Where to next? Top 5 Destinations near Metro Manila
Been wanting to explore Metro Manila and its surroundings but don’t know where to start? Are you worried that you will end up on an organized tour from one tourist trap to the next?
Well, don’t worry because you can begin just a few hours outside of the corporate jungle. There are many travel destinations near Metro Manila, which only require a day or two of your time, most likely your weekends (or long weekends!). So, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and live a little!
1. Revisit Old Manila
Rizal Park
With the newly restored Manila, it has its fair share of spots that are ready for visiting. Why not start your morning at Kilometer 0? Rizal Park, more commonly known as Luneta, is considered to be the largest urban park in Asia. Despite being photobombed by the Torre de Manila, it is still a must-see for locals and foreigners alike. Devote a few hours to Intramuros either on foot, by calesa (horse-drawn carriage), or by joining a Bamboo bike tour.
Indulge your inner foodie in Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world. Sample delicacies from Dong Bei, Sincerity Café, Masuki Mami, Ying Ying Tea House, and LGA Fastfood Estero, among many others. Don’t be afraid to try the many hole-in-the-wall restaurants! To burn off that big lunch, walk around the area and visit Binondo Church, Cruz Church, Quiapo Church, and even San Sebastian Church, the only all-steel church in Asia. Visit the National Museum to see the Spoliarium and other notable artworks up close. Cap off your day with the newly open dungeon of Fort Santiago, which is open to the public from 2 pm to 10 pm every day. If you visit just a few of the historical destinations in Metro Manila, then you’ll learn a lot about the history and cultural beginnings of the city.
2. Roam around Rizal
Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa in Antipolo
For Antipolo, start the day at Antipolo Cathedral. After which you can visit the Mystical Cave, which boasts rock formations that resemble religious figures. One need not be a modern and contemporary art connoisseur to enjoy the Pinto Art Museum, as the entire space is undoubtedly a feast for the eyes.
For some relaxation, be pampered with a view of Laguna de Bay and Manila’s skyline at Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens and Spa, Antipolo’s nature retreat. Loreland Farm Resort seems to really be the “place to be” with its vast array of offerings: accommodations, swimming pool, team building activities, and spa, all within a lovely green space. Roasted cashew nuts are aplenty around Antipolo, and you even have additional variants to choose from – sweet, spicy, adobo. Be sure to eat at one of the restaurants along Sumulong Highway while enjoying the Manila cityscape. If you’re feeling adventurous, the art city of Angono is also a great place to visit with vast collections of art pieces and caves.
3. Conquering Corregidor
Corregidor Island
This island fortress is known as “The Rock,” and is a popular destination for those who only have the weekend to spare. Aside from being the last stand before the Japanese takeover during World War II, it was foremost a military paradise before becoming a seat of the Philippine Commonwealth and headquarters of the Allied Forces. You can also enjoy other activities on the island, such as hiking, kayaking, sunrise/sunset viewing, camping, bird watching, zipline, and lateral night visit of the tunnels. You can also explore the island onboard an ATV or your own bike. You can also stay overnight and go ghost-hunting at the Malinta Tunnel, Hospital, and the site of the Jabidah massacre. A historical, outdoors, and horror destination near Metro Manila, all in one place – how awesome is that?!
4. Batangas Beaches
Calatagan Beach
Batangas has long been a favorite of weekend warriors and holiday tourists, especially when it comes to beach destinations near Metro Manila. That is why more “unspoiled” beaches are gaining popularity during the past few years due to the proliferation of tourists in the more well-known areas of the province. Calatagan beaches boast its crystal-clear waters, fine sand, and rock formations. Masasa Beach, located on the fish-shaped island of Maricaban, is within the municipality of Tingloy, Batangas. It is best visited together with Anilao, one of the best diving spots in the country, and Gulugod Baboy. What used to be a famous luxury resort is now open to the public off the coast of Nasugbu. Fortune Island is easily recognized because of the Grecian pillars and statues built atop the island. There’s also a museum commemorating the discovery of the MV San Diego Warship. Scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities on the island. Make sure not to leave without sampling the province’s Bulalo, Lomi, Tapa, and Kapeng Barako. Pass by Tagaytay, Cavite, when going back from Batangas for an ultimate nightcap.
5. Pampanga Adventure
Mt. Pinatubo
Aside from a day hike to Mt. Pinatubo’s crater, foodies will surely love going to the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. Gastronomic delight awaits you in Angeles as the Camalig Restaurant, the original Aling Lucing’s sisig, Binulo Restaurant, and 19 Copung Copung, and Matam-ih to name a few. It’s best to combine all the eating with some walking around Bayanihan Park, Clark Museum, Clark Memorial, and Founder’s residence.
Newbies and experienced wakeboarders alike will find exhilaration at Deca Wakeboard Park. Try the new outdoor facility at Porac and get excited with the Giant Swing, Aerial Walk Challenge, a roller coaster zipline, Adventure Tower, Archery, and ATVs. Check out the Zooc ride in Zoocobia, the first and only gravity car in the country, and be a kid for the day. Only 2 hours from Manila, this is a destination near Metro Manila that has pretty much everything!