Join me as we go around Intramuros to check out what it has to offer.


Intramuros History

The name Intramuros came from the Latin prefix intra meaning inside and the Spanish word muros with means walls. Hence its other name Walled City. It is found at the mouth of the Pasig River and has very strategic importance for trade and defense. The land where Intramuros is now was once part of the tribal kingdom ruled by rajahs (native chieftains). 

Intramuros - The Walled City

It was sometime in 1570 when Spanish conquistadors arrived in what is now Manila after hearing that the area is rich in resources. Having superior weaponry and military tactics, the Spaniards then defeated and drove the natives out of their land. The leader of the Spaniards, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, then declared the area as the capital of the Spanish colony on June 24, 1571. A wall was built sometime in 1574 after the Chinese pirates led by Limahong attacked and destroyed the Spanish colony. The wall was upgraded in 1590 and constructions and fortifications were continually added until 1872. 

 Throughout history, Intramuros was used as a headquarters by the invading countries. The British used it in 1762,  The Americans in 1901, and the Japanese in 1945. It has seen also witnessed a lot of destruction brought by man and by Mother Nature. 
Welcome to Intramuros

 In 1951, Intramuros was declared as a historical monument with Republic Act 597. In 1979, the Intramuros Administration which currently maintains and manages Intramuros was created by virtue of Presidential Decree 1616. Today, Intramuros is probably the best, if not the nearest, place to visit if one wants to see how things were during the Spanish colonial period.

Places to See in Intramuros:

Fort Santiago

Memorial Cross Fort Santiago

Museo ni Rizal

Baluarte de San Diego

Former location of the Recoletos Church

Silahis Art and Artifacts Center

San Agustin Church

San Agustin Museum

Casa Manila

Palacio del Gobernador

Manila Cathedral

Former site of the Colegio de Santa Potenciana

Plaza de Roma

Plazuela de Sta Isabel - Memorare Manila 1945

King Philip of Spain Statue

Aduana ruins

Galleon Trade Commemorative Marker at Plaza Mexico

Manila - Acapulco Commemorative Marker at Plaza Mexico

Queen Isabel II near the Puerta de Isabel entrance

Starbucks Intramuros

Baluarte de San Andres

 Other Places to Visit:

  • Bahay Tsinoy
  • Plaza de Armas
  • San Ignacio Church
  • Mananzan Handicrafts
  • Bagumbayan Lights and Sounds Museum
  • National Commission for Culture and the Arts Gallery
  • Fr. George J. Willman, SJ Museum
Avoid:
  1. Visiting late at night or going to dark alleyways. (Be very vigilant)
  2. Overspending by listing down your expenses.
  3. Accidents by observing traffic and establishment rules.

1 Day Walking Tour Itinerary:

Just a heads up, this itinerary does not include travel time from your place to Intramuros.

8AM - Arrival in Intramuros
8:30AM  until 10:30 AM - tour of Fort Santiago and Rizal Museum

 10:40AM - 11AM - short visit/ shopping at Mananzan Handicrafts

 11AM - 12NN - lunch at any nearby fast food or restaurants

 12NN - 1PM - tour Manila Cathedral with a quick viewing of the facades of Palacio del Gobernador and Bureau of Treasury buildings.

 1PM - 1:30PM - quick visits to Casa Manila and Memorare Manila 1945 at Plazuela de Sta. Isabel

 1:30PM -  2:30PM - tour Bahay Tsinoy 

 2:30PM - 2:50PM - walk towards San Agustin Church

 2:50PM - 4:30PM - tour San Agustin Church and museum

 4:30PM - 4:50PM - walk towards Baluarte de San Diego

 4:50PM - 5:30PM - tour Baluarte de San Diego
5:40PM - head home

Intramuros Rates:

The rates do not include the transportation rates from your house to Intramuros and back

 Fort Santiago entrance fee - P100 pax
Bahay Tsinoy entrance fee - P100 adults/pax ; P60 children/pax
San Agustin Museum entrance fee - P100 adults/pax; P80 senior citizen/pax; P40 children/pax
Baluarte de San Diego entrance fee - P75 pax
Food -P200 pax*

 Total: P575 pax

 *Maybe smaller or bigger depending on the food budget

Getting to Intramuros:


Once in Manila, ride a jeepney going to the city hall. Once there, Intramuros is just a 10 -15 minutes walk away.

Ratings:

Crowd
Cleanliness
Overall ratings
Location: Intramuros, Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines

Comments

  1. MarjorieMarch 4, 2018 at 4:16 AM

    Ah Intramuros! It is the most beautiful spot in Manila in my opinion and it will always be my favorite, I went to Lyceum of the Philippines so I know the ins and outs of Intramuros. I still remember walking over its cobble-stoned pathways, eating in nearby carinderias, buying food from side walk vendors, and of course, etc. I used to frequent the Starbucks there with my classmates and we also used to visit Fort Santiago and the churches whenever time permitted. Also, Intramuros is one of the best spots for photography. I wanna go back there soon to do a ghost walk.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 6, 2018 at 7:30 AM

      I just hope that the new infrastructures built here will have the same Spanish colonial era design to maintain the ambiance of the place. I hope that a tram would also be installed here and jeepneys and cars be prohibited. That would surely make this place a must visit in the Philippines.

      Delete
  2. AshMarch 4, 2018 at 6:42 AM

    Nice recap of Intramuros' rich history. The Spanish influence and legacy are very much evident in the different structures still in existent. I knew of only 2 or 3 attractions in Intramuros and I'm surprised to learn of so many interesting sights. Need to explore more of Intramuros if ever I have the chance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 6, 2018 at 7:30 AM

      Hello Ash. That's true. There are plenty more that I haven't visited yet. I also wish to explore Intramuros again soon.

      Delete
  3. Thelittlelai: Beyond limitsMarch 10, 2018 at 5:54 PM

    This made me remember my last trip in Manila last year. I really wanted to see Intramuros and experience walking over its cobble-stoned pathways while knowing the rich history of the place. I find this place very interesting and I guess, every Filipino should have traipsed their feet here. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 12, 2018 at 11:54 AM

      Hi Laiariel. I agree. This place should be a required place to visit for every Filipino.

      Delete
  4. AditiMarch 11, 2018 at 5:42 PM

    Amazing, this place looks like an architectural beauty that must be visited for sure. I have all plans to travel to Manila and I will keep your post handy to plan day itinerary. I loved the Church and Baluarte de San Diego

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMarch 12, 2018 at 11:55 AM

      Hi Aditi. Please do visit Intramuros before going to the beach if you're in the Philippines. It is something that you should do. =)

      Delete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Limbon, Indang in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Shrine of Indang is one of the historical landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Philippine Revolution -Andres Bonifacio.  Bonifacio Shrine of Indang Bonifacio Shrine in Indang History Bonifacio Shrine in Indang marks the location of the nipa hut where Andres Bonifacio was seized and captured by the soldiers of his political rival and fellow revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. It was also here that Bonifacio was gravely injured after he was shot by an arresting soldier when he was being dragged to Indang town proper to be imprisoned. Bonifacio Shrine in Indang , Cavite This is how I look like pre-sneeze. The arrest of Bonifacio Philippine Historical Commission marker Presently, the historical nipa hut did not win against the tests of time. A small public park was constructed where the nipa hut was said to have once stood. The park features a statue of a seemingly very surprised Andres
Keep reading

Fukagawa Roadside Station – Hokkaido

Image
Fukagawa Roadside Station  ( 道の駅 ライスランドふかがわ ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread across Hokkaido. It is located at 59-7 Hirosato, Otoecho in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fukagawa Roadside Station Fukagawa Roadside Station details Fukagawa Roadside Station is officially called Roadside Station Riceland Fukagawa . It follows the theme “Fukagawa, the city of rice”. It is a place where visitors can buy high-quality Fukagawa rice and also a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture. Fukagawa Roadside Station - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Fukagawa Roadside Station was registered last August 13, 2002, and was given registration number 17.  Photos outside Fukagawa Roadside Station At present the roadside station has the following amenities: General Information It is located right after you enter the front entrance of the roadside station. Motorists can get information about tourist spots, restaurants, public facilities, and even road info and we
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine  ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Jigokudani - Hokkaido

Image
Jigokudani ( 登別地獄谷 ) or Hell Valley in English is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Noboribetsu City. It is located at Noboribetsuonsencho/Noboribetsu Onsen Town in Noboribetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Jigokudani Jigokudani details Nestled at the western foot of the active volcano "Katataraku" lies Jigokudani , a geothermal wonderland that forms a part of the "Noboribetsu Volcano" along with Oyunuma and Hiyoriyama . With a diameter of approximately 450 meters and covering an area of around 11 hectares, Jigokudani serves as the source of Noboribetsu Onsen , a renowned hot spring town where high-temperature fumaroles and hydrothermal activity continue to mesmerize visitors. In recognition of its unique ecological importance, Jigokudani has been designated as a "Special Protection Area" within the Shikotsu-Toya National Park . Jigokudani - Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture The formation of Jigokudani can be traced back to vo
Keep reading

Agusan Del Sur: Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center

Image
Found in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center became famous for its world known centerpiece exhibit. Bunawan arc That exhibit is named Lolong , the world's longest salt water crocodile ever caught. Lolong was captured in Bunawan Creek, a part of the vast Agusan Marsh on September 3, 2011. Lolong In November of the same year, an Australian crocodile expert from the National geographic measured Lolong and confirmed that the crocodile was indeed the longest ever caught. the enormous Lolong measured 20 feet and 24 inches from snout to tail beating the Australian croc named Cassius which formerly holds the said title. A young kid views the croc 5 times his size Six months later, Lolong was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World records as the " World's Biggest Crocodile in Captivity ". Bunawan Mayor Elorde with some foreign guests Bunawan Mayor Cox Elorde t
Keep reading

Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido

Image
Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ) spans 2,267 square kilometers and encompasses 16 peaks, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and alpine flora. This is the largest national park in Hokkaido, Japan . This vast park covers parts of Kitami City, Asahikawa City, Furano City, and the towns of Higashikawa, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Kamishihoro. However, a large part of the park is inside the town of Kamikawa but for this article, I will write about my experience in the Higashikawa part of the Daisetsuzan National Park . Daisetsuzan National Park  Daisetsuzan National Park details Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan 's northernmost prefecture, lies the breathtaking Daisetsuzan National Park . Known affectionately as the "roof of Hokkaido," this expansive park is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and seekers of tranquility. Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido Spanning an impressive 2,267 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the awe
Keep reading

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Image
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine,  or simply Kamay ni Hesus   is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as  Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending
Keep reading