Everyone misses traveling due to the ongoing pandemic. However, there are still ways on how you can destress and smell the vacation air.
But before anything else, make sure to be fully prepared and have the necessary precautions. If you are eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Wait 2 weeks after getting your second vaccine dose to travel—it takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination.
You should also get tested with a viral test 1-3 days before you travel. Keep a copy of your test results with you during travel in case you are asked for them and do NOT travel if you test positive. Ensure that you check the travel restrictions of your destination before you go. Wear a mask over your nose and mouth when in public settings while avoiding crowds and stay at least 6 feet/2 meters, about 2 arm lengths, from anyone who did not travel with you. Make sure to wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol. Bring extra supplies, such as masks and hand sanitizer.
Check Tourist Guide for Philippines Travel during the Pandemic to have safe travel.
Now that you’re mentally and physically ready here are the top destinations near Manila!
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Tagaytay
Craving for a cold breeze and Bulalo’s fix? Tagaytay says hi! With its proximity to Manila and plenty of fun places to visit, Tagaytay is undeniably the place to be for city dwellers looking for a simple break from the city’s hustle and bustle. The best part is because it is budget-friendly, you can absolutely achieve an economical stay in Tagaytay! Taal Lake and Volcano, Picnic Grove, People’s Park in the Sky, Sky Ranch Tagaytay, Museo Orlina, Paradizoo, and Sonya’s Garden are just a few places you can see, visit and do activities at! For many local visitors from Manila, Taal Vista, whether for a stay or a delicious meal, is a go-to spot. Another place to find accommodation is at the Twin Lakes. A stay at Twin Lakes will make you feel like you have visited this European-inspired accommodation far and wide.
Read also about Tourists Spots in Tagaytay – Top 10 spots for Relaxing and Cravings
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La Union
Known for its hip and IG-worthy spots and surfing, La Union is the go-to destination for a fast escape for millennials. This province offers great beaches perfect for surfing and amazing nightlife with towering waves! So, La Union is the best place to be if you’re looking for fun places for short trips from Manila! Great place to chill and relax despite the Covid19 pandemic Philippines.
San Juan, Tangadan Falls, Urbiztondo, Ma-Cho Temple, Bahay Na Bato, Luna Pebble Beach, and La Union grape farms are must-visit places in La Union.
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Batangas
Batangas is never disappointed, known for its famous diving destinations and beautiful beaches. The province definitely has a lot to offer for all types of travelers, particularly for love birds, from calming and heart-pumping activities to stunning tourist spots in Batangas, which is why Batangas is a perfect destination for couples for a weekend getaway near Manila.
What makes it even easier is that Batangas, ideal for city dwellers in search of a swift break, is only two hours away from Manila.
Fortune Island, Masasa Beach, Laiya Beach, Anilao, Matabungkay Beach, Sepoc Beach, Mt. Batulao, and Caleruega Chapel are must-visit places in Batangas.
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Pangasinan
Pangasinan will welcome you only 3-4 hours away from Manila, with fun spots that will make day trips from Manila more unforgettable. Its pristine beaches and pilgrimage sites make the province renowned.
Pangasinan must-visit locations include the Hundred Islands, Sky Plaza, Patar Beach, Our Lady of the Most Sacred Rosary of Manaoag’s Minor Basilica, Sunflower Labyrinth, Mt. Balungao, Hilltop Adventure Resort, and Magical Cave.
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Rizal
Our regular go-to destinations while preparing a one day trip from Manila are Tagaytay and Batangas. But this province already has (and may have more) beautiful sites worth seeing, too! In reality, in many travel shows and magazines, many Rizal tourist spots have already been featured!
Called after Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippine National Hero, this province is just two hours away from Manila! Even if you’re just a few hours out, a short trip will still make you feel like you’re miles away from the capital.
Some locations you might want to check our are the Masungi Georeserve, Daranak Falls, Hinulugang Taktak, Pinto Art Museum, Batlag Falls, Tinipak River, and Pililla Wind Farm.
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Laguna
You think of the buko pie and the good hot spring resorts as you listen to Laguna. But if you move farther into Laguna’s cities, you’ll find that there are so many places to visit and things to do in Laguna that everyone will be sad to say no to you. Laguna has it all for you, from waterfalls to modern resorts. The finest part? Traveling there is not costly, which is why it is a great choice for travelers searching for an inexpensive weekend getaway close to Manila.
And because of its proximity to Manila, Laguna has been one of weekend travelers’ favorite go-to destinations.
Here are the places in Laguna that you just have to visit: Caliraya Ecoville Recreation Farm & Resort, Sulyap Gallery Café, Nuvali Park, Enchanted Kingdom, Seven Lakes, Bato Springs, Republic Wakepark, Pagsanjan Falls, and Hidden Valley Springs.
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Zambales
Zambales has become a go-to destination for weekend travelers with numerous stunning Zambales tourism places to visit, tempting islands along the West Philippine Sea, tasty snacks not to be missed, and a decent blend of chill and exciting events. Not only does it handle party visitors, but it is also suitable for a solo day trip near Manila.
You can already enjoy a getaway you’ve been craving for so long, barely two or three hours away from Manila.
Mt. Pinatubo Crater, Camara Island, Subic Beach, Potipot Island, Magalawa Island, Talisayen Cove, Liwliwa Beach, Nagsasa Cove, Capones Island, and Anawangin Cove are all hot spots to check out when in Zambales.
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Pampanga
Where else is easier for you to visit than in the Culinary Capital of the Philippines if you’re a foodie? Pampanga is full of snacks that will surely make your tummy happy, from the finest crispy sizzling sisig to the finely crushed ice of halo-halo!
But apart from the Kapampangan dishes, the fun and historic sites that appeal to laid-back and curious tourists are what makes it worth visiting. Pampanga, without a doubt, is a perfect day tour destination near Manila.
Must-visit places in Pampanga: SandBox, Sky Ranch, Mt. Arayat National Park, Aqua Planet, Nayong Pilipino, Deca Wakeboard Park, and Pradera Verde, Mt. Pinatubo Crater Lake
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Subic
Why not just go on a road trip in Subic with relatives or friends instead of flying to remote destinations? When you’re in need of a mini holiday, Subic is the ultimate getaway spot.
Some of their greatest attractions are Inflatable Island, Ocean Adventure, Zoobic Safari, Subic Bay, Tree Top Adventure, Subic Boardwalk, Lighthouse Marina, El Kabayo Falls, Tabby Wreck, and Subic Bay Yacht Club.
Remember that, because of the pandemic, certain areas could now be closed. Be certain to search the website and social media accounts of the local government unit or Subic tourism for announcements. To travel by road, take a bus bound for Olongapo from Manila, Pasay, or Cubao. Upon your arrival, take the jeep to Subic.
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Antipolo
As the city of Antipolo joins the updated general population quarantine, some attractions have reopened their doors, along with the entire province of Rizal. One of which is the Widely Instagrammed Museum of Pinto Art.
Go for a short escape and immerse yourself in Filipino artists’ stunning and thought-provoking artworks, a proven way of destressing all of the world’s craziness. Minimum fitness guidelines should be followed and it is not appropriate to carry huge bags. It is therefore strongly prohibited to visit children and the elderly. Tickets are priced at P250 per user.
The risk of transmission is low when outside, especially if the air is moving. These are perfect low-risk activities: walks along the beach, a day hike in the hills or valleys, a bike trip. Plus, when you encourage yourself to calm down, you will be fascinated by how nature will refresh your battery.
Most respiratory virus transmission happens indoors, so avoid activities such as eating inside a restaurant, especially if it is crowded. Select any if there are tables outside. It is still safer to be outside than to be cooped up indoors, no matter what the practice. But other than that, have fun and stay safe while traveling! There are lots of locations near Manila tourist spots and these ones don’t disappoint!