We’ve all heard how great summer is for family vacations because the kids don’t have to worry about schoolwork and the adults only have to adjust their work schedules to accommodate the kids’ schedules. It’s also a good idea to plan your vacation around a long weekend or a holiday so you don’t miss too many workdays. Who doesn’t want plan about road trips to take in the Philippines this summer especially now that the heat we feel is getting higher each day? Changing the pace to go outside our homes with our loved ones or friends is a nice thing to do to release stress and stimulate our adventurous spirit.
In case you can’t take a full-fledged vacation, you can always go on a quick road trip. Check out the list below as reference for your possible road trip destinations.
Rizal
First on our list of the places for road trips during summer in the Philippines is the Rizal Province, located just outside of Metro Manila, has a diverse range of attractions and activities. Antipolo has restaurants and coffee shops that are aesthetically attractive with breathtaking sunset views are the ideal go-to destination for those looking for a quick escape from the city.
Read Also: Nature Parks to Visit in Rizal
Its capital city, Antipolo, is home to the well-known Pinto Art Museum. This modern museum is accessible to the public and family friendly. Comprised of different artwork that are unique on its own, and peaks different interest depending on the person observing the art.
If you want to relax and pamper yourself, go to Luljetta’s Hanging Garden and Spa. With its relaxation packages and amenities, this little haven will provide you with a relaxing stay. They have pool amenities and offer also massages or long chairs where you can relax while viewing the Sierra Madre mountain range.
Masungi Georeserve is the place to be for adventurers. This conservation area offers various activities at the same time enjoying the natural rock formation. It became well-known for its massive hammock and metal spiderweb perched atop limestone cliffs.
Rizal’s mountainous province is also one of the best hiking destinations near Manila. Treasure Mountain, Mount Daraitan, Mount Pamitinan, Mount Batolusong, Mt. Mapalad, Nagpatong Rock, Mt. Kulis, and others are among Rizal’s famous mountains. Each mountain has a beautiful trail with stunning views of the lush greenery and surrounding areas. Rizal has a mountain for everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker.
Baler, Aurora
Baler is well-known for being one of the best surfing spots in the Philippines. It is one of the must visit summer destinations in the Philippines. It has blossomed into a surf town with a diverse range of beach resorts, restaurants, bars, and surf shops. Sabang Beach, which is popular with surfers, is its main draw. A perfect weekend getaway for family or even just a couple of friends.
Aside from surfing, other places to visit in Baler include the century old Balete Tree. Sabang Beach is close to the Baler Museum and the Aurora Quezon House. You can see snippets of Baler’s history here. Surely you can add it to your list of places you can visit on road trips during summer in the Philippines.
Bataan
Because of its many cultural and natural attractions, the province of Bataan is a popular tourist destination near Manila. The tourist attractions available ranges from beach resorts to historical sites and breathtaking mountain views.
People can visit, Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, the Philippines’ first heritage resort, located in Bagac, Bataan. A replica of Manila’s Jones Bridge, a private beach, and a small church are also part of the resort.
If you prefer a more relaxed vacation, Bataan has a number of beaches to choose from. Because of its breathtaking views, Five Fingers in Mariveles, Bataan, is a well-known beach destination near Manila. It is known as the “Batanes of the West” due to its beautiful views of the ocean and surrounding mountains. Snorkeling, cliff diving, and rock climbing are also available.
Hiking up Mt. Samat, a historic mountain in Pilar, Bataan, is also an option, if your into nature trips.
Pampanga
Pampanga, a well-liked tourist destination close to Manila, is referred to as the Culinary Capital of the Philippines. With numerous renowned restaurants serving both traditional Kapampangan dishes. Apart from its cuisine, Pampanga is renowned for its numerous tourist destinations and activities, many of which can be reached from hotels in Angeles.
Read Also: 10 things Pampanga is known for
Sandbox Pampanga, with its adventure-packed attractions and rides, is a must-see for thrill seekers. Adults will undoubtedly relive their childhood on their famous Giant Swing. Sandbox also has ATV rides, a mini-golf course, camping areas, and playgrounds for children.
Wakeboarding is an activity available in Pradera Verde in Lubao, Pampanga for those looking for water activities. They have different lakes for different difficulty levels to take on as a challenge. The Aqua Planet in Clark City, Pampanga is another must-see attraction in the province.
Cagbalete Island, Quezon
Cagbalete is a picturesque island on the east coast of Luzon with a white-sand beach. This Mauban paradise is one of the best beaches near Manila and one of the most popular tourist destination here. Cagbalete Island is reachable by public transportation, or car rental.
Cagbalete Island’s expanse of creamy and powdery white sand is visible during low tide. The place is great for taking photos, or just to relax by sitting on one of the shades near the beach away from the city buzz.
La Union
La Union is easily accessible by public transportation like bus. Right now, La Union is one of the go-to popular beach destinations. However, for a more convenient trip, you can rent a car or drive your own vehicle to this popular surf town at your own pace.
Thunderbird Poro Resort, located in San Fernando, is one of the most popular La Union beach resorts. This Santorini-inspired resort, in addition to its picturesque views and lovely Greece-inspired exteriors, provides a variety of activities and amenities for guests to enjoy.
This is also the most visited town in La Union due to its active nightlife and diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and surf shops. Travelers will undoubtedly enjoy surfing, relaxing by the beach, and café hopping in this hip surf town with many tourist attractions. You can easily find a surfing lessons beside the beach if you want to start your surfing journey. One of the reasons of the numerous visitors to La Union is its beautiful sunset, make sure to not miss it if you decided to go. If you have time, you can also take a side trip and visit the tourist attractions in Baguio. Would be great experience for road trips during summer in the Philippines especially when you want to beat the heat of summer.
Batangas
Batangas, located just a few hours south of Manila, is well-known for its many Batangas beach resorts, diving destinations, and hiking mountains. It is easily accessible via public or private transportation. Whether you want to stay in a luxurious resort or a more affordable beachfront accommodation, Batangas has plenty of options. Surely you can consider adding it to our list of the places for road trips during summer in the Philippines.
Nasugbu, located in the northwest corner of Batangas, is home to some of the province’s most popular beach resorts. You can also visit The Farm at San Benito in Lipa, Club Balai Isabel in Talisay, and Acuatico Beach resort in Laiya further south. Batangas has also grown in popularity as the closest diving destination to Manila. For diving enthusiast, you can try going to Anilao where they offer different diving sites to explore. You can expect to see a variety of fishes, sea creatures, and magnificent corals which depicts a nice diverse marine life.
Batangas also has several mountain ranges and lush forests, making it one of the top hiking destinations in the Philippines. Mt. Batulao, Mt. Maculot, Mt. Gulugod-Baboy, Mt. Talamitam, and Mt. Daguldol are some of the province’s well-known hiking destinations. Each mountain provides breathtaking views of the beach, Taal Lake and Volcano at the same time boast their natural beauty.
Tagaytay
The chilly weather and scenic views of Tagaytay, one of the best family friendly destination and have quickly made it a popular weekend tourist destination. This go to place is only a few hours away from Metro Manila, which makes it one of the best road trip destinations. Tagaytay offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
The visitors of Tagaytay tries their famous bulalo which is popular in the place, a Filipino soup dish made with beef shanks and vegetables. You can also unwind at one of the many Tagaytay aesthetically pleasing coffee shops with a view of Taal aside from their famous bulalo, and other hot dish to compliment the cool weather. You can try visiting Bag of Beans, Josephine’s, Balay Dako, Antonio’s, and many other restaurants are available.
Visit Sky Ranch, a Tagaytay theme park, if you’re traveling with children or children at heart. This theme park, perched on a cliff, provides a stunning view of Taal Lake and Volcano, offering different rides for the visitors
Visit the Tagaytay picnic grove, a favorite among families, for a much more relaxed Tagaytay sightseeing trip. Picnic areas are located on a hilltop overlooking Taal Lake and Volcano. Horseback riding, ziplining, and a short eco-trail trek are also available in the picnic grove which helps people to reconnect with nature.
Laguna
Travel south from Manila to enjoy the fresh air of Laguna, the Philippines’ resort capital. You can reach this place by commuting, or renting a car from Manila, visitors can easily visit the province. Laguna offers lush scenery, historical sites, hot springs, and variety of attractions and tourist spots.
Aquascape Lake Caliraya, a rustic lakeside resort in Cavinti, is one of the places you can visit. This picturesque lakeside resort is indeed ideal for families or groups of friends. The spacious floating cottages are the highlight of this resort. They offer water activities such as kayaking, electric bike, and electric motorboat in addition to their relaxing accommodations. Beat the summer heat by swimming in the lake, relax in their open-air tub, or soak your feet at the doctor fish spa.
Where to go during a road trip in Laguna? San Pablo’s Seven Lakes is another well-known destination. These lakes, which are located between two dormant volcanoes, Mt. Makiling and Mt. Banahaw, are actually low-profile craters formed by volcanic activity. Lakes Sampaloc, Bunot, Palakpakin, Mohikap, Pandin, Yambo, and Calibato are formed from water filling up the craters and named as Seven San Pablo’s Lakes.
Lake Pandin is well-known for its enchanting lakes, which include renting a water raft and hiring a tour guide to take you around the area. You can swim in the lakes, so bring your swimsuit and sunscreen to make the most of your visit. The waterfalls in Laguna are also well-known. Because these natural attractions are close together, you can visit more than one waterfall in a single day. Pagsanjan Falls is a magnificent natural attraction with powerful waters rushing down a 90-meter drop. Another well-known destination is the Hulugan Falls, also known as the province’s “social media waterfall” due to its beautiful cascading waters over tiered boulders perfect to beat the summer heat.
For a more relaxing vacation, visit Hidden Valley Springs resort in Calauan, Laguna, which is a tropical oasis in the middle of a rainforest. Relax in one of their six natural pools, which include two kiddie pools and one natural jacuzzi. Aside from swimming, you can also go for a walk through the forest. The resort also serves a delectable buffet lunch that includes some of the best Filipino dishes.
Subic
Last but not the least on our list of the places for road trip destinations during summer in the Philippines is Subic. Travel north from Manila to Inflatable Island in Subic for a fun waterpark adventure. This waterpark is Asia’s largest floating playground, and the inflatable slides and challenging activities will make you feel like a kid again. It also has family-friendly tourist attractions such as Zoobic Safari, where you can interact with various animals, and Ocean Adventure, where you can watch sea animals perform.
Subic is considered as a great starting point for those who are planning to visit Zambales’ beaches and coves such as Anawangin and Nagsasa Coves. It really is a convenient beach getaway for city dwellers due to its variety of beach resort with wide range of prices.
Before going on a road trip during summer in the Philippines here are some tips to consider:
- Check for any possible health requirements before driving to your road trip destination near Manila.
- To be safe, bring your vaccination card or certificate. While the mask mandate has been lifted, it doesn’t hurt to bring a face mask, alcohol, sanitizer, and disinfectant.
- Keep up to date on changes in travel rules and restrictions, as they can change at any time.
- Research about local shops and possible routes you may take ahead of time before the actual trip to save time.
- Don’t forget to secure your house: check the locks, turn-off the faucets and lights before leaving for a vacation or a road trip.
