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Whoever said that you won’t find places of peace and relaxation in a busy city? The Philippines’ cosmopolitan capital, Manila, is not only a place of business and commerce in the country. It also offers a lot of entertainment and pleasure that will soothe any individual who is stressed with all the hustle and bustle of its hectic streets. Located in the west coast of Luzon, the largest region of the archipelago, Manila has a total of 16 territorial district. So if you find yourself exploring Manila, below are some of the places you can visit to have fun and at the same time get to know the country’s history and culture.

Would you do it under a waterfall? A myriad of waterfalls, lush nature, transparent rivers... We must be somewhere in South America or Oceania? Right? - Wrong! We are, in fact, in the heart of Europe, a few miles away from Italy and Greece. See video below: The Plitvice National Park is an absolute delight, worth the trip from wherever you are in the world. For birdwatching, be equipped with a good pair of binoculars and a powerful tele-lens. And who knows? - Maybe you'll spot some interesting mammals too?! See video below: There are a few hotels in the area but, whilst we are talking Communion with Nature, go camping with your tent! Have you ever had a shower under a waterfall? - It is said to be a must-do of all your travels before you die. See video below: This is the ultimate survival experience. The jungle waterfall shower will propel you to the rank of a famous adventurer like Bear Grylls.The camping extremists like him would probably say that its not really camping if you don't hunt and kill your own food. See video below: So if you manage to get your rabbit, cook it well, and eat without forks and knives, like in the Prehistoric Times. Then, as you nap and consider the next steps of your travel adventure, remember how you got here in the first place: Bear Grylls survival clothing for your extreme travels to all corners of our wildest world:

The first place you may want to visit is the shrine of the Philippine’s national hero, Gat Jose Rizal. You will find Rizal Park just at the end of Roxas Boulevard, across Manila Bay. Formerly referred to as “Bagumbayan” and “Luneta”, Rizal Park played a big role in the country’s history for it is where he was shot during the Spanish colonization period. The Park is also the point of origin to all the other places and cities in the country. You will also find Malacanang Palace which is the Philippines’ designated house or place of residence for all its presidents.

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Manila is also home to a lot of museums like the Bulwagang Gat Antonio Villegas. It is located just beside the Mayor’s Office in Manila City Hall and showcases the works of the Philippines’ national artist, Carlos “Botong” Francisco. Aside from museums, you’ll also find a number of historical churches in the city. San Agustin Church, formerly known as the “Iglesia de San Pablo”, is the oldest stone church that’s built during the late 1500s. It has its own museum that’s still operating ‘til today under the supervision of Augustinian priests.

Fort Santiago which is otherwise called as “The Shrine of Freedom” is also another great place to visit. It is where Jose Rizal was imprisoned during the Spanish era and now it’s already a park and has a theater house where both contemporary and traditional plays are being shown. There are many other attractions in Manila like Casa Manila, the Ermita District, Plaza San Luis, Manila Cathedral, Mabini Shrine and Manila Bay among others.

Manila also has a lot of high class hotels for both local and foreign tourists like Pan Pacific Manila, Diamond Hotel and Manila Hotel. There are also plenty of good restaurants, malls and entertainment centers. In case you want to shop for Chinese products, feng sui charms or herbal medicines, just go Manila’s Chinatown that’s located in Binondo. And should you want to make some moves in the dance floor or drink your favorite alcoholic drinks, just go to Malate, the Ermita district or in Manila Bay. These are the best places to party if you’re in the city.