Manila City Tour(Old and NEW)

If you’re considering a quick glimpse of Manila’s most famous sights combined with an optional underwater adventure in Anilao, this tour promises to hit both. However, with a price tag of $108 for around five hours, it’s essential to know exactly what you’re getting—especially since the experience has mixed reviews.

One thing we particularly appreciate about this tour is its comprehensive itinerary, which includes top landmarks like Intramuros, Rizal Park, and the National Museum. Plus, the round-trip hotel transfers are a bonus, especially if you’re staying in the busy Manila Bay or Makati areas, making logistics less stressful.

On the flip side, the biggest concern is the notorious unreliability highlighted by a recent review where the driver failed to show up, and the customer service left much to be desired. That kind of experience can turn a day around and leaves a lot of questions about what your actual experience will be like.

This tour seems best suited for travelers with limited time who want a broad overview of Manila’s key sites coupled with an optional adventure at Anilao Beach—if it’s running smoothly.

Key Points

• Well-rounded sightseeing: Covers major landmarks like Intramuros and Rizal Park.
• Convenient transfers: Door-to-door service from select areas.
• Limited museum access: National Museum closed on Mondays.
• Questionable reliability: Recent reviews highlight significant issues with punctuality.
• Price vs. value: At $108, it may feel steep, especially if parts of the tour fall short.
• Customer service concerns: Inconsistent experiences reported.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off with a visit to Intramuros, the historic walled city of Manila. Here, you get 30 minutes to explore notable sites like Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Museum, and Baluarte de San Diego. These spots are packed with history and architecture, offering photographers some great shots and history buffs a meaningful window into Manila’s past. However, with only 30 minutes, you’re on a tight schedule—so don’t expect to linger.

Next, you’ll head to Rizal Park and Shrine, another 30-minute stop. This large green space is central to Filipino national identity, with statues, gardens, and an impressive shrine dedicated to José Rizal. It’s a peaceful spot but also a quick snapshot rather than an in-depth exploration.

The tour then includes a visit to the American Cemetery, where you might find a quiet reflection on Manila’s complex history. This stop is free and lasts about 30 minutes. It’s a respectful site with well-maintained grounds, but again, limited time means you won’t get a comprehensive feel for the place.

The National Museum rounds out the cultural stops, offering insights into Filipino art, history, and culture. Be aware that the museum is closed on Mondays, so if your tour falls on that day, this part will be skipped. The 30-minute window is quite brief for such a large and rich institution, so don’t expect to see everything.

The Optional Anilao Beach Adventure

One of the unique features of this tour is the promise of two guided boat dives at Anilao Beach. If you’re a certified diver with your own gear, this could be a highlight. You’ll enjoy exploring coral gardens and drop-offs, with chances to see nudibranchs, scorpion fish, shrimps, and crabs. The package includes tanks, weights, belts, and a dive guide, which adds convenience.

However, the reviews raise questions about this part of the experience. One reviewer, Suzanne, recounted a frustrating ordeal where the driver didn’t show up, and after multiple customer service calls, she had to request a refund. That’s a significant red flag, especially if you’re relying on this part of the tour to be seamless.

It’s important to note that this component is optional — if you’re not a diver or don’t want to risk the logistical issues, you can skip it. For travelers solely interested in Manila’s cultural sights, this part might not be worth the added uncertainty.

Logistics and Practicalities

The price of $108 covers a lot: entrance fees for some sites, a local guide, and round-trip transfers within certain Manila areas. Still, considering the limited duration and the busy schedule, some might find it a bit pricey for what is essentially a quick overview.

The tour lasts about five hours, which sounds reasonable, but with tight time slots at each stop, don’t expect to spend more than half an hour at most locations. Transportation is via private vehicle, which should be comfortable, but the reliability of pickup is crucial. One major issue from a recent review was the driver failing to show up, leading to wait times over an hour and a half, which can ruin the entire experience.

The tour is described as “private” for your group, which is a plus, but the inconsistency in execution can make that advantage less meaningful.

What Travelers Need to Know

• Timing: Confirm your pickup time and be prepared for tight schedules at each site.
• Weather dependency: The tour requires good weather, especially if you opt for the Anilao diving segment.
• Museum closures: Check if your tour date falls on a Monday, as the National Museum is closed then.
• Additional costs: Meals, optional Kalesa rides, and activity fees are not included.
• Reliability: Recent reviews indicate that punctuality may be an issue, so manage expectations accordingly.
• Suitability: Best for travelers wanting a quick, structured overview with optional diving, but not for those seeking an in-depth exploration or reliable service.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Manila city tour offers a broad overview of the city’s key spots, making it suitable for first-timers with limited time. The inclusion of a door-to-door transfer helps cut down on logistical stress, and the set itinerary covers iconic landmarks that tell the story of Manila’s history.

However, the mixed reviews demonstrate that you need to be flexible and patient, especially if you want the full cultural experience. The optional Anilao diving segment might appeal to experienced divers, but given recent issues, it might be better to book that separately or with a more reliable provider.

If you’re after a cost-effective, stress-free sightseeing experience in Manila, there are probably better options than this tour. But if you’re comfortable with potential hiccups and crave a quick snapshot of the city’s highlights, it can serve as a useful day out.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, but those expecting a relaxed pace might find the short durations at each site limiting.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a local driver guide, pickup and drop-off from certain Manila areas, fuel, tolls, parking fees, and some entrance tickets.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so you’ll need to plan for lunch on your own.

Can I participate in the Anilao Beach diving?
Yes, if you are a certified diver with your own gear, tanks, weights, and belts are included. But be aware that recent reviews mention logistical issues.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
You’ll be offered a different date or a full refund if the weather isn’t suitable.

What should I do if the driver doesn’t show up?
Recent experiences suggest calling customer service multiple times. Given the review, you might want to double-check your booking and keep contact numbers handy.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
The itinerary is fixed, but the actual experience may vary depending on timing, weather, and service reliability.

If you’re looking for a quick, structured glimpse of Manila’s highlights with the option to explore beneath the waves, this tour can be a decent choice—just go in with clear expectations and a flexible attitude.