Top 5 Summer Destinations Near Metro Manila
Summer is the best excuse to be out and about and living it up. And, the Philippines offers a treasure trove of fun activities that will help you put your holiday to good use and make hay while the sun shines, even if you don’t plan to stray too far from the metro!
If you simply want to have a quick escape from the heat in Metro Manila, there isn’t any shortage of destinations that will let you chill down as the temperature rises this summer! Whether you want to be underwater or into the mountains for a bit of cooler air, these destinations will give you just that for just a few hours drive!
Mt Pinatubo
This famous volcano is just 90 km away from the hustle and bustle of Metro Manila. It’s a venue where nature lovers get to have the best of both worlds – an adventurous hike and a refreshing swim! Cap it off with the breath-taking view of Mt Pinatubo’s crater lake. As odd of a destination as this place to go swimming, surely it is one to include on your bucket list!
The most recommended way to go here is through package tour from Manila to Pinatubo Crater that will provide you direct return transport to Mt Pinatubo Crater from one of their pick up points in Metro Manila.
While going to Capas (the base of Mt Pinatubo) can be easily done by car or bus, going up to the trekking site will be a separate trip and can only be done through a package tour from a travel agency at Mt Pinatubo’s base. A 4×4 transport will be provided due to the mountain’s rough terrain, which you will have to pay for anyway if you drive all the way to Capas (base of Mt Pinatubo).
instead of driving your way to Capas and then paying for the package tour from there which is only ₱500 to ₱1000 difference.
Alternatively though, if you decide to drive your way to Capas and book a trekking tour from there, here’s what you need to do:
1. Take a bus or drive from Manila, Cubao, or Pasay to Capas, Tarlac.
2. Go to Santa Juliana Tourism office to register and pay for the trekking package tour.
| Package tour from Manila | ₱2500 to ₱3000 per pax with meals |
| Accommodation | Optional: Tent rental ₱100 |
| Total cost | ₱2600 to ₱3,100 per person |
| Transport from Manila to Capas | ₱100 per person |
| Package tour from Capas | ₱1,500 to ₱2,000 per pax with meals |
| Accommodation | Optional: Tent rental ₱1000 |
| Total cost | ₱1,600 to ₱2,100 per person |
San Antonio, Zambales
Zambales is one of the northernmost provinces in Luzon. This province is closely adjacent to the sea, making it accessible to fresh seafood and beaches, which is what this place is particularly known for. Meanwhile, the municipality of San Antonio in Zambales, the southernmost municipality that directly faces the sea, is equally blessed with several pristine beaches.
By Driving
From Manila, you will need to drive along North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). Take the Dau exit and enter Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX). Exit at Subic and turn left when you reach the Olongapo Public Cemetery. You will pass the municipalities of Subic, Castillejos, and San Marcelino
By Bus
While it’s very efficient to get there on your own transportation, you can save a lot more if you just choose to commute.
For a bus ride to San Antonio, Zambales, the cost for a one-fare won’t even go beyond ₱300.00. Victory Liner serves passengers going to Zambales. You can find terminals of this bus line in Cubao, Pasay, and Caloocan. For a Hop on a bus bound for Iba, Zambales, and get off at San Antonio Public Market. The fare costs about ₱ 270.00.
While you’re still at San Antonio Public Market, make sure to buy supplies because food selections at Anawangin Cove are scarce. You can opt to buy cooked meals but since you’re going camping, you might as well buy fresh ingredients that you can cook yourself for the total experience.
Recommended places:
Zambales is where water meets the forest – you will enjoy not just its crystal clear waters, but also the scenic coves that you easily trek to from the beach. There was a time when the phrase “beach near Manila” was synonymous with a place in Zambales. There are one too many beaches in Zambales, but here are our top picks to make the choosing the least of your worries:
- Anawagin and Nagsasa Cove
- Capones Island
- Camara Island
- Potipot Island
| Bus fare (from Manila to Zambales) | ₱50 to ₱200 |
| Food and water | ₱300 |
| Entrance fee for an overnight stay | ₱150 |
| Boat rental (round trip) | ₱1,500 for 4 pax |
| Tent rental | ₱500 for 2 pax |
| Total cost | ₱2,770 to ₱3,000 |
| Total cost | ₱1790 to ₱4,530 |
Tagaytay City
One of the most famous destinations near Metro Manila for that quick break from the heat – summer season or not. It’s basically among the coldest places in the Philippines, boasting fresh clean air and a pleasant atmosphere. Tagaytay is practically the perfect place to be to escape from that summer heat and the hustle and bustle of the Metro.
By Driving
From Manila, you will need to drive along South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and then exit via Sta. Rosa. Drive straight on through all the way to the Tagaytay Public Market (near the Tagaytay Econo Inn). Turn right to go to the Tagaytay city proper (and the Junction Tagaytay!). Alternatively, you can also exit via Eton or Greenfield then take the Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Road to avoid the traffic jam.
Bus
Get the bus at the Uniwide Coastal Mall in Pasay City where the MMDA Southwest Integrated Bus Terminal is or at the bus terminal near Buendia (also known as LRT Gil Puyat Station.
Recommended places:
- Sky Ranch
- People’s Park in the Sky
| Bus fare (from Manila to Tagaytay) | ₱80 to ₱100 |
| Transpo within Tagaytay (jeepney) | ₱100 to ₱300 |
| Sky ranch entrance fee | ₱80 on weekdays ₱100 on weekends |
| People’s park in the sky entrance fee | ₱30 |
| Accomodation | ₱1,000 to ₱3,000 |
| Food and supplies | ₱500 to ₱,1,000 |
| Total cost | ₱1790 to ₱4,530 |
Laguna
Laguna is a testament that paradise isn’t always made of pearly beaches and white sands. Despite getting partly overlooked because it isn’t your typical beach destination for summer, much of Laguna’s beauty is about its untouched and densely covered rainforests and waterfalls. Additionally, its towns radiate its glorious past as it retains its historic facade. And as a bonus, Laguna’s cuisine showcases some of the best of the Southern Tagalog region.
There are two points of entry to Laguna from Manila: via the southern route and the eastern route.
Bus:
Southerm route – major bus companies ply the generally developed and well-maintained provincial road from Metro Manila. JAM Transit, HM Transit, Green Star Transit terminals can be found along EDSA and at Buendia, Pasay City.
Eastern Route – from EDSA-Mandaluyong (MRT Shaw Station), take a bus or FX going to Tanay, Rizal, and then take a jeepney to Siniloan, Laguna.
Recommended places:
- Rizal Shrine, Calamba
- Seven Lakes, San Pablo City.
- Nuvali, Sta. Rosa
- Nagcarlan Underground Cemetery.
- Bunga Falls, Nagcarlan.
- Majayjay Falls and Cold Springs.
- Shooting the Rapids to Pagsanjan Falls (aka Cavinti Falls).
- Cavinti Falls via Pueblo El Salvador Eco-Park.
- Hulugan Falls.
- Paete Town. An artistic town most famous for its sculpting tradition.
| Bus fare from Manila to Laguna | ₱150 to ₱200 |
| Jeepney and tricycle fare within Laguna | ₱200 to ₱500 |
| Food (meals in local restaurants) | ₱500 to ₱1,000 |
| Seven Lakes | ₱180 |
| Bamboo raft ride + lunch (at Seven Lakes) | ₱360 |
| Shooting the Rapids to Pagsanjan Falls | ₱250 |
| Cavinti Falls via Pueblo El Salvador Eco-Park. | ₱270 |
| Hulugan Falls | ₱300 for one waterfall; ₱600 for all three waterfalls |
| Accommodation | ₱200 per night (for dormitory room) ₱500 to ₱1,000 per night (room for two) 3 days 2 nights = ₱600 to ₱3,000 Note: room accommodation cost can be lower when checking in as a group to as the cost can be split into 2-3 persons. |
| Bus fare from Laguna to Manila | ₱150 to 200 |
| Total cost | ₱2,460 to 5,660 |
Batangas
Batangas is just a few hours away and there’s more than one way to create an itinerary for a trip to this historic destination. This destination has so much to offer – whether you’re looking for an adventure trekking, a gastronomic adventure, a trip down the memory lane through the historical sites, or just a sunny day at the beach, Batangas will always have something for you.
Bus:
All buses will use the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) but take different exits.
Here are some of the bus companies that travel to, from, and around Batangas, and where you will find their terminals here in Metro Manila:
- ALPS Bus – Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
- CROW Bus – Espana, Sampaloc, Manila; EDSA, Pasay City
- JAM Transit – EDSA, Quezon City; Taft, Pasay City; Cubao, Quezon City
- RRCG Bus – Pasay City
- TRITRAN Transit – EDSA-Kamias, Quezon City; Taft, Pasay City
- Batangas Starexpress – LRT-Buendia
- KL CNG Transport – Cubao, Quezon City
Van
There are also three van terminals in Metro Manila that can take passengers to Batangas, these are the following:
- LRT-Buendia, Makati
- Starmall-EDSA, Mandaluyong
- Starmall-Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Recommended places:
- Taal Volcano
- Matabungkay Beach, Lian
- Taal Heritage Town
- Balayan Town
- Taal Basilica
- Our Lady of Caysasay Shrine
- Lipa Cathedral
- Mt. Carmel Church
- Casa de Segunda, Lipa City
- Batangas Basilica
- Apolinario Mabini Shrine
- Miguel Malvar Museum
- Cape Santiago Lighthouse, Calatagan
- Beaches in San Juan, Calatgan, Nasugbu
| Bus fare from Manila to Batangas | ₱90 to ₱100 |
| Jeepney and tricycle fare within Laguna | ₱200 to ₱500 |
| Casa de Segunda Entrance Fee | ₱20 |
| Overnight stay at a beach resort in Balayan town. | ₱1,000 to 2,000 per room per night (Note: The cost of the accommodation can be lower if you’re checking in with a group to split the cost.) |
| Taal volcano hike (including transpo from Batangas) | ₱1,500 per person (approximately) |
| Overnight accommodation at the city proper (for city tour) | ₱650 to ₱1,000 ((Note: The cost of the accommodation can be lower if you’re checking in with a group to split the cost.) |
| Cavinti Falls via Pueblo El Salvador Eco-Park. | ₱270 |
| Food (including meals at a local restaurant) | ₱1000 to ₱1,500 |
| Accommodation | ₱200 per night (for dormitory room) ₱500 to ₱1,000 per night (room for two) 3 days 2 nights = ₱600 to ₱3,000 Note: room accommodation cost can be lower when checking in as a group to as the cost can be split into 2-3 persons. |
| Bus fare from Laguna to Manila | ₱150 to 200 |
| Total cost | ₱5,260 to 6,760 |
The fun in Batangas doesn’t stop there. There are one too many things to do here and most importantly, there is an abundance of pristine beaches scattered around Batangas. If you’d rather enjoy your entire stay here channeling your inner Ariel, check out our list of the best beach resorts in Batangas.
They can cost you a little more but if you come prepared or have the right credit card, you can still manage to scrape some dough from your expenses!
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