This January Jetstar, one of the leading budget airlines in Asia, has introduced direct flights from Manila to Darwin. This is great news for Filipinos eager to visit the land down under, since they do not have to deal with shuttling from one plane to another.

As an introductory promo, Jetstar has offered flights from Manila to Darwin for as lows US$99. Passengers can also opt to fly to Sydney or Melbourne from Manila via Darwin with fares starting at US$199. The travel period for the said promo is on February 2011.

Manila is the best city in Philippines for tourists and is famous all over the world because of its beauty and its nightclubs, bars and restaurants. Here are the top 10 restaurants of Manila.

Lolo Dad’s

Lolo Dad’s is the best restaurant in Manila. It is a favorite not just among locals but within the foodie critics. Their menu includes tapas, steaks, pasta and pizzas.

Inagiku

For the best Japanese food in Manila, head to Inagiku at Makati Shangri-La. Their bestsellers are grilled flatfish, blue fin tuna belly, teppanyaki live lobster and soft hell crab. After a hearty meal, you can have a taste of their home made ice cream with red bean, wasabi and green tea flavors.

Abe

Abe can be found in most of malls in Manila. The restaurant mainly serves Filipino and regional dishes.

22 Prime

22 Prime is THE steakhouse not just in Ortigas, but also in Manila. It offers meals that include a slab of steak, soup and salad every Tuesdays and Fridays. There’s also the wine and cheese buffet every Tuesday.

Santi’s Delicatessen

Known for its imported sausages and cheese, Santi’s is also a good place to hang out in with their selection of wines and cheese from all over the world.

Cav Wine Bar and Bistro

Another great place to hang out, Cav Wine Bar and Bistro is located in Bonifacio High Street. Its wine vendo is popular among the regulars that allows you to sample wines shipped from almost anywhere.

Shang Palace

Shang Palace is Makati Shangri-La’s Chinese restaurant that offers authentic Cantonese dishes. Its interiors are grand, which reminds you of imperial palaces in China.

Paparazzi

Paparazzi is one of the restaurants that grace Edsa-Shangrila hotel. It offers classic pasta dishes for lunch and dinner. The place is cozy and is perfect for gatherings or a casual meal.

Spiral

Spiral’s extensive buffet is a favorite among locals. It has become a staple in Sofitel Manila since it opened few years back.

Cibo

Cibo is the best place to go if you’re craving for fine Italian food that do not go with steep prices as compared to the hotels in the city.

Photo from: pinoycravings.com

Manila has been renowned for many years because of its nightlife and clubs. Here are the top 5 nightclubs you must see if you ever get a chance to go to Manila. Manila is the real place of Philippines that exhibits the night beauty of Philippines.

1. Encore Superclub

The grand dame of all nightclubs in Manila, and even the Philippines, Encore Superclub is a reincarnation of the former Embassy. Though its been long since it first opened its doors, it never ceases to attract the hip Makati crowd.

2. Manor

Basically it’s Encore’s mini-me for the North crowd located in Eastwood City Libis.

3. Alchemy

Expect to see a younger crowd in this bar located in Silver City beside Tiendesitas. This bar is a frequent venue for university events with its proximity to UP and Ateneo as it is just along C5.

4. Piedra

Piedra is a favorite among the urbanites here in Manila. People from as far as QC in the north and Las Pinas to the south congregate in this Bonifacio Global City club every night.

5. Republiq

The newest kid on the block, located in the spanking new ResortWorld is Republiq. It is spacious, loud and hip that caters to the downtown Manila crowd.

Facilities include air conditioning, breakfast and private toiler and bath. Rooms are almost spotlessly clean.

Telephone: 521 8770

A family-run operation, with 14 rooms and a common bathroom.

Telephone: 525 3864

Eleven room hotel that has a common bathroom. Rooms are non-arconditioned and airconditioned

Telephone: 521 1488

A super-budget hotel with 30 rooms with own kitchen, bath, TV and refrigerator.

Telephone: 525 9444

Another budget accomodation in Malate. It doesn’t provide bathroom essentials like soap, shampoo and towel, so make sure you bring your own.

Telephone: 338 3191

Conveniently located at the center of Ermita. You can choose between air-conditioned and non-airconditioned rooms.

Telephone: 525 1403

An art deco building located right acroos the US embassy. Amenities are modern and the prices are well within reach.

Telephone: 523 4484