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Showing posts with label Intramuros. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Intramuros. Show all posts

Spanning the historic Pasig River, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is a striking, state-of-the-art structure that serves as a physical and cultural link between two of Manila’s most iconic districts: the 400-year-old Spanish walled city of Intramuros and the world's oldest Chinatown in Binondo.

Binondo-Intramuros Bridge aerial

Opened in April 2022 as part of the Metro Manila Logistics Network program, this four-lane, 680-meter long bridge has quickly transformed from a standard infrastructure project into a major lifestyle landmark. With its signature white basket-handle steel loops and panoramic urban vistas, it is a favorite spot for photographers, fitness enthusiasts, and travelers looking to experience Manila on foot.



Location and Architecture

The bridge features a modern tied-arch structural design, with its massive steel arches crisscrossing gracefully over the river. Beyond its vehicle lanes, what sets it apart for travelers are its dedicated, elevated pedestrian walkways and protected bicycle lanes on both sides, ensuring a safe and relaxed crossing.

Intramuros side of the bridge

The Two Gateways


  • The Intramuros Side: The southern approach sits along Solana Street and Riverside Drive, right behind the historic Intramuros Administration building and near Plaza Mexico.

  • The Binondo Side: The northern approach lands at Muelle de la Industria in San Nicolas, placing you directly at the western edge of Chinatown, a short walk away from the historic Jones Bridge and Estero de Binondo.



How to Access the Pedestrian Walkways

If you are navigating on foot or by bicycle, entering the bridge requires knowing where the dedicated staircases are located.

Binondo-Intramuros Bridge

From Intramuros:
  • Head toward Riverside Drive (just past the Bureau of Immigration building or the Plaza Mexico ferry terminal). Look for the concrete pedestrian staircase ramp winding up alongside the main vehicular flyover.

From Binondo:
  • Walk down Muelle de la Industria along the river bank. The pedestrian access stairs are located near the corner of Rentistas Street and San Fernando Street.



Binondo side of the bridge


Nearby Landmarks to Pair with Your Visit

Because the bridge drops you right at the edge of both historical districts, you can easily pair a bridge crossing with these top-tier destinations:


Intramuros Side (South)

  • Fort Santiago: The legendary Spanish citadel and shrine to Jose Rizal, a 10-minute walk from the bridge base.

  • Manila Cathedral: The grand neo-Romanesque mother church of the Philippines located at Plaza de Roma.

  • Pasig River Esplanade: Manila's newest riverside pedestrian attraction. It is a beautifully lit promenade along the banks of the Pasig River.

Pasig River Esplanade and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge at the back

Binondo / San Nicolas Side (North)


  • Jones Bridge: Manila’s historic Parisian-style neo-classical bridge, located just downriver.

  • Escolta Street: The birthplace of Manila’s early 20th-century financial hub, packed with Art Deco heritage.

  • Ongpin Street Food Crawl: Dive into authentic dumplings, dim sum, and traditional pastries just blocks away.



Pro Tavel Tips


Time Your Visit: To beat the intense tropical heat, plan your walk either early in the morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) or late in the afternoon (5:00 PM onwards).

Stay Clear of Traffic Lanes: The pedestrian and bike lanes are separated from the main road by solid concrete barriers, but always stay inside the designated walkways and keep a close eye out for fast-moving cyclists.

Travel Light & Secure Your Gear: The bridge can get quite breezy over the river, so make sure your hats, phones, and camera straps are secure. As with all high-density parts of Manila, keep your personal belongings close.




WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA

Here's a list of hotel accommodation you can book in Manila:



ALSO IN MANILA



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

Binondo-Intramuros Bridge Travel Guide: Connecting Manila's Heritage


The Philippines is a country that has 7,641 islands scattered throughout its territory. Just like a country in Southeast Asia, the Philippines also has a tropical climate because it is passed by the Equator. So it is not surprising that this country has interesting natural wealth.



A famous natural phenomenon in the Philippines is a typhoon called La Niña. Apart from Thailand, the Philippines is also a country that is a rice barn. The rice farming system in this country is quite advanced. There are still 2000-year-old rice farming sites that are still active today. While the sports that are so well-known among Filipinos are basketball and boxing. Do you guys know about this?

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One of the islands that are famous for being a tourist destination is Boracay. From Manila to Boracay you can use transportation options such as planes or buses followed by ferries. The distance of Boracay from the capital city of the Philippines is about 441 km and can be reached in 1 hour by plane. As for buses or private vehicles, the time needed is at least 12 hours.

Boracay / Photo by Cojo Rosales on Unsplash

Besides Boracay, there are many other tourist destinations that you can try. Here are the recommendations:




What To Do in The Philippines?


1. Banaue Rice Terraces

As previously mentioned, the Philippines is one of the largest agricultural countries in Asia, especially rice. So, it is only natural that there are tourist attractions in the Philippines in the form of rice terraces.

Banaue Rice Terraces / Photo by AR on Unsplash

The name of the tourist spot is Banaue Rice Terraces. In addition to its very beautiful natural charm, Banaue Rice Terraces also get the title of the highest terracing in the world.

Not a few people call it a ladder to the sky. And please note that the Philippines can grow rice, with good results, even without fertilizer. The location of Banaue Rice Terraces is found in the mountainous province of Ifugao in the Philippines.



2. Chocolate Hills

You may wonder, is Chocolate Hills related to food or chocolate candy? The answers are completely unrelated. Chocolate Hills is a hilly region in the Philippines. This name is taken from the color of the hills which turn brown when the dry season arrives. This brown color appears from the dry grass that covers the hill.

Chocolate Hills / Photo by Robin P on Unsplash

The number of hills in the Chocolate Hills area is very large. The number even reaches 1,500 with hill heights varying from 30 to 120 meters. The Chocolate Hills are so unique that they have been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.



3. Intramuros

Located in the City of Manila, a recommendation for historical and instagrammable tourist attractions is Intramuros. This city is an old city, which is historic. You have to know that in terms of architecture, and the atmosphere conveys a Spanish flavor.

Cobblestone along Real St. in Intramuros / 2022 

The existence of Spanish architecture and atmosphere is not without reason. Intramuros is a fairly old city in Manila. This city is also a silent witness to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines for 300 years.

Intramuros is a fortress with an area of ​​4.5 kilometers, and in it, there are other historical buildings, such as The Church, which has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the old manila house, Prophet Jesus Painting, and Fort Santiago. Visitors can walk around the area or by using a rickshaw. The atmosphere is comfortable and calm.



4. Vigan

Another UNESCO world heritage site in the Philippines is the City of Vigan. This area is very historic in the Philippines because it is a silent witness to the Spanish colonization of the Philippines. This city is popular and a tourist destination for foreign tourists who come to visit.

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The famous Calle Crisologo in Vigan

The arrangement of the Vigan area is very detailed and neat. You will probably agree with this statement when you see the building's architecture, ornaments, road conditions, layout of the building, statues, and the philosophy of the layout of the church.

The old city of Vigan can present romantic and instagramable tours in the Philippines. Especially when it starts to dusk, the lights start to turn on, so visitors will feel the atmosphere, and the view is very beautiful.



Are you ready to have a wonderful trip in The Philippines? Go download Traveloka App now and plan your holiday trip in The Philippines!

4 Tourists Destination in The Philippines You Should Visit


Looking for free things to do this weekend? Let's go to this historical places in Manila!


Planning to go to Intramuros soon? You might be thinking of things to do and places to visit inside the walled city. You're not alone. I, myself haven't explored most of Intramuros' spots and attraction given that I have already visited here for a few times. The fact that this piece of land in Manila is so wide, it would take you a whole day to tour around the district.

That's why I created this list for you to know the right spots perfect for selfies and update your Instagram feed without even touching your wallet!

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WHAT TO BRING FOR MANILA

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Here's a list of best selfie spots in Intramuros:


Manila Cathedral

The Minor Basilica of the Immaculate Conception or Manila Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila, making it one of the most important churches in the country.

Manila Cathedral

Since its inception in 1581, the church has been renovated and restored multiple times (most remarkably after the 1945 Battle of Manila), with the current style being Neo-Romanesque. It was consecrated in 1958. 

Best Selfie Spot: Facade of Manila Cathedral
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 8am to 6pm
Location: Cabildo, 132 Beaterio St, Intramuros, Manila



Plaza Roma

Plaza Roma is bound by other notable destinations such as the Manila Cathedral, Palacio del Gobernador, and Ayuntamiento. It’s considered as the city’s plaza mayor or main square, where many public events like bullfights were held.

Plaza Roma

Plaza Roma was turned into a garden in 1797, with a monument of King Carlos IV of Spain at the center. The king was regarded for having dispatched a shipment of smallpox vaccine to the Philippines. 

Best Selfie Spot: near the fountain
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 8am to 6pm
Location: In front of Manila Cathedral


Aduana Ruins

The Aduana Building, also known as the Intendencia, was a Spanish colonial structure in Manila, Philippines that housed several government offices through the years.

Aduana Ruins

It is located in front of the BPI Intramuros at Plaza España, Soriano Ave. corner Muralla St. in Intramuros.

Best Selfie Spot: façade of the building
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 8am to 6pm
Location: Magallanes Dr, Intramuros, Manila


Ayuntamiento de Manila

The Ayuntamiento de Manila (Manila City Hall) is a building located at the corner of Andrés Soriano Avenue (formerly, Calle Aduana) and Cabildo Street, fronting Plaza de Roma in Intramuros, Manila.

Ayuntamiento de Manila

Also known as the Casas Consistoriales and also nicknamed as the Marble Palace, the Ayuntamiento was the seat of the Manila City Council, which consisted of two alcaldes (city leaders), eight oidores (judges), a clerk, and a chief constable. Destroyed in World War II and reconstructed thereafter, the building now houses the offices of the Bureau of the Treasury.

Best Selfie Spot: façade of the building
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 8am to 6pm
Location: near Plaza Roma


Palacio Del Gobernador

The Palacio del Gobernador (transl. Governor's Palace) is a government building located in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines. It is located southwest from Plaza de Roma and built in its current form in 1976. The building's exterior was used in the Chuck Norris film Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection for a scene set in Rio de Janeiro during a Brazilian Carnaval parade.

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.

Best Selfie Spot: façade of the building
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 8am to 6pm
Location: near Plaza Roma


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Baluarte de Dilao

Built in 1592 by the Spanish government to deter threats and invasion by other countries. Renovated in 1622. The area was much larger than what it is right now, the area that you'll see is the restored structure, for the whole area was destroyed during the American liberation of Manila from the Japanese occupation in 1845.

Baluarte de Dilao

Best Selfie Spot: near the canons
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 10am to 5pm
Location: east part of Intramuros


Intramuros Walls

I haven't known it for a long time but yes, you can actually walk on the walls of Intramuros.

Intramuros Walls

These walkways are about 2 meters wide and barricaded with bricks. Due to its oldness, most of the pathways are hard to walk on.

Best Selfie Spot: walkway on the walls
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 9am to 6pm
Location: several parts of Intramuros


Muralla Street

Muralla Street is one of the longest roads in Intramuros. It runs from the south end through the east part of the walls until the north end near Plaza Espana.

Muralla Street

Just like Muralla, streets in the district are generally narrow as they were designed at a time when there were no motor vehicles like automobiles, jeepneys, buses or trucks. Today, Muralla Street is nicely paved with asphalt.

Best Selfie Spot: near the fountain
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 8am to 6pm
Location: east side of the wall



Real Street

Because of its cobblestones, Real is the most visited street in Intramuros. Real St. runs through the heart of Intramuros and connects the eastern (Puerta del Parian) and western walls (Puerta de Santa Lucia).

Real Street

Famous landmarks located along Real St. are Casa Manila and San Agustin Church.

Best Selfie Spot: near Casa Manila
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 8am to 6pm
Location: mid part of Intramuros

ALSO IN MANILA

San Agustin Church

Completed in 1607, San Agustin Church is the oldest stone church in the country. The church, together with the monastery nearby, was the only structure left standing after World War II. The current structure is actually the third version of the church which survived several natural disasters through time.

San Agustin Church

In 1993, San Agustin Church was one of four Philippine churches constructed during the Spanish colonial period to be designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, under the collective title Baroque Churches of the Philippines. It was named a National Historical Landmark by the Philippine government in 1976.

Best Selfie Spot: façade of the church
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 10am to 5pm
Location: General Luna St, Intramuros, Manila


ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Puerta del Parian

Puerta Del Parian is among the eight gates that serve as an entrance to the Walled City of Intramuros. The gates were called Puerta, which is the original Spanish word for "gate." Hence, the name Puerta del Parian means "Gate of the Market," signifying its crucial role in Philippine history. 

Puerta del Parian

From the Spanish colonial times to the British occupation is 1762-1764, as this was the place where many enterprising Chinese traded goods. Today, you can enter the gate for free to access the ASEAN Gardens from Muralla St.

Best Selfie Spot: façade of the gate
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 9am to 5pm
Location: west part of the wall


ASEAN Garden

The ASEAN Garden was inaugurated in 1993 as an expression of the Philippines' solid commitment to ASEAN. Located near the Parian Gate, at the corner of P. Burgos Drive and Victoria Street, the Garden remind us that peace and prosperity thrives among these ASEAN nations.

ASEAN Garden

The garden is also a home to the busts of the founding fathers, from Southeast Asian nations. It features an assortment of trees and shrubs from the ten participating nations.

Best Selfie Spot: near the bridge and trees
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 10am to 5pm
Location: north east of Intramuros walls


Baluarte de San Gabriel

Another entrance free bastion in Intramuros is the Baluarte de San Gabriel. This area is one of the 7 bastions in the wall city.

Baluarte de San Gabriel

Baluarte de San Gabriel is situated nearby to the park Plazuela Madre Francisca del Espiritu Santo de Fuentes and the garden Boy & Girl Scouts Memorial Triangle.

Best Selfie Spot: the open field
Entrance: FREE
Best Time to Visit: 9am to 5pm
Location: north east of Intramuros walls


Intramuros Walking Tour Map

Here's a map guide for Intramuros:


You can also download a copy of any of the following maps for your Intramuros tour:

For hassle-free and more educational tour, I suggest that you get a DOT Accredited tour guide for your visit to Intramuros. Or you can visit my complete DIY guide to the walled city.

If want to see more, check out my list of 20+ Most Famous Tourist Spots in Manila



ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA


How to get to Intramuros

Since Intramuros is in the heart of the bustling city of Manila, land transportation is the most convenient means of getting there. But if you’ll be coming from locations outside Metro Manila or another country, don’t fret, it is still very accessible thanks to its proximity to airports and terminals. 

There are two international and domestic airports near Intramuros: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque (for Terminal 1) and Pasay (for Terminals 2, 3, and 4) and Clark International Airport in Pampanga.



Where to Stay in Intramuros

Here's a list of hotels and accommodation inside and nearby Intramuros:


MANILA TOUR

Some other attractions to see and things to do near Intramuros:



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.


INTRAMUROS GUIDE: Free Selfie Spots For Your Instagram Feed

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In this guide, I listed Intramuros tour guides accredited by DOT.



I have visited the walled city for at least 3x - all of them are do-it-yourself (DIY). I'm not really a fan of tour guides since I do my research prior to visiting a place.

Me walking along Muralla St.

BUT (don't get me wrong), who doesn't want the convenience of traveling while being guided by someone who know MORE and WELL ENOUGH the place you are touring? PLUS! You will learn a lot (history and all) since these guides are well-equipped with trivia and important details that you need to know about the place you barely know about (unless you did your research).


So if you have a limited time and energy, I highly recommend you book a tour guide to know more about Intramuros.


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DISCLAIMER: By continuing to use this directory you understand the following:
  • That the rates may vary depending on the tour guide, duration of tour, time of the day, or season.
  • That the tour guides listed in this directory are free-lance, private tour providers. They have no employer-employee relationship with the Intramuros Administration or the Department of Tourism.
  • That the Administration or the Department of Tourism is not liable for any damages caused by any of the tour guides before, during, or after their provision of services.

If walk tour is not your friend, you may opt to go for Bambike Ecotours which offers a one-of-a-kind bamboo bike tour in Intramuros that is both exciting and educational. 

Bambike (bike rental) 

Bambike is a socio-ecological enterprise, with the bicycles being made by the “Bambuilders” of Gawad Kalinga, a community development organization for the poor.


WHAT TO BRING FOR MANILA

Here are some things you might consider bringing with you for your day tour / adventure:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Intramuros Tour Guides fluent in English and Filipino and other Languages (Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, German and more)


Here is a list of professional Intramuros tour guides accredited by the Department of Tourism (Updated 24 July 2022):

Rowena Bayangos

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00424-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Filipino
Email: nonette887@yahoo.com
Mobile No: 09189107931

Vincent-Ray Hallig

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00497-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: rhavend@yahoo.com
Mobile No: 09424513261

Frederick Go

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00334-2022
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Tagalog, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Bahasa Indonesia, and Russian
Email: frederick_teco@yahoo.com
Mobile No: 09229122775



Jonas Fon

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00337-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: fonjonas0@gmail.com
Mobile No: 09156050723

Andre Julian of Don’t Skip Manila Walking Tours

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00416-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: dsm.ajulian@gmail.com
Mobile No: 09169165580

Pau Lagahit

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00323-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Tagalog, Bisaya
Email: kuyapau9@gmail.com
Mobile No: 09153967202

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Russell Leyco

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00004-2020
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: letsgointramuros@gmail.com
Mobile No: 09162967397

Irma Llorera

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00411-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: Russian, English, Filipino
Email: amriareroll@yahoo.com
Mobile No: 09152942880

Jerick Magat

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00624-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: jerick_magat@yahoo.com
Mobile No: 09329122293



Julius Magno

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00964-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: Spanish, English, Filipino
Email: juliusgerard@yahoo.com
Mobile No: 09178664137

Enan Magundayao

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00523-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: magundayaoenan@gmail.com
Mobile No: 09060237741

La Charmaine Saique

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00535-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: aimeepatricio@gmail.com
Mobile No: +639778305606

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA 

Klook.com

Nemi Makalintal

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGO-00372-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: nemichan03@gmail.com
Mobile No: 09157680307

Mellany Melendez

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-00473-2021
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: Japanese, English, Filipino
Email: mellany3906ava@gmail.com
Mobile No: 09565667891

Anne Uy-Julian

DOT accreditation no.: DOT-NCR-TGD-0026-2019
Accreditation valid until: 30 June 2024
Languages spoken: English, Filipino
Email: anneuyjulian@gmail.com
Mobile No: 09975013622

NOTE: This list is provided by Intramuros Administration

If you have decided yet, you can also check Klook's Intramuros Tour: An Interactive Walk in Manila! With this tour, you will:
  • Get to know Manila, Philippines’ unique history when you join this exciting walking tour of Intramuros
  • Explore the historic walled city and get to know its rich past, dating to as far back as the Spanish era
  • Wander through various churches, plazas, city walls, tombstones, and even a scenic golf course!
  • Visit iconic sites including Plaza de Roma, Manila Cathedral, and San Agustin Church
  • Discover interesting facts, fun trivia, and get an understanding of Philippine history from your expert guide


ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA



Where to Stay in Intramuros

Here's a list of hotels and accommodation inside and nearby Intramuros:


MANILA TOUR

Some other attractions to see and things to do near Intramuros:


ALSO IN MANILA



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.

WHERE TO STAY IN MANILA
 Intramuros tour map Image of Intramuros map Guide 2022 Intramuros map Guide 2022 Feedback intramuros tour guide script intramuros tour package intramuros tour 2022 intramuros tourist spot diy intramuros tour intramuros walking tour

List of Intramuros Tour Guides in Manila (Accredited by DOT)

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