Places to Visit in Intramuros Manila

We like the progressive way of teaching because we believe that it is better to see and experience things rather than just read it from a book.

Since we are homeschooling and part of the Humanities subject is to learn Philippines’ History, we decided to ditch the book and go for a quick tour back in time at Intramuros Manila.

Why Intramuros? First, because we are familiar with the place. My first job was in Pier South and Intramuros was one of the areas we frequent to during break time. Second, because there are several museums and historic buildings inside it. Third, because the last time we brought Ren here was when he was just three years old and for sure he can’t remember the place anymore. Fourth, because the entrance to the museums are cheaper and lastly because we also planned to drop by at the National Museum and it’s quite near here.

PLACES TO VISIT IN INTRAMUROS MANILA

MANILA CATHEDRAL

We left our place in Molino Cavite around 6 in the morning. We had our breakfast at the nearby fast-food chain first before riding a van to Manila. We arrived at Intramuros around 7:20 am so we decided to pass by Manila Cathedral first because it’s a Sunday also.

Manila Cathedral has a special place in our hearts because this is where my husband and I got married 14 years ago. It was my dream to walk in the long aisle here if I found my forever and thank God that dream became a reality.

I did not find any major changes inside this church, except for the mini-museum on the right side area. I did not notice it before, but now I saw that they put some memorabilia and the history of the place.

PLAZA ROMA

In front of the Manila Cathedral, you’ll see the Plaza Roma. During Spanish colonial times, the plaza was the Plaza Mayor of Manila, and was thus considered the center of the city, with bullfights and other public events being held in the plaza until Governor-General Rafael Maria de Aguilar converted it into a garden in 1797.

Plaza de Roma is surrounded by three important landmarks of Intramuros: the Manila Cathedral to the south, the Palacio del Gobernador to the west, and the Casas Consistoriales, also known as the Ayuntamiento de Manila, to the east.

PALACIO DEL GOBERNADOR

At present, the building houses the Intramuros Administration, the Commission on Elections and the Home Development Mutual Fund National Capital Region Office. It also previously housed the Bureau of the Treasury until it relocated across Plaza de Roma to the Ayuntamiento de Manila.

The site of the present building was where the former residence of the Governor-General during the Spanish Colonial Era was located until an earthquake destroyed it on June 3, 1863. The Malacañang Palace then became the Governor-General’s official residence.

FORT SANTIAGO

After the mass around 8am, we decided to go visit Fort Santiago. This area is one of the most important historical sites in Manila. Several lives were lost in its prisons during the Spanish Colonial Period and World War II.   José Rizal, one of the Philippine national heroes, was imprisoned here before his execution in 1896.

The entrance is P75 for adult and P50 for students/senior/PWD. It was nice that it’s cloudy when we arrived in the area and there are only a few tourist and guests at that time.

Upon entering the gate, you’ll see a wide park. And as you go along you’ll see the entrance to the fort.

Inside you will see the following:

• • Plaza de Armas

• • Memorial Cross
  • Dungeons
  • Media Naranja
  • Baluarte De Santa Barbara
  • Rizal Shrine Museum

• • Rajah Sulayman Theater

You’ll see Rizal’s footstep from the place he was imprisoned to the place he got killed – Bagumbayan (or Luneta)

(stay tuned for my son’s video of the entire place soon)

The weather was so hot when we decided to go out of the fort. I forgot to bring Ren an extra shirt and he was sweating so much. I’m glad to see the Island Souvenir shop in front, so I bought him a souvenir t-shirt for P199.00

Afterwards, we pass through Intramuros to go to the National Museum. We just walked to appreciate the beauty of the place. We passed by Anda St. then San Agustin church.

Besides the church is the CASA MANILA. I like the street in this area, sobrang makaluma, yung mabato na lubak lubak. Here you can find these bamboo bikes for rent. It’s quite expensive though, 1 hour will cost you P600.00 (you can check them out here – https://www.bambike.com/ecotours)

There’s a museum inside Casa Manila that you can visit too, but we did not go there anymore because we want to go to the National Museum already.

There are a lot of Calesa and Pedicabs in the area that will offer their services to you. They can tour you around the wall of Intramuros to save you from walking. I guess this is nice if the weather is too hot and you want to see the entire place.

Here are the places you can go:
Puerta Real
San Andres
14 Canons
San Diego
Manila Cathedral
San Agustin
Fort Santiago
Aduana
San Ignacio
San Francisco
14 President
Plazuela
Ayuntamiento
Sto.Domingo
Lourdes
King Philip II
King CHarles IV
Palcio Del Gov
Puerta Del Parian

The rate for the pedicab is fixed

I don’t know how much for the calesa.

But, if you are on a tight budget, I think it’s better to see the place by walking around. Just make sure to bring a hat or umbrella and put on some sunblocks to shield your skin from the sun. And bring your own water bottle, towel, and an extra shirt. Lastly, wear your most comfortable footwear.

Enjoy!!!!

… next post will be Our Trip to National Museum, stay tuned!