The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial lies on McKinley Road in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, on the grounds of the former Fort William McKinley, and it is one of the most moving places in Metro Manila. It is the largest cemetery for American war dead of the Second World War outside the United States, with more than seventeen thousand graves arranged in sweeping arcs of white crosses and Stars of David on a rolling green lawn, and with the names of over thirty-six thousand missing service members inscribed on the limestone walls of the memorial. Many of those honoured here served with the Philippine forces in the defence of Bataan and Corregidor, in the long captivity that followed and in the liberation of the islands in 1944 and 1945. The setting is calm, shaded by tropical trees and kept to an exacting standard by the American Battle Monuments Commission, and the scale of the place makes the human cost of the Pacific war hard to ignore.
Opening hours and entry
The cemetery is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00, and admission to the cemetery and the visitor centre closes fifteen minutes before closing. It is closed only on 25 December and 1 January. Entry is free and there is no advance booking. Bring a valid photo ID, because it is required at the entrance. A flag-lowering ceremony takes place about fifteen minutes before closing, which is a lovely moment to be there.
What to see
Start at the visitor centre, which is staffed during opening hours and offers complimentary guided tours, information and help for relatives locating a grave. The chapel stands at the head of the grounds and overlooks the graves, and the memorial walls on either side carry the Tablets of the Missing and large mosaic maps that trace the campaigns of the Pacific. A searchable burial database helps families and researchers find individual names. Allow time to walk the long avenues slowly and read the inscriptions.
Making the most of it
This is a place of remembrance, so dress modestly, keep your voice low and follow the signs on the grounds, including the low speed limit for vehicles. It is shaded in places, but the lawns are open to the sun, so bring water and a hat in the hotter months. The cemetery is next to Bonifacio Global City, a short Grab ride from Makati, and it pairs naturally with a morning in the nearby high-rise district.
For a fuller picture of the war, combine it with a Corregidor day trip and Fort Santiago in Intramuros, where many prisoners were held. Most visitors spend about an hour, and longer if they take the guided tour or are searching for a name.
Who it suits
History lovers, families tracing a relative who served, and travellers who want a calm, green and uncrowded stop away from the traffic. It is also a good rainy-season option on a dry morning, because the avenues are wide and easy to walk. There is no café inside the grounds, so eat beforehand in nearby Bonifacio Global City, where restaurants and coffee shops are plentiful, and plan your return ride before you enter, since taxis can be slow to arrive at closing time.
What to expect
The experience
A free, self-guided visit to a landscaped war cemetery with a chapel, memorial walls, mosaic maps and a staffed visitor centre.
Best time
Morning, when it is cooler, or late afternoon in time for the flag-lowering ceremony shortly before closing.
How long
About an hour, or longer with the guided tour or a search for a specific name.
Tips
Bring a valid photo ID, dress modestly, keep your voice low and carry water and a hat, as the lawns are open to the sun.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History lovers, families of those who served and anyone who wants a quiet, reflective counterpoint to the busy city.
- Families
- Suitable for older children who can be calm and respectful, with space to walk, though it is a solemn place rather than a playground.
- Couples
- A peaceful, shaded walk and a meaningful stop, especially around the end-of-day flag ceremony.
- Pair with
- A Corregidor day trip on another day, or lunch and shopping in nearby Bonifacio Global City.
- Time needed
- About an hour, or ninety minutes with a guided tour.
Good questions
What are the opening hours of the Manila American Cemetery?+
It is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, with admission closing fifteen minutes earlier. It is closed only on 25 December and 1 January, and it stays open on local holidays.
Is there an entrance fee?+
No, entry is free and you do not need to book. You do need a valid photo ID to enter.
Where is the Manila American Cemetery?+
It is on McKinley Road in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on the grounds of the former Fort William McKinley. It is a short ride from Makati by Grab or taxi.
Are guided tours available?+
Yes, the visitor centre offers complimentary guided tours and help for relatives looking for a grave. Ask at the centre during opening hours.
How long should I spend at the cemetery?+
Most visitors spend about an hour walking the grounds, the chapel and the memorial walls. Allow longer for a guided tour or to search for a name.
