Manila is the capital and most populated city of the Philippines. The city along with Mexico City and Madrid are considered the world’s original set of Global cities, this is because Manila was the first city to connect Asia to Spanish Americans via the Pacific Ocean. It is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay, the Pasig River flows through the middle of the city dividing it into north and south sections. It is Philippine’s center of business, education, and transportation. The city was known as one of the important trading centers for Indigo hence the Manila which literally translates to “where indigo is found”. The city is a gateway for the Philippines which is one of the major reasons for tourism here even though it is known as the traffic-congested city.

Tip: You can use public jeepneys also known as Sarao to get around it will be a unique experience as well as cheap.

Getting There

Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the major international airport in the Philippines. Many times it is still referred by its previous name Manila International Airport. There are around 6 airlines that have direct flights to Manila from Davao with 146 flights every week. You can book one of the Davao to Manila flights to reach faster. The travel duration from Davao to Manila is very short it takes less than 2 hours by direct flight. The preferred airlines on this route are Philippines Airlines & Cebu Pacific Airways.

Tip: The Manila airport is the main international airport in this region hence there are many visitors coming in daily book tickets in advance to avoid surge charges.

What to See 

Manila though notorious for traffic and pollution it still has many things to offer for its visitors. Visit the Bonifacio Shrine which is in honor of Andres Bonifacio who fought for the freedom of the country. Visit the ruins of Intramuros which is at the northern end of the bay and is the remains of the Spanish settlement within the wall is a museum and a church. Visit Plaza San Luis which is a commercial complex of five houses Casa Blanca, Casa Urdaneta, El Hogar Filipino, Casa Manila, and Los Hidalgos.  Visit the National Art Gallery that has a huge collection of local and European art. To know the political history of the country visits the Museum of Philippine Political History. Rizal Park and Paco Park are two of the most popular parks in the city, here you will learn a lot about local plants. Visit the Manila Ocean Park where you will get to learn a lot about marine especially about the local marine creatures. Some of the other places to visit are one of the Spanish colonial churches, National Museum, Central Post Office and many more.

Tip: You can hire a bamboo bike in Intramuros and go around in it. The experience is eco friendly as well as different.

Eat & Stay

Manila has a diverse culture when it comes to food because of its multi-ethnic population. Binondo has restaurants with multi-cuisine choice, it will be a bit expensive but you will not regret. Maginhawa is the best place to try the local food at a budget price and also known for street food. Pasay has very trendy pubs and bars so you get to enjoy a good nightlife there.

If you are looking for budget hotels or tourist hostel then look for accommodation in Sampaloc or San Miguel. For a luxurious stay option, the best area in Manila Bay. The other good areas to stay are Quiapo, Binondo, and Malate

Explore the markets of Divisoria and Pasay Seafood Market for local products and souvenirs. Green Hills Shopping Center is the most visited place since it has more than 2000 stalls and is known for pearls and antiques. 

Tip: You can learn to cook the local dishes at any of the restaurants that offer cooking classes

Log on to Trip.com which is a user-friendly site and has many cheap flights from Davao to other countries for you to choose from. They offer you the best deals for Davao to Manila flight booking which will make your holiday economical.