Things To Do
in San Mateo
San Mateo is a quiet municipality in Rizal province, located about 40 kilometers east of Manila. It sits amid rolling hills and rural farmland, offering a serene escape from the city bustle. The town preserves agricultural traditions while slowly developing a local scene of cafes and markets.
With rivers, trails, and scenic viewpoints nearby, it’s a popular day trip for nature lovers and culture seekers.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the picturesque mountains of San Mateo, where you can take in the stunning views of the Sierra Madre range. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Filipino dishes like tapsilog or longsilog. Afterward, head to the popular viewpoint at the top of the hills to capture some breathtaking photographs of the lush greenery.
In the afternoon, venture to the nearby Wawa Dam, a serene spot perfect for a picnic by the water. You can explore the surrounding trails, taking in the natural beauty and perhaps even engaging in some light trekking. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot to relax and watch the colors of the sky change over the tranquil waters.
For dinner, indulge in local cuisine at a nearby restaurant, where you can try dishes like sinigang na baboy or adobo. After your meal, take a stroll along the riverside, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the sounds of nature. End your day with a visit to a local bar or café to enjoy live music and mingle with the friendly locals.
Begin your day by visiting the San Mateo Public Market, where you can experience the vibrant atmosphere filled with fresh produce and local delicacies. Take your time browsing through the stalls, sampling street food like puto bumbong, and engaging with the friendly vendors. This is a great opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs and immerse yourself in the local culture.
After lunch, head to the nearby town of Antipolo to visit the famous Hinulugang Taktak National Park. Explore the lush surroundings and enjoy the beauty of the waterfall while taking photos or simply relaxing under the shade of trees. You can also visit the Antipolo Cathedral to admire its stunning architecture and the beautiful views it offers.
For dinner, return to San Mateo and dine at a local restaurant known for its grilled seafood and barbecue specialties. After your meal, gather around a bonfire at a local beach or park, sharing stories and laughter with fellow travelers or locals. Enjoy the peaceful night sky filled with stars as you unwind from your adventurous day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍜Mid-range dinner for two | $15-30 |
| 🏨Budget hotel night | $20-40 |
| 🛒Groceries for a week | $25-60 |
| 🚕Local transportation (within town) | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Calm, scenic rural setting near Manila
- Friendly locals and easy day trips to nature
- Growing local cafés and markets
- Relatively affordable compared to Metro Manila
- Limited nightlife and large-scale tourist infrastructure
- Hilly terrain can be strenuous for some walkers
- Traffic congestion on main routes during rush hours
- Public transport options are less frequent than in the city
- "Kamusta" - Hello / How are you?
- "Salamat" - Thank you
- "Saan ang ...?" - Where is the ...?
- "Magkano ito?" - How much is this?
- "Opo" - Yes (polite) / I understand
Places to Visit in San Mateo
Visit one of these nice places.
A calm square with colonial-era municipal buildings, ideal for golden-hour shots.
Rock formations and limestone karst landscapes with dramatic overlooks.
Green hills and city lights at dusk; a popular spot for panoramic shots.
Rolling hills and agricultural terraces that create depth in landscape photography.
Food in San Mateo
San Mateo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A sour pork soup; find it at carinderias and public market stalls.
Must-Try!
Grilled pork belly, popular as street food or in casual eateries.
Sweet steamed rice cake and cassava dessert often sold at markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh produce, meat, fish, and ready-to-eat snacks; a good place to sample local foods.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use po/opo when speaking to elders; greetings are polite.
Dress modestly and remove hats; ask before taking photos of people or inside temples.
Avoid loud behavior in public; queue and share space politely; use right hand for exchanges.
Safety
Tipping in San Mateo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory; 10-15% in restaurants if service is not included. Small stalls and markets usually do not expect tips.
Cash is widely accepted; many places now take cards; mobile wallets (GCash, PayMaya) are common for bills and digital payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry; comfortable mornings with cooler evenings; good for outdoor hikes but stay hydrated.
Frequent heavy rains and occasional flooding; trails can be muddy; carry rain gear and waterproof bags.
San Mateo at Night
Hiking in San Mateo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of limestone rock formations and forest trails offering panoramic overlooks.
A popular lookout near Antipolo with views of the valley and city lights.
A scenic waterfall and surrounding forested area a short drive away.
Airports
How to reach San Mateo by plane.
Main international and domestic gateway to Manila; about 30-60 minutes by car from San Mateo, depending on traffic.
Alternative international hub in Angeles City; farther but useful when flying in from certain destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A growing base of families moving to Rizal from Metro Manila and nearby towns.
Residents connected to agriculture and local government.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local courts and leagues are common in towns across Rizal.
Common at community centers and gyms; informal matches are frequent.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Mateo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are meat-based; look for vegetables, tofu, and egg dishes; ask for no fish sauce or meat stock; choose carinderia dishes that are vegetable-forward.