The Hidden Gems of Manila

Immerse yourself in local life and Filipino culture during your layover in Manila. Experience unique transportation, shop at a wet market, and explore hidden gems off the beaten path.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Tutuban Centermall - Discover the charm of our local transportation, the Jeepney. Shop like a native at a traditional Filipino open wet market. Wander through the oldest apartments in the area and see how people live off the beaten path, often bathing and eating in the open. Immerse yourself in the local life experienced by Filipinos in the back alleys and side streets, away from the bustling lights and traffic. Savor our local coffee and cuisine just as the locals do.

After this adventure, I will help you find the best and safest route back to your hotel.

YouTube Collaboration:
Harry Jaggard
Tech Travel Eat by Sujith Bhakthan
Alina Mcleod
BackPackYourLife with Catalin

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Facebook: Travel Philippines
Instagram: @manilaexperience @flameexplorer
YouTube: Flameexplorer

What's Included
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
  • All fees and/or taxes included
  • Complimentary water provided
Additional Information

Planning a layover in Manila?
Calling stopover tourists!

Immerse in our distinct local conveyance, the Jeepney. Delve into everyday Filipino culture by bargain hunting at an authentic open-air wet market and discover the city’s oldest residences and areas where locals thrive in unconventional means, with facets of their lives like meals and cleansing rituals performed plainly in public. Venture off the tourist track to truly witness Filipino life in its natural grit and vibrancy, embedded within serpentine streets and obscure alleys, away from the gloss of city lights and vehicle traffic.

Join your guide without hassle at the Santa Cruz Church. Opt for this intimate group tour (maximum of 10) to manage expenses.

This tour includes

  • Photo opportunities
  • An English-speaking guide
  • Photo sessions
Location
Archdiocesan Shrine of the Blessed Sacrament - Santa Cruz, Manila City (Archdiocese of Manila)
Plaza Sta. Cruz
Meeting location at Santa Cruz Parish Church near LRT Carriedo and Ongpin
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(23 Ratings)
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Halonaj2021
Jul 13, 2024
Informative and fun. - The tour was awesome! Our tour guide V is amazing. This tour shouldn’t be missed, its s filled with Manila culture. Tried delicious Filipino snacks, went for a ride on a Jeepney and a Tuk Tuk. We also toured an authentic Filipino neighborhood. Had many great photo ops along the way. I highly recommend booking this tour, you won’t be bored or disappointed. V has a vibrant personality and is so much fun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kyles53
Jul 5, 2024
Venus was amazing - Booked this tour via Airbnb and it was amazing. I don’t like the touristy stuff so enjoy the real culture stuff. Venus was amazing and made sure to experience each of the local types of transportation. Also, went to a lot of the villages. She also went above and shared her own inspirational story about growing up. An amazing tour and experience. I have a new friend as well. This is a great tour!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Yarad780
May 3, 2024
Amazing tour through authentic Manila - This was just an amazing tour through the hidden and authentic places of Manila! Venus was so nice had a great knowledge about the city. Thank you so much for the nice Morning!!!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Chriswt7071kp
Apr 17, 2024
Best Tour Guide Host in Manila!❤️🇵🇭☺️ - Our tour experience of Manila with Venus was amazing! We went to the huge local market and had the best fresh street food! We also got to take 3 cool modes of transport the locals use, Tricycle, Jeepy and the new Metro train! We ended the day with a great restaurants with both local & Western food so us parents and kids alike were happy! We definitely recommend taking this tour as we would have never been able to navigate these things easily alone and Venus made it so much fun! YouTube Vloggers: WORLD FAMILY EXPLORERS ☺️❤️🇵🇭
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Biseshr2024
Apr 3, 2024
Great exploration of the Hidden side of Manila ! - Tour was great & enjoyable! V was very friendly & interactive. It was amazing to see a different and more local side of Manila and also learn some history about the places. We also got to ride the tricycle and jeepney which was cool & couldn't have done it if it wasn't for this tour. And her offer to take our photos was also really nice. Would recommend. Thanks V!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E1536knchristiant
Mar 28, 2024
A Taste of Manila: Exploring the City with Venus's Expertise - Booking a tour with Venus in Manila was a great experience! Her knowledge of the local area and her personality made the tour both informative and enjoyable. From sampling delicious local cuisine to exploring local areas, every moment was filled with excitement. Venus's offer to capture memories with her photography skills added an extra special touch to the trip. I highly recommend her tour for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture of Manila!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travel46352129643
Mar 12, 2024
Don’t miss out - Great experience. Be open to seeing small alleys of locals in their neighborhood and their way of life. Venus keeps you safe and feels like visiting a good friend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
645opheliam
Mar 12, 2024
The best tour to visit Manila like a local! - This experience went beyond my expectations. I enjoyed every minute of it. It felt like having a walk around with a friend while learning about the local life. Venus is such a nice person! She is very knowledgeable and makes sure you learn while having fun and staying safe. A true Manila immersion experience! I highly recommend it. Thank you Venus!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Camille
Mar 11, 2024
Amazing experience - I really enjoyed this tour, it was amazing to have the real local experience (food, etc). Venus is a very kind and funny person, I had a lot of fun. it was also very nice to learn more about Manila. I would definitely recommend this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Travis
Feb 16, 2024
Excellent gems of Manila tour 👍🏽👍🏽🇵🇭❤️ - Touring with V (Venus) in Manila was an absolute delight. She expertly guided me through the hidden gems of the city, starting with the vibrant Binondo, the oldest Chinatown. We sampled delectable street food like puto, lumpia, calamansi juice, ube custard tarts, and siopao, immersing ourselves in the local flavors. Navigating through the bustling streets of Divisoria, V ensured we experienced the authentic hustle and bustle of Manila life. From jeepneys to tricycles, trains, and taxis, she seamlessly coordinated our transportation, making the journey both adventurous and efficient. V’s knowledge and enthusiasm for Manila’s culture and cuisine truly enhanced my experience, leaving me with unforgettable memories of my time in the Philippines. Highly recommended for anyone seeking an immersive and authentic tour of Manila’s hidden treasures.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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