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First time travelers can be guided about procedures and requirements in air travel, airport guide, maps, flight information,
helpful tips for first-time travelers, shops, contact numbers and location of offices at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
(NAIA) The 7000 islands that comprise the Philippines are the forgotten islands of South-East Asia. Off the main overland route
and with a recent history of martial law and endemic corruption, the country has struggled to attract tourists in the numbers many
of its southeast Asian neighbours have.
Despite these difficulties, most of the Philippines is laid back, stable and relatively safe. The country likes to promote itself as
the place where 'Asia wears a smile' and the locals are, by and large, an exceptionally friendly and helpful bunch. On top of this,
transport is cheap, the food is good, accommodation is plentiful and (for the monolinguistic) English is widely spoken.
Manila can be one of the most exhausting cities in Southeast Asia. The heart of old Manila can be found inside the Intramuros (literally "Within the Walls"), .
Visitors to the capital should also stop at Rizal Park (a wonderful place for strolling), the Coconut Palace (built entirely of palm wood and coconut shells) and
Nayong Pilipino -- a Philippines-in-miniature theme park -- are hardly worth visiting. Spend your time instead in an informative tour of Malacanang Palace, the former
residence of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. Footwear aficionados will be disappointed -- the First Lady's shoe collection and other reminders of the Marcos era have been removed.
Some may find the substitute historical and cultural artifacts considerably duller, but we found the exhibition to be one of the best stops in Manila.
(If you simply must see Imelda's shoes, a museum in the shoe-making suburb of Marikina recently opened a museum devoted to the town's main industry -- with 220 pairs of Marcos' shoes on).
Gay Establishments
Gay Bars
Basic Pinoy Language Tourist Attractions.
The GBR Museum also exhibits pre-Hispanic Chinese artifacts and porcelain. The Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna, two hours' drive from the capital, is a Filipino attempt at Disneyland. Not surprisingly, it's packed with families during the Christmas season. A very popular day trip, especially in November and December (following the rainy season), is to Pagsanjan Falls. The trip can include rides in dugout canoes over rapids. The scenic Taal Lake (an extinct volcanic crater) is best seen from Tagaytay Ridge. And Corregidor, the World War II command center, can be easily visited on an organized tour. If you have several days, visit the national marine park at Puerto Galera on Mindoro Island, known for its superb dive sites and romantic tropical scenery. For a glimpse of rural life, visit Villa Escudero, a working coconut plantation with a river and waterfall. 75 mi/120 km south of Manila.
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