Things to Buy in Singapore

ANTIQUES

Antiques from all over Asia can be found in the shopping areas at Tanglin Road, Orchard Road and Cuppage Road and at several hotel arcades. Chinese antiques predominate, chiefly porcelain, ceramics, jade, bronze items and scrolls. Even Tang and Qing dynasty ceramic pieces may be found. Thai ceramics dating back to the 13th and 15th century are another favourite with collectors. Brass lamps, bronze statuettes, inlaid jewellery boxes are some of the Indian antiques available. Indonesian, Vietnamese and Burmese antiques may be bought here as well.



CARPETS

Quality hand-knotted carpets, durries and rugs from the Middle East, China, Afghanistan, Turkey, India and Pakistan are available here in Singapore. Orchard is among the many locations where this enormous range of carpets can be viewed and bought.



COSMETICS AND TOILETRIES

Dior, Channel, Yves, St. Laurent, Lanvin, Lancome, Cacharel, all of the famous brand names are to be found in Singapore's department stores and at the airport duty free complexes.



ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC GOODS

An enormous range of calculators, shaves, fans, hair-dryers, audio-visual equipment, irons, kettles and other household appliances are sold at duty free prices at the various complexes and stores located on Orchard Road, North Bridge Road. Raffles Place and Sim Lim Square.
Funan Centre along North Bridge Road and the Riverwalk Gallery are recognised sources of personal computers and computer software. Camera equipment is available at stores in North Bridge Road, High Street, Middle Road, Bras Basah Road, Orchard Road, Raffles Place and Scotts Road. Major brands such as Nikon, Cannon, and Pentax as well as professional cameras such as Leicas andHerselblads are on sale for reasonable prices. Having procurred the price list from an agent, one can shop around for the best price.



FABRICS

Countless shops in the Tanglin Shopping Centre, Scotts Shopping Centre, Lucky Plaza and the Chinese emporiums offer both plain and printed Chinese silks by the yard or made into the latest ready to wear fashions. Indian silks and other textiles from the region can be found in Arab Street at reasonable prices. The unique colour and design of batik make it a popular buy. Imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, it is sold in lengths, or made into clothing, napkins, table cloths and many other items. The best place to buy batik is at Arab street, Geylang Serai and the Malay village.



FOOTWEAR

Footwear is an excellent buy in Singapore, from top European designer shoes to the latest in sport shoes. Orchard Road sells designer wear by the likes of Rodolfo Valentine, Bally, Giorgio Armani, and Gucci. Bargain shoes, sandals slippers and sneakers can be bought in and around Chinatown and Little India.



JEWELLERY

Exceptional gem bargains can be found in Singapore, not only in such native stones as rubies, sapphires, zircons, garnets and turquiose, but also in imported ones brought here for cutting and setting. Singapore's jeweller have a justifiable reputation for creation of fine jewellery in distinctive settings ranging from high fashion to traditional ethnic. Different shops specialise in gold, silver, precious or semi-precious gems.The Pidemco Centre on South Bridge Road is home to Singapore's Jeweller's. Traditional Indian jewellery is available along Serangoon Road.



LEATHER GOODS

Handbags, shoes, belts and other accessories made from crocodile, snake and lizard skins are sold in department stores and shopping complexes throughout the city.



SPORTS/RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT

Major shopping complexes have at least one well equipped sports store. For Scuba gear, visit Dive Asia, Sealand Sports in Lucky Plaza or specialist shops at Peace Centre. Windsurfers could try the East Coast Sailing Centre, 1210 East Coast Parkway. Water skiers are catered for at Aqua & Leisure Sports in Marina Square and Golfers at the Far East Plaza and Plaza Singapore.



SOUVENIRS

Souvenirs of Singapore can be found all over from T-shirts to local handicrafts.
Gold, dipped orchids (Singapore's National flower) are a popular buy. Gold billion coins stamped with lion motifs make a valuable gift. Fine pewter ware, mugs, vases and pictures can be bought at the Royal Selangor showroom at 32, Pandan Road. The Singaporean Handicraft Centre at Chinatown Point must be visited for a wider selection of Singaporean souvenirs.



TOYS/GAMES

Most stores in Singapore have huge sections devoted solely to toys of every imaginable variety. Some specialist toy shops are located in the Orchard Road shopping belt, Forum Galleria and Wisema Atria housing two of the most popular shops.



WEARING APPAREL

Custom Tailoring: The pleasure of owning a custom made suit or dress is not a privilege reserved for the very rich in Singapore. There are thousands of establishments, small and large that can produce almost anything you want in a matter of days and at prices fairly reasonable prices. Although found throughout Singapore, the tailor shops along Coleman Street, Selegie Road, North Bridge Road, Orchard Road and Tanglin Road are perhaps the best known.

Ready to wear: Clothing is a booming industry in Singapore. Men's clothing imported from the world's fashion houses, can be obtained from department stores and shopping complexes in and around Orchard, Scolts and Tanglin Roads. For women's fashion, Singapore offers the latest from around the world, with famous names such as Channel, Claiborne and Gucci.
However, Singapore made versions are moderately priced with the local designers able to match foreign standards. These are available at many outlets throughout the city, a number of which are located at Park Mall.



WATCHES

Timepieces such as Kaleidoscopic Swiss watches, collector's Role watches as well as elaborate wall clocks and practical radio clocks can be picked up at excellent prices' here in Singapore.

Cultural Centre Of Philippines

Within the immense park-like grounds of this seaside complex rise the many establishments dedicated to the preservation and propagation of Philippine culture and heritage. The Cultural Centre of Philippine, (CCP) gathers together permanent displays of Philippine ethnological treasures along with recent works by modern artists. Its theaters, as well as the Folk Arts Theater nearby, host many an evening of ballet, concerts, plays, and other cultural performances. Next door is Coconut Palace, a Philippine ancestral mansion inspired and crafted mainly out of parts from the coconut tree. It is the only structure of its kini in the world. Guided tour conducted in English ar schduled every half hou from 9 to 11 am and from to 4 pm every day excep Monday. Group booking should be made at least week in advance. Th buildings of the Philippic Centre for Internations Trade Expositions (Ph Cite), as well as the adjacent Internation; Trade Centre Comple: showcase Filipino artisti and craftsmanship in the fields of weaving, basket! woodcarving, shellcral jewellry-making a metalworks, and are al venues for the exchange trade technology amoi friendly nations.

FORBES PARK

Such a cluster of opulent mansions as you see in Forbes Park and its neighbouring Dasmarinaa Village is almost unique. There is even a special police unit to guard this luxury neighbourhood. Forbes Park is in the southern part of Maka Buses marked ‘Ayala (Ave)’ go from Taft Ave or M H del Pilar St in Ermita to the Makati Commercial Centre. One can cover up 1 remaining km by taxi as Admission: to the island is S$7 adults and S$2.50 children. There are separate admission charges for the attractions.

Kusu ISLANDS

Kusu, a small island, sacred to both Muslims and Taoists, has stunning views of the Singapore mainland and has a good swimming lagoon. Legend recounts that Kusu was a giant sea turtle which transformed itself into a large rock to save the shipwrecked sailors. Taoists make an annual pilgrimage to the Tua Pekong Temple on Kusu during the ninth lunar month. Ferries ply between the Singapore Cruise Centre at the WTC and the island, Monday to Saturday. For enquiries call 2707888 or 270 7889.

ST JOHN'S ISLAND

St John's Island is a large, hilly island with shaded walking paths, swimming lagoons and grassy clearings that are perfect for informal soccer. It is a popular site for weekend get aways and camping trips.

PULAU UBIN

This island is a delightful retreat from the bustle of Singapore, with a rural lifestyle that has changed little in 30 years. Traditional fishing huts called kelongs are built on stilts over the sea, while orchard trees, shrubs and flowers abound. Visitors can see a duck farm, a prawn farm. One can go camping and enjoy good hiking areas. There is a lake in a disused quarry here. There is also plenty of wildlife, including the Purple jungle fowl, a wild bird from which all the world's domestic chickens are descended. A seafood restaurant here offers delicious fresh seafood. The island is accessible via the bumboats leaving Changi Point Jetty.

Places of Interest in Manila

RIZAL PARK

A swathe of green cuts through the traffic of Taft Avenue all the way to Roxas Boulevard by Manila Bay, and forms an oval, more commonly known as Luneta (from lunette, small moon). Mornings find joggers and talchi exercisers catching a bit of fresh air under the trees. In the afternoons, spectators sit by the breakwater to await the best sunset in the world. Evenings are for lovers. On weekends, families picnic on the grass by the fountains, flock to the amphitheatc entertainment, stroll Japanese and Ch gardens, and frolic a: the skating ring and children's playground park is dedicated t national hero, Jot Rizal, and his s stands watch over M Bay. On the same where Rizal was exe by firing squad in If light and sound table; enacts the event witl sized statues and a rec narrative, accompani light and sound effects.

INTRAMUROS

Within the 16th century walls of Intramuros, the old Spanish enclave of Manila, horse-drawn carruajes (carriages) take visitors through streets lined with Spanish colonial style houses, past old church plazas, gardens and walkways between restored puertas (gates) and baluartes (battlements). Fort Santiago, once the headquarters of the spanish forces and prison to Filipinos charged with sedition and rebellion, is now a peaceful green quadrangle with a shrine to the national here. The Manila Cathedral has been rebuilt six times since the first structure rose on that same spot in 1581. The present church retains its magnificence with the original stone carvings, rosette windows and stained glass mosaics decorating its nave and several smaller chapels. San Agustin Church, the oldest structure in the country, inspires awe with its trompe I'oeil murals, ornately carved choir loft, Baroque interiors and collection of valuable ecclesiastical art pieces. The Casa Manila, a fully-furnished turn of the century model house, depicts how a Spanish nobleman might have lived. The maze of antique and ethnic craft shops and galleries at the Plaza San Luis Complex carry items worthy of any collector's attention.

FORT SANTIAGO

The most important defence location of the Intramuros fortress city was Fort-Santiago. From this strategic location, at the mouth of the Pasig River, all activity in Manila Bay could be observed. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, innumerable Filipino prisoners lost their lives in the infamous dungeon cells which lay below sea level. At high tide there was no escape. Dr Jose Rizal also spent his last days in a narrow cell at this fort before his execution by the Spaniards in 1896.

Today Fort Santiago is a memorial. There is an open-air theatre, the Rizal Shrine and a display of old cars which used to belong to important Filipino personalities.

In early 1988, Fort Santiago was turned inside out, with government permission, by US gold-seekers who, by excavating, hoped to uncover the legendary war treasure of the Japanese genera,! Yamashita, which was rumoured to have been hidden in the Philippines. All excavations were in vain, of course. The fort is open daily between 8 am and 10 pm

SAN AGUSTIN CHURCH

The first constructions of the San Agustin Church were destroyed by fires in 1574 and 1583. In 1599 the foundation stone for the present construction was laid. The massive church was not damaged by the earthquakes of 1645, 1754, 1852,1863,1880, 1968 and 1970, nor by the bombardment in the fighting around Manila in February 1945. San Agustin is the oldest existing stone church in the Philippines. From JL879 to 1880, the crystal chandeliers came from Paris, the walls and roofs were masterfully painted by two Italian artists, and the choir stalls were carved_by the Agustinian monks themselves. In a small chapel to the left of the high altar lie the mortal remains of Legaspi. There is a museum and a contemplative inner courtyard adjoining the church.

MANILA CATHEDRAL

This cathedral, with its great cupola, is the Philippines' most significant Catholic church. It is located in the Plaza Roma at Intramuros. With the help of the Vatican, the building, which was destroyed in World War II, was rebuilt from 1954 to 1958; some old walls were restored and integrated into the new construction. The large organ with its 4500 pipes came from Netherlands and is the largest in Asia. Some old walls were restored and integrated into the new construction. The large organ with its 4500 pipes came from Netherlands and is the largest in Asia.

NAYONG PILIPPINO

For an overview of what this 7,107 island archipelago has to offer without travelling outside of Metro Manila, nothing beats this 32-acre 'nayong' (village) located just 10 minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Here explore Bohol's Chocolate Hills, Cebu's historic Magellans Cross, Bicol's Mayon Volcano, Banaue's Rice Terraces, as well as the many villages, which really are a cluster of houses architecturally representative of each culturally distinctive region in the country. Museums showcase ethnological finds and local handicrafts.

Refreshment kiosks are scattered throughout the park. Around the lagoon, weekenders cast their fishing lines to try their luck with the tilapia (local trout) and couples row their boats into the sunset.

CHINATOWN

Manila's enclave of traditional Chinese shophouses and narrow streets bustles with commercial activity on and around Ongpin Street in Santa Cruz district. Jewellery stores a-glitter with yellow and gold watches; groceries brimming with fruit preserves and exotic delicacies; apothecaries with their multipaneled cabinets filled with pungent
herbs; Chinese delicatessens and restaurants with pork leg, Peking duck and oiled chicken hanging in the windows; curio shops redolent with incense; Buddhist temples and roadside shrines with their tilted red-tile roofs; and always that strain of Chinese music floating in the air, all combine to lend an air of oriental mystique to this thriving, clannish community.

QUIAPO

This small district of craftsmen, buyers and sellers swells and swelters with the crush of humanity who carry on their trade on the perimetres of the pilgrimage shrine of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo Church. Sidewalk her-balists vie with amulet and charm purveyors to cure every ailment from the common cold to arthritis to diabetes. Fruits, vegetables and flowers, clothes and houseware erupt in a riot of colour. Under the Quezon Bridge (Ilalim ng Tulay), hawkers call your attention to the many capiz shell lamps, rattan bags, and other inexpensive handicrafts hanging from the ceilings of makeshift stalls.

Fast Food Restaurants in Manila

There are lots of reasonably priced small food stalls, J Bocobo St that sell Filipino snacks and meals. They are open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.

Rosie's Diner, MHdel Pilar St Ermita, is comfortable and always fairly full, in the style of a US snack-bar of the 1950s— all that's missing is the Wurlitzer. It is open all day every day and a meal costs from P 50 to P 75.

Shakey's Mabini, Mabini St, Ermita, sells pizzas with thick or thin dough, but their spaghetti is a bit dear. There is loud live music in the evenings. It is open daily from 11 am to 5 am. There is also Shakey's Malate in Remedios St, open from 11 to 5 am, Shakey's Makati in Makati Ave, open from 9 am to midnight, and Shakey's Greenhills in Padilla Ave, open from 10 to 2 am.

The Pizza Hut, Harrison Plaza, Malate, is one of the best in Metro Manila. It specialises in pan pizzas and is a popular place in a busy shopping centre. It is open daily from 10 am to midnight.

If you're really hanging out for a hamburger, McDonald's, United Nations Ave, Ermita, sells the 'real thing'. It is open daily from 7 am to midnight and a hamburger usually costs about P 50.

Jollibee, Padre Faure, Ermita, is one of a Filipino burger chain with lots of outlets. Its specialities are chickenjoy and champ with cheese; a full breakfast may also be offered. It is open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 7.30 am to 9.30 pm.

Kentucky Fried Chicken, Harrison Plaza, Malate, has the traditional crispy chicken. It is open daily from 10 am to midnight. There is another Kentucky Fried, Maria Orosa St, opposite the Manila Pavilion Hotel.

Mister Donut, Mabini St, Ermita, has a good choice of excellent doughnuts and good coffee— not a bad breakfast alternative. It is open all hours every day and costs about P 25.

Western Restaurants in Manila

US Mainland Steak Town, Adriatico St, Malate, has good steaks and seafood, soup, salad, bread, dessert and coffee. It is open from 8 am to 2 pm daily. There is another Steak Town Restaurant in Makati Ave, Makati. The New Orleans, La Tasca Building, Greenbelt Square, Leg-aspi St, Makati, specialises in US and Creole dishes, especially steaks and barbecued ribs, along with pretty good New Orleans jazz. It is open from 11 am to 2.00 pm and from 6 pm to midnight daily.

At the Cafe Adriatico, on the corner of Adriatico St and Remedies Circle, Malate, the usual menu features steaks, salads, seafood and fondue, topped off with various kinds of coffee and a good choice of cocktails. It's a trendy place to meet at night after the theatre. It is open Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 am and Sunday from 2.30 pm to 6 am.

Mario's, Makati Ave, Makati, has good steaks and salads, seafood, French and Spanish soups and Californian wines. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 2.30 pm and from 5.30 to 11 pm, and Sunday from 5.30 to 11 pm.

Max's, Maria Orosa St, Ermita, is one of the 10 branches of Max's in Manila. It serves chicken roasted in various ways as well as standard Fillipino dishes. It is open daily from 8 am to 11 pm.

The Rooftop Restaurant, on the corner of Padre Faura and M H del Pilar St, Ermita, is an Australian restaurant and beer garden on top of the Iseya Hotel and is open daily all hours; on Sunday there's an Aussie barbecue for P 100. Here you can also enjoy a good view of the Manila Bay.

The Southern Cross, United Nations Ave, Ermita, is a combined Australian bar and club. Open 24 hours a day.

Lili Marleen, M H del Pilar St, Ermita, has homely German dishes at reasonable prices. Menus vary daily. It is open from 10 am to 3 am.

Edelweiss, M H del Pilar St, Ermita, cooks German, Austrian and Swiss food and specialises in fondue. It is open from 10 am to 2 pm.

The Munchen Grill Pub Mabini St, Ermita, has Bavarian dishes and is open daily from 10 to 2 am.

Jodi's Place, Mabini St, Ermita, has German food. It is open from 10 am to 2 am daily.

Guernica's, M H del Pilar St, Ermita, has typical Spanish dishes, like paella, but also steaks. Guitar music provides atmosphere. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 to 2 pm and from 6 pm to midnight, and Sunday from 6 pm to midnight. There is another Guernica's, Pas ay Rd, nearEDSA, Makati.

Patio Guernica, J Bocobo St, near Remedies Circle, Malate, has common Spanish dishes, steaks and vegetarian food. It is busy but not as lively as the older Guernica's in M H del

Pilar St. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to midnight, and Sunday from 6 pm to midnight.

El Comedor, on the corner of Adriatico St and Pedro Gil, Ermita, has traditional Spanish food plus some specialities and a relatively cheap lunch special. It is open daily from 11 am to 3 pm and from 6.30 to 10.30 pm.

The Muralla, the San Luis Complex, General Luna St, Intramuros, has Spanish and Filipino food. It is open daily from 11 am to 2 pm and from 6 to 11 pm.

Vietnamese Restaurant in Manila

The Vietnam Food House Harrison St, Pasay City, is small but popular, with different specialities each day. It is open from 9 am to 7.30 pm daily.

The Ville de Saigon, Pasay Rd, Makati, has Vietnamese cuisine with a French touch and also vegetarian dishes. It is open daily from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm and from 5.30 to 11.30 pm.

Thai Restaurants in Manila

The Sukhothai in Makati Ave, Makati, is an unpretentious place with good, reasonably priced food. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 10 pm. Flavours & Spices in New Garden Square, on the corner of Greenbelt Drive, Makati, is a good restaurant where you can also buy Thai spices. It is open from 11 am to 10 pm.

Another good restaurant is Taste of Thailand in the Mile Long Building, Amorsolo St, Makati,

which is open daily from 11.30 am to 2 pm and 6.30 to 10 pm.

The Thai Room in the Creekside Building, Amorsolo St, Makati, has standard dishes like torn yan and Thai curries and its menus are varied daily. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and from 6 to 10 pm.

Korean Restaurants in Manila

The Korean Village, Adriatico St, Malate, is supposed to be the biggest Korean restaurant in Manila. Its specialities are spare ribs and beef stew. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 10 pm.

The Korean Palace, Adriatico St, Malate, competes with the Korean village. It is open from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 10 pm daily. Another Korean restaurant is the Korean Garden in Burgos St, Makati, which is open daily from 11.30 am to 2.30 pm and from 5.30 to 10.30 pm.

Japanese Restaurants in Manila

The Iseya Restaurant Padre Faura, Ermita, serves a business lunch that, at P 50, is very good value. It is open daily from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 11 pm and its usual meals are about P 75.

The Yamato, Adriatico St, Ermita, is good for sushi and tempura. It is open daily from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5.30 to 10.30 pm and meals cost about P 75.

The Tempura-Misono, the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City is a popular Japanese restaurant.

Indonesian Restaurants in Manila

The Cafe Lerop in Adriatico St, Malate, has Indonesian and Malaysian dishes with an especially good rijsttafel. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 2 am and meals cost about P 150.

Indian Restaurants in Manila

Al-Sham's in Mabini St, Malate, has Mughlai, Indian and Pakistani food, with mutton and lamb dishes, and curries and vegetarian food. It is open daily from 11.30 am to 10.30 pm. There is another Al-Sham's Restaurant Makati Ave, Makati.

A good Indian restaurant is the Kashmir in Padre Faura, Ermita, which serves mainly north Indian, and vegetarian food. It is open from 10 am to 11 pm daily. There is another Kashmir Resta-urant on the corner of Makati Ave and Guerrero St, Makati.

Chinese Restaurants

Mrs Wong on the corner of Padre Faura and M H del Pilar St is well patronised. It is open daily from 10 am to 7 am.

The Hong Kong Restaurant, MHdel Pilar St, Ermita, is a long-established typical Chinese restaurant with good noodle soup. It is open daily from 10 am to 4 am.

Koivloon House Mabini St, Malate, a basic but pleasant restaurant, it is open daily from 8 am to 10 pm.

The Sea Palace in Mabini St is a good and relatively cheap Chinese restaurant which also has Filipino food. It is open from 11 am to 2.30 pm and from 6 to 11.30pm daily.

The Shin Shin Garden, Mabini St, Malate, is good but somewhat costly. It is open from 11 am to 2 pm and from 6 to 10 pm daily.

The Taipekey Restaurant Adriatico St, Malate, is also good but dear. It is open from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 9 pm.

Eva's Garden Adriatico St, Ermita, is pleasant and reasonable and is open from 11.30 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 10 pm and Sunday from 5 to 10 pm.

Quan Yin Chay Soler St., Chinatown, is a small restaurant which has good-value vegetarian food and fruit juices. It is open daily from 8 am to 9 pm.

Mandarin Villa-Ongpin St, Chinatown, is one of the biggest Chinese restaurants in the area. It is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.

Filipino Food

Ermita's M H del Pilar St. and Makati are a good place to explore for Filipino food.



Mother Sachi in Gil Puyat Ave Makati is self-service, with good, reasonably priced vegetarian dishes. Its specialities are Shepherd's pie, Bhagavad fruit pie and soya fish. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm.



Cosmic Plate in the Amorsolo St, Makati, is another good vegetarian restaurant with different dishes each day. A health-food shop is attached. It is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm.



Aida's in M H del Pilar St, Ermita, is a reasonably priced 'turo-turo' restaurant, partly open-air, which sometimes has good munggo (bean) soup. It is open daily around the clock.Myrna's, in M H del Pilar St, Ermita, is a typical, simple Filipino restaurant. It serves good bangus (milkfish) and is crowded at meal times. It is open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 11.30 pm.



The Coffee Tree, on the corner ofMabini and R Solas streets, has good Filipino food and a cheap American breakfast. It is open Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 10.30 pm.



Mabini House in Mabini St, Ermita, serves Filipino and Chinese food, with good rice and noodle dishes. It is open daily from 7 am to 10 pm.



Calle 5 in Mabini St, Ermita, is a big open-air restaurant which has good squid. There is live music in the evenings. It is open daily from 8 am to 3 am.



The Harbour View in South Blvd., of Rizal Park, right where the harbour trip starts, is a pleasant place by the waterfront to watch the sunset and catch a fresh breez« while having a beer and enjoying good Filipino food like sinigang (vegetable soup) or bangus. It's open Monday to Saturday from 10 to 2 am and Sunday from 10 am to midnight.



The Seaside Market in Roxas Blvd., Baclaran (near Baclaran Church), is a real market where you can buy freshly caught fish and have it prepared cheaply at the little adjoining restaurants. It is open all hours.



At Leo's, on the corner of Roxas Blvd. and Dapitan St, you can eat a la carte or choose your fish and have it prepared as you wish. It is open daily all hours.



The Seafood Market in J Bocobo St, Ermita, is relatively costly, but is a good seafood restaurant. It's almost like a real market: guests do their own selecting and then take their filled baskets to the cooks to be prepared as they wish. It is especially busy at night but the waiting time is usually short. You can round off the menu with coffee and cakes at the Cafe Alps next door. There is another Seafood Market in Makati Ave, Makati. It is open daily from 10 am to midnight.



Rol's Ihaio Ihaiv in M H del Pilar St, Ermita, is an open-air seafood restaurant with a popular beer garden right alongside. It is open daily from 8 am to 1 am.



Barrio Fiesta in J Bocobo St, Ermita, is a good, medium-priced restaurant with branches all over the country. It has an extensive menu with specialities like crispy pata and kare-kare (stew). It is open daily from 8 am to 1 am.



There is another Barrio Fiesta in Makati Ave, Makati.



The Bulwagang Pili-pino on the corner of Arkansas St and Maria Orosa St, Ermita, is another good Filipino restaurant, open daily from 9 am to 11 pm.



Palais daan in Adriatico St, Malate, you can get good Filipino dishes and seafood. It is open daily from 10 am to 1 am.



The Aristocrat, on the corner ofRoxas Blvd and San Andres St, Malate, is a big,medium-priced restaurant. It is very popular with local people and the most popular of the six Aristocrat restaurants in Metro Manila. It is open 24 hours a day all week.



Josephine's in Roxas Blvd, Pasay City is a well-known and popular seafood restaurant with a lot of choice and live combo music in the evenings. It is open daily from 9 am to midnight.



Nandau on the corner ofRoxas Blvd and Lourdes St, Pasay City is an excellent seafood restaurant which specialises in food from the province of Zamboanga del Norte in Mindanao-blue marlin, for example. It is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm.



The Patio Mequeni in Remedies St, Malate, is a pleasant, simply furnished restaurant that specialises in dishes from Pampanga Province. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm and from 6 pm to midnight.



At the Kamayan Restaurant in Padre Faura, Ermita, you can eat with your fingers in true Filipino style. There is a wide range of dishes from all over the Philippines. It is open daily from 11 am to 2 pm and from 5 to 10 pm.



Aling Asiang in the Greenbelt Square, Makati, is a well-run speciality restaurant with authentic dishes from various provinces. It is open from 11 am to 11 pm daily.



Ang Bistro sa Remedies, on the corner of Adriatico and Remedios streets, Malate, is an elegant restaurant serving special dishes from Pampanga Province. It is open from 11 am to 2 pm and from 6 pm to midnight daily.

Manila Cuisine

Metro Manila's restaurants with their impressive diversity of cuisines and prices tempt many a gourmets. The Filipino cuisine restaurants with an amazingly wide range of island flavours attract visitors from all over the world. Asian restaurants, Italian spaghetti houses,bistros, patisseries, stea houses diners, seafoo grilles and authenti Chinese and Japanese restaurants are found scattered around Ermitc Jynter Street, Roxa Blvd., Makati Avenut Makati, Pasong Tarn Pastry Road and Quezoi city patronage.

Transport To Manila Environs

To THE BATAN ISLANDS:
For air travel from Manila to Basco via Laoag there is a PAL flight on Thursday and Sunday. On Monday, Wednesday and Saturday flights go via Tuguegarao.

To BOHOL:
Aerolift flies daily from Manila to Tagbilaran; PAL flies from Manila to Tagbilaran on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The William Lines' MV Misamis Occidental boat leaves Manila on Friday at 9 am for Tagbilaran via Dumaguete on Negros, taking 36 hours.

To CATANDUANES:
PAL flies daily from Manila to Virac and from Legaspi to The MV Virac or the MV Antipolo boat leaves Tabaco daily for Virac at 11 am, taking three hours or more.

To CEBU:
PAL and Aerolift both have daily flights from Manila to Cebu City; PAL also has daily flight from Legaspi to Cebu City. Several vessels run between Manila and Cebu City. The Sweet Lines, MV Sweet Baby departs on Sunday at noon and on Thursday at 9 am, taking 22 hours. The William Lines' MV Dona Virginia leaves on Sunday at 10 am and Wednesday at 8 pm, taking 20 hours. The Sulpicio Lines' MV Davao Princess leaves on Sunday at 10 am, taking 23 hours, while their MV Filipina Princess leaves on Tuesday at 10 am and Friday at 8 pm, taking 21 hours.

To LEYTE:
Aerolift has flights on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from Manila to Ormoc. PAL has daily flights from Manila to Tacloban.Air-con Philtranco buses leave Manila daily at 7 am and 5 pm for Tacloban. The travelling time including the ferry trip from Matnog to San Isidro is 25 hours. It is possible to pick up these buses on the way-in Legaspi, for instance, at 3 am or 5 pm—if seats are available, but they seldom are. The Sulpicio Lines' MV Cebu Princess boat leaves Manila on Friday at 10 am for Ormoc via Masbate and Calbayog, taking 45 hours. The William Lines' MV Tacloban City boat leaves on Monday at 1 pm for Tacloban via Catbalogan and on Friday for Tacloban direct. The time taken (direct) is 24 hours.

To LUBANG :
Air Pacific Airways has flights from Manila to Lubang daily and Aerolift has flights on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The William Lines' MV Edward boat leaves Manila for Tilik on Friday at noon, taking seven hours. The Asuncion Shipping Lines' MV Asuncion X boat leaves Manila for Tilik on Saturday at 10 pm, taking eight hours, and their MV Catalyn A boat leaves Manila for Tilik on Tuesday at 10 pm, taking eight hours.

To MARINDUQUE:
PAL has daily flights from Manila to Marinduque. There is one ship a day from Lucena to Balanacan. Departure time varies as it is dependent upon the tides, but is usually around 10 am. Passengers are taken by outrigger boats out to the ship, which is anchored off the coast. The trip takes four hours. There is a BLTB bus from Manila to Lucena which goes directly to the wharf. BLTB (Tel: 833550) can give you the departure time of the bus and probably the sailing time of the ship as well.

There is also one ship a day from Lucena to Buyabod, the port for Santa Cruz, which takes five hours. The situation about sailing times is the same as for the ship going to Balanacan.

To MASBATE:
PAL has daily flights from Manila to Masbate and from Legaspi to Masbate on
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Sulpicio Lines' MV Cebu Princess boat leaves Manila for Masbate at 10 am on Friday. It takes 17 hours. The William Lines' MV Cebu City boat leaves Manila for Masbate on Saturday at midnight, taking 16 hours.

From Bulan there is one boat daily leaving at noon and taking four hours. There may possibly be a second boat.

To MINDANAO:
From Manila, PAL has daily flights to Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Davao and Zamboanga, and flights on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday to Butuan.

AeVolift has daily flights from Manila to Dipolog, flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday to Surigao and flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday to Iligan.

Air-con Philtranco buses run daily from Manila to Davao, leaving at 7 am and 5 pm. Travelling time including the ferry from Matnog to San Isidro and from Liloan to Surigao is 45 hours. It is possible to pick up the bus on the way at Legaspi, for example, at 3 am or 5 pm—if seats are available (but they seldom are).

To NEGROS:
PAL has daily flights from Manila to Bacolod and Dumaguete. There are three Negros navigation lines ships each week from Manila to Bacolod. The MV Don Claudio boat sails on Sunday at 9 am, taking 24 hours. The MV Don Julio boat leaves on Tuesday at 10 am, taking 21 hours. The MV Santa Maria leaves on Friday at 2 pm and takes 28 hours, going via Roxas on Panay.From Manila to Dumaguete, the Sulpicio Lines' MV Dipolog Princess sails on Wednesday at midnight and takes 30 hours; the William Lines' MV Misamis Occidental goes on Friday at 9 am, also taking 30 hours.

To MINDORO:
Pacific Airways has daily flights from Manila to Calapan. PAL has daily flights from Manila to Mamburao and San Jose.A thorough trip from Manila to Puerto Galera starts from the Sundowner Hotel in Mabini St, Ermita, daily at 9 am. The air-con bus goes to Batangas to the MB Sikat II which leaves at noon and arrives in Puerto Galera at 2.30 pm. Bookings and tickets (P 180) are arranged at the Sundowner Hotel. Buses from Manila to Batangas leave the Lawton and BLTB bus terminals regularly.Two boats go daily from Batangas to Calapan, at 5 pm and 6 pm, taking three hours. You can catch a jeepney from Calapan to Puerto Galera the next morning, taking two hours.