Intramuros is not a large area & does not take long to see but it beautifully preserved & has a lot of good information (including a free short movie)
Amazing place full of history, just take the horse tour and you will learn a lot about Philippines history during the Spanish and American era.
The last time I visited and toured Intramuros was probably more than 10 years ago. My kids were then toddlers and I took them on a kalesa ride around the walled city. At that time there was a designated kalesa boarding area and a assigned route for the tour. Intramuros was bright and clean. During our last visit though, it was a totally different almost sad experience. Kalesas were functioning like giant pedicabs that you can ride anywhere and stop anywhere. The place was no longer kept well to the point of being sketchy. It was not at all the tourist spot it used to be. I had Japanese guests with me and I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. I hope the city government does something with it soon. I heard good reviews of Fort Santiago which was recently renovated but what you see on your kalesa ride is not as pretty as before.
Still, a trip to Manila won't be complete without going there. Despite of all these, we enjoyed our kalesa driver, Mang Manny. He toured us and told us anecdotes and history of the sites. He was funny and helpful. Do look for him if you find yourself there. That time the kalesa ride set us back P500 but of course we gave Mang Manny a little extra.
Such an interesting fort, on the water and very ancient , used by Japanese and then the Americans , memorials to the fallen , the brickwork still standing tall, right in old MANILLA , a definite sight to see
Like most city's Manila is fast changing and the old splendid colonial past is disappearing. Gentrification has not hit thr City yet. Intramuros still has the charm and history. Plus you have the Rizal museum and you feel that you are part of history when you are there. It's a good 3-4 hour visit just walking and enjoying the past. Nearby you have even a golf course........it's a must visit if you visit Manila. Also I suggest going to the Chinese cemetery close by and se hie the dead have air conditioned mansions then travel to smokey mountain and Tondo where the living are in the poorest of hand built homes. Made from whatever they can find.
