The capital city of the Philippines, Manila is a busy metropolis with colonial architecture complemented with high-rise skyscrapers, blending the old and new.
While many people use Manila only as a stopover for further travel, explorers of the city will discover its friendliness and charm.
Intramuros, the old capital of Manila, was built in 1571 and remains a monumental relic of the Philippines’ Spanish period.
With crumbling walls that have survived for more than four hundred years, Intramuros has centuries-old walls, bulwarks, and plazas.
As a tourist destination, Intramuros both educates and entertains.
Fort Santiago is an important part of the Spanish history and culture that pervades the Philippines. The fort is a magnificent structure that has been occupied by various nations. It is part of the city of Intramuros.
Fort Santiago was a Spanish base, housing the Spanish military. The fort also had extensive dungeons that kept prisoners. The Japanese took over the fort during the Second World War.
The site is heavily fortified with thick stone walls, high walls and a moat. One of the distinctive features is the arch that serves as the entrance to the fort.
An important event that took place here is the imprisonment and execution of the Spanish National War Hero, José Rizal. Also included here are the final footsteps that he took from his prison cell to the place of his execution.
Malacañang Palace is a historic and highly visited structure in the Philippines. Since 1863 it has been the official residence of the country’s President. The palace tour focuses on all former Presidents of the Philippines and the memorabilia which highlights their respective periods of leadership.
Corregidor is a small rocky island about 48 kilometres west of Manila. Located at the entrance to Manila Bay, this island fortress stands as a memorial for the heroism of Filipino and American soldiers who fought against the overwhelming Japanese forces during World War II.
The Cultural Centre of the Philippines is a performing arts venue offering shows and events that showcase the diverse Filipino culture. CCP is located in Roxas Boulevard, Manila.
Ask your Edsa Shangri-La, Manila concierge about the CCP schedule of events.
The Museum of the Filipino People serves as a significant repository of the Philippines’ natural and cultural heritage. Situated next to Rizal Park and also near Intramuros, travelers who come to the museum will embark on a thrilling journey into the nation’s past.
The museum is housed in three different structures. One building used to be the site of the Old Congress Building and now houses the natural sciences, the arts and the support services. The former Ministry of Finance building is the home of the Anthropology and Archaeology Divisions.
The exhibits cover the fields of Anthropology, Geology, Botany, Zoology and the Arts. In addition, the museum also features a planetarium allowing visitors to learn about the stars and the planets.
The National Museum of the Philippines safeguards the natural heritage of the Philippines. It creates awareness of Philippines’ culture and promotes nationalism through its exhibits covering the sciences, education and culture.
The SM Mall of Asia is a large shopping mall with 500 shops. It also has 180 restaurants, an Olympic-sized skating rink, a 900-seat music hall, a 13,000-square-meter supermarket, cineplex and IMAX movie theatre.
Shopaholics will find that shopping is literally a few steps away. They can cross the link bridge from the hotel to the Shangri-La Plaza mall or walk across the main lobby to get to SM Megamall. Alternatively, more bargains may be found 10-15 minutes away (by car) at the nearby Tiendesitas, City Golf Plaza, Metro Walk or Greenhills.
Shangri-La Plaza Mall
This mall is just a two-minute walk from the hotel via a link bridge on the Garden Wing lobby level or the Garden Way lane outside. It offers high-end brands, such as Armani, Bally, Gucci, Kate Spade, Kenneth Cole, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Tiffany, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, and Zara. Rustan's, a local department store, has excellent fashion, furnishings and accessories. The Cineplex includes 3D theatres, plush seats and a snack bar.
Tiendesitas
Consisting of a row of open-air “villages”, this shopping enclave in Pasig includes an extensive variety of crafts, knickknacks, homewares, native food shops and even a “pet village.” Tiendesitas is popular with families and large groups of friends looking for good deals.
Greenhills
Greenhills is a large shopping complex that is easily accessible by car. The main shopping hall is a maze of large cavernous spaces and satellite buildings holding electronics, clothes, furniture, furnishings, food and jewelry, including real South Sea and freshwater pearls in all sizes and colours. Nearby, Virra Mall holds more fashion and retail products, while The Promenade across from the theater includes a three-level bookstore, specialty dining, a cinema, a gourmet store and gadget shops.
Centrally located near the Ortigas Centre in Mandaluyong City, Edsa Shangri-La, Manila, is an excellent take-off point from which to explore the metropolis.
Whether you want to arrange for a private car, hail a taxi or use a nearby railway line, our hotel staff is on hand to help ensure that you arrive at your destination comfortably and on time.