Southeast Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, food scene, accommodations, cultural customs, safety tips, and transportation options of Southeast, Manila.


Introduction to Southeast

Southeast is a district located in the heart of Manila, the capital city of the Philippines. It is part of Metro Manila, one of the most populous regions in the country. Southeast is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse tourism offerings. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your trip to this exciting destination.

List of Places to Visit in Southeast

Southeast is full of interesting places to visit. Here are some of the top attractions that you should not miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Fort Santiago: This citadel was built in the late 16th century and served as a defensive fortress for Spanish colonialists. It is now a national park and museum that showcases Philippine history and culture.
  • National Museum of Fine Arts: This museum boasts a vast collection of artworks from pre-colonial to contemporary times.
  • Intramuros: This walled city is Manila’s most historic area, featuring landmarks, ancient walls, and cathedrals.

Natural Attractions of Southeast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Rizal Park: Also known as Luneta Park, this huge green space offers scenic views of Manila Bay, playgrounds, museums, and free cultural events.
  • Manila Ocean Park: This marine-themed park has a vast wealth of sea creatures from different parts of the world.
  • Makati Central Business District: This district serves as the economic hub of Metro Manila, offering shopping malls, skyscrapers, and nightlife attractions.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southeast

For fitness enthusiasts, Southeast has some excellent hiking and biking trails. These include:

  • La Mesa Eco Park: This protected area offers challenging biking and hiking trails that lead through forests, lakes, and hills.
  • Mount Balagbag: This mountain is popular among hikers and campers in the Manila area, and visitors can enjoy scenic views from its peak.

Best Things to Do in Southeast: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours you can participate in during your visit to Southeast. Here are some of the best options:

  • Food tours: Manila’s cuisine is a melting pot of various cultures and influences. Try local delicacies such as halo-halo, adobo, and pancit on a food tour.
  • River cruises: Take a cruise along Pasig River and see historic landmarks such as Intramuros, Fort Santiago, and the Malacañang Palace.
  • Shopping: Southeast has plenty of shopping options, such as the SM Mall of Asia, Robinsons Place Manila, and Greenbelt shopping center.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southeast

Here’s an excellent itinerary for a week-long trip to Southeast:

Day 1: Visit Fort Santiago, Rizal Park, and National Museum of Fine Arts Day 2: Go biking at La Mesa Eco Park and enjoy a river cruise Day 3: Explore Manila Ocean Park and have a food tour in Chinatown Day 4: Visit the Makati Central Business District and go shopping Day 5: Hike Mount Balagbag and have dinner at a local restaurant Day 6: Visit Intramuros and go on a night-time walking tour Day 7: Relax at your hotel or guesthouse and check-out

Food and Drink Scene of Southeast

Manila’s culinary scene is diverse and vibrant, thanks to its historical and cultural influences. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks in Southeast:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Halo-Halo: A refreshing dessert that consists of shaved ice, coconut, evaporated milk, sweet beans, fruits, and ube ice cream.
  • Adobo: A Filipino staple dish that features marinated meat cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic. Served with rice.
  • Kare-Kare: A stew made of oxtail, tripe, and vegetables in a peanut sauce served with rice.

Local Beverages

  • San Miguel Beer: The Philippines’ most popular beer, brewed by San Miguel Corporation since 1890.
  • Tanduay Rhum: A locally produced rum that comes in different flavors like coconut, mango, and lime.

Where to Stay in Southeast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southeast has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some top picks:

  • Luneta Hotel: This Art Deco hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, plus a restaurant and bar with live music performances.
  • Lub d Philippines Makati: A stylish hostel with affordable shared and private rooms, perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
  • ZEN Rooms Mabini Ermita: This budget-friendly guesthouse offers clean and cozy rooms, plus excellent amenities and services.

What to Buy in Southeast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When in Southeast, make sure to buy some souvenirs and local products for your loved ones back home. Here are some must-buy items:

  • T-shirts: Souvenir shirts with catchy Filipino phrases and designs are ubiquitous in Southeast.
  • Barong Tagalog: A traditional Filipino shirt made of lightweight material and embroidery.
  • Pearl Jewelry: The Philippines is known for producing high-quality pearls sold in various jewelry stores around Manila.

Local Culture and Customs of Southeast

The Philippines has a unique and fascinating culture that reflects the country’s rich history and influences from different lands. Visitors should be mindful of the following customs:

  • Respect elders: Filipinos uphold the value of respect for elders, and it’s customary to address seniors with the title “manong” or “manang.”
  • Remove your footwear: Entering a Filipino home or a religious place of worship requires you to remove your shoes.
  • Avoid confrontations: The Filipinos are a warm and hospitable race, avoiding confrontations is valued.

Best Time to Visit Southeast

The best time to visit Southeast is during the dry season, which is from November to April. This period offers sunny and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The wet season starts from May up to October and it is not recommended for delicate activities such as hiking or biking.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southeast

When visiting Southeast, here are some things you should do and avoid doing:

Do:

  • Always carry cash: Some establishments don’t accept credit cards or debit cards.
  • Learn some Filipino phrases: This will help you communicate better with the locals.
  • Be patient and courteous: Filipino culture is based on hospitality and respect, so make sure to treat people with kindness and understanding.

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious symbols or artifacts: Remove hats or caps when entering a Catholic church.
  • Littering: The Philippines has cities with high levels of pollution, and it’s important to be mindful of the environment.
  • Negotiate too aggressively: Haggling is a common practice in Filipino markets, but be sure to keep a friendly and respectful tone.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southeast

Like any other place in the world, safety is a concern in Southeast. Here are some tips for staying safe:

  • Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid walking alone at night, and steer clear of places with a high crime rate.
  • Secure your belongings: Keep your valuables locked up in a safe in your hotel or guesthouse.
  • Take proper precautions: Wear sunscreen, insect repellent, and appropriate clothing to avoid mosquito bites and sunburns.

Health in Southeast

Visitors are advised to take the following health precautions when traveling to Southeast:

  • Stay hydrated: Bring a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
  • Get vaccinated: Six weeks before your trip, make sure to get the recommended vaccines for the Philippines.
  • Be cautious of food and water: Avoid eating food or drinking water from unknown sources.

Getting to Southeast: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southeast

The nearest airport to Southeast is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). It is the country’s main gateway, serving both international and domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Southeast

Buses are an affordable transportation option for traveling around Manila and the rest of the Philippines. Some top bus terminals near Southeast include:

  • Starmall Alabang: This terminal serves buses going to and from the south. It located in Muntinlupa City, about 20 kilometers away from Southeast.
  • Victory Liner Kamias: This terminal serves buses traveling to and from the north of Metro Manila. It located in Quezon City, about 16 kilometers away from Southeast.

Other Options

Other transportation options for getting around Manila and Southeast include taxis, Grab rideshare service, and jeepneys, with the latter being the most popular mode of public transportation in the Philippines.

How to Get Around in Southeast

Walking is the best way to explore Southeast because most of the attractions are within walking distance. However, for longer journeys, you can use public transportation such as jeepneys, buses, or trains. Taxis and Grab are also available for a hassle-free trip.

Where to Go Next from Southeast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Southeast serves as an excellent base for exploring other areas of the Philippines. Here are some destinations that you can visit nearby:

  • Tagaytay: Known for its scenic views of Taal Volcano and Tagaytay Ridge.
  • Batangas: A popular beach destination famous for its powdery white sand and clear blue waters.
  • Pampanga: A province that is known for its culinary delights, such as sisig.

Conclusion

Southeast is a gem in the city of Manila, offering a mix of culture, history, and adventure that is unique to the Philippines. With the guide above as your reference, you’re sure to have an enjoyable and memorable trip to Southeast.