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Travel Back in Time By Visiting These 3 Historic Locations!

Among the many Chinatowns found across different countries, Binondo stands out as one of the most memorable. It has the distinction of being the oldest Chinatown in the world, having been established by the Spaniards over four centuries ago. Today, it is best known for its dozens of Filipino-Chinese restaurants and establishments that line up its streets, serving various Chinese cuisines and products for all tourists and locals to enjoy!

**What to expect** 

If you’re looking for a place to eat, you’ll never run out of options in Binondo! From crunchy lumpia to tasty hopia, Binondo offers the best and most authentic Chinese dishes you’ll find in the country. Some tourists and locals even visit Binondo to experience a whole-day food trip!

Of course, as the oldest Chinatown in the world, Binondo also contains many centuries-old locations for history buffs to appreciate. Entering the centuries-old Binondo Church will amaze you with its distinct architecture and ornate paintings, while strolling across Escolta Street will make you feel like you’re walking back in time! Those who want to find out more about the oldest Chinatown in the world can also drop by the Chinatown Museum, which features many galleries telling Binondo’s colorful history.

From its delicious meals to its historical landmarks, Binondo has a lot to offer. Don’t miss out on the unique Chinatown experience!

**Where to experience it**

Binondo is located in Manila City. If you’re coming from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it will take you around an hour to get to Binondo. It is also only a few minutes away from other popular tourist attractions in Manila such as Intramuros and Rizal Park.

Binondo

One of the many reasons the Philippines has become a popular choice among tourists is its unparalleled biodiversity. From the Tubbataha Reef in Palawan to the Tarsier Sanctuary in Bohol, you’ll find many opportunities to appreciate nature wherever in the country you may go.

All these natural wonders are captured in the National Museum of Natural History, the fourth and newest building opened to the public by the National Museum of the Philippines. Boasting not only a unique educational display of the country’s natural beauty but also several feats of architecture, the National Museum of Natural History is a great way to learn more about what makes the Philippines a landmark of biodiversity.

**What to expect**
 
When you enter through the museum’s Corinthian columns, the first thing you’ll notice is the so-called “Tree of Life”, a towering structure at the center of the museum’s lobby, surrounded by large images of three of the Philippines’ most recognizable animals: the Philippine Eagle, the Philippine Tarsier, and the tamaraw. Its architect, Dominic Galicia, said that the piece symbolized “man’s wanting to understand nature and his place in it,” and there’s no better way to gain this understanding than to go through the National Museum of Natural History’s various galleries!

The museum spans six floors, many of which housing displays, dioramas, and images of zoological, botanical, and geological discoveries around the country. One of its main attractions is the skeleton of Lolong, which is said to be the largest crocodile in captivity recorded in the Philippines, that hangs above the museum’s lobby. One of its galleries also features a submarine replica where you can experience what it’s like to be surrounded by marine life!

Whether it’s expanding your knowledge on the country’s biodiversity or appreciating its modern architecture, the National Museum of Natural History is a must-see! 

**Where to experience it**

The National Museum of Natural History can be found within Rizal Park, which is located in the city of Manila. From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it will take you around 30 minutes to get to Intramuros via land. If you’re staying in Makati City, it will also take you around 30 minutes, while if you’re coming from Quezon City, that travel time increases to around an hour.

National Museum of Natural History

If you had to rank the most historically important locations in Metro Manila, Rizal Park would be near the top of that list. Formerly called Luneta Park, the 58-hectare area has been the site of many significant events throughout the country’s history, most notably the execution of the national hero that the park is named after. If you want to find out more about Jose Rizal and the country’s history, then Rizal Park is a must-see!

**What to expect** 

The most famous landmark of Rizal Park is the Rizal Monument, standing tall near Roxas Boulevard and facing Manila Bay. Unveiled in 1913, it features a bronze statue of Jose Rizal holding a book and surrounded by other figures reading and caring for their children. Every day, several officers from the Philippine Marine Corps guard the Rizal Monument, highlighting its significance.

While most tourists are only familiar with the monument, Rizal Park has several other pieces of history scattered throughout its 58 hectares of greenery. Many statues, sculptures, and artworks decorate the park, conveying not only the country’s history but also its rich culture. Only a few steps away from the Rizal Monument, for example, are statues depicting the national hero’s execution, located at the same spot where the actual execution took place over a century ago.

Various museums are also located within the park, most of which are run by the National Museum of the Philippines. Tourists who want to be surrounded by nature will also appreciate the many gardens around Rizal Park, all of which contain unique architecture and picturesque sites.

With its historical landmarks, various museums, and tranquil gardens, Rizal Park has something for every tourist!

**Where to experience it**

Rizal Park is located in the city of Manila. From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it will take you around 30 minutes to get to Intramuros via land. If you’re staying in Makati City, it will also take you around 30 minutes, while if you’re coming from Quezon City, that travel time increases to around an hour.

Rizal Park

Amid the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila is a city almost preserved in time. Surrounded by its signature stone walls, Intramuros stands out as a time capsule of Manila’s rich and varied history. Established as early as the 1570s at the dawn of the Spanish colonization period, Intramuros now serves as the perfect opportunity for tourists to travel back in time and find out more about the country’s colorful history!

**What to expect**

Many historic tours you can find in Manila are almost completely held within Intramuros, and for good reason—the Walled City has some of the oldest structures you’ll find in the entire country. Walking around Intramuros will make you feel like you’re walking in 16th century Manila, complete with the cobblestone streets and horse-drawn carriages!

One of its most famous attractions is the San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Agustin Church has played many roles during the various wars that plagued the Philippines in the past five centuries, most notably being the only building in Intramuros that was left intact after the World War II bombings. Today, its interior contains various historical and religious pieces, and it continues to open its doors to mass goers and tourists alike.

A few minutes away from San Agustin Church is Casa Manila, an ancestral house modeled after a rich Spaniard’s mansion from centuries ago. Beyond its eye-catching architecture, Casa Manila is a full-fledged historical museum, containing furniture and paintings that capture the essence of Spanish colonial lifestyle. 

In one of Intramuros’ corners lies the main gate of Fort Santiago, which has similarly played many significant roles in the history of the Philippines, ranging from a citadel to a prison. After admiring its stone facade, tourists can also find many historic objects and memorabilia preserved within its rooms, including items from the fort’s most famous prisoner, Jose Rizal.

These three attractions are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the historical sights you’ll see around Intramuros. From its culturally rich museums to its beautiful plazas, Intramuros is a one-of-a-kind portrait of Philippine history.

**Where to experience it**

Intramuros is located within the city of Manila. From the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, it will take you around 30 minutes to get to Intramuros via land. If you’re staying in Makati City, it will also take you around 30 minutes, while if you’re coming from Quezon City, that travel time increases to around an hour.

*As Metro Manila is under GCQ, Tourist sites, gated areas and museums (private and public) in Intramuros are still closed. Check this [**page**](https://www.facebook.com/OfficialIntramurosAdministration/) for more updates.
*

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