To be very honest, the Philippines is not famous for its cities, but its wonderful beaches and underwater ecosystem. Nevertheless, there is enough in congested and chaotic Manila to explore and get your bearings before heading to the real tropical paradise.

Manila is a land of contrasts from impoverished slums to fancy modern shopping malls. Its infrastructure has still a long way to go to match other Southeast Asian capitals but locals are very friendly and take the bad sides of urban living in stride.