Things To Do
in Malabon
Malabon is a coastal city in Metro Manila known for its rich fishing heritage and iconic pancit Malabon. It sits along the Navotas River and Manila Bay, with a network of canals that give the city a distinctive water-centric character. The food scene centers on fresh seafood and family-run eateries that showcase bold, maritime flavors.
Its proximity to Manila makes it an accessible base for exploring northern Metro Manila and the greater capital region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring freshly brewed coffee and traditional Filipino pastries. After fueling up, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Malabon, where you can admire the intricate architecture of old churches and colonial houses. Don’t forget to visit the San Bartolome de Malabon Church, one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in the area.
For lunch, indulge in some local flavors at a nearby eatery, trying out the famous Malabon Pancit or other regional dishes. Afterward, head to the Malabon Zoo to see a variety of animals and learn about the local fauna, while enjoying the lush greenery. Spend some time at the nearby Aguinaldo Park, where you can relax and enjoy the serene environment.
As evening approaches, treat yourself to a traditional Filipino dinner at a local restaurant, where you can sample dishes like Kare-Kare and Lechon. After dinner, explore local markets that come alive at night, offering a variety of street food and souvenirs. Wind down your day by taking a scenic walk along the riverbanks, enjoying the cool breeze and the twinkling city lights.
Begin your day by visiting a local market, where you can witness the vibrant atmosphere and sample fresh produce and seafood. Engage with local vendors and learn about the ingredients that make Malabon’s cuisine unique. Afterward, join a cooking class where you will prepare popular dishes like Pancit Malabon and puto.
For lunch, enjoy the fruits of your labor by savoring the dishes you cooked in class. Afterward, take a food tour around the city, stopping at various establishments known for their specialties, such as the famous Malabon Kare-Kare. Engage with local chefs and hear stories about the culinary traditions that have shaped the community.
As the sun sets, head to a popular dining spot to enjoy a fusion of traditional and modern Filipino dishes. After dinner, visit a local dessert shop to try classic sweets like Leche Flan and Halo-Halo. Conclude your culinary adventure with a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, allowing the flavors of the day to settle in.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-5 |
| 💧Bottle of water (1.5L) | $0.50-1 |
| ☕️Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🍜Local dish (Pancit Malabon) at casual eateries | $3-6 |
| 🛏️One night in a budget hotel | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich seafood and pancit Malabon cuisine
- Accessible base for northern Metro Manila
- Friendly, community-focused atmosphere
- Vibrant markets and canal-front scenery
- Heavy traffic on main routes
- Limited nightlife compared to central Manila
- Can be hot and humid, especially mid-day
- Flood risk in low-lying areas during the rainy season
- "Kamusta po?" - Hello, how are you? (polite)
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Saan ang CR?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Paalam" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Malabon
Visit one of these nice places.
A historic roundabout with distinctive architecture and tree-lined approaches, especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset.
Colorful fish stalls and bustling vendors create dynamic street photography opportunities as boats come in and out.
Vistas of boats, small wharves, and houses perched along the waterways provide authentic Maritime Manila photography.
Food in Malabon
Malabon Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick rice noodles tossed with seafood (shrimp, squid, sometimes crab) in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. Look for versions from long-standing panciterias in Malabon for the most authentic taste.
Must-Try!
Milkfish cooked in coconut milk with vegetables; commonly found in seafood markets and local eateries.
Smoked milkfish served with garlic rice and a squeeze of calamansi; a simple, classic combo found at markets and casual cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning and afternoon market with seafood stalls, produce, and stalls offering quick bites and local snacks.
One of Metro Manila’s largest fish markets; ideal for sampling ultra-fresh seafood and watching traders in action (a short ride from Malabon).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet elders with 'po' and 'opo' as a sign of respect; use polite language in public spaces and markets.
Ask permission before photographing people or private homes, especially in residential areas.
Dress modestly in markets and religious sites; keep voices low in crowded places and be mindful of local customs during religious events.
Safety
Tipping in Malabon
Ensure a smooth experience
A small tip (roughly 5-10% of the bill) is appreciated for good service in restaurants; many places include a service charge, so check the bill. Tipping taxi drivers or ride-hail drivers is optional but welcome if service was helpful.
Cash is widely accepted, with a growing use of cards in larger establishments. Mobile wallets like GCash and Paymaya are common for smaller shops and markets, especially in urban areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect hot and humid days with strong sun. Hydration and sun protection are essential; mornings are great for market walks and photography before the heat peaks.
June to October brings frequent showers and possible street flooding. Plan indoor-friendly activities for heavy rain and carry a compact umbrella or poncho.
November to February tends to be more comfortable with cooler evenings. Great for longer walks and riverfront strolls after sunset.
Malabon at Night
Hiking in Malabon
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Paved and natural trails in Quezon City offering a convenient city escape for light hikes and nature walks.
Rizal Province geological and hiking reserve featuring dramatic limestone formations and guided treks (requires a bit of travel from Malabon).
Hiking routes in Rizal that provide forested terrain and scenic viewpoints a couple of hours from Malabon.
Airports
How to reach Malabon by plane.
Manila’s main international airport, located about 15-25 km from central Malabon. Easy access by road and ride-hailing services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large, close-knit households common in urban neighborhoods; strong ties to local markets and seafood trade.
Longstanding coastal and riverine communities that sustain the city’s seafood-centered economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in urban Philippine cities, with local leagues and school teams common throughout the region.
Growing in popularity, with informal matches and community leagues in parks and barangay facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Malabon.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes feature seafood or meat, so look for veggie versions of pancit or noodle dishes, and rely on vegetable-based sides and tofu when available. Ask for sauces to be prepared without fish sauce and request separate vegetable-focused options when dining at markets or small eateries.