Makati City Travel Hacks. Money Saving, Time Saving, Local Secrets

Money-Saving Strategies

Maximizing your budget with clever choices.

Discount Cards and Passes

No specific city-wide entry card for touristss for Makati.
Inquire about student or senior discounts at separate attractions.
Such discounts may apply more to local residents.
Polite inquiry is always an option.

Free Activities and Attractions

Ayala Triangle Gardens: stroll, people-watch, relax.
Greenbelt Chapel: peace and architecture.
Window Shopping: explore Greenbelt and Glorietta malls.
Self-guided walking tours: Salcedo and Legazpi Villages, Poblacion.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

Seek out lunch specials or set menus.
Weekday offerings often have good value.
Excellent options for budget-friendly dining.
Eating out can be more economical this way.

Transportation Savings

MRT/LRT and jeepneys for short to medium distances.
Cheaper than taxis or Grab.
Grab off-peak: less surge pricing, better rates.
Walk for destinations within walkable distance in Makati CBD.

Time-Saving Tips

Make the most of your day.

Skip-the-Line Options

Pre-book tickets online for Ayala Museum.
Early arrival at popular attractions.
Avoid large crowds and queues by visiting early.
Maximize your time at attractions.

Best and Worst Times

Worst: Rush hour (7-9 AM, 5-8 PM) for roads and MRT/LRT.
Malls are very crowded on weekends.
Best: Weekdays during off-peak hours for relaxation.
Fewer people for an improved experience.

Express Transportation Alternatives

GrabCar Premium: newer vehicles, potentially faster service.
Airport Bus (UBE Express): bypasses some traffic bottlenecks.
More predictable travel time than taxis for airport transfers.
Reliable option for airport connections.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

Flights and accommodations: book well in advance.
Popular tours: Pre-book places such as Corregidor Island.
Fine dining: Reserve for popular spots, especially weekends.
Advance booking secures your plans.

Local Insights

Navigating social refinements and customs.

Common Tourist Mistakes

Not Using Grab: overpaying for taxis or scams.
Ignoring Traffic: underestimate travel times.
Drinking Tap Water: stick to bottled water.
Not Carrying Cash: many vendors require it.

Local Customs

"Filipino Time": punctuality can be relaxed.
Respect for Elders: use "po" and "opo," "mano po."
Hospitality: Filipinos are generous, accepting is appreciated.
Being Over-Polite: be firm if taxi refuses meter.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

Queuing: generally followed, but could be less orderly in crowds.
Noise: Filipinos are often loud and expressive.
"No Rush": things may take longer; maintain a relaxed attitude.
Open communication is common.

Phrases That Impress Locals

"Salamat po" (Thank you with respect): shows genuine appreciation.
"Masarap!" (Delicious!): use when enjoying Filipino food.
"Kumusta?" (How are you?): starts friendly conversations.
Basic Tagalog phrases enhance interactions.

Solo, Family & Group Advice

Tailoring your journey to your companions.

Solo Traveler Safety and Social Opportunities

Safety: Makati is generally safe; use common sense.
Stay aware, avoid unlit areas at night, inform someone of itinerary.
Social: Hostels in Poblacion are good for meeting new people.
Join walking tours, food tours, or group activities.

Family-Friendly Adaptations and Kid-Specific Tips

Adaptations: choose hotels featuring pools and family amenities.
Makati's malls have extensive family entertainment.
Kids: prepare for heat, humidity, pack snacks, water, sun protection.
Plan activities during cooler parts of the day.

Managing Group Logistics and Reservations

Transportation: book larger vehicles via Grab or private car.
Reservations: make restaurant reservations in advance for groups.
Accommodation: group-friendly serviced apartments or interconnected rooms.
Advance planning streamlines the experience.

Accessibility Considerations for Different Travelers

Refer to Section 11.4 for detailed information.
Pre-plan routes and transportation for mobility needs.
Communicate specific requirements to hotels or tour operators.
Infrastructure is improving, but some areas remain challenging.

Travel Tip

Always carry a small amount of tissue paper or hand sanitizer; not all public restrooms provide these.

Digital Resources

Leveraging technology for travel ease.

Essential Apps

Grab, Google Maps, Google Translate, Klook, Online Banking App.

Useful Websites

Official Tourism Philippines, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Rappler.

Digital Content

Podcasts on Filipino culture, local influencers.

Print Resources

Recommended Guidebooks & Maps

Lonely Planet Philippines, Rough Guides Philippines.
Local City Maps from hotel or airport.
Useful for offline orientation.

Books About the Destination

"Noli Me Tángere" and "El filibusterismo" by Jose Rizal.
"CultureShock! Philippines" for cultural norms.
History books for a past understanding.

Local Publications

Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, Philippine Tatler, Esquire Philippines for local insights.

Emergency & Medical Information

Important Contacts

Emergency Numbers

National Emergency Hotline: 911
Philippine The National police force (PNP): 117 or (02) 8872-0000
Makati Medical Center: (02) 8888-8999
Your Embassy/Consulate in Manila (e.g., U.S. Embassy Manila: (02) 5301-2000)

Hospital Locations

Makati Clinic (Makati)
St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City (near Makati)
Centuria Medical Makati (Makati)
Top-tier private hospitals are well-regarded.

Lost Document Procedures

Report loss to nearest police station for a police report.
Contact your embassy or consulate immediately.
They assist with emergency travel documents or new passport.
Police report is a requirement for replacement documents.

Natural Disaster Protocols

General Guidance

Always follow local authorities' advice (NDRRMC, PAGASA).
During typhoons or severe weather, stay indoors.
Familiarize yourself with your accommodation's emergency plan.

Weather Updates

PAGASA provides Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration updates.
Monitor the local news for real-time advisories.
Heed any evacuation orders or safety announcements.

Cultural Expressions

Filipino Art

Explore contemporary Filipino art online.
Visit Makati's numerous art galleries.
See local talent and artistic expressions.
Gain an appreciation for the visual arts.
Art displays offer cultural insights.

Local Events

Follow local social media for events and promotions.
Hotel or restaurant accounts often post updates.
Check for festivals or community gatherings.
These events provide real-time cultural immersion.
Opportunities for unique experiences.

Online Engagement

Community Forums

Reddit (r/Philippines) for traveler insights.

Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor forums for personal experiences and advice.

Expat Groups

Facebook groups for those living in or visiting the Philippines.

Important Reminder

Save all important contact numbers (emergency services, embassy, hotel) in your phone and also write them down on a small card in your wallet. Your phone might run out of battery.

Next Destination Insights

Where to Go Next

Based on Interests

Beaches/Diving:
Palawan (El Nido, Coron), Batangas (Anilao), Boracay.
Mountains/Adventure:
Banaue (rice terraces), Sagada (caves), Baguio.
History/Culture:
Vigan (colonial town), Cebu (historical sites), Iloilo (heritage houses).

Regional Connections

Combine Urban with Island:
Pair Metro Manila's dynamic feel with an island for relaxation.
Or Highland Trek:
Add a cultural highland adventure to your journey.
Common Routes:
Fly from Manila to a major island, then explore that region.

Return Visit Suggestions

Different Regions

The Philippines, with over 7,000 islands, offers distinct attractions in each region.

Explore More

Different Seasons

Experience new activities and weather patterns by visiting during a different time of year.

Climate Info

New Experiences

Uncover more of the country's diverse beauty and culture on subsequent visits.

Activity Guide

Cultural Immersion

Life-Changing Aspects

Juxtaposition of Modernity and Tradition: blend of urban sophistication and Filipino life.
Filipino Hospitality: genuine kindness and friendliness leave lasting impressions.
Sense of connection and welcome transcends the urban environment.
Profound experiences contribute to personal growth.

Cultural Perspectives to Gain

Filipino Values: strong family ties, community spirit (bayanihan), resilience.
Historical Influences: Malay, Spanish, Chinese, American shaped unique identity.
Visible in language, cuisine, architecture, and daily life.
A understanding of the nation's character.

Personal Growth Opportunities

Navigating a Bustling City

Adapting to a fast-paced, complex urban environment.
Problem-solving and adaptability skills are heightened.
These activities build resilience.
Navigating new pathways for personal development.

Engaging with Diverse Communities & Culinary Horizons

Interacting with people from various backgrounds.
Broadens your viewpoint and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
Exploring diverse and flavorful Filipino cuisine.
Introduces new tastes and culinary traditions.

New Adventures Await

Keep the spirit of discovery alive. The Philippines offers endless opportunities for unique experiences plus cultural immersion.

Makati City Travel Hacks