Visiting Intramuros soon? This rental lets you experience the historic site in traditional Filipino attire
More than its storied past, Intramuros charms with its quiet, old-world allure. If you’ve done the usual rounds and want to elevate the experience, consider strolling the Walled City in traditional Filipiniana attire.
Recently launched at Fort Santiago, Traje de Intramuros is a rental store that offers visitors the chance to literally wear heritage while exploring. Conceptualized by Archie Dema-ala, the project aims to bring Filipino culture closer through immersive, wearable experiences.
“Traje de Intramuros was inspired by the vision of bringing Filipino heritage closer to everyday experiences. Much like how travelers can wear traditional attire such as Thailand’s Chat Thai in temples, South Korea’s Hanbok in palaces, or Japan’s Kimono in heritage districts, we envisioned a similar cultural immersion in Intramuros—where guests don’t just visit history, but become part of it,” he told PhilSTAR L!fe, adding that the program aims to revive interest in traditional Filipino attire by making it more accessible and engaging for both locals and tourists.
Dema-ala emphasized that the team works closely with Intramuros Administration, adhering to local guidelines and heritage preservation standards to ensure responsible visitor management.
This experience offers introductory packages designed for both local and international guests, featuring Binibini (Ladies) for P799 and Ginoo (Gentlemen) at P499. For foreign guests, rates are $25 (~P1,500) for ladies and $15 (~P900).
Each package includes complete traditional attire such as the Traje de Mestiza or Barong ensemble, along with personal dressing assistance and guided access to selected heritage spaces. Guests can also enjoy a two-hour cultural and photo experience within Fort Santiago and nearby areas in Intramuros.
They recommend wearing your own trousers and leather or plain footwear for Ginoo (Men) for comfort and a better fit, while Binibini (Ladies) may opt for sapatilya or other suitable footwear to complement the attire. There is also a locker available for your belongings during your experience.
To make the most of the experience, optional add-ons are available, including accessories, extended hours, and professional services such as hair and makeup styling and photoshoots, available by appointment.
Rentals are available for both walk-in and online reservations.
Dema-ala said that while they understand the need for affordability, he assures that the rental service is more than just the ensembles.
"What guests are paying for goes beyond the attire—it’s a curated cultural experience," he told L!fe, highlighting its inclusions. "...it involves careful and proper maintenance, sanitation, and coordination within a protected heritage site, which adds to the overall quality of the experience," he added.
"Traje de Intramuros is positioned not just as a rental service, but as a meaningful way to reconnect with Filipino identity, making heritage something you can wear, experience, and remember," he underscored. "Ayaw din naman namin mag-showcase lang ng mukhang costumes."
They also offer a 20% discount for students, PWDs, and senior citizens, provided they present a valid ID.
When taking photos, Dema-ala said guests are free to take casual, personal photos in designated public areas around Intramuros—especially within Fort Santiago—as long as they adhere to existing site guidelines.
For more elaborate shoots, however, additional arrangements may be needed. He added that professional photography, commercial use, or larger productions typically require permits from the appropriate Intramuros authorities, so guests are encouraged to coordinate in advance to ensure everything is in order.
On its website, the Intramuros Administration stated that the base fee costs P6,000 for non-commercial shoots, good for up to 10 persons for four hours of continuous shooting. Additional fees will apply for additional participants, with P50 for students/teachers/PWD/senior citizens and P75 for adults, as well as an overtime fee of P1,500 per succeeding hour.
Meanwhile, rates for commercial shoots range from P12,000 to P36,000 per hour, depending on the type of shoot, such as photography or film production. Reservations must be made online, and a refundable cash bond of P20,000 is required.
Other places that offer traditional attire rentals
If you love wearing heritage attire, there are other destinations beyond Intramuros where you can enjoy the same rental experience. You can dress the part at Casa Recuerdo de Taal and Villa Tortuga in Taal, Batangas, or at Villa Angela Heritage House in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.
Traje de Intramuros is located at La Events Cafe, Fort Santiago, Intramuros, Manila. It is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
