Well, whaddya know: to escape the approaching typhoon in Myanmar, I have somehow landed myself a 24-hour stop-over in Manila. What to do, what to do?
Manila has a reputation for being busy, bustling, blaring… and just plain loud. I have recently come from Dhaka, also loud, as well as chaotic, crowded, with heavy traffic and cars horns honking 24/7, so I’m not really up for a repeat of that today. Maybe next time. Do I really HAVE to go into the city?
Should I catch this bus?
Or this one?
Nope, I do not have to.
You see, I have found out fun can be had here, right next to the airport. A good amount of lively – and convenient for the airport tomorrow. Win!
A rainy stop-over in Manila
After landing at Terminal 3, I simply walk across a footbridge called Runway Manila, and come out in Newport City. 10 minutes later, I check into the Savoy hotel. (There are several others as well, from budget to very high-end.) Super accessible!
A quick shower and shine, and I am on my way out for a bit of, in the words of Patsy Stone, food…things. Lots of restaurants in Newport Mall, but the street food along the way is more tempting. Satay, anyone? And one of those fruit juices from Clem’s? Yum!
I haven’t done any research, cause I’ve been sleeping on the plane. So I ask around for things to do, sights to see, places to go.
Take a look at what’s on at the Newport Performing Arts Theatre, folks say.
Nah… sounds like too much effort just now. Is there anything more relaxing?
How about the casino, then?
Eh? Casino? Relaxing?
I am curious enough to stick my head in the door. Turns out, it’s lively, but not overly so. I’m not remotely interested in gambling, so I plonk down on a comfortable chair in the bar/lounge, have a drink, listen to the music and basically just sit and people-watch. Relaxed.
Now what?
Walking from the airport to the hotel, I remember passing by a church near a McDonald’s. Casino – church: sounds like an interesting combo, no? Let’s have a closer look.
Turns out, this is the Santuario de Santa Teresa de Jesús – the Shrine of St. Therese. Modernistic and a bit boring on the outside, lovely, golden, and surprisingly big on the inside. Pop in if you pass by.
Wandering back towards the Savoy, there are several outdoor patios and cafes. A lazy coffee in mellow surrounds, then bed.
I’m enjoying the thought of not having to get up early and beat the traffic. No stress about getting to the airport in time when you’re simply walking.
Next morning
My flight is late afternoon, so I could head into the city centre, but I just cannot be bothered. There are other options to check out closer by, as well – a museum, or shopping at the Mall of Asia. Nah…
I could have breakfast at the Savoy, but hotel breakfasts, well, they’re costly if all you want is a coffee and a croissant.
One of the cafes outside, then. Chilling out with my devices.
I end up at Starbucks. Not exactly an exciting choice, but they do have decent wifi – and so it’s me, the Mac, catching up on a bit of work – and a mocha Frappuccino.
2 hours before boarding time, I amble over to the Runway Manila and the airport.
Check in, breeze through security, and board all relaxed.
Nice!
Have a stopover in Manila? Gotcha covered. is a post from Sophie’s World