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Voykit pocket guide · 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.
- Country
- Philippines
- Best months
- Dec–May
- Avoid
- Jun–Oct (rainy season, landslides)
- Stay
- 1 night
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 117 · Fire and ambulance 117 · National emergency 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 ride (Manila‑San Mateo) | ₱28 |
| Coffee at a local café | ₱50–₱100 |
| Meal at SM City food court | ₱120–₱250 |
Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.
Get in
By air
- MNL · Ninoy Aquino International Airport
- about 30 min by car to San Mateo
Typical fares
- Jeepney Quezon City → San Mateo
- about ₱28 per person, 15 min (check)
- Grab Manila Airport → San Mateo
- ≈₱350, 30 min (check)
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
Jeepneys run Gen. Luna and Mabini avenues (P28 from Quezon City Hall). Tricycles serve village streets; taxis and Grab are available.
See and do
Known for
- National Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu
- SM City San Mateo
- Biking at Timberland Heights
Day trips
| Where | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Antipolo | Jeepney or Grab, about 15 min | ≈30 min total |
| Marikina | Jeepney via J.P. Rizal, about 20 min | ≈45 min total |
Sleep
- 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
Phrase card
| English | Say or show |
|---|---|
| Excuse me / Sorry | Pasensya napah-sen-sha na |
| Thank you | Salamatsa-la-mat |
| How much is it? | Magkano ito?mag-ka-no i-to |
| Where is the restroom? | Nasaan ang banyo?na-san ang ba-nyo |
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
- Landslides in highland areas during the rainy season; check local advisories.
- Some barangays (e.g., Pintong Bukawe) require passing through Antipolo; plan routes accordingly.
Generally safe; watch for landslides in rainy months and keep belongings secure on crowded jeepneys.
One and two days
No timed day plan for San Mateo yet. Suggested stay: 1 night. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.
- National Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu
- SM City San Mateo
- Biking at Timberland Heights
Sources
Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.
- San Mateo official website: www.sanmateo.gov.ph/
- Wikidata – San Mateo: www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1234567
- Wikivoyage: San Mateo (Rizal), revision 5331246 (CC BY-SA 4.0): en.wikivoyage.org/w/index.php?oldid=5331246
Pocket card
Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.
Printed from Voykit (/san-mateo-rizal). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.