Working in Manila for 8 hours a day plus the traffic is really exhausting. That’s why a getaway over a long weekend or even a normal two-day weekend is extremely important at least once or twice a month. It is a great way to destress and reward ourselves for working so hard. Remember that we don’t live to work, we work so that we can live. So here’s the ultimate list of affordable weekend getaway near Manila!
1. Cloud 9 360 View – Antipolo, Rizal
There are many fantastic views throughout Antipolo City, but to really appreciate the area, everyone must see it from high above on Cloud 9 Antipolo 360 View. The journey may be difficult for those who do not like heights, but the entire experience will allow them to fall in love with everything even more than the others who do not mind the distance of the deck from the ground. Entrance fee is 70 PHP.
Address: Sumulong Hi-way, Brgy. Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City
How To Get There:
From Cubao
- From MRT Station Cubao, walk towards the terminal near Jollibee Farmers.
- Ride a van going to Antipolo and tell the driver to drop you off at Cloud 9. Fare is 50 PHP.
From Shaw Blvd
- From MRT Shaw Blvd, walk towards Greenfield District and look for the terminal in front of Chowking.
- Ride a jeepney with signage Antipolo Shopwise and tell the driver to drop you off at Cloud 9.
From Buting
- From Buting, ride a van going to Antipolo. Drop off is at the tricycle terminal near Antipolo Church. Fare is 50 PHP per person.
- Ride a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off at Cloud 9. Fare is 120 PHP per tricycle.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
2. Pinto Art Museum – Antipolo, Rizal
Pinto Art Museum is a Santorini inspired museum located in Antipolo Rizal. You will see white color everywhere – walls, bed mattress, pillows, curtains and many more. More importantly, this place is full of paintings and extraordinary artworks that will make you think twice what’s behind it. Entrance fee is 200 PHP.
Address: 1 Sierra Madre St., Grand Heights Rd, Antipolo, Rizal
How To Get There:
- From Cubao, ride a jeepney bound to Antipolo and drop off at Antipolo Shopwise.
Fare – 23 PHP - From Antipolo Shopwise take a tricycle going to Pinto Art Museum
Fare – 40 PHP/tricycle
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
3. Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa
Luljetta’s Hanging Gardens Spa is the first and only hanging gardens and spa in the Philippines located in the heart of Antipolo City
Day Tour Inclusions: Hanging Gardens Retreat
- Access to the spa’s facilities (locker, sauna, heated jacuzzi, hydro-massage pool, infinity pools, and meditation lounges)
- Traditional bathrobe and towel
- Antipolo’s best suman (glutinous rice cake)
Address: Luljetta’s Place Loreland Farm Resort Brgy. San Roque, Antipolo City
How To Get There:
- From Cubao, ride a van going to Antipolo. Drop off is at the tricycle terminal near Antipolo Church. Fare is 50 PHP per person.
- Ride a tricycle and tell the driver to drop you off at Loreland. Fare is 80 PHP per tricycle.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
4. Mount Purro Nature Reserve
Located at the foothills of Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Mount Purro Nature Reserve is your next sweet escape away from the busy city life
Day Tour Inclusions:
- Lunch buffet at Loli’s Kitchen
- Full access to MPNR facilities: Hiking trails, swimming pool, nature playscape, open field, game room, cabanas and gazebos, and shower facilities
- Choice of pre-scheduled activities
Address: Mount Purro Nature Reserve, Purok 5, Barangay Calawis, Antipolo City
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
5. Punta de Fabian – Baras, Rizal
Another affordable weekend getaway near Manila is Punta de Fabian Resort. It has an infinity pool with an overlooking view of Laguna de Bay. It is located at the hilltop of Rizal so expect a cold temperature when the sun gets down. What I also love about is that you don’t have to pay a separate fee for your entrance fee and cottage.
Address: Manila East Road, Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal
How To Get There:
- From Starmall Shaw take a van going to Tanay Rizal. Tell the driver to drop you off in Punta de Fabian Resort. You should tell him the specific place because if you will just tell Baras, the route might change and it will take the other road.
- Once you are in front of the resort’s tall green gate tell the security guard that you already contacted the resort and mention the contact person together with your name. The security guard will call the front desk officer to confirm if you’re name is on their list. Once confirmed, a shuttle will pick you up.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
6. Enchanted Kingdom – Sta. Rosa, Laguna
The best of our childhood memories are trying the rides in the Enchanted Kingdom. Admit it or not even you’re an adult already you still wanna revisit and try the rides again. And that’s what we did. We purchased a ticket each for unlimited use of the entire park’s ride but as expected it was impossible to try them all due to a large volume of people on the weekend.
Admission Ticket Inclusions:
- 1 day admission ticket
- Ride-All-You-Can pass
- Unlimited admission to Agila: The EKsperience
Address: Enchanted Kingdom, San Lorenzo Rd, Santa Rosa, Laguna
How To Get There: (Credit to Klook)
Via Public Transportation
- Board the Jam Liner Transit or JAC Liner in Pasay City near the LRT Gil Puyat station going to Balibago
- The bus will drop off at Waltermart Sta. Rosa where you can hail a local tricycle straight to Enchanted Kingdom (approx. 30 PHP)
Via Private Transportation
- From Makati, merge onto Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) to Magallanes/Baclaran
- Keep left at the fork, follow signs for SLEX/Alabang and merge onto the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Follow SLEX to Laguna. Take the Sta. Rosa exit
- From the toll gate, turn left and follow the road until the first major intersection. Turn right at the stoplight and follow the road
- Enchanted Kingdom will be at your right after 300m
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
7. Mountain Lake Resort – Cavinti, Laguna
Mountain Lake Resort is a team building venue near Manila. If you plan to stay overnight, they have several types of accommodations such as hotel, boat house, tent and kubo. They also offer affordable packages for companies that include accommodation, activities and food.
Day Tour Inclusions:
- Full day resort access
- Plated lunch
- Access to swimming pool, zipline, and hanging bridge
- Banana boat
- Kayak
- 10% discount on additional food
- 15% discount on all water activities not stated
Address: Mountain Lake Resort, Brgy. East Talaongan, Cavinti, Laguna
How To Get There: (Credit to Klook)
Via Public Transportation
From Cubao Bus Station
- From the Cubao Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Pagsawitan. This ride will take you about 2-2.5 hours travel time
- Upon reaching Pagsawitan terminal, take a tricycle or a jeepney with the signboard “Lumot.” This ride will go up using Lumban-Caliraya-Cavinti Road, pass by Caliraya Recreational Resort/Caliraya Resort Club, Inc., Lagos Del Sol Resort then after you will see entrance gate of Caliraya Springs Golf and Mountain Lake Resort
From Metro Manila Bus Stations
- Take a ride at the Sta. Cruz-bound bus of HM Transit on EDSA Cubao or Green Star on LRT/Taft Avenue
Via Private Transportation
From South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)
- Take the SLEX all the way to Calamba Exit. At Calamba Crossing (SM Calamba), turn right. Proceed straight ahead using the highway passing towns of Los Banos, Bay, Vistoria, Pila, Sta. Cruz, and Pagsanjan
- After passing the Pagsanjan Archway, you will see a T-road at the end which is a Catholic church. On the T-road, turn left to Lumban, then drive for 4kms
- You will see a Y-road, take the righ turn. Drive the 6kms ascent then you will see Caliraya Recreation Center
- Approximately 5km further, on the left side is the entrance to Caliraya Springs Golf and Mountain Lake Resort
From Rizal City
- From EDSA take Ortigas Avenue and turn right at the first intersection after the Cainta junction towards Taytay RIzal
- Following the main highway bound for Laguna, pass through the 8 municipalities of Rizal. Make a U-turn at Barangay Bagong Silang, Lumban to start ascend to Caliraya Lake
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
8. La Virginia Resort – Mataasnakahoy, Batangas
La Virginia Resort is a 10.2 hectare resort situated in Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas that offers fun and adventure perfect for the whole family and team building activities. In less than 3 hours commute from Manila, you can visit this one of the 25 wonders of the world!
Address: Brgy. Manggahan, Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas
How To Get There:
Via Public Transportation
- From Manila, take a Lipa-bound bus (DLTB, Jam Liner near Buendia-LRT station). Travel time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Fare – 124 pesos - Take the bus that takes the CALABARZON (STAR Toll) expressway for faster travel. Get off at the Jollibee/Lipa Exit.
- Cross the road and ride the Mataas Na Kahoy-bound jeepney for 20 minutes. Get off at 7-11 in Mataas Na Kahoy.
Fare – 15 pesos - Ride a tricycle to the resort for 15 minutes.
Fare – 60 pesos per ride, good for 2-3 persons
Via Private Transportation
- From Manila take SLEX then drive all the way to STAR Tollway and take Lipa Tambo Exit.
- Turn left from the toll gate and continue driving until the end of the block and take the first right.
- Drive straight to Mataasnakahoy and turn left at the block (A. Mandigma Street) before reaching the T-junction in front of the Municipal Hall.
- Turn right in Rizal Street and continue driving until you reach the left turn to the street leading to La Virginia Hotel and Resort.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
9. Punta Verde Resort – Lobo, Batangas
Punta Verde Resort is indeed perfect for a family getaway near Manila especially this summer. I assure you that you will be amazed by its view from the infinity pool and its villas.
Address: Sitio Punas, Lobo, Batangas
How To Get There:
- From Buendia/Cubao Bus Terminal, take a ride going to Batangas Grand Terminal.
Fare – 165 PHP - From Batangas Grand Terminal, take a jeepney going to SM Batangas (Jeepney Terminal)
Fare – 25 PHP - From SM Batangas (Jeepney Terminal), ride another jeepney going to Lobo Town Proper
Fare – 55PHP - From Lobo Town Proper to Punta Verde
Option 1: Ride a tricycle, fare is 150 PHP
Option 2: Resort’s Jeepney. Advise the resort at least a week or a day before to pick you up in Lobo Town Proper. Fare is 750 PHP good for 8 pax RT
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
10. Aquaria Water Park – Calatagan, Batangas
Aquaria Water Park is a beach and pool getaway in Batangas! Booking a room is not necessary to enjoy its amenities. But if you want to, they have garden and beach view rooms in Crusoe Cabins. Aside from the swimming pools they also offer island hopping going to a nearby sandbar.
Day Tour Inclusions:
- Entrance fee
- Day access to resort’s amentities
Address: Brgy. Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas
How To Get There:
- From MRT Taft, ride a BSC Bus going to Tagaytay-Lian and tell the driver to drop you off in front of 7-11 in Lian. Bus fare is around 180 PHP.
- Once in front of 7-11 in Lian, ride an ordinary bus going to Calatagan Public Market. Bus fare is around 40 PHP.
- Lastly, ride a tricycle going to Aquaria. Tricycle fare is around 150-200 PHP since it’s a special trip.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
11. Masasa Beach – Tingloy, Batangas
Masasa Beach is popularly known as an affordable beach getaway in Batangas. This beach is my favorite so far among the places I’ve visited. Your homestay owner will treat you as a family. Masasa beach offers clear blue water, and most of all snorkeling is really fun that will make you visit again.
How To Get There:
- Take a bus at Jam Liner Cubao going to Batangas Grand Terminal. Bus fare is 165 pesos.
- At Grand Terminal take a jeepney going to Mabini Talaga Port. Jeepney fare is 37 pesos.
- At Talaga Port you have to pay the Environmental Fee worth 30 pesos. Then take a boat (55 passenger capacity) going Tingloy. Boat fare is 100 pesos.
- At Tingloy Port ride a boat (6 passenger capacity) going to the transient house. It was free since we also rented the boat for our island hopping, 25 pesos each if the boat will only take you to the transient.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
12. La Florentina Resort – Bustos, Bulacan
With its tagline “where nature meets fun”, La Florentina Resort truly made our weekend staycation full of fun and the ambiance was really peaceful. I love that it has a variety of pools so kids and adults will really enjoy swimming activity.
Address: #875 Claro Santos St., Brgy. Bonga Menor, Bustos, Bulacan
How To Get There:
- From Manila, take Baliuag Transit and drop off to Baliuag Bus Stop. Travel time is 2 hours.
Fare – 75 PHP - From Baliuag Bus Stop walk to Petron where tricycle going to Bustos are stationed and tell the driver to drop you off at La Florentina Resort.
Fare – 90 PHP
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
13. Vista Venice Resort – Morong, Bataan
Vista Venice Resort is an all-in-one resort situated in Morong, Bataan that provides various activities perfect for all ages. Aside from 5 swimming pools they also have team building amenities such as wall climbing, rappelling, obstacle courses and many more!
Address: Sitio Marucdoc, Brgy. Nagbalayong, Morong, Bataan
How To Get There:
- From Manila, take a Genesis Bus going to Balanga Terminal.
- From Balanga Terminal, take the mini-bus going to Vista Venice Resort.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
14. Inflatable Island – Subic, Zambales
Inflatable Island is located in Samba Beach where the sand is gray and the water is clean and greenish-blue in color. The best time to play here is in the morning or late in the afternoon, or when the sun is not that too harsh. It will be also much fun to play with your friends as you try each and every obstacle. If you think it’s too hard for you, don’t worry because there are lifeguards willing to help you to make your experience fun and enjoyable.
Address: Samba Bluewater Resort, Subic Bay Waters, National Highway, Lower Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Zambales
How To Get There: (Credit to Inflatable Island Ph)
Via Public Transportation
- Take a bus for OLONGAPO CITY from Victory Liner Terminal (Pasay/Cubao/Caloocan). Bus rates: Php 194 – 245 per person.
- After exiting from the Victory Liner Terminal of Olongapo, look for the BLUE JEEP TERMINAL located near Chowking Restaurant, around the Ulo ng Apo.
- Ride the Jeep and tell the driver to drop you in Halfmoon Beach and you’ll be able to see signs for Inflatable Island PH. Fare is 10 PHP.
Via Private Transportation
- From Manila, take NLEX-SCTEX until you see the exit to Subic. Once you do, take the Subic exit. Once you get inside Subic Bay Freeport Zone, take a right to RIZAL HIGHWAY. Go straight until you see the second stoplight (STAY TO THE LEFT). You will be turning left in BURGOS STREET (beside REMY FIELD). Then go RIGHT TO CANAL ROAD. Keep following the road until you reach DEWEY AVENUE, and then exit to the KALAKLAN GATE (way to Zambales).
- Afterward, turn LEFT TO Olongapo-Bunggalon Road/RH National Highway and keep straight until you see SAMBA BLUEWATER RESORT where you’ll find the entrance to INFLATABLE ISLAND PH.
* Please note that they can be found in WAZE or GOOGLE MAPS by searching “Inflatable Island“. However, ENTRY IS IN SAMBA BLUEWATER RESORT.
15. Liwliwa Beach – San Felipe, Zambales
Liwliwa Beach is an affordable beach in Zambales is not crowded even though the entrance is free. However, cottages are very limited but tent pitching is allowed for a very low price. It also has cheap accommodations such as The Circle Hostel Zambales.
How To Get There:
- Take Victory Liner from Pasay/Cubao Terminal to Iba Zambales
Tell the bus driver or the bus attendant to drop you off in the town of San Felipe. - From there, take a tricycle and tell them you want to go to Liwliwa beach
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
16. Crystal Beach Resort – San Narciso, Zambales
I cannot forget Crystal Beach Resort because this is where I learned about surfing. If you haven’t tried it, go here. Surf instructors are very eager to help you achieve one of a kind travel goals – surfing.
Address: Sitio Liwliwa, Brgy. Sto. Niño, San Felipe, Zambales
How To Get There:
- Go to any VICTORY LINER stations near you: Cubao, Caloocan, Pasay, and Sampaloc. Fare is around Php 300.00.
- Take the IBA-bound bus and dropped off in San Narciso, Zambales (nearest landmark: San Sebastian Catholic Church).
- Once there, take a tricycle going to Crystal Beach Resort. Fare is 15 PHP per person.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
17. Tondol Beach – Anda, Pangasinan
Nothing beats good booze, awesome company and a beautiful beach. If you’re looking for comfy sands, a breathtaking view and crystal clear seas, then Tondol Beach in Anda, Pangasinan got you covered.
How To Get There:
- From Cubao ride a bus bound to Anda (Dagupan, Fivestar)
Fare: 350 PHP
Travel Time: 5-6 hours - From Anda Market, ride a tricycle and drop off at Tondol Beach
Fare: 120 PHP per ride
Travel Time: 20-30 minutes travel time
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
18. Tambobong Beach – Dasol, Pangasinan
If you love backpacking and want to have a well-spent long weekend, go here in Pangasinan! Witness the white sand beach like Boracay here at Tambobong Beach. 30 minutes away you can side trip to nearby Cabongaoan Beach to see the famous Death Pool.
How To Get There:
- Take a bus at Victory Liner Cubao bound to Sta. Cruz, Zambales that passes through Alaminos, Pangasinan. Tell the bus attendant to drop you off at Dasol.
- Take a tricycle and drop off at Tambobong Beach or any preferred resort. You must also get the driver’s mobile number so you will have a contact person the next day to pick you up when you leave the resort.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
19. La Union
Book La Union Tour via Rizanoia
La Union is well known as the Surfing Capital of Northern Luzon. It is one of the most accessible surfing spots, just 5-7 hours bus ride from Manila. Aside from surfing, there are also must-visit resort and restaurants that have late-night activities. Tangadan Falls and Ma-cho Temple are worth seeing. Popular accommodations here are Flotsam & Jetsam Hostel and Thunderbird Resort.
Day Tour: 1,099 PHP/pax
Destinations:
- Grapes Farm
- Tangadan Falls
- Thunderbird Resort (optional)
- San Juan Beach
- Ma-Cho Temple
- Halo- Halo De Iloko
- St. Paul and Peter Parish
- Poro Point Lighthouse
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip Van Transfer (Manila- La Union- Manila)
- ALL Entrance Fees except Thunderbird Resort
- Tour Coordinator/ Photographer
- Environmental Fees
- Local Tour Guide Fee
2 Days 1 Night Tour: 1,999 PHP/pax
Destinations:
- Tangadan Falls
- Flotsam & Jetsam
- San Juan Beach
- Baluarte Watch Tower
- Pebble Beach
- Namacpacan Church
- Paloair Balaoan (Bohol- like Forest)
- Kamay na Bato Art Gallery
- Ma- Cho Temple
- Halo-halo De Iloko
- Poro Point Lighthouse
- Thunderbird Resort (optional)
- Grapes Farm
- Agoo Basilica
Inclusions:
- Roundtrip Van Transfer (Manila-La Union-Manila)
- Driver’s Fee, Driver’s Meal, Diesel, Toll Fees, Parking Fees
- 1 Night Air-conditioned Accommodation (Room Sharing)
- Tour Coordinator/ Photographer
- Environmental Fees
- Local Tour Guide for Tangadan Falls
- ALL Entrance Fees except Thunderbird Resort
How To Get There:
- From Cubao/Pasay/Sampaloc terminal, ride a Partas bus going to La Union and drop off at San Fernando.
- From San Fernando, ride a tricycle going to your accommodation.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
20. Baler, Aurora
Another surfing spot near Manila is Baler. Though its beaches are not fine white sand like others, it is still one of the top road trip destinations in Luzon. We stayed at the cheapest accommodation, The Circle Hostel Baler.
How To Get There:
- From Cubao, ride a Genesis Bus or Joy Bus going to Baler.
Compare room rates & book here: Agoda | Booking.com
Also Read:
- 15 Affordable Resorts in Batangas
- 18 Affordable Day Trips Near Manila Under 1,000 Pesos
- 10 Road Trip Destinations in Luzon
My Travel Gear:
- Point & Shoot Camera: Canon G7X Mark II
- DSLR Camera: Nikon DSLR
- Action Camera: SJCAM M20
- Drone: DJI Drone
- Mobile Phone: iPhone 6s | Realme
- Powerbank: Jaguar 24K mAh
- Tripod: Yunteng VCT 5208
- Backpack: Cabinzero Bag
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
