Luneta Park is one of the popular tourist destinations in the Philippines. It is where you can see the monument of the national hero of the country Jose Rizal, the first Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu, as well as the replica of the Philippine Islands.
Rizal Park is located between Taft Avenue, Padre Burgos Avenue, Kalaw Avenue, and Roxas Boulevard. Its address is Ermita, Manila 1000 Metro Manila, Philippines. The park has a land area of 58 hectares which is approximately 1.09 Km (3576 feet) in length and .38 km (1246 feet) in width.
Luneta comes from the French word “Lunette” which has several meanings such as “Little Moon,” “crescent-shaped window,” and/or “Telescope.” In Spanish, the word “Luneta” means “Window.” Based on the two translations, the possible reason the park is called Luneta is because of the shape of its port which is similar to the crescent-shaped window.
The original name Luneta was changed to Rizal Park during Dr. Jose Rizal’s 17th death anniversary on December 30, 1913. At present, visitors, travelers, and residents near the vicinity are still familiar with “Luneta.”
How to go to Rizal Park or Luneta by Commute
You can get to Rizal Park by riding the LRT 1 Train, Jeepney, or Bus. The fastest and easiest way to go to Rizal Park or Luneta is to ride the LRT 1 and then alight at UN Avenue Station. From there walk 115 meters to get to the entrance of Rizal Park on Kalaw Avenue. That’s basically it. There are other routes coming from various locations in Metro Manila that you can take to get to the park.
From Cubao to Luneta Park
Route 1: Ride the LRT 2 at Araneta Center Cubao Station bound for Recto Station. Alight at Recto Station. The one-way fare is 19 pesos.
Take the footbridge to get to Doroteo Jose Station on LRT 1. From there take the train bound for Baclaran. Alight at UN Avenue Station 3 stops after. The one-way fare is 15 pesos.
Take the exit facing the Times Plaza Mall. From there walk 115 meters to get to Luneta Park.
Route 2: In Aurora Boulevard Cubao ride the Jeepney bound for Vito Cruz with signboards Kalaw, Mabini, or Vito Cruz. The travel distance is 10.5 KM and the fare is 22 pesos.
Route 3: In Aurora Boulevard Cubao ride the jeepney bound for Manila with signboards Divisoria, Recto, or Avenida. Alight at Rizal Avenue. The travel distance is 8.6 KM and the fare is 21 pesos.
From there ride the Jeepney bound for Baclaran with signboards Vito Cruz, Pedro Gil, or Kalaw then alight at the Taft Avenue entrance of Luneta Park. The travel distance is 2.25 KM and the fare is 12 pesos.
From Baclaran Pasay to Luneta Park
Route 1: Ride the LRT 1 at Baclaran Station bound for Monumento. Then alight at United Nations Station 7 stops after. The train fare is 20 pesos.
At UN Avenue Station, take the exit facing Times Plaza Mall. From there walk 115 meters to get to the entrance of Luneta Park on Kalaw Avenue.
Route 2: Ride the Jeepney with signboard Taft Avenue, Blumentritt, Divisoria, Recto, or Quiapo. Tell the driver to drop you off at Luneta Park. The travel distance is 5.88 Km and the Jeepney fare is 16 pesos.
Route 3: Ride the Jeepney with signboard Divisoria via A. Mabini. Tell the driver to drop you off at Luneta Park. The travel distance is 6 Km and the fare is 15 pesos.
From SM North Quezon City to Luneta Park
Route 1: Ride the LRT 1 train at Roosevelt Station bound for Baclaran then alight at United Nations Avenue 13 stops after. The one-way fare is 30 pesos.
Take the exit facing the Times Plaza Mall. From there walk 115 meters to get to the entrance of Luneta Park on Kalaw Avenue.
Route 2: At West Avenue ride the Jeepney bound for Kalaw Avenue then alight at Luneta Park. The travel distance is 10.29 KM and the fare is 23 pesos.
Route 3: Ride the MRT Line 3 at North Avenue Station bound for Taft Avenue Station. Alight at Taft Avenue 12 stops after. The one-way fare is 28 pesos.
Take the footbridge to get to LRT 1 EDSA Station. At the latter, ride the train bound for Monumento. The fare is 20 pesos. Take the exit facing Times Plaza Mall then walk 115 meters to get to Luneta Park.
From Taguig to Luneta Park
Route 1: Ride any bus or Jeepney bound for Taft Avenue corner EDSA. At the latter walk 100 meters to get to LRT 1 EDSA Station. The fare is 14 pesos.
Ride the LRT 1 bound for Monumento then alight at United Nations Avenue 6 stops after. The train fare is 20 pesos.
From Monumento to Luneta Park
Route 1: Ride the LRT 1 train at Monumento Station then alight at United Nations Station 10 stops after. The train fare is 19 pesos. Take the exit facing the Times Plaza Mall then walk 11 meters to get to Luneta Park.
Route 2: From Monumento ride Jeepney with signboards such as Taft Avenue, Pedro Gil, Kalaw, or Baclaran. Tell the driver to drop you off at Luneta. The one-way fare is 19 pesos.
From Cavite to Luneta Park
Route 1: Ride any provincial bus bound for PITX. At the latter, ride a Jeepney or Bus with a signboard Taft Avenue, or Quiapo. Tell the driver that you will alight at Luneta Park.
What are the Tourist Attractions in Rizal Park or Luneta
Rizal Park is considered one of the biggest urban parks in the Philippines therefore has a lot to offer its visitors. Here are some of the attractions inside the park:
Dr. Jose Rizal Monument
Dr. Jose Rizal’s 14-meter-high statue in Luneta is made of unpolished granite and bronze. It was designed by the Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling. He nicknamed it “Motto Stella” a Latin word that means “Guiding Star” in English. Rizal’s remains are also interred under the monument.
The sculpture features the Philippine National Hero Jose Rizal while wearing an overcoat and holding a book. On his right side is a figure of a mother rearing her child. On his left side is a figure of two boys reading a book. At the back is the figure of leaves and pots. The stone pillar has 3 gold-plated stars near its top.
The book symbolizes Jose Rizal’s two written novels namely Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. The two novels are said to be critical in the fight for Philippine Independence against the Spanish Regime. Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo are Spanish words that mean “Touch Me Not”, and “The Subversive”, respectively.
The mother taking care of her child symbolizes family, and the two boys reading a book symbolizes education. The 3 gold-plated stars symbolize the 3 major islands of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The leaves and pots figure at its back represents the country’s natural resources.
The national hero of the Philippines, Jose Rizal is renowned in different parts of the world. Aside from his monument in Luneta, he also has statues in Madrid in Spain, the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Hong Kong, and Germany.
Replica of Emilio Aquinaldo’s House
This house replica of Emilio Aguinaldo’s house in Kawit Cavite was used during the 1998 Philippine Centennial Celebration. This scaled-down model will help you picture the former president’s house in Cavite.
Noli Me Tangere Garden
This attraction features the Heidelberg fountain which was originally from Germany. As a symbol of friendship between the Philippines and Germany, Pastor Gottlob Weber gifted the fountain to the Philippines on December 30, 1964.
The garden also showcases the map of Laguna, Jose Rizal’s birthplace. You can also see the places in Europe that the national hero has visited.
The Replica Map of the Philippines
This attraction is located at the Taft Avenue entrance of the park. You will see here the relief map of the Philippines. It will give you an idea about the terrain, landmarks, elevation, mountains, and valleys in the different islands of the Philippines based on their shades and colors.
The Flower Clock
This clock is one of the Instagram-worthy attractions in Luneta Park. Visitors can take their photos with the clock as their background. The clock was already in Luneta back in the ’70s and with the support of Hyundai Asia Resources Inc, was restored in June 2011.
Chinese Garden
This 5-decade-old Chinese garden in Luneta features the monument of Confucius. It also has the wisdom walk where each pillar has an inscription of Chinese Proverbs. Each verse is translated into both English and Filipino.
Japanese Garden
Another man-made landscape that visitors and tourists can enjoy inside Luneta Park is the Japanese Garden. It was donated by the Japanese government to the Philippines to help foster the Japan-Philippines relationship. The place was turnover to the Philippine government on June 11, 1969.
The Japanese garden features Japanese-inspired bridges, ornamental plants, lagoons, trees, and a Torri gate.
What are the leisure activities that you can do in Rizal Park
The perimeter of Rizal Park which is 1.09 km x .38 km is conducive for leisure walking, jogging, and cycling. Its lawn area is good for family picnics, bonding with friends while playing a musical instrument, and yoga activities.
While the sun is high in the sky, visitors can go to the National Library of the Philippines and read about the cultural heritage of the country and various Filipiniana materials to expand their learnings.
The bench around the fountain will allow tourists to enjoy the view of the dancing fountain as it moves to the beat of OPM music.
Tourists can also fly a kite in the open area near the Carabao statue at San Lorenzo Ruis Plaza. And during the golden hour, they can go near the seaside to watch the romantic sunset.
Rizal Park has an amphitheater, and an open-air auditorium where visitors can watch entertaining shows (depending on schedule) such as concerts, theatrical performances, and different types of dances.
Frequently Asked Questions about going to Rizal Park
What is the nearest LRT 1 Station in Luneta
The nearest is the UN Avenue LRT Station. It is 115 meters away from the park or a 2-minute walk.
When is the ideal time to visit Luneta?
The best time to visit Luneta is between 5 AM to 10 AM in the morning. This is the time when the park has fewer crowds and the temperature is cooler.
Luneta is open Mondays to Sundays including public holidays from 5 am to 9 pm. It is usually busy from 3 pm to 4 pm. Visitors stay in the park for about 1.5 hours on average.
When is the Schedule of the Dancing Fountain Show in Luneta
The musical dancing fountain show starts at 6 pm to 10 pm from Mondays to Fridays and 7 pm to 12 mn from Fridays to Sundays.
How much is the Entrance Fee for Rizal Park
Luneta park is open to the public free of charge from Mondays to Sundays.
What is Luneta Park’s Old Name?
Bagumbayan or “New Town” in English is the park’s old name during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.
There you have it guys!
