Manila Intramuros Slum Walking Tour - Maisan & Banana Republic

Walk through the hidden neighborhoods
of Intramuros with a local guide

Meet at La Cathedral Cafe and spend about 2 hours exploring the neighborhoods inside the walls of Intramuros on foot with a local guide. Instead of famous sights, you'll visit the communities where local residents live and see the resilience and creativity of Manila's people up close. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Visit Maisan, the village of corn vendors

Maisan is a historic community whose name means 'the place where you can buy corn.' Long before the area grew into a busy urban district, residents made a living selling boiled, grilled and roasted corn. Through the history behind the name, you'll learn about Manila's street economy and the resourcefulness of the Filipino people.

Hear the community's stories from residents and storytellers

Meet long-time residents and local storytellers and listen to their personal stories of survival and creativity. See for yourself how life carries on even in the city's most overlooked corners.

Visit Banana Republic, a neighborhood with a curious name

A short walk from Maisan, near Colegio de San Juan de Letran, lies a small neighborhood that locals affectionately call 'Banana Republic.' Your guide reveals the real reason behind the name only during the tour. Get a glimpse of the playful character of locals who have turned everyday life into neighborhood legend.