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Manila

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Manila

For unsuspecting travelers, Manila's delightful extreme might just be the reason why it's one of Asia’s best-kept secret. Once known as "The Pearl of the Orient", the capital of the only Catholic country in Asia indeed seems out of place. Spanish religion and American consumerism intensely influenced Manila's history, leading to a saying that the city has spent “400 years in a convent and 50 in Hollywood”. In this Asia metropolitan, experience a city vibrant with Latin American or Caribbean undertones: music and dancing are everywhere, with smiles and laughter that rival Bangkok’s in their warmth and enthusiasm.

Get to Know Manila

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Manila

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Manila

A guide to Manila's local transportation

Jeepney

Bus

Taxi

LRT and MRT

Tricycle

Jeepney is a unique type of bus native to the Philippines. With their loud colors and lively decorations that speak of local art, they are the main transportation method among the people of the Philippines. As the cheapest way to travel, you can save a lot of money traveling with jeepneys. Fares for Jeepneys start from just about PHP 8. Say “para” or “para po” to inform the driver that you’re about to go down the jeepney.

Practical Tips for Manila

Things to prepare and best way to visit

What is the phone number for the Embassy of Indonesia in Manila?

The number for the Embassy of The Republic of Indonesia in Manila is +63 2 8892 5061-68

What to do if I lost my passport?

You should report passport loss at the nearest police station to where you lost it. Make an appointment with your embassy or consulate to apply for a Travel Document in Lieu of a Passport (SPLP). You will need to prepare your ID card, family card, birth certificate/diploma/marriage book, a certificate of loss of passport from the local police, and a passport photo. A photocopy of your previous passport can also be helpful.

How to stay safe and comfortable during my trip?

Beware of scams including rental shops claiming you cause pre-existing damage to the rental bike or jetski, taxis not using the meter and trying to overcharge you, and money exchange shops giving you less amount of money than you agreed. Other scams include card skimmers on the ATM machine, and hacking information through public Wi-fi.

What phrases should I learn?

As you might be making use of the public jeepneys in your trip, remembering “para” or “para po” which informs the driver that you’re about to go down the jeepney, can be useful. "Salamat" means thank you. "Oo" means yes. "Hindi" means no. "Magkano?" means how much?

Is it necessary to tip?

No. You don't need to tip in the Philippines. However, you can give tips when you recieve good service as a token of gratitude, and it will go a long way for service workers.