What's in Intramuros? Why is it a famous Manila Tourist Attraction?
First of all, Im not the type of person who digs deep about the history of a certain place. I'm good with the simple information like the reason why it's famous or any amazing facts about it. So here are some things you should know before you visit Intramuros.
- Philippines was colonised by the Spaniards for 333 years.
- Intramuros means "within the walls"
- It was built by the Spaniard Miguel Lopez De Legaspi in 1571
- Only the Spaniards and Mestizos were allowed to live here back in the days.
- Spaniards built it to protect themselves from Chinese/Japanese/Dutch/Sulu Pirates.
- Fort Santiago is where Philippine's National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was locked in.
- The oldest surviving church in the Philippines is San Agustin Church which is located inside Intramuros.
- The whole place is 64 hectares big and has 27 attractions.
How to get there? by ph-commute
How much money should I bring?
Kalesa
Our Pedicab!
There were three of us when we toured Intramuros, Rizal Park and Manila Bay respectively. We only spent Php500 each for the three attractions and that already includes snack from McDonald's. Here's a rundown of our expenses.
Tour Guide Options
- PEDICAB: Php50/30 minutes for student
- PEDICAB: Php150/30 minutes for adult
- KALESA: Php350/30 minutes for both students & adults
- WALK: Free!
If you have a lot of time, I suggest walking plus it's free. If you really want to feel the Old Manila go splurge on the Kalesa. If you're on a budget and your main purpose is to see the attractions go for the Pedicab.
Cab from home to Intramuros(150/3) Php50/person
Pedicab Tour Guide Php200/2 hours
Entrance Fee in Baluarte Php50/person
Entrance Fee in Fort Santiago Php50/person
Snack (McDonald's) Php120/person
TOTAL: Php470/person
Php600 is enough if you're a student. Of course, you should always bring more than the exact cost in case of any price changes. If you're not a student, the entrance fees range from Php100-150. Php1000 is more than enough for adults when touring Intramuros.
What are the Main Attractions inside Intramuros? How long does the tour last?
There are 27 attractions inside Intramuros all in all. Touring all of them would take you half of the day when walking. If you limit your tour for 2-3 hours, like us, here are the MUST SEE attractions plus you will surely pass by the less famous attractions.
1. Fort Santiago
2. The Aduana
3. San Agustin Church
4. Felipe II Espana
5. Manila Cathedral
6. Baluarte De San Diego
7. Puerta Real
8. Plazuela De Sta. Isabel
9. Japanese Cannon
10. Palacio Gobernador
11. Dr. Jose Rizal Prison Cell
12. McArthur Headquarter
13. Presidents of the Philippines
14. Mother Ignasia Del Espiritu Santo's Golden Shrine
15. The Secret Skateboard Spot
Where to Eat Snack?
There are a lot of options to choose from.
Reminders:
- Tour early morning or late afternoon to avoid the exhausting heat.
- Start at Baluarte De San Diego (They give free brochures as your guide upon paying the entrance fee)
- Do bring an umbrella since it gets really hot.
- Apply sunblock!
- Don't forget to bring a bottle of water.
- Bring extra cash (Ticket booths don't accept cards)
- Take care of your belongings.
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