Manila Travel Forum

hi

is it possible to reach the main shopping, dining and sightseeing spots of manila via the metro ( train ) although i believe there are different operators and travel inter operator is not seamless.

do they have any day or week passes and are any concessional passess available to senior citisens. if such a pass is not available what is the best way to travel on the metro without too much time being spent on the purchasing individual joourney tickets.
regards
musapir

In response to your first question, it depends on which part of Metro Manila you'll be staying.

I think, the MRT/LRT lines sell a "stored value or multiple use" card that you can re-load. It's worth P100 and you can use for a month (after first use). Visit this website for more info: http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=MRT

Well kind of depends on where you are and where you want to go.You can from Armento in QC to Rector then change trains and get to what I call downtown Manila.Its kind of a east/west north/south routes.I always go to Rector to get cheap DVD's fake everything etc.Its a good fast way to get across Manila and miss the traffic so you might have to take a taxi after getting off the train.It does'nt go into Rockwell Greenbelt or Goleita malls.You can buy stored value cards so you don't have to wait in line everytime but I don't think day passes

hi asianbelle
tks for the response.
we will be located at j escriva drive in pasig city if that helps to give additional information that you may have.
regards
musaphir

"is it possible to reach the main shopping, dining and sightseeing spots of manila via the metro ( train )" >>

Yes, you can go to many interesting places in Metro Manila via Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT). The LRT Line 1 is convenient to use if you'd like to go to Rizal Park (Get off at TM Kalaw Station) or downtown Manila (Get off at Isetan/Carriedo Station). The MRT is convenient to use if you'd like to go to shopping or dining at Glorietta/Ayala Center (Get off at Ayala/SM Station) or SM Megamall/Greenhills (Get off at Shaw Blvd. Station) or Trinoma (Get off at Trinoma/North Ave. Station).

Btw, I heard about the Rail Tourism Project which was launched last Dec. 2008. It was meant to integrate leisure and educational tours using the LRT Lines 1 and 2, as well as the MRT3, as the main modes of transportation. Actually, the project targets GROUP tours to scenic and historic locations, as well as Manila’s urban skyline, but you can INQUIRE IF YOU CAN JOIN a group tour. There are packages to choose from, depending on what best suit your needs/interests. Tour guides and/or guest lecturers accompany the riders. Before, package fees were a minimum of P70.00, depending on the package and add-ons chosen, it could be higher. Try to call the LRTA Public Relations Office through telephone numbers (+632)854-0984 and (+632)647-3452.

Hi Musaphir. I'll make a wild guess - you'll stay at Astoria Plaza :)

J. Escriva is about 3 blocks from the nearest MRT station which is Shaw Blvd. Station. Your option is to take a 5-10min jeeepney ride at the corner of J. Escriva and Shaw Blvd. to reach the MRT station. This station is actually connected to Shangrila Plaza Mall and next to this is SM Megamall. At the back of Megamall is St. Francis Square (bargain center) and about 2 mins walk is Podium (a bit upscale mall). What I'm saying is, you don't need to go far for your shopping and dining needs (unless you have other shopping areas in mind like Greenhills, Mall of Asia, Trinoma, etc. I can give you specific directions).

For sightseeing, the most popular destinations are Rizal Park and Intramuros. From the Shaw Blvd. station, take southbound train (Pasay) and at the last station, transfer to LRT going to Monumento. Get off at UN Avenue station and
a short walking distance is Rizal Park. From there, Intramuros is 10-15mins walk.

Going back, you can take a cab to UN Avenue then LRT going to Baclaran. Upon reaching EDSA station, transfer to MRT bound for North EDSA. Get off at Shaw Blvd. station, then take a Pasig-bound jeep and get off at Pioneer street (take note that there's no pedestrian crossing at J. Escriva so you have to walk back, about 50 meters, from Pioneer to J. Escriva.

In essence, to reach the major shopping, dining & sightseeing spots, you have to take a combination of 1-2 (or more) transpo modes. Not all areas are IMMEDIATELY accessible by MRT/LRT.

You can try inquiring from any MRT/LRT station. I think there is a weekly pass worth P250 and is good for one week which you can use for the three LRT lines. LRT Line 1 has a poster inside their trains showing various landmarks which may be found near each station.

Correct, short and clear info you can find here:
http://www.philippine-portal.com/transportation/MRT-and-LRT.html

For more (but sometimes confusing) info you can check:
http://www.lrta.gov.ph/
http://www.dotcmrt3.gov.ph/