About the ride from Banaue to Manila
It’s time to swap the spectacular views of neverending rice paddies in Banaue for the dense cluster of skyscrapers in Manila.
The capital city of the Philippines is used by most visitors as a transit destination, where they can catch a flight, bus, or ferry to their next destination. Traffic and an urban jungle aren’t what most people come to the Philippines for. However, Manila gives you an exciting glimpse into another way of life, different from the countryside and island life.
Plus, it’s an excellent place for a history lesson.
To get from Banaue to Manila, you’ll have to head south for 385 km (239 miles) on the island of Luzon.
Things are nice and simple on this journey. There’s only the bus, which takes between 9-11 hours, depending on traffic. It’s a long ride, but at least it’s direct.
Once onboard, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the views flashing past your window.
Five of the best things to do in Manila
Most people don’t spend a lot of time in Manila. But if you do find yourself in the capital city for a few days, use it as an opportunity to learn a bit about the country’s history. It’s one of the best places for that. Here are our top recommendations for things to do in Manila:
Wander around Intramuros. The walled city is the place to learn about the Philippines’ history, particularly the enduring influence of the Spanish colonial era on the country. Inside the walls, you’ll find churches, plazas and plenty of museums.
Get lost in the National Museum Complex. It covers almost everything: art, anthropology, natural history, and a planetarium. Wandering around the different sections can keep you entertained for hours.
Explore Binodo, Manila’s Chinatown, founded in 1594. It’s believed to be the first in the world. Like other Chinatowns, it’s one of the best places for food in the city.
Visit the weekend markets. Here, you can sample some tasty Filipino cuisine and buy local crafts. Check out Salcedo Market, Legazpi Market and Mercato Centrale.
Escape to Rizal Park. If you’re missing the nature of Banaue, Rizal Park is a good escape. Covering 58 hectares, you might forget you’re in a city. Plus, there’s lots to see inside: monuments, squares, gardens, a stadium, observatories, theatres, shops and playgrounds.
How to get from Banaue to Manila
Deciding how to get from Banaue to Manila is easy. There’s only one choice!
You have to take the bus, which takes between 9-11 hours, depending on the traffic and how speedy the driver is. Tickets start around $15.
There are a few departures per day. Many leave late in the afternoon, getting you into Manila in the middle of the night. Be prepared with a way to get to your hotel or hostel.
Most buses are fairly similar with comfortable, reclining seats and air conditioning. Some might have a toilet on board. If you book a VIP bus, it’ll have fewer seats, making it more comfortable.
The buses depart Banaue from the bus company office or bus terminal, arriving in several locations throughout Manila and Quezon City. Be sure to choose the company whose arrival is nearest your accommodation.
Pro tip: Some drivers like to blast the air conditioning so the bus can get cold. Make sure to bring something warm to wear; otherwise, you probably won’t get much sleep during the journey.
What to expect from the journey from Banuae to Manila
Make the most of the views as you leave Banaue — you won’t see that much green as you get closer to Manila.
Thankfully, the bus drivers make several stops during the journey, so you can take a break, grab a snack, or use the restroom.
As all the buses travel through some of the night, you’ll probably (or hopefully) spend most of the journey sleeping.
When is the best time to visit Manila?
The best time to visit Manila is generally during the dry season, between November to April. During these months, the weather is relatively cooler and more comfortable, with lower humidity and less rainfall.
May is the hottest month in Manila, with temperatures around 34°C (93°F). Being in a busy city with these kinds of temperatures isn’t a lot of fun.
How many days should you spend in Manila?
Most people don’t come to the Philippines to spend their days in a busy city. Instead, they want to go island-hopping and sip a cold drink under a palm tree. If this is you, 1-2 days is enough to see what the city is like, eat some good food, and learn a bit about the country’s history.
Where to visit after Manila?
The Philippines is your oyster from Manila. It’s one of the biggest transport hubs in the country, with buses, ferries and flights departing to some of the top destinations.
Some places to consider visiting include El Nido, Coron and Siargao, but really, the list is endless.