Rizal Park, Manila (must see)

Rizal Park, also known as Luneta Park, is one of the Philippines' most significant historical landmarks and among the largest urban parks in Asia. Covering approximately 58 hectares beside Manila Bay, it is named after Dr. José Rizal, the country's national hero, who was executed on this site on December 30, 1896. Once known as Bagumbayan, the area witnessed key events during the Spanish colonial era before being transformed into a landscaped public park under American administration.

At the center of the park stands the Rizal Monument, completed in 1913. The granite-and-bronze memorial marks the final resting place of José Rizal, whose cremated remains are interred within the monument together with copies of his two famous novels, “Touch Me Not” and “The Reign of Greed”. If you are starting from the National Museum of Natural History, exit the museum onto Agrifina Circle and walk west across the circle into the park proper. Continue straight along the park's broad central promenade for about 300 meters, and you will arrive at the Rizal Monument.

Several of the park's gardens are within a short walk of the monument. From the Rizal Monument, head north toward Padre Burgos Avenue to reach the Chinese Garden, while the Japanese Garden lies immediately beside it to the northwest. The two gardens are separated by the former National Planetarium building. If traveling with children, the Children's Playground is located in the park's southeastern corner.

The park is also home to the National Museum Complex. Together with its gardens, monuments, and cultural institutions, Rizal Park provides an excellent introduction to the history, art, and identity of the Philippines.