Take a journey back in time and immerse yourself in the Philippines’ rich history and culture when you visit Intramuros. Conveniently located in the heart of Manila, this popular attraction was once again hailed as Asia’s Leading Tourist Destination last September 3 at the World Travel Awards (WTA) Asia and Oceania Gala Ceremony held at City of Dreams Manila.
“We are delighted that Intramuros continues to spark the interest of both local and foreign travelers as the Walled City is our gateway to our past. Its storied walls and timeless streets remind us of our resilience as a people. We are grateful for its recent win as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction at the World Travel Awards as it validates our efforts to create the best experiences for our guests,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco.
While a consistent WTA nominee for several categories, this year marks the first time that the Philippines has hosted the highly anticipated event, marking an important step towards the country fulfilling its goal of becoming Asia’s Tourism Powerhouse, as essential events such as this show the world the Philippines' readiness to welcome more tourists to the country.
Aside from Intramuros being named Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction, the Philippines also received other awards namely Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination (Boracay), Asia’s Leading Beach Destination, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination, Asia’s Leading Island Destination, Asia’s Leading Marketing Campaign (Love the Philippines), Asia's Leading Wedding Destination (Cebu), and the Transformative Leadership Award for Sec. Frasco.
Enhancing Tourist Experience
During Holy Week this year, Intramuros welcomed a record-breaking 2.2 million visitors, surpassing 2023 figures of over 980,000 and pre-pandemic figures of one million in 2019.
The multi-awarded tourist destination continues to charm local and foreign travelers of all ages and backgrounds with its myriad experiences.
In June, the Department of Tourism (DOT) supported the opening of the Intramuros Tourist Center, a cultural tourism initiative of First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos. The Intramuros Tourist Center is open to the public and serves as a museum and information center, manned by DOT-trained tour guides and tourism front liners who have been trained under the signature Filipino Brand of Service Excellence training module. Tourists can access essential information on guided tours, ongoing events and activities, and services provided by the Intramuros Administration.
“The Intramuros Tourist Center represents our commitment to preserving and sharing the unique cultural heritage of Manila. Thanks in most part to our President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., and First Lady Louise Araneta Marcos, this project not only honors the past but also provides a dynamic space for our visitors to engage with the history and stories of Intramuros,” said Secretary Frasco.
A Tour of the Walled City
Intramuros, which means “within the walls,” used to be the center for political, religious, and educational activities in the Philippine capital. It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Philippines for its unique attractions and accessibility.
Make sure to explore these iconic landmarks when you visit Intramuros:
Fort Santiago - Start your day exploring Intramuros at this historic fortress, which served as a military defense structure and is also where the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was imprisoned. In spite of its dark history, visitors enjoy visiting Fort Santiago to learn more about Rizal and his last days, walking around its landscaped gardens and charming views.
San Agustin Church - Known as the oldest stone church in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Church is a magnificent display of Baroque architecture. Visitors are in awe of its intricate interiors, stunning murals, and ornate altar. Another interesting detail about the church is that it contains the tombs of many influential people like Spanish explorer Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, world-renowned artist Juan Luna, and many more. San Agustin Church is also the only structure to miraculously survive the heavy bombings during World War II. Make sure to walk through the San Agustin Museum to learn more about its history.
Manila Cathedral - The Manila Cathedral is another important architectural marvel in Intramuros. Built in 1571, it features stunning stained-glass windows, intricately carved doors, and a beautiful facade.
Casa Manila - get a peek at how Manila’s upper class lived during the Spanish colonial period when you visit Casa Manila. This beautifully restored house serves as a museum showcasing antique decor, furniture, and art pieces. Join the guided tours to get insights into the daily life, traditions, and family dynamics during the Spanish period.
Baluarte de San Diego - one of Intramuros’ oldest bastions, Baluarte de San Diego offers visitors panoramic views.
What makes a visit to Intramuros more enjoyable is that aside from the historical sites, it also offers a lot of unique cultural and culinary experiences. Travelers can enjoy traditional Filipino food and other food offerings from various local restaurants and cafes, some of which also offer cultural presentations. Travelers can also choose to visit Intramuros at night by booking evening tours for a different feel.
Exploring Intramuros is akin to going on a journey through Manila’s storied past, revealing the richness of Filipino culture, history, and resilience. It is an important stop in every traveler’s trip to the Philippines. For more information on Intramuros and the Philippines, visit https://thephilippines.online/ or download the Travel PH App on Android or iOS.
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