Manila hustles and bustles during the week, so it’s great to know that there are plenty of options for weekend trips out and away from the Philippines’ capital. From beach relaxation to cultural exploration, there are tons of options for local getaways that don’t require too much advance planning. Start planning your own weekend adventure on Cheapflights.com.ph, and then all that’s left to do is grab a friend and go.
Coron, Palawan
Many people head to Coron island for the diving – not only is there plenty of marine biodiversity, as in most of the seas surrounding the Philippines, but there is excellent wreck diving too, thanks to the American sinking of a fleet of 12 Japanese ships in Coron Bay during World War II. Reefs and caves for diving abound, and many may also enjoy a visit to Kayangan Lake, supposedly one of Asia’s cleanest.
Which friend you should take
The underwater historian or the diving enthusiast
How to get there
Fly from Manila to Busuanga Island.
Anilao, Batangas
A few hours drive from Manila, Anilao is also a popular spot for diving. Its waters teem with sea life and, if you’re lucky enough, you may even catch a glimpse of a whale shark as it passes by.
Which friend you should take
The diving enthusiast
How to get there
Three hours by car or, alternatively, take a bus bound for Batangas City and change at Bolbok for a jeepney to Anilao.
Bataan
Go back in time with a visit to Bataan where you can learn about the 1942 Death March. Bataan was one of the final Filipino/American strongholds during World War II before the Japanese takeover and there’s plenty to learn about this period of time here. You can also visit Mount Samat where a cross, towering 90 meters into the sky, remembers those who fell during World War II.
Which friend you should take
The history buff
How to get there
Terrible traffic on the Luzon Expressway means going by car can take a long time. The ferry from Manila’s CCP to Orion takes about an hour.
Corregidor Island
Known as The Rock, this island was the last stand before the Japanese took the Philippines in World War II, with General Douglas MacArthur holed up here for a while. There’s a historical tour taking in a number of war monuments including MacArthur’s HQ, gun batteries and a Spanish lighthouse. The Malinta Tunnel is a bunker that can be visited, and trails and paths lead around the island and can be walked or cycled, with camp sites where you can stay over. Corregidor is also a popular location for ghost-hunting.
Which friend you should take
The history buff or the ghost-hunting aficionado
How to get there
A one-hour ferry ride from CCP jetty in Manila.
Subic Bay
There’s plenty to see and do in this former U.S. naval base northwest of Manila. Many come to dive wrecks from both World War II and the Spanish-American War in 1898, but there are plenty of aquatic sports and the opportunity to swim with dolphins, as well as shopping, nightlife and dining.
Which friend you should take
The beach lover, the diving enthusiast, the shopaholic and the foodie (there is really something for everyone)
How to get there
Take a bus to Olongapo, followed by a jeepney.
Bohol
It’s got everything when it comes to nature – stunning white sand beaches, the Chocolate Hills and the rare little bug-eyed primate, the tarsier, which fits into the palm of your hand, can rotate its head almost 360 degrees and has eyes 150 times bigger than a human’s in relation to body size. There are also purple sweet potatoes galore, which you’ll find in the Filipino national halu-halo dessert.
Which friend you should take
Your nature-loving friend
How to get there
Fly to Tagbilaran from Manila. You can also take a boat, but it will take 28 hours one way, by which point your weekend will almost be over.
Baler
With swells and breaks galore, Baler, the location of the surf scene in “Apocalypse Now,” is where surfers head for a long weekend away, and it’s great for cheap surf lessons if you are just starting out. It’s also well suited to the more adventurous weekender with trekking, kayaking, camping, biking and diving also on offer. Visit Ditumabo Falls, a 140-foot waterfall with a natural pool at its base that involves a short trek, climb the Old Balete Tree, and reward all that activity with a meal on Sabang Beach.
Which friend you should take
The surfer or the beach bum
How to get there
Take a seven-hour bus ride from Manila
Boracay
Boracay is a prime location for kite-surfing, there’s also amazing diving, stand-up paddle boarding and all sorts of other water sports. There’s also thriving nightlife, so once you’re done being active for the day, hit the bars and restaurants of White Beach to see the night away.
Which friend you should take
Adventure lovers and party people
How to get there
Fly from Manila to Caticlan Malay in one hour, tricycle to the pier and then it’s a 30-minute boat ride to the beauty of Boracay.
Lipa and Taal, Batangas
There’s plenty of old Spanish colonial architecture in both Lipa and Taal, so head to the former for the impressive Lipa Cathedral, before checking out the small historic town of Taal with its enormous Basilica of San Martin de Tours. You’ll also find more grand churches and architectural wonders on the road between the two cities, as well as a good spot or two to grab a bite.
Which friend you should take
The Instagrammer will love the beautiful architecture, while the culture vulture will find lots to explore
How to get there
Take a bus heading for Batangas City and get off at Lipa, followed by another bus or jeepney to Taal.
Tagaytay and Taal Volcano
In Tagaytay you’ll find great ridge-side views of the Philippines’ famous Taal Volcano. Morning walks, followed by excellent lunches at some of the nation’s finest restaurants – be sure to book well in advance – can prepare you for higher levels of exertion if you want to hike on the volcanic island and up to the crater.
Which friend you should take
The active foodie who will enjoy Tagaytay’s dining scene and then be keen to walk off the meal on Taal Volcano.
How to get there
Take a bus heading for Nasugbu or Mendez for Tagaytay. For the volcano, take a bus to Batangas and change for a jeepney at Tanauan to Talisay.
Which destination is on your travel list? Share with us in the comments and start your flight search on Cheapflights.com.ph.
Feature image: P199, The Chocolate Hills of Bohol, via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.0
Slider image: Alexander Vonbun, Beach, Philippines, via Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 2.5
