In the print dialog pick “Save as PDF” to keep it on your phone. A5 makes a pocket booklet; A4 suits a desk printer.
Voykit pocket guide · Philippines
Marilao
Spend a half‑day in Marilao: 2–3 h to see the Divine Mercy shrine and the market, then return to Manila; no overnight needed.
Marilao is a suburban town north of Manila with a few key sights – a large Catholic shrine, a historic church and a modern mall. It can be explored in a half‑day, making it a quick stop on a Manila‑to‑Bulacan itinerary.
- Country
- Philippines
- Best months
- Dec–May (dry season)
- Avoid
- Jun–Oct (rainy, flooding risk)
- Stay
- 0 nights
Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.
Essentials
- Currency
- PHP
- Money
- Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.
- Daily spend
- Budget ₱800–₱1,200 excl. bed · Mid ₱1,200–₱2,000 excl. bed (estimate; check)
- SIM and data
- Globe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.
- Emergency
- Police / General emergencies 911
- Plugs
- Types A, B, C · 220 V · 60 Hz · US flat pins common; check your devices for 220 V.
- Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if no service charge.; Grab / taxi: Round up.; Boat crew: ₱100–200 per tour.; Massage: ₱50–100.
- Water
- Not drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.
- Toilets
- Called 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.
What things cost
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Jeepney fare (MacArthur Hwy) | ₱60 |
| Tricycle ride (SM Marilao ↔ old town) | ₱50 |
| Meal at local eatery | ₱100–₱250 |
| Coffee at café | ₱80–₱120 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- MNL · Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- —
Typical fares
- Jeepney MacArthur Hwy
- about ₱60 one‑way (check schedule)
- Tricycle SM Marilao ↔ town centre
- about ₱50 per ride
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Phrase card, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card
Get around
Jeepney along MacArthur Highway (P60 one‑way), city buses via NLEX exit, tricycle rides (P50) for short hops, Grab taxis available.
See and do
Known for
- National Shrine of the Divine Mercy
- San Miguel Arcangel Parish
- SM City Marilao
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bocaue | Jeepney north on MacArthur Highway, about 10 min | ≈15 min total |
| Meycauayan | Jeepney north on MacArthur Highway, about 15 min | ≈20 min total |
| San Jose del Monte | Bus via NLEX exit, about 30 min | ≈45 min total |
| Calumpit | Jeepney north on MacArthur Highway, about 20 min | ≈30 min total |
Sleep
- Viera Hotel
- Budget hotel near the town centre, 3 PM check‑in.
- Four Kings Hotel and Restaurant
- Mid‑range option on MacArthur Highway.
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Pasensya na |
| Thank you | Salamat |
| How much is it? | Magkano ito? |
| Where is the bathroom? | Nasaan ang banyo? |
Etiquette, safety and scams
Etiquette
- Greeting: Smile, handshake; 'po' to elders; avoid: Loud confrontation
- Beckoning: Palm down, wave; avoid: Palm up (used for animals)
- Invitations: Accept food offered or decline politely; avoid: Refusing bluntly
- Time: Expect 'Filipino time' socially; avoid: Lateness for flights and boats
- Churches: Covered clothes; avoid: Loud tours during Mass
Scams and watch-outs
- Low‑lying parts flood during heavy rain and high tide; check local alerts in rainy season.
- No train service; the new Manila‑Clark rail station is under construction.
Generally safe for day visits; watch for flooding in low‑lying areas during heavy rain and typhoons.
One and two days
No timed day plan for Marilao yet. Suggested stay: 0 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- National Shrine of the Divine Mercy
- San Miguel Arcangel Parish
- SM City Marilao
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- Marilao official website: www.marilao.gov.ph/
- Wikivoyage: Marilao, revision 5338335 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5338335
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Marilao
Punta dito, paki
To this address, please
My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)
- Police / General emergencies911
US Embassy in Manila (check address).
Voykit · checked 2026-09
Printed from Voykit (/marilao). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.