The Coconut Palace is a palace in Manila, Philippines, built by former First Lady Imelda Marcos for Pope John Paul II's visit. However, he refused the offer, saying that it was an ostentatious option.
The Coconut Palace is made of almost 70% of coconut lumber. The palace is located somewhere in the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex near the Edwardo Makabenta Street in the capital city of Manila. The Palace has a bronze gate which is shaped in the traditional royal gate style. The front of the palace is lined with coconut trees. Inside the house are seven flamboyant suites, each used to represent a region of the Philippines. At the back of the palace is a beautiful coconut plantation. The palace is shaped like the traditional Filipino salakot or hat.
The Coconut Palace has been a guesthouse for many guests, including the President of Libya, Brooke Shields and George Hamilton. Now, it is a museum, with a butterfly garden and an orchidarium.
Reality series The Amazing Race went to Manila February 2004. They stopped by the Coconut Palace with the local greeter, Luli Arroyo , the daughter of Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
