Metro Manila’s got a lot of great activities to try within it, like a food trip to Binondo’s Chinatown, a window-shopping spree in Taguig’s Bonifacio High Street, a leisurely walk through the historic Fort Santiago in Intramuros, and lastly, a night of fun in Makati’s Poblacion! Plus, there’s a lot more! It’s a melting pot of city delights. Nonetheless, it’s not enough – not if you want to go ahead and experience the natural allure of the beaches and other natural wonders the Philippines has up its sleeves!
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the busy metropolis? Well then, you can head to plenty of nearby destinations in the North and South. Pick an itinerary, as they’re great weekend-away destinations – largely due to the close proximity and the efficient expressways.
Here are some places we recommend for your next getaway!
Tagaytay
A beloved Southern getaway, Tagaytay is popular for quick weekend getaways from Manila! It’s got a cold and chilly climate, vibrant and cool scenery, and a good distance from Manila enough to make it easily accessible but far enough to make each visit feel like a vacation!
The food’s great in Tagaytay, with plenty of restaurants in every nook and corner! The food and coffee selections are quite exceptional – as some tourists prefer to visit for the food. Some of the most beloved are Antonio’s, Lime and Basil, and Bag of Beans.
Tagaytay also boasts scenic views of Taal Volcano and Lake. Moreover, it boasts as one of the most popular places near Manila that are kid-friendly. Meanwhile, the Taal Volcano is the smallest active volcano in the world.
Although trips to the volcano are prohibited, you can view the “island within a lake, inside a volcano” while dining at Tagaytay restaurants. You can book a staycation at a hotel with a view of Taal!
Batangas
Batangas and Tagaytay, for the vacation part and because of their closeness, are two peas in a pod you may not want to miss! Batangas has delicious food, pristine beaches, and stunning views!
It’s a huge province. With towns like Nasugbu, Mabini, and Tingloy, there are many places where you can enjoy its shores and its local delightful delicacies such as lomi, and tapa!
Cavite
History has its eye on you! It’s a line from the renowned Hamilton musical, and it’s a phrase that resounds with Cavite. Cavite’s got a lot of loaded history with it. After all, it was where Emilio Aguinaldo declared independence in 1898 – and it was also where a lot of victories were won. Plenty of significant landmarks, such as the Aguinaldo Shrine, Bonifacio Trial House, and the famous Corregidor Island, are housed in Cavite!
Donsol
In Sorsogon, you’ve got one of the best places in South Luzon! You can dive into the water and swim with the Donsol whale sharks! The sea holds majestic creatures inhabiting it, and the Donsol whale shark is one of the best creatures there! There, you can spot and observe whale sharks in their natural habitat.
Another suggestion is to try a vacation at La Union! Looking for a hotel? Hotel in San Juan La Union that can accommodate you.
Wrapping Up
Luzon’s got good places for exploring and vacationing! In case you’re craving some change of wind and scenery, then these places can give you some peace of mind!
Author’s Bio:
Deinah Storm is a freelance feature writer who loves to travel. She writes travel guides and reviews aiming to help fellow travelers achieve the most satisfying travel experiences.