What began as a small tribal settlement in the 1500s is now a bustling metropolis brimming with urbanity. Manila’s rich history tells a treacherous tale of being once encircled by walls, occupied during World War II, and colonized by the United States. Stepping out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport from one of the many long Manila flights, you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant fusion of past and present. Established in 1976, Metro Manila (a neighbouring city quartet of Manila, Kalookan, Pasay, and Quezon City) holds an overabundance of activities for all ages. With all there is to offer, it’s easy to enjoy the city’s vast opportunities for bargain shopping, wild marine life, hybrid culture, blended cuisine, and revered antiquity.
While your cheap flight to Manila may seem prudent and ordinary, it can never compare to a lively jaunt in the city’s most famous method of transportation, called Jeepneys. This ultra affordable (and often brightly colored) mode of travel can suit up to even 18 passengers – but watch your head! Tourists have been known to achieve a bump or two in midst of all the fun.
After smartly saving on your cheap flight to Manila, you won’t need to worry much about holding on to your pesos. There are plenty of ways to have affordable fun for everyone. For approximately 200 pesos (5 USD), the outdoor adventurer can take a dive (or a snorkel, for that matter) in Manila Bay, where the water boasts up to 400 species of marine wildlife. Fortunately, it’s all made easily approachable by its surrounding Rizal Park and Manila Ocean Park’s three-story concourse. For the indoor bargain hunter, look no further than the Mall of Asia on Roxas Boulevard, where you can also enjoy an IMAX Theater and science museum. Another preference, Divisoria Market, is characterized by its bulk items and down-to-here prices. They don’t call it the mall capital of Asia for nothing, so keep that in mind when saving baggage room aboard your flight to Manila.
Much about the city’s history can be learned through the sacred structures of churches. The Manila Cathedral, for instance, was originally built from local materials of nipa and bamboo until it was damaged in the late 1500s by both a fire and a typhoon. While earthquakes and wars have ravaged the foundation of the holy ground, it stands today, much like the city, as a testament to the loyalty of its people. More landmark churches, like Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, and San Sebastian Church, reside near the southern side of the Pasig River.
Just as the Philippines endure both rainy and dry seasons, it also showcases two bold and differing tastes of cuisine. The harmony created by both Chinese and Spanish influences create well-balanced concoctions like sweet and sour Chinese noodles and Spanish embudito. The adaptation of its counterparts is what makes the area so lavishly distinctive.
The native Philippine Tagalog word for “yes” is “Oo.” And that’s all you’ll need to say when booking your cheap flight to Manila.
