The Philippines is one of the famous holiday destinations among the tourist. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Philippines is Manila. Manila is the capital of the Philippines. Compare to other cities around the Philippines, Manila is one of the biggest and most dense cities packed with many attractions to be explored by visitors. Surrounded by beaches, historical building and spectacular shopping mall, Manila is a perfect getaway for those who want to explore one of the bustling big cities in Asia.

Best time to fly from General Santos to Manila

The climate in Manila is tropical year-round with an average temperature of 29-35 degrees Celsius. Manila or Philippines has only two seasons which is wet and dry seasons where rainfall can be heavy during the wet or monsoon season and humidity during the hotter months can be high. The best time to visit Manila would be between December to February when the weather is warmer with occasional showers. During this season, the sun shines bright resulting clear skies with the winds blow gently suitable for outdoor activities. The off-peak season is between July to September where the climate during that season is unpredictable and typhoons can sometimes occur anytime. It is advisable for visitors to check the weather reports before going to this town. During this season you will find better flight tickets and hotel deals.

Main airports available in General Santos and Manila

1. General Santos International Airport – General Santos International Airport is located in Park New Hondagua, Uhaw, Barangay Fatima. It is the biggest airport in Mindanao Island and it serves the city of General Santos and nearby province in the Philippines. Few airlines operate in this airport which is Philippine Airlines, Philippine Airlines by PAL Express and Cebu Pacific. To go in and out of the airport is easy because there are many types of transportation available in General Santos International Airport for the visitors.

2. Ninoy Aquino International Airport – The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is an international airport that serving the Manila and surrounding cities. It is also known as NAIA by locals. The airport is located along the border between the cities of Pasay and Parañaque. The distance between this airport to the nearest town in the south of Manila and southwest of Makati is about 7 kilometers. The airlines that operate in this airport is AirAsia Philippines, Cebgo, Cebu Pacific, PAL Express, and Philippine Airlines. This airport consists of four different terminals. Ninoy Aquino International Airport has many interesting shops and eateries within the airport so you can shop or dine in while waiting for the plane to arrive or depart. To go in and out of the airport is easy because there are many types of transportation available in Ninoy Aquino International Airport for the visitors.

Climate pattern in General Santos and Manila

Manila’s climate is under the hot sun for most of the time. Usually, it will be warm and sunny throughout the years with little rains except for typhoon season which the weather can be unpredictable with heavy rains and thunderstorm. The average maximum temperature in Manila is around 27 and 33 degree Celsius while the average minimum is about 20 and 24 degree Celsius. While around December to February will be the peak of seasons because it will be the warm and pleasant season of the year. If you plan to visit Manila during this season make sure you book your flight and hotel early as both fill up quickly.

Highlights in Manila

1. Fort Santiago – Fort Santiago is one of the attractions located in Manila. It is a must place to visit if you are a history enthusiast. It is a citadel first built by the Spanish conquistador, Miguel López de Legazpi for the newly established city of Manila in the Philippines. The defense fortress is part of the structures of the walled city of Manila referred to as Intramuros. The fort is one of the most important historical sites in Manila. Several lives were lost in its prisons during the Spanish Colonial Period and World War II. José Rizal, one of the Philippine national heroes, was imprisoned here before his execution in 1896. The Rizal Shrine museum displays memorabilia of the hero in their collection and the fort features, embedded onto the ground in bronze, his footsteps representing his final walk from his cell to the location of the actual execution.

2. Pinto Art Museum - If you are an art enthusiast, you must come to the Pinto Art Museum. It is one of the famous art centres in Manila. The museum is located in Antipolo, in the hills just east of Metro Manila. There are six impressive galleries, outdoor art installations, and an indigenous arts wing where you can get an authentic Kalinga (North Luzon) tattoo. There is a café located on the museum grounds where you can relax and dine in after a long tour around the museum. For art lovers out there, Pinto Art Museum is an attraction that you cannot miss!

3. San Agustin Church - Manila is located along the magnificent churches. One of the popular churches in this city is San Agustin Church. It is a popular attraction for locals or in Manila. San Agustin Church was the only building left intact after the destruction of Intramuros in WWII. Built between 1587 and 1606, it is the oldest church in the Philippines. The massive facade conceals an ornate interior filled with objects of great historical and cultural merit. It is an active church and much in demand for weddings and other ceremonies. Therefore, if you are lucky you can witness many ceremonies while visiting the church.