2013 • 3 • 29
The rise of low-cost carriers had made this world a lot smaller and interesting destinations closer. The distant islands north and south have become easily accessible to Manila-dwellers, who are eager to escape the heat of the city to a paradise that can give them a relaxing and exciting affair with nature. (Or, in some cases, just an affair.) Flying is relatively cheap now. But with all the surcharges, taxes, terminal fees, and the cost of land or boat transfers, the trip that is opened at an airport can still be quite heavy on the pocket.
Foreign travelers aiming for an island getaway in the Philippines most likely find themselves spending a day or two in Manila, whether they like it or not. Many of them are faced with the question: what is there to do in Manila? Well, there’s always Binondo, Intramuros, churches, and museums, of course. But if you’re not interested in doing a mall tour, sampling street food, or getting yourself squished inside the sauna that is the MRT, then heading for the countryside is a good alternative. We love Manila, yes, but when it comes to adventures for the nature-lovers and beach bums — let’s face it — she will break your heart.
If you’re looking for great vacation spots that are just within proximity of the capital, here are some of my recommendations.
MT. PINATUBO
Be blown away! Figuratively, of course! Take a bus to Tarlac, ride a 4×4 jeep, and trek to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo! It’s a long way but the view is definitely worth the time and effort. See the rim of the crater slope up from a lakeful of rainwater, accumulated over the years! You can even boat across the crater lake and camp overnight.
On your way back, pass by Angeles City to sample Pampanga’s rich and irresistible cuisine!
Day trip suggested budget: P1500-P2000/person (Group of 5)
More info: Mt. Pinatubo Travel Guide
ANAWANGIN AND NAGSASA COVES, ZAMBALES
One of the provinces at the base of Mt. Pinatubo, Zambales was terribly buried when the sleeping volcano awakened two decades ago. But the disaster dumped a good amount of ash onto its the rocky shores, breathing a new life to its otherwise ordinary beaches. Today, Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves have risen as popular tourist destinations for its ashen sand and agoho trees (resembling pine trees) that foster a unique Baguio-meets-Boracay vibe. Capones and Camara Islands are also waiting!
How to get there: Take a Victory Liner bus to Iba or Sta. Cruz, Zambales and tell the conductor to drop you off at San Antonio public market. Take a tricycle to Pundaquit. From here, you may rent a boat to get to Anawangin or Nagsasa.
Day trip suggested budget: P1200-P1500/person (Group of 4)
More info: Anawangin and Nagsasa Travel Guide.
✅ WHERE TO STAY: ZAMBALES HOTELS
TAAL VOLCANO
UPDATE: The Taal Volcano has been closed to the public.
If you love admiring it from afar, you’re gonna love it even more when you’re actually on the volcano. It only takes two to three hours to get to the jump off point in Talisay, Batangas. From there, you can rent a small boat to take you to the volcano island. Prep for a rigorous trek because its slopes, while not as steep, can still drain all your energy especially when the sun is harsh. (And unless you’re trekking at night, I’m telling you: clouds or no clouds, the sun is harsh!) If long treks aren’t on your favorites list, there’s always the horse option, for a fee of course.
How to get there: From Manila, take the bus to Batangas and get off at Tanauan City Proper. If you’re renting a boat from Taal Lake Yacht Club, ride a jeepney to Sampaloc and get off in front of TLYC. It’s on your right side. You can also take a jeepney at Tanauan City to Talisay Town Proper.
Day trip suggested budget: P1000-P1500/person (Group of 5)
More info: Taal Volcano Trek
✅ WHERE TO STAY: TAGAYTAY HOTELS
TAGAYTAY CITY
Tagaytay offers the best views of the Taal Volcano, with a lovely, cool atmosphere to boot. Visit the newly opened Sky Ranch and get into one of the coaches of their giant Ferris wheel, overlooking the lake. Not into rotating wheels? Spend a morning in one of the city’s parks and gardens. The People’s Park in the Sky has not been maintained well but you might still want to stay a 360-degree view of the city. Or just enter a coffee shop, order a latte, and just ponder on whatever!
How to get there: From Manila, take a bus bound for Tagaytay or Nasugbu or you can also take a shuttle/van to Lemery at Starmall Alabang or Shaw. (Don’t take the bus to Lemery; it doesn’t pass through Tagaytay.) Either way, get off at Tagaytay Rotonda and take a trike or jeepney to your target destination from here.
Day trip suggested budget: P850-P1500/person
✅ WHERE TO STAY: TAGAYTAY HOTELS
ANILAO, BATANGAS
Anilao in Mabini, Batangas is just three hours away, making it a favorite among Manila-based divers and future divers. One-day beginner courses are available to those who wish to learn how to, well, dive. Batangas waters host a wide array of marine wildlife that will blow you away.
If diving isn’t your thing, you may also opt to climb Mt. Gulugod Baboy, an easy climb for professionals (probably the climb of my life if that were me) or take a boat to Sombrero Island and make love with the sun while flaunting your brand new bikini!
How to get there: Board a bus going to Batangas City and alight at Bolbok, just before Batangas pier under the flyover. Then take a jeepney to Anilao (Mabini).
Day trip suggested budget: P1000-P1500/person (Group of 5)
More info: Anilao Travel Guide
✅ WHERE TO STAY: ANILAO RESORTS
LIPA & TAAL, BATANGAS
From the petal shower site at Carmel Church to the sacred well of Sta. Lucia, from the magnificent Lipa Cathedral to the massive Taal Basilica, the biggest in Asia — the road from the city of Lipa to the heritage town of Taal is milestoned by grand churches and miraculous sites. Whether you’re a believer or not, make a stop at these places and see what the fuss is about. If you have more time, roll out a bit more of your map and continue your journey to Calaca and Balayan, which also boast old, majestic churches.
Don’t forget to dig in to some of the most delectable Batangueno dishes along the way! Missing bulalo, tapang Taal, lomi, and kapeng barako is a mortal sin!
How to get there: Take a bus going to Batangas City or Lemery and get off at Lipa bus stop. Most points of interest in Lipa are accessible by trike. To get to Taal Town, take the bus again or a jeepney going to Lemery and ask the driver to drop you off in Taal.
Day trip suggested budget: P800-P1200/person
More info: Batangas Heritage Tour.
✅ WHERE TO STAY: BATANGAS HOTELS
BATANGAS BEACHES
And there are a lot to choose from. The towns of San Juan, Lobo, Mabini, Tingloy, Nasugbu, and Calatagan are all laced with ivory shores.
San Juan harbors the province’s most popular beaches today but if it’s too crowded for you, drive to the other side of Batangas. Nasugbu is starting to be a great alternative, too, and the sight of Mt. Batulao is a constant invitation to awaken the dormant mountaineer in you. Fortune Island is a good choice, too! Lobo has Malabrigo Beach. Tingloy has Masasa Beach and Oscar Island. Matabungkay used to be the “it” destination decades ago but it might still be a good place for a respite. The barely touched shores of Calatagan offer front row seats to watch a spectacular Batangas sunrise. The Punta de Santiago Lighthouse is another point of interest. Read my Batangas posts here.
How to get there: To get to Nasugbu, take a bus to Nasugbu. From here you can take a jeepney going to Lian or Calatagan.
Day trip suggested budget: P900-P1500/person
✅ WHERE TO STAY: BATANGAS HOTELS
BORAWAN AND DAMPALITAN ISLANDS, QUEZON
They say that Borawan is a portmanteau, Boracay and Palawan. The more believable origin of the name however is bulawan, which means gold. But screw etymology, just get yourself to this paradise on your next holiday break!
The towering karst cliffs hug the white shores of Borawan, reminiscent of many islands in El Nido and Coron (but don’t expect them to match them). Borawan is only four to five hours away. It is one of the many islands off the coast of Padre Burgos and Pagbilao, Quezon, that nestle gorgeous white sand beaches! Other places to visit: Dampalitan Island and Puting Buhangin. There are no resorts here so camping is the way to go!
Warning though: It can get really crowded during peak season, which leaves the water murky.
How to get there: Ride a bus to Lucena City and alight at Lucena Grand Terminal. Take another bus to Unisan, get off at QCRB Bank (Padre Burgos), then take a tricycle to Aplaya, where you can hire boats to take you on an island hopping tour.
Overnight suggested budget: P1600-P2500/person (Group of 5)
More info: Borawan Island Travel Guide.
✅ WHERE TO STAY: QUEZON HOTELS
FESTIVALS NEAR MANILA
Mark your calendars! Here are some of the most energetic and most interesting festivals near Manila:
- Pahiyas Festival – May 15 in Lucban, Quezon
- Parada ng Lechon – June 24 in Balayan, Batangas
- Higantes Festival – November 23 in Angono, Rizal
- Giant Lantern Festival – Saturday before Christmas, San Fernando, Pampanga
- Hot Air Balloon Fiesta – 3rd Week of February, Clark, Pampanga
Pahiyas Festival is my absolute favorite. It is a celebration of the good harvest, in honor of San Isidro de Labrador. A parade roams around town passing by houses that are creatively decorated with vegetables and kiping, a colorful ornament made from rice (and yes, they’re edible)! If you get hungry, there’s always longganisang Lucban and pansit habhab! Traffic can be as dense as your former boss so you might also consider staying overnight in Lucban or neighboring town.
Day trip suggested budget: P800-P1200/person
More info: Pahiyas Festival for Less than P1000!
ANGONO, RIZAL and PAETE, LAGUNA
Appreciate art and get cultured in Angono, Rizal and Paete, Laguna!
Known as the art capital of the Philippines, Angono is as interesting as it is accessible. See the Angono-Binangonan petroglyphs, a prehistoric artwork that is considered the oldest in the country. Pay a visit to the house of Carlos “Botong” Francisco and get to know the national artist better. For the adventurous eater, try Soup No. 5 and fried itik in some of the more famous restaurants in the area!
One of the most underrated destinations in the country, Laguna holds a number of surprises for those who will take a step into its overlooked territory. Learn the art of sculpture and witness how this craft has become the center of the lives of the people of Paete! Go on a bakya shopping spree in Liliw! Overcome your fears and descend into the Underground Cemetery in Nagcarlan. The province is also dotted with several historic churches, ancestral houses, and unique restaurants!
✅ WHERE TO STAY: LAGUNA HOTELS
LAGUNA WATERFALLS
Chase waterfalls! Cavinti Falls (Pagsanjan Falls) may be just another waterfall to many but it is the getting there that makes a visit an unforgettable experience. Board a small boat and be amazed with how the boatmen masterfully conquer the rapids and the rocky stream on the way to the waterfall! Buntot Palos Falls is another best-kept secret of Laguna that may be attractive to the thrill-seeking adventurer!
And then there’s the spectacular Hulugan Falls in Luisiana that cascades near two other waterfalls.
Tired of chasing waterfalls? Choose one of the seven lakes of San Pablo!
✅ WHERE TO STAY: LAGUNA HOTELS
FREEDOM ISLANDS
This one is not near Metro Manila, it is in it! Freedom Island and Long Island, collectively called Freedom Islands, lie off the coast of Paranaque and Las Pinas. More formally known as Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area, the Freedom Islands have a huge ecological role in the area. It is the last remaining mangrove forest and salt marsh frontier in Metro Manila. These two islands also serve as a sanctuary for many marine lifeforms and a refuge for more than 80 species of birds, both local and migratory.
However, the Freedom Islands are under threat. The garbage the city produces — an awful lot of them! — has found its way to the islands. Environmental groups often organize clean up drives that you can join.
You cannot swim here but if birdwatching makes your day, you don’t need to travel to Pampanga or Batangas for it. The closest site is within Metro Manila.
✅ WHERE TO STAY: MANILA HOTELS
CORREGIDOR ISLAND
Brush Up on History! Corregidor is just a ferry ride away from Manila. You’ll be surprised that while many city dwellers have visited many islands in the far corners of the country, a good lot of them have never set foot on Corregidor. This tadpole-shaped island lies at the mouth of Manila Bay and was a strategic military base during World War II.
The remnants of the past remain standing and are just waiting for curious, open minds to come take a look. If ghost-haunting is right up your alley, they say it is also the place to be but maybe that’s too extreme.
How to get there: From One Esplanade (beside SM Mall of Asia), take a ferry to Corregidor.
Day trip suggested budget: P2500/person
BATAAN
Retrace the Death March! Sounds like an emotional torture but this activity can be very enlightening and rewarding to history buffs! And since you’re already in Bataan, don’t miss the chance to visit Mt. Samat and some of the province’s beaches.
If you can also visit in November, take part in Pawikan Festival and witness the turtle hatchlings’ return to the sea.
PUERTO GALERA
A bus and a ferry ride away, Puerto Galera has been the go-to summer destination among city-dwellers for beach activities such as swimming and beach bumming. (Ha, I know what you’re thinking!) But there’s more to this Mindoro paradise than what’s on the surface! Puerto Galera is a great diving destination. Declared a Man and Biosphere Reserve of UNESCO in 1973, it is one of the destinations with the richest marine biodiversity in the world.
When doors open, we tend to overlook what’s right in our own front lawn. Manila itself is blessed with many culturally and historically rich sites but if you want more, the surrounding provinces can definitely deliver.
✅ WHERE TO STAY: PUERTO GALERA HOTELS
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where and cheaper private beach in batangas or pool in antipolo?i was planning to have a outing with my relatives hope you can help me thank you
Look up Acuatico, you and your relatives might find that place very relaxing, EXCELLENT buffet food selection, friendly staff, very clean accommodation. You have beautiful pool & private access to beach as well.
if you’re going to Batangas, i suggest go to Laiya (fine white sand) . theres a lot of cheap hotels/resorts available there :)
ang daming pwedeng puntahan pala sa Luzon ;)
lovely deeds for bakasyonistas
Where is Puerto Galleria, how to get there?
Puerto galera is in mindoro. Go to batangas pier and ride a banca/ferry going to puerto galera. There are lots of affordable acccommodation there.
Great stuff! I’ve seen the Basilica in Taal, and yes it is grand. Trekking in PInatubo is actually recommended as it is fairly easy (although I guess that is a relative thing hehe.) Oh and for Corregidor, try joining those Amazing Race-like contests they usually have. It will allow you access to some of the more unusual places like this very small duckwalk tunnel filled with some creepy crawlies :P
Glad to have stumbled on another site from people who just love to see the world and share it. Will keep on reading more stuff. Thanks for sharing!
– Ray
for
Lynne-Enroute.com
where in puerto galera is that?
a lot. You can also see that in one of the surrounding beaches, that you can go into with a friend bangkero. Here, look at my pic
boquete island near barangay sto niño…
I’d want to know as well. Didn’t see something like this the last time I went to Galera. :D
Haligi Beach is normally part of island hopping tours. :)
ganda ng pilipinas hnding hindi ko pagpapalit s ibang lugar. mpp wow phil k tlg!
how bout the prices?? :)
great list… :D
Is there a place to stay when one gets to this island near mauban, Quezon.
You can try Sampitan Beach Resort Kubo hut for 1000 to 1500 and hotel rooms for 2500 search on FB Sampitan Beach Resort for further info
you can stay in hotel in the downtown…
[…] 15 great destinations near Manila. […]
I never realized there were so many worthwhile places nearby Manila worth visiting. I think it’s time I finally my way over to the Philippines now that I’m based in SE Asia.
Did they bring back boating in Pinatubo crater lake? When I was there in May 2013, boating wasn’t allowed :(
You forgot Cagbalete Island! It’s the Boracay of Quezon! Just 3-4 hours drive from Manila.
how to get there?
Cannot be compared to Boracay.
If you want to get wild and abuse yourself, the place is bora. If you just want the fresh breeze of the pacific ocean with white sandbars, cagbalete is the place.
One of the best (if not the best) resort in Cagbalete Island is Joven’s Blue Sea Resort… They’ve got the perfect location amongst other resorts there… and yeah, fresh breeze that can last for 30-45 mins.!
boracay sucks…..no real history…just an overpriced pretty beach surrounded by an architectural disaster… now Palawan….that is a beautiful place…real nature
How much is the suggested budget for a day trip? Thanks! :)
went to Cagbalete last weekend. We were 4. Our budget per person was 1500-2,100 (inclusive of activities).
Food ang cottages or room to stay? Included in 2000???
I wish to visit all these places someday!
The last time I went to Matabungkay beach, it wasn’t pleasant. The water was dirty cause people on the rafts were throwing their left overs on the water. :( Some plastic cups and paper plates were on the sand underwater and it’s pretty dirty.
We used to go there for vacation when I was younger and I remember it being beautiful. I hope they clean/cleaned it …
Hi Laine! Same sentiments. I actually wrote a separate entry about Matabungkay here: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/03/matabungkay-beach-lian-batangas-philippines/
Wow. This is amazing and very informative. Most of the travel blogs nowadays just describe the place but doesn’t tell you how to get there. If they do tell you, it’s not as detailed. It would be better though if you also give an estimate of the cost of the commute, entrance fees, etc… Of course, those prices change without prior notice, but it’s good to get at least an idea.
enough for faraway places….i will visit these nearby during summer…thanks
If I may make a suggestion, the writer should also put in this list the Sierra Madre Mountains of Rizal and Quezon. Just take Marcos Hwy from Marikina going East and in less than 2.5 hours, you are in majestic and sweater cool Luzon Highland country.. Its like u went to the Sacada’s but much much closer. Go a little bit further and you hit Lamon Bay, Quezon off the Pacific Coast. Take the round about going South, you will hit Real, Quezon and Famy, Rizal back to Manila going by Laguna de Bay and Antipolo, Rizal.
I fully agree. Visit the mountain ranges of Marikina-Infanta road passing thru Tanay …you’ll be amazed with fantastic views of nature.. just 1.5hours from SM Masinag, Antipolo straight along Marcos hiway.. you will be in paradise like destination.
Hi Pio! Thanks for your input! We’ve been receiving a lot more suggestions that we’re starting to consider a Part 2. :)
You can include the Windmills of Pililla, Rizal along with Daranak Falls, and Regina Ricca Church in Tanay, Rizal. :D
To go to Pililla Windmills, ride a bus at Ortigas Ave. Going to Infanta, Quezon. Then tell the conductor to drop you at Brgy. Halayhayin, Pililla, Rizal – to the windmills. You can walk inside the Mahabang Sapa Feeder Road, where the windmills are erected.
Going to Daranak, you can ride a jeep going to Sampaloc, Tanay at Tanay Intersection. The entrance to Daranak Falls is along the Road. Same as with the Regina Ricca Church which is around 7 km ahead of Daranak Falls.
Cost of travel? 500-1,000 pesos. But it will be cheaper if you have a car.
Enjoy! :D
Please include Caleruega Church, were people can do picnic as well (entrance fee Php50) and bring some feeds for the koi. Take NASUGBU bus at Coastal Mall and drop off at Evercrest then ride a tricycle (don’t forget to get driver’s mobile number for pick up) Transpo budget less than Php500.00 roundtrip.
Please add lake hopping in San Pablo City, Laguna.
Hi Jen! I actually mentioned it in the article. :D
best package for a tour near manila for 6 person :( can you refer someone? :(
Hi Pam! You might want to contact Harry Balais of 7107 Islands Tours.
Email: harry.balais@gmail.com
Mobile No.: +639176274945
very informative and great blog! thumbs up!!
Thank you! :)
Anu ang feel m puntahan angela?? Haha
Alam mo na yan Teh! Haha
ang ganda nman
Hahaha.. sa zambales punta kami bukas..sabihan ko kayo kung maganda
Hi Dobie Ann Onato. Try to visit Casa San Miguel in brgy san miguel,San Antonio zambales.
Tara na! :)
pwede na ba ulit magboating sa pinatubo? kasi last week di pa rin pwede?
pano ung sa taal crest…..interested aq
pano ung sa taal crest…..interested aq
Among the places listed above, its Angono I really wanted to visit. They have preserved their art and culture despite the modernization.
wala bang manila lang? driving in the philippines pa lang kasi mastress ka na agad
Great post . And i had no idea that there is hot balloon fiesta happening in Philippines in February ! Cant wait . Always wanted to see one !
Awesome .
waw! the color of water in Mount Pinatubo or i say the lake is awesome. Nice shot. and the boat is the same as the fiber boats used in Puerto Prinsesa Underground River. Right ? hehe ..
Regards,
Lester Moore
http://phptourism.blogspot.com/2014/10/hotspots-in-the-philippines.html
that boat ride almost gave me nightmares
haha .. cool !
Whoever made this, thank you very much. kindly have time to do more. and please tell me how to get to Haligi beach, please? Thanks! :)
I love to travel..looking forward to visit these awesome places! ^_^
oh wow I am definitely bookmarking this post! great suggestions! thanks for sharing
styleandchocolates.blogspot.com
Pandin Lake also starts to carve its name in the list of Tourist Spots in the Philippines. The lunch in the raft in the middle of the lake makes it a must-place to visit in the Philippines. http://phptourism.blogspot.com/2014/12/lake-pandin-tourist-spots-in-laguna-philippines.html
I really disdain the practice of some businessmen puting raft in the middle of clean water. I was in Matabungcay beach and you cant apreciate anymore the beach because of those kubo looking raft. This kubol is tied to a an anchor near the shore and posed danger to swimmer. Plus th practice of most filipinos of throwing anything on the water.
This will be a great help for me. i’ll try these places this year.
great blog. I already added all the 15 to my list of destination.
8 of 15….Done!!!
of course you call that cheap
Fixed!
Mount Pinatubo is amazing, It is safe to swim there? :D
http://touristspotsfinder.com/
Last I heard swimming is not allowed….
Yes. BUt there’s a part where you cant swim because the water is beyond BOILING POINT
Ouch!
Dear, water cannot go beyond boiling point. It can only turn to steam.
:)
Images here ► http://touristspotsfinder.com/2015/01/mount-pinatubo-lake-trekking/
8!!!!
Baler, Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Vigan and the rest of Ilocos Tourists destinations should be on the list.
Bakit nga kaya wala sa listahan ang Baler? It is just 5-6 hours by bus from Manila (3.5-4 hrs by car). Beautiful beach, fantastic surf, verdant forests, amazing waterfalls, crystal clear rivers, etc. etc. Comparatively cheap accommodation and good food too..
Boat ride in the mt. Pinatubo lake?
try one laiya beach resort in san juan batangas very nice and affordable
I did #3…need to come back to Philippines to explore more…so many beautiful places.
thanks for the info on travel destination..
try calaguas island in camarines norte-bikol..
the blog is about destinations NEAR Manila.
Its about time to revise your list… include in your list the cavinti underground river and cave complex in cavinti, laguna..its only 3 hours away from manila..its rock formations are at par with the more famous Puerto Princesa Underground River and sumaguing cave in Sagada..what makes it better than the PPUR and Sumaguing cave is that it has 98 chambers though only 2 are open to the public and of course its nearer to manila and definitely cheaper!
Mganda sa calatagan..kitang kita mga coral reefs linaw kc tubig..
thank you , you don’t know where my paradise yet and I wont tell I don’t want it to be discovered
thank you my paradise is not on the list i dont wanna it to be discovered
sobra maningil ang mahal ng bangka per head pa grabe mabuti pa mag hongkong mura na ticket maganda pa
I agree with Yen. You forgot Cagbalete Island. We’ve been to Nilandingan Cove (resort in Cagbalete Island) and the owners were very hands on and they treated us like family. We will definitely be back there this coming April.
You should checkout STELLAMARIS BEACH in BAGAC ,BATAAN
Vsit my hometown La union #sanjuan surfing capital of the north
Oh, to be young and adventurous! What a wonderful way to see the sights!
one day I’m gonna go to those beautiful places
Awesome !
Wer is this in the picture…??
Baka walang pumunta dyan, kasi yong iba nagkukunwari na mayaman sila.
This place is Angat Dam in Norzagaray Bulacan, about 2 hrs away from SM Fairview in Quezon city. It is called Little Baguio because of beautiful view and cool wind. It is in the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Another photo of Angat Dam
how to get there po?
It’s summer time na!swimming na yan^-*
Alam ko yan s may San Antonio zambales yan
ANAWANGIN ganda dyan fresh air ang beautiful water
poor traveler? LOL the poor dont do travels like that hahaha
Im done with all these places. Sometimes we get so busy making money that we tend to forget to make memories…
Dear Admin, your kindly correct your picture caption “Other side of Anawangin” as it is not Anawangin but Agnaem Cove.
[…] this (Travel Goals!) to check places worth visiting if on a tight budget. Have fun! […]
sad kasi bawal na magboat sa Pinatubo crater :(
Nice
Try the hot springs in Laguna pansol swimming falls jjust one bus ride from Cubao, Quezon City. Overnight swim in the warm water will surely refresh and ease your tension and stress.
ok sana mt.pinatubo.kaso andmi ng bawal gwin.
Madlum, Bulacan is also a beautiful place just two hours away from Manila. Spelunking in Bayukbok cave, hiking in Mt. Manalmon, and zipline can be done (but just be careful of the river). The people are very nice and accommodating, and star gazing is perfect as the skies look too beautiful to look at, even without telescopes. Also, at the shallow parts of the river we were able to see small shirmps. Just search images in google and you’ll find the place breathtaking.
This is awesome.i like to travel but am poor.hehe
Boat Rental
800.00 – Borawan Island
1,200.00 – Borawan + Dampalitan Island
1,800.00 – Borawan + Dampalitan Island + Puting Buhangin/Kwebang Lampas
Contact Person : Nonoy 09122056993
[…] Here’s some beautiful places to put on your list with you limited budget Poor Traveler. […]
reading this makes me wanna go to tagaytay , alone :)
Wow on #12!!! My parents and I moved to Parañaque even before I entered school and left only when I got married. Yet, I’ve never heard of Freedom Islands until now. Thanks for writing this, Yoshke.
We always visit Clark Pampanga to watch and ride hot air balloons! :)
[…] Here’s the link: https://www.thepoortraveler.net/2013/03/15-great-destinations-near-manila-philippines/# […]
I got a private island I go there every year november
hunting and fishing staying there for 8 days more of survivalist its 4 hrs from manila
[…] 15 CHEAP BUT AWESOME Destinations Near MANILA, Philippines […]
[…] 15 CHEAP BUT AWESOME Destinations Near MANILA, Philippines […]
Thanks for this. These look really interesting. Our next destination is the Phillipines – we’ll be there in February.
I want pero wala kasama at wala pa budget. Keynis
Guys.. i am spending 3 nights in AC and am looking for an place to spend 2 nights… not far from manila… please help
THANK YOU FOR SHARING
I want to go at those places right now! Lol missin Philippines so much… I really will go to these places when I go home at the of this year ^_^ anyone who’s up for adventure? ^_^
[…] “15 Cheap but Awesome Place to Visit near Metro Manila” – I am so excited for my annual leave that I keep on looking for things to do when I go back in Manila. Of course researching is the best way to get the best deals right? So here I am working it out and noting each place that would be a great place for me to spend my vacation! […]
how about masungi georeserve in tanay?
Hi.. M fllying to las pinas city. Can someone guide me to travel destinations near to las pinas?Will b my frst time in Philippines.
I loved visiting the Philippines and all you great vacation spots and beaches! I loved getting a good tan while enjoying a fresh buko :)
that mt. Pinatubo photo is stunningly beautiful! A lot of beautiful places in the Philippines indeed.
im going to manila with my fiance in november. we are looking for a quiet place to stay not to far of a trip from manila. even a short flight is ok. not to touristy. a nice beach and some authentic phillipines culture. any ideas?
thank you in advance