Quezon City
Usage
The largest city in Metro Manila. Home to government offices, universities and TV networks; it was the national capital from 1948 to 1976
Makati
Usage
The financial center of the Philippines. Skyscrapers, upscale hotels and embassies; a common base for foreign visitors
Bonifacio Global City
Bonifacio Global City (BGC)
Usage
A newer business district in Taguig built on a former army base. Laid out on a grid and universally called "BGC"
Taguig
Usage
City in the southeastern part of Metro Manila, containing BGC and the Manila American Cemetery
Pasay
Usage
City on Manila Bay holding most of Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Bay Area entertainment complexes
Ortigas Center
Usage
Business district centered on Pasig City. The second-largest office district after Makati, served by MRT Line 3
Mandaluyong
Usage
City between Makati and Ortigas, known for the cluster of shopping malls along EDSA
Parañaque
Usage
City in southern Metro Manila with airport Terminals 1 and 2 and the PITX intercity bus terminal
Caloocan
Usage
City in northern Metro Manila, site of LRT-1 Monumento station and the Bonifacio Monument
Alabang
Usage
Commercial center of Muntinlupa at the southern edge of Metro Manila, a main exit off the SLEX expressway
Cubao
Usage
Transport hub in Quezon City where MRT-3 and LRT-2 meet; provincial long-distance bus terminals cluster here
Malate
Usage
District in southern Manila with mid-range hotels, bars and restaurants; a long-standing traveler base
Ermita
Usage
Manila district next to Rizal Park and the National Museum, with many embassies and language schools
Binondo
Binondo (Manila Chinatown)
Usage
Founded in 1594 and considered the world's oldest Chinatown. Lined with Hokkien eateries and gold shops
Quiapo
Usage
Bustling old district of central Manila, known for Quiapo Church (Black Nazarene) and its street markets
Divisoria
Usage
Wholesale market district in Manila offering the cheapest clothing and goods; very crowded, watch for pickpockets
Baguio
Usage
Highland city at 1,500 m in northern Luzon. Called the "summer capital" for its cool climate; 5–7 hours by bus from Manila
Tagaytay
Usage
Ridge town in Cavite overlooking Taal Lake and its volcano. About 2 hours from Manila by car
Batangas City
Usage
Port city in southern Luzon and the ferry gateway to Mindoro island (Puerto Galera)
Angeles City
Usage
City in Pampanga next to Clark International Airport. A former US air base town with many hotels and nightlife
Clark Freeport Zone
Usage
Economic zone in Pampanga on the former Clark US air base, with an international airport, golf courses and casinos
Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Usage
Former US naval base in Zambales, now a diving and watersports base. About 3 hours from Manila by car
La Union
Usage
Province in northwestern Luzon. The beach at San Juan is the country's best-known surf spot; about 6 hours by bus from Manila
Sagada
Usage
Mountain village in Mountain Province, known for its hanging coffins, caves and sea-of-clouds viewpoints
Banaue
Usage
Town in Ifugao, the gateway to the 2,000-year-old rice terraces. About 9 hours from Manila by night bus
Legazpi City
Usage
Capital of Albay in southern Luzon, sitting at the foot of the cone-shaped Mayon Volcano
Puerto Galera
Usage
Beach resort on northern Mindoro, about 90 minutes by ferry from Batangas Port. A popular diving area
Cebu City
Usage
Largest city in the Visayas and the country's second metro area. The oldest Spanish colonial city, where Magellan landed
Lapu-Lapu City
Lapu-Lapu City (Mactan)
Usage
City on Mactan Island opposite Cebu City, holding the international airport and the beach resorts; linked by bridges
Iloilo City
Usage
City in southeastern Panay, known for its Spanish-era churches and the Dinagyang festival each January
Bacolod
Usage
Provincial capital on western Negros. A sugar-industry city known for the MassKara Festival in October and chicken inasal
Dumaguete
Usage
University town on eastern Negros, the base for diving at Apo Island and ferries to Siquijor
Tacloban
Usage
Capital of Leyte, near the MacArthur landing site and known as the area hit hardest by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013
Kalibo
Usage
Capital of Aklan on Panay and one gateway to Boracay; about 2 hours by road from its airport to Caticlan
Caticlan
Usage
Village in Malay, Aklan with the jetty and airport for Boracay; the boat crossing takes about 15 minutes
Panglao
Usage
Island linked by bridge to Bohol. Resorts cluster around Alona Beach, and the international airport is here
Davao City
Usage
Largest city on Mindanao, at the foot of Mount Apo (the country's highest peak) and famous for durian
Cagayan de Oro
Usage
City in northern Mindanao, best known for white-water rafting on the Cagayan River
Siargao
Usage
Island off northeastern Mindanao and the country's top surf destination; the main town is General Luna ("GL")
Puerto Princesa
Usage
Capital of Palawan and the base for the Underground River national park; about 5–6 hours by van to El Nido
El Nido
Usage
Town in northern Palawan, the base for island-hopping tours among limestone cliffs and lagoons
Coron
Usage
Town on Busuanga Island in northern Palawan, known for WWII wreck diving and exceptionally clear lakes
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
Usage
Main international airport for Metro Manila (code MNL). It has four separate terminals; moving between them requires a vehicle
NAIA Terminal 3
Usage
The largest and newest NAIA terminal, on the Pasay side and several kilometers by road from the other terminals
Clark International Airport
Usage
International airport in Pampanga (code CRK), an alternative gateway avoiding Manila congestion; 2–3 hours to the city by bus
Mactan-Cebu International Airport
Usage
The country's second international gateway (code CEB), on Mactan Island about 40 minutes by car from central Cebu City
Francisco Bangoy International Airport
Francisco Bangoy International Airport (Davao)
Usage
Davao's international airport (code DVO), usually called Davao International Airport. The main gateway to Mindanao
Iloilo International Airport
Usage
Airport serving Iloilo City on Panay (code ILO). Located in Cabatuan, about 40 minutes from the city
Bohol-Panglao International Airport
Usage
Bohol's airport on Panglao Island (code TAG). Opened in 2018, replacing the old Tagbilaran airport
Puerto Princesa International Airport
Usage
Palawan's main airport (code PPS), right beside the city center and close to the vans departing for El Nido
Kalibo International Airport
Usage
Airport in Aklan (code KLO). The cheaper route to Boracay, but it is about a 2-hour drive to Caticlan
Godofredo P. Ramos Airport
Godofredo P. Ramos Airport (Caticlan)
Usage
Airport at Caticlan (code MPH), also called Boracay Airport. About 10 minutes by car to the jetty port
Bicol International Airport
Usage
Airport in Daraga, Albay (code LGP). It replaced the old Legazpi airport as the gateway to the Bicol region
Laguindingan Airport
Usage
Airport serving Cagayan de Oro and northern Mindanao (code CGY), about an hour by car from the city
Bacolod-Silay International Airport
Usage
Airport for western Negros (code BCD), located in Silay about 40 minutes from downtown Bacolod
Sayak Airport
Sayak Airport (Siargao)
Usage
Siargao's airport in Del Carmen (code IAO). About an hour by car to the surf base at General Luna
Baclaran
Baclaran Station
Usage
LRT-1 station in Pasay, at Baclaran Church with a large street market and provincial bus stops
EDSA Station
EDSA Station (LRT-1)
Usage
LRT-1 station where Taft Avenue meets EDSA. A footbridge connects it to MRT-3 Taft Avenue station
Gil Puyat
Gil Puyat Station
Usage
LRT-1 station in Pasay at the avenue also widely known as Buendia
Vito Cruz
Vito Cruz Station
Usage
LRT-1 station nearest to De La Salle University and the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex
Pedro Gil
Pedro Gil Station
Usage
LRT-1 station in the Ermita/Malate hotel area, close to the Philippine General Hospital
Central Terminal
Central Terminal Station
Usage
LRT-1 station beside Manila City Hall, within walking distance of Intramuros and Rizal Park
Carriedo
Carriedo Station
Usage
LRT-1 station in Quiapo, nearest to Quiapo Church and Escolta Street; the area is very crowded
Doroteo Jose
Doroteo Jose Station
Usage
LRT-1 station connected by footbridge to LRT-2 Recto station — the transfer point between the two lines
Monumento
Monumento Station
Usage
LRT-1 station in Caloocan at the rotunda of the Andres Bonifacio Monument, a northern transport hub
Fernando Poe Jr. Station
Fernando Poe Jr. Station (formerly Roosevelt)
Usage
Northern terminus of LRT-1 in Quezon City. It was previously named Roosevelt station
North Avenue
North Avenue Station
Usage
Northern terminus of MRT-3 in Quezon City, next to major shopping malls and close to provincial bus stops
Quezon Avenue
Quezon Avenue Station
Usage
MRT-3 station near the Quezon Memorial Circle and the broadcast studios district
Araneta Center-Cubao
Araneta Center-Cubao Station
Usage
Interchange between MRT-3 and LRT-2 in Quezon City. The two same-named stations are linked on foot via underpasses and malls
Ortigas
Ortigas Station
Usage
MRT-3 station serving the Ortigas Center office towers and malls
Shaw Boulevard
Shaw Boulevard Station
Usage
Busy MRT-3 station in Mandaluyong connected directly to large shopping malls
Guadalupe
Guadalupe Station
Usage
MRT-3 station in northern Makati at the Pasig River bridge, close to the river ferry landing
Ayala
Ayala Station
Usage
MRT-3 station above Ayala Avenue in the heart of the Makati business district, linked directly to the malls
Taft Avenue
Taft Avenue Station
Usage
Southern terminus of MRT-3 in Pasay, linked by footbridge to LRT-1 EDSA station
Recto
Recto Station
Usage
Western terminus of LRT-2 in Manila's university belt, with a walking link to LRT-1 Doroteo Jose station
Katipunan
Katipunan Station
Usage
Underground LRT-2 station in Quezon City, in the student area near Ateneo and UP Diliman
Antipolo
Antipolo Station
Usage
Eastern terminus of LRT-2 in Antipolo, Rizal. Opened in 2021; the base for the hilltop pilgrimage church and viewpoint cafes
EDSA
EDSA (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue)
Usage
The 24 km arterial road running north–south through Metro Manila. MRT-3 runs above it; notorious for traffic
Roxas Boulevard
Usage
Seafront boulevard along Manila Bay, lined with palms, embassies and hotels; known for its sunsets
Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange
Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX)
Usage
Integrated bus terminal south of Manila, always called "PITX". Serves Cavite, Laguna and Batangas routes plus airport shuttles
Manila North Harbor
Usage
Domestic passenger port in Manila's Tondo district, where long-distance ferries to the Visayas and Mindanao depart
Manila South Harbor
Usage
Port just west of Intramuros, used by international cargo, cruise ships and boats to Corregidor
Batangas Port
Usage
Passenger port in Batangas City and the main departure point for ferries to Mindoro (Puerto Galera, Calapan)
Caticlan Jetty Port
Usage
Jetty where boats to Boracay depart. Environmental and terminal fees must be paid before boarding
Port of Cebu
Usage
Cebu City passenger port. Piers are split by destination, with fast ferries to Bohol, Negros and Leyte
Tagbilaran Port
Usage
Main port of entry for Bohol, about 2 hours by fast ferry from Cebu City
Ormoc Port
Usage
Port on western Leyte. About 2–3 hours by fast ferry from Cebu City and 2 hours overland to Tacloban
Matnog Port
Usage
Port at the southern tip of Luzon in Sorsogon, with the car ferry crossing to Allen on Samar
Fort Santiago
Usage
Stone fortress at the north end of Intramuros. It holds the cell where José Rizal was imprisoned before his execution, and a museum
San Agustin Church
Usage
The oldest stone church in the country (completed 1607), inside Intramuros. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with an adjoining monastery museum
Manila Cathedral
Usage
Catholic cathedral in the center of Intramuros. The present building dates from a 1958 reconstruction after repeated destruction
Quiapo Church
Usage
Manila church enshrining the Black Nazarene. Its procession every 9 January draws millions of devotees
National Museum of the Philippines
Usage
Complex of fine arts, anthropology and natural history museums east of Rizal Park. Admission is free
Manila Bay
Usage
Bay west of Manila, famous for sunsets viewed from the Roxas Boulevard promenade. Corregidor Island lies at its mouth
SM Mall of Asia
Usage
Huge mall on the Manila Bay waterfront in Pasay. Close to the airport and commonly used as a taxi landmark
Corregidor
Usage
Island at the mouth of Manila Bay. A major WWII battleground with surviving gun batteries and barracks; about an hour by boat from Manila
Taal Volcano
Usage
Active volcano on an island within a lake in Batangas, best viewed from the Tagaytay ridge. Access is restricted during eruptions
Mayon Volcano
Usage
Active volcano near Legazpi in Albay, famous for its near-perfect cone. Exclusion zones are imposed during eruptions
Mount Pinatubo
Usage
Volcano in Zambales. Its 1991 eruption left a crater lake, usually visited on a day tour by 4WD plus a hike
Banaue Rice Terraces
Usage
Terraces carved into the Ifugao mountainsides by hand over 2,000 years. The World Heritage listing covers five clusters including Batad
Hundred Islands National Park
Usage
124 small islands off Alaminos, Pangasinan, toured by boat. About 5 hours from Manila by car
Pagsanjan Falls
Usage
Waterfall in Laguna reached by dugout canoe up the gorge — the classic "shooting the rapids" trip. About 3 hours from Manila
Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park
Usage
UNESCO natural World Heritage Site in Palawan; an 8 km underground river toured by boat. Two hours from the city and requires a permit booked in advance
Magellan's Cross
Usage
Cross housed in a small chapel in central Cebu City, marking Magellan's 1521 arrival and the introduction of Christianity
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Usage
The oldest Catholic church in the country, in Cebu City. It enshrines the Santo Niño image found in 1565 and anchors the Sinulog festival in January
Kawasan Falls
Usage
Waterfall in Badian, southwestern Cebu, known for its turquoise pools and canyoneering. About 3 hours from Cebu City
Paoay Church
Usage
World Heritage church in Ilocos Norte, defined by the massive buttresses of its earthquake-baroque design
Calle Crisologo
Usage
Cobblestone street through Vigan's old town, lined with Spanish-era merchant houses and closed to vehicles at night
Intramuros
Usage
The walled Spanish-era district of Manila, containing Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Manila Cathedral
Rizal Park
Usage
The national park on Manila Bay, with a monument on the spot where José Rizal was executed; locally called Luneta, just south of Intramuros
Chocolate Hills
Usage
More than a thousand cone-shaped hills in central Bohol, named for the brown grass of the dry season; the viewing deck is at Carmen
Vigan
Usage
Historic town in Ilocos Sur, a World Heritage Site whose Spanish-era streetscape survives intact; officially Vigan City, about nine hours from Manila by night bus
Palawan
Usage
The long island and province in the southwest of the Philippines; besides the capital Puerto Princesa it is known for the limestone bays of El Nido and Coron
Boracay
Usage
Resort island off Aklan famous for White Beach, about 15 minutes by boat from Caticlan jetty; visitors must register before arrival
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