Navotas

Navotas is the fishing capital of Metro Manila, occupying a narrow strip of land along Manila Bay's northern shore between Malabon and the Manila North Harbour. The city's economy revolves around the Navotas Fish Port — one of the largest fish-landing centres in the Philippines, supplying much of the seafood to Metro Manila markets. Navotas is low-lying and prone to flooding, with much of the population living in stilt houses along the bay and riverbanks. The city covers just 10.8 km² but packs over 250,000 residents.

Navotas is reached via C-4 Road (McArthur Highway) and the Navotas–Malabon Highway. Jeepneys from Manila's Divisoria and Monumento reach Navotas in 45–90 minutes. Buses from Cubao also serve the city.

Tricycles are the main transport within Navotas's narrow barangay streets. Jeepneys run along the main roads (C-4, Navotas–Malabon Highway).

• Navotas Fish Port — The largest municipal fish port in the Philippines. Visit early morning (3–6 AM) to see fishing boats unload their catch and the wholesale auction. Not a typical tourist attraction, but a fascinating slice of Filipino working life.

• Navotas Church (San José de Navotas Parish) — A modern church built on the site of an older Spanish-era chapel. The plaza in front is a community gathering point.

• Navotas River — Boat trips along the river offer views of stilt-house communities and the bustling port.

• Wholesale fish buying at the Fish Port — Can you buy a kilo of fresh prawns or yellowfin tuna at wholesale prices. Go early for the best selection.

• Enjoy the seaside promenade along the bay wall — A popular place for jogging and watching sunset over Manila Bay.

• Seafood karenderias along the port — Dozens of small eateries serve freshly grilled fish, sinigang na isda, and adobong pusit. A full seafood meal ₱150–300.
• Jollibee Navotas (C-4 Road) — Filipino fast-food mainstay.

Fresh buko (coconut) juice and sago't gulaman are sold by street vendors.

• Budget: RedDoorz near Navotas Fish Port (rooms from ₱700).
• Mid-range: OYO 232 Hotel Plaza (C-4 Road, rooms from ₱1,200).

• Navotas Fish Port Trading Centre — Fresh seafood at prices 30–50% lower than Manila markets: prawns (₱350–500/kg), bangus (₱150–200/kg), crabs (₱400–600/kg).
• Navotas Public Market — General goods and dry goods alongside the port.

• Malabon (10 min by tricycle) — Pancit Malabon and heritage houses.
• Caloocan (15 min by jeepney) — The Bonifacio Monument.
• Manila Chinatown (Binondo) (20 min by jeepney) — The world's oldest Chinatown, accessible via Divisoria.