Amid
the many hidden gems of Manila, the city also provides a strategic location
from where a traveler can set out to explore nearby destinations for a day. ‘Day trips’—as most would call it—is a
popular activity among travelers pressed for time and young professionals seeking
to escape the toxicity of work. Surrounded by a number of provinces dotted with
scenic countryside, rolling mountains and fine sandy beaches, you can never ran
out of day trip locations to choose from. To help you plan your next quick
escape from the city, here are some best day trips from Manila.
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| Manila as seen from the Manila Hotel |
Taal Town in Batangas
A
three hour drive from Manila will bring you to Taal Town in Batangas. This is
where numerous centuries-old heritage houses and the architecturally impressive
Taal Basilica are located. A day trip here shall give you a glimpse of our
country’s storied heritage and make you learn more fascinating historical
tidbits about the Basilica.
Aside
from enjoying a historical tour, you can also indulge on a gastronomic quest as
nearby eateries serve a sumptuous plate of tapa and of course—the famous
Batangas Lomi. Taal Town is also known for its many stores that creates and
sells Filipiniana gowns.
Corregidor Island
Visiting
the place where many members of our country’s greatest generation fought
bravely and died heroically, should be a must for every Filipino. Fortunately
for those living and visiting Metro Manila, Corregidor is only a couple of
hours away via Sun Cruise ferry from Manila Bay.
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| Inside the Malinta Tunnel |
Also
known as “The Rock”, the island is
well managed to cater to tourists. Upon arrival, there is already a tram
complete with a tour guide waiting for you. Expect to be shown the important
places where Filipino and American forces fought side by side. These includes
the ruins of the old US bases and the Malinta Tunnel where the many survivors
took refuge from the constant bombing during World War II. The whole tour lasts
until sunset with a buffet lunch also included in the daytrip tour package.
Visitors are also given the option to spend the night at Corregidor Inn.
Mount Daraitan, Mount Mamara and Tinipak River in Tanay, Rizal
The
municipality of Tanay in the province of Rizal is gifted with an abundance of
nature where rising mountains can be easily hiked—thanks to its high elevated
jump-off areas—where one can witness a sea of clouds during the early morning.
A trio of popular daytrip destination bunched together here are Mount Daraitan, Mount Mamara and Tinipak River.
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| at the summit of Mount Mamara |
Part
of the Sierra Madre mountain range, Mount Daraitan rises 739 meters above sea
level and can be reached after a 3-4 hour hike. It features a lush forested
trail highlighted by stunning karst formations. What makes Daraitan an even
better daytrip destination is the presence of the clear fresh waters of Tinipak
River which streams at the foot of the mountain. After a successful summit of
Daraitan, one can enjoy a refreshing dip at the river which is in itself, is
already a spectacular location because of its surrounding magnificent boulder
formations. If you prefer a more relaxed hike, then the adjacent Mount Mamara, which situates in the borders of Rizal, Laguna and Quezon, is the perfect hike for you as it also offers a sweeping view of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges.
Artists Village and the Petroglyphs in Angono, Rizal
Learning
about art and history for a day isn’t a bad idea. In fact, it makes up for a
truly wonderful plan. Angono’s art culture is very much in display at its famed
artist village where you can find the
works of Angono natives and National Artists Carlos “Botong” Francisco and
Lucio San Pedro. Other artists whose works are also present in the village
includes: Jose “Pitok” Blanco, Nemi Miranda, Perdigon Vocalan plus many more up
and coming local artists.
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| The Petroglyphs of Angono is seen carved on the boulder walls |
Places
you must visit here are: Carlos “Botong” Francisco Museum, Balaw-Balaw
Restaurant and Art Gallery, Nemiranda Art House and Museum and the many street
arts and murals on display.
Afterwards,
you can visit the Angono Petroglyphs where you can find some of the oldest art
works in the country. Here, you can see ancient rock graffiti believed to date
back to the late Neolithic period (around 2,000 B.C.), according to expert
analysis of the stone tools excavated inside the cave.
Mount Sawi, Nueva Ecija
Not
to be mistaken as a mountain exclusively for broken-hearted people, Mount Sawi
offers a relaxed trail perfect for a day hike. Sawi - a tagalog word often used to describe one who had gone
through a failed relationship, is the opposite of what this mountain offers to
hiker. Reaching the top will make you feel complete and in love with Mother
Nature, thanks to the arresting 360 degree view of the scenic farmlands below.
Dingalan View Hill, Aurora
After
your day hike to Mount Sawi, you can include a side trip to Dingalan, Aurora. Dingalan
Port is located an hour away the jump-off of Mount Sawi and from here you can
board a boat to the “white beach” for an afternoon swim. A shorter hike will
take you to the lighthouse which sits atop a grassy hill. A few meters away is
a lookout view that dishes a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and the
massive rocks formation below. Most travelers compare the scenery in Dingalan
to those in Batanes and Palaui Island in Cagayan Valley.
Masungi Georeserve in Baras, Rizal
The
Masungi Georeserve is the Philippines’ first ever nature conservation project
located in the Sierra Madre mountain range in the municipality of Baras, Rizal.
Spread over some of the most spectacular limestone karst peak formations, where
visitors can walk over trail pathways made of durable materials to protect the
actual karst formations from human movements. Such features includes: the
“Sapot” (Spiderweb), a platform where visitors usually drop their jaws at the
striking 360 degree scenery and the hammock-like “Duyan”. Masungi Georeserve
succeeds in showing to visitors the grandness and beauty of nature up close, while
at the same time advocating for its conservation and proper care.
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| Photo credit: Celineism |
Visitors
are limited per day and each small group of hikers are accompanied by a
well-trained and knowledgeable park ranger who will lecture the guests about the
need for more sustainable tourism practices in the country.
Minalungao National Park in Nueva Ecija
Nature
at its finest seems to be in full display at Minalungao National Park. Crystal
clear river streams, jaw dropping karst peaks, numerous cave systems to explore
and a lush forest surrounding it.
This is the reason why Minalungao has become
a popular destination for daytrip travelers coming from Metro Manila and nearby
provinces. A relaxing dip in the river instantly cures an over fatigued body.
To the more adventurous souls, cliff diving from one of the massive protruding
boulders makes the experience more memorable. Afterward, bond with family or
friends over a picnic by the built-in wooden cottages nearby to cap a wonderful
day away from the big city.
The Seven Lakes of San Pablo in Laguna
The
seven crater lakes of San Pablo City in Laguna, namely: Lake Bunot, Lake
Calibato, Lake Palakpakin, Lake Muhikap, Lake Sampaloc and the twin lakes of
Yambo and Pandin can all be visited in a day.
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| Bamboo rafting at Lake Pandin |
While
you cannot swim in all seven lakes, Lake Pandin is where you can spend the most
time. Visitors here can take a 2-3 hour raft tour for 360 pesos inclusive of
lunch. From the raft you can jump into the lake with the required life vest and
enjoy a refreshing swim. Across the edge of Lake Pandin, you can even hike a
short trail across the adjacent Lake Yambo.
This
day trip can be done by afternoon and by that time, you will still have extra
time to make a side trip to the town of Liliw, also in Laguna. Famous for its
slippers and shoe products made from indigenous materials.
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| Lunch at Arabela |
Make
sure to stop by the town’s famous local restaurant called Arabela, for some tasteful fusion of local and foreign cuisine.
Before reaching Liliw, you can also stop by the town of Nagcarlan to visit the
roadside underground cemetery.
