This brief guide to Las Piñas City will help you plan your trip. It contains information on what to do, eat, and drink as well as the must-see spots and the best hotels.
ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY BUDGET ADVICE
ABOUT
Las Piñas is one of the highly urbanized cities comprising the National Capital Region (NCR), more known as Metro Manila. Formerly a town in the province of Manila, Las Piñas was once a central battleground during the Philippine Revolution between the Spanish and Philippine forces and was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II.
While it is most known for its bamboo organ, Las Piñas has become a highly urbanized city home to more than half a million people and several establishments used for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional purposes.
Location
Best Time to Visit
It’s best to visit the Philippines during the dry season. Dry season in the Philippines spans from November through April. These are the summer months in this country.
Be aware that temperatures and humidity levels are particularly high in April and May.
The best time to be a beach bum and explore the islands is from March to May.
TIP: We recommend that booking for Las Piñas City summer trips should be done as early as possible, at least a month before your travel dates, since resorts get fully booked early.
The period from June to October is the rainy (wet) season and is best avoided due to the high possibility of typhoons. The typhoons can not only be destructive, but most tours and activities are cancelled under such circumstances. Transportation via plane and boat is also seriously impacted as well. This happens frequently so beware!
We recommend traveling to Las Piñas City in April-May or in November-December, just before and just after the rainy season. This will likely bring fewer crowds, yet pleasant weather, and is also a great time to score a travel deal.
Fast Facts
Plug commonly used is Type A but Types B and C are used as well. Bring A to B adapter(s).
Getting Here
There are many ways to get here depending on your starting point. We recommend using the following online tools to identify all the available options and cost for each while in Las Piñas City: Rome2Rio and PHBUS. The following are the major ports of entry for this destination.
Getting Around
The following are the modes of transportation available in Las Piñas City …
Bicycles
Bus
Car for Hire
Car Rental
Jeepneys
Motorcycles
Ride-Sharing
Shuttle
Taxi
Tricycles
SEE & DO
The following are the places to see and activities to enjoy while in Las Piñas City.
1 | Saint Joseph Parish Church
Saint Joseph Parish Church, also referred to as Las Piñas Church, is the oldest Roman Catholic church in the city having been founded in 1795 during the Spanish era. The construction of the present church structure started in 1797 and was completed in 1819 under Fray Diego Cera de la Virgen del Carmen, a Spanish priest. It is of Earthquake Baroque architectural style with three naves, a dome, side altars, a baptistry with a stone altar, crypt stones, and a tower. The church is home to an antique statue of Saint Joseph and a life-sized statue of the dead Christ.
The church was severely damaged by multiple earthquakes in 1829 and was restored to what it is today.
Aside from its historical and architectural significance, the church’s most popular highlight is the bamboo organ.
2 | Bamboo Organ
Deemed as the only organ of its kind in the whole world, Las Piñas Bamboo Organ is what the city is known for. The organ was built in the 1800’s by Fray Diego Cera de la Virgen del Carmen, the same person who built the Saint Joseph Parish Church. This unique musical instrument has 1031 pipes, 902 of which are made of bamboo thus the unique and lively sound it produces.
The bamboo organ may have deteriorated due to time and several disasters but it was constantly restored and maintained for it to remain as glorious as before. It was declared a National Cultural Treasure of the Philippines in 2003 and is presently one of the most popular tourist attractions in Las Piñas.
3 | Mary Immaculate Parish
This unique church is known for its nature theme hence also called the Nature Church. Built in 1979, Mary Immaculate Parish features Filipino organic architecture with plants and palms as the backdrop of the altar. The altar itself is a rough-finished coral marble slab and is lined by flat-topped boulders which also served as seats for altar servers. The flooring of the altar section is wood tiles while that of the rest of the church is stones and wooden slabs. The roofing is made of woven anahaw leaves while the beams, pillars, and seats are made of wood.
The church was built in honor of Mary Immaculate.
Beside the main church structure is San Lorenzo Chapel and within the premises are a night school for adults, K-12 school, a clinic, and a columbarium.
4 | Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park
Formally called the Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), the park is a protected area in the coasts of Las Piñas and Parañaque. The 175-hectare area hosts mangroves, beach forests, lagoons, and mudflats which serve as habitat to migratory bird species coming from China, Japan, and Siberia.
Best time to visit the place is between the months of April and August since migratory birds seek refuge in the warmer Philippine climate during these months.
LPPCHEA was included in the list of Ramsar’s Wetlands of International Importance.
5 | Evia Lifestyle Center
Evia Lifestyle Center, owned by Vista Land, is a great spot for anyone who prefers to enjoy the mall and all its amenities but without the crowd. The mall, with its lovely ambience and aesthetically-pleasing appearance, has several shops including its anchor stores AllHome and All Day Supermarket which is known for its Paluto and Gastroville. Additionally, the mall also has restaurants, cafes, and cinemas as well as a play area.
6 | SM South Mall
The 7th largest SM Supermall in the Philippines, SM South Mall has a bowling center and an ice skating rink, the second in the country after SM Megamall. The mall has nine cinemas and a center atrium which is used for events like concerts, presentations, and product launches.
READ MORE: SM South Mall
7 | Santuario De San Ezekiel Moreno
Constructed only in 2011, Santuario de San Ezekiel Moreno’s architecture is inspired by the Spanish colonial period. The church has beautiful exteriors and interiors, and is spacious enough to easily seat 700 persons. The Golden Haven Columbarium, which houses 21 columbarium units, stands behind the church. Construction of the church was funded by Villar Foundation of the Villars who also owned Vista Malls, Starmalls, and Golden Haven, Inc.
8 | Zapote Bridge
Zapote Bridge is a pedestrian bridge connecting Las Piñas City and Bacoor, Cavite. It may not appear much but it played a significant role in the history of the Philippines. The bridge and the areas around it was the site of two battles – Filipino forces against the Spanish government during the Philippine Revolution (1897) and during the Philippine-American War in 1899.
The bridge was declared a National Historical Landmark by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. Standing on both ends of the bridge are monuments to honor the people who made huge contributions during the said battles.
9 | Lara House
Built in the 1880s, Lara House was the first municipal hall of Las Piñas. It is of Bahay na Bato Quadrant Style and is made of wood and adobe stone with galvanized iron roofing. The house is presently used as a residence and part of it is a barber shop.
NOTE: The International Bamboo Organ Festival occurs annually in Las Piñas City every February, the Waterlily Festival every 27th July, the Lantern Festival during Christmas season, and Las Piñas Historical Festival every March.
EAT & DRINK
The following are the restaurants to try while in Las Piñas City.
1 | Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen
Founded by a couple, Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen first opened its door in BF Homes in 2010 and ballooned into several branches in Metro Manila since then. The restaurant has a homey ambiance perfect for dining out with family and friends. It also has private dining areas for meetings, mini-reunions, birthday celebrations, and other intimate gatherings. Don’t miss their Seafood Olio, Lucio’s Truffle Pasta, Ribeye Steak Salpicao, and Chicken Parmigiana.
Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen has a branch in Evia Lifestyle Center.
2 | Sambo Kojin
Experience the collaboration of Japanese and Korean cuisine at Sambo Kojin. It takes pride in using top grade ingredients and safe grilling technology. The restaurant offers mouthwatering Japanese and Korean specialties including 50 sushi favorites, kamameshi, katsu, furai, chapchae, and bibimbap as well as desserts.
Aside from the one in SM Southmall, Sambo Kojin has branches in West Avenue, SM Megamall, and SM City Fairview.
3 | Kenny Rogers Roasters
A well-loved restaurant by Filipinos, Kenny Rogers is known for its chicken rotisserie. This international food chain has over a hundred branches in the country and a lot more all over the world.
4 | Max’s Restaurant
Max’s Restaurant, or simply Max’s, is a Philippine-based restaurant that grew into popularity due to its fried chicken hence the slogan, the house that fried chicken built. It also serves traditional Filipino dishes including kare-kare, sinigang, crispy pata, nilagang baka, and litson kawali.
5 | Skillets and Grill
Skillets and Grill in BF Resort is a local favorite. It specializes in Filipino cuisine with a touch of Ilocano/Ibanag flavor. In addition to amazing food with reasonably-good prices, the restaurant has amazing staff which makes dining even more pleasurable. Don’t miss their Pancit Isabela, Boneless Chicken, and Peppercorn steak.
6 | RACKS
Acronym for Real American Country Kitchen Style, Racks is a casual dining restaurant serving fall off the bone ribs. The restaurant takes pride in its high quality and amazingly delicious food so you have to try it for yourself.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many different types of accommodations available in this destination ranging from hostels to luxurious resorts. The following are our top choices for each range in Las Piñas City.
1 | Eurotel Las Piñas (Budget)
2 | Hotel Dream World Las Piñas (Mid-Range)
3 | The Excelsior Hotel Las Piñas (Luxury | Resort)
We recommend using the following sites to conduct research online of where to stay in Las Piñas City or for a specific destination:
Book your room with these trusted online booking sites. Booking online in the Philippines almost always guarantees the best price and a room when you arrive. We use these sites frequently to get the best prices and enjoy convenient bookings. Click each of the buttons below to find the best place for you at the lowest rates:
TIP: Eurotel Las Piñas is the best property to experience this destination.
Book Online & Save Money
BUDGET
Suggested Budget
Use the chart below to get an idea of how much to budget daily. Actual amounts will depend on YOUR travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages … some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less. Prices are in USD.
Travel Costs
Accommodation
A bed in a hostel dorm costs from 350 PHP ($7 USD), but smaller dorms can cost from 500 PHP ($10 USD). For a private double, prices start around 700 PHP ($14 USD).
Most budget hotels begin at 700 PHP ($14 USD) per night for a double room and usually include free wifi and breakfast. For a three-star hotel, prices begin around 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night. AirBnB is also widespread throughout the country, with private rooms starting from as little as 500 PHP ($10 USD) per night. For entire apartments, expect to pay at least 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) per night.
Resorts and luxury accommodations vary greatly from 1,400 PHP ($28 USD) to 5,000+ PHP ($100+ USD). However, there are some really nice resorts and luxury accommodations which are surprisingly affordable.
We use and recommend booking online to save money using HostelWorld, Agoda and Expedia.
Food
Local food is extremely cheap, with street food costing under 50 PHP ($1USD). For an inexpensive meal at a local restaurant, prices start around 100 PHP ($2 USD). For a meal at a mid-range restaurant with drinks and table service, expect to pay from 200 PHP ($4 USD). Knowing that their target customers are primarily tourists, Western food venues can be pricey compared to Filipino food. Also, some of the ingredients need to be imported, which contributes to the higher cost. Western food (burgers, pizza, pasta, etc.) is much more expensive but is still relatively affordable at around 200 PHP ($4 USD) for a meal and drink.
Fast food like McDonalds will cost around 200 PHP ($4 USD). A beer at the bar will cost around 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD).
A week’s worth of groceries will cost between 300-600 PHP ($6-12 USD) per person. However, food in this country is so inexpensive, and kitchens & refrigerators are hard to come by, I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss!
Transportation
There are many modes of transportation available in the Philippines and each varies greatly.
Public Transportation is cheap. Bus services on the islands are inexpensive. Local buses (called jeepneys) are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD).
On islands without a bus system, a taxi or tricycle is the only form of transport with fares starting at 50-500 PHP ($1-$10) USD for short trips.
Taxis are everywhere, and they’re very cheap. Most fares shouldn’t cost you more than 500 PHP ($10 USD) around town.
To get between islands, you’ll need to take a boat or to fly. There are ferries that connect the island together since they aren’t too far apart but, generally speaking, flights are the most realistic option.
Flights between islands usually cost about 2,000-3500 PHP ($40-70 USD). However, this isn’t the cheapest way to travel. It’s only recommended if you have limited time.
We recommend booking online to save money using: Skyscanner, momondo, Kayak, kiwi.com.
Attractions & Activities
Most attractions and activities in the Philippines are pretty cheap. Most attractions throughout the area are FREE to enter, though some of the more well known and popular ones cost 5-100 PHP ($.10-$2 USD) to enter.
Depending on the activity, most day tours only cost around 1,000-1,500 PHP ($20-30 USD), oftentimes less. You have more bargaining power if you go with a group. If you are expecting to do some climbing, remember to pack some warm layers. It gets cold at the top!
Other activities such as Island Hopping, scuba diving, helmet diving, swimming with whale sharks, jungle trekking, canyoning, ATVs, jet skis, wakeboarding, cruises, parasailing, horseback riding, cultural experiences, and tours can cost as much as 1,250-5,000+ PHP ($25-100+ USD).
The Philippines is one of the least expensive places to learn how to scuba dive. Learning to scuba dive usually costs about 15,000-20,000 PHP ($300-400 USD), but often includes FREE accommodation for the duration of the course, which lasts three or four days.
Always book your tours and activities when you arrive. Stick to travel agents who are selling on the ground. If a travel agent won’t negotiate with you, move on to the next until you find one that will. Booking tours online is almost always more expensive.
Typical Costs in Las Piñas City in 2023:
- Hostel Dorm Bed: 250-350 PHP ($5–7 USD) night
- Budget Hotel: 700 PHP ($14 USD) night
- Mid-Range Hotel: 1500 PHP ($31 USD) night
- Street Food: 50-150 PHP ($1–3 USD) meal
- Restaurant Meals: 200-300 PHP ($4–6 USD) meal
- Local Beer: 50-100 PHP ($1–2 USD) bottle
- 1.5L Bottle of Water: 38 PHP ($.75 USD) bottle
- Jeepney Ride: 7-25 PHP ($.20–.50 USD) ride
- Tricycle Ride: 20-100 PHP ($.5-2 USD) ride
- Taxi: 75-500 PHP ($1.50-10 USD) ride – use GrabTaxi app
- Long-Distance Bus Ride: 400-500 PHP ($8–10 USD) ride
- Domestic Flight: 2,000-3,500 PHP ($40–70 USD) flight
BEST NO-FEE INTERNATIONAL DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS
ADVICE
The following is some of our best advice on traveling to Las Piñas City. Learn what you need to know BEFORE you go!
Tips & Hacks
The following are our Top 10 Tips when visiting this destination in the Philippines:
- Be aware that a tourist VISA is only 30 days. You can extend it upon arrival, or within the first 30 days, for an additional 30 days for a fee of approximately 3,000 pesos.
- Don’t buy into the fear factor. The Philippines has an unjustified reputation of being a dangerous place. It’s true there are security guards everywhere, but that is to deter theft.
- Manila is NOT the Philippines. Get outside of the cities to see the real Philippines.
- Don’t over plan. Boats, buses, and even airplane schedules are notoriously unreliable. Be flexible.
- Check the weather. The weather varies greatly throughout the Philippines daily.
- Typhoons can have a huge impact on your plans. Account for this when planning your trip.
- It’s not cool to raise your voice or show outward frustration in public.
- Be polite at all times. Realize that your country’s sense of humor may be different from Filipino humor and take this into account when interacting with Filipinos and while in public places.
- Things move at a slower pace. Accept it … don’t get frustrated … but do account for it.
- Don’t drink the tap water… but stay hydrated! Save money by buying large bottles (6-10 liters) of water and using it to fill your water bottle or hydration bladder in your backpack.
For a complete list of our travel tips & hacks, check out the following guide and be sure to download a FREE copy for yourself.
VIEW & DOWNLOAD: The Ultimate Travel Tips & Hacks Guide for the Philippines
Money Matters
The Philippines has its own currency called the Philippine Peso. Banks, ATMs, and money-changers can be found on the island. If you are exploring the neighboring islands or provinces, make sure to bring enough cash that will last until the next time you get to an ATM or bank since most tours, transportation, and budget accommodations only accept cash.
READ MORE: Money in the Philippines: Everything You Need to Know
Health & Safety
Crime
While overall the Philippines is a safe country to visit, as is Las Piñas City, you need to use common sense just as you would in any country, especially when traveling, and in a city, town, or area you are unfamiliar with.
Consult your hotel or resort front desk as they are more likely to give you reliable information than a random stranger on the street. Be careful when approaching strangers and selective about who you approach. Always pay attention to your gut feeling and follow it.
READ MORE: How to Avoid Scams & Thieves in the Philippines
Safety
There are many things to consider when traveling in order to stay safe … things that we may not be accustomed to during our normal everyday lives. The following are articles about tips on how to stay safe while traveling in the Philippines:
- 6 Common Accidents to Avoid
- How to Beat the Heat in the Philippines
- Taxi Safety Tips: Dos and Don’ts
- Motorbike Safety Tips
- Beach & Ocean Safety Tips
- Sun Safety Tips
TIP: The best way to avoid problems and stay safe is to travel with a local resident.
Health
Staying fit & healthy can be challenging when traveling in the Philippines.
The tropical Philippines climate requires you to prepare for illnesses that you may not normally be accustomed to.
The following are our Top 10 Tips for Staying Healthy while Traveling in the Philippines:
- Maintain a Balanced Diet
- Stay Hydrated but Only Drink Bottled Water
- Get Plenty of Rest
- Allow Your Body Time to Adjust
- Keep Active
- Sanitize Often
- Be Aware of Food Safety Concerns
- Take Your Vitamins
- Practice Safe Sex
- Be Prepared Should You Get Sick
READ MORE: Stay Healthy in the Philippines: How to Avoid Getting Sick
Staying Connected
You need to have a local-based SIM card in order to stay connected when in the Philippines. Network giants such as Globe and Smart have SIM cards you can use to make calls, send text messages, and also to connect to the Internet. A SIM card costs around 50 PHP ($1 USD) and usually comes with a FREE load worth 50 PHP ($1 USD). You can buy a card containing a code you can enter on your phone to replenish your load or buy an electronic load that is available almost anywhere in the city.
While you may not have problems with signal strength when in the city, it is not always the case when on islands or in remote areas of a province. So when arranging for transportation pick up, say when renting a boat to take you to and pick you up from the island, it would be best that you make it clear what time you need to be picked up before the boatman leaves.
Recommended Travel Apps
Apps for smartphones and tablets can be useful both before you leave and while you’re traveling. Most are available for iPhones and Android phones.
The following are our Top 10 most useful travel apps on our smartphones when traveling in the Philippines:
- Grab (taxis/ride shares)
- Angkas (motorbike ride-hailing)
- WhatsApp (phone calls)
- Skyscanner (flights)
- Rome2Rio (transportation)
- Agoda (accomodations)
- Booking.com (accomodations)
- AirBnB (accomodations)
- Traveloka (flights, accomodations, activities)
- Klook (attractions & activities )
Be certain to download and set up apps BEFORE leaving on your trip to make certain each is installed and working properly.
For our complete list of travel apps that we use and recommend while traveling in the Philippines, checkout our checklist below. Download a FREE copy for yourself as a PDF.
READ MORE: The Ultimate List of Travel Apps for the Philippines
Itinerary
Trying to decide what to do when traveling to a destination for the first time can be a bit overwhelming given your lack of familiarity with the place along with all of the available options.
We’ve created the following itinerary to help simplify the process and ensure that you get the most out of your trip. Although we provide a 7 day itinerary for this destination, it can always be adjusted to fit the length of your trip.
VIEW: Las Piñas City 7-Day Travel Itinerary
Packing Checklist
The secret to a successful and stress-free trip is to start by using a packing list. This will reduce anxiety from the start and ensure that nothing important is forgotten when packing. To make this process easy for you, we’ve created a detailed packing list. Click the link below to download it for FREE now.
Carrying your checklist with you during your travels can be useful when repacking, by helping to ensure that you do not leave anything behind.
VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Our Ultimate Packing Guide & Checklist
Things to Remember
We recommend taking note of the following while traveling in Las Piñas City or in the Philippines in general.
Smoking
There is a nationwide ban which prohibits smoking in public places including indoors, the streets, on sidewalks, in restaurants , and on public transportation, requiring smokers to use designated smoking areas. Selling tobacco to and purchasing from or for minors is also prohibited. Violators are subject to fines (up to 5,000 PHP | $100 USD) and even 4 months in prison.
Alcohol
The minimum legal drinking age is 18. Alcohol such as beer and hard drinks can easily be bought in grocery and convenience stores. The most common alcoholic beverage is beer, generally served cold. Local alcoholic drinks include tuba (coconut wine which is usually very strong) and potent moonshine-like clear liquors made from sugar or fruit. Imported beer, wine, and name brand hard alcohol are available but expensive.
Drugs
Drugs are illegal in the Philippines. Don’t use, buy, or sell any non-prescription drugs while in the Philippines … not even marijuana. It is considered an especially heinous crime to buy from, for, or sell drugs to children. The penalties are severe … up to and including death.
Nudity
Public nudity is illegal in the Philippines and is not tolerated. Most locals consider it offensive. There are laws which prohibit provocative and erotic clothing and swimwear, therefore carefully consider your clothings and swimwear choices to make certain they are not too revealing.
Foreigners & Expats
If you are not a Filipino citizen, remember that you are a guest when visiting this country … be certain to act accordingly. Respect the people, their customs, and the environment and wlidlife. You can be deported and banned … so behave … but have fun and enjoy all that this wonderful destination has to offer.
READ MORE: Practical Information about the Philippines
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