Things To Do
in Malabon
Malabon is a vibrant city in the Philippines known for its rich cultural heritage and delicious seafood cuisine. It is famous for its numerous fishponds, which contribute to its thriving fishing industry. The city is also home to several historical landmarks, such as the Malabon Church and the Alberto Mansion.
Malabon is a bustling urban center with a strong sense of community and traditional values.
- "Kumusta ka?" - How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
- "Oo" - Yes
- "Hindi" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.30 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Malabon Wet and Dry Market where you can find fresh local produce and seafood. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby eatery, tasting local delicacies like longganisa.
Take a leisurely stroll by the riverside parks and appreciate the local art installations. Visit the historic San Bartolome Church, a beautiful structure filled with cultural significance.
Dine at a local restaurant and savor Malabon's famous specialty dishes like 'bihol' and 'pancit'. End your day with a walk around the plaza, enjoying the youthful nightlife atmosphere.
Begin with a culinary adventure at a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Filipino dishes. Sampling your self-made breakfast will jumpstart your day.
Visit the historic Malabon city hall and the Aguinaldo shrine to soak in the local history. Explore the art galleries nearby showcasing local artists.
Wrap up your day with a food crawl, tasting various street foods like fish balls and kikiam. Enjoy the vibrant street atmosphere as locals gather to enjoy their evening.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Diverse and delicious local cuisine, especially seafood
- Vibrant festivals like the Malabon Patiñero Festival
- Accessible public transportation options
- Strong sense of community and local traditions
- Beautiful parks and riverside areas for leisure
- Growing local economy with various small businesses
- Prone to flooding during the rainy season
- Congestion and traffic in busy areas
- Limited recreational facilities compared to larger cities
- Challenges with waste management and sanitation
- Access to healthcare facilities may be limited
- Some areas experience poverty and underdevelopment
- Environmental issues affecting rivers and waterways
Best Activities in Malabon
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a mesmerizing display of water, lights, and music at the Malabon Square Dancing Fountain.
Take a relaxing river cruise along the Potrero River to explore the scenic views of Malabon.
Tours
Uncover the best of Malabon with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Malabon
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers picturesque views of the fishing community and scenic waterways.
Features beautiful architecture and provides a great vantage point for capturing Malabon's cityscape.
A public park with greenery and open spaces, ideal for outdoor photography.
Food in Malabon
Malabon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Filipino noodle dish with thick rice noodles, topped with a rich shrimp sauce, hard-boiled eggs, and various seafood like shrimp, squid, and smoked fish.
Must-Try!
Deep-fried spring rolls filled with ground pork or beef, minced onions, carrots, and spices, often served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
A colorful layered rice cake made from glutinous rice and coconut milk, often topped with latik (fried coconut curds).
Unique Experiences
Get to know Malabon better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering fresh seafood like crabs, prawns, and a variety of fish. Visitors can also explore the nearby street food stalls serving fried fishballs, kikiam (pork and shrimp roll), and puto (steamed rice cakes).
A famous street food destination known for its array of seafood treats such as boiled or grilled crayfish, shrimp skewers, and oysters.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Malabon, it is important to show respect for elders through gestures like addressing them as 'po' or 'opo' and giving them the seat of honor in social gatherings.
It is customary to observe and participate in traditional Filipino customs and celebrations, such as fiestas, religious processions, and local festivals.
When visiting certain places in Malabon, it is advisable to dress conservatively and modestly, especially when entering religious sites or attending formal events.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Malabon with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Malabon
Ensure a smooth experience
In Malabon, tipping is not generally expected or required in most establishments. However, it is appreciated and may be given for excellent service, typically ranging from 5% to 10% of the total bill.
Cash is the most commonly used form of payment in Malabon, although major credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in larger establishments. It is advisable to carry small denominations of Philippine pesos for transactions in smaller shops and markets.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Malabon.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Malabon is during the dry season when the weather is generally sunny and pleasant. This is also the ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring the city's attractions.
During the wet season, Malabon experiences heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons. This may affect outdoor plans, but it is a great time to experience the lush greenery and see Malabon in a different light.
Malabon at Night
Hiking in Malabon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located approximately 40 kilometers from Malabon, this mountain offers a variety of trails and scenic views ideal for day hikes.
Situated in Antipolo, about 22 kilometers away, this reserve features eco-trails, waterfalls, and scenic landscapes, perfect for nature lovers.
Located in Rodriguez, Rizal, approximately 25 kilometers away, Wawa Dam is a popular destination for hiking with its picturesque views and challenging trails.
This extensive mountain range is accessible from various points near Malabon, providing numerous trekking opportunities and breathtaking landscapes.
Situated about 15 kilometers from Malabon, this park features walking trails amidst lush greenery and a large reservoir, ideal for a family day hike.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Malabon through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Malabon by plane.
The main international airport serving Manila and the surrounding areas, located approximately 12 kilometers from Malabon.
An international airport in Clark, Pampanga, located about 80 kilometers north of Malabon, often used as a secondary airport for travelers.
An international airport located in Subic Bay, approximately 100 kilometers from Malabon, providing flights to various destinations.
An airport in Kalibo, Aklan, about 360 kilometers from Malabon, known for flights to Boracay.
Located in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, this airport is about 600 kilometers from Malabon and is one of the busiest airports in the Philippines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant ethnic group in Malabon, the Tagalog people speak the Tagalog language and are native to the surrounding regions.
A significant demographic in Malabon, the Chinese community has historically contributed to local commerce and culture.
The Ibanag people, though a smaller group, have cultural ties and can be found in pockets within Malabon.
Members of the Visayan ethnic group can also be located in Malabon, contributing to the city's cultural diversity.
The Soul of Malabon
Discover the essence of Malabon through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Malabon, with many local leagues and community courts where residents play regularly.
Gaining popularity, especially among the youth, with local teams and schools encouraging participation.
Widely played in schools and local communities, particularly among women and girls.
A favorite pastime for families and friends, played in various sports centers and recreational areas.
A traditional sport in the Philippines that is played with a rattan ball, enjoyed by many in Malabon, especially during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Malabon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Malabon's cuisine is meat-heavy, there are vegetarian choices like vegetable lumpia (spring rolls) and fresh fruit shakes available at most food stalls and restaurants.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can indulge in rice-based delicacies like puto and bibingka. It's advisable to inquire about the ingredients and food preparation methods for gluten-free options at local eateries.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Malabon with these cultural adventures.
