Representatives from the Manila Canvas and Bambike Revolution Cycles experience the Bambike Night Tours in Intramuros. (Photo Courtesy: Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion)
By day, the old Intramuros district in the city of Manila is a beauty straight out of history. It quaintly depicts how life was within Manila’s so-called Walled City during the Spanish colonial period.
Many people who are seeking that kind of nostalgic experience explore Intramuros on foot to immerse themselves in the rich culture that is unique to the identity of the Walled City.
But there’s actually more to Intramuros by night and this is an adventure that will allow you to rediscover its grandeur in a novel, fun, and healthy way.
Night Tours
Aside from taking a leisurely walk or a kalesa ride, visitors may now explore the cobble-stone streets at night while pedaling a bamboo bike.
This unique experience became possible through a venture between the Intramuros Administration and the Bambike Night Tours.
(Photo courtesy of Department of Trade and Industry)
The tour traverses a five-kilometer route that starts from the Memorare De Manila shrine at the back of the Manila Cathedral and traverses the San Agustin Church, Casa Manila, Puerta del Parian, Plaza Roma, Plaza Moriones, and ends at Fort Santiago.
Healthy dose of fun
Making green choices does not necessarily mean compromising convenience. Using the bambikes for tours, in particular, is both an accessible and environmentally-responsible approach to fun tours.
Availing the 2-hour Bambike Night Tours is like embracing culture and sensible adventure in one vibrant experience.
Imagine the nightscape of Intramuros being beautifully illuminated, creating a magical ambiance while enjoying the peace and quiet. Except for the aesthetically pleasing photos you will surely capture, this tour might give you the intimate moment you need with yourself or with your loved ones without the overwhelming crowd.
The actual Bambike model, a fusion of technology and indigenous materials. (Photo Courtesy: Bambike Revolution Cycles)
The Bambike Night Tours project is a joint initiative of the Manila Canvas and Bambike Revolution Cycles towards the establishment of sustainable tourism.
Both enterprises are under the Go Lokal! Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which aims to help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to gain access to the mainstream market through merchandise development assistance.
Also in partnership with IA, these socio-ecological enterprises not only gave a different perspective on learning about history but also provided a more inclusive tourism experience.
Families with children aged 1 to 5 years old and other interested tourists needing other modes of mobility are also welcome to book the Special Bambike Night Tours.
So why not book a tour and set off on an adventure through the historic streets of Intramuros tonight? http://bit.ly/Bambiketours.
In a nutshell, the realization of the Bambike Night Tours is a testament to how eco-friendly tourism can help the local economy thrive in a continually changing market landscape. It also presented an opportunity to experience history while preserving it for future generations. (JMP/PIA-NCR)
