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Adventure on the Rail – Places to go Near LRT and MRT

Lightrail and Metrorail Transits serve as one of the country’s main means of mass transportation. But you’ll never believe what kind of places are near its stations and the adventures waiting for you to embark on! Here are 5 places to visit near your favorite LRT and MRT stations!

MRT 3 – SM Megamall 

For the first and only mall entry in this list, SM Megamall takes the cake as one of the best malls to scour when bored. SM Megamall centers the MRT 3 Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard stations, each station near Building A and B respectively. 

Photo credits (Top to bottom): What Mary Loves, Smart Parenting, Hobing Bingsu Cafe

SM Megamalls offers a variety of activities compared to your usual Philippine mall experience. Want to have a memorable date? The first Olympic-size Skating Rink resides on the 5th Floor of Mega Fashion hall. Create a unique bonding experience filled with laughter and wobbling around on ice! The Hobing Bingsu Cafe awaits you just across, with a Korean dessert with a serving size perfect for two people. 

A floor below is where you can find the Bowling Alley suited for friends wanting to try a classic bonding sport. But if you want to try something classic, archery in Arrowland would be worth your while. All of this with 5 more floors and 2 buildings to explore, there’s no shortage of activities to do!

LRT 1 – Rizal Park 

Do you know what’s always an adventure? Learning about history, especially on foot! Rizal Park is one of the country’s historical landmarks, smack in the middle of the busy Metro Manila. 

Photo credits: Tatler Asia, Manila Travelogues, National Parks Development Committee

LRT 1 – United Nations Station makes up for the easy travel and will take you directly to the North section of the park. 3 National Museums will greet you there, namely the National Museum of Fine Arts, Anthropology, and Natural History. Each building teaches about different sections of the rich Philippine History, each enclosed in its own separate beautiful buildings with varying architecture.

The Chinese and Japanese Gardens await you further down the park. Both parks display marvelous landscaping, perfect for your Instagram feed and stories. The Rizal Monument stands tall at the south end of the park, with Civil Guards standing unfazed in the heat of the Sun. Take a breath of history in the open and refreshing park, while enjoying other services like horse-drawn carriages, sorbetes, and tours.

LRT 2 – Art in Island, Cubao Expo

Araneta City holds a rank for being one of the busiest areas in Quezon City. Found near LRT 2,  Araneta Center – Cubao Station, the focus for this place will not be on the City itself, but on what’s around it. Art in Island mixes traditional art and media to create an artistic interactive experience. The exhibit features several attractions that are unique and memorable, like 3D galleries and illusions. Photos are heavily encouraged and are part of the whole experience.

Photo credits: Art in Island, Oh My Janey

Near Araneta City stands Cubao Expo, home of many indie musicians and a drinking hotspot famed for its vibe and ambiance. Enjoy weekly performances from artists all around the Metro with a variety of bars to drink in. Just remember to wear it to the best drip, and you’ll fit right in!

LRT 2 – Cloud 9 and Pinto Art Museum

Tired of the bustling and loud city? Visit the relaxing mountains of Antipolo with just one LRT 2 ride! The recently opened Antipolo Station will lead you directly on the road accessing Antipolo’s famous hotspots. The Cloud 9 Sports and Leisure Club attracts tourists daily with its famous hanging bridge and skyline view.  Have a breathtaking photo with the surrounding green scenery and the Metro looming beautifully behind you! The park also offers nature walks, a 360-degree view deck, the Butuan Heritage Caraga, and an al-fresco restaurant!

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Photo credits: Laquatsa, Pinto Art Museum

The Pinto Art Museum stands further up the mountains. The exhibition space and contemporary museum bags are one of the most Instagrammed Museums in the World. The white palace exhibits a true melting pot of various Filipino art styles and cultures, sure to be enjoyed by art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The museum boasts its unique architecture and a botanical garden perfect for pondering art and life.

LRT 2 – Binondo, Chinatown

Recto serves as Manila’s very own Cubao -a center of commerce, academics, and business. Aside from being a busy district, Recto is the gateway to many great destinations in Manila. One of them is Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world! Connect to your religious roots by visiting the holy grounds of the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, or simply Binondo Chruch. The church stood the test of time, being built in 1596, and still being an architectural marvel iconic for its red and gray color scheme. 

Photo credits: Tripadvisor, Marc7 Travels, Shanghai Fried Siopao

Chinatown also holds an array of stores, from jewelry boutiques to street food and restaurants. Experience a quick trip to China by walking to Ongpin Street, a busy lane with lucky charm shops and jewelry stores on every corner. Eat to your heart’s content by stopping by Shanghai Fried Siopao, Salido restaurant, and Sincerity Cafe! After the lengthy and filling tour, wrap the day with a final visit to Eng Bee Tin Chinese pastry shop for snacks and pasalubong.

This list proves that adventures can not be found only through long travels, a lengthy credit receipt, or by boat or plane. Places like these gems are scattered and can be found anywhere -we just have to look a little more diligently.

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