How to Get Around Manila

You’ve never been to Manila — which makes tonight’s flight all the more exciting.

You’re all packed. Credit cards? Check. Cash strategically stashed around your ensemble? Check. A trusty pair of New Balances? Double Check.

You’ve even got Google Maps on your phone, so you’re good to go, right?

Almost.

The Philippines is one of the most highly populated countries in the world, ranking number 13 on the list. It is home to hospitable Filipinos, complex cultures, and well-preserved traditions. If you’re undecided on what to write next on your bucket list, then traveling to Manila should be your answer.

If you’re ready to hop on the next flight to Manila, know how to get around as a tourist by reading the following:

Know Your Manila

Did you know that Manila can refer to two different places?

First is the city of Manila, which is the capital city of the Philippines. Sixteen administrative districts compromise the city, which you will definitely love going to. Then the greater Metro Manila that is generally regarded as Manila. The latter is also called the National Capital Region (NCR) and is made up of large urban cities.

But no matter what part of Manila you’re trying to visit, it’s important to enhance your sense of direction to help you get around, instead of just going to places where you think is right.

Transportation

You almost get to be in two of the must-visit places the moment you arrive at the airport. Called the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you can find its Terminal 1 in the city of Parañaque, and the Terminals 2, 3, and 4 are in Pasay City.

If you’re used to taking the subway from the airport to the city, well, you might try to change that. You can get to the city from the airport by taking a taxi, private transport if you have one, or riding the bus.

• Taxi

Taxis and cabs are common in Manila, so it’s your best option. When you’re at the airport, you can see taxi stands wherever you look. You won’t be having a problem getting one yourself.

However, look out for how much the drivers charge you. See to it that you’re riding one with a meter on that would determine the price you have to pay when you reach the destination. They can provide a receipt, so you can ask for one if you prefer.

But with bad traffic congestion in Manila, you’ll most likely have to pay more for a ride. Try negotiating with a taxi driver for the price instead of paying how much the meter reflects. This way, it’ll help you save a few more bills.

• Private Transport/Car Rental

Some people hate hailing for a ride under the scorching heat of the sun. For those of you who do, you can always opt to book a private transport or car rental. Mobile applications that help you book a ride online are popular in the Philippines.

These are the applications you can use:

• GrabTaxi

Offers a regular metered taxi with a flag down rate.

• GrabShare

Ideal for tourists who find carpooling with other tourists fine as well.

• GrabCar

This is a private ride that’s exclusive to you and your companions if you have one.

So before visiting Manila, make time to secure these applications on your phone.

• Philippine Jeepney

The Jeepney is an iconic Philippine symbol that represents both the country and its culture. It’s the most famous ride and one that Filipinos love. No matter where you are in the country, a jeepney will always be around.

Before you get on one, know the route you have to take to reach your stop. Destinations and other significant stops are written at the front of the jeepney, so you won’t have a problem seeing them.

The fare is cheap, the vehicle is open-aired, and the view is exciting, especially for those who’ve experienced it for the first time.

Be obedient in following the designated loading and unloading points of the jeepney so that you won’t be called upon for such violation.

• Bus

If you feel like taking a brief tour of what the city looks like, ride the bus. It gives you the opportunity to see the streets of Metro Manila cities and glance at some of the tourist spots you can visit later on.

Since you’ll be riding with Filipino citizens who are commuting their way to their destinations, feel free to ask them questions you might have as you go along. They’re hospitable and will try to help you out with what they know.

Smile and be friendly. This way, you won’t come off as uptight, and Filipinos will like to help you more.

• Rail Transit

Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Manila Metro Transit (MRT) are some of the types of public transportation in Manila. It’s widely used by locals daily and is highly accessible since it runs across major roads and highways in the province and caters to destinations both north and south.

Often, a large number of commuters take the rail transit on weekdays around:

• 7:00 AM until 9:00 AM
• 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM

But if you travel during the off-peak schedule, you won’t have to worry about squeezing your way through a crowd of passengers. Aside from motorcycle rides, it’s the quickest mode of transportation you can take to go somewhere.

Everything You’ll Love About Manila

Work can wait. Deadlines won’t change. It’s your life, so make your own time. It may not be gold for you, but it is always precious.

You can’t make up for the lost time you let go by drowning yourself in hectic activities. But you can travel and make all of those go away.

Reward yourself by traveling to Manila. Experience what you only see in pictures, eat what you see on televisions, and visit what you only see in your dreams.

When you’re in Manila, make sure not to miss these places:

1. National Museum of Natural History & the National Museum Complex

2. Bonifacio Global City (Taguig)

3. Newport City (Pasay)

4. Resorts World Manila (Pasay)

5. SM Mall of Asia (Metro Manila)

6. Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Bataan)

7. Manila Bay Entertainment City (Parañaque)

8. Okada Manila (formerly Manila Bay Resorts)

9. Enchanted Kingdom (Laguna)

10. Hundred Islands (Pangasinan)

Book a flight and visit Manila for your next trip.