Pateros Travel Guide

Explore Pateros, Philippines with our comprehensive tour guide. From natural attractions to cultural landmarks, food, and lodging options, we have everything covered in this travel guide!


Introduction to Pateros

Pateros is a small municipality located in the southern part of Metro Manila. Dubbed as the “Balut Capital of the Philippines,” this charming town is famous for its century-old tradition of making balut, a popular Filipino delicacy made from duck embryo boiled in its shell.

Apart from its gastronomic appeal, Pateros offers a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture. It’s also home to scenic parks, natural attractions, and outdoor adventures to satiate any traveler’s wanderlust.

In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a tour of Pateros and explore the best places to visit, things to do, food to eat, and share some tips to make your trip more enjoyable.

List of Places to Visit in Pateros

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re a history or culture buff, Pateros has a lot to offer. Here are some of the must-visit museums and landmarks:

  • Pateros Catholic Church - Located in the heart of Pateros, this historic 17th-century church is a beautiful example of baroque architecture and home to some of the region’s religious artifacts.

  • Apolinario Mabini Historical Marker - This marker commemorates the life and achievements of Apolinario Mabini, one of the country’s revolutionary heroes and the very first Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the Philippine Republic.

  • Balut Making Factory - While there is no formal museum, visitors can witness the traditional balut-making process up close and personal. Get a hands-on experience and see how the locals make the famous Filipino delicacy.

Natural Attractions of Pateros: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you’re an outdoorsy person, Pateros has plenty of natural attractions worth checking out. Here are a few:

  • Paso de Blas Watershed - A vast expanse of lush forests and freshwater streams located within the borders of Pateros. Aside from being a vital source of potable water for its neighboring towns, it also provides a sanctuary for local flora and fauna, offering scenic trekking routes for nature lovers.

  • Napindan Channel - A peaceful winding river that divides the towns of Pateros and Taguig. Aside from being a prime spot for fishing activities, the channel is also home to several bird species, making it a must-visit for birdwatchers and photographers.

  • Rosario Resort and Recreational Center - Located along Ortigas Avenue, this 4-hectare scenic park houses well-manicured gardens, fountains, and a freshwater pond, making it an ideal place for family picnics and outdoor sports activities. For those who love to bike, it also offers an excellent biking trail.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pateros

Pateros offers an excellent opportunity for hikers and bikers alike to explore its natural trails. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Pateros to Laguna Lake - This 16-kilometer route starts at Pateros and ends at the eastern shore of Laguna Lake. Along the way, hikers and bikers can enjoy scenic views of mountain ranges, rice paddies, and small villages.

  • Napindan to Bicutan - This 14-kilometer route features a combination of roads and trails that takes hikers and bikers through forests, hills, and scenic viewpoints.

  • Paso de Blas Loop - This 10-kilometer loop offers hikers and bikers access to the Paso de Blas Watershed, perfect for an outdoor adventure surrounded by nature and scenic landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Pateros: Activities and Tours

Aside from hiking and biking, Pateros has a lot more to offer for travelers seeking unique experiences and adventures. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Balut Eating Challenge - One of the most popular things to do in Pateros is to test your eating skills with a balut-eating challenge. Try to beat the locals and finish eating ten baluts in under an hour!

  • Kalesa Ride - Take a horse-drawn carriage ride around the town plaza for a unique cultural experience.

  • Jogging and Stretching Exercise - Every morning, the local government hosts a stretching and jogging exercise routine at the town plaza. Join in on the fun and meet the locals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pateros

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Pateros, Manila, here’s a sample itinerary to help you get the most out of your stay:

  • Day 1 (Arrival): Check-in to your hotel or hostel, and start your trip with a visit to the Pateros Catholic Church and the Apolinario Mabini Historical Marker.

  • Day 2: Spend a day exploring natural attractions such as the Napindan Channel and the Rosario Resort and Recreational Center.

  • Day 3: Go hiking or biking in the beautiful Paso de Blas Watershed.

  • Day 4: Take a balut-making factory tour, participate in a balut-eating challenge, and attend the morning stretching and jogging exercise routine at the town plaza.

  • Day 5: Rent a Kalesa and explore the surrounding villages of Pateros.

  • Day 6: Visit nearby towns, such as Taguig, and explore their cultural landmarks.

  • Day 7 (Departure): Check-out of your hotel or hostel and return home, completing your week-long adventure in Pateros.

Food and Drink Scene of Pateros

Pateros is famous for its balut, but the food scene here offers much more variety. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Adobo Patani - a local version of the popular Filipino chicken adobo, but instead of using chicken, they use string beans and pork belly stewed in soy sauce and vinegar.

  • Korean Barbecue - a surprising food scene in Pateros because of the large Korean community. There are several spots that serve delicious Korean Barbecue.

  • Pancit Pateros - a noodle dish that you can find all over Pateros. It’s made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, and meat served with Calamansi, a local citrus fruit.

Local Beverages

  • Pineapple Juice - a refreshing non-alcoholic drink that can be found throughout the town.

  • Lambanog - a local Philippine liquor made from coconut sap and served straight up or mixed into a fruity cocktail. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re a fan of strong drinks, lambanog is worth a try.

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

As a small town located within Metro Manila, there are limited accommodation options in Pateros itself. Here are some of the best places to stay nearby:

  • Astrotel - This cozy budget hotel is located in Pasay, only a 15-minute drive from Pateros.

  • RedDoorz - A hotel chain that offers budget-friendly rooms nearby Pateros, perfect for travelers on a tight budget.

  • Hilton Manila - If you’re looking for a more luxurious place to stay, Hilton Manila is only a 20-25 minute drive from Pateros and offers first-class amenities and facilities.

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

Pateros is known for its balut, which can make for a unique souvenir to bring home. However, if you’re looking for more options, here are a few:

  • Woven Products - Look for locally-made woven bags, hats, and mats made from pandan leaves and other indigenous materials. These make for excellent souvenirs and are also environmentally friendly.

  • Pastillas de Leche - A sweet and creamy milk candy made locally in the region, it’s a delicious treat that you can find in most souvenir shops in Pateros.

Local Culture and Customs of Pateros

The people of Pateros are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness to outsiders. As a small town with a strong sense of community, they value their traditions and customs. When visiting, it’s essential to show respect for their culture and way of life by dressing modestly and avoiding behaviors that could be seen as disrespectful.

Best Time to Visit Pateros

The best time to visit Pateros is during its fiesta, which is held every 3rd week of January. During this time, the town comes alive with parades, street dancing, and other festive activities that showcase Pateros’s cultural heritage. The weather is also ideal around this time, with temperatures ranging from 24-33°C.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pateros

When visiting Pateros, it’s important to observe the following:

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Try the balut and other local delicacies.

  • Take part in the morning stretching and jogging exercise routine at the town plaza.

Don’t:

  • Engage in behavior that could be seen as disrespectful to the locals.

  • Wear revealing clothes when visiting religious or cultural landmarks.

  • Litter and pollute the natural attractions of the town.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pateros:

Pateros is generally a safe place to visit as long as you take the right precautions. Here are a few tips:

  • Avoid walking alone in the dark or unfamiliar areas.

  • Keep an eye on your belongings such as your wallet and mobile phone when in public places.

  • Be cautious when taking public transport, and only use registered taxis.

Health in Pateros:

It’s recommended that visitors to Pateros get the necessary vaccinations such as Hepatitis A and B and typhoid before traveling. When exploring the town’s natural attractions, be sure to protect yourself against mosquito bites by using insect repellent or by wearing long sleeves and pants.

Getting to Pateros: Transportation Options and Logistics

Pateros is located south of Metro Manila and can be easily accessible through various transportation options such as:

  • Air: The closest airport to Pateros is the Ninoy Aquino International Airport which is approximately 9.5 km away.

  • Bus: Various bus companies operate routes from Manila to Pateros.

  • Jeepney: Jeepneys are a popular mode of public transportation in the Philippines and can take you to Pateros from certain parts of Metro Manila.

How to Get Around in Pateros

While exploring Pateros, the best way to get around is through:

  • Jeepney: Public jeepneys are cheap transportation options for short distances within the town and nearby areas.

  • Tricycle: Tricycles, or motorbikes with sidecars, are perfect for exploring the town’s narrow streets and can be rented for a few hours or an entire day.

Where to Go Next from Pateros: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are numerous nearby destinations and excursions that you can visit after exploring Pateros, such as:

  • Taguig - a nearby city that boasts of scenic parks like the Bonifacio Global City, the emerging business district in Metro Manila, or the Vista Mall Taguig.

  • Muntinlupa - located south of Metro Manila, offers a haven of nature and a glimpse of rural life. Don’t miss out on visiting the scenic La Mesa Eco Park.

  • Pasig - a city located east of Pateros, boasts of the famous Pasig River which can be explored either through boat rides or by biking along its banks.

Conclusion

Pateros might be a small town, but it offers a unique and unforgettable experience for any traveler whether they’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural landmarks, or trying out local delicacies. It’s a perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, appreciate nature, and learn about the traditional ways of making balut. So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and visit Pateros for an adventure of a lifetime!