Major city · Philippines
Cardona
Spend a half‑day to a full day in Cardona: explore Mount Tagapo, the town’s church and rock garden, then return to Manila or stay nearby.
Cardona sits at the edge of Metro Manila’s lake‑side belt, offering a quick nature escape on Talim Island and a few modest town sights. One day is enough for the main attractions; longer stays work only if you base in nearby Tanay or Morong.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Nov–Feb (dry season, lower landslide risk) (check)
- avoid Jun–Sep (rainy season, landslides) (check)
- Airport
- MNL
- Nights
- 0–1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 5Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore…
- Southeast Asia ↗Drug trafficking can carry the death penalty in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Brunei and Myanmar; never carry a bag or parcel for anyone.
- Southeast Asia ↗Carry a passport valid for at least six months from entry with two blank pages; airlines refuse boarding on less.
- Philippines ↗Complete the free eTravel registration on the official government site within 72 hours before arrival; ignore lookalike sites that charge.
- Philippines ↗Typhoon season runs roughly June to November: flights and boats are cancelled at short notice; buy flexible tickets and keep a spare day.
- Philippines ↗Carry pesos in small notes; many stalls, jeepneys and taxis are cash-only.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Cardona117 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Cardona, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Philippine pesos (₱) in small notes for jeepneys, market stalls, tips and taxis; malls and hotels take cards.Philippines-wide
- SIM or eSIMGlobe and Smart sell SIMs at airports; SIM registration with passport is required by law.Philippines-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap; refill stations cheap.Philippines-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% if no service charge.Philippines-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B/C. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Philippines-wide
- SafetyCardona is generally safe for day visitors; watch for landslide warnings in rainy months and avoid swimming in the bay.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 117 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysHoly Week shuts much; malls open daily; banks closed weekends.Philippines-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport (About 45 km (28 mi) north; 1–1.5 h by Grab or jeepney.).MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport (About 28 mi (45 km) north; 1–1.5 h by Grab or jeepney.).
- Getting aroundJeepney runs Manila East Road to Cardona; one‑way traffic in town centre.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at local café₱50–₱80 (≈ US$1–2)
- Street or quick mealMeal at street stall₱80–₱150 (≈ US$2–3)
- Budget bedBudget dormitory or hostel bed, a night, per person₱300 (≈ US$6)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱800 (≈ US$15) · Mid ₱1,200 (≈ US$25) · High ₱1,800 (≈ US$35)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport (About 45 km (28 mi) north; 1–1.5 h by Grab or jeepney.)MNL Ninoy Aquino International Airport (About 28 mi (45 km) north; 1–1.5 h by Grab or jeepney.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Feb
Best
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Mar
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
not flagged
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jul
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Aug
Avoid
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Sep
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Oct
not flagged
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Nov
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Nov–Feb. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest Apr (33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)), coolest Jan (22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C) low), wettest Jul (13 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Cardona: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
6 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Jun
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
Jul
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Aug
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
13 rd
Sep
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
12 rd
Oct
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
8 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
5 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Jeepney runs Manila East Road to Cardona; one‑way traffic in town centre. Take the Cardona Ferry to Talim Island (≈5 min). Walk or tricycle for short hops.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Mount Tagapo (Talim Island)
goDoor to door: ≈1 h total
Ferry from Cardona Port (≈5 min), then hike 30 min to summit
Popular day‑trip for city dwellers; bring water and sturdy shoes.
Cardona Rock Garden
goDoor to door: ≈15 min
Walk or tricycle from town centre (≈10 min)
Free entry; explore natural boulders.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Tanay (nearby)
Budget inns and homestays; 15 min ferry to Talim Island.
Morong
Similar options; good base for day trips to Cardona.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₱800–₱1,200 (≈ US$15–25) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₱1,200–₱1,800 (≈ US$25–35) excl. bed
- High
- ₱1,800 (≈ US$35)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget dormitory or hostel bed1 × 1 night × ₱300 | ₱300 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × ₱800 | ₱800 |
| Trip total≈ ₱1,100 per person per day, bed included | ₱1,100≈ US$20 |
check
2026 estimate; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at local café | ₱50–₱80 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Meal at street stall | ₱80–₱150 (≈ US$2–3) |
| Bottle of water (500 ml) | ₱20–₱35 (≈ under US$1) |
| Ferry ticket to Talim Island | ₱150–₱200 (≈ US$3–4) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Landslides are common in the rainy season; check local alerts before hiking.
- Grassfires can occur in the dry months on upland areas.
- Laguna de Bay water is polluted; avoid swimming.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Fire and ambulance
- 117
Pocket card
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CardonaCardona
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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Paki dalhin sa address na itoTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Fire and ambulance117
Embassy
US Embassy in Manila; consular services for Cardona visitors.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Jeepney Manila East Road: ≈ ₱30 per ride, 15‑20 min (check)
- Cardona ferry to Talim Island: ≈ ₱150 round‑trip (check)
Say or show
- Magkano ito? — How much is this?
- Saan ang ferry? — Where is the ferry?
- Gusto ko ng tubig, salamat — I would like water, please
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Cardona. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Feb (dry season, lower landslide risk) (check) · avoid Jun–Sep (rainy season, landslides) (check) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 3 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a ferry‑to‑Talim Island ticket to the day‑trip bundle.
- Create a joint guide with Tanay for overnight stays.
Sources
Ask about Cardona
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