Take a journey back in time and immerse
yourself in the Philippines’ rich history and culture when you visit
Intramuros. Conveniently located in the heart of Manila, this popular
attraction was once again hailed as Asia’s Leading Tourist Destination last
September 3 at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony
held at City of Dreams Manila.
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Explore the impressive
interiors of San Agustin Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the
oldest Baroque stone churches in the Philippines. Photo by Abigail Rebong |
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Step back in time at Casa Manila, a meticulously restored home of the elite nestled within the historic walls of Intramuros Photo by Abigail Rebong |
While a consistent WTA nominee for several
categories, this year marks the first time that the Philippines has hosted the
highly anticipated event, marking an important step towards the country
fulfilling its goal of becoming Asia’s Tourism Powerhouse, as essential events
such as this show the world the Philippines' readiness to welcome more tourists
to the country.
Aside from Intramuros being named Asia’s
Leading Tourist Attraction, the Philippines also received other awards namely
Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination (Boracay), Asia’s Leading Beach
Destination, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Island
Destination, Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign (Love the Philippines), Asia's
Leading Wedding Destination (Cebu), and the Transformative Leadership Award for
Sec. Frasco.
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Regarded as the Basilica of the Philippines, the Manila Cathedral stands as a majestic architectural icon within Intramuros. Photo by Abigail Rebong |
Enhancing Tourist Experience
During Holy Week this year, Intramuros
welcomed a record-breaking 2.2 million visitors, surpassing 2023 figures of
over 980,000 and pre-pandemic figures of one million in 2019.
The multi-awarded tourist destination
continues to charm local and foreign travelers of all ages and backgrounds with
its myriad experiences.
In June, the Department of Tourism (DOT)
supported the opening of the Intramuros Tourist Center, a cultural tourism
initiative of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. The Intramuros Tourist Center
is open to the public and serves as a museum and information center, manned by
DOT-trained tour guides and tourism front liners who have been trained under
the signature Filipino Brand of Service Excellence training module. Tourists
can access essential information on guided tours, ongoing events and
activities, and services provided by the Intramuros Administration.
“The Intramuros Tourist Center represents
our commitment to preserving and sharing the unique cultural heritage of
Manila. Thanks in most part to our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., and
First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, this project not only honors the past but
also provides a dynamic space for our visitors to engage with the history and
stories of Intramuros,” said Secretary Frasco.
A Tour of the Walled City
Intramuros, which means “within the walls,”
used to be the center for political, religious, and educational activities in
the Philippine capital. It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations
in the Philippines for its unique attractions and accessibility.
Make sure to explore these iconic landmarks
when you visit Intramuros:
- Fort Santiago - Start your day
exploring Intramuros at this historic fortress, which served as a military
defense structure and is also where the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose
Rizal, was imprisoned. In spite of its dark history, visitors enjoy visiting
Fort Santiago to learn more about Rizal and his last days, walking around its
landscaped gardens and charming views.
- San Agustin Church - Known as the
oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San
Agustin Church is a magnificent display of Baroque architecture. Visitors are
in awe of its intricate interiors, stunning murals, and ornate altar. Another
interesting detail about the church is that it contains the tombs of many
influential people like Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, world-renowned
artist Juan Luna, and many more. San Agustin Church is also the only structure
to miraculously survive the heavy bombings during World War II. Make sure to
walk through the San Agustin Museum to learn more about its history.
- Manila Cathedral - The Manila Cathedral is another important architectural marvel in
Intramuros. Built in 1571, it features stunning stained-glass windows,
intricately carved doors, and a beautiful facade.
- Casa Manila - get a peek at how Manila’s upper class lived during the Spanish
colonial period when you visit Casa Manila. This beautifully restored house
serves as a museum showcasing antique decor, furniture, and art pieces. Join
the guided tours to get insights into the daily life, traditions, and family
dynamics during the Spanish period.
- Baluarte
de San Diego - one of Intramuros’ oldest bastions,
Baluarte de San Diego offers visitors panoramic views.
What makes a visit to Intramuros more
enjoyable is that aside from the historical sites, it also offers a lot of unique
cultural and culinary experiences. Travelers can enjoy traditional Filipino
food and other food offerings from various local restaurants and cafes, some of
which also offer cultural presentations. Travelers can also choose to visit
Intramuros at night by booking evening tours for a different feel.
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Embark on a one-of-a-kind ecotour: explore Manila’s historic walled city on eco-friendly bamboo bikes. Photo by Abigail Rebong |
Exploring Intramuros is akin to going on a
journey through Manila’s storied past, revealing the richness of Filipino
culture, history, and resilience. It is an important stop in every traveler’s
trip to the Philippines. For more information on Intramuros and the
Philippines, visit https://thephilippines.online/ or download the Travel PH App on Android or iOS.
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