Hidden Gems of Manila with Mari Tondo: Explore Authentic Philippines & Local Food
4.6
8 Ratings
Manila
Discover the hidden gems of Manila's oldest district, Tondo, with Mari. Immerse yourself in Filipino culture, try local food, and explore off-the-beaten-path locations.
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Lucky Chinatown Mall - Immerse yourself walked to Chinatown alley.
  • Santa Cruz - Explore different types of street food.
    Explore Oldest buildings and structure during 1595
  • Divisoria Market - Walking to the shopping market includes housewares, clothes, fruits, and the wet market. That’s where you can find items at cheap and reasonable prices.
What's Included
  • Experience Local Transportation (Jeepney/Tricycle)
  • Bottled Water Provided
  • Photo Ops
What's Not Included
  • Food tasting
Additional Information

This is a culturally immersive walking exploration that might include tasting some traditional Filipino dishes. Prepare for a rich cultural experience as opposed to a regular touristy experience.

Experience the true Filipino way of life by taking a ride in our emblematic Jeepney, a remarkable local means of transport.

Feel the genuine vibes of local living while you shop at a typical Filipino wet market.

Discover the oldest residential structures and hidden treasures of the town where locals lead unconventional lives usually characterised by al fresco bathing and dining.

Journey deep into the core of local living, meandering through the hidden lanes and bylanes, away from the bright lights and bustling traffic.

Grab the chance to taste our scrumptious local coffee and dishes, the Filipino way.

We can’t wait to see you soon.

Location
1919 Grand Cafe
Juan Luna Street
Let’s meet up at Grand 1919, Juan Luna street. Binondo Manila
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.6
(8 Ratings)
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Ukjulieh
Apr 12, 2024
Brilliant discovering places I wouldn’t have ventured by myself - I did the hidden gems of Manila tour with Mari and had a brilliant morning. She’s very knowledgeable about the area and gave a great insight into daily life. Absolutely loved exploring the narrow winding streets, stopping to chat with local people and wandering through the vibrant markets. Would highly recommend Mari - a gorgeous person and great guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Simon903stockwell
Mar 29, 2024
An unforgettable experience, spending a short time with Manila's amazing and truly welcoming people - I took this tour with Mari on Good Friday. It was amazing. She met me at the 1919 Grand Cafe and we took a Jeepney ride to Divisoria, a bustling commercial district of Manila. As this was where Mari grew up she took me to a labyrinth of back streets where all the locals seemed to know her! There were religious ceremonies going on and the place was buzzing. I was stopped by so many smiling residents of the area who all wanted to speak, some even took their own selfies with me! We were given food by one stall holder who was cooking for the people attending the ceremonies. We stopped and chatted with her, and before we could eat, lots more smiling people came up asking where I was from, what was my name etc. The locals were genuinely as pleased to interact with me as I was to spend a short time with them and get a glimse into their lives in a place that I would never have otherwise ventured to. A truly fabulous experience and one I will never forget. And Mari was the perfect guide, she was interesting, talked about her own life growing up, and was continuously looking out for me not to get run down by a trike or barrow! I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to experience the real Manila and its amazing people.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mark
Mar 9, 2024
Wonderful Tour, highly recommended - Did this tour on my first trip to Manila as I wanted to see the old town and walk amongst its history. Mari is a wonderful tour guide who is very knowledgeable and fun to be around. Unfortunately, it rained during our tour, which limited what we were able to do. However, Mari still made it fun and was able to navigate the small, congested, and narrow alleys that make up old chinatown. It was interesting to see how it was, and to a large degree still is in lo al life. Then to see the contrast to the modern, just a short distance away was amazing! I enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Manila! Thanks Mari
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Tyson
Feb 15, 2024
A must do when you’re in Manila. - This was a true Manila experience and highly recommended for anyone visiting the city. I wanted to see the real Manila, not the shopping malls, and I got exactly that. Got to meet real local people, experience their food and way of living that you are only going to see on a tour with Mari. Being a local she is very knowledgeable of the area and history. Felt 100% safe the whole time and look forward to another tour with Mari next time I’m in the Phillipines.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Estuardo_santillan
Dec 25, 2023
1000% Amazing.... - I think this was the best experience I've had while going to another country. Mari is beyond knowledgeable, charismatic, and energetic. She is also very proud of Manila and knew all historical places as we as the daily routine from markets, streets, traffic, food, you name it. This tour is 1000% a MUST when you visit Manila... and without imposing on you... it has to be with Mari... you'll not be disappointed. This tour shows the real and daily life of people living in Manila... and how friendly they are. Mari was also very caring .... and would not let me cross the street... until she gave me the full green light... Anyway, this tour gives you a full sense of daily routines in Manila. Then I was introduced to a Jeepney and Lamborghini Trike... you have to experience it by yourself. Thanks so much again Mari for taking the time and showed me your beautiful city... an experience of a lifetime.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oreillyanthony1
Nov 26, 2023
My best experience in Manila - What a wonderful morning with Mari on The Hidden Gems tour. She brought me to areas of Manila, her beloved home place, that I wouldn’t otherwise have seen. Walking through these neighbourhoods so close to families going about their everyday lives was such a joy to experience made extra special by the warmth and friendliness of the local people. I was inquisitive to see a little of their everyday lives. They were happy to welcome me with smiles, a little chat and good wishes making me feel like a welcome visitor rather than a tourist. (PS The ride on the Jeepney and the Lamborghini Trike was wonderful) Thank you Mari it’s an experience I won’t forget
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Geleena2021
Sep 20, 2023
Amazing guide! Must do tours for solo travelers! - Mari is such a lovely guide and so knowledgeable. I went around a couple of tours with her in Manila and Antipolo. I loved her vibrant energy and all the history and context she gave of the sights. She’s also a foodie and likes to have fun! Oh and she takes great photos of you too. Got to experience Manila in a more engaged way. Definitely book with her if you’re in town, it’ll be a great time!
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Andreephilipw
Mar 21, 2024
Avoid this tour by Mari - Guide arrived 35mins late, after we rang three times. Admitted she had forgotten. Tour was good but very rushed. We returned 40mins early - robbed of 75mins touring. No coffee and tasted one hot sweet potato chip. WE WERE RIPPED OFF.
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1 Adult
May 2024
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