Muntinlupa
Introduction
You will find Muntinlupa to be a highly urbanized city located within the National Capital Region of the Philippines.
Before you go
Prepare for a landscape of stark contrasts as you navigate this urban sprawl. You will find a mix of modern prosperity within the planned business districts of Filinvest City and Ayala Alabang, which stand in opposition to the more traditional, gritty atmosphere of the surrounding areas. Be mindful that the city's main thoroughfares are frequently congested due to rapid growth and a lack of a planned public transportation network. While exploring, exercise caution with your valuables like phones and cameras, as even modern districts can attract opportunistic thieves. Additionally, be wary of touts in taxis and tricycles who may attempt to overcharge you or take you to unintended locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings in areas known for petty crime, such as pickpockets and bag snatchers. You should also note that much of the city sits along the West Valley Fault; look for orange spray-painted markers indicating where the fault line runs through populated zones.
Getting there
You can reach Muntinlupa by bus, which currently serves as the fastest way to travel since commuter trains are suspended. If you are arriving from the north or Ninoy Aquino International Airport, several city bus routes pass through Alabang via the South Superhighway. Other options include a route connecting Bonifacio Global City to Alabang via C-5, or a route from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange that travels through Las Piñas. For those traveling from the south, a service connects Biñan and Makati via the National Road.
For more direct travel, you can choose from several transportation options:
- Point-to-point (P2P) express buses provide comfortable, low-floor transport to locations like Ayala Malls South Park or Alabang Town Center.
- Airport Loop services run directly from the airport to terminals in Alabang.
- Express jeepneys offer air-conditioned transit from areas such as Calamba, Santa Rosa, and Pasay.
- If traveling by car, you can navigate via the South Luzon Expressway, the Skyway, or the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway.
Getting around
You can navigate Muntinlupa using various modes of public transport depending on your destination and preferred level of comfort. Jeepneys offer extensive coverage, with routes originating from Festival Mall, South Station, or VTX to reach neighboring areas like Las Piñas, Parañaque, Cavite, and Laguna. For shorter trips within the city, specific jeepney lines serve neighborhoods such as Ayala Alabang and Filinvest City. If you prefer a more private experience, taxis and ride-sharing services are available at booths outside major shopping malls.
For local travel in areas not serviced by jeepneys, you can find tricycles or pedicabs at major street corners, outside subdivisions, and at South Station. While these vehicles are common in some barangays like Alabang, they are rarely found in more affluent neighborhoods. If you choose to drive your own vehicle, be prepared for heavy traffic on main thoroughfares like the National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road. Navigating the city's road network can be challenging due to narrow streets and aggressive driving behaviors; however, the SLEX provides a smoother route for those traveling north of Alabang.
Where to stay
You can find a variety of accommodations within the Alabang district, which offers several options ranging from luxury stays to residential-style lodging. The area features high-end hotels such as The Bellevue, recognized as a deluxe hotel in the south of Manila, and the Vivere Hotel, which provides access to nearby malls and features a dining area on its upper floors. For those seeking modern amenities or proximity to business hubs, you can choose from several properties located within Filinvest City and Madrigal Business Park.
- Alabang offers diverse lodging including the Acacia Hotel Manila with its pool and gym facilities, the Azumi Botique Hotel favored by business travelers, and the Somerset Alabang Manila.
- Other options in the area include the B Hotel Alabang, Hop Inn Hotel Alabang, and the Crimson Hotel Filinvest City.
- For a more residential feel, the Parque Espana Residence Hotel is designed for residential living.
- Outside of the main Alabang area, you can find simpler accommodations such as Hotel Sogo Alabang near Starmall or El Rancho Inn in Tunasan.
Food & drink
Explore the diverse culinary landscape of Muntinlupa, starting in the upscale Alabang district. You can dine at luxury lifestyle centers that feature five-star restaurants set against a park-like atmosphere with fountains for you to stroll through. For a sophisticated evening, Alabang offers several classy night bars and restaurants.
Venturing beyond Alabang, you can find a variety of local flavors along the National Road. Options include authentic Chinese cuisine such as dim sum, noodles, and congee in Tunasan, or Japanese fish-shaped cakes with mung bean or custard fillings in Poblacion. For a unique experience, visit a spot offering unlimited chicken wings where you eat with your hands, or enjoy Filipino recipes at a cafe featuring a general store. Other dining options include local favorites in Putatan and various establishments in the Sucat area.
What to see and do
Since much of the area serves as a residential suburb, you will find most points of interest concentrated in Alabang. You can visit the Insular Life Corporate Center to see its glass-covered twin towers and take in the views from the observation area on the 34th floor. Beyond Alabang, you can explore the local history at Museo ng Muntinlupa, a city-owned museum shaped like a traditional fish trap that chronicles the city's journey from its founding to its official status.
Other notable sites include:
- Jamboree Lake, which features a small viewing point.
- The Diocesan Shrine of St. Peregrine Laziosi, a church dedicated to the saint.
- Bayanan Baywalk, where you can walk along the boulevard and park while overlooking the water.
When to go
You can choose to visit during the dry season from November to April, which is considered the most comfortable time for your stay. During these months, you will experience very little rainfall, with April being the driest month of the year. While temperatures are warmest in late spring, January and February offer cooler conditions.
If you travel during the wet season from May to October, you should prepare for significantly increased rainfall and high humidity. The heaviest rains occur between June and September, with August marking the most intense period of the season.
Three days in Muntinlupa
Day one, you can begin your journey in Muntinlupa. You might explore the vibrant atmosphere of Filinvest City or visit Alabang to experience the local surroundings.
Day two, you can travel toward nearby areas such as Las Piñas or Pasay. You can also navigate through the bustling streets of Parañaque to see more of the National Capital Region.
Day three, you can take a longer trip along the South Luzon Expressway or the Cavite Expressway. Your travels could lead you toward destinations like Biñan, Santa Rosa, or Calamba.