8 Fun things to do in Manila on your very first trip – Your detailed Manila adventure

The colonial era has left many tokens, and Intramuros is one of them. If you were to ask someone for sightseeing suggestions, they'd definitely suggest visiting Intramuros. This is a magnificent building that dates back to the time when the Spanish occupied the city. The Walled City was built to protect Intramuros from foreign invaders; the building was the colonial administrative centre. At the time, only the elite and the rich could afford to live there, and today it is a tourist attraction immersed in the old-world charm.

Manila is where you find the oldest Chinatown in the world. While touring the city, make sure you visit Chinatown for a gastronomical adventure. Every inch of the place is packed with eateries offering a range of Chinese delights.

A private museum run by the Ayala Foundation, Ayala Museum is located in Makati, Metro Manila. The six-storey building holds a vast collection of objects pertaining to the country's history, culture and art. The museum was established in 1967; it is dedicated to displaying overseas collections. The fame of the museum is far-reaching and almost every tourist spares time to visit the museum, tourists can also easily find a Manila hotel close to the place, the museum is also vastly promoted by the likes of Berjaya Makati Hotel.

The Manila Bay is at its best at the golden hour when the sun starts to set. Make a stop and enjoy this spectacular phenomenon of nature while promenading along the Baywalk. It is even better if you sit at a nearby restaurant and enjoy the setting sun while sipping your favourite drink.

One of the largest urban parks in Asia and one of the primary tourist attractions in Manila, Rizal Park is but a short walk from Intramuros. It's not a mere picnic spot where people can hang out; the site has historical significance. The Rizal monument is found at the park, which is where the remains of Jose Rizal is laid to rest. If you can stomach the injustice that was done, you can also visit the spot where he was executed.

Many aren't aware that Manila has its own oceanarium, but it does. The spot is chosen for school trips, and it is also a date spot. It is not only a place where they hold marine creatures in glass containers, but the place also offers many exciting activities. Among the main activities are learning to swim with a mermaid tail and feeding penguins. What's more, there's a spa where fish peck at the dead skin of your feet.

Even if you are not that much into history or art, the National Museum can still fascinate you. The museum is comprised of four parts. The Museum of Fine Arts displays the most famous painting in the country which was done by Juan Luna. The latest addition to the museum, the Museum of Natural History, exhibits the skeletal remains of the largest crocodile in captivity. There's also the National Museum of Anthropology and the National Museum of Planetarium.

If you want to shop on a budget, Greenhills Shopping Centre is your best option. The range of merchandise available includes electronics, clothes and homeware. You might want to bring loose change with you and also, bargaining is essential if you are to get the best price.