⌛ Make A Detour To Binondo

If and when you’re going to spend a long time in Manila or the Philippines, we suggest that you not only try the commonly popular places that most tourists visit but also the lesser known – but certainly just as wonderful – places…places like Binondo, Manila for example!

Binondo, Manila is known also as Chinatown to both the locals and foreigners who have visited the place. It’s where most people of Chinese descent reside and live according to Chinese customs and traditions.

Just for your information, the relationship between Filipinos and Chinese go way way back, even during the time when it were still the Spanish who governed this Southeast Asian country. Chinese men are known for their flair for businesses and when they saw that there was a lot of things to be gained in the Philippines, many Chinese families became immigrants in the Philippines.

What Can You Expect From Binondo?
There are a lot of wonderful and amazing things that you can expect when you make a detour to Binondo, Manila. The moment you get there, we suggest that you take a ride using the kalesa or horse drawn carriage. During your kalesa ride, you’ll be toured around the town and be introduced to the sights that you’ll no doubt be visiting later on. The ride isn’t that expensive so don’t worry about messing with your budget if you plan to indulge yourself here.

Food figures most prominently in everyone’s itinerary and when you make a detour to Binondo, do make it a point to try out the dishes that are all uniquely provided by Binondo chefs and cooks and nowhere else in the country. If you’re a lover of Chinese dishes then Binondo would definitely be like a gastronomical paradise for you.

From the traditional dimsum and dumplings to exotic delicacies like Peking Duck (which, by the way, can be served in four courses and in which all parts, from the skin to the bones itself, are used), anything you love about Chinese food may be found here. And if you want to make your Binondo experience memorable, why not try eating everything using chopsticks?

If you’re also into shopping, there are a lot of rare and custom made items that you can purchase in the streets of Binondo, all of which are very, very affordable! From little Buddha statues to funny Chinese comics, you name it (in Chinese!) and you’re sure to get it!