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APDW 2026 Manila · 24–28 November

Venue & Travel

Five days of world-class scientific sessions spanning gastroenterology, hepatology, digestive endoscopy and surgery — featuring plenary lectures, symposia, live demonstrations, hands-on workshops and free paper presentations.

Home Venue & Travel Explore Philippines
APDW 2026 Manila · 24–28 November

Explore Philippines

We are delighted to welcome delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond to APDW 2026 Manila. To assist with your travel planning, we have compiled essential information on entry requirements, local transportation, weather, currency, and other practical matters. We hope this guide helps ensure a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable stay in the Philippines.

🌊 Explore Philippines
  • Heritage & Culture
  • Shopping and Entertainment
  • Culinary Experience
  • Family-Friendly Attractions
  • Filipino Souvenirs & Local Crafts
  • Extend Your Stay
Heritage & Culture

Intramuros

(The Walled City of Manila)

Distance from PICC: ~5 km (15–20 minutes by car)

Step back in time and explore the historic heart of Manila, where centuries of Spanish colonial heritage, architecture, and culture come to life within the country's oldest fortified district.

Highlights:

· Fort Santiago – Explore the iconic citadel and visit the shrine dedicated to

Philippine national hero José Rizal.

· San Agustin Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – The oldest stone church in the Philippines and one of the country's most significant historical landmarks.

· Manila Cathedral – The premier basilica of the Philippines, renowned for its grand architecture and rich ecclesiastical history.

· Casa Manila – A beautifully reconstructed colonial-era residence showcasing

19th-century Filipino lifestyle and furnishings.

· Centro de Turismo Intramuros – Visitor center offering cultural exhibits and tourism information.

· Traditional Filipino attire rentals at Traje de Intramuros for memorable cultural

photographs.

· Traditional kalesa rides through charming cobblestone streets.

· Guided bamboo bicycle tours with Bambike Ecotours.

· Authentic Filipino cuisine and cultural performances at Barbara's Heritage Restaurant.

Shopping and Entertainment

SM Mall of Asia (MOA)

Distance from PICC: ~3 km (10–15 minutes by car)

One of the largest shopping malls in the world, offering a vibrant mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure experiences. Visitors can enjoy a stroll along the scenic Manila Bay sunset promenade, ride the iconic MOA Eye Ferris Wheel for panoramic views, explore the maritime-inspired exhibits at Museo del Galeon, and dine at waterfront restaurants overlooking the bay.

Bonifacio High Street (Bonifacio Global City)

Distance from PICC: ~10 km (20–30 minutes by car)

A premier lifestyle destination in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, featuring world-class dining, specialty cafés, luxury and local retail brands, vibrant nightlife, and pedestrian-friendly open spaces with public art and cultural

events.

Makati Central Business District

Distance from PICC: ~7 km (15–25 minutes by car)

A dynamic urban destination known for its luxury shopping, Michelin Guide-recognized restaurants, rooftop bars, art and cultural attractions, vibrant nightlife, and the lush green spaces of Ayala Triangle Gardens, an iconic urban park at the heart of the city.

Culinary Experience

Binondo Food Crawl (World's Oldest Chinatown)

Distance from PICC:~8 km (20–30 minutes by car)

Discover Filipino-Chinese cuisine through a guided food walk featuring local favorites, traditional bakeries, and historic eateries.

Michelin Guide Dining

Distance from PICC:

Most Michelin-recognized restaurants are located in Makati, Bonifacio Global City, and Quezon City, approximately 8–15 km (20–45 minutes by car) from the congress venue.

Experience some of the Philippines' most celebrated dining destinations recognized by the Michelin Guide, showcasing the country's vibrant culinary heritage and contemporary gastronomy.

Notable Michelin Guide-recognized restaurants in Metro Manila:

  • Toyo Eatery – Modern Filipino cuisine inspired by local ingredients and traditions.


  • Gallery by Chele – Contemporary tasting menus showcasing Filipino flavors through innovative techniques.

  • Helm – Intimate fine-dining experience featuring seasonal tasting menus.

  • Hapag – Modern interpretations of beloved Filipino comfort food.

Explore more Michelin Guide restaurants

in the Philippines: https://guide.michelin.com/ph/en/selection/philippines/restaurants

Family-Friendly Attractions

Manila Ocean Park

Distance from PICC:~4 km (10–15 minutes by car)

A marine-themed attraction featuring thousands of aquatic species, interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and educational ocean experiences. Highlights include the Oceanarium, sea lion shows, penguin exhibits, and opportunities to learn about marine conservation.

Philippine Biodome

Distance from PICC:~4 km (10–15 minutes by car)

An immersive nature attraction showcasing the Philippines' diverse terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Visitors can explore tropical habitats, encounter native wildlife, and learn about biodiversity, environmental sustainability, and conservation efforts through interactive exhibits.

National Museum of the Philippines

Distance from PICC:~3 km (10–15 minutes by car)

The country's premier museum complex, showcasing the rich history, art, culture, and natural heritage of the Philippines. Visitors can explore world-class collections, including the iconic Spoliarium by Juan Luna, archaeological treasures, ethnographic exhibits, and natural history displays across several museum buildings.

Filipino Souvenirs & Local Crafts

Kultura (SM Mall of Asia)

Distance from PICC:~3 km (10–15 minutes by car)

A one-stop destination for authentic Filipino handicrafts, local delicacies, fashion, home décor, and uniquely Filipino souvenirs.

Likhang Filipino

Distance from PICC: ~2 km (5–10 minutes by car) or a short walk from the congress venue

A curated showcase of Filipino artistry and craftsmanship, featuring heritage-inspired products, contemporary designs, artisanal goods, and locally made creations that celebrate Philippine culture.

Extend Your Stay

For delegates planning to stay longer, popular destinations within and beyond Manila include:

Boracay

✈ ~1-hour flight from Manila

Consistently ranked among the world's best island destinations, famous for its powdery white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, breathtaking sunsets, water sports, and vibrant beachfront dining and nightlife.

Tagaytay

🚘 1.5–2 hours by car from Manila

One of the Philippines' most popular leisure destinations, celebrated for its cool climate, scenic ridges, local delicacies, and spectacular views of Taal Volcano, often regarded as the world's smallest active volcano, and Taal Lake.

Palawan

✈ ~1 hour 20 minutes flight from Manila to Puerto Princesa; ~1 hour 30 minutes flight from Manila to El Nido

Home to El Nido's spectacular limestone islands and Entalula Beach, named the World's Best Beach in 2026, as well as the UNESCO-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Bohol

~1 hour 20 minutes flight from Manila

A picturesque island destination known for the iconic Chocolate Hills, the Philippine tarsier, scenic Loboc River cruises, lush countryside landscapes, and the white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters of Panglao Island.

Cebu

✈ ~1 hour 30 minutes flight from Manila

A diverse island destination offering historic landmarks, island-hopping, world-class diving, the famous Moalboal Sardine Run, whale sharks in Oslob, and thrilling canyoneering adventures at Kawasan Falls.

All destinations are easily accessible from Manila, making them ideal pre- or post-congress getaways for APDW 2026 delegates. Attractions within Metro Manila can be conveniently reached by taxi or Grab, a widely used ride-hailing app in the Philippines.

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