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| City Guide - Manila - Sightseeing | ||
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Sightseeing Manila follows the curve of Manila Bay roughly from north to south, with most of the areas of interest for visitors in its huge sprawl lying close to the water. The city is a lesson in contrasts, thanks to its rich brew of influences from various foreign powers and its own diverse traditions. One of the most obvious contrasts is also, sadly, the huge divide between rich and poor: about 25% of Manila's population is estimated to live in squatter camps. The socially conscious or just plain voyeuristic can, if they wish, go and see these individuals scratching a living from the city's refuse tips. Malate and Ermita, the chief tourist destinations, are far more salubrious, with Rizal Park and Intramuros all lying just to the north. Just across the Pasig River from them are Quiapo, full of colourful markets, and Binondo with its Chinatown. Makati is the main business centre, further to the south and east, with the big malls of Greenhills just to its north. Quezon City and Pasay City, outlying to the north and south respectively, also have points of interest. Tourist Information Department of Tourism (DOT) Room 106, Ground Floor, DOT Building, TM Kalaw Street, Rizal Park Tel: (02) 523 8411-30. Fax: (02) 521 7374. E-mail: deptour@info.com.ph Website: www.tourism.gov.ph Opening hours: Daily 0700-1800. Passes Manila does not operate any systematic programme of visitor passes. |
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