Metro Manila Travel Guide (Luzon/Philippines/Southeast Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Metro Manila
List of Places to Visit in Metro Manila
- Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Natural Attractions of Metro Manila: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Hiking/Biking Routes of Metro Manila
Best Things to Do in Metro Manila: Activities and Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Metro Manila
Food and Drink Scene of Metro Manila
- Must-Try Dishes
- Local Beverages
Where to Stay in Metro Manila: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
What to Buy in Metro Manila: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Local Culture and Customs of Metro Manila
Best Time to Visit Metro Manila
Do’s and Don’ts of Metro Manila
- Do:
- Don’t:
Safety and Health
- Safety in Metro Manila
- Health in Metro Manila
Getting to Metro Manila: Transportation Options and Logistics
How to Get Around in Metro Manila
Where to Go Next from Metro Manila: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Conclusion

Introduction to Metro Manila

Metro Manila, often simply called Manila, is the capital and largest city in the Philippines. It is located on the east coast of Luzon, the largest island in the country, and is a bustling metropolis with over 12 million inhabitants. Metro Manila is a unique blend of Spanish colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers, with diverse neighborhoods and a rich cultural heritage.

List of Places to Visit in Metro Manila

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Intramuros - Walk through the walled city of Intramuros and discover its historic buildings, churches, and landmarks.
Rizal Park - Pay homage to the Philippines’ national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, at this green space located in the heart of Manila.
National Museum of the Philippines - Explore the country’s arts, culture, and history through a vast collection of exhibits and artifacts.
Ayala Museum - Learn about the Philippine’s rich history and culture through various exhibits showcasing indigenous art, textiles, and jewelry.

Natural Attractions of Metro Manila: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Mount Pinatubo - Enjoy a trek to the summit of this active volcano in Tarlac province and take a dip in its turquoise-blue crater lake.
Corregidor Island - Learn about the role of Corregidor Island in World War II and witness its numerous artillery batteries and fortifications.
Manila Baywalk - Take a stroll or bike along the Manila Baywalk to see the beautiful sunset views over the water.
La Mesa Eco Park - Nature and adventure enthusiasts will surely love this park’s ziplines, wall climbing, and bike trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Metro Manila

Marikina River Park - Enjoy a leisurely bike ride and picnic at this park that follows the Marikina River.
Mount Balagbag - This mountain located on the boundary of San Jose Del Monte City and Rodriguez, Rizal, provides a stunning view of the city.
Masungi Georeserve - Take a hike amidst the limestone formations and lush flora of this nature reserve.

Best Things to Do in Metro Manila: Activities and Tours

Binondo Food Walk - Indulge in a gastronomic adventure in the oldest Chinatown in the world.
Manila Bay Sunset Cruise - Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise along Manila Bay while enjoying dinner and watching a cultural show.
San Agustin Church Tour - An impressive baroque church that dates back to the Spanish colonial period.
Manila Ocean Park - Visit the world-class oceanarium, aquarium, and other sea attractions located in the heart of Manila.

Week-Long Itinerary for Metro Manila

| Day | Activities | | — | — | | Day 1 | Explore Intramuros | | Day 2 | Visit Rizal Park, National Museum of the Philippines | | Day 3 | Trek to Mount Pinatubo | | Day 4 | Enjoy nature at La Mesa Eco Park | | Day 5 | Shopping and food trip at Bonifacio Global City | | Day 6 | Experience the nightlife at Poblacion, Makati | | Day 7 | Enjoy the amenities and attractions of Manila Ocean Park |

Food and Drink Scene of Metro Manila

Must-Try Dishes

Adobo - The Philippine’s national dish is a classic blend of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and black pepper.
Lechon - Roasted whole pig that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Sisig - A sizzling pork dish made with boiled and grilled pig head.
Sinigang - A sour tamarind soup with pork or seafood.

Local Beverages

San Miguel Beer - The famous Philippine beer that has a strong malt flavor and is available in various strengths.
Taho - A popular morning snack made up of silken tofu and sweet caramelized brown sugar syrup.
Sago’t Gulaman - A sweet drink that features tapioca pearls and powdered sugar.

Where to Stay in Metro Manila: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Makati - The city’s business district offers luxury hotels and high-end accommodations.
Ermita/Malate - A district near the bay that caters more to budget travelers and backpackers.
Manila Bay/Roxas Boulevard - A venue for upscale hotel chains that offer picturesque views of Manila Bay.

What to Buy in Metro Manila: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Barong Tagalog - A Philippine’s national dress that is lightweight and made of delicate fabrics.
T’nalak fabric, Mindanao baskets, and other indigenous masterpieces - The city is home to various unique handcrafted indigenous products from different provinces.
Dried Mangoes - A Filipino delicacy that offers a sweet and tangy taste.

Local Culture and Customs of Metro Manila

The importance of Filipino hospitality - Filipinos are renowned for their friendly and welcoming nature, and visitors to Metro Manila will experience this hospitality firsthand.
Respect for elders - Elderly people are given special attention and respect in Filipino culture.
Festivals - Metro Manila is home to various festivals celebrating different occasions like music, art, and religion.

Best Time to Visit Metro Manila

The best time to visit Manila is from November to April. During this period, the city enjoys the most pleasant weather with lower humidity and less rainfall.

Do’s and Don’ts of Metro Manila

Do:

Respect the culture and customs of the Filipinos - Dress appropriately and be mindful of local practices and traditions.
Enjoy the food - Manila is a haven for food enthusiasts, so try out as many dishes as you can.
Be aware of your surroundings - While Manila is generally safe, travelers should always be aware of their surroundings and avoid areas that are known to be unsafe.

Don’t:

Don’t display signs of wealth or carry large sums of money - This may attract unwarranted attention and increase the risk of theft and other crimes.
Don’t be rude - Be polite and courteous to locals, and avoid speaking loudly or causing a disturbance in public places.
Don’t forget to carry proper identification - Keep a valid ID with you at all times, as this is especially important for transactions with businesses and authorities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Metro Manila

While Manila is a generally safe destination, travelers should exercise caution and take the following measures to ensure their safety:

Use licensed taxis - Avoid unmarked or unregistered taxis as these may be involved in scams or unsafe practices.
Stay in well-lit areas - Especially at night, it is best to stick to well-lit areas and avoid dimly lit alleys or backstreets. Always stay alert to your surroundings.
Avoid carrying large sums of money - Keep valuables out of sight and do not carry large amounts of money on your person.
Be mindful of pickpockets and theft - Keep your belongings close and never leave them unattended.

Health in Metro Manila

While health facilities in Metro Manila are generally good, it is advisable to take the following precautions:

Get vaccinated - Make sure that all your vaccinations are up to date before traveling to Manila. Consider getting a hepatitis A and B shot, as well as a typhoid vaccine.
Drink bottled water - Tap water in the Philippines may not be safe for consumption, so it is best to stick to bottled water.
Protect yourself from mosquito bites - The Philippines is a country with a high incidence of Dengue fever and malaria, so make sure to use insect repellant and wear protective clothing.

Getting to Metro Manila: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Metro Manila

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) - The main international airport of the Philippines is located in Pasay City, near Metro Manila’s bustling business district.

Bus Stations Near Metro Manila

Cubao - A major bus terminal located in the Quezon City area.
Pasay City - Another significant bus station, respectively.

Other Options

Taxis - Taxis are readily available across Manila, and rates are relatively affordable.
Jeepneys - These iconic vehicles are a popular means of transportation across Manila and are recognizable for their colorful and vibrant designs.

How to Get Around in Metro Manila

Jeepney and Tricycle - These are the most popular forms of public transportation in Manila as they are easily available and very affordable.
Taxis - Taxis are a convenient option for getting around the city. Always use licensed taxis to avoid any problems.
MRT-3/LRT-1/LRT-2 - These trains provide fast and efficient transportation across Manila.

Where to Go Next from Metro Manila: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Tagaytay - A popular weekend destination known for its scenic views of Taal Volcano and its cool climate.
Boracay Island - A famous beach destination with pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant nightlife.
Sagada - A picturesque mountain town located in the Cordillera Mountains with stunning natural views and an enlightening cultural heritage.

Conclusion

Metro Manila is a destination packed with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and thrilling activities. From outdoor adventures to historical landmarks, Metro Manila is an excellent destination for travelers who want to experience a mix of traditional and modern cultures. This comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to know to have an unforgettable time in this popular Philippine tourist destination.