SimplyAbuDhabi XL

N o tour of the Philippines would be complete without a stay in its vibrant capital city, Manila, located on the island of Luzon. Manila has a rich and colourful history, dating back to 3000 BCE. Influences from the Indian, Arab, and Spanish civilizations have mingled over the centuries with the indigenous cultures of the island, resulting in a fascinating tapestry of heritage. The oldest section of the city, “Intramuros”, (meaning between the walls) is a great place to get a view into the history of this historic place. A walled city within the modern urban landscape, Intramuros will bring you back in time. Be sure to hire out a bambike (bamboo bicycle) to make the most of the experience. Nearby, you can visit Rizal Park, named in tribute to the Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal. In this expansive urban park, you’ll find beautiful gardens and fountains, observatories, an open-air concert hall, sound and light theatres, as well as shops and food kiosks. For more cultural highlights, joining a National Museum tour will bring you access to the National Museums of Art, Anthropology, and Natural History. Need a break from the history and culture? Head over to Makati, for a high-end shopping and dining destination that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces with a truly cosmopolitan vibe. Manila is densely packed with sights, sounds, and flavours, and you could easily spend your entire holiday in this bustling city. But it’s the perfect jumping off point from which to travel to the rest of the islands, so let’s look at what other regions have on offer for you. While we’re all patiently counting down the days until we can begin exploring this beautiful world of ours again, our friends in the Philippines have been hard at work to ensure that when that day comes, a most magical and unique holiday is waiting for us. #MoreFunAwaits To learn more and start planning your trip, visit www.morefunawaits.com Image: Domingo Licuanan Image: Jacob Maentz Simply Abu Dhabi | 113