We can't believe this is Philippines! 🇵🇭 Manila Top 10 Things to See and Do!

Manila really surprised us. With the stunning Intramuros old town, bustling streets, modern skyscrapers, the oldest Chinatown in the world and so much more, get ready for our countdown of the top 10 best things to do whilst in Manila. You're not going to want to miss this. Where Jordana and Grant from Shot in the Dark travels and from the bustling streets of Manila to the stunning beaches of Boracay to the epic landscapes of El Nido, we're bringing you a front row seat to the magic of this extraordinary country. Hit that subscribe button and let's uncover the beauty of the Philippines together. Visit the Intramuros old town area of Manila. Intramuros literally translates as inside the walls and this is the old town area of Manila inside the fortifications built by the Spanish in the 1500s. No trip to Manila is complete without visiting the Intramuros. Here are some of our highlights. San Augustine Church built over 400 years ago is the oldest stone church in the country and is absolutely beautiful. Explore the charming nooks and crannies of the Intramuros where quaint alleyways and picturesque courtyards are filled with a host of delightful cafes and restaurants. Admire the towering and ancient Manila Cathedral built in 1571. This grand cathedral is truly beautiful with gorgeous stained glass windows. Next to Manila Cathedral is Fort Santiago. Definitely make sure you go here to learn how important this ancient fortress has been throughout Manila's history. It's really cool to look around but there isn't loads of it left to be honest as the fort was heavily damaged during the fighting in World War II. Take a walk around Rizal Park. Just a stone's throw away from the Intramuros is Rizal Park. A breathtaking tribute to Jose Rizal, a revered national hero and icon of the Filipino independence movement who was executed on this spot by the Spanish over 100 years ago. As well as the memorial it has beautiful gardens, huge fountains and is home to absolutely loads of cute little cats. We were really surprised by how modern and developed Manila was and what better way to admire the breathtaking skyline than from a rooftop bar while sipping on a cocktail or savouring a cold beer. Go to Star City, a thrilling funfair located in the heart of Manila. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and with the entrance tickets being ridiculously cheap this hidden gem promises fun and thrills for all. It's filled with an array of fast food options, all the funfair games you know and love like huckaduck and bumper cars as well as a huge ferris wheel, quite a few decent thrill rides and small roller coasters. We had a great time and would definitely recommend it. Try some Filipino food. Manila boasts an impressive array of international cuisine. We had some beautiful Italian, Chinese, Japanese and American food whilst we were here but you definitely need to make sure you take some time to savour the diverse flavours of Manila's Filipino food scene as well. Chicken adobo, pork sisig and suckling pig or lechon as it's known in the Philippines were probably our favourites. Filipino cuisine is a true delight that will leave you craving for more. Visit the SM Mall of Asia. Prepare for a shopping extravaganza at the iconic SM Mall of Asia. Until recently it held the title of being the world's largest shopping mall. Here you'll find an extensive array of renowned western and designer brands catering to every shopper's delight. So if you enjoy a bit of retail therapy then get yourselves down to the SM Mall of Asia. Visit the gorgeous Venice Mall. While the shopping experience is largely filled with brands that will be unfamiliar to foreign tourists, the real treasure lies in the breathtaking Venetian inspired outdoor area. Immerse yourself in the romantic ambience as gondolas glide across the picturesque canals surrounded by beautiful architecture. This area is filled with a plethora of cafes and restaurants and is a great option for food, a few drinks and some snaps for Instagram. Visit the Bonifacio Global City. Located right next to the Venice Mall is the ultra-modern part of town, home to Manila's finance district as well as an array of trendy parks, cafes, restaurants and bars. If that sounds up your street then make sure to check it out. Try your luck at the Ocado casino. This really needs to be on your Manila itinerary. Even if you're not a big fan of gambling it's well worth a visit just to admire the extravagant opulent architecture, relax with a drink at the bar and witness the mesmerizing water and Explore the oldest Chinatown in the whole world. Manila has a huge Chinatown which dates back to 1594 making it the oldest in the whole world. Make sure to experience the vibrant energy and rich tapestry of Chinese culture, heritage and food. Keep an eye out for our next video where we'll guide you through a mouth-watering food tour of this extraordinary district. If you've enjoyed this video please remember to hit like and subscribe that way you won't miss out on our next video in Manila's Chinatown.