In case you didn’t know, the Philippines has its own Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Sightseeing tour bus in several hubs around Metro Manila. As of February 2024, three out of the six planned routes are currently operational in the areas of Manila, Makati, and Pasay. The three other hubs in the areas of Pasig/San Juan/Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Quezon City, are expected to be launched later this year.
While these buses may not seem like a big deal for locals who are familiar with the destinations, the fixed routes can help tourists craft their own itineraries around top tourist destinations in specific areas. I’ve had a chance to try similar bus tours in Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, and Vietnam, and the audio guides translated in different languages and background information about specific spots to visit can be very helpful to those unfamiliar with the city.
Riding a HOHO bus can be useful for international tourists staying a few days in Manila who have no idea where to go around a city and want flexible yet convenient access to key landmarks, without having to stick to a fixed itinerary or rely on public transport like trains or jeeps.
It’s also convenient for organized field trips or larger groups, senior travelers, and those with kids who don’t want to have to deal with traffic and parking in high-tourist areas.
There’s a dedicated website with all essential information, a reloadable EMV-capable card, and a mobile app for booking tours, making cashless payments, GPS networked-bus arrival monitoring and video guides, as well as information on hotels, food, and tourism merchants.
Here’s all you need to know about the Hop-On Hop-Off Buses in the Philippines, their routes, and how to book trips as of February 2024.
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Manila: Culture Hub
The Manila route, dubbed the Culture Hub, features nine stops all around the capital city of Manila. This route will bring you up close to top tourist sites, such as Intramuros, the three major National Museums, and Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world. This route launched last July 6, 2023, is ideal for balikbayans staying in hotels in the area or larger groups who want to visit historic sites around Manila and go food-tripping without having to navigate through traffic and worrying where to park vehicles.
The stops include:
- Raja Sulayman
- Robinsons Place Manila
- Rizal Park / Luneta
- Manila City Hall
- National Museum
- Malacañang Heritage Tours
- Jones Bridge Escolta
- Binondo
- Intramuros
Take note Bahay Ugnayan and Teus Mansion, which are now accessible as heritage museums, can only be visited through a special by-appointment-only route in Malacañang. Pre-arrangements are required to visit.
Makati: Business Hub
The Makati route, dubbed the Business Hub, plies around seven stops around the vibrant financial district. Aside from key offices, this route brings visitors near top art galleries, museums, hidden bars and restaurants in Poblacion, parks, and lifestyle malls in Makati connected to other major transport lines. This route was the first Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Hub officially launched last May 28, 2023.
- Glorietta 2
- Washington SyCip Park
- Ayala Triangle
- RCBC Plaza
- Rockwell Center
- Century City
- Museo ng Makati
- Circuit Makati
Pasay: Entertainment Hub
Pasay, the Entertainment Hub, features 13 designated bus stops, including the major airport terminals, as well as modern-day entertainment complexes, shopping areas, and cultural and historical landmarks. This newest hub launched on February 8, 2024, can bring visitors around lifestyle malls, casinos, convention centers and the seaside area facing Manila Bay.
Here are the stops in Pasay.
- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2, and 3
- Newport World Resorts
- City of Dreams
- Ayala Malls Manila Bay
- Parqal
- Okada Manila
- Solaire Resort
- Luxe Duty Free
- MOA Main Stop
- SMX Convention Center
- MOA Seaside
Additionally, the Entertainment Hub will connect to the Business Hub of Makati and Cultural Hub of Manila. Layover tours for international transit passengers are also scheduled to be launched in the second quarter of 2024 through this route.
According to the Department of Tourism, this 2024, they plan to launch the remaining three HOHO hubs.
San Juan, Pasig and Mandaluyong: Heart Hub
This will focus on the cities of San Juan, Pasig, and Mandaluyong. Route details coming soon.
Taguig, Bonifacio Global City: Lifestyle Hub
This will focus on highly urbanized businesses and the commercial district of the City of Taguig and Bonifacio Global City. Route details coming soon.
Quezon City: Mind Hub
This will focus on prestigious educational institutions located in Quezon City. Route details coming soon.
How much does it cost to ride the bus?
Tourists can buy passes for the bus tours through the HOHO mobile app for around P1,000 to P2,500 depending on the number of days they plan to use it. The one-day pass is worth P990, while a two-day pass costs P1,799, and P2,499 for a three-day pass.
Klook.comHow to book rides
Download the HOHO App here: