Rizal Park in Manila - Philippines

Its been among favorite leisure and historical parks in Metro Manila, and in the Philippines. People, especially families, and even lovers, frequently visit Rizal Park or Luneta Park for a refreshing walk and some relaxation.

Rizal Park is located near Manila Bay adjacent to the South Pier Harbor at the back of the historical Manila Hotel which is also part of the surrounding scenic spots in Luneta. Rizal Park is bounded by Taft Avenue, T.M. Kalaw Road, Roxas Boulevard along the Bay, and Luneta Avenue. Rizal Park is often the first place tourists visit in the Philippines.

Rizal Park used to be Bagumbayan in the 1800s and it was where the national hero of the Philippines, Dr. Jose Rizal, was shot by musketry after being incarcerated in neighboring Fort Santiago. Later, it was changed to Luneta Park, as among Liwasan areas or special places for leisurely roaming around, and then much later, Rizal Park. Gradually, the place was developed as a premier national park

Rizal Park has been traditionally featured with the giant map of the Philippines, the Quirino Grandstand area where two tamaraw statues are poised for deadly action located at its entrance. There are also the Chinese and Japanese gardens where people feel a realistic atmosphere that may be found in China and Japan. There is the Manila Planetarium, the National Library of the Philippines, and the Manila Bay Park area at the back of the Quirino Grandstand, and where the Manila Ocean Park is located.

There used to be a giant Flower Clock Garden in the middle of Rizal Park, but a giant statue of Lapu-Lapu is now standing there in its stead with a long lane of busts of Datu warrior chieftains who ruled territories in the Philippines in ancient times. Luneta Park is also where a restaurant by mutes, blinds, and the deaf serving meals has been in existence.

An average P500 per family or P250 per person pocket money is enough to enjoy Rizal Park and its various featureseat, take pictures, buy souvenirs, and fare. Its among parks in the Philippines easy to access A convenient and cheap way to get to Luneta is to get to Quiapo Church first and then take a cab from there which may cost about P100.

Or take an LRT ride from any point in Metro Manila and get off at the United Nations Avenue and walk to Rizal Park from there. There are also public jeeps that pass along the park.