Major city · Philippines
San Mateo
Spend a half‑day to a full day in San Mateo: see the Aranzazu shrine, shop at SM City, then head back to Manila.
San Mateo is a small gateway town north of Manila, 24 km away. Its main attractions are the historic Aranzazu shrine and a single mall; a day visit fits most itineraries.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- PHP
- Best months
- Dec–May
- avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season, landslides)
- Airport
- MNL
- Nights
- 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
Official sites
Emergency numbers for San Mateo117 ▾
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 San Mateo, 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
- SafetyGenerally safe; watch for landslides in rainy months and keep belongings secure on crowded jeepneys.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsCalled 'CR' (comfort room); bring tissue; many lack toilet seats.Philippines-wide
- Emergency numbers117 police · 117 fire and ambulance · 911 National emergency
- 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 30 min by car to San Mateo).
- Getting aroundJeepneys run Gen.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a local café₱50–₱100 (≈ US$1–2)
- Budget bedBudget room (resort basic room), a night, per room₱800 (≈ US$15)
- Mid-range bedBudget room (resort basic room), a night, per room₱1,200 (≈ US$25)
- High-end bedBudget room (resort basic room), a night, per room₱1,500 (≈ US$30)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₱800 (≈ US$15) · Mid ₱1,500 (≈ US$30) · High ₱2,500 (≈ US$45)
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 30 min by car to San Mateo)
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
Best
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Apr
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
May
Best
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
Jun
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Avoid
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Nov
not flagged
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Dec
Best
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
Best: Dec–May. Avoid: Jun–Oct. 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 (15 rain days), driest Feb (7). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
San Mateo: 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)
8 rd
Feb
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7 rd
Mar
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
9 rd
Apr
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
10 rd
May
33°C (91°F)91°F (33°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
12 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
14 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
15 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
14 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
13 rd
Oct
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11 rd
Nov
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
9 rd
Dec
30°C (86°F)86°F (30°C)
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
8 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
Jeepneys run Gen. Luna and Mabini avenues (P28 from Quezon City Hall). Tricycles serve village streets; taxis and Grab are available.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Antipolo
goDoor to door: ≈30 min total
Jeepney or Grab, about 15 min
Nearby capital of Rizal, good for a quick visit.
Marikina
goDoor to door: ≈45 min total
Jeepney via J.P. Rizal, about 20 min
Shoe capital, easy day outing.
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.
Apolonia Resort Hotel
near Marang Road, basic rooms
Ciudad Christhia Resort
in Carrieland Country Homes, mid‑range
Timberland Highlands Resort
in Timberland Heights, near biking trails
Green Nature Resort & Leisure Park
quiet park setting, family‑friendly
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–₱2,000 (≈ US$25–40) excl. bed
Trip budget
| Budget room (resort basic room)1 × 1 night × ₱800 | ₱800 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × ₱800 | ₱800 |
| Jeepney from Quezon City Hall, one way1 × ₱28 · check | ₱28 |
| Grab from Manila Airport, one way1 × ₱350 · check | ₱350 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₱198 |
| Trip total≈ ₱2,176 per person per day, bed included | ₱2,176≈ US$40 |
2026 estimate in pesos; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Jeepney ride (Manila‑San Mateo)check | ₱28 (≈ under US$1) |
| Coffee at a local café | ₱50–₱100 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Meal at SM City food court | ₱120–₱250 (≈ US$3–5) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Landslides in highland areas during the rainy season; check local advisories.
- Some barangays (e.g., Pintong Bukawe) require passing through Antipolo; plan routes accordingly.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 117
- Fire and ambulance
- 117
- National emergency
- 911
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
San MateoSan Mateo
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Punta dito, pakiTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police117
- Fire and ambulance117
- National emergency911
Embassy
US Consulate in Manila; other embassies in Manila.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Jeepney Quezon City → San Mateo: about ₱28 (≈ under US$1) per person, 15 min (check)
- Grab Manila Airport → San Mateo: ≈₱350, 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Pasensya na — Excuse me / Sorry (pah-sen-sha na)
- Salamat — Thank you (sa-la-mat)
- Magkano ito? — How much is it? (mag-ka-no i-to)
- Nasaan ang banyo? — Where is the restroom? (na-san ang ba-nyo)
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 San Mateo. 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: Dec–May · avoid Jun–Oct (rainy season, landslides) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 4 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 2 bands
- 2 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add a short walkable map of Gen. Luna Ave attractions.
- Include a checklist for shrine dress code and market hours.
Sources
Ask about San Mateo
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