Originally Posted by
chubbuni13
Hi everyone,
I've always gotten great advice from FTers, and I'm dipping back into the well to see if people can help me out with some logistical issues I'm encountering with my first trip to Manila. I did a few searches on the site, but most of the information tends to be older and somewhat outdated. Primarily, I'm looking to get advice on:
1. Money Exchange: Looking to find the best place to change overall. Arriving on Tuesday morning and staying till Sunday.
2. Cell phone: I have an iPhone5 but am unsure if there will be micro SIM cards that are compatible with them. Will I not get ripped off too much if I decide to borrow a phone at the airport?
3. Food/Restaurants: I've always had horrible luck relying on tripadvisor restaurant reviews, so I'm asking FTers who invariably have much better taste. I'm staying at the Peninsula in Makati, but my friend and I are pretty open and are particularly interested in native Filipino food. Best lechon in Manila and/or pancit and crispy pata would be most appreciated.
4. Fun attractions: My friend and I like to gamble a little, so we'll probably hit the casinos for a day or two. The ongoing joke seems to be that Manila's an ugly city, but I'm sure there are some people who can suggest things to see/do that are unique.
5. Nightlife: Heard that the greenbelt and Fort Bonifacio are fun places to be, but specific/current recommendations are more than welcome.
Thanks again for all your help.
1. Use an ATM card, I usually get cash there. If the fees bother you, get a card that pays ATM fees (I love Schwab bank)
3. Almost every American restaurant is in the Philippines (outback, tgi fridays, Teddys bigger burgers) so you can always find something. Gerry's grill is a kind of local TGI Fridays. In the mall by my hotel there was a place that had Indian food in addition to a place that had New Orleans style food, almost everyone will find something they like. If you are ever in a fast food mood, try Jollibee, the spaghetti is sarap (Delicious)
4. Star city is a fun amusement park, albeit small. Wencha is a fun (on the level, no special service) spa. They have a hot tub and an ice tub, wet and dry sauna, a buffet and a massage are included. The sunset at Manila bay is always fun. From Mall of Asia you can take a boat to watch it from the water. The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is a mirror of the one in the punchbowl, Honolulu. If you have the time, a tour of corregidor island is well worth it, you can see were Gen MacArthur said "I shall return" as well as the last stand of the allies and the last stand of the Japanese. If you have the time (It does not sound like it) I would recommend the following day (possibly long day) trips: puerto galera, not as nice as Boracay, but still a beautiful white beach. Angeles City, you can see the American cemetery as well as a museum of the air force base. Baguio, high in the hills, is the summer capitol of the Philippines.
5. I would either go to Mall of Asia or Malate for some fun nightlife. Lots of fun bars, and I find most people nice. Bedrock bar usually has a live band and the beer is cheap. I found Greenbelt nightlife a bit boring, but depends on your taste.