A park that is dedicated to a Filipino hero “Jose Rizal” who was executed in this very location.

Draped in greenery, the music softly playing in the background “Celine Dion, the power of love”, the birds singing, and the sound of horses shoes click clack click clack.

This is a tranquil place. The guards stood at the monument in full uniform, show not only protection, but a huge sign of how respected Jose Rizal was.

Jose Rizal was executed in dec 1896 aged 35. His execution was carried out by firing squad.

Josephine Bracken “Jose’s wife” only married her husband two hours prior to his execution.

Rizal Park is full of other historical buildings, and gardens. Below is the Chinese’s gardens. Tranquil, colourful, and the walls are covered in love messages. There is a beautiful atmosphere here. Children doing homework in the gardens, exercise classes going on, and then others just gazing at the lake. True beauty.

The above picture is the National Museum of Natural History. Unfortunately it was closed so I hold the have a look inside, but if this is the first impression, I can only imagine the beauty of inside.

Whilst in Rizal Park I sat and researched some nearby places to see, so I went in search for a tricycle. I found Shayne a twenty one year old tricycle rider who had a sheet full of places I’d been looking at, price agreed for the tour and off we go. This was a push bike tricycle so it was all in the feet!

Here are some of the beautiful places I saw……

This cobble road had a hidden secret…. a garden hidden between the walls…

This huge door was entirely carved out of solid wood! The carpenters who made this beautiful piece of art must have been super talented. I literally stood staring at it for a good 10 minutes mesmerised by the detail.

We made a deal for 700php I could have 1.5 hours (I gave him 1000php). It was the best hour and half I had in Manila. Shayne was informative, he knew his history (I had researched before I went, and was pleasantly surprised with his knowledge), his English was phenomenal too! This 21 year old was doing tours to help his family. I asked him if he could buy one this for himself what would it be….he replied dreadlocks! He loved Bob Marley! So he sang the whole journey back to Rizal Park.

I was out here for work so Manila wasn’t the destination I was staying but I took a holiday day to allow me to have one night here before my work destination. I stayed at Rizal Park hotel. If you want a little luxury, a comfy bed, and beautiful food to overcome the jet lag, I would highly recommended this place.

It’s grand, it has history, it has the most amazing staff with impeccable service, it’s worth every penny.

Travel tip….if you know your first location then try to pack sensibly. At this hotel I knew that toiletries were included (toothbrush, toothpaste, shower gel, soap, razor, cotton pads, and toilet roll) this meant I could take these and use them when on my travels, because my room was a double I got two of everything. Be travel savvy!

Hotel cost 5400php a night for a double room including breakfast… the breakfast is insanely good! You could risk booking last minute for cheaper, but this hotel will get booked up especially in peak season.

I personally think one full day in Manila to see the Park, stay at this hotel and do sightseeing was plenty of time. It just depends what your in Manila for.

I needed a snooze so I popped back to the hotel for an hour, and then went back out for a little more exploring.

Just wandering on my own to the opposite side of Rizal Park nearer to the Harbour and I came across a lady and gentleman taking pictures, I asked if they would like me to take one of them both. We ended up chatting for a good 30 minutes or so Angela and Fabian were in Manila for university and were travelling back to their home destination a little later in the day. I’m so glad I didn’t have my head in my phone as we would have never crossed paths! Beautiful people with big hearts.

Travel tips

Cash isn’t always necessary, as it doesn’t cost a lot to withdraw from machines, however I would carry a little in case you want to do tours and for tips.

Bags, carry a small bag with a zip or a backpack that has a combi lock on. Pickpockets are rife in Manila. It’s better to be safe than sorry. I had no bother and I was on my own, and felt safe.

Take trainers- there is lots of walking to do in Manila, so be comfy.

Take a water bottle and fill it up. There is water spots here to top up, and saves on plastic too!

To travel lighter check what amenities and toiletries are at your hotel already. Saves buying and travelling with unnecessary weight and duplication of items such as toothbrushes and soap.

Everything here is cheap, food, tours, drinks, taxis etc, but the money does take some getting used to.

Thankyou Manila!

Until next time.

Sarah xXx