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 them—are 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 run out of day trip locations to choose from. To help you plan your next quick escape from the city, here are some of the best day trips from Manila.
9 Best Day Trips from Manila
1. 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 let you learn fascinating historical tidbits about the Basilica.
Aside from enjoying a historical tour, you can also indulge in 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 design and sell traditional Filipiniana gowns.
2. 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 in or visiting Metro Manila, Corregidor Island is only a couple of hours away via a Sun Cruise ferry from Manila Bay.
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 sites where Filipino and American forces fought side by side. These include the ruins of the old US bases and the Malinta Tunnel, where many survivors took refuge from the constant bombing during World War II. The entire tour lasts until sunset, with a buffet lunch also included in the day trip package. Visitors are also given the option to spend the night at Corregidor Inn.
3. Mount Daraitan, Mount Mamara & Tinipak River
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 highly elevated jump-off areas—allowing one to witness a sea of clouds during the early morning. A trio of popular day trip destinations clustered together here are Mount Daraitan, Mount Mamara, and the Tinipak River.
Part of the Sierra Madre mountain range, Mount Daraitan rises seven hundred thirty-nine meters above sea level and can be reached after a three- to four-hour hike. It features a lush forested trail highlighted by stunning karst formations. What makes Daraitan an even better day trip destination is the presence of the clear, fresh waters of the Tinipak River, which streams at the foot of the mountain.
After a successful summit of Daraitan, one can enjoy a refreshing dip in the river, which 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 sits on 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.
4. Artists Village and Petroglyphs in Angono
Learning about art and history for a day isn’t a bad idea. In fact, it makes for a truly wonderful plan. Angono’s art culture is prominently on display at its famed Artists 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 include Jose “Pitok” Blanco, Nemi Miranda, Perdigon Vocalan, plus many more up-and-coming local talents.
Places you must visit here are the Carlos “Botong” Francisco Museum, Balaw-Balaw Restaurant and Art Gallery, Nemiranda Art House and Museum, and the many street arts and murals on public display.
Afterward, you can visit the Angono Petroglyphs, where you can find some of the oldest artworks in the country. Here, you can see ancient rock graffiti believed to date back to the late Neolithic period (around two thousand BCE), according to expert analysis of the stone tools excavated inside the cave.
5. 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 has gone through a failed relationship—is the exact opposite of what this mountain offers to hikers. Reaching the top will make you feel complete and in love with Mother Nature, thanks to the arresting three-hundred-sixty-degree view of the scenic farmlands below.
6. 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 from the jump-off point 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 point that dishes up a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and the massive rock formations below. Most travelers compare the scenery in Dingalan to those found in Batanes and Palaui Island in Cagayan Valley.
7. Masungi Georeserve in Baras
The Masungi Georeserve is the Philippines’ first-ever nature conservation project located in the Sierra Madre mountain range in the municipality of Baras, Rizal. It is spread over some of the most spectacular limestone karst peak formations, where visitors can walk over trail pathways made of durable suspended materials designed to protect the actual karst formations from human impact.
Such features include the "Sapot" (Spiderweb), a platform where visitors usually drop their jaws at the striking panoramic scenery, and the hammock-like "Duyan". Masungi Georeserve succeeds in showing visitors the grandness and beauty of nature up close while simultaneously advocating for its conservation and proper care.
Visitors are limited per day, and each small group of hikers is accompanied by a well-trained and knowledgeable park ranger who educates guests about the need for more sustainable tourism practices in the country.
8. Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija
Nature at its finest seems to be on full display at Minalungao National Park. Crystal-clear river streams, jaw-dropping karst peaks, numerous cave systems to explore, and a lush surrounding forest make it a natural masterpiece.
This is the reason why Minalungao has become a popular destination for day trip 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 incredibly memorable. Afterward, bonding with family or friends over a picnic by the built-in wooden cottages nearby caps off a wonderful day away from the big city.
9. The Seven Lakes of San Pablo, 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 single day.
While you cannot swim in all seven lakes, Lake Pandin is where you can spend the most time. Visitors here can take a two- to three-hour raft tour for three hundred sixty 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 to the adjacent Lake Yambo.
This day trip can be completed by the afternoon, and by that time, you will still have extra time to make a side trip to the town of Liliw, also in Laguna. It is famous for its slippers and shoe products made from indigenous materials.
Make sure to stop by the town’s famous local restaurant called Arabela for a tasteful fusion of local and foreign cuisine. Before reaching Liliw, you can also stop by the town of Nagcarlan to visit the unique roadside underground cemetery.
