Regions

Welcome to National Capital Region

National Capital Region
Written by Patrick

ABOUT SEE & DO EAT & DRINK STAY FESTIVALS NEARBY

Travel Insurance

ABOUT

Popularly referred to as Metro Manila, the National Capital Region is the seat of government and one of the three defined metropolitan areas in the country.

Location

View Map

Best Time to Visit

For the best combination of agreeable temperatures of around 27° C (80° F) and as little rain as possible, the best time to visit this region is between February and March. The first months of dry season can still be rainy, while the last months are usually pretty hot and humid.

Fast Facts

The following are interesting facts about this province:

Area: 619.7 km² (239.26 mi²)

Population: 13,485,300

Density: 18,641.5/km2

Regional Center: Manila

Languages: Filipino, English

Cities/Towns:

NCR – National Capital Region

CITY/TOWNLAND AREA KM2POPULATION
Caloocan531,661,600
Las Piñas32606,300
Makati27629,700
Malabon16380,600
Mandaluyong11425,800
Manila431,846,600
Marikina23456,100
Muntinlupa42543,500
Navotas12247,600
Parañaque47690,000
Pasay19440,700
Pasig31803,200
Pateros265,300
Quezon City1652,960,100
San Juan6126,400
Taguig45886,800
Valenzuela46715,000
Total
62013,485,300

Cities: (16) Caloocan; Las Piñas; Makati; Malabon; Mandaluyong; City of Manila; Marikina; Muntinlupa; Navotas; Parañaque; Pasay; Pasig; Quezon City; San Juan; Taguig, Valenzuela

Barangays: 1,710

Major Industries:

  • Crops (Palay, Corn, Banana, Mango, Coffee, Coconut)
  • Food Processing
  • Mass Transportation Operation
  • Tourism
  • Machinery
  • Textiles and Garments
  • Handicrafts and Furniture

Getting Here

The best way to get to NCR depends on where you’re traveling from and your budget.

The fastest and most convenient method of travel a far distance in the Philippines is most often by plane, however in some cases, traveling by sea or land may be a better option and more cost-effective.

AIRPORTS

Airport

VIEW DETAILS

BUS TERMINALS

Bus Terminal

VIEW DETAILS

SEAPORTS

Seaport

VIEW DETAILS

Use the following online service to determine the various transportation options available to you based on your point of departure and your destination.

Rome to Rio

Getting Around

The following are the modes of transportation available in this region. 

Bus

Bus

Car for Hire

Car for Hire

Car Rental

Car Rental

Jeepneys

Jeepneys

Ride-Sharing

Ride-Sharing

Shuttle

Shuttle

Taxi

Taxi

Trains

Trains

Tricycles

Tricycles

Motorcycles

Motorcycles

Bicycles

Bicycles

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.

ACCOMMODATION
FOOD
TRANSPORTATION
ATTRACTIONS
AVERAGE DAILY COST
Budget
Accommodation: $9
Food: $8
Transportation: $5
Attractions: $20
Average Daily Cost: $42
Mid-Range
Accommodation: $35
Food: $15
Transportation: $10
Attractions: $30
Average Daily Cost: $90
Luxury
Accommodation: $145
Food: $35
Transportation: $20
Attractions: $40
Average Daily Cost: $240
 

BEST NO-FEE INTERNATIONAL DEBIT & CREDIT CARDS

CHASE SAPPHIRE CREDIT CARD

CHASE SAPPHIRE CREDIT CARD

VIEW DETAILS

CHARLES SCHWAB DEBIT CARD

CHARLES SCHWAB DEBIT CARD

VIEW DETAILS

CAPITAL ONE VENTURE CARD

CAPITAL ONE VENTURE CARD

VIEW DETAILS

SEE & DO 

  • Art in Island Museum
  • Ayala Center
  • Ayala Museum
  • Bamboo Organ at Saint Joseph Church
  • Bonifacio High Street
  • Casa Manila
  • Cultural Center of the Philippines
  • Fort Santiago
  • Green Hills Shopping Center
  • Intramuros
  • Luglugan Pancit Malabon
  • Malabon Tricycle Tour
  • Malacañang Palace Museum
  • Manila Cathedral
  • Manila Chinatown
  • Mind Museum
  • National Museum
  • Philippine International Convention Center
  • Quezon Memorial Circle
  • Rizal Park
  • San Agustin Church and Museum
  • University of Santo Tomas (UST)
  • Uptown Bonifacio

EAT & DRINK

  • Adobo
  • Arroz Caldo
  • Balut
  • Bulalo
  • Chicken Inasal
  • Crispy Pata
  • Dinuguan at puto
  • Fish Tinola
  • Halo-halo
  • Kamaro
  • Kare-kare
  • Kinilaw
  • Lechon
  • Pancit Palabok
  • Pansit Malabon
  • Sinigang
  • Sisig
  • Taba ng talangka
  • Tapa

WHERE TO STAY

Where to Stay in NCR

Use the following online resources to determine the best place for YOU to stay when visiting the NCR.

Book Online & Save Money

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.

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

  • Aliwan Fiesta
  • Balut sa Puti Festival
  • Caracol Festival
  • Feast of Black Nazarene (Quiapo, Manila)
  • International Bamboo Organ Festival
  • La Loma Lechon Festival
  • Philippine International Pyromusical Competition

WHAT’S NEARBY

READ MORE: 17 Regions of the Philippines (with map)

Download Our FREE Travel Guides

We have dozens of guides to destinations throughout the Philippines. Download your FREE copy for your next trip today.

Philippine Travel Guides

DOWNLOAD GUIDES

Is there any additional information you'd like to share on this topic?

About the Author

Patrick

Patrick is an entrepreneur, digital nomad, explorer, and photographer. Patrick is always in search of fun and adventure. He is well travelled throughout the world, and although location independent, his home base is Phoenix, Arizona in the USA. Patrick loves island lifestyle which is no wonder why he is so interested in spending time in the Philippines with it’s over 7,000 islands. Patrick created this site to share his knowledge of and experiences in the Philippines with Filipinos as well as other foreigners.

Leave a Comment