The Philippines has some of the most amazing tourist spots in the world. And if you were visiting Manila, you can actually visit some of the wonders of Luzon that are just a few hours away. You can experience thrilling day tours, or even spend the weekend away from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Don’t know where to go? Here are some of the best places that are close to Manila. Some you can even get to when you rent a car or vehicle in Manila.
Batangas
Batangas is just two to three hours away from the Metro and has an abundance of places you can visit. Perhaps the most iconic of all is the Taal Volcano Lake, which is home to the smallest active volcano, Taal.
Stay at the historic Taal Heritage Town, where you get to experience staying in ancestral houses that have been turned into BnBs. You can see the Taal Lake from several locations, such as Mt. Maculot, which is excellent for a day hike.
You can also see the famous lake from La Virginia Resort where you can spend the weekend with the family. For those who love the beach and snorkeling, Binukbok View Point Resort, located in San Pablo, Bauan, Batangas, is a great spot.
Corregidor Island
Corregidor Island is around an hour and a half away from Manila, and you will need to ride a ferry to reach the place. Once there, you’ll still see remnants of the World War II battles that happened there. The island was an essential location during WWII as it became the first line of defense of American and Filipino soldiers against the Japanese forces.
There are still barracks ruins, secret passageways, and a few historical relics left in the place for tourists to find now. There’s also a large hospital on the island that many believe to be haunted.
Tagaytay City
If you’re tired of the heat of Manila, but feel like Baguio City is such a faraway place, go to Tagaytay City. The climate is colder, plus there are several places that you can enjoy with the family. The place is around 2.5 hours away from the south of Manila, so it’s an excellent choice for a day tour.
Tagaytay is one of the best places to get a good view of the Taal Volcano Lake. You can take good pictures to highlight its beauty. Besides that, you can also visit People’s Park in the Sky, which is a historic urban place in the city.
For adrenaline seekers, Sky Ranch is located at Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway. There, you can enjoy amazing and thrilling rides, such as one of the country’s biggest Ferris wheels. You can also try Zipline, and cable car rides there.
If you love animals, Tagaytay is also home to Paradizoo. It’s a haven for various types of animals that you can interact with.
Except for Corregidor Island, you can visit these places in just a day. You can save time by finding a place where you can rent a car in Manila. You’re more comfortable during the trip, and you have more privacy and more freedom to go where you want.