Exploring Metro Manila Begins: My First Time in the Philippines
Over the next few posts, I’ll take you on a short journey to Manila—the capital city of the Philippines. This was my very first trip to the archipelagic nation, and in keeping with my travel habit, I chose to begin with the country’s main hub before venturing to renowned island destinations like Cebu, Palawan, and Boracay in future trips. I had taken a similar approach when exploring Thailand and Malaysia, starting from their capital cities before branching out. Many of my friends were curious about this plan, since the Philippines isn’t a typical destination for most Indonesians, who often prefer Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, or more recently Vietnam. Yet Manila offered its own unique character, and I’ll share those impressions with you in the posts ahead.
The first perception for the Philippines is that it resembles Indonesia a lot. The fact that both are two of world's the largest archipelagos makes both blessed with thousands of islands, wonderful beaches and magnificent active volcanoes. The tropical climate, the rhythm of daily life, and the warmth of the people all felt instantly familiar to me. Beyond nature, the parallels extend to culture and history. Both nations carry deep colonial legacies that left marks on architecture, governance, and even everyday habits. Faith also plays a central role in both societies: Catholicism in the Philippines and Islam in Indonesia are the predominant religions, yet neither stands alone. Both nations are home to diverse faith communities, and religious festivals and rituals which shape the calendar and community life.
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| A familiar atmosphere of chaotic rush welcomed me to Ninoy Aquino International Airport |
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| Waiting for a ride in this enclosed parking area, surrounded by dozens of other people, can be quite stressful |
Arriving late at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Metro Manila after a short transit in Singapore's Changi Airport, I was greeted by an atmosphere that felt instantly familiar. The bustling terminal, the hum of voices, and the vibe of controlled chaos in the humid urban air reminded me of Jakarta’s daily rhythm. Even the people looked strikingly similar, though the language around me was different. After clearing immigration and stepping into the packed arrival hall, however, I faced a new layer of chaos—navigating the crowd while trying to book a Grab ride to my hotel.
While booking a car through the ride-hailing app should have been straightforward, it turned into one of the more memorable parts of the trip. The designated waiting area was tucked inside a parking building next to the arrival hall, and with dozens of passengers all trying to secure their rides at the same time, the confined space quickly filled with noise and impatience. After nearly an hour of waiting and being cancelled by more than one driver, my ride finally arrived. By then, the relief of seeing the car pull in felt almost like a small victory, marking the true start of my Manila journey.
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| Finally arrived in my room at Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central, right in the heart of Binondo |
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| To my surprise, the hotel upgraded me to a bigger room with a bathtub, a welcome treat after the journey |
As soon as I settled into the ride, I noticed something that felt unusual to me: in the Philippines, people drive on the right side of the road. It was a new experience, since in Indonesia—and in my previous trips around Southeast Asia—traffic flows on the left. That simple shift in perspective reminded me that while Manila felt familiar in many ways, it also carried its own distinct routine. The chaotic traffic, however, reminded me so much of Jakarta. Navigating the streets seemed to demand a mix of nerve, skill, and luck, with weaving in and out, motorcycles darting between lanes, and horns punctuating the night. Alongside the roads, the crowded sidewalks and clusters of street vendors added to the familiar scene—people selling fruits and snacks, trinkets, and quick meals in the same way I often see back home. Yet being on what felt like the “wrong” side of the road in my mind made the ride a little disorienting—at times even slightly nauseating
For the first two nights of my trip in Manila, I chose to stay in the old Binondo area—the historic Chinatown known for its bustling streets and authentic food scene—before moving to a hotel in the more modern and chic Makati City. Arriving at Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central in Binondo, I was pleasantly surprised when they upgraded me to a larger room. The extra space felt like a small luxury after several hours of travel from Jakarta—perfect for unwinding and recharging before exploring the city the following day. The hotel was ideally located on Ongpin Street at the heart of Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown. Just across the street stood the historic Binondo Church, and from the window of my room I had a direct view of this wonderful heritage landmark. As a Catholic, hearing the bells ringing from the church was a moving new experience—a different backdrop from what I was used to back home in Indonesia, the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.
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| Being around Chinese New Year, Binondo came alive with food festivals, lanterns, and street celebrations |
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| First time trying Jollibee—and I really enjoyed this most iconic Filipino fast-food chain |
But the night hadn’t ended there. Waiting so long for the ride at the airport had left me a bit hungry—even though I had already had an early dinner on the flight. So, after checking Google Maps for any restaurant still open at that hour, I stumbled upon a place I’d been curious to try for a long time: the iconic Filipino fast-food chain, Jollibee. Being a weekend evening, the 24-hour Jollibee outlet near the hotel was still packed, so I opted for takeaway since there were no empty seats available. I’ve always enjoyed fast food, but with no Jollibee outlets in Indonesia, this was a special moment. Having heard so much about the hype and the international success of this Filipino-born chain, I was genuinely excited to finally grab a meal from the iconic red bee.
The food lived up to my expectations—the chicken was crispy on the outside yet tender inside. If only I had remembered to bring some chili sauce from back home, it would have been perfect. Still, the generous portion and comforting taste were enough to satisfy my late-night hunger. With that, I could finally refresh and rest, knowing that the following day—Sunday—was reserved for a full-day exploration of Manila’s historic walled city, Intramuros. I was especially looking forward to attending Mass there, a meaningful way to begin my journey into the city’s heritage and faith before wandering through its centuries-old streets.
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| Situated along Ongpin Street, the hotel stood in the center of Manila’s lively Chinatown district |
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| Just across the street stands the 16th‑century Binondo Church, a timeless reminder of Manila’s rich Catholic history |
Ramada by Wyndham Manila Central
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