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Your Weekend Guide to Exploring Manila
24 Aug 2018EXPLOREBY SweetEscape

Most people know of Manila as the city that connects both tourists and locals to the different provinces and islands in the Philippines. Aside from the towering buildings and bustling streets, Manila is home to various attractions that are family-friendly, making it a really good place to spend a weekend in that even locals from provinces take the opportunity to explore it on weekends and holidays.

Skip the white-sand beaches for now because it's time to explore the Philippines' capital!

by Chel for SweetEscape in Manila

1.Appreciate art at the National Museum of Natural History.

Want to see the Philippines’ largest crocodile in captivity? At the NMNH is Lolong’s life-size replica and skeleton, together with other creatures’ taxidermied specimens.

Clearly known to be an Instagram-worthy location, be sure not just to snap photos around but take time to appreciate every piece of art within the NMNH. Lines may get long especially during weekends and holidays, but as they say, it is worth the wait. Best part? Admission is free.

2. Go back in time at Intramuros

Get the Spanish-era feels by touring around Manila's oldest district, Intramuros. Walk around Fort Santiago, which was what used to be a Spanish base. Cross the bridge across a moat and enter Fort Santiago where the Rizal Shrine, Plaza de Armas, and Baluarte de Santa Barbara are.

Also in Intramuros are San Agustin Church of Manila, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the Manila Cathedral.

by Carlo for SweetEscape in Manila

3. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Dessert Museum

Join the Millennial hype as you step your Instagram gaming up at the Dessert Museum!

This newly-opened attraction in Manila brings dessert lovers together with the dessert-themed rooms with life-size goodies such as giant gummy bears at the Gummy Bear Room, pastel-colored sugar clouds at the Cotton Candy Room, and fluffy marshmallows at the Marshmallow Room.

Aside from getting all those cute photos, you wouldn't need to drool over the interactive decorations as free treats are provided in the tour.

by Carlo for SweetEscape in Manila

4. Dive into the marine world at Manila Ocean Park

There certainly is no need to ride a plane to be able to experience the popular attractions at the famous Ocean Park in Hong Kong because Manila has one, too!

Manila Ocean Park, where the first and largest oceanarium in the Philippines is, has attractions such as Sharks and Rays encounter, where you could interact with stingrays and sharks without even getting wet! At night, catch MOP's Symphony Evening Show which showcases a musical fountain display, bringing colorful lights at Manila Bay's night sky.

5. Find a home-away-from-home with a staycation

Your list could go on for places to visit in Manila, but wouldn't a staycation be a better idea, especially if you've been working too hard for the past few weeks?

If you'll be visiting the above mentioned destinations for the weekend, it'll be best to stay within the Manila-Pasay area for accessibility. Choose hotels surrounding the Manila Bay such as TRYP by Wyndham which has a stunning view of the bay, or Hotel H20, an aquarium-themed accommodation situated within the Manila Ocean Park.

by Carlo for SweetEscape in Manila
by Carlo for SweetEscape in Manila

Plan for the weekend and don't forget to take photos so you could treasure your memories from these experiences. And if you need someone to make capturing memories the easier way, find a photographer at SweetEscape!

SweetEscape is online platform that with a pool of local photographers in over 400 cities around the world, never letting people miss out on saving their best moments through photos. From weddings, birthdays, honeymoons, or any occasion or celebration, SweetEscape's got a professional photographer ready to get the perfect shot.