Manila Clock Tower Museum — Attraction in Manila

Strongly recommended. Free. Historical site, the largest clock tower in the Philippines. Right now, there are no walk-ins, strictly by appointment booking only through their Facebook page - the confirmation will be checked upon arrival. Polite and friendly staff, they take our pictures too. Unique features: wall of Manila heroes, life-sized replica of the atomic bomb, the videos on old Manila, Mayor's photo ops chair and desk; and the vintage tower itself. Contains seasonal art displayed (depending on the artists that connect with them) from modern to classic.

The guided tour is 30 minutes and another 30 minutes is given to freely roam around. Since it was by appointment, there wasn't a lot of us in the morning/opening, only 4 in the scheduled group tour. The clock tower is on the 4th floor inside the Manila City Hall, feel free to ask the guard which building, as it's either on the left or the right depending on which entrance you use. When you use the elevator, the museum entrance is just in front of it. Don't miss the large historical photos around the entrance, they are in black and white but are easily thought-provoking ones in the realities portrayed.

Inside, there's a logbook for attendance. Restrooms at the first floor too from inside the clock tower museum. As far as accessibility is, I can't say it has it for wheelchair because it's just stairs, but I didn't ask so you can chat with them before booking if you need assistance - they have very helpful staff. By the time you reach the spiral staircase, since it is still the old one preserved, it can be narrow and steep for the average person climbing up, advised to be careful because the the steps are narrow too. Makes me think it was made for small people since natives were small during Spanish times.

If commuting, you can access the City Hall by getting off at the Jeepney route at the underpass area before the Bonifacio art just across it (just say going to SM Manila or to City Hall if riding the jeep from Pedro Gil in Taft) where there's lots of people walking. Go walk through the park and it's near SM Manila.

There are 7 floors, air-conditioned up to the 6th level. The first 3 floors are part of the guided tour. 4th-7th floors are done via self-tour where the final 30 minutes are at.

1F: World War II trivia about Manila, the most beautiful city in the Philippines back then (given that it's the capital and had both Spanish and American flavors to it). Love the beautiful art depicting the history highlights here. 2F & 3F: Seasonal art displayed, open to local artists. You can buy the art too, one was priced at 380k pesos. When we came, there's wood art, wooden furniture, modern paintings, and even a mixed media art featuring celebrities like Regine Velasquez.

Going up, you may notice the stained glass art on the walls. It's pretty and the light passes through it. But it's also easy to miss if you're in a hurry.

4F: Mayor's Hall; has a place to sit down and pretend to be Mayor for photo ops; all the Manila Mayors' photos are here, quite a lot too. 5F: has the replica of the mother map of the Philippines, the Murillo Velarde 1734 Map of the Philippines; also has a conference room & a restoration room 6F: 4 digital clocks in each direction before the spiral staircase at the center, and some gears too. The ambiance builds some suspense to it, quite lovely. 7F - has a 360 degree view of Manila; You can see nice scenery in some directions, along with the tall buildings

Good to visit. The history of Manila is rich and the trivia is...

The Chinese Garden at Luneta: A Pocket of Tranquility and Fond Memories Nestled within the vast expanse of Luneta Park, the Chinese Garden isn't just a section of the larger historical grounds; it's a beautifully crafted sanctuary, a delightful escape, and for me, it's absolutely full of cherished memories. Stepping through its ornate gates feels like being transported to another world, a miniature rendition of a classical Chinese landscape right in the heart of Manila. The meticulous design, with its curving pathways, traditional pagodas, charming bridges arching over koi ponds, and intricate rock formations, creates an atmosphere of serene beauty. Every detail, from the carefully placed lanterns to the vibrant, manicured flora, invites you to slow down and appreciate the artistry. My visits to the Chinese Garden are interwoven with countless personal recollections. I remember leisurely walks with family, admiring the vibrant koi fish gracefully swimming in the ponds, and the joyful giggles of children posing for photos on the picturesque bridges. It was often a quiet respite after exploring the more bustling parts of Luneta, a place where one could simply sit on a bench, listen to the gentle sounds of water, and reflect amidst the calming scenery. I recall specific moments of quiet contemplation under the shade of a traditional pavilion, the warm breeze carrying the scent of flowers, and the distant hum of city life serving as a gentle counterpoint to the garden's tranquility. It's a place where I've sought peaceful solitude, shared intimate conversations, and simply enjoyed the simple beauty of its design. If you're seeking a moment of peace and aesthetic delight within Luneta Park, the Chinese Garden is an absolute must-visit. It's more than just a garden; it's a testament to cultural beauty and a place where you can easily create, or relive, your own...

Enjoyed my time here! It only took me less than an hour to go through the whole place. It's mostly art galleries in the firstcouple of floors. My favorite part is the 7th floor with the 360 degree view of Manila. I loved the view from up there! I realized there's many areas nearby with lots of trees, which is a good thing. There were only a few visitors at that time so I was mostly alone while walking around, which I really liked 😅 Though I hope more people will visit. There is a 100php registration fee, and walk-ins are allowed except for big groups. Though I almost got lost inside the Manila City Hall since it was a weekend and there was almost no one around to ask for directions. Once inside the building that the security guard will point, just climb the big stairs and continue climbing a few levels until you see the entrance of the museum. I hope they will put up some signages since it felt a bit scary walking around an old building with...